More stories

  • in

    Downbeat Barcelona stars including Lionel Messi look glum as they leave Lisbon hotel following 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich

    THERE was not a smile in sight as Barcelona left their hotel in Lisbon on Saturday morning.
    The Spanish side crashed out of the Champions League after a disastrous 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.

    5

    Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact during the quarter-finalCredit: AFP or licensors

    5

    Gerard Pique insisted the club have hit ‘rock bottom’ Credit: AFP or licensors
    Lionel Messi and Co looked distraught as they made their way onto the coach.
    The Argentine ace, who was wearing a face mask, kept a straight face as he left the hotel.
    He was also pictured looking heartbroken in the dressing room after the final whistle.
    Fans are convinced the Ballon d’Or king, 33, will now hand his transfer request in at the Nou Camp.

    Gerard Pique was also seen making his way to the coach after offering to quit the club.
    “No one is untouchable, least of all me.

    5

    Marc Andre-Ter Stegen conceded eight goals during the match Credit: AFP or licensors

    5

    Antoine Griezmann looked glum as he made his way to the coachCredit: AFP or licensors
    “Fresh blood is needed. We’ve have hit rock bottom now. We all need to reflect and see what’s best for Barça.
    “Coaches and players follow one another, but it has been several years since we have been able to be competitive on a European level.

    “We all have to think internally and decide what is best for the club, for Barca. Tonight was unacceptable for Barcelona.
    “It’s very hard to take but I hope it will be useful for something, for us to all think about it.
    “The club needs changes. And I’m not talking at the level of the coach or the players, but structurally the club needs changes of all kinds.
    “We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave.”

    The players would have avoided picking up a newspaper for the journey after Spanish press branded the defeat a “historic humiliation”.
    Barcelona have allegedly already decided to sack struggling manager Quique Setien.
    Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as their No1 target.

    5

    Fans think Lionel Messi will leave the clubCredit: AFP or licensors

    Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

  • in

    Spanish press slam Barcelona’s ‘historic humiliation’ following 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in Champions League

    BARCELONA’S “historic humiliation” has been plastered across the sports papers in Spain.
    Lionel Messi and Co suffered a shocking 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final.

    5

    Barcelona suffered a ‘Historic Humiliation’ against their German rivals

    5

    Sport slammed the Barcelona squad after the 8-2 defeat
    And the players will want to avoid nipping to the shop for a newspaper this weekend.
    Barcelona-based Sport and Madrid-based AS are in agreement