Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares140 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds join Sean Longstaff transfer race with £10m Newcastle star also wanted by Premier League rivals

      by

      LEEDS UNITED have joined Everton in the chase to sign Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.Daniel Farke’s side have secured promotion to the Premier League and are wasting no time in looking to bolster their squad.Sean Longstaff is gaining interest from Leeds and EvertonCredit: GettyLeeds have been promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyDavid Moyes is keen on signing a new midfielder in the summerCredit: GettyMidfielder Longstaff, 27, came through the ranks at his boyhood club but has struggled for action this term.The £10million-rated Geordie still has one more season on his contract after Newcastle triggered an extension but boss Eddie Howe admitted his future remains “unclear” as interest in him hots up.Everton’s David Moyes has made him a top target as he plots a major overhaul of his squad.But SunSport understands he will face fierce competition from Farke’s Leeds with the German looking for established Prem stars to help in next season’s fight for survival.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLongstaff has made 31 appearances for Newcastle this term and picked up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal at Wembley but has already admitted he could leave his hometown team.When asked about his future at St. James’ Park in November, he said: “Yeah, if it’s here [Newcastle] it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not.”I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great.”If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game.”I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends, I don’t know what’s coming ahead.Patrice Evra gives update on MMA debut and reveals Luis Suarez’s response to fight challenge“I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”Meanwhile, Howe admitted he is not sure whether the club will cash in on him while they still can.Speaking a month ago, he said: “His long-term future is slightly more unclear.”But what I can say is that behind the scenes, Sean has been very good, helping the group, training to a high level and I cannot speak highly enough of him as a person.”Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Lamine Yamal putting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame as staggering stats comparison of stars at 17 emerges

      by

      INCREDIBLE stats show Lamine Yamal is putting a young Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame.The Barcelona wonderkid capped his 100th senior appearance for the club with a goal and a stunning performance in the 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw with Inter Milan last night.Lamine Yamal was at his brilliant best for Barcelona against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLionel Messi was only just breaking into the team at Yamal’s ageCredit: EmpicsCristiano Ronaldo had scored just five goals before his 18th birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal was at his brilliant best and despite being just 17-years-old, was undoubtedly Barca’s main man.The winger inspired the comeback from 2-0 down with a solo goal as he weaved his way past several defenders and fired a curler beyond Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.In was his 22nd goal for his boyhood club since bursting onto the scene and making his debut aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days.He has also picked up 33 assists in his first 100 games in a Barca shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal’s record so far is demolishing what Messi and Ronaldo had achieved before adulthood.The Argentine legend made just nine appearances, scoring one goal for Barca before his 18th birthday.Messi did not become a regular and net double figures in a season for the Catalan giants until he was 19-years-old.As for Ronaldo at 17, he was only just breaking through at Sporting Lisbon and had played in 19 games, scoring five goals and getting four assists.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made the move to Manchester United the following year aged 18 after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly.Yamal fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory last summer and is closing on a potential Treble-winning season this term with Barca.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Before last night’s draw with Inter, the teenager was asked about comparisons to Messi.He said: “I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him.”The eyes of the world being on Yamal also does not bother him, adding: “But fear, I left fear in the park in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”Yamal team-mates celebrated his 100th appearanceCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      How Dembele and Vitinha outsmarted Arsenal as Odegaard and Timber struggled to show up in biggest game of season vs PSG

