Champions League

CBS Sports pundit Jamie Carragher begged Thierry Henry for help live on air – after struggling to pronounce George Ilenikhena’s name.The Liverpool legend needed all the help he could get during Thursday’s Champions League broadcast. Jamie Carragher joined Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards on CBS Sports on ThursdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoThe former England defender had trouble saying George Ilenikhena’s nameCredit: CBS SportsHis colleague Thierry Henry tried to help him out with the pronunciationCredit: CBS SportsBut Carragher butchered his attempt, leaving the Arsenal legend in stitchesCredit: CBS SportsIlenikhena bagged the winner for Monaco as they stunned Barcelona in their clash at Stade Louis II.The 18-year-old forward netted his first goal for the club to give the Ligue 1 side a famous 2-1 victory. Carragher joined Henry, host Kate Scott, and colleague Micah Richards to review the game. Seemingly aware of his past challenges pronouncing names, Carragher jokingly said: “I think it’s only right that I [analyse] the winning goal.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Scott asked why, Carra laughed in response: “Have you seen his name?”Henry attempted to help Carragher with his linguistic issues with the help of a “little song.”But Carragher couldn’t get past the first syllable of Ilenikhena, prompting the French legend to slam his head onto the table in laughter.The former Three Lions defender eventually got his pronunciation on point thanks to Henry’s input.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it’s not the first time Carragher has been stumped by a language barrier during a live broadcast. Back in April, Richards was left crying with laughter as the Kop legend struggled to interview AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.Watch Micah Richards cry ‘like never before’ at Jamie Carragher’s broken conversation with AC Milan starCarragher asked the Portuguese star: “When you see the games tomorrow, obviously the big rival of yours, Inter Milan are in the other semi-final, would you like that? A big semi-final with your biggest rival?”A baffled Leao, scratching at his earpiece, replied: “I didn’t understand can you, repeat please?”Carragher went back in again, only for the segment to fall apart with Leao unable to understand the question.In a separate awkward moment last season, Abdo was forced to apologise to Fikayo Tomori after Carragher and Richards both pronounced his name incorrectly throughout an interview. Monaco’s George Ilenikhena celebrates after his winner against Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: ReutersIt’s been a busy week on CBS Sports, with host Abdo revealing she has officially changed her name.The 43-year-old host married former boxer Malik Scott over the summer.She told her colleagues, to cheers: “Abdo – it has to go.”Allow me to reintroduce myself. We’re going to do this. S-C-O-T-T. Kate Scott.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarragher couldn’t resist making an awkward joke following the on-air announcement. After Henry had shared a hug with Scott to congratulate her, Carra quipped: “Malik’s not here, is he?” More

ARSENAL began their new-look Champions League campaign with more David Raya heroics. The defences won out in the first half, with just one save of note from a Bukayo Saka free-kick.David Raya kept his clean sheet with a piece of genius goalkeepingCredit: GettyBut within three minutes of the restart – and then a lengthy VAR check – Atalanta had a penalty.Raya, though, spared Thomas Partey’s blushes with a truly extraordinary double save.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw. Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour. William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRetegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday. Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionStarting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances. Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season. Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”. But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics. Thomas Partey gave away the penalty just after half-timeCredit: RexDavid Raya produced a stunning double save from the penalty and reboundCredit: RexBen White was up against Ademola LookmanCredit: GettyDeclan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards. Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle. Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save. Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday. Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area. Withdrawn before the hour mark. Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over. Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. Bukayo Saka went close with a drilled free-kickCredit: PAKai Havertz played deeper in midfieldCredit: GettyMarco Carnesecchi made the save then thwarted Partey’s follow-up effortCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus struggled to get involved at the business end of pitchCredit: ReutersSUBSLeandro Trossard (for Jesus, 58 mins) – 5Plenty of energy from the Belgian. Jorginho (for Partey, 58 mins) – 5Headed on for Partey before the hour mark – presumably knowing a strong showing could get him a starting spot at the Etihad. READ MORE SUN STORIESRaheem Sterling (for Saka, 73 mins) – 6Became first player ever to represent four English clubs in the Champions League and immediately set up Martinelli. Riccardo Calafiori (for Timber, 73 mins) – 6Helped ensure Arsenal kept the clean sheet – crucial minutes with his new team-mates. Arsenal went to Italy to face the Europa League championsCredit: Reuters More

