Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand hilariously blames Arsenal for City’s Treble hunt and says ‘you folded like a pack of cards’

      by

      RIO FERDINAND has claimed that Arsenal are at fault for allowing Manchester City a chance to win a historic treble.The Citizens are on the cusp of emulating Manchester United’s treble win in 1999 as they take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday.
      Rio Ferdinand has blamed Arsenal for helping Man City’s hunt for a trebleCredit: Getty
      Man City beat United in the FA CupCredit: Alamy
      City have already picked up the FA Cup and Premier League titles, beating their cross-city rivals at Wembley Stadium 2-1.
      Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the league title by catching Arsenal as their form dropped in the critical stage of the season.
      And Ferdinand has hilariously pointed that as the reason City can complete a treble.
      After being told by Arsenal fan John Beya that it was United’s job to stop city in the FA Cup, Ferdinand fired back.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      He said on the VIBE with FIVE podcast: “It was your job, you were ahead 93 per cent of the time.
      “You was in a prime position to do that, and you folded like a pack of cards.”
      On the final against City, Ferdinand delivered a scathing summary.
      He added: “It was over before it started.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “I didn’t have any genuine belief that we could win it. It is a 50/50 on the day but it weren’t a real 50/50.
      “They are the better team, they have been together for a far longer period, they are in a rich vein of form.”
      Ferdinand then praised Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan after the German midfielder netted a brace in the final.
      He said: “The person that I think needs talking about is the captain, Gundogan.
      “I think he’s been immense. We talk about [Erling] Haaland, rightly so. We talk about [Jack] Grealish, rightly so. We talk about [Kevin] De Bruyne, rightly so. [John] Stones recently as well, all rightly so.
      “But Gundogan, when it’s mattered, he has come up trumps, either with goals, performances, the control of games, the pace and tempo goes through him and Rodri a lot of the time.
      “And he defines what everything’s good about this team.
      “He’s calm under pressure, never seems like with a hair out of place. He’s just there, man!” More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League Team of the Season ahead of Man City vs Inter Milan final including Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr

