Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I had night of my life for Man Utd… then a pregnant woman knocked at my door the next day, reveals ex-star

      by

      DANNY SIMPSON has opened up on the time a woman turned up on his doorstep claiming to be pregnant with his child – hours after he played in the Champions League for Manchester United.After progressing through the club’s academy, Simpson made eight appearances for the Red Devils.
      Danny Simpson (second from right) came through the academy at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Simpson played eight first team games for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      One of those came against Roma in the Champions League in December 2007.
      He played 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw in the group stages, the same season United went on to lift the trophy in Moscow.
      Then, the day after his big night at the Stadio Olimpico, Simpson was told he was going to be a father at the age of 19.
      The claim turned out to be false, and Simpson has now spoken on the effect that period of time had on his life.
      Read More In Football
      The now 36-year-old told the Under The Cosh podcast: “People don’t know this but I don’t mind saying it. I played Roma away in the Champions League, drew 1-1, think [Gerard] Pique scored.
      “Next day, my apartment buzzer has gone. ‘Hello?’ Ah it’s… I won’t say the name, but I was like ‘oh yeah, come in’.
      “This girls turned up at my door, five months pregnant, telling me I’m the dad.
      “So imagine, I’ve just played the Champions League, biggest night of my life, drew 1-1, got [Francesco] Totti’s shirt, come home buzzing, all my mates are buzzing, and then 24 hours later some bird is telling me she’s pregnant.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The outing against Roma ended up being Simpson’s last game for Manchester United.
      While he went on to win the Prem title with Leicester in 2015-16, Simpson described that period of his life at United as “madness”.
      Simpson ended up joining Ipswich on loan in March 2008, before having further loan spells at Blackburn and Newcastle before he left Old Trafford for good in 2010.
      He continued: “When you’re playing you think you can deal with it. I’m a kid [at the time], I’ve got this lawyer saying she wants this house and this and that.
      “Cut a long story short, had the test and obviously it wasn’t mine. It was a mad four to six months. Madness.”
      Simpson revealed he didn’t tell boss Sir Alex Ferguson, but Rio Ferdinand was there “helping” him to get through a difficult period.
      He added: “Rio was helping me with that one. It was mad, when that test came, the results come through, it was mad.
      “I was on tele the night before playing against Roma – one of the best nights of my life, playing for United in the Champions League against Roma and Totti, Ludovic Giuly, I played some top players and I had a good game – and then next day a big bomb [was dropped] on me.”
      Simpson has not played since leaving Bristol City in March 2022. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      RB Leipzig vs Man City LIVE SCORE: Erling Haaland STARTS in Champions League last-16 clash – TV channel, stream

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY get their Champions League campaign back underway with a huge clash at RB Leipzig TONIGHT.City eased through their group to qualify for their last-16 match-up with the German side.
      Pep Guardiola is still searching for his first Champions League trophy with Man City and his first since 2011.
      City have been a inconsistent in the league this season as they find themselves in a title race with Arsenal.

      Kick-off: 8pm
      TV channel: BT Sport 1
      Live stream: BT Sport website and app
      Leipzig XI: Blaswich; Klostermann, Orban, Gvardiol, Halstenberg; Laimer, Schlager; Werner, Szoboszlai, Forsberg; Andre Silva
      Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Erling Haaland inspect Champions League ball in training before Man City’s quarter-final clash with RB Leipzig

      by

      ERLING HAALAND gave the Champions League ball a once over in Manchester City training ahead of Wednesday’s clash with RB Leipzig.City travel to Germany to take on the Bundesliga side, with the second leg scheduled for March 14 back at the Etihad.

      Erling Haaland carefully inspected the new Champions League ball in trainingCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter / @footballdaily
      He appeared to show something on the ball to a Manchester City staff memberCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter / @footballdaily
      Haaland spent some time checking out the ballCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter / @footballdaily
      The new Champions League ball has been a hit with fansCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola and Co haven’t played in the competition since November 2 and, ahead of their return, Haaland took a good long look at the new Champions League ball.
      The 22-year-old goal machine was spotted in City training nonchalantly flicking up a ball before spending some time checking out the new design.
      He moved it around in his hands before walking over to a member of City’s staff and appearing to show it to them.
      After a brief chat he dropped the ball back to the ground and got a feel for it with his feet.
      Read More in Football
      It’s unclear what exactly caught Haaland’s eye, but football fans on social media are certainly fans of the new design.
      Many took to Twitter to heap praise on Adidas for the ball, which will be used in this year’s Champions League final, as well as the knockout rounds.
      One wrote approvingly: “That’s a piece of art for real.”
      And another said: “Now that’s magical.”
      Most read in Champions League
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Haaland himself will be looking to conjure up some magic with the new ball.
      He scored five goals in four games in the Champions League group stages, and will be eager to continue that form in the knockouts.
      Despite their recent success, the Champions League continues to elude City.
      But with Haaland leading the line, City are well fancied to end their European curse this season. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jorginho endears himself to Arsenal fans as ex-Chelsea man hilariously trolls Tottenham with two brutal words