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with Arsenal.Ousmane Dembele struck after just four minutes with a superb first-time finish to give the French side the advantage to take back to the Parc des Princes next week.PSG claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with ArsenalCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele grabbed the only goal of the game in the fourth minuteCredit: GettyIn the latest episode of Tactics Exposed, SunSport’s Dean Scoggins ran the rule over the Emirates clash – and picked out five key tactical talking points…THE MATCH went the way I was expecting – I thought PSG were the better side and their plan came off better.But we shouldn’t overlook the missing Thomas Partey factor – he will be big in the second leg. Both goalkeepers made great saves.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe last ten minutes were key: if PSG took one of those late chances, we would be talking about a real, real uphill struggle for Arsenal.The Gunners stayed in it, created chances of their own and it was a great watch. 1. OU LA LAI said in the preview Tactics Exposed show one of the midfielders would drop into defence, Achraf Hakimi would go out, Nuno Mendes pushed out and they drew the press before Dembele dropped deep to collect the ball, turn and go. They did it four or five times and it wasn’t until half-time that Arsenal worked it out.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHaving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino dragged out allowed space for the false No9 to come in between and receive the ball in areas where he can’t be marked – Dembele was brilliant in the first half. Someone – either William Saliba or Jakub Kiwior – needs to go out with Dembele, he can’t be given the freedom of the Emirates in midfield. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGDembele was given too much space on the edge of the areaCredit: GettyPSG lined up in a 4-3-3 formationCredit: SunSportDembele dropped in as a false No9Credit: SunSportHe was not tracked by either Arsenal centre-backCredit: SunSportThat allowed him to pick up the ball in midfieldCredit: SunSportHe then drove forwards on the attackCredit: SunSportThen with the goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia holds the width but Jurrien Timber stays narrow before squaring him up on the edge of the area.Declan Rice goes and doubles up, Saliba is free but Merino gets back into the box before the shot – but the Spaniard doesn’t occupy the space Rice vacated. Rice is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t – Merino is the one who doesn’t do the midfielder’s job and cover. Dembele’s little side-step to his left was genius, too. Dembele benefited from Thomas Partey’s suspensionCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoFor the goal, he played the ball out wide to Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoThe Frenchman then got on the end of the pull backCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoDeclan Rice went out to double up with Jurrien TimberCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoMikel Merino worked his way back into the areaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoBut he did not get close enough to DembeleCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video2. TIMBERRRR!Timber had a really tough night and committed four fouls in the first 20 minutes and didn’t get a yellow card.The referee was very poor for both teams and didn’t help the game as a spectacle. PSG force you to isolate full-backs with wingers – do you go and engage or hold off? Jurrien Timber struggled to cope with Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: GettyIt wasn’t just Timber’s fault because PSG’s midfield make a diamond shape and Arsenal’s midfield weren’t sure who was supposed to block the lane. After those fouls, Bukayo Saka did a great job of screening, coming in off the touchline to help out but that also meant Saka was not in the position he wants to be when Arsenal won the ball back. Of Arsenal’s attacks, 44 per cent came down the right-hand side, but only ten per cent of their shots came from that channel. PSG starved Saka in the position he likes to pick up because Timber was struggling. Bukayo Saka was forced to play more infield than usualCredit: SunSportPSG’s system makes use of their strong midfield and attackCredit: SunSportArsenal attack largely down the right wingCredit: SunSportOnly ten per cent of their shots came from that areaCredit: SunSport3. UN PETIT FREREVitinha was absolutely fantastic. At any level of football from grassroots to elite, you can see when a midfielder runs the game at their pace and for the first 30 minutes at least, Vatinha did that. If he wanted to slow it down, he did. If he wanted to hit Arsenal quickly, bang, they were on the attack. Vitinha actually had a similar number of touches as the anonymous Martin Odegaard but it was the areas he got the ball and acting as the bounce man.In the build-up to the goal, he got his body in the way to ping the ball back to the defence and that sort of play is unbelievable.It was like PSG had 12 men.Vitinha orchestrated things with a masterclass performanceCredit: GettyHe was the overload man in every area of the pitchCredit: SunSportWhen they are three at the back, with three Arsenal men pressing, he makes it four for a 4v3. Then he moves into midfield, Arsenal drop into a 4-4-2 shape out of possession and he makes it a five in midfield for PSG.Then when they attack, there are five going forward with only forward with only four defenders and he is the one joining in.He is the overload man in all three areas and was the best player on the pitch, especially in the first half.Vitinha joins the play up. He is a genius. He is like Alexis Mac Allister on the ball and Dominik Szoboszlai off the ball. Arsenal need to work out how to get hold of him in the second leg. 4. ODE OH DEARI’m not sure what has been going on with Odegaard for the last ten or 12 games – his level has really dropped off. He relies on Saka stretching the game to give him space which I’ve already explained was not the case but he had a really off night on the biggest night of the season. Arsenal have leaders all over the pitch but for me, Rice should be captain. Martin Odegaard failed to turn up for the biggest game of the seasonCredit: GettyOdegaard got the timings of his presses wrongCredit: SunSportThat almost caught Arsenal out as Bradley Barcola dragged wideCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoOdegaard got the press wrong against PSG, the team follow his trigger and he has been brilliant at it for years and it’s how Arsenal can set up in a 4-4-2 out of possession.But on Tuesday he kept going at the wrong time because Vitinha was dragging him into positions he didn’t want to be in which opened spaces up in midfield – which is where the goal came from.Odegaard was getting stuck in a half No8, half No10 role and it was epitomised by the Bradley Barcola chance. 5. RAYA HOPEThe save from Desire Doue when he got down low to his right… incredible stop. Gianluigi Donnarumma made two world-class saves at the other end but Raya was crucial for Arsenal.What he also did was take pretty much all their free-kicks in their own half right up to the halfway line – it was almost old school sending it long.People may criticise the long-ball tactic but it was the right tactic because PSG were vulnerable with the diagonal long ball and the bouncing ball which came from Raya’s excellent distribution. It forced chances, they could have scored and it also led to corners where we know Arsenal are dangerous. Aside from that, Arsenal carried the ball really well and got out of positions well to feed Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Myles Lewis-Skelly was excellent again, his one-v-one defending and duels are as good as anyone I’ve seen for years in that position. Hakimi got very little joy in duels against him and where Timber could not work out what to do with Kvaratskhelia, Lewis-Skelly did miles better with Doue and Hakimi.Read More on The SunThat forced Doue to come inside, so Lewis-Skelly came inside and inverted and bolstered Arsenal’s numbers in the middle. This is 1-0, it is half-time and this is not done. David Raya made a superb stop to deny Desire DoueCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoHis long kicks upfield were a throwback but successful tacticCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