      by

      AHEAD of Manchester City and Inter Milan’s clash in Saturday’s Champions League final, it’s time to take a look back at the players that shone in this year’s competition.The list is naturally dominated by the players’ of the two finalists – particularly City who will look to win a historic treble.
      Onana has kept clean sheets in 75% of his UCL games this seasonCredit: Getty
      But, there are one or two surprises to keep an eye out for.
      Andre Onana
      The basis of a successful team starts with a goalkeeper.
      And while Ederson has been a huge part of City’s Champions League success this season – it’s hard to look past the influence Onana has had on Inter’s unlikely run to the Champions League final.
      The goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in 75% of his Champions League games this season and his passing out from the back has been crucial for Simone Inzaghi’s side.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      His performances for Inter this season mean Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are set for a bidding war to secure his services this summer.
      John Stones
      Stones has been a revelation as a defender-midfielder hybridCredit: Getty
      Securing the right-back spot for the side is John Stones, although his position as a midfielder-defender hybrid means he only ever really appears there on paper for Pep’s team.
      His performance alongside team-mate Kyle Walker in the second leg of their semi-final clash with Real Madrid was crucial in keeping superstar Vinicius Jr quiet.
      Stones was able to step into midfield to help control the game when City had possession which has become a trademark since his positional tweak.
      Most read in Champions League
      He put in a man of the match performance in City’s first leg quarter final 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich and has kept four clean sheets in his seven Champions League appearances this season.
      John Stones was outstanding against Real Madrid
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Ruben Dias
      Dias has been a stalwart for City in the Champions League this season, starting 11 of their 12 games.
      He’s helped the Citizens keep seven clean sheets during this season’s campaign, including in 3-0 and 4-0 victories against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.
      Dias is one of the first names on the City team sheetCredit: Getty
      The defender has played down City’s favourites tag ahead of the final, saying: “A final will always be tight – no matter who is playing against who.
      From our experience, you are only favourites when you step out onto the pitch and show who you are.”
      Alessandro Bastoni
      Partnering Dias in defence is Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni.
      The defender, 24, is an Inter supporter and turned down the opportunity to reunite with former manager Antonio Conte at Tottenham last season to fight for trophies with his boyhood club.
      He has been a crucial part of Inter’s run to the final and has helped Inter keep eight clean sheets in 11 Champions League appearances this season.
      Inter’s run to the final has been a dream come true for BastoniCredit: Rex
      He has even managed to rack up three assists – which is testament to his ability as a ball playing centre back.
      Federico Dimarco
      Dimarco isn’t one of Inter Milan’s star names, but his lung busting runs from left wing back are crucial to how Inter Milan create chances.
      Ostensibly a defender, his role in the team is often to drive the team forward in an attacking sense.
      Dimarco has been a surprise package this seasonCredit: Getty
      Like Bastoni, DiMarco is a Milanese born Inter supporter and his five assists in ten appearances for Inter in the Champions League have been vital during their route to the final.
      Speaking ahead of the final, SempreInter.com report that he told the Champions League magazine: “Playing in the Champions League final is not something that happens every day. Especially for Inter, who have won it three times.
      “Every boy dreams of playing these matches,”
      Rodri
      It’s hard to make an argument for a midfielder that has been better than Rodri in the Champions League this season.
      His passing and ability to set a game’s tempo is a cornerstone of City’s game and he’s the lynchpin of their midfield.
      Rodri is the lynchpin of the City midfieldCredit: Getty
      He also scored one of the finest goals of this year’s tournament when he opened the scoring in City’s 3-0 quarter final first leg victory over Bayern Munich.
      Bernardo Silva
      Despite finding himself playing at left back at one point this season as Pep tweaked his XI – Bernardo has again proved himself as one of the first names on City’s team sheet.
      The midfielder has notched three goals and one assist for the Citizens in the Champions League this season – all of them coming against City’s toughest opponents.
      Silva has starred when it’s really mattered for CityCredit: Getty
      Silva was the key man in the rout of Real
      Silva bagged a goal and an assist as City swept Bayern aside in the quarter finals.
      But it was against Madrid in the semi-finals that Silva was able to really steal the show.
      He earned man of the match as he scored two goals in City’s incredible 4-0 rout over Madrid.
      Kevin De Bruyne
      Rounding out an all Manchester City midfield is a man that is surely already a City legend.
      That would be confirmed beyond any doubt if City were to complete the treble on Saturday.
      A treble would cement De Bruyne’s legendary statusCredit: Getty
      The midfielder has consistently been outstanding for the Sky Blues in the Champions League this season, bagging himself two goals and an incredible seven assists en route to the final.
      He will be looking to avenge his 2021 Champions League final ended in misery against Chelsea.
      He was forced off the pitch after 59 minutes with a broken eye socket, nose and concussion.
      Asked whether City need to win the Champions League for their own legacy De Bruyne said: “It depends who you ask, Will it help? Yes. But one 90 minutes doesn’t define a career.
      “‘I am on around 700 games. One 90 minutes out of 700 doesn’t define my career. But obviously it helps.”
      “‘I want to win the Champions League and I want to win the Treble. We should enjoy next week and hopefully we can perform the best we can.”
      Rafael Leao
      Preventing the team of the season from being an all City-Inter affair, Rafael Leao comes into the forward line.
      Although predominately operating off the left, we’ve squeezed him on the right of a front three.
      Leao proved he was Milan’s talismanCredit: AFP
      Milan will be delighted to have tied the forward to a new five year deal as he proved himself as the undoubted star of the side.
      His six goal contributions were crucial in Milan reaching the semi-final against rivals Inter – with his ability to relieve pressure through his long distance dribbles being a particular asset.
      Had he been fully fit for the all-Milan semi-final, Milan might have packed more of a punch against Inter.
      Erling Haaland
      Perhaps the easiest choice on this list, there’s no surprise as Erling Haaland heads up the team.
      The City forward is this year’s top scorer with 12 goals in the Champions League this season – averaging an incredible 1.43 goals per 90.
      Haaland is the Champions League top scorer this seasonCredit: Rex
      The midfielder memorably grabbed five goals in a 7-0 drubbing of RB Leipzig in the round of 16.
      He also returned in both legs against Bayern Munich.
      His 12 goals in the Champions League are part of a return of 52 goals in 52 games in all competitions this season.
      Vinicius Junior
      Despite City’s trouncing of Real Madrid in the semi-final, Vinicius Junior had a fine individual campaign in the Champions League final.
      Read More on The Sun
      Vinicius Junior has proved himself as one of the world’s finest players this seasonCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian forward bagged seven goals and five assists across Madrid’s 12 games played.
      While it will likely be forgotten due to City’s 4-0 victory in the second leg, his goal in the first leg 1-1 draw was a cracker. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mahrez ‘proves Erling Haaland is human’ ahead of Champions League final with fans in stitches at Grealish’s reaction