      by

      JORGINHO has endeared himself to Arsenal fans with a cheeky jibe about rivals Tottenham. The former Napoli and Chelsea midfielder was asked about the North London rivalry between the two clubs.
      Jorginho hilariously responded when asked about TottenhamCredit: EPA
      Speaking to DAZN, the 31-year-old replied with two brutal words in reference to Spurs’ Champions League Round of 16 tie versus AC Milan.
      Jorginho replied: “Forza Milan.”
      He added: “The matches with Tottenham are those Arsenal fans look forward to the most. I am sure they will all support Milan.”
      Gunners fans lapped up the remarks, one commented: “I love him.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The Serie A side are ahead 1-0 after the first leg with the return fixture set for March 8.
      Jorginho joined Arsenal in January from Chelsea after their £300million spending spree.
      The Italian had played at Stamford Bridge across five seasons, helping the club win the Champions League and Europa League.
      But Jorginho decided to make the move across London to the Premier League title chasers because he felt he was no longer needed at the Blues.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      He said: “I had spoken to Chelsea and I knew I was no longer part of their plans.
      “Sometimes you must accept when you are out of a project, things come to an end.
      “I wanted to progress in my career and the Arsenal project suits me, I loved their ideas.”
      Jorginho also opened up on the difference between Italian and English football, saying: “There is a difference and you can see it in games.
      “In Premier League, you have to fight until the end, also against the last in the table, every game is tough.”
      Additionally, he went on to praise the recruitment and form of his former side Napoli, who sit top of the Serie A table by 15 points.
      They are also in control of their Champions League clash after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the opening leg. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville brutally trolls Liverpool with one-word putdown after outrageous 5-2 loss at home to Real Madrid

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has poked fun at Liverpool for their defeat to Real Madrid.The Reds were humbled at Anfield on Tuesday night as they let a two goal lead slip as Madrid hit five in the Champions League round of 16 tie.
      Gary Neville trolled Liverpool after their loss to Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The result leaves Liverpool on the brink of elimination from the European competition ahead of the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 15.
      Liverpool fans were put through a wringer of emotions, including Jamie Carragher, whose reactions to the goals were caught on camera.
      And Carra’s TV pal Neville couldn’t resist another dig as he opted to poke a bit of fun at his old foes.
      The United hero tweeted: “Hola 👋.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Meaning hello in Spanish, as a show of support for the LaLiga-based side.
      The tweet saw a lot of reaction from fans, with many Reds suggesting that United will be knocked out of the Europa League this week.
      One commented: “Giving it the big one when your team is playing in a Mickley Mouse cup.”
      A second wrote: “Hi Gary! Just to let you know, United will be out of Europe in 2 days.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      And some United fans were equally worried that Neville may have created some bad karma ahead of the clash at Old Trafford, one tweeted: “Gary! Have you not heard of schadenfreude? Wait til after Thursday night.”
      Another said: “Mate come on. Don’t jinx us.”
      United drew 2-2 with Barcelona at the Nou Camp last week and will be confident of advancing past the LaLiga giants with home advantage. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m going to fail’ – Pep Guardiola fears ‘nothing will be enough’ even if he WINS Champions League with Man City

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has insisted that he will eventually fail as Man City manager.The Spaniard has enjoyed tremendous domestic success since joining the club in 2016, winning multiple Premier League titles.
      Pep Guardiola has suggested that people think the club should have won the Champions League alreadyCredit: AFP
      He has also helped the club to four EFL Cups and one FA Cup, but has not had the same success in European competition.
      Since taking over, City have reached the final of the Champions League once, in 2021, but they were beaten by Chelsea.
      However, three of their exits from the competition have come in the quarter-finals.
      The other two exits came in the semi-finals and the last 16.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      This season, many view City as the favourites to finally win the tournament.
      But Guardiola believes that even if his side does get their hands on the trophy that his time will still be judged as a failure by those outside of the club.
      The former Barcelona boss believes that many think that the Citizens should have won the tournament on more than one occasion since he took charge.
      He said: “People say because we have this name or whatever [City should win it], but I always have the feeling it’s so difficult to do that [win the Champions League].
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “Every season it’s more and more difficult.
      “We want to do our best and get to the quarter-finals but what is going to happen is going to happen.
      “At the end of the day, our destiny is already written.
      “Sometimes we have been close, sometimes not.
      “Whatever I have done personally in the past or in the future, I am going to fail. Nothing will be enough.”
      City face RB Leipzig tonight in Germany for their first leg of the round of 16.
      The Citizens will be without star players Kevin de Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte due to injury.
      Guardiola said: “Losing both [is a blow].
      Read More on The Sun
      “Kevin didn’t feel right after the game against Nottingham Forest and yesterday Ayme didn’t feel good. It happens sometimes.”
      John Stones will also miss the match. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Don’t pass to him’ – How Vinicius Jr has overcome brutal put-down to become one of world’s best

