Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans fume that they have been ‘robbed’ as goal disallowed for ‘absolutely no reason’ in huge Porto clash

      by

      ARSENAL fans fumed after they saw Martin Odegaard’s goal ruled out for “absolutely no reason”. The Gunners were pushing for a second goal in their must-win Champions League knockout clash at home to Porto.Martin Odegaard raced away to celebrate what he thought was Arsenal’s second goalCredit: AFPThe Gunners skipper pounced on a Porto defensive mix-upCredit: ReutersKai Havertz was penalised for a foulCredit: TNT SportsAnd they thought they had it on 67 minutes when Odegaard finished into an empty net after a mix-up at the back for the Portuguese side.However, Mikel Arteta, his Arsenal players and supporters alike let rip after Leandro Trossard’s lookalike referee Clement Turpin ruled it out.He blew his whistle for a foul by Kai Havertz, who tugged at veteran centre-back Pepe’s shirt before he clattered into goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the build-up – allowing the ball to fall kindly for Odegaard to slot home.Odegaard raced away in celebration before realising it had been chalked off as players surrounded the ref.READ MORE SPORTArteta was booked for his angry protests on the touchline – but VAR decided not to intervene after watching the replays because of the slight offence by Havertz.Fans watching the action at home, though, were less convinced.One said: “Wow Arsenal have been robbed!!! Absolutely no reason to rule that goal out!! Beyond ridiculous decision!”Another fumed: “That’s not a foul! You’re allowed to run at the ball.”Most read in Champions LeagueCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL A third added: “This referee is so useless. How is that not a goal?”A fourth moaned: “Perfectly fine goal by Arsenal but as usual, dive by Pepe.”However, a final user responded: “Looked about right, if it was the other way around Arteta would be having a meltdown too.”Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Trossard had given Arsenal the lead on the night to level the tie.He got on the end of a superb Odegaard pass before tucking into the corner in style. However, with no more goals, the tie went to extra-time at the Emirates – and then all the way to penalties.And David Raya was the hero in the shootout as he saved two Porto spot-kicks to end Arsenal’s last-16 hoodoo. The German forward tugged at PepeCredit: TNT SportsThe ball fell kindly for OdegaardCredit: TNT SportsHe clipped in as everyone ended up on the floorCredit: TNT SportsThe referee blew his whistle immediatelyCredit: TNT SportsHavertz pleaded his innocence with Clement TurpinCredit: TNT SportsMikel Arteta was booked for his protestsCredit: TNT SportsCredit: X More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa draw up contingency plans for second stadium to help host Europa League final with tens of thousands set to attend

      by

      UEFA are already making plans for Liverpool fans at the Europa League final on May 22.And you can hardly blame them.The Gaelic football stronghold of Croke Park could be usedCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionThe Aviva Stadium is hosting the Europa League final on May 22Credit: GettyThe Reds head into Thursday’s last-16 Anfield clash against Sparta Prague with a 5-1 lead.And when you look at Liverpool’s current form, it would be a huge surprise if skipper Virgil van Dijk didn’t end up leading them out in   Dublin.The Aviva Stadium officially holds 51,700 fans.And when you consider half of Ireland seems to support Liverpool and the proximity of Dublin to the UK, a huge number of fans without tickets will converge on the city.READ MORE TOP STORIESUefa are looking at setting up giant screens at Croke Park, the home of Irish Gaelic sports, where the capacity is a whopping 82,300.The stadium could also be used if West Ham make the final as there would be a mass ­exodus from East London to Dublin.Accommodation in Dublin is already costing a fortune for the night of the final.Three-star hotels currently start from £400 a night, with hostels at least £160.Most read in Europa LeagueHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGA Darwin Nunez double plus goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have set up what should be a second-leg cruise for Jurgen Klopp’s men.It comes amid claims outgoing boss Klopp has recommended Wolves wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri to the club.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryManchester United are also being linked with the Algerian 22-year-old.Chelsea and Manchester City have been previously mentioned in connection with Ait-Nouri. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League knockout stages set to change forever thanks to Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal

      by

      FOOTBALL bosses have focused on the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal over the planning for next season’s new-look Champions League.The single-league format features 36 clubs, with the top eight then gaining direct entry to the last-16 stage.Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry has inspired the new-look Uefa knockout formatCredit: GettyThe new-look Champions League begins next seasonCredit: AFPSides that place from ninth to 24th will have play-offs — with the eight winners also going through to the first knockout stage.In planning meetings over the last few years, Uefa chiefs spoke at length about the tennis finals between Nadal and Federer.They discussed how they were kept apart by seeding until the end, of course, Novak Djokovic was also there.So, the teams who finish first and second in the new-style league after eight games will be seeded and not be able to play each other until the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that means for the last-16, there will be a structured route to the final — similar to tennis tournaments — to plot potential clashes.As a result, there will be no quarter-final or semi-final draws as the route will already be planned.And it is also good that there will be no teams in next season’s Champions League dropping into the Europa League, as this silly bonus for failing clubs has been scrapped.Meanwhile, Uefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has revealed a fully manual draw is no longer possible in the new format as it could take four hours to complete and 900 balls would be needed.Most read in Champions LeagueCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Therefore, a “hybrid” draw will be used that incorporates manually pulling teams out the hat and automated elements to speed up the process.Uefa insist any sections that are computerised will be independently monitored to ensure draws are not rigged.’Very good, I like that’ says Europa League draw host after Man Utd icon John O’Shea’s cheeky joke live on TVThe exact system that will be used has not yet been revealed. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans brand Declan Rice ‘man of the people’ as Arsenal star reveals ‘hilarious’ amount he pays for a haircut

      by

      HUMBLE Declan Rice stunned football fans and pundits alike by revealing how much he pays for a haircut. The Arsenal and England midfielder, 25, chatted to CBS Sports ahead of the Gunners’ memorable Champions League shootout win at home against Porto.
      Declan Rice discussed his haircuts with the CBS teamCredit: CBS Sports
      The Arsenal man pays £24 for his trim compared to Micah Richards’ £200Credit: CBS Sports
      And ahead of the interview with Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, the ex-Liverpool defender drew attention to Rice’s fresh trim.
      Carragher joked: “Before we start, he’s had a haircut for the game.”
      Rice confirmed: “Little one last night. I’m ready.”
      Abdo added: “Can we ask what yours cost? It’s a running subject of conversation for us on this show.”
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      That is because Richards famously revealed on CBS he spends a whopping £600 per week on haircuts – three times at £200 a visit.
      That works out as approximately £24,000 across the whole year.
      But Rice clarified: “I think I paid like £24.”
      Carragher could not resist a comical “oooh” in the direction of Richards, who asked: “Why you lying for?”
      Most read in Champions League
      CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL
      But Rice was adamant: “I do. In the shop. I don’t have it in my house like you.”
      Abdo then revealed Richards arrived in London early to get his barnet done the night before the live CBS show from the Emirates.
      Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title race
      And fans piled in with comments hailing “man of the people” Rice.
      One said: “I love how down to earth Declan Rice is!”
      Another wrote: “That’s genuinely less than I pay for like the cheapest haircut in San Francisco. Hilarious.”
      And a third added: “Not so bad for a celebrity.”
      Richards and Rice also enjoyed some pre-match fun as they agreed on a brilliant wager.
      The former Manchester City man convinced the Arsenal star to do an M sign for Micah should he score in the game – after Jude Bellingham failed to come good on the deal.
      Rice’s trim looked very fresh on the side of the Emirates pitchCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Kate Abdo reveals that Micah Richards flew in a day early for ‘special treatment’ ahead of Arsenal vs Porto clash