      by

      ERLING HAALAND was left red-faced by Riyad Mahrez just days before the Champions League final.The Norwegian hitman has been flawless for the Premier League champions this season, scoring an unprecedented 52 goals in 52 matches.

      Erling Haaland was on defensive duties against Riyad Mahrez in Manchester City trainingCredit: BT SPORT
      The unstoppable goalscorer found himself beautifully skinned by his team-mateCredit: BT SPORT
      Haaland, 22, couldn’t quite believe he’d been done like a kipperCredit: BT SPORT
      Haaland has been machine-like in front of goal this campaign, although Man City team-mate Mahrez has proven the 22-year-old to be a mere mortal.
      The former Borussia Dortmund ace was sent for a hot dog by the Algeria skipper during one of City’s final training sessions for Saturday’s match against Inter Milan.
      Mahrez skinned Haaland with a beautiful drag back and change of direction – leaving the star of the season with his head and hands on the pitch.
      Footy fans were quick to comment on the clip, with one saying: “Haaland is nowhere near God level.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Another said: “Damn.”
      And another said: “It’s just the beginning.”
      One remarked: “[Jack] Grealish thinking about what he’ll roast Haaland with next.”
      Another chimed in: “My question is: Why is Mahrez not starting most of the matches again?”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      One fan, however, jumped to the Scandinavian’s defence, saying: “He’s not a defender, like.”
      City boss Pep Guardiola and the Etihad faithful will be hoping for more stability from his star striker in Istanbul on Saturday night.
      And team-mate Ilkay Gundogan has called on the giant Norwegian to fire City to their maiden Champions League title.
      The German told UEFA: “Right now, he might be the best striker in the world. He brings so much to our team.
      “He gives us a different quality, with his physical strength, with his mentality, with his speed and with his goals too, of course.
      Erling Haaland has scored a whopping 52 goals in competitions this seasonCredit: PA
      “The last couple of years, we didn’t have a classic No.9 in the team. Therefore we needed to play a bit more flexibly, a bit differently.
      “Now we know that we have someone in the box who can control the ball, including high aerial balls.
      “He is very good with his head and can win battles against tall, strong centre-backs.
      Read More on The Sun
      “This adds a whole new dimension to our game. It gives us a new dynamic. And in addition, he brings a great mentality and character.
      “He has helped us a lot already. Let’s hope he can also help us in the final.” More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans demand ‘we need this in the UK’ as CBS reveals Champions League final coverage with ITV legend among ‘GOAT line-up’

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were left demanding CBS Sports come to the UK after the broadcaster announced its Champions League final lineup.CBS has shot to popularity thanks to the infectiously hilarious panel of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards as pundits and Kate Abdo as host.
      CBS announced their line up for the Champions League finalCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGang
      CBS’ Champions League panel is popular among fansCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Clive Tyldesley will be commentating on the gameCredit: PA

