Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Shakhtar stun Madrid as 2-0 defeat leaves under-pressure Zidane and Los Blancos facing Champions League exit

      by

      ZINEDINE ZIDANE is under increasing pressure after Real Madrid suffered a shock defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk.
      The Galacticos are on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after the 13-time winners went down 2-0 in Ukraine.

      The pressure is mounting on Zinedine Zidane at Real MadridCredit: Getty

      Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Los Blancos 2-0 to leave them on the brink of Champions League eliminationCredit: Reuters

      Madrid went into the clash with just one point from their last three games in La Liga.
      And the misfiring Los Blancos gained no respite from that miserable run in Europe.
      It remained goalless at the break but the game burst into life courtesy of Shakhtar sub Dentinho just before the hour mark.
      The hosts sprung forward and caught Madrid napping on the counter-attack.

      But Rafael Varane failed to clear the danger, and he could only poke the ball into the path of Dentinho, who made no mistake.
      That forced Madrid into action, but the likes of Karim Benzema and Luka Modric were unable to find a way through the tough Shakhtar backline.
      And they paid the price for their lack of cutting edge late on when they conceded a second.
      Manor Solomon cut inside his marker on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the corner to seal a famous double having also won in Madrid in October.

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      That result left Madrid third in Group B going into the final round of matches next week – when they take on table-topping Monchengladbach.
      Real have now only recorded one win in their last six games in all competitions.
      And it could be the end of Zidane’s second tenure in charge if they fail to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in 24 years.

      Real Madrid boss Zidane insists club legend Ramos will be with club forever More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard hails Hudson-Odoi’s attitude over drop with Chelsea star ‘back in contention’

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD has hailed Callum Hudson-Odoi’s reaction to being dropped for Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham.
      And the Chelsea winger is now in contention to start tomorrow’s Champions League clash at Sevilla after a ‘tough’ conversation with boss Lampard.

      Frank Lampard is set to start Callum Hudson-Odoi against Sevilla after dropping him for the Spurs gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hudson-Odoi, 20, has three goals in 11 games for Chelsea this season.
      But he was not named in the matchday squad for the London derby with Spurs at Stamford Bridge, with Christian Pulisic taking his place on the bench after returning from injury.
      Indeed, Hudson-Odoi’s entire senior Blues career has been far from stable following his debut in 2018.
      The three-time England international almost left for Bayern Munich a year later.

      And the Germans made an audacious return over the summer with a loan offer leading to a £70million permanent switch.
      But despite leaving Hudson-Odoi out of the reckoning for Tottenham, Lampard insists the winger remains a big part of his plans.
      The tactician says he’s delighted with the way Hudson-Odoi reacted after informing him he would not be facing Spurs.
      And the youngster is now set to be rewarded with  a place in the team against Sevilla on Wednesday night.

      Lampard said: “It was tough and I have tough decisions when we have a fully fit squad like we do now.
      “We have elite players who work hard through the week, they’re desperate to play for the club but I have to leave them out.
      “I did speak to Callum personally because I want him to feel where he’s at at the minute which is making progression and he’s getting better.
      “But there will be other times when other players have to sit out and the conversation will be with other players.
      “So he’s back in contention. I want to see him keep that progression going and if there are times when he’s not starting or in the main squad, the main thing is that I want him to stay positive and I suppose that is part of my job to have that communication level.
      “His reaction to me saying that to him was great, his reaction in training has been great and I’m sure he’ll show that again when he plays.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Sevilla vs Chelsea – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea could line up against Sevilla with Hudson-Odoi returning to squad and Billy Gilmour back from injury

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD is set to hand Callum Hudson-Odoi a starting berth in Chelsea’s trip to Sevilla on Wednesday.
      The Blues head to Spain knowing that a draw will keep them on top of Group E, having already qualified for the next round.

      Hudson-Odoi is banging on the door for a fresh run in the team after impressing in the recent win at Rennes.
      Having scored in France, the winger was subsequently dropped from the squad for Sunday’s title clash against Tottenham.
      Lampard, 42, has handed the 20-year-old just one start in Chelsea’s last eight matches.
      And the boss described the decision as a ‘difficult’ one ahead of the game in Spain.

      He told reporters: “I’ve been really pleased with his training lately.
      “I’ve spoken about Callum at different times since I’ve been in the job. His training and attitude is bang on at the minute.

      “I have tough decisions when we have a fully fit squad, that we pretty much do now, to leave players out that work hard through the week and are desperate to play for the club.
      He added: “In terms of the squad I have to leave four or five players out per game.