    • 263 Shares123 Views

      in Soccer

      Ange Postecoglou claims Europa League glory at Tottenham would be ‘on another planet’ to Ten Hag’s Man Utd FA Cup win

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU claims Europa League glory at Spurs would be ‘on another planet’ to Erik ten Hag’s FA Cup win.The under-fire Aussie boss can salvage their season by lifting the trophy in the Basque Country.Ange Postecoglou reckons winning the Europa League is ‘on another planet’ compared to the FA CupCredit: GettyBut he hit back at comparisons with Ten Hag — who kept his Manchester United job after winning the 2024 FA Cup.Postecoglou says it ‘diminishes’ how big an achievement it would be to win the competition, which earns Champions League qualification, unlike the FA Cup.SunSport columnist Troy Deeney and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher reckon Spurs should sack Postecoglou EVEN if his team eventually win the final, which will be held in Bilbao.They highlighted United’s blunder in keeping Ten Hag after May’s Cup win… only to axe him five months later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of Thursday’s semi- final first leg against Bodo/Glimt, Postecoglou said: “I’ve sensed this is the way this club is perceived — people are always trying to diminish it.“I’ve heard people say, ‘Well, it’s the equivalent of United winning the FA Cup. No, it ain’t. Not on any planet is it the equivalent.”Tottenham — eyeing a first trophy since the 2008 League Cup — sit 16th in the Prem after 19 league defeats.But Postecoglou continued: “Others are suggesting that maybe we’re not worthy of the Champions League.Most read in FootballErik ten Hag was kept on as Man Utd boss after his FA Cup win last season, only to be sacked five months laterCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Again, they are things that are designed to diminish what’s ahead of us, which is an unbelievable chance.“Irrespective of how this season’s gone, we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else.”’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceBodo/Glimt twice beat Postecoglou’s Celtic in the 2022 Conference League.The Aussie, without injured skipper Son Heung-min, added: “Bodo are there on merit. “The away game is tricky — you’re playing on an artificial surface in difficult conditions.” More

    • 213 Shares181 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez responds to Patrice Evra fight challenge as Man Utd legend gives update on MMA debut