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL – MAN CITY VS INTER MILAN: All you need to know including kick-off time and TV details
      The quartet will once again be front and centre for the channel’s coverage of Saturday’s Champions League final when Manchester City take on Inter Milan.
      The commentary team will comprise of ITV’s former lead commentator Clive Tyldesley and ex-England shot-stopper Rob Green.
      Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel and Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué will be providing pitchside analysis, while former referee Christina Unkel will provide rule analysis.
      Upon seeing the announcement, fans reacted in awe to the cast.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      One fan labelled it: “The goat lineup right here 🐐.”
      A second wrote: “We need this in the UK. Outstanding lineup.”
      “What a lineup! Puts the rest to shame,” said a third.
      A fourth remarked: “What a lineup that is. Any chance we can get this in place of BT Sport?”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Another fan said typed: “Look at that lineup. Every single one [is] better than their equivalent at BT Sport.
      “That’s before you even get to the fantastic studio camaraderie they’ve forged.”
      Tyldesley himself lavished praise on his colleagues, replying: “Keeping good company!”
      Many fans were pleased to see Tyldesley on the list, but they seemed to be unaware he has been with the broadcaster for their Champions League coverage since 2020.
      The 68-year-old could be about to witness the English football’s second-ever Treble, having been the voice of the final when Manchester United completed the historic feat in 1999.
      United are England’s only representative on a list of just seven clubs who have won the continental Treble, comprised of winning the Champions League, the country’s league and the main domestic Cup.
      Fans were left devastated about a potential shake-up of CBS’ coverage next season after reports suggested Henry was in line to become an assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle owners buy FOUR new clubs ahead of Champions League campaign as Saudis make hugely ambitious move

      by

      NEWCASTLE’S owners have announced they have bought four new Saudi Arabian clubs.The Public Investment Fund, who control an 80 per cent stake at St James’ Park, have acquired Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
      Newcastle’s owners have acquired four new clubs after buying the Premier League giantsCredit: Reuters
      Newcastle’s owners have bought Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al HilalCredit: PA
      The PIF holds 75 per cent ownership of each team with respective non-profit foundations holding the other 25 per cent.
      The Public Investment Fund tweeted the following statement: “As part of today’s announcement of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, four Saudi clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal – have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by #PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.
      “Existing members of each club will be included in the four foundations.
      “PIF is working closely with @gsaksa_en on all the necessary regulatory procedures to complete the clubs’ transfers to their new structures as newly founded companies alongside non-profit foundations.
      Read More on Newcastle
      “PIF’s ownership in the clubs’ companies represent 75% in each club, while their respective non-profit foundations hold 25% ownership of each club.
      “The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.”
      This comes after Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2003.
      The Toon finished fourth in the Premier League after an impressive season under manager Eddie Howe.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The PIF is expected to back Howe in the upcoming summer transfer window.
      Newcastle have been linked with the likes of Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Leicester’s James Maddison.
      The Magpies are also looking to offer Bruno Guimaraes a £200,000-a-week deal, which will make him the club’s highest-paid star ever, amid interest from Barcelona. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Champions League star Ishak Belfodil, 31, arrested for ‘trying to strangle his 15-year-old sister’ in France

      by

      A FORMER Champions League player has been arrested after allegedly trying to strangle his 15-year-old sister.Police sources said Ishak Belfodil, 31, left his sibling with strangulation marks after an argument.
      Former Champions League player Ishak Belfodil has been arrested last nightCredit: Getty
      He is being accused of allegedly trying to strangle his younger sister, 15Credit: AFP or licensors
      Her injuries did not require treatment but Belfodil was placed in police custody.
      According to information Le Parisien reported on Monday (June 5), the striker was arrested on Sunday night at his parents’ home, in the Paris region, where he was spending a few days.
      According to the French paper, cops were called 6.45pm by Belfodil’s sister, who accused the player of having wanted to strangle her.
      Upon arrival, police found strangulation marks and scratches on her arms.
      Read more sport
      The footballer was then questioned by police at Elancourt.
      However, it is understood the alleged victim has not filed a complaint yet, French Football Weekly and RMC Sport reported.
      The footballer will be interviewed by the investigators and the Versailles prosecutor’s office has 48 hours to decide what to do with this case.
      A forward with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, Belfodil has played 19 times for Algeria, scoring two goals since 2013, after representing France at youth level.
      Most read in Football
      The Franco-Algerian athlete also played for Inter Milan in the 2013/14 season.
      Belfodil came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth training system but frequently changed teams during his career with 12 clubs in 13 years.
      When playing for German team Hoffenheim in 2018, the former forward stunned Man City when he opened the scoring after just 44 seconds.
      Belfodil also notably wore the colours of French club Lyon from 2009 to 2012.
      He later had spells with Parma in Italy, Standard Liege in Belgium, and other German team Hertha Berlin before joining Qatari club Al-Gharafa last year.
      Belfodil played for Italian giant Inter Milan in the 2013/14 seasonCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old was arrested at his parents’ home after cops were called by his sisterCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old (centre) played for German teams Hoffenheim and Hertha BerlinCredit: AP:Associated Press More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans heartbroken after realising there could be huge update to CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage in 2023-24