      “[Hudson-Odoi] took it very well. It’s not an easy conversation, all players want to play and I expect that.
      “He’ll get minutes tomorrow, it’s up to him to then keep showing when he plays that he deserves to start because there’s competition in that area.
      “That’s the reality of playing for Chelsea, so I’m not worried about the noise around it or the permutations of what not being in the squad might mean down the line.
      “I’m just worried about picking the right squad. If I feel like I’m taking someone out of the squad when I think they deserve to be in it, I have to be straight and honest with them and work with them to keep them positive.

      “Hopefully with Callum we’ve got that, his reaction was great, in training today he was great.”
      Lampard must decide how much to rotate his side while on an unbeaten run that stretches back to September.
      Along with Hudson-Odoi; Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud are pressing for more game time.
      Sunday came too soon for American winger Pulisic, who came off the bench in the stalemate.

      He could line-up at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan along with another starlet free of injury – Billy Gilmour.
      Yet to play for Chelsea this season following a knee injury, the 19-year-old is now fit and could feature against Sevilla or in the upcoming match against Krasnodar.
      Lampard stated: “He’s fit now Billy, he could probably do with some more match minutes which are hard to get in Covid times, but he’s doing very well.
      “It will be nice if he can get some minutes particularly over these two Champions League games, in the remainder of the group stage.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Callum Hudson-Odoi shows off skills as he trains with Chelsea More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd could line up against PSG with Cavani facing old club and Solskjaer with full squad to pick from

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has been handed several injury boosts ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
      The Red Devils are looking to do the double over last season’s Champions League finalists on Wednesday following a 2-1 win in France last month.

      Edinson Cavani is in line to start for Manchester United against Paris Saint-Germain

      Edinson Cavani emerged from the bench to score twice and assist another in United’s 3-2 comeback win over Southampton at the weekend.
      And the Uruguayan striker is in line to retain his spot to face his old club with Solskjaer hinting he could be set to start two upfront against PSG.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      He said: “I think there’s only one position here that we can only say is between Dean and David. The rest have got ability to play in different positions.

      “Anthony, Marcus, Mason, Edinson even… they can play in any positions in the front four.
      “There is tactical reasons about whether it’s Anthony, Marcus, Mason or Edinson down the middle. Sometimes it’s two of them.”
      David De Gea came off injured at Southampton on Sunday but United’s No1 trained at the club’s Carrington complex the following day.
      Alex Telles, who made his debut for the Red Devils in the reverse fixture in Paris, has recovered from a minor problem he sustained at St Mary’s and could be set to start at Old Trafford.

      Meanwhile, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have both been deemed fit but Solskjaer is likely to trust Nemanja Matic and Fred tomorrow.

      Anthony Martial was also present at training for United but the Frenchman is set for a spot on the bench with Marcus Rashford picked to start.
      Solskjaer added: “You expect when the Champions League nights come and floodlights are out and fans are not there but the players all want to be there.
      “The training group today was a massive one, it was a big group and everyone has held their hand up and is available for selection. David trained well today, so he’s available for selection.”

      Mason Greenwood could be given another chance to impress after being hooked at half-time against Southampton

      Man Utd star Edinson Cavani facing three-match BAN for ‘racist’ post as striker sparks Instagram race storm More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa Team of the Year nominees revealed with 15 Premier League players making cut – but who gets in ultimate XI?

      by

      BRUNO FERNANDES and Erling Haaland are on Uefa’s shortlist for the 2020 Team of the Year.
      Fans will vote for the top XI from the 50 players selected in Tuesday’s announcement.

      Bruno Fernandes make the cut after scoring twice for Manchester United in the Europa League mini-tournamentCredit: EPA

      Erling Haaland has made a big splash in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Last season’s pandemic-affected Champions League and Europa League campaigns saw the last-eight in both competitions battle in a unique mini-tournament.
      Atalanta and RB Leipzig were the surprise packages in the premier competition, the Germans even reaching the semi-final.
      But Bayern Munich won the crown and are well-represented on this year’s shortlist.
      Manuel Neuer, David Alaba, Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Robert Lewandowski, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, final goalscorer Kingsley Coman and recent Liverpool signing Thiago Alcantara all feature.

      Eight Liverpool players make the cut, including Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      The right-back is joined by Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane as the four Englishmen on the shortlist.

      Chelsea have Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz in the running but both players only signed for the club midway through the year.
      Bruno Fernandes is the only Manchester United star selected having netted penalties in both of his side’s games in the Germany run-off.

