Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 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

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Porto 1-0 Arsenal LIVE RESULT – Gunners have it all to do after Galeno fires hosts to Champions League last last 16 win

      by

      ARSENAL have been stunned in their Champions League last 16 first leg courtesy of Galeno’s stoppage-time strike.It seemed as if the Gunners were going to escape Portugal with a goalless draw.
      However, Galeno’s sublime effort means the Gunners will need to score a minimum of two in the reverse fixture.

      RESULT: Porto 1-0 Arsenal
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sport 1
      Porto starting lineup: Diogo Costa; Mario, Otavia, Pepe, Wendell; Nico Gonzalez, Varela; Conceicao, Pepe, Galeno; Evanilson
      Arsenal starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Refocus needed to use defeat as springboard
      You learn more from defeat than you do victory.
      The result in Portugal tonight could prepare Arsenal more for the remainder of the season.
      With a big game against Newcastle on the weekend, Mikel Arteta will be looking for his team to bounce back with a win.

      Copy linkCopiedLessons to be learnt for Gunners
      They were heavy favourites to win this leg in Portugal but it has not gone according to plan for Mikel Arteta.
      Arsenal will still be heavily fancied to progress to the quarter-finals with home advantage in the second leg.
      However, this has been a harsh lesson this evening.
      Read the full match report here.
      Copy linkCopiedBoss focussed on improving team focus
      The Arsenal manager spoke about where he felt this game was lost in Portugal this evening:
      We lacked threat. We lacked aggression in the final third. These are things we are going to have to better in the second leg. We know them now and what to expect.Mikel ArtetaArsenal
      Copy linkCopiedGunners left wanting in Europe
      Lately in the Premier League, Arsenal have not been able to stop scoring 11 goals in their last two games.
      Leandro Trossard played down the middle today, but Mikel Arteta’s side seemed to be lacking that focal point in the final third.
      All too often he drifted into areas where he cannot hurt the opposition leaving Arsenal looking blunt in attack.

      Copy linkCopiedNorwegian pipeline shut off in Portugal
      Martin Odegaard was rendered ineffective by Porto this evening.
      When he did have the ball, he was unable to thread passes into dangerous areas to create chances for The Gunners.
      If Arsenal are on form, it tends to be because the Norwegian midfielder is pulling the strings in the middle.
      However, this evening Porto have shown that if you stop Odegaard, you stop Arsenal.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Porto 1-0 Arsenal
      We had our second shot on target in this game after 94 minutes.
      Not that Porto will care as they saw it bend into the corner of the goal.
      Arsenal go back to dominating possession and having no penetration in the final third to do anything with it.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Porto 1-0 Arsenal
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Arsenal have lost their first game of 2024.
      Porto’s fans erupt as they hear the final whistle.
      Scenes.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 1-0 Arsenal
      90+4. What a strike from the Porto playmaker.
      From about twenty yards out, he shifts it from under his feet and bends one into the top corner.
      In addded time, we finally have a shot on target and what an important goal it could be for Porto.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Galeno (Porto)
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      90+2. Saka goes down as he cuts inside and wins his side a free-kick.
      Odegaard and Rice stand over the ball.
      Gabriel comes over to tell them what he wants from this.
      Rice puts it straight on Gabriel’s head and he balloons it over the bar.
      Maybe they should have told the outspoken centre-back what they expect from him too.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      90. White is penalised for a clumsy foul in the final third.
      It gives Porto the chance to punish them late on now.
      Yet again, it is a terrible delivery, nowhere near any of their own players.
      We are going to have four additional minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      88. Saka whips in Arsenal’s ninth corner of the game.
      Yet they are still to register a single shot on goal.
      We have seen some great games in the Champions League this season, this is not one of them.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      86. If the score remains like this, you would have to say it is a better result for Arsenal than it is Porto.
      We will have a straight shootout in North London.
      Arsenal force a corner, with the Porto players are protesting that decision to the referee.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      84. It has been another ‘invisible man’ performance by Kai Havertz this evening.
      Porto are bringing on Martinez and Borges.
      Looking for some impetus in the final stages of the game.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      82. There will be no need for either keeper to throw their gloves away after this game, that is for sure.
      If they were to sell them online, it would be the epitomy of a ‘like new’ posting.
      Neither side seem able to string a series of passes together at the moment.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      80. We are into the final ten minutes of the game now.
      There won’t be much added time at the end of this one.
      Not like the Premier League, where there could be another twenty minutes left at least.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      78. Odegaard comes forward and feeds the ball to Saka.
      The Arsenal winger can make no progress and passes it all the way back to the halfway line.
      Arteta’s side manage to force another corner.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      76. Jorginho gives the ball away and Porto can break.
      Arsenal try and get numbers behind the ball.
      The hosts pass it all the way back to the defence and look to start again.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      74. Trossard is coming off for Jorginho.
      Quite a negative substitution by Mikel Arteta.
      Striker for a defensive midfielder, shutting up shop it seems.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      72. Rice floats in another corner but Costa does well to punch clear.
      Arsenal recycle the ball and try to knock it long towards Rice.
      Once again, the keeper comes to collect making it look easy.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      70. Pepe is having a great game at the back for Porto.
      He is showing that age is but a number tonight.
      The veteran centre-back has bossed Havertz, Martinelli and Trossard.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      68. Porto have a horrendous record in North London.
      Whether that plays on the mind of the manager as the game goes on will remain to be seen.
      They will have wanted some sort of a lead to take to The Emirates.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      66. Another big chance for Porto goes begging.
      As Pepe does well getting to the byline he cuts it back to Evanilson.
      Just as he looks to pull the trigger, Rice gets a foot in the deflect the ball wide for a corner.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      64. Still plenty of time left in this game for some action.
      Not sure whether these two teams are cancelling each other out or not.
      Saka comes forward down the right but Wendell cuts out the pass.
      Copy linkCopiedPorto 0-0 Arsenal
      62. Porto come forward and are looking dangerous but lose the ball.
      Martinelli cuts inside towards goal but is too easily dispossessed.
      Sums up the evening for The Gunners’ attack.
      Copy linkCopied More