Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Liverpool set to fight it out for Jude Bellingham transfer next summer with Borussia Dortmund demanding £87m

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will go head-to-head with Liverpool to try and sign Jude Bellingham next summer, according to reports. Bellingham, 19, has really caught the eye of many around the world of football with his dazzling displays at Borussia Dortmund really catching the eye.
      Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund’s press conference before their game against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      And this has consequently generated lots of interest in his services from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with a price tag of £87million being set on his head by his club according to AS.
      They report Liverpool will be rivalled by three other Premier League clubs in their bid to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all interested.
      Each club have their own reasons for being interested in Bellingham outside of his obvious qualities.
      Liverpool’s lightweight midfield has already been exposed numerous times this season, and The Reds believe Bellingham would give them a fresh new talent to spruce up their midfield for a generation.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Amid their rebuild under Erik ten Hag, United want to sign a player with a similar profile to Frenkie de Jong – who they failed to sign despite a long-term pursuit throughout the summer.
      They did sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, but Bellingham would serve to upgrade this position as a player who is comfortable playing deeper and upgrade the entirety of United’s midfield.
      City are after a long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan with the 31-year-old’s contract expiring next summer, and only a player of Bellingham’s calibre will be able to replace the German.
      He has been a key component of Pep Guardiola’s City team throughout his time there and proved his worth once again with his late brace against Aston Villa to seal last season’s title on the final day.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      City will get to see him in action up close once again when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tonight.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea are likely to overhaul their midfield next summer, with the ageing N’Golo Kante and Jorginho proving themselves to no longer be either fit enough or capable enough to continue playing at the top level without rest for much longer.
      Bellingham would give Chelsea an energetic option in central midfield, and the way new boss Graham Potter likes to play champions energy across the pitch. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This hurts’ – Chelsea fans all saying the same thing after selling Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala for just £180k

      by

      CHELSEA fans have lambasted the decision of the club to allow teenage sensation Jamal Musiala to leave for just £180,000.Musiala, 19, left Chelsea to join Bayern Munich in 2019 and from there he has blossomed into one of the most exciting talents in world football.
      Jamal Musiala celebrates his man of the match award against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      He starred in Bayern’s 2-0 victory over Barcelona last night, dominating the midfield against the likes of rival prodigy Pedri and veteran Sergio Busquets.
      The attacking midfielder even chipped in with an assist for Leroy Sane’s toe poke to double the advantage.
      But Chelsea fans have retrospectively criticised the club for allowing the sale of yet another Cobham graduate.
      Fans took to social media to vent their frustration.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      High-profile Chelsea fan Frank Khalid said: “This hurts!!!” and paired his post with a screenshot of an ESPN tweet which reminded fans about the sale of the youngster.
      A second user added: “Hurts bad bad,” while a third user said: “Musiala could be playing for Chelsea it hurts so much so so much.”
      Others chose to draw comparisons with Musiala to La Masia products Pedri and Gavi, who themselves are two rising stars of football.
      “Musiala won the Pedri and Gavi debate,” declared one fan.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      His performance also drew praise from Thierry Henry, who told CBS Sports Golazo: “First and foremost, he looks like he is 13 years old. But when he gets the ball at his feet, he’s not scared of anyone.”
      Based on his performance last night and his games throughout this season so far, it’s clear to see why he is so highly rated.

      Against Barcelona he had the most passes in the final third (22), the joint most touches in the opposition box (8) most chances created (5) most poss won in the final third (3), joint most touches in the opposition box (8) and the joint most shots (2).
      He remains Bayern’s top goalscorer after yesterday’s game as well, with six goals to his name, and has also gone level with Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman and Sane for assists this season. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Leroy Sane throws water bottle in rage after he is subbed off against Barcelona despite scoring

      by

      LEROY SANE threw a water bottle in rage after being subbed off against Barcelona – despite scoring in the match. The former Manchester City forward doubled Bayern’s lead on 54 minutes, moments after Lucas Hernandez’s opener.
      Leroy Sane threw a water bottle in rage after being subbed off against Barcelona

      Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann with Leroy SaneCredit: Reuters
      Sane was later replaced by Mathys Tel with ten minutes to go but it drew a furious reaction from the German.
      He chucked a bottle on the ground and then stormed off to the bench.
      It turned out Robert Lewandowski got stage fright at his old palace as he failed to come back and haunt his old side.
      The Pole, who signed for Barca for £43.6m in the summer, missed a string of golden chances against the club he scored a staggering 344 goals for in 375 games.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It was the first time Lewandowski had faced Bayern as an opposition player since he came on for Borussia Dortmund in 2014 before he began his eight year spell in Bavaria.
      Hernandez and Sane showed him how it’s done with two goals in just three minutes in the second-half of the European heavyweight clash. 
      Lewandowski did, in fairness, conjure up the first bright spark, latching onto a loose pass to tee up Pedri, who broke free but was denied by an outstretched Manuel Neuer boot. 
      Thomas Muller joked before the match that Sadio Mane told him not to pass the ball to his old pal Lewandowski. 
      And this time around he picked out Sane with a delicious ball before the ex-City forward’s shot was blocked by Marcos Alonso.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Lewandowski was then left with his head in his hands after missing two clear cut chances.
      He was teed up by Gavi, and took a brilliant first touch before unleashing a volley just over the bar. 
      A super sliding block from Noussair Mazraoui then denied Lewandowski a rifling shot just minutes later. 
      Robert Lewandowski failed to come back and haunt Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jenas lays into ‘sloppy’ Tottenham after Sporting Lisbon collapse and tells players to ‘have a good look at themselves’

      by

      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has ripped into Antonio Conte’s men after their late capitulation against Sporting Lisbon.Spurs shipped two goals at the death away in Portugal as they lost 2-0 in what was their first competitive defeat since Brighton beat them in April.
      Tottenham lost 2-0 away to Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League group stage matchCredit: Getty
      Jermaine Jenas was critical of Spurs following their late collapse in PortugalCredit: AFP
      The North London outfit fell behind in the 90th minute after striker Paulinho headed home after getting on the end of Pedro Goncalves’ corner.
      And Sporting secured a famous victory when debutant Arthur Gomes scored a minute after coming on as he nutmegged Emerson Royal and Hugo Lloris.
      The result means that the Primeira Liga outfit have leapfrogged Spurs at the top of Group D.
      Speaking on BT Sport, Jenas, who scored 26 goals in 202 games for Tottenham between 2005-2013, said: “Sporting deserved it in my opinion.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “There was a stage of the game where neither side really deserved to win but I think Spurs just did not turn up, again, if I’m totally honest. 
      “They spent 65 minutes against Marseille getting away with it and got the result based on a red card in that game.
      “They’ve turned up to Lisbon today and not turned up again.
      “There were too many sloppy performances individually. In fairness to Lloris he was keeping them in the game.
      Most read in football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “So those two late goals for Sporting Lisbon, I thought they thoroughly deserved them in the end.
      “Spurs have got to have a good look at themselves and do better.”
      He continued: “They’re going to be really disappointed and they’ve got to have a look at themselves.
      “Weirdly, the points are on the board in the league, but their performances have been very much like that [tonight]. Very lethargic, they almost look tired in games.”
      Jenas’ former Spurs team-mate Peter Crouch added: “I thought they were too lax and the finishing was a little bit wayward.
      “Some of the touches, I thought it was coming off Harry Kane at times, he was giving the ball away.
      “There were too many performances that weren’t at the level expected in the Champions League and they got punished for it.” More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Antonio Conte mercilessly trolled with memes as Tottenham collapse against Sporting extends poor Champions League record

      by

      ANTONIO CONTE was mercilessly trolled as Tottenham’s last-minute collapse against Sporting Lisbon extended his poor Champions League record. Spurs were beaten 2-0 in Portugal thanks to late goals from super-subs Paulinho and Arthur.
      Antonio Conte was mercilessly trolled with memes as Tottenham’s lost to Sporting LisbonCredit: Getty

