Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans all say the same thing as Reece James pockets Blues transfer target Rafael Leao in Champions League AGAIN

      by

      CHELSEA fans are all in agreement after watching Reece James pocket AC Milan star Rafael Leao for the second time in a week.The Blues right-back put in a player of the match display at Stamford Bridge and was brilliant again in the reverse fixture at the San Siro on Tuesday.
      Reece James expertly kept Rafael Leao out of both games against ChelseaCredit: AP
      James was forced off in the second-half in worrying scenesCredit: Getty
      That was until he had to be replaced just after the hour mark by Cesar Azpilicueta through injury.
      James jarred his knee and limped off, sparking concerns that he may be sidelined for the World Cup, which gets underway next month.
      But yet again in the Champions League, James was superb in keeping Chelsea transfer target Leao, 23, quiet.
      And Blues fans are now all saying Leao should secure a move to Stamford Bridge after being unable to get the better of James.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      One wrote on Twitter: “Rafael Leao if you can’t beat Reece James just join him man, join him. It’s simple!!”
      Another said: “Leao should come to Chelsea just so he doesn’t have to face James again.”
      And a third added: “If I was Leao I’d join Chelsea just so that I wouldn’t have to play against Reece James anymore.”
      Leao was a summer transfer target for Chelsea as new owner Todd Boehly came in and splashed the cash.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini even confirmed the Blues had made a verbal offer for the winger.
      Boehly and Co are said to be expected to reignite their interest in Portuguese ace Leao when the transfer window reopens in January.
      But reports suggest they could have a battle on their hands to secure his signature.
      Paris Saint-Germain are now believed to have entered the race to sign Leao.
      The French champions see him as a perfect replacement for Lionel Messi, who has been linked with an emotional return to Barcelona. More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Eagle-eyed fans spot Kylian Mbappe message on PSG manager’s notebook hours after striker ‘demanded transfer’

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have spotted an interesting Kylian Mbappe-related message on the back of PSG manager Christophe Galtier’s notepad.The cameras cut to the French coach during his side’s 1-1 draw with Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
      Reports emerged on Tuesday stating Mbappe wants to leave PSGCredit: Getty
      The back of Galtier’s notepad read “Kylian pref (the right)”Credit: GET FRENCH FOOTBALL NEWS TWITTER
      And some keen-eyed viewers watching the match realised that a note on the back read “Kylian pref (the right)”.
      The short message is thought to relate to a social media post Mbappe shared after PSG’s goalless draw with Reims at the weekend.
      He posted a picture of himself with the hashtag “pivot gang” – something Get French Football News say relates to him not wanting to play up front on his own.
      So Galtier’s note appears to relate to Mbappe wanting to be on the flank as oppose to playing through the middle.
      READ MORE IN KYLIAN MBAPPE
      And it comes just hours after reports that the French international wants to leave the Ligue 1 champions in January.
      According to Marca, the relationship between Mbappe and PSG is “completely broken” and there is “no turning back”.
      Journalist Daniel Riolo of RMC said: “He is in a negative spirit to the point that he himself says he will leave PSG in January if there is an opening.
      “But in any case at the end of the season, it’s over. He’s fed up!”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos then came out and denied those reports.
      He told Canal Plus: “I am with Kylian Mbappe every day. He has never talked to me about leaving in January.
      “It’s not a statement from the player, it’s [from the press], and to have such information before a match like this is very serious.
      “That’s why I’m here, to deny and say clearly that Kylian Mbappe has never spoken to me or to the president [Nasser Al-Khelaifi] to leave PSG in January.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Mbappe scored from the penalty spot as PSG took the lead against Benfica on Tuesday evening.
      But Benfica then got a penalty of their own in the second half and Joao Mario tucked it away to earn the Portuguese side a point in the French capital. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter succeeds where predecessors failed as he guides Chelsea to famous Champions League victory over AC Milan

