Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten Champions League and World Cup winner linked with transfer to West Ham’s Europa League rivals

      by

      JEROME BOATENG has been offered to West Ham’s Europa League opponents Olympiacos.Boateng has been a free agent ever since leaving Lyon in June and is currently training with Bayern Munich’s Under-23 side.
      Bayern Munich legend Jerome Boateng has been offered to OlympiacosCredit: Getty
      Champions League and World Cup winner Boateng was also offered to RomaCredit: Getty
      Bayern refused to offer the centre-back a new contract and Boateng is still without a club.
      According to Sport24, the ex-Germany international’s agent has contacted Olympiacos looking to see if a deal could take place.
      The Greek giants, who are owned by Nottingham Forest supremo Evangelos Marinakis, are expected to look for a new centre-back in the January transfer window.
      However, the Piraeus outfit are not actively searching right now as they are focused on the Greek Superleague and the Europa League, where they will face West Ham.
      Read More on Football
      The Hammers will take on Marinakis’ club on October 26 in Greece before their return fixture on November 9 at the London Stadium.
      Olympiacos sporting director Antonio Cordon and manager Diego Martinez might opt for a different solution as they want a defender that can immediately hit the ground running.
      Boateng only played eight times for Lyon last term and hasn’t competed in a single competitive match this season.
      According to Calciomercato, the 35-year-old has also been offered to Roma but manager Jose Mourinho is not keen.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Mourinho is not eager to sign the Champions League and World Cup winner due to his advanced age, lack of fitness and contract demands.
      Boateng enjoyed tremendous success with Bayern where he registered a total of 10 goals and 25 assists in 363 appearances.
      The German also won nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies with the Bavarians as well as the 2014 World Cup with Germany. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘you can’t hate Jose Mourinho’ as he drags shy young Roma star into interview to tell heartwarming story

      by

      FANS declared that you “can’t hate Jose Mourinho” after he showed his softer side last night.The Portuguese coach’s Roma side trounced Swiss outfit Servette 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.
      Francesco D’Alessio made his Roma debut in the win over ServetteCredit: Getty
      Boss Jose Mourinho then blew fans away with his post-match interview with the aceCredit: Twitter @OfficialASRoma
      The Italian giants are looking to go one better than last term when they suffered defeat in the final to Sevilla.
      Mourinho, who is still refusing to accept that his team lost, was fuming with the match officials afterwards.
      The legendary ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss was hit with a four-match ban for directing abusive language at English referee Anthony Taylor during the game in Budapest.
      Then footage emerged of Mourinho launching a foul-mouthed tirade at the officiating team in the stadium car park as he called their performance a “disgrace”.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Taylor and his family were then harassed and abused by angry supporters at the airport the following day as they headed back to the UK following the Special One’s angry outbursts.
      However, he was back to his charming self on Thursday following Roma’s impressive win.
      Mourinho handed 19-year-old Francesco D’Alessio his senior debut off the bench during the match.
      And after the teen’s dream night, Mourinho invited D’Alessio to join him live on air in a touching post-game interview to reveal a truly heartwarming story.
      Most read in Europa League
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “First of all, let me tell you a story,” said Mourinho as he then gestured for D’Alessio to come stand alongside him before putting his arm around the midfielder.
      He then continued: “In the summer, before the kids went back to school, we were training and there were loads of kids outside of Trigoria screaming because they wanted to come inside to watch training.
      “He was with us and he said: ‘when I was seven, eight, nine, I was out there screaming because I wanted to come in. No coach opened the gates to let me in’.
      “I was very happy for the kids because I opened the gates and let them in. Now he [D’Alessio] is playing for Roma in the Europa League at the Olimpico in front of 50 or 60,000 people.”
      D’Alessio then revealed that his parents and sister were at the game before the emotional Mourinho finished off with: “I don’t want to say anymore, he can talk!”
      After the clip went viral, fans quickly took to social media to heap praise on the much-maligned Mourinho.
      “Love him or hate him, there’s really no one like Jose,” wrote one.
      Another said: “Plenty don’t like Jose Mourinho. Lots of times he’s behaved in ways to leave you bewildered.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But then there are moments, such as this, when he’s charismatic and charming and shows why those who know him well regard him so highly.”
      A fellow fan said “you can’t hate Jose” while another said: “Jose showing why he is really is the Special One.” More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Alexis Mac Allister and brother Kevin can’t stop smiling in wholesome interview after Liverpool vs Union Saint-Gilloise

