Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports pundit forced to leave studio in middle of Porto vs Arsenal while reporting on match

      by

      THE SURPRISE reason Keith Curle left his punditry role live on TV in the middle of a game has been revealed.The 60-year-old former England defender has been out of work since he was sacked as manager of Hartlepool United in February 2023. 
      Keith Curle left TV viewers completely bemused on WednesdayCredit: Alamy
      The ex-Man City ace left the Sky Sports News studio midway through Arsenal’s loss at PortoCredit: Sky Sports News
      Manchester City’s ex-captain has since returned to the world of punditry.
      This week Curle was tasked with updating viewers on Sky Sports News with developments from Arsenal’s defeat in Porto on Wednesday.
      However, supporters were left completely bemused as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1998 Player of the Year disappeared midway through the Champions League game.
      Some surprised viewers even took to social media, with one tweeting SSN directly and asking: “Anyone know why Keith Curle stopped commenting tonight on sky sports??”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Now the remarkable reason behind him abandoning his post during the broadcast has been revealed by the Daily Mail.
      And it was all to ensure that he made it home on time.
      Curle was working live from Sky’s studio in Isleworth, which is a town located within Hounslow Borough in West London.
      He removed his headset and left 15 minutes into the second half of the Arsenal match.
      Most read in Football
      That was because he had to dash across the capital in order to get to Euston.
      Curle was booked on a 10.30pm train to Sheffield, where he lives, and had to depart in order to ensure he was on it.
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      The much-liked former centre-half played for Bristol Rovers and City, Torquay United, Reading and Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang before signing for Man City in 1991.
      He spent five years with the Cityzens before going on to have a four-year stint at Wolves until 2000.
      Curle then moved to Sheffield United for two-seasons before ending his playing days with Barnsley and Mansfield Town.
      The three-time capped England international then became player-manager of the Stags and has since been in the dug-out at Chester City, Torquay and Notts County.
      He took over Carlisle United in 2014 and spent four years there prior to joining Northampton Town and leading them to play-off promotion from League Two in 2020.
      After leaving there in 2021, he had a short stint in charge of Oldham Athletic before last season’s 29-game tenure at Hartlepool. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Benfica star Joao Neves reduced to tears as fans chant in support of 19-year-old following mum’s death in Europa League

      by

      BENFICA star Joao Neves was reduced to tears after a touching tribute from his fans at the Estadio da Luz tonight.The 19-year-old’s mother died last week after a long battle with cancer and the midfielder was emotional as soon as the final whistle blew.
      Joao Neves was emotional at the final whistleCredit: Reuters
      Neves thanked fans for their supportCredit: Reuters
      The Benfica faithful showed their support for Neves by chanting his name at the end of the game.
      And the support of his fans brought the young midfielder to tears.
      Benfica drew 0-0 with Toulouse on the night, which was enough to see them advance through to the next round.
      Neves has played 38 times in all competitions for Benfica this year, despite being just 19 years old.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      He has already been capped three times by Portugal.
      A combative deep-lying midfielder in the Rodri mould, Neves was linked with a big money move to the Premier League in the summer and January.
      United were interested in the midfielder last summer, although the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo in his position may see their interest in him cool.
      He has also attracted the interest of Arsenal as they look to replace Thomas Partey in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      Neves was thrust into the Benfica first team last year when he was just 18 to replace the outgoing Enzo Fernandez, who signed for Chelsea in a £107million deal.
      Benfica were playing in the play-off of the Europa League after dropping down from the Champions League this year.
      They will find out their opponents in the round of 16 in March. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel snubs Premier League club despite soon-to-be-axed Bayern Munich boss being desperate to return to England