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER is less than a month into his Chelsea reign but he has already achieved what Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel could not – a win in Italy.Chelsea had not won in Italy for 19 years before Potter’s side rocked up at the San Siro.
      Graham Potter guided Chelsea to a famous win at the San SiroCredit: Getty
      Jorginho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were the goalscorers on an historic nightCredit: Getty
      And the Blues had never tasted victory in the famous old ground before tonight.
      But from the moment Fikayo Tomori brought down Mason Mount for a 21st-minute penalty, the result did not look in doubt.
      Jorginho tucked home the spot-kick and Tomori was sent for an early bath, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang adding a second later in the first half.
      Mount was the architect again but credit must go to Potter, who was questioned for resting Aubameyang and a host of other stars in the win over Wolves at the weekend.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Potter arrived at Stamford Bridge with a reputation for playing football that was easy on the eye but Brighton were criticised for lacking killer instinct.
      The same cannot be said of his Chelsea side who were professional throughout and never looked like surrendering their lead with the home side registering just one shot in target.
      They even kept their cool when another former Blue, Olivier Giroud, tried to provoke a reaction out of Reece James immediately after the penalty.
      It is now three wins from four for Potter – a considerable turnaround given Tuchel’s final game was the embarrassing 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb at the beginning of last month.
      Chelsea dominated at the San Siro
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Since then Potter’s side have conceded just two goals and beaten Italian champions Milan twice – by an aggregate scoreline of 5-0.
      That is no mean feat, particularly given Chelsea’s shocking record in Italy.
      Prior to tonight the Blues had gone seven games without a win in the country – last tasting victory against Lazio under Claudio Ranieri in 2001.
      As reigning Champions League champions Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Juventus in Turin in 2012 before crashing out of the group stages.
      Ancelotti took his double-winning side to Inter Milan for a Round of 16 tie in February 2010 and lost 2-1 at the San Siro, having lost the first leg 1-0 at home.
      Even under Italian Conte Chelsea fared no better and were thrashed 3-0 by Roma in October 2017.
      Potter lacks Champions League experience – he had never even been to a game prior to the visit of RB Salzburg – but you would not think it watching his team.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Chelsea bossed possession and completed more than 700 passes and would have had a third goal had Conor Gallagher found the right side of the net after rounding goalkeeper Ciprian Tătăruşanu.
      All in all, a night to remember for Potter and plenty of room for optimism for the West Londoners. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi looks stone-faced as he watches Mbappe net for PSG hours after ‘demanding January transfer’

      by

      LIONEL MESSI looked on stony-faced in the stands as Kylian Mbappe scored for PSG – hours after reportedly demanding to leave.Messi’s smiling and contented demeanour alongside wife Antonella appeared to change dramatically with Mbappe’s penalty opener in Tuesday’s 1-1 Champions League home draw with Benfica.
      Lionel Messi looked on blankly when Kylian Mbappe netted, while wife Antonella Roccuzzo arguably reacted even more harshlyCredit: Getty

      Kylian Mbappe celebrates his penalty but Benfica fought back to draw, leaving PSG waiting to seal a Champions League KO spotCredit: Alamy
      The Argentinian legend sat motionless as he stared forward with glazed eyes and Antonella looked down sternly at her watch.
      It’s claimed PSG are willing to let “fed-up” Mbappe depart in January.
      And Real Madrid were immediately linked with a “secret deal” – which might deter Liverpool from bidding.
      Messi missed the tie with a calf injury as PSG failed to land the win that would have sealed a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
      READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSI
      Mbappe seemingly put the French champions on the way with a confident spot-kick on 39 minutes after Rafa Silva fouled Juan Bernat.
      But midway through the second period Silva was the victim as Marco Verratti impeded him, enabling Joao Mario to level from the spot.
      Meanwhile, Mbappe’s future remains unclear amid conflicting claims.
      He’s said to believe he made a “mistake” in signing a new three-year contract in May.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      But PSG sporting director Luis Campos says Mbappe, 23, has “never talked about leaving” in the next transfer window.
      Many fans on social media, though, are hoping the French World Cup winner leaves – and that Cristiano Ronaldo joins PSG to finally link up with fellow GOAT Messi.
      Messi and wife Antonella looked on happily for much of the gameCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Composed Jorginho nets penalty for Chelsea despite having LASER PEN shone in his eye by AC Milan fans

      by

      CHELSEA midfielder Jorginho tucked away a penalty despite having a LASER PEN shone in his eye before stepping up against AC Milan.The Blues came into the clash at the San Siro just six days after beating the Italian giants 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
      A laser was shone in Jorginho’s face before he stepped up to take the penaltyCredit: PA
      Jorginho still dispatched the spot kick to give Chelsea the leadCredit: Getty
      And they were given the perfect start to the return fixture when Fikayo Tomori was sent off in the 18th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
      The English centre-back brought down Mason Mount inside the penalty area and Milan were punished with a red card and the award of a spot kick.
      Jorginho stepped up to put Chelsea ahead, but just seconds before he took the penalty a laser was shone into his eye by a home fan.
      However, it did not have the desired effect.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      The Italian sent Ciprian Tatarusanu the wrong way to give the visitors an early lead.
      Reacting to the laser being directed at Jorginho, one social media user said: “Jorginho has ice in his veins.”
      While another joked: “That’s not a laser from the crowd, Jorginho has just got laser focus.”
      Jorginho’s penalty gave Chelsea the initiative as they took control with a man advantage.
      Most read in Champions League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      And 11 minutes before half-time Graham Potter’s men were coasting as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled their lead.
      Chelsea then saw out the second half to secure a 2-0 win – making it seven points from four Champions League games.
      Since Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel last month, Chelsea are unbeaten in five matches and have won their last four. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Real Madrid 1 LIVE SCORE: Champions stay top as Rudiger’s late equaliser spares Madrid’s blushes