      by

      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER and his brother Kevin could not stop smiling post-match after they played AGAINST each other last night.The family affair occurred at Anfield as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.
      Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister (left) faced brother Kevin at Anfield last nightCredit: PA
      The Argentine siblings were all smiles after the Europa League clashCredit: TNT Sports
      “My older brother is a footballer. My father was a footballer, as was my uncle!”Brothers Alexis and Kevin Mac Allister talk facing each other and it appears football runs in their blood… 👀🎙️ @DannyJamieson pic.twitter.com/cd81Hi3DbX— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2023

      It was Argentina World Cup winner Alexis, 24, who claimed the bragging rights over his 25-year-old defensive sibling Kevin thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota.
      The beautiful game certainly runs deep in the family blood.
      The pair’s older brother Francis, 27, is also a professional footballer back home in Argentina and plays in midfield for Rosario Central.
      Their father Carlos, an ex-defender for Argentina and Boca Juniors, and uncle Carlos Patricio, a former forward at Estudiantes de La Plata, both enjoyed impressive careers.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, their cousin Luciano Guaycochea, 31, is a striker for Malaysian outfit Perak.
      Despite the hard-fought contest out on the famous turf in front of the Kop yesterday, it was all-love afterwards as the brothers got together for a heartfelt post-match interview.
      Alexis, a £52m summer signing for Liverpool from Brighton, told TNT Sports: “It was really nice for the family, very emotional.
      “I’ve played against my older brother before but never against Kevin – it was special.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “My dad was here too, he knows what it means, he cried a little bit.”
      Kevin added: “He was the reason I suffer today, but it was a very special moment.
      “Of course, Liverpool, maybe in the last match, come to Belgium and we can get revenge maybe.”

      When they were quizzed on whether they were going to swap shirts, Alexis joked: “I don’t know if he wants a shirt from another player!”
      And supporters seemed to absolutely love it after tuning in to the interview.
      “Family is indeed everything,” wrote one viewer on X, formerly known as Twitter.
      Another said: “The way they look at each other and respect each other…. True brotherhood.”
      “Wholesome,” declared another as another social media post read: “This is so refreshing to watch.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Darwin Nunez with ‘contender for miss of the 21st century’ after squandering easy chance in Liverpool clash

      by

      DARWIN NUNEZ was left red-faced after a shocking miss in Liverpool’s latest Europa League match.During Liverpool’s Europa League match with Belgian outfit Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Nunez was presented with a glorious chance to put the Reds ahead.