      It leaves Conte with only 13 wins in his managerial Champions League career, as well as 12 losses and 11 draws.
      And despite the Italian winning Premier League and Serie A titles, fans called into question his form in Europe.
      It made for some brutal trolling with rival fans making the most of the defeat – which Jermaine Jenas branded “sloppy” – with a string of harsh memes.
      They included likenking him to Donald Trump under the spotlight, and even harled back to his days with slightly less than now.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Tottenham are currently third in the league, behind leaders Arsenal and champions Manchester City.
      But Conte admitted that performing in the Champions League is a whole different story after the loss in Lisbon.
      He said: “The Champions League level is very high.
      “To play in the competition, you have to reduce the mistakes because at the end you can pay and we paid, we paid a lot. 
      Most read in Football
      “Now, instead of a draw, we are talking about a loss against a team used to playing in this competition. It’s a pity.
      “All of the players know the level is an important level and to play in this competition you have to continue to improve yourself. 
      “I think a draw would have been more fair than a defeat, but Sporting were good to take their moment to win the game.”
      Conte added: “When you lose the game you are not happy. The game was imbalanced in the second half. 
      “We could not score and we tried to win the game and then in the last ten minutes we could do much better.”
      Antonio Conte’s poor Champions League record has been extendedCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Please delete’ – Man City fans beg Phil Foden to get haircut as he unveils new look ahead of Dortmund clash

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY fans have jokingly begged for Phil Foden to get a new haircut – hours after he showed off his latest trim.The hometown hero was visited by his barber today ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.
      Phil Foden has shown off his new hairstyleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hd_cutz_london/
      The Manchester City star had his hair trimmed ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clashCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hd_cutz_london/
      City host Dortmund on Wednesday evening at the EtihadCredit: Getty
      And Foden had his shirt number, 47, shaved into the side of his head.
      In an unusual tweak, part of the number four was removed and detached from the No47.
      Fans though have been left less than impressed with City star Foden’s new hairstyle.
      One horrified supporter joked on social media: “Please delete.”
      Read More In Football
      Another said: “Why did the barber let him think this was a good idea?”
      A third wrote: “I don’t know if I’ll even be able to cheer him when he scores a goal anymore at this rate. That’s absolutely shocking.”
      Others though stuck up for the England ace, with one supportive fan writing: “I think it’s cool.”
      The No47 does have sentimental significance to Foden, and is likely to be why he has not changed to a more regular first-team number after establishing himself in Pep Guardiola’s side.
      Most read in Football
      PADDY POWER BETTING OFFER – GET £50 BACK AS CASH
      He has a bond to the number because his grandfather Ronnie, a huge City fan, passed away aged 47, according to the Daily Mail.
      Foden is claimed to have been offered the chance by City to change his number – but he refused as he wanted to keep No47.
      He will once again don the number on the back of his shirt, front of his shorts and this time on the side of his head, when Borussia Dortmund visit the Etihad on Wednesday.
      Foden was on the scoresheet in City’s opening Champions League win – a 4-0 victory over Sevilla last week.
      And he will be hoping his sharp new trim can help him fire City to all three points against Erling Haaland’s former side. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich fans display banner slamming Uefa’s response to the Queen’s death in protest during Barcelona clash

