Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City 2-1 Dortmund LIVE RESULT: Foden nets last gasp winner after Bellingham goal is bizarrely ruled out

      by

      MAN CITY have beaten Borussia Dortmund but the Germans have every right to feel aggrieved.Jude Bellingham was bizarrely adjudged to have fouled Ederson when he dispossessed the Brazilian and fired into an empty net.
      And VAR was unable to review the decision as referee Ovidiu Hategan blew his whistle before the goal was scored.
      Early on, Kevin de Bruyne struck early to give City the lead but Marco Reus thought he had earned Borussia a crucial draw.
      However, Phil Foden’s goal in stoppage time has given Pep Guardiola’s men the advantage.
      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us this evening.
      Here’s some bedtime reading, our match report, courtesy of Martin Blackburn.
      HEY JUDE
      Speaking on BT Sport, 17-year-old Jude Bellingham seemed wise beyond his years both on and off the field.
      The youngster said: “We frustrated them well when they had the ball, I think they found us hard to break down- it was a great finish from us.
      “”We’re disappointed to have conceded so late, but we played well.
      “I’m knackered now! They really are a brilliant team.”
      Speaking about his goal that wasn’t given, Bellingham added: “I feel I won the ball fairly and it’s unfair that with all the cameras
      “But it’s football, it’s life. We have to get on with it.
      “All I got told was I was booked and they got a freekick- I felt it should have been checked.”
      PEP TALK
      Speaking at full-time, Pep Guardiola said: “It’s better to have a won than to draw- but we had 90 minutes to do it. 
      “We need to go there to win the game after this.
      “We were not clever with the ball in the first half, the second half was much better and we had plenty of chances to get our second goal.
      “We need to make a good build up to score, but today that was not good.
      “It’s normal, as Dortmund were strong and good quality- their players have pace and real quality up front. “We are going to watch the game, now we know what they do, and we’ll go to Germany to win.
      “We’ve won the last 27 out of 28 and then we need to play Leeds before going to Germany to beat them.”
      STAT ATTACK
      City took the lead in the dying minutes, but managed five shots on target this evening, compared to Dortmund’s three.
      Guardiola’s side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and crossed five times more balls into the box that Dortmund.

      DE BRUYNE SPEAKS
      Speaking on BT Sport, City’s captain said: “We knew the way they would play- they play well with the ball and they caused us some problems.
      “I think we created good chances in the second half, we probably should have scored more.
      “But when they drew 1-1 our reaction to that was good.
      “It’s a shame to get the goal, but it happens and our reaction was good- we have to prepare for Saturday.”On how his team will recover for their fixture with Leeds before their second leg against Dortmund, he added: “I think with the way this season’s been, we’ve had no mid-week off, it’s been an incredible run of games.
      “The team have responded incredibly well this year, we are privileged that we can compete for every trophy.”
      SHOW STOPPPER
      You really can’t think it’s a job done when playing City.
      17 – Since their first season in the Champions League in 2011-12, no team has scored more 90th minute goals than Manchester City (17, level with Real Madrid). Show.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2021

      NOT OVER YET
      It was all level until City delivered this…
      KDB ➡️ Gundogan ➡️ FodenA ice-cold finish from Phil Foden in the 90th minute to put Man City ahead going into the second leg…Great vision from De Bruyne yet again! 🤤 pic.twitter.com/zlbXWB9cGF— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 6, 2021

      FT: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 

      MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 
      92. Dortmund are kicking themselves after pulling themselves back into the game.
      De Bruyne’s peach of a pass seemed almost impossible to defend.
      MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 
      90. Three extra minutes at the Etihad.
      There’s been plenty of drama, are we going to see any more?
      MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 
      89. De Bruyne sends another incredible pass from the right wing to the left post to Gundogan.
      A touch from Gundogan with his left foot brings it under control for Foden who’s then able to tap it home into the far corner.
      It’s his fifth Champions League goal.
      GOOOOOAL
      CITY BRING IT HOME
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      Calm finish from Reus in what was his first goal in 16 Champions League games.
      How will City respond?

        MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      82. Bellingham picks out Haaland at the top of the box but he bats it on with his first touch to pick out Reus on the left of the box.
      Dortmund’s captain slots it to the bottom right-hand corner, far enough away from Ederson’s finger tips to bring the score line level.
      They’ve deserved a goal this evening, but I thought this would come earlier, they’ve looked tired in the last few minutes.
      GOOOOOAL
      IT’S ONE APIECE!!
       MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      83. A ball over the top destined for Haaland bounces a little too far in front of him.
      The Norwegian is left scrambling to beat Ederson to it, but the keeper manages to bat it away.
      MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      81. Double substitution for Dortmund.
      A like for like switch as Meunier is on for Morey and Dahoud is replaced by Delaney.   
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      80. Foden with more electric pace breaks into the box on the left, he dances around several yellow shirts but he drags his shot wide.
      Pep puts his head in his hands – it really looked as though he’d wrap the game up there.

        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      78. Emre Can’s had a tough evening in midfield, he’s given away so many balls.
      Dortmund can’t afford to let their concentration levels drop.
      He may well be the next change for Dortmund.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      77. De Bruyne real is showing off his ability to pick a pass.
      He, effortlessly, picks apart an entire defence with them.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      Foden has been demonstrating his impressive speed down the left wing.
      Although, it appears his team-mates can’t keep up, as three of his balls into the box have had no blue shirt to meet.

        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      73. Cancelo flicks the ball on to Jesus on the left wing, but Jesus can’t bring the ball under control with his first touch.
      Throwin to Dortmund, deep within their half.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      72. Foden appears in a confident mood as he cuts Dortmund’s defence apart.
      His final pass across the box, however, is blocked.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      71. Hummels launches the ball up towards Haaland from deep within his own half.
      But even the young Norweigan can’t reach it, Ederson comes out to gather.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic in Chelsea squad for Porto showdown in huge injury boost for Thomas Tuchel

      by

      CHELSEA have been given a huge boost with N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic named in the squad for Wednesday night’s clash at Porto.Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed both players are fit to travel for the Champions League quarter-final first-leg.
      N’Golo Kante is fit enough for the Chelsea bench after a minor knock on France dutyCredit: AFP
      Christian Pulisic is fit following a scare during last weekend’s defeat against West BromCredit: EPA
      Kante missed the 5-2 thumping at home to West Brom with a muscular injury, while Pulisic was taken off at half-time with a hamstring issue.
      But both are ready for action, with Tammy Abraham also returning after an eight-game absence with a foot injury.
      Tuchel confirmed: “They are fit enough to be in the squad and will be in the squad so this is good news.
      “Christian went out right before the injury could happen.
      “He said at half-time he felt if he continued it would be an injury coming so we had to take him off.
      “Tammy is in the squad and [Kante] just did the last test and will be on the bench.
      “He feels very comfortable and comfortable enough to be on the bench.
      A thrilled Tuchel added: “I’m super happy because today is the first time everybody is back in training so this is what you want.
      GRAND NATIONAL: GET £140 IN FREE BETS FOR FESTIVAL AT AINTREE

      “We will have some major decisions to take and I have the feeling that we’re absolutely ready for [Wednesday’s] game.”
      Chelsea will take on Porto at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with the game moved from Portugal due to coronavirus restrictions.
      And Tuchel has admitted Olivier Giroud could play a part in the game against Porto having scored FOUR at the same stadium against Sevilla in the group stages.
      Tuchel added: “He’s in the running and in the squad.
      “He’s absolutely excited to return to Sevilla and play there so it gives him a good feeling.
      “He’s been very strong for us in the Champions League and he has history in Sevilla scoring many goals in this campaign.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Porto vs Chelsea – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City announce £126m losses amid coronavirus pandemic – backing up Pep Guardiola’s transfer fears over Haaland