      Darwin Nunez missed a glorious chance to put Liverpool ahead
      Nunez shot wide of the post from around six yards outCredit: AP
      Fans were in disbelief at the miss
      Harvey Elliott was afforded acres of space to drive into after Mohamed Salah had run wide.
      But as Salah cut his run inside, Eliott played in the Egyptian, who then rolled the ball across the six-yard box into the path of a waiting Nunez.
      However, Nunez proceeded to miskick the ball, sending his effort squirming wide of the post after failing to make proper contact.
      Even Jurgen Klopp could not believe the 24-year-old had missed from such close range, wheeling away in disbelief with his hands out in front of him in a “how” gesture.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Indeed, the chance he missed was revealed by Soccerbase to have an Expected Goals value of 0.81, meaning a shot from there is scored 81 per cent of the time.
      Reacting to the miss online, one fan said: “Nunez must have his boots on the wrong feet.”
      A second wrote: “What is happening Nunez please.”
      A third responded: “Every game without fail he does something hilarious.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Another typed: “He’ll miss that and then bang a 30-yarder, what a bizarre player.”
      While a fifth added: “Surely the miss of the season.”
      A sixth declared: “THAT IS A CONTENDER FOR MISS OF THE 21ST CENTURY!”
      Other fans joked Liverpool would demand a replay following comments made by Reds boss Klopp in the fallout of a VAR mistake during Liverpool’s game versus Tottenham last weekend.
      But Anfield did not have to wait too much longer for the opener as Ryan Gravenberch followed up a rebound to open the scoring.
      USG goalkeeper Anthony Moris had spilt the ball from a Trent Alexnader-Arnold shot just before the break.
      Diogo Jota then added a second in injury time to complete a 2-0 win to leave Liverpool top of Group E with two wins from two.
      A behind-the-scenes story of the game saw Reds star Alexis Mac Allister go up against brother Kevin, who plays for visiting Union. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans baffled by ‘weird’ VAR decision as ref checks screen and appears to give penalty before ‘changing his mind’

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled after a VAR review for a Brighton penalty led to a Marseille free-kick during their Europa League clash.The French giants scored a quick-fire first-half double to take control of the game.
      The referee gave a free-kick to Marseille after looking at a potential penalty to Brighton
      But Roberto De Zerbi’s side were given hope of a route back into the game when VAR began checking a potential handball against Marseille.
      Referee Mykola Balakin was sent over to the monitor to assess the validity of the possible infringement.
      And after seeing several replays, he appeared to turn around and signal for a penalty.
      TNT Sports commentators were convinced a spot kick had been awarded, while the graphic on the screen read “VAR decision: Penalty”.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, it turned out the official had actually signalled for a free-kick for a foul by Jan Paul van Hecke as he grappled for the ball in the box prior to the handball.
      This left viewers at home thoroughly confused.
      And they were not the only ones as the Uefa website’s official updates read: “The referee is reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
      “VAR review.
      Most read in Europa League
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “VAR in review.
      “Decision overturned: penalty awarded.
      “VAR review complete.
      “VAR decision: no penalty.
      “VAR decision confirmed.”
      Reacting to the incident one social media user said: “More time wasted. More confusion. More controversy. Classic VAR.”
      Another added: “Well, well, well… VAR in Marseille vs Brighton just put the PGMOL to shame.”
      While a third replied: “Brighton denied a clear handball penalty against Marseille. VAR called the ref to the monitor to give the penalty but the ref still refused, and claimed an imaginary ‘push’ foul by a Brighton player.”
      It has been a poor week for VAR following the controversy in Tottenham’s win over Liverpool on Saturday.
      Read More on The Sun
      Luis Diaz’s goal was incorrectly disallowed for offside against Spurs on Saturday, before VAR Darren England and AVAR Dan Cook made a huge error in failing to overturn the on-field decision.
      Liverpool then demanded the VAR audio be released – which it was – before Reds boss Jurgen Klopp called for the game to be replayed. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool vs Union Saint-Gilloise LIVE SCORE: Latest updates as Reds host Belgium league leaders in Europa League tie

      by

      LIVERPOOL host Belgium Pro League leaders Union Saint-Gilloise in a huge Europa League clash tonight.The Reds are top of Group E after coming from behind to beat LASK 3-1 in their opener.

      Kick off time: 8pm BST
      TV channel/stream: TNT Sports 1/ discovery+

      BETTING OFFER – GET £40 IN FREE BETS WITH BETFRED
      Follow our live blog below… More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      SC Freiburg vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Latest updates as Hammers look to build on opening Europa League win

      by

      WEST HAM travel to Germany to face SC Freiburg in a Europa League Group A clash tonight.The Hammers will be hoping to secure back-to-back wins in Europe after they beat Backa Topola 3-1 in their group stage opener.