      by

      PATRICE EVRA has revealed that Luis Suarez could still take up his offer to fight him after announcing his MMA debut.Evra, 43, revealed last week that he would be making his mixed martial arts debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.Patrice Evra has called out Luis Suarez for an MMA fightCredit: The Ariel Helwani Show / XSuarez and Evra have history dating back to a racism storm in 2011Credit: ReutersThe Manchester United icon later took to social media to call out former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to take him on in the ring.Evra and Suarez have a history dating back to their respective days in the Premier League, when the forward was found guilty of racially abusing the defender during a clash at Anfield in 2011.And Suarez, who is still playing professionally with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, hasn’t ruled out settling the score with a fight, according to Evra himself.Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Evra revealed: “I was quite surprised. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t know if it’s true, because I’m always careful, but apparently his manager contacted the PFL. Maybe to come and watch my first fight.”I would be surprised, because to be honest he is still playing football and this is completely different – he could get injured.”But maybe it will happen, maybe not. Like I say, it’s something I’ve asked. If it doesn’t happen it’s not a big deal.”Evra, who retired in 2019 after making over 700 career appearances, went into more detail on why he would want to fight Suarez.Most read in FootballEvra will make his MMA debut at the Accor Arena in ParisCredit: Instagram / patrice.evraLuis Suarez still plays football for Inter Miami in the MLSCredit: ReutersHe explained: “When the PFL asked me who I would like, I said Luis Suárez because I had a beef with him on the back in the day when I was captain of United and he played for Liverpool.”He had some racist abuse. I don’t call him a racist, it’s just that they used some racist words, and I want to do this fight.” ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendAdding: “I think the world wants to see that fight. So I am like, ‘Please accept the offer’.”I don’t know if he would be the first, or the second, or the third fight. But I think the world deserves to see that fight”.Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” towards Evra including reference to the colour of the French international’s skin in 2011.The striker, now 38, was accused of using an offensive term seven times in around two minutes, while Evra had told him he would “punch him” after asking him to repeat what he had said.Meanwhile, Suarez claimed he had used the word once and in a friendly way as is normal in Uruguayan culture, as opposed to the antagonistic way described by Evra.The FA eventually slapped Suarez with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and six-day hearing into the incident.After the ban was announced, Liverpool stars were spotted wearing training shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on them during the warm-up in a display of support.Liverpool decided not to appeal the verdict made against Suarez on January 2012, although they maintained the innocence of the forward.Read More on The SunWhen the pair met on the pitch again in 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand before a game at Old Trafford, with prompted an angry reaction from the French international.At the end of the game as the players walked off the pitch, Evra went in front of Suarez to celebrate in his face.Suarez was handed an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation into the incidentCredit: ReutersLiverpool stars wore shirts in support of Suarez after the FA announced the banCredit: AFPThe following year at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s handCredit: GettyEvra then celebrated in Suarez’s face after the gameCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

    • 238 Shares142 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch as Maya Jama finally confirms Ruben Dias romance with kiss, cuddle and bite to neck at footy match

      by

      MAYA Jama and Ruben Dias kiss and cuddle to confirm their romance for the first time with a loved-up display.The Man City defender, 27, even cheekily bit the TV star’s neck as they stood pitch side at a weekly Baller League match.Maya Jama and Ruben Dias confirmed their romance for the first timeCredit: GettyThe pair kissed and cuddled as they stood pitch side at a weekly Baller League matchThe Man City defender even cheekily bit the TV host’s neckMaya cheered on City at Wembley on SundayCredit: Click News and MediaLove Island host Maya, 30, has been dating Ruben since they met at an awards bash in November but has kept their relationship under wraps until now.The Sun’s exclusive video shows the couple hugging in a bunker behind the goal at the Copper Box Arena, in East London.At one point the Portuguese pitch ace pulls her in for a hug, planting a smooch on her cheek and then rubs her back.Later he playfully bites at the back of her neck.READ MORE ON MAYA JAMAA source said: “Maya and Ruben seemed very close, very loved up and were clearly very comfortable with each other.“They were chatting to others around them but gravitated back to each other. They seem very happy with each other.”It is the first time the couple have been seen together in public since they began dating.Maya and Ruben were introduced at the MTV EMAs in Manchester in November, following the breakdown of her on-off relationship with rapper Stormzy last summer.Most read in FootballLast month we told how she had introduced Dias to her mum Bernadette, with sources saying they were “getting more serious”.She also revealed in March she was taking Portuguese lessons.MAYA Jama’s romance with footballer Ruben Dias is hotting up – after she was introduced to his mum BernadetteThe influencer-led Baller League sees former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams.Maya is among several celebrities backing the new-look football format.The TV host has teamed up with Swiss player Alisha Lehmann to lead MVPs United for the influencer-led football league.The likes of KSI and darts star Luke Littler also attended Monday’s sport event.The Portuguese pitch ace pulled Maya in for a hugMaya was all smiles as she stood next to RubenThe TV beauty has been dating the football star since they met at an awards bash in NovemberA source revealed: ‘They seem very happy with each other’Credit: Click News and MediaMaya posted a picture online of the pair having lunchMaya also recently introduced Dias to her mum BernadetteCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares171 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona vs Inter Milan LIVE RESULT: Raphinha’s screamer sees thrilling six-goal Champions League semi-final end level