      by

      KATE ABDO lifted the lid on Micah Richards’ pre-punditry routine ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Porto. The CBS Sports duo were joined by Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher for a chat with Declan Rice at the Emirates Stadium. Micah Richards came to London early to get a haircutCredit: CBS SportsThe pundit was left red-facedThe conversation quickly turned from football to haircuts.Presenter Abdo hilariously gave fans a glimpse into Richards’ hair dressing routine, saying: “Actually, I can tell you a little story about Micah.”Somebody had to go to the Waldorf Hotel last night so they could get their trim fresh.”They had to come in a day early, is that right?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice then chimed in and said: “Special treatment. It’s decent.”He also revealed that he got ready for the crucial Champions League game by getting a haircut last night.Arsenal’s star midfielder admitted that his trim set him back £24.Richards, who previously confessed to getting his hair done three times per week at a cost of £600, jumped in and said: “Why are you lying for?”Most read in Champions LeagueCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But Rice was having none of it, responding: “Not too bad, I do it in the shop. I don’t have it in my house like you.”By the end, Richards brilliantly pleaded for them get back to talking about football.Kate Abdo leaves Thierry Henry in shock as she pays cheeky compliment to Micah RichardsDiscussing barnets is a reoccurring theme on CBS’ banter-filled Champions League coverage after Richards’ incredible haircut revelation.He admitted last season that his barber charges him £200 every cut and he always likes to get his hair neatened up before appearing on TV.The former Manchester City star’s claim left Henry astonished. Meanwhile, Rice was dubbed a “man of the people” by fans due to his more affordable haircut. More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards reveals CBS Sports chiefs allow Kate Abdo and Co to ‘do things other companies wouldn’t allow’ on live TV

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed the magic behind CBS Sports’ “Despite being broadcast in America, the show’s clips regularly go viral – with fans loving the interaction between host Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Richards.Micah Richards has lifted the lid on what makes the show specialCredit: GettyKate Abdo said the ability to go off script on American television was keyCredit: GettyThe show has led to many iconic moments, including the presenters’ reaction to finding out Kate Abdo used to work at Greggs and a hilarious festive feature which saw Richards dress as Santa.The Athletic today interviewed Richards, Abdo and Henry to find out why it has become so loved – despite many in the UK not being able to watch it.For all of them, they said it is because they have the freedom to say things unscripted – and draw comparisons between the show and Inside the NBA, which features Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.The show’s supremo, Kate Abdo, said the show differs massively to doing UK television when asked why it works.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShe said: “The freedom to be off-script [is why it works], the freedom to be our authentic selves. We’re all very different personalities and bring different assets to the table. But I think as a whole, we all complete each other in some way.”Working in television, it’s such a source of frustration to me because so often you go into a show and have every single minute accounted for, knowing exactly what’s going to happen over the next hour. “It takes all the air out of the room for anything to happen spontaneously. We go into segments knowing that we have an overall vision for each segment, but if we go totally off that vision, that’s OK.”Everyone wants to look polished and clean and glossy, and there’s something to that. But you have to find that balance with also just being real and living in a moment.”Most read in FootballThe cast addressed the rumours that Thiery Henry may leave the showCredit: GettyCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Richards said: “Trust is the key for me. I think we’re comfortable in our own skin. Take Thierry Henry. He’s a legend of the game and he loves football. You got Carragher, the No1 pundit in England. But he has to sort of be a different Jamie on our show to make the show work. “We have producers who allow us to do things that other companies probably wouldn’t allow. We trust and respect each other.Fans in stitches at Thierry’s reaction to 2007 throwback clips of CBS host Kate AbdoArsenal legend Henry also agreed the show is what it is because of its authenticity, saying: “They [The viewers] see that you are real. People respond to that. It is a fun show to watch, but I also think we are good at what we do when we analyse the game.”We can switch from Micah or me or Kate or Jamie saying something funny to talking about the war in Ukraine. There is something for everybody in the show, and we are real.”One question that has been on the mind of viewers, and the presenters it seems, is the future of Henry.His legendary status within the game allows him to play the straight man role incredibly well, but viewers have loved seeing him joke around too.His status as coach of the France U-21s and occasionally U-23s has seen his future at CBS thrown into doubt however.Henry said: “Obviously, having the opportunity to coach the Under-21 and the Under-23 for the big games, I made sure that I could do both. So that tells you something because I would have stopped CBS if I didn’t see a value of it.Fans will be hoping the show’ will stay together’s cast will be staying togetherCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo”What’s going to happen after my two years with the Under-21 (which ends in summer 2025)? I don’t know what’s going to happen. “All I know is right now I’m happy to be here and don’t want to miss anything. I don’t know where my mind is going to be in two years. Do I still want to coach? I don’t know.”Abdo said she could understand if Henry left, but insisted the show would not be the same without him.She added: “I think you can’t help but think about [how] it could end. The nature of television is short-term contracts. We want to keep the family together.”I think that we’re all looking at Thierry. I think for Micah and Jamie, TV is the chosen career. It’s the one they’re really pursuing. The same for me. “But in Thierry’s position, there’s another passion that he has that burns just as strong if not stronger. I mean, essentially, he’s already proven what he can do in TV. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We all know how good he is. So there’s still that area where he still wants to be able to prove that he was not only a great football player but how well he can lead other men to play football.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League draw set for major overhaul after chiefs realise it would take FOUR HOURS and 900 balls to complete