      Kevin De Bruyne completes the 15-man Premier League contingent after Manchester City’s disappointing defeat to Lyon in the quarter-finals.
      Pep Guardiola’s conquerors have two men nominated in Houssem Aouar and goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
      Two other sides exiting earlier than many expected, Barcelona and Real Madrid, have just one man featured apiece in Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos.

      Paris Saint-Germain follow Bayern in boasting the most nominations.
      Seven stars of the Ligue 1 champions make the cut, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, following their first-ever appearance in a final.
      Europa League champions Sevilla have just Ever Banega on the list, the Argentine now plying his trade with Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia.
      Beaten finalists Inter Milan earn two more nominations with Romelu Lukaku, whose own goal gave Sevilla the trophy, in alongside Nico Barella and Stefan de Vrij.

      Josip Ilicic leads Atalanta’s trio of nominations after banging an amazing four goals in the last-16 dismissal of Valencia.
      There are also places for Matthijs de Ligt, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ciro Immobile to complete the Serie A selection.
      They will compete with Borussia Dortmund hotshot Haaland who took to the Champions League like a duck to water.
      After impressing for RB Salzburg, the Norwegian switched to Germany in January and racked up a total of ten goals in the Champions League.

      UEFA TEAM OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

      GK: Alisson Becker, Keylor Navas, Jan Oblak, Anthony Lopes, Manuel Neuer
      DEF: Thiago Silva, Virgil van Dijk, Angelino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dayot Upamecano, Sergio Ramos, Andrew Robertson, Presnel Kimpembe, Joshua Kimmich, Hans Hateboer, Stefan de Vrij, Matthijs de Ligt, Alphonso Davies, Juan Bernat, David Alaba
      MID: Thiago Alcantara, Kevin De Bruyne, Houssem Aouar, Ever Banega, Bruno Fernandes, Nico Barella, Kingsley Coman, Papu Gomez, Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz, Jordan Henderson, Josip Ilicic, Marquinhos, Thomas Muller, Marcel Sabitzer
      ATT: Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Sadio Mane, Romelu Lukaku, Angel Di Maria, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Joao Felix, Serge Gnabry, Ciro Immobile, Robert Lewandowski

      Gerard Piqué says he is ‘first to offer to go’ if Barcelona need ‘new blood’ following 8-2 battering by Bayern Munich in Champions League quarter-final More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez may return for Bayern Munich clash after positive Covid test, reveals Atleti boss Diego Simeone

      by

      LUIS SUAREZ could play in Atletico Madrid’s Euro crunch with Bayern Munich tonight if he tests negative for coronavirus.
      The Uruguay striker has missed Atleti’s last three games – including a Barcelona showdown – and tested positive again on Sunday.

      Luis Suarez could play against Bayern Munich – Diego Simeone revealedCredit: AFP

      But Atleti boss Diego Simeone reckons the striker, 33, could play against the reigning Champions League winners.
      Simeone said: “He feels good, he really wants to be back with the boys.
      “The most important thing is that he returns a negative test. If he can’t play tomorrow, he’ll play on Saturday.
      “This virus is strange. If he comes back negative tomorrow, he could play for us. He just wants to help the side.”

      Atletico are second in Group A on five points and a win would go a long way to sealing their place in the knockout stage.
      Bayern have already qualified and have left both captain Manuel Neuer and top scorer Robert Lewandowski out of the squad for the trip to the Spanish capital.
      The German side thrashed Atleti 4-0 when the sides met on match day one in October.
      And the Spanish side were held to draws by Lokomotiv Moscow twice in their last two matches, with their one group stage win coming against Salzburg.

      Atleti boss Diego Simeone said the Uruguay striker could return on Tuesday against the German powerhousesCredit: AFP

      Atletico Madrid face a crunch clash with Bayern Munich on TuesdayCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Simeone admitted: “We don’t have much margin for error after two draws, one win and a loss. We need to get a result tomorrow.
      “Whatever happens in the other game, we need to try and take the game in a direction that allows us to do them damage.
      “We’re playing against a Bayern side who play in a lot of competitions and they’ve shown that with their squad selection.

      “We’ll take on whoever they choose to play. They have a lot of goalscorers and that’s their big strength.”
      “Of course Suarez and Costa’s characteristics are those of forwards who can finish off chances the side might create.
      “We’ve got more goalscorers, though, and we need to use them as best we can.”

      Lionel Messi walks alone in Barcelona training after Luis Suarez exit leaving fans heartbroken More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Stephanie Frappart to make history by becoming first female Champions League referee in Juventus’ clash vs Dynamo Kiev

      by

      FEMALE referee Stephanie Frappart will make history by becoming the first woman ever to take charge of a Champions League match.
      The French official will be in the middle for Juventus’ Group G clash with Dynamo Kiev in Turin next Wednesday.