      by

      BARCELONA and Inter Milan’s scintillating Champions League semi-final first leg has come to an end – and it was one for the history books!Marcus Thuram scored with an audacious flick inside THIRTY SECONDS before Denzel Dumfries followed up with a spectacular bicycle kick a little over twenty minutes later.Lamine Yamal scored a solo strike to make it 2-1, and then Ferran Torres temporarily levelled the scoreline.Dumfries then popped up with his second goal of the night to restore Inter’s lead, but a minute later, Raphina fired one in from long range, which rattled the bar before deflecting in off Yann Sommer.RESULT: Barcelona 3-3 InterLive stream: Discovery+TV channel: TNT Sports 1Barcelona starting XI: Scczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; FerranInter starting XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitarayan, Dimarco; Martinez, ThuramBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from Estadi Olimpic with our live blog below…Inzaghi impressed by generational talentSimone Inzaghi believes Lamine Yamal is the kind of footballer that comes along once in a generation.Speaking after his side’s 3-3 draw at Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, the Inter coach admitted he was impressed after seeing the 17-year-old perform in person.However, Inzaghi also revealed he was delighted with how his players responded to the task of tracking the teenager, and hopes for more of the same in the second leg.At half-time, we changed a little. We had to mark Lamine Yamal even better – that guy really impacted on me tonight. He really did. So we wanted to play and press much higher up the pitch. My guys didn’t have much rest after the Roma game, but they gave everything and impressed me. Lamine is the kind of talent that comes along every 50 years, and to see him up close really impressed me. I’m really enthusiastic about what my lads did. They worked really hard against him, doubling and tripling up on himSimone InzaghiTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedBarca face ‘final before final’According to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, Barcelona will have to win two finals to be crowned European champions.The German tactician was proud of how his side fought back after a slow start at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, but knows a huge test awaits them in Milan next Tuesday.We didn’t start well tonight, but we got right back into the match. The second half was spectacular. There’s one leg of this tie left and we have to win it. I think this qualifies for that description of the ‘final before the final!Hansi FlickTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedRaphinha revelling on the biggest stageWhile Lamine Yamal stole the headlines, it was another excellent evening for Raphinha.The former Leeds ace forced Barcelona’s third goal with a stunning strike that eventually went in off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.The Brazilian also set up Ferran Torres for the second, an assist that took his goal involvements in this season’s Champions League to 20 (12 goals and 8 assists)It means only Cristiano Ronaldo (17 goals and 4 assists in 2013-14) has registered more goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign.Meanwhile, only Luís Figo (9 in 1999-00) has provided more assists in a single season in the competition than Raphinha’s eight this term.Copy linkCopiedMkhitaryan: We couldn’t stop YamalInter star Henrikh Mkhitaryan admitted that he and his teammates struggled to cope with 17-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal.The Spanish teenager came to the fore with Barcelona 2-0 down and dragged his side back into the tie.And afterwards, former United midfielder Mkhitaryan spoke in glowing terms of the winger, but added that the Italian outfit were determined not to allow him so much space in the return. The whole world can see what a good footballer he is. He’s a player who shines. We tried to stop him, but that was so difficult because he’s got great talent. I hope we don’t let him play this much next week.Henrikh MkhitaryanTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedYoung Yamal in good companyBarca superstar Lamine Yamal became just the second teenager to score in the last 16, quarter-final and semi-final within a single Champions League campaign.The other? A certain Kylian Mbappe for Monaco in 2016-17.Copy linkCopiedFast off the MarcMarcus Thuram’s audacious opener after exactly 30 seconds was the second earliest goal Internazionale have ever scored in a Champions League tie, after Dejan Stankovic’s equally flamboyant strike against Schalke in April 2011 (26 seconds).It was also the second earliest goal Barcelona have conceded from the start of a game in the competition after Alexandre Pato’s strike for Milan in September 2011 (24 seconds).Copy linkCopiedYamal lights up Champions LeagueAt 17 years and 291 days, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal became the youngest ever scorer in a Champions League semi-final, a record previously held by Kylian Mbappw (18y 140d).Tonight was also Yamal’s 100th appearance for Barcelona across all competitions with only Jules Koundé (107) and Robert Lewandowski (104) having played more games for the club since the Spaniard’s debut in April 2023.Copy linkCopiedMatch Stats from Estadi Olímpic Lluís CompanysAnd so ends the joint-highest scoring Champions League semi-final game, ranking alongside a 3-3 draw between Dynamo Kyiv and Bayern Munich in the first leg of their clash in 1998-99.