DAVID RAYA pulled off a truly miraculous double save to prevent Arsenal from falling behind to Atalanta.The goalkeeper first saved a penalty down to his right to deny Mateo Retegui.David Raya pulled off an incredible double saveFirst the goalkeeper dived to his right to stop Mateo Retegui’s penaltyCredit: RexThen he got back up to claw out the reboundCredit: RexRaya discussed tactics with a coach before the spot-kick was takenCredit: GettyThe ball then popped back up perfectly for the striker to tap in with his head.But Raya had other ideas and reacted brilliantly to scramble across and claw away the ball just centimetres from the goal line.The double save left the commentators gobsmacked with Robbie Savage describing it as “one of the best saves I’ve ever seen”.Mikel Arteta was also left in awe by the stop, saying: “It was probably the best save in my career, both the penalty and the second action from David.”Raya had a helping hand with his effort as he went over to the touchline to discuss tactics with Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Pena before the spot-kick was taken.The Arsenal No1 had time to consult his coach, who was celebrating his 49th birthday, as the referee waited for a VAR check to be completed.Raya said of that chat and his save: “I was lucky to go to the right way and save it.”I was unlucky to get the rebound straight to him but I was just quick enough to get up and save the rebound.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City.”It’s fantastic to be able to keep a clean sheet and help the team to at least get a point.”I took the decision to go to the sideline because it took a long time to decide if it was a pen.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis seized at airport”I went to speak with the goalie coach to work out which way to go and what to do. He helped me a lot in every aspect so credit to him as well that he does all the work with everything, so credit to him with the save.”Atalanta were awarded a penalty as referee Clement Turpin judged Thomas Partey had fouled Ederson.It was probably the best save in my career, both the penalty and the second action from David.Mikel ArtetaA VAR review confirmed the Gunners midfielder clipped the Brazilian and a penalty was awarded despite a foul first taking place outside the box before continuing into the penalty area.But Raya came to the rescue to keep the score goalless and protect his clean sheet.And his save ended up being crucial as Arsenal held onto a 0-0 draw to open their Champions League campaign.The keeper has been in terrific form this season, conceding just one goal in four games. More

VICTOR BONIFACE turned on the style during Bayer Leverkusen’s crushing win over Feyenoord.The Nigerian star pulled off an outrageous double nutmeg and no-look pass in the build-up to Leverkusen’s second goal.Leverkusen star Victor Boniface nutmegged two Feyenoord players in successionCredit: ReutersThe Nigerian then showed off a stunning no-look pass to set up the German’s second goalCredit: TNT SportsBoniface stunned fans by executing a playground move made famous by French legend Thierry Henry.The 23-year-old received the ball to feet 30 yards from the Feyenoord goal with Leverkusen already leading 1-0. He trapped the pass with his instep before nutmegging both defenders who tried to prevent the break. Boniface shaped to shoot with his right foot, but instead passed the ball out to the wing with his left in a short, sharp motion. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA signature trick of Henry’s, the audacious move was perfectly executed perfectly by the Nigerian striker. Jeremie Frimpong received the pass from Boniface before slinging an inch-perfect cross to the far post. Alejandro Grimaldo was on hand to smash home to complete a stunning goal from the German champions.One fan gasped on X: “If he did that in training, people would be going mad!”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Victor Boniface has just executed the Thierry Henry fake-shot pass to perfection. Outrageous.”While a third added with a stunned emoji: “Stop it Boniface!!!! The Thierry Henry pass!!”As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonAnd a fourth simply gawped: “Boniface can ball.”Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen were in stunning form as they toyed with Feyenoord at De Kuip.They led 4-0 at half time, with Florian Wirtz bagging a brace and Feyenoord stopper Timon Wellenreuther putting through his own goal. The Dutch side tightened up in the second period, with Leverkusen happy to see out the game.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.Leverkusen will now head back to Germany to play AC Milan in Gameweek 2.Feyenoord travel next to Spain to take on Girona, the La Liga surprise package playing in their first-ever Champions League campaign. More