      by

      A LAST-GASP header by Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger rescued a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk after the Ukrainian side had taken the lead in the Champions League on Tuesday.Shakhtar went ahead one minute into the second half in Warsaw when Bogdan Mykhaylichenko found Oleksandr Zubkov unmarked in Real’s box and the midfielder nodded home into the bottom right corner.
      Antonio Rudiger equalised for defending champions Real MadridCredit: AP
      However, Rudiger levelled five minutes into stoppage time by taking advantage of a neat pass from midfielder Toni Kroos to deny Shakhtar a famous victory.
      The draw did at least stop Real from immediately advancing to the knockout stage, although Carlo Ancelotti’s men can secure their spot in their next group game at RB Leipzig on Oct. 25.
      Real hold a four-point lead in Group F over second-placed Leipzig, who won 2-0 at Celtic.
      Shakhtar slipped one place down to third, on five points.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      See how the match happened below…

      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ratings: Mount at his peak as he torments pal Tomori but Sterling struggles to make meaningful impact vs Milan

      by

      CHELSEA made it four wins in a row under Graham Potter with a comfortable evening at the San Siro.The Blues were helped by ex-defender Fikayo Tomori got himself sent off for tugging Mason Mount down as last man.
      Chelsea were all smiles on a comfortable night at the San SiroCredit: Getty
      Jorginho made no mistake from the spot and then Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added another on 34 minutes as the Blues jumped from bottom to top of Group E within a week.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Potter’s men…
      Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
      A routine evening for the Spanish goalkeeper, who made it three clean sheets in a row and now appears to be Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
      Trevoh Chalobah – 6
      After a near-faultless display, a slip threatened to let AC Milan in but recovered well to win the ball back.

      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Thiago Silva – 6
      His 100th Champions League appearance – and certainly one of his easier ones on his return to this iconic stadium.
      Kalidou Koulibaly – 6
      Almost got caught out at the back post when Sergino Dest had space – but the Senegal star may have just done enough to put the American off as he blazed off target.
      Reece James – 7
      Seemed to be looking at his brilliant best as he got up and down the right wing.
      But his evening was cut short after a collision with Theo Hernandez and hobbled off as a major injury concern with the World Cup six weeks away.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Mateo Kovacic – 6
      A return to the midfield duo that served Thomas Tuchel so well – and it did the business once again as they dictated the game.
      Jorginho – 6
      Added to his penalty at Everton on the opening day with another one here, in trademark fashion – despite the best efforts of an AC Milan fan and their laser.
      Ben Chilwell – 4
      Genuinely didn’t notice he was playing, honestly. Very ineffective.
      Jorginho and Kalidou Koulibaly enjoyed their return to ItalyCredit: AFP
      Mason Mount was the pick of the players and starred for 45 minutesCredit: AFP
      Mason Mount – 8
      Mount is proving himself under yet another manager and was at the peak of his powers in 45 stunning San Siro minutes.
      He lured Chelsea academy pal Tomori into dragging him down for the penalty then played an inch-perfect left-foot first-time pass for the second.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7
      Back-to-back Champions League goals for the first time since 2017 with Borussia Dortmund, and took his finish perfectly.
      Looks full of confidence as he leads the line – evidenced by his front-flip celebration.
      Raheem Sterling – 4
      Offered very little in his hour on the field and was rightly taken off – plus was booked.
      Could feel hard done by as Mount’s pass was probably meant for him… before Auba ran through and scored.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrated against his former employersCredit: Getty
      Raheem Sterling didn’t manage to make much of an impactCredit: Getty
      SUBS
      Conor Gallagher – 6 (for Mount, HT)
      Looked busy and put himself about, trying to replicate Mount’s creativity. Picked up a late yellow.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 5 (for James, 62 mins)
      Slotted in comfortably to replace the crocked James.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6 (for Sterling, 62 mins)
      Almost slipped Aubameyang in for a third before Dest tackled.
      Kai Havertz – 5 (for Aubameyang, 79 mins)
      Touch let him down when ball came over the top and he was in. Accidentally blocked a team-mates shot for the last kick of the game.
      Marc Cucurella – N/A (for Chilwell, 90 mins)
      Came on for the last few minutes to see out the win. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      AC Milan 0 Chelsea 2: Old boy Tomori’s red card helps Blues to comfortable win as Potter extends unbeaten run