      Kick off time: 5.45pm BST
      TV channel/stream: TNT Sports 2/ discovery+

      BETTING OFFER – GET £40 IN FREE BETS WITH BETFRED
      Follow our live blog below… More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Freiburg 1 West Ham 2: Aguerd bullet header sees Hammers make it two out of two and set new English European record

      by

      LUCAS PAQUETA gave the Breisgau Brazilians a real taste of some Samba brilliance as West Ham battled their way to another record-breaking European night.Bundesliga’s SC Freiburg – from the Black Forest region of Breisgau – are compared to the Brazilian national team due to their apparent silky style of play.
      Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring with a brilliant headerCredit: EPA
      The Brazilian celebrated with a trademark danceCredit: Rex
      Yet the Germans were given a serious Europa League lesson by a Hammers side dripping in continental confidence after Paqueta’s sublime eighth minute header opened the scoring.
      Having seen their lead briefly flattened by Roland Sallai’s 49th minute leveller, it was another header from Nayef Aguerd in the 66th minute that eventually earned West Ham the crucial victory.
      But make no mistake, all eyes were on Paqueta on his 50th West Ham appearance. He oozes class, arrogance and grit in ways the East Londoners have not seen for years.
      It is just a shame none of them were here at the Europa Stadion to witness it, serving their one-match ban for tossing missiles at the Conference League final in Prague.
      David Moyes’ men are now unbeaten in their last 17 European matches, dating back to August last year – the longest of any English side in history.
      More than Don Revie’s Leeds. More than Bill Nicholson’s Tottenham. More than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
      As Moyes alluded to in his pre-match press conference, after three successive years in Europe, winning the Europa Conference League back in June, it is beginning to feel like Euro trips like this are now embedded in the club’s DNA.
      And while nights like these appear tough on paper – West Ham had lost their last three visits to Germany dating back to 1966 – in practice they turn out to be relatively simple thanks to West Ham’s experience and quality.
      Freiburg equallised in the 49th minuteCredit: Reuters
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Two wins from two in Group A, and the knock-outs already beckon.
      Paqueta really was tremendous. The leap for his early opener silenced the raucous Freiburg support, and spent the rest of the evening teasing and toying with anyone who dared.
      And to think, he could have been plying his trade at Manchester City in the Champions League but for an untimely ongoing FA investigation into betting breaches foiling his switch.
      Jarrod Bowen also played his part, starring down the middle in the absence of the injured Michail Antonio for the first time since April.
      He had the aura of a man recently recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. His dart down the flank and cross for Paqueta’s goal was worthy of an international stage.
      Mohammed Kudus made up an exciting-looking front three. The Ghanaian simply has to be given his first Premier League start against Newcastle on Sunday, such is his talent.
      The first half had all the trademarks of a complete away-day performance, from Konstantinos Mavropanos in defence to the calming midfield presence of Edson Alvarez.
      Yet the start to the second half was a different story. West Ham looked nervy, edgy and without that tempo and intensity that initially saw them restrict Freiburg to very little.
      Lukasz Fabianski will feel hard done by for the equaliser, making two brilliant stops before Sallai fired home at the third time of asking.
      But a bullet Aguerd header ensured the Hammers headed back to London with three pointsCredit: Reuters
      Freiburg pressed for more. Kiliann Sildillia smacked the upright and Lucas Holer blazed over a golden chance with the goal gaping.
      West Ham responded. Kudus came to life with a loose ball and his delivery was almost nodded in being an onrushing Bowen at the back post.
      Seconds later, the lead was theirs again. James Ward-Prowse with one of his inch-perfect corners and Aguerd rose highest, his thumping header in off the underside of the bar.
      How is Ward-Prowse not back representing the Three Lions this month? This was his sixth assist in all competitions since signing in the summer.
      Paqueta’s last act in the dying moments before being subbed drenched in sweat was majestic.
      The deft touch, fending off three defenders and the chip with backspin to send Bowen through but for a rushed finish. Thankfully, it did not come back to bite West Ham.
      Here’s how it unfolded…. More