      by

      IT was just over two years ago that Karim Benzema’s critical remarks of Vinicius Jr went viral. With Real Madrid trailing 1-0 to Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League group stages in October 2020, Benzema gathered his team-mates in the tunnel for a private chat.
      Vinicius Jr in full-flight regularly leaves full-backs in a dazeCredit: Rex
      A young Vinicius Jr had plenty of pressure on his shoulders after his £38m move from FlamengoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But his damning words were picked up by cameras and quickly went around the world.
      The Frenchman was seen telling Ferland Mendy: “Don’t play with him. On my mother’s life, he is playing against us.”
      While no player was specifically named, the world quickly realised it was a stinging rebuke young winger Vinicius Jr, then just 20.
      Opta stats later showed Benzema indeed did not make a single pass to the Brazilian in the second-half, with Los Blancos coming back to draw 2-2.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Despite the public humiliation, Vinicius Jr has gone from strength to strength in his incredible career and refused to let that humiliation hold him back.
      Tuesday night’s devastating, two-goal performance against Liverpool was just the latest outstanding showing from the 22-year-old.
      Reds fans will be sick of the sight of him after he also got the winner in last season’s Champions League final, despite Jurgen Klopp’s side being the better team.
      Vinicius Jr’s relationship with Benzema also appears entirely repaired with the pair part of a spell-binding Real Madrid attack that appears able to conjure up goals using willpower alone.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Some eyebrows were raised when the Spanish giants dished out £38m to sign him in 2018 from Flamengo when he was just 16.
      His reputation as the next big thing out of Brazil had led Madrid officials to take the plunge on his signature.
      It proved to be a wise investment and Vinicius Jr has developed into one of world football’s most effective and skilful wingers.
      His speed and ability to dazzle opponents with his footwork and intelligence has seen him clock up goals and assists with ease in LaLiga.
      Liverpool fell apart after Vincius Jr and came to life at Anfield last nightCredit: AFP
      He has also had to show enormous mental resolve as he battles issues off the pitch.
      Vinicius Jr finds himself the repeated target of racist attacks from opposition fans and even some pundits.
      Things took a particular twisted turn earlier this year when Atletico Madrid fans hung an effigy of the player from a bridge.
      Vinicius Jr has lashed out at LaLiga for not doing enough to tackle discrimination.
      He has also been at war with trainer brand Nike over his long-term agreement with them.
      Read More on The Sun
      Away from those issues, the speedy winger will be looking to add to his already bulging portfolio of medals, which includes one Champions League, two LaLiga titles, two Club World Cups and one Super Cup.
      With Real Madrid hunting Barcelona in La Liga and among the favourites in Europe, more silverware could follow to add to the growing legend of Vinicius Jr. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      RB Leipzig’s hilarious two-word response as Man City trio miss Champions League clash

      by

      RB LEIPZIG left football fans in stitches with their response to three of Manchester City’s players being ruled out of their Champions League clash on Wednesday evening.Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Germany to take on the Bundesliga side in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
      John Stones, Kevin de Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte will all miss the clash with RB LeipzigCredit: The Times
      Leipzig responded brilliantly on social media
      And a trio of their biggest names have been left out of their squad for the game.
      Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte have all been deemed unavailable for the midweek tie.
      This was music to the ears of Leipzig supporters as their hopes of causing an upset grew marginally larger.
      And the club’s official Twitter account hilariously reacted to the news.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They responded to a tweet confirming the three players’ absence by saying: “Beer anyone?”.
      Stones came off in the first half of Man City’s FA Cup win over Arsenal last month and has not featured since.

      De Bruyne and Laporte have also been ruled out due to injury and illness.
      Yet despite Guardiola’s selection headache, his team remain the firm favourites to progress through to the quarter-finals.
      Most read in Champions League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Man City reached the 2021 final before being beaten 1-0 by Chelsea.
      They were then eliminated in the last four nine months ago, dramatically losing to Real Madrid 6-5 on aggregate.
      Guardiola is still attempting to win City their first European crown.
      The Spanish boss, 52, has not won the Champions League since he was in charge of Barcelona in 2011.
      Laporte has not been included in Man City’s squad for the Leipzig clashCredit: Getty More