      by

      NEW CHELSEA kicked off with the old boys and left Italy battered and bruised but with a memorable win.Any hope of friendship and goodwill between former team-mates went out of the window with Fikayo Tomori’s sending off after 18 minutes.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged his third goal in five gamesCredit: Reuters
      Mason Mount was back at his best and played a big role in both goalsCredit: Getty
      Ex-Blue Fikayo Tomori was sent off in the first halfCredit: EPA
      The one-time Chelsea academy graduate received a straight red for pulling down Mason Mount as he lost a sprint finish into the penalty box against one of his best pals in the game.
      Milan were furious with the decision and after taking out their anger on German ref Daniel Siebert, turned on Chelsea.
      Ex-Blues striker Olivier Giroud squared up to Mount, who got back up in the formidable shape of Reece James, a young man it’s best to stay on the right side of, even if you are a 6ft 4in battle-hardened Frenchman.
      James and Giroud were booked but the tone was set for a game which turned boys into men.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Ultimately a fourth win on the trot for new Chelsea boss Graham Potter and the club’s first at this magnificent stadium in northern Italy in the face of a ferocious atmosphere and a sell-out crowd.
      The performance should not be underestimated even though Milan were down to ten men for 72 minutes against a team which is suddenly mean, lean and now a decent fighting machine.
      Stand-in skipper Jorginho refused to be blinded by the laser pens being shone into his face and calmly pumped home the spot kick with a customary little skip in the run up to set his team on the way.
      Tomori and Mount spent more than 15 years representing Chelsea together in one shape or another. Their friendship should survive but may be tested for a time as a result of a game-changing incident.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Milan will argue that after Tomori withdrew his arm from Mount’s shoulder as they challenged for the ball, the Chelsea player took another two strides before hitting the deck.
      But there is no doubt Mount was clean through on goal and winning their two-horse race in the box. Dangerous territory for a defender to start clawing at a fast receding opponent.
      Maybe frustration got the better of Tomori. Having been sold by Chelsea last year he has been determined to prove a point to his old club and to England boss Gareth Southgate, having been overlooked in the recent round of internationals.
      Last week’s 3-0 Champions League hiding at Stamford Bridge was not his best night either. The quietly-spoken Canada-born centre-half admitted being ‘very angry’ at the performance.
      But where it all got too much for Tomori, Chelsea stayed mostly cool and slowly turned the screw with numerical advantage for more than 70 minutes on a big pitch in a vast stadium.
      Tomori was better off out of it as his new team fell apart under the weight of pressure and as tempers frayed.
      Raheem Sterling was booked for a follow through with his knee on Rade Krunic. James was lucky to get off scot free with a clumsy lunge at Hernandez from the side.
      Mount would play a key role in this hard-fought win as he first won a free kick as compensation for a slap in the face in the centre circle.
      From the dead ball, Chelsea worked their magic and a move of more than a dozen passes climaxed with him prodding the ball into the box with both Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bursting through the defence.
      Striker Aubameyang, back in the team after being rested at the weekend through sheer workload, overtook his shorter-legged team-mate and blasted the ball home at the near post with a ruthless finish. He was not letting his friend have that one.
      Aubameyang now has three goals in his last four games and Chelsea have conceded only one goal in that spell to emphasise the growing confidence under Potter.
      Even with six changes to the team that thumped Wolves 3-0 on Saturday, it was impossible to see the join.
      Potter rested key men like Aubameyang, Mateo Kovacic, James and Sterling. All reinstated tonight. He was never afforded the luxury of such riches at former club Brighton.
      What made it even more frustrating for Chelsea’s old boys in the Milan line up is that they had their chances to threaten.
      Giroud in particular rightly put his head in his hands when he missed a glaring chance to equalise on 27 minutes.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He was unmarked seven yards out but headed wide the kind of opportunity he used to gobble up in Europe during his three and a half years at Stamford Bridge.
      In the past week, Chelsea have stuck five goals past the Serie A champions without reply. Potter has a reputation for attacking football, the Italians for resolute defending. There were several lessons learned in Milan. More