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL is not interested in managing West Ham despite being desperate for a Premier League return.The outgoing Bayern Munich boss has unfinished business with English football having been sacked by Chelsea in September 2022.
      Tuchel is not interested in taking the West Ham jobCredit: AP
      West Ham’s current boss David Moyes is out of contract at the end of this season and recent results have placed him under extra pressure.
      Some fans even want him out following a run of eight games without a win in which they have conceded 16 goals.
      Hammers’ chiefs are exploring possible options for a change of coach while remaining firmly behind Moyes for the immediate future.
      Tuchel will become a free agent in the summer after it was announced he will be leaving German champions Bayern at the end of this season.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But sources close to the German say Tuchel will only entertain ideas to manage at the biggest clubs in England.
      Liverpool are losing head coach Jurgen Klopp this summer and with new people on the board at Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag is facing an uncertain future.
      Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is also under pressure with his team eighth in the Premier League despite the backing of Saudi billions.
      Tuchel managed Chelsea for a year and a half from January 2021 and won the Champions League and Club World Cup before helping the club through the most turbulent period in its history.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced then club owner Roman Abramovich to sell the club amid strict financial sanctions imposed by the UK government.
      Americans Todd Boehly and sidekick Behdad Eghbali bought Chelsea for just over £2 billion in May 2022 and sacked Tuchel 100 days later following a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
      Watch bizarre moment Thomas Tuchel pulls down players pants
      Graham Potter, Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui are all names also thought to be being considered by the West Ham hierarchy. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Eagle-eyed fans spot Inter Milan used never-before-seen tactic as they bizarrely compare it to the US date system

      by

      EAGLE-EYED fans spotted a never-before-seen tactic from Inter Milan against Atletico Madrid.The Italian giants bagged a 1-0 win against the Spaniards in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
      Inter MIlan played a never-seen-before tactic in their win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
      Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of the game in the Champions League tieCredit: Getty
      Watched on by Kanye West, Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of the game as Inter dominated both the possession and the attacking stats.
      And supporters have now discovered the way Inter kept Diego Simeone’s men at bay.
      The Serie A leaders usually play a 3-5-2 formation under Simone Inzaghi.
      However, while in possession of the ball against Atletico, Inter would transition to a 4-3-3 shape.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It saw the wing-backs pull deep, with striker Marcus Thuram and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan providing width in more advanced areas.
      But bizarrely, the change also moved remaining midfielders Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu to centre-back.
      While the three defenders – Benjamin Pavard, Stefan De Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni, pushed forward to create a midfield triumvirate.
      The incredible tactical change allowed Inter to build up possession from the back with more speed.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      And the centre-backs in midfield gave the Italians the physical edge over Atletico’s three of Saul Niguez, Koke and Rodrigo De Paul.
      Simeone’s side were completely outfoxed by Inter’s clever plan.
      Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five
      Inter saw their defenders push into midfield as the two groups swapped places
      And fans were also blown away, with one comparing it to the date system used in the USA.
      One said: “This is like a visual representation of the American MM/DD/YY date format.”
      Another declared: “Inzaghi is a fascinating coach, you don’t see many teams with 3atb using the wide CBs to overlap in attack.”
      One noted: “So like counter-counter pressing. I don’t think I can brain this right now.”
      Another added: “Why park the bus in front of goal where it’s so close to danger when you can park it in the middle of the pitch.”
      Inter’s tactics are certainly paying off this season, with Lautaro Martinez and Co top of the Serie A table.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      They are nine points clear of Juventus with a game in hand after losing just one all term.
      Inter are also the top scorers with 59 goals, and boast the meanest defence after conceding just 12 times. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Henry pick up your jaw’ – Fans in stitches at Thierry Henry’s reaction to 2007 throwback clips of CBS host Kate Abdo

      by

      FANS were left in stitches by Thierry Henry’s reaction to throwback clips of Kate Abdo.The popular pair were joined by Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher as they returned to Champions League action on CBS Sports last night.
      Fans loved Thierry Henry’s reaction to throwback clips of Kate AbdoCredit: CBS SPORTS
      The Arsenal legend was left open-jawed at the video from 2007Credit: CBS SPORTS