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Barcelona 3-3 InterThere’s your answer.An incredible night of football comes to a close, but it’s all set up for more of the same in Milan next Tuesday.This crazy, chaotic evening of Champions League football was full of sublime skill, wonder goals and shambolic defending.Inter led 2-0 and then 3-2, but Barca fought back on each occasion to ensure a memorable contest ended all square.Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal starred for the hosts, while Denzil Dumfries picked up the Man of the Match award with two goals and an assist.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter90. Three minutes of stoppage time are signalled just as Raphinha unleashes another belter from long range.Sommer tips this one over for a corner, and as Barca’s brilliant Brazilian rushes over to take it, he urges the crowd for one last push.Can they find a winner? Or will Inter stick it out?Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter89. It’s a late charge from Barcelona!Inter have every player behind the ball as the Spanish giants move it left and right in an attempt to make space.The Serie A side are sticking to the task though, and will be delighted if they can see these final minutes through.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter87. Off the crossbar!Yamal also steers Barca in front for the first time with an audacious chip, an effort that catches out opponents, fans and commentators alike.The lift on the run is so delicate that Sommer doesn’t even move as it rises up and over him, and back off the woodwork.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter84. Barcelona have only ever won once away at Inter Milan, and that was back in 1959.If they want to take a lead with them to Italy, then they will need to find another goal in these remaining minutes.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter82. One of La Masia’s golden generation replaces another as Gavi comes on to take over from Pedri.Also for Barca is former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, and he takes over from Pau Cubarsí.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter80. Inside the final ten minutes of what has been an extraordinary night in Spain.Two of Inter’s stars – Marcus Thuram and Denzil Dumfries – will play no further part this evening, and it’s time for Piotr Zielinski and Matteo Darmian to play their role from the bench.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter77. Yamal teases Barella into conceding a free-kick 22 yards out, and this is very much in Raphinha range.The Brazilian immediately takes charge of the set-piece, and who can blame him given his form this season?His left-foot effort around the wall is sweet enough, but Sommer uses all of his experience to comfortably deal with it.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter74. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has the ball in the back of the net for a fourth Inter goal……but it’s not going to count.The offside flag was immediately up as soon as the Armenian had swept in a terrific Dumfries cross, but it seems a lot closer than everyone initially thinks.In fact, replays show it’s incredibly close.Eventually, the offside call is upheld, but trust me, there was barely anything in it.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter72. Cubarsi picks up a yellow card for a shirt pull on Taremi.Again, considering the high line that the hosts operate with, you wouldn’t want to be a Barcelona defender on a booking.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter70. A brilliant recovery challenge from Pau Cubarsi denies Thuram a strike on goal.Mind you, it was only some careless defending from the Spaniard and Barcelona’s ridiculous high line that let the Inter striker through in the first place.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter67. What happens next in this tie?!Whatever does occur, it won’t involve Dani Olmo, who has now been replaced by Fermin Lopez.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-3 Inter65. What a belter from Raphinha!Seconds after falling behind, Barca hit back through a corner of their own – and this one has a lot more finesse about it.Dani Olmo pulls back the dead ball towards the edge of the penalty area, Lamine Yamal lets it run through his legs, and Raphinha races on to it to smash.The shot arrows through the air from 25 yards out, crashes against the crossbar, and ricochets into the net off the back of Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.It will go down as an own goal, but owes so much to a stunning strike from the former Leeds man.Copy linkCopiedLevel again!Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-3 Inter65. This game is absurd. Absolutely ridiculous. Daft as anything I’ve seen in a while.And I coach an Under 6s team on Saturday mornings.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-3 Inter63. Well, well, well! Inter Milan are back in front!This one lacks the flair of the first two, but is every bit as important.Hakan Calhanoglu swings over a corner from the right, and Denzil Dumfries gets up to nod in without much of a challenge.The Dutchman’s header comes off the shoulder of Dani Olmo, and that probably helps it to find the target.Internazionale have struck three times in Barcelona!Copy linkCopiedDouble for Denzil!Copy linkCopied More