      by

      THE Champions League draw is set for a new look after chiefs realised it could take four hours to complete using the current method.Uefa draws are currently done manually with pots used to separate teams.Uefa draws are set for a revamp ahead of the new look competitionsCredit: AFPBut the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues will see their formats revamped ahead of next season.The 32-team group stage will go in favour of a 36-team mega league.Sides will play eight different opponents before going into the knockout rounds. Each club will be seeded in one of four pots and they must play two opponents from each pot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has revealed a fully manual draw is no longer possible in the new format as it could take three to four hours to complete and 900 balls would be needed.Therefore, a “hybrid” draw will be used that incorporates manually pulling teams out the hat and automated elements to speed up the process.Uefa insist any sections that are computerised will be independently monitored to ensure draws are not rigged.The exact system that will be used has not yet been revealed.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL In the new look European competitions, the top eight teams in the 36-team league phase quality for the Last 16.They will also be seeded from one to eight in the knockout rounds in a tennis-style draw.Europa Conference League blunder as ex-Turkey keeper Demirel can’t open draw ball before being shown up by host And those that finished between 9th and 24th go into a play-off round to determine who progresses, with clubs placed 9th to 16th seeded so they can’t face each other.The bottom 12 sides are eliminated and there will be no dropping down competitions.From the Last 16 onwards, the current format of home and away legs will remain in place. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw 2024: UK start time, teams, TV channel, stream as Man City learn fate

      by

      ATTENTION has now turned to the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw – and teams will want to avoid holders Manchester City.Pep Guardiola’s side humiliated Danis giants Copenhagen 6-2 on aggregate in the last-16 stage.Man City cruised into the quarter-final stageCredit: GettyHarry Kane inspired Bayern to book their last-8 spotCredit: RexAnd the Treble winners will be one of the favourites to reclaim their crown having won every match this campaign so far.However, Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid and Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are also in the run-in for club football’s biggest cup competition.While Arsenal still have work to do against Porto if they are to put their name in the hat.When is the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw?
      The Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw will take place on Friday, March 15.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 11am GMT – 12pm local time.
      House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland is the chosen venue for this exciting draw.
      Unlike previous rounds, teams from the same nation are eligible to face each other.
      Read more on Champions LeagueHow can I watch it for FREE?
      Fans can watch the Champions League last-16 draw for FREE on UEFA.com.
      It will also be available to watch on TNT Sports in the UK.
      Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s live blog which will have the latest updates as the draw is announced.
      What teams have qualified?Teams will find out their pathway to the final once the draw has concluded.Here are the sides who have qualified:Most read in Champions LeagueWhat are the remaining last-16 fixtures?When will the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final ties be played?The quarter-final first legs are scheduled to take place across Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10.While the return legs will be contested a week later on Tuesday, April 16 and Wednesday, April 17.As for the semi-final ties, the first legs will be played on Tuesday, April 30 and Wedensday, May 1 – with the reverse legs scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8. More