      by

      FANS have loved the on-screen chemistry between Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards on CBS this season.But Thierry Henry’s rumoured next coaching move may see him swap the studio for the sidelines next term.
      Fans have loved CBS’ coverage of the Champions League this seasonCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      According to reports in France, Julian Nagelsmann is the front runner to take the PSG hotseat.
      And L’Equipe report the young German manager wants Henry as his assistant next season – despite never having worked with him.
      Henry has not coached since departing as Belgium’s assistant boss following the World Cup.
      He has instead spent his time working as a pundit on French television as well as working with the CBS team for Champions League coverage.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      With L’Equipe reporting that talks between PSG and Nagelsmann are at an advanced stage, fans are gutted that the CBS punditry team is set to be broken up.
      An Arsenal fan tweeted: “THIERRY NOOOO WE’RE FINALLY BACK IN THE UCL DON’T YOU DARE LEAVE CBS”
      Another responded to the L’Equipe reports saying: “That means no more Thierry at CBS 😩”
      One fan added: “CBS Sports Golazo won’t be the same without Thierry.”
      Most read in Champions League
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Fans have loved the laid back approach of CBS’ coverage this season which has given Abdo, Carragher, Henry and Richards the space to express themselves on air.
      Ahead of Inter and AC’s Milan derby semi-final second leg, the pundits were left in stitches after a gaff from Abdo saw her say she was reporting for Fox instead of CBS.
      Henry jokingly walked away as Abdo said: “I’m about to get fired.”
      Fans also loved the moment earlier this season when Carragher had to bring Abdo a bottle of water when she fluffed her lines for a preview of a Champions League game.
      Perhaps the highlight of the season came when Carragher left Milan’s Leao baffled with his Italian pronunciation – and Richards in stitches.
      Some fans have already begun talk online about Henry’s CBS replacement, with one suggesting the recently retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the only man that can fill Henry’s boots.
      One fan tweeted in response to Zlatan’s retirement: “CBS should go after him if Thierry Henry takes the job on the PSG coaching staff.” More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Kai Havertz ‘on verge of shock Real Madrid transfer’ in ‘mega-deal’ from Chelsea after Karim Benzema exit

      by

      KAI HAVERTZ is on the verge of signing for Real Madrid in a “mega-deal” from Chelsea, reports in Germany say. The LaLiga giants have lost star striker Karim Benzema, 35, whose Bernabeu exit was revealed by the club.
      Kai Havertz is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AFP
      And Chelsea’s Havertz emerged as a shock contender to replace the Frenchman, who leaves after 14 years in the Spanish capital.
      Now according to Bild, the Germany international can “quickly” become a Real player.
      It is claimed manager Carlo Ancelotti and President Florentino Perez are both admirers of the forward.
      And with Chelsea open to selling Havertz, 23, an agreement with Real is expected to follow.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The playmaker joined Chelsea in 2020 for a then-club record £75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
      And despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final in his first season, he has lacked consistency.
      It leaves the Blues ready to sell Havertz after just three years in West London as they look to clear their squad out this summer.
      Real are also doing so, after ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard, 32, terminated his contract.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      And Benzema’s exit shortly followed while the attacker is linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
      A statement read: “Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.
      “Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends.”
      Karim Benzema is leaving Real MadridCredit: AFP More