    • 263 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona 3 Inter Milan 3: Electric Yamal, Raphinha and Dumfries have fans on edge of seats in ‘game of the season’

      by

      LAMINE YAMAL will have to accept these Lionel Messi comparisons soon. The 17-year-old star lit up his first Champions League semi-final as his superb spell diverted Barcelona from disaster — before a Raphinha rocket, in off Yann Sommer, saved them again. Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a Champions League thriller in SpainCredit: GettyThe first leg of their Champions League semi-final ended 3-3Credit: ReutersAll this from Yamal just a few hours after he rejected similarities with his fellow graduate of the club’s La Masia academy. Hansi Flick’s men would have been travelling to the San Siro next Tuesday in need of a miracle without this little genius. After the torment of conceding the earliest semi-final goal in Champions League history, then shipping another, Yamal dragged his side back into contention.  All that after Barcelona’s biggest concern at kick-off being how long he might last.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenager walked out of the warm-up early appearing to have felt something in his thigh.Very quickly the hosts had a lot more to worry about as Marcus Thuram dealt a sucker punch after just 30 seconds, with the most delicate of touches.Nico Barella collected a poor Jules Kounde clearance and fed Denzel Dumfries, whose cross fell perfectly for Thuram to apply an inspirational touch and make some history.The start went from bad to worse for Barca as Dumfries then took centre stage.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFrancesco Acerbi nodded goalward from a corner, where Dumfries twisted and fired in a bicycle kick as Pedri ducked out of the way.Inter had stunned their hosts with two goals worth of the Spanish club’s greatest magicians.Moment raging Ansu Fati kicks cooler and stairs in meltdown after Barcelona sub is made to warm up then sit back downBut they would end up being a footnote – thanks to the latest Barcelona maestro.Yamal wanted to mark his 100th game in style and did not disappoint.A new haircut caught the eye in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, but his feet did all the dazzling here.With the hosts shell-shocked, one kid – not old enough to drink, smoke, drive or vote – stood up and took charge.Marcus Thuram gave Inter a lead after 30 seconds with a backheel finishCredit: GettyDenzel Dumfries then netted a stunning scissor kickCredit: GettyYamal shrugged off Thuram, the man who had dared take his limelight.He turned and brushed past Henrikh Mkhitaryan like he was an afterthought and whipped an instant classic of a goal in off the far post when it looked like there was nowhere to go.There was almost another all-timer to follow minutes later, leaving Federico Di Marco sliding on his backside before seeing a strike tipped onto the bar.Barcelona fought back through a Lamine Yamal stunnerCredit: APFerran Torres levelled things up before the breakCredit: EPABarcelona were in full flow now and decided to share the load.Dani Olmo saw a couple of attempts stopped, but soon they broke through – Torres converting a tap in after Raphinha nodded the ball into his path.The noise and momentum was all with Barcelona, though half-time sapped it and gave Inter the chance to remember they were still level, if dazed.Dumfries’ second goal of the night put Inter back in the driving seatCredit: GettyBarcelona equalised yet again thanks to an own-goal from Yann SommerCredit: ReutersDumfries lifted Inter back off the canvas and into the lead once more with his second of the night – this one far more mundane, heading in from a corner.But again they could not hold on, level again via a stunning strike and some stinking luck.Yamal allowed a corner to run to Raphinha’s feet, the ex-Leeds man unleashing a thunderbolt against the bar which ricocheted in off the back of Yann Sommer.Read More on The SunInter kept swinging, Mkhitaryan having one ruled out for the most minuscule offside before Yamal’s mis-hit struck the bar and Raphinha had another tipped over.So much class, even more chaos and we are still no closer to knowing who will reach Munich. More