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have announced losses of £126million for the 2019-20 due to the Covid pandemic – as boss Pep Guardiola explains why they have never spent a nine-figure sum on one player.With Guardiola refusing to be drawn on his interest in £100m-rated Borussia Dortmund goal sensation Erling Haaland, the Premier League leaders also revealed revenue for the period until June 30 was down 11 per cent to £478.4m.
      Etihad chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak insists Man City’s finances are still ‘fundamentally strong’Credit: PA:Press Association
      Man City would surely have to obliterate their transfer record to sign Dortmund strike sensation Erling Haaland this summerCredit: Getty
      City’s finances were hit as revenues from last season’s Champions League, Prem and FA Cup matches held after that date were not included.
      Leroy Sane’s move to Bayern Munich – which could be worth £54.8 million to City – also went through just after the cut off.
      But the club lost out on ticket and stadium revenues towards the end of last season, refunds were handed out to season ticket holders and broadcast revenues were cut.
      However the Etihad giants are confident they will return to profit in the current financial year.
      Guardiola has cautiously defended City’s absence from the really big-buyers, with £63.6m their record for Rodri from Atletico Madrid in June 2019.
      He said: “The fact we have not spent, for one player, a lot of money, gives you advantage.
      “Football is a team game, everyone makes his contribution. It’s not just one player, it’s for absolutely everyone.
      “So far the club has decided not to spend close to £100million for a player, or more than £100million on a player.

      “Maybe in the future it is going to happen if they decide it is necessary to improve the team for the next five, 10 years, for many reasons.
      “But so far the club, the organisation, the CEO, the sporting director decided not to do it and that’s why they didn’t do it.”
      Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak insists City’s are still in a healthy financial health.
      He said of their losses: “Like most organisations, we did not have a business strategy for a global pandemic.
      “But what we had – and still have is a business that is fundamentally strong.
      “It has been built carefully over a decade and upon more than a century of history.
      “Our long-term approach means that we are now not wholly dependent on income streams that have been most vulnerable to the ongoing impact of Covid 19.
      A better financial picture of the Covid years will be provided when the two seasons are combined and normalised.Etihad chief executive Ferran Soriano
      “Our expectation is that we will return to profitablility in the 2020-1 financial year.”
      Chief executive Ferran Soriano said: “Clearly the accounts in isolation are not the best representation of the reality of the season.
      “There was delayed player trading and numerous games played after June 30 – the revenues of which will be accounted for in 2020-1.
      “A better financial picture of the Covid years will be provided then – when the two seasons are combined and normalised.”
      City made a £10million profit in the previous 12 months and the club’s latest results are a stark reminder of the effect the Coronavirus has had on football.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Premier League chief exec Richard Masters warned that clubs in their competition could lose £2 billion due to the pandemic.
      UEFA have said they will loosen their financial fair play rules and that Covid related losses will not be counted.
      City – who had a two year European overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in July – are confident they will be within the guidelines.
      Erling Haaland and Phil Foden chat after whistle as Man City eye transfer swoop for Dortmund sensation More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Why isn’t Real Madrid vs Liverpool at the Bernabeu and where is Champions League match being played?

      by

      REAL MADRID are taking on Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, but it won’t be at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos haven’t played a single game at the Bernabeu this season, but have instead found a temporary home elsewhere in Madrid.
      Real Madrid haven’t played a single game at the Bernabeu this seasonCredit: AP
      Why isn’t Real Madrid vs Liverpool at the Bernabeu?
      Real Madrid haven’t been playing at the Bernabeu this season because of an extensive renovation project which is underway at the historic stadium.
      Real president Florentino Perez had always planned for the stadium to be renovated, but the coronavirus pandemic brought forward those plans.
      The Bernabeu will have a different, more modern appearance, when it reopens in the summer of 2022.
      It could however, be finished sooner, as work began three months earlier than scheduled.