      She appeared mortified while her pals chuckledCredit: CBS SPORTS
      Viewers were treated to live coverage of Arsenal’s painful 1-0 defeat to Porto, with the group also casting their eyes over Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Napoli.
      But it was the studio action that really set the night alive.
      That’s because a reel was played, showing throwback clips of Abdo in her early days as a presenter in 2007.
      The wholesome host appeared mortified as she looked back on herself.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, it was Henry’s reaction that really had viewers chuckling.
      The Gunners legend was left open-jawed and wide-eyed at seeing a younger Abdo on the screen.
      Henry appeared in disbelief while Richards and Carragher howled with laughter.
      And viewers loved seeing the gang back on the box.
      Most read in Champions League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      One said: “Henry couldn’t believe his eyes.”
      Another declared: “Henry pick up your jaw.”
      Kate Abdo apologises to Thierry Henry after interrupting Arsenal legend revealing what he got for Valentine’s Day
      Abdo is a fan favourite on CBS SportsCredit: Getty
      The popular presenter is regularly on screensCredit: Getty
      Abdo fronts CBS Sports’ Champions League nightsCredit: Reuters
      One noted: “The greatest show on TV strikes again.”
      Another added: “I really love this studio, the chemistry and the passion Henry and Big Meeks bring are unmatched.
      “And Kate knows exactly how to bring out the best in them.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand left stunned as Martin Keown makes awkward Jude Bellingham admission live on TNT Sports

      by

      MARTIN KEOWN has revealed that he “would question” whether Jude Bellingham can be considered world class.The former Arsenal defender, 57, appeared on TNT Sports’ coverage of the Champions League on Wednesday night alongside Rio Ferdinand.
      Rio Ferdinand called Jude Bellingham world classCredit: Rex
      Ferdinand, 45, debated with Martin Keown
      Bukayo Saka was NOT deemed to be world classCredit: Getty
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand, 45, recently riled Gunners fans by claiming that Bukayo Saka is NOT world class, but that Phil Foden is.
      Covering tonight’s clash between Porto and Arsenal, popular presenter and Gooner Laura Woods asked Ferdinand to compile a list of players he considers to be world class.
      The list featured Ederson, Alisson, Kyle Walker, Virgil van Dijk, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Bellingham, this time missing Foden.
      Ferdinand asked fellow pundit Keown if he disagreed with any of his picks.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Keown replied: “Bellingham would be one I would question.
      “Of course, he is an amazing footballer with what he is doing to Real Madrid right now – but Saka has been England Player of the Year the last two years – Bellingham hasn’t got a look in on that.
      “He’s still on Rio’s list – maybe he’s being a little bit mischievous.”
      In response, Ferdinand explained: “For me, it’s time, I think he is in world-class form, but he needs that time.
      Most read in Champions League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “Saka has got world-class potential, but he hasn’t been exposed to the knockout stages of the Champions League, the longevity which is the difference.
      “All of the other players on that list have been in the top most prestigious games and they have produced in those moments.”
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand so stunned at Jude Bellingham’s appearance up close his voice breaks live on TV

      Wading into the debate, Ally McCoist added: “The key factor to being world-class is brilliance and trophies but key to it is longevity.
      “Guys are capable in their career of having world-class moments or world-class periods.
      “At this moment in time, Saka and Bellingham are hopeful of world-class moments and can hopefully be described as world-class at the end of their careers.”
      The gang went on to witness Saka and Co lose 1-0 to Porto in their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash.
      With the Gunners having failed to break their well organised opponents down, Galeno struck in the 94th minute to hand Porto a precious lead going into the second leg. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel desperate for Premier League return as he eyes Man Utd and Newcastle after Bayern exit

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL is desperate for a Premier League return.Bayern Munich on Wednesday announced former Chelsea chief Tuchel will leave the German club at the end of this season.
      Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United and Newcastle could both be looking for a new manager soon.
      And Tuchel — who led the Blues to the Champions League title in 2021 — would be interested.
      Tuchel was shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge in September 2022 and has told friends how much he has missed managing in England.
      The 50-year-old is leaving Bayern after a torrid spell.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The team have lost their last three games and are eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
      Bayern will battle Liverpool for Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who played for both clubs.
      Yet Tuchel only joined Bayern 11 months ago to replace Julian Nagelsmann and led the club to an 11th successive title.
      His contract was until 2025 but Bayern have struggled and — despite Harry Kane’s arrival — Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Bochum was another blow.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      In a dig at the players, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “Every individual at the club is called upon to achieve the maximum in the Champions League and Bundesliga.
      “I particularly emphasise the responsibility of the team.”
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel SQUARES UP to Antonio Conte in fiery Stamford Bridge scenes
      Tuchel said: “I will leave after this season. Until then, my team and I will do everything to ensure maximum success.”
      Next up for Bayern is a tricky game against RB Leipzig on Saturday as they look to avoid making it four defeats in a row. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Porto 1 Arsenal 0: Galeno scores 94th-minute screamer as wasteful Gunners’ Champions League last-16 woes continue