      French referee Stephanie Frappart will become the first ever female to take charge of a Champions League matchCredit: Reuters

      The 36-year-old has led the way in female officiating since 2011 when she began refereeing men’s football in the French third division.
      Frappart has since taken charge of the Women’s World Cup final in 2019.
      And she also worked her way up through the leagues in France where she became the first woman ever to ref in Ligue 1 in April 2019.
      Frappart may be more well known to English fans after she was the whistler for Leicester’s game against Zorya Luhansk in October – her first Europa League game.

      And she also took charge of Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool in the 2019 Uefa Super Cup.
      After the game SunSport’s refereeing expert Mark Halsey heaped praise on Frappart’s performance.
      He said: “The men’s game moves faster and Frappart did not venture into wide areas too much.
      “But she got into good positions and let the game flow, playing some good advantages.

      Frappart previously took charge of Chelsea’s 2019 Uefa Super Cup defeat to Liverpool Credit: AP:Associated Press

      “Liverpool and Chelsea players helped by generally behaving, with Frappart authoritative when cautioning Cesar Azpilicueta for what appeared to be dissent.
      “She also got a key decision correct when she awarded an extra-time penalty to Chelsea for Adrian’s rash challenge on Tammy Abraham.
      “Frappart had got another big call spot on just five minutes in when waving away Reds penalty claims after Sadio Mane’s shot hit Andreas Christensen’s arm.”

      Abbey Clancy shaves off HALF of Peter Crouch’s moustache live on GMB despite ex-Liverpool star’s protests More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Anthony Martial leaves Man Utd training after just 11 minutes due to illness with striker a doubt for PSG clash

      by

      ANTHONY MARTIAL was at the Manchester United training ground for just 11 minutes today.
      The French forward, 24, missed yesterday’s win at Southampton due to falling ill on Saturday and was forced to stay in the hotel during the match.

      Anthony Martial was at the Manchester United training ground for just 11 minutes on MondayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      He missed Sunday’s win over Southampton due to illness and is reportedly still under the weatherCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Ole Gunnar Solskaer said yesterday: “Anthony had to stay in the hotel, he got ill overnight and he is down here still.”
      And despite reporting at Carrington on Monday morning as preparations begin for Wednesday’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain, he was quickly on his way home again.
      Martial was snapped arriving at 9.59am but was pictured at 10.10am heading out.
      The Manchester Evening News reported he went straight back because he is still under the weather and therefore not fit to train.

      His team-mates Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard were among those also spotted as well as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward, who was chauffeured in.
      It means the former Monaco man remains a doubt for the Champions League tie at Old Trafford in midweek.
      After Cavani inspired a thrilling 3-2 comeback win at St Mary’s yesterday, Solskjaer will be hoping his good week continues.
      Avoiding defeat against Thomas Tuchel’s French champions will secure the Red Devils’ place in the knockout stages of the competition.

      David De Gea is due for a scan on Monday after injuring his knee at St Mary’sCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Edinson Cavani was the super-sub on the south coast as his two goals sealed a comeback winCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Marcus Rashford rocked up in his stunning Mercedez motorCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be preparing his side for the visit of PSG on WednesdayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      However, Solskjaer is sweating on the fitness of his fair share of players.
      As well as Martial, David De Gea and Alex Telles are also doubts for Wednesday after being forced off with knocks on the south coast.
      Discussing De Gea, who was replaced by Dean Henderson, boss Solskjaer said yesterday: “It’s a knock just above the knee. So we’ll have a scan and check on him tomorrow.
      “Hopefully he can be ready for Wednesday but can’t promise anything now.
      “Dean came on, very assured, had a couple of half-saves to make but he was tidy and safe with the ball at his feet.”
      Meanwhile Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay continue their recoveries from injuries and look set to be unavailable.
      Lastly, Donny van de Beek faces a race to be ready after getting a nasty swollen ankle following a challenge from Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Jesse Lingard has only featured in the League Cup so far this seasonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was driven into CarringtonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Harry Maguire will be looking to lead his team into the Champions League knockout stagesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Victor Lindelof is the first-choice centre-back partner for MaguireCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Phil Jones is still out injured but is not in the Champions League squad anywayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Nemanja Matic has enjoyed a strong start to the season at the base of the United midfieldCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      Solskjaer raves about Cavani following his team’s 2-3 victory over Southampton More