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH fans have expressed their anger at football postponements caused by Queen Elizabeth II’s death by unveiling a banner.Supporters of the Bundesliga giants pleaded for “respect” during their Champions League clash against Barcelona at the Allianz Arena.
      Bayern Munich fans unveiled this banner during their Champions League clash against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Julian Nagelsmann’s side ran out 2-0 winners against the Blaugrana to show why they are one of the competition’s favourites.
      And along with creating a hostile environment for the travelling Barca players, Bayern fans were also making a noise by protesting the impact of Her Majesty’s passing on football.
      British football came to a standstill last weekend as the public mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
      And European games have also been affected, with Rangers’ Champions League match with Napoli at Ibrox having to be pushed back by 24 hours to Wednesday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile Arsenal’s Europa League home tie against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday has been called off due to a shortage of police officers.
      And Bayern supporters have taken it upon themselves to comment on the disruption it is causing fans.
      The Bayern faithful held up a banner behind a goal to issue their support for fellow fans affected by postponements.
      The banner read: “Last minute match delays and bans because of a Royal’s death!? Respect fans!”
      Most read in football
      According to ESPN, Rangers’ delay to face Napoli has been central in Bayern fans’ anger.
      The clash in Glasgow will now have no away supporters, with Rangers fans also not allowed to attend the return fixture in Naples.
      Bayern supporters are known to be vocal on social and political topics related to football.
      In March 2017, they unveiled a banner and covered the Emirates pitch with toilet paper to protest about ticket prices for their trip to Arsenal.
      And they also covered the Anderlecht pitch with fake money a few months later in another protest about how expensive it is to watch matches.
      They did the same when they travelled to Anfield in February 2019 to face Liverpool in a banner which read: “The greed knows no limits.”
      The following month, Bayern were fined after fans displayed a banner criticising VAR in a sign that said: “Modern football kills emotion. F*** VAR! F*** UEFA!” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich 2 Barcelona 0: Lewandowski suffers stinker on return as Sane stunner and Hernandez header secure win

      by

      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI endured a nightmare return to the Allianz Arena as he was shown up by Leroy Sane. The Polish striker made the switch from Bayern Munich to Barcelona this summer after forcing through his exit but looked like he was still playing for his old side as he refused to stick the ball in the Bavarians’ net.
      Robert Lewandowski forgot his shooting boots at his old groundCredit: Getty
      Leroy Sane sealed the win with his superb solo effortCredit: Getty

      Bayern chiefs publicly slammed the Nou Camp side for the mega-money £42.5million transfer amid their horror financial woes.
      And it appeared Julian Nagelsmann pumped a bit of extra fire into his Red Arrows attack as they blew their former team-mate and his Barcelona side away in a sensational second half.
      Barcelona were by far the better side in the first 45 and in reality should have led but simply could not take their chances – Lewandowski twice fluffed his lines on a ground he scored for fun in for eight seasons.
      The first saw a volley fly just over before Noussair Mazraoui denied him blasting home with a last-ditch block.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But Bayern boss Nagelsmann worked his magic at half-time as he became the first manager to win his first three Champions League matches against the Spanish side following two 3-0 wins last season.
      Five minutes after the break, Joshua Kimmich’s enticing inswinging corner was met by the bullet header of Lucas Hernandez.
      The Frenchman was completely unmarked after Marcos Alonso switched off and thumped his effort past the helpless Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
      And within four minutes Sane’s brilliance made it 2-0 in style.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      Jamal Musiala showed neat footwork then slotted a simple-but-effective pass for Sane to run on to.
      The former Manchester City winger took it in his stride and used his lightning pace to burst through the middle of Barcelona’s static defence and tucked into the corner.
      The finish was deft but had just enough on it to trickle over the line as Jules Kounde desperately tried to race back and clear.
      Barca looked lost for ideas but were almost back in the game – only for Pedri’s clever dink to clip against the wrong side of the post.
      But for Lewandowski, it was a night to forget – except for the classy cheers he received from the home fans as he came out for the warm-up while they booed the rest of Xavi’s stars.
      Lewa barely got a sniff from Dayot Upamecano or Hernandez.
      Read More on The Sun
      And his big moment did come, the seven-time Bundesliga golden boot winner dumped a woeful free-kick into the middle of the wall to sum up his game.
      The only slight dampener on another memorable European night for Bayern Munich was Sane storming down the tunnel as he sulked at being brought off for record-breaking teenager Mathys Tel.
      Noussair Mazraoui denied Lewandowski with a fine blockCredit: Alamy
      Lucas Hernandez broke the deadlock when he was left unmarked from a cornerCredit: Getty
      Sane fired into the corner after a lovely pass from Jamal MusialaCredit: Getty
      Hernandez celebrated wildly after his bullet headerCredit: Reuters
      Pedri looked to have pulled one back for Barca but hit the postCredit: AFP More