      by

      NEW Arsenal. Same old Champions League anxieties.This was a chance for the Gunners to banish those last-16 demons of years gone by, to plonk one foot into this competition’s quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years.
      Galeno netted the winner with a late screamerCredit: Reuters
      Porto take a lead to North LondonCredit: Getty
      Arsenal’s Champions League knockouts curse continuedCredit: Reuters
      It was the first time they failed to register a shot on target in two yearsCredit: Rex
      Instead of finally putting that hoodoo to bed, this North London crop have emphatically breathed new life back into the beast.
      A nervy, below-par night from Arsenal at the Estadio do Dragao without a single shot on target ended with the hosts landing a spectacular last-minute sucker punch through Galeno’s long-range beauty.
      It seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before looping over David Raya’s outstretched dive and nestling into the bottom corner. Having missed a sitter in the first half, the Brazilian celebrated his redemption wildly.
      Next month’s second leg at the Emirates is now do or die for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta in a competition that often throws surprises and early exits their way.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      From 2011 to 2017, they lost seven two-legged ties in a row at this stage of Europe’s grandest tournament. 
      Arteta will be livid. The Spaniard spoke glowingly pre-match of his dreams to win the Champions League at Wembley in June.
      On this performance alone, those fantasies need to be parked. Back in 2010, Arsenal lost 2-1 to Porto in the last 16 before winning 5-0 in North London. A similar result will have Arteta believing again.
      Arsenal started slow, hesitant in their approach, their minds seemingly elsewhere.
      Most read in Champions League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

      Declan Rice picked up a needless yellow in the second minute, forced into a wayward lunge having taken his eye off William Saliba’s pass. Gabriel then lost control moments later.
      Maybe it had just dawned on this young squad where they were, the stage they were playing on, and those in red in white in past years who had consistently failed to make that next step.
      David Raya shows off his plaster-covered ‘abnormal shovel’ hands that got him from non-league to Arsenal
      For so many European campaigns, the familiar faces left them bruised and beaten: Lionel Messi of Barcelona. Arjen Robben of Bayern Munich.
      In a desperately poor first half for the visitors, Galeno of Porto should have joined that pantheon of players still giving Arsenal fans nightmares earlier than expected.
      You will not see a miss like the Brazilian’s in the 20th minute for the rest of this season, or any season for that matter. It is hard to think of a worse one in recent European history.
      Gabriel half-cleared a cross with the ball spinning into the air inside the six-yard box. Saliba froze, allowing Galeno to breeze past him and connect with a fierce half volley.
      It smacked Raya’s right post and back into the path of Galeno, the Spanish keeper rooted to his own line, but the rebound was somehow fizzed wide of the opposite post.
      The majority of the stadium believed it had nestled into the bottom corner, rather than smacking the advertising boards. The stadium DJ briefly blasted some celebratory music.
      Arteta gestured to his players to stay calm, even if inside he was livid with his side’s apparent lack of urgency to break Porto down.
      It should have come as no surprise to Arsenal or Arteta that Porto would be defensively efficient, especially at home. In the Primeira Liga, they have not conceded in front of their own fans since December 9.
      Faltering from open play, even Arsenal’s trusted set-piece routines – usually orchestrated and executed to perfection – were falling flat, even if Saliba did come close with a header.
      Porto were gaining confidence up the other end as Evanilson tested Raya from a tight angle just before the break. Arteta welcomed the half time whistle with open arms.
      Arsenal’s efforts to build momentum were being disrupted by their opponents’ desire to win cheap fouls and earn the likes of Kai Havertz and Jakub Kiwior more harsh yellows.
      In the 55th minute, a corner routine finally came off but Rice’s skimmed pick-out of Leandro Trossard at the far post was blazed over. Gabriel headed over a free-kick late on.
      That was as good as it got for Arsenal, failing to score in a match in all competitions for the first time since January 7, and then came Galeno who took charge and fired in from around 30 yards. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The quarters are still in sight, but Arteta knows more than most that Champions League second legs and Arsenal rarely go well together.

      The return leg against Porto is on March 12. More