      Perez said: “Our future naturally involves a new Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a reference of the 21st century.
      “A modern, avant-garde stadium, with maximum comfort and safety, with state-of-the-art technology, where fans can experience unique sensations and also be a new and important source of income for the club.”
      The new stadium will have a completely new exterior, fitted with a retractable roof.
      An underground car park will also be an extra added feature.
      Where is Real Madrid vs Liverpool being played?
      Real Madrid have played all of their home matches at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this season.
      And they will do the same against Liverpool, who they play on Tuesday, April 6.
      The Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium is where Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, play their home clashes.
      Real Madrid have played their home games at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this seasonCredit: Getty
      The stadium allows for up to 6,000 fans, a far cry from the 80,000 which can fill the Bernabeu.
      But due to the coronavirus, Real have played all their games this season without the presence of fans.
      Once fans do return, however, there’s the possibility that Real will share rivals Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano until the Bernabeu is finished. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea could line up at Porto with Thiago Silva set to remain in defence despite West Brom red card horror show

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL faces a nasty back ache for Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final with Porto – after Thiago Silva saw red in the manager’s first defeat with the Blues.Central-defender Silva could retain his place despite the Brazilian’s early dismissal sparking West Brom’s dominant 5-2 Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

      Thiago Silva has been backed to keep his place in a three-man Chelsea defence, behind what could be a four-strong midfield against PortoCredit: 3

      And Tuchel is tipped to recall England duo Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount for Wednesday’s first leg in Sevilla, where the return clash with the Portuguese champs will also be played.
      With Edouard Mendy now established as first-choice keeper, Tuchel’s main selection issues could be in defence – following his first loss in 15 matches since succeeding Frank Lampard as boss in January.
      Cesar Azpilicueta seems a certain starter on the right, with Silva and much-improved Kurt Zouma hoping to retain their spots in a three-man backline.
      But Tuchel will think carefully – after Chelsea suffered their worst ever home Prem defeat over the weekend.
      Saturday was also the first time the Blues have conceded five at Stamford Bridge since Arsenal triumphed 5-3 in October 2011.
      Reece James, normally a wing-back, is favourite to remain on the right of a four-man midfield, although fellow England starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi, more of a natural winger, hopes to get the nod.
      Midfield anchorman N’Golo Kante is back in a full-strength 23-man squad after a hamstring injury.
      But for now Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are likely to keep their central places ahead of the French World Cup winner.

      GRAND NATIONAL: GET £140 IN FREE BETS FOR FESTIVAL AT AINTREE

      Meanwhile, Chilwell might just displace Marcus Alonso on the left of midfield, as Tuchel balances keeping his team fresh with retaining stability with a like-for-like swap.
      Reliable playmaker Mount should return, having been a scoring sub in Saturday’s debacle after Tuchel gave him a 45-minute rest following his busy week with England.
      Hakim Ziyech is regarded as Mount’s most likely partner in a Chelsea pair sitting behind the main striker, who is expected to be Euro specialist Olivier Giroud rather than Timo Werner.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ben Chilwell ‘punches’ Kurt Zouma to make light of Kepa vs Rudiger ‘fight More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City vs Dortmund FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for huge Champions League quarter-final

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY come up against Borussia Dortmund in their first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. City have been one of the best teams in the competition this season while Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has arguably been the best player, and both will be looking to do some damage.
      Erilng Haaland has been rampant this season in the Champions League for DortmundCredit: Getty
      What time does Man City vs Dortmund kick-off?

      Man City’s big clash with Dortmund will get underway from 8pm UK time on Tuesday, April 6.
      The game will take place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
      There will be no fans in the stadium because of the coronavirus restrictions on the UK.

      What channel is Man City vs Dortmund on and can I live stream it?

      City’s quarter-final clash with Dortmund will be shown live on BT Sport 3 and BT Sport Extra.
      The game is available for live streaming from the BT Sport app, which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch for FREE?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

      Team news
      City have a fully-fit squad ready and raring to go for their big clash with Dortmund.
      But they could be without Joao Cancelo or Fernandinho in the second if either pick up a booking against the German side on Tuesday evening.
      Guardiola is likely to want to get Gundogan in midfield from the off, with Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling expected to start too.
      For Dortmund, Jadon Sancho will be missing through injury, scuppering any chances of returning against his old side.
      Erling Haaland will start but is also one booking away from a one-game suspension.
      Odds

      Man City – 1/3
      Draw – 4/1
      Dortmund – 15/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid star Raphael Varane tests positive for coronavirus hours before Liverpool clash in Champions League

      by

      RAPHAEL VARANE has tested positive for coronavirus hours before Real Madrid face Liverpool.The Los Blancos players were checked on Tuesday morning ahead of tonight’s clash.
      Raphael Varane will miss the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool with coronavirusCredit: Getty
      And the club confirmed in a statement the result for their Frenchman.
      Varane – a transfer target for Manchester United – was named in Real Madrid’s 21-man matchday squad for the match on Monday afternoon.
      But he will now be forced to sit out of the first-leg quarter-final clash at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
      It also puts his availability to face Barcelona in a crunch El Clasico on Saturday night into major doubt.
      Zinedine Zidane is without both of his first-choice centre-backs against the six-time champions.
      Sergio Ramos was ruled out after picking up a calf injury during the international break.
      That meant he could not continue his rivalry with the Reds and specifically Mo Salah following the 2018 Champions League final.
      Dani Carvajal is also out meaning it is expected to be a back four of Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Nacho and Ferland Mendy.

      Jurgen Klopp has plenty of defensive woes of his own with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip long-term absentees.
      Ben Davies is yet to feature for the club with on-loan Ozan Kabak expected to partner Nat Phillips in defence – although Fabinho could be dropped deeper to fill in.
      Kick-off in Madrid is at 8pm – 9pm local time – with the game live on BT Sport 2.
      Real Madrid vs Liverpool – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Why isn’t Real Madrid vs Liverpool at the Bernabeu and where is the match being played?

      by

      REAL MADRID host Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, but it won’t be at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos have not played a single game at the Bernabeu this season, but have instead found a temporary home elsewhere in Madrid.
      Real Madrid haven’t played a single game at the Bernabeu this seasonCredit: AP
      Why isn’t Real Madrid vs Liverpool at the Bernabeu?
      Real Madrid haven’t been playing at the Bernabeu this season because of an extensive renovation project which is underway at the historic stadium.
      Real president Florentino Perez had always planned for the stadium to be renovated, but the coronavirus pandemic brought forward those plans.
      The Bernabeu will have a different, more modern appearance, when it reopens in the summer of 2022.
      It could however, be finished sooner, as work began three months earlier than scheduled.

      Perez said: “Our future naturally involves a new Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a reference of the 21st century.
      “A modern, avant-garde stadium, with maximum comfort and safety, with state-of-the-art technology, where fans can experience unique sensations and also be a new and important source of income for the club.”
      The new stadium will have a completely new exterior, fitted with a retractable roof.
      An underground car park will also be an extra added feature.
      Where is Real Madrid vs Liverpool being played?
      Real Madrid have played all of their home matches at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this season.
      And they will do the same against Liverpool, who they play on Tuesday, April 6.
      The Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium is where Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, play their home clashes.
      Real Madrid have played their home games at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this seasonCredit: Getty
      The stadium allows for up to 6,000 fans, a far cry from the 80,000 which can fill the Bernabeu.
      But due to the coronavirus, Real have played all their games this season without the presence of fans.
      Once fans do return, however, there’s the possibility that Real will share rivals Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano until the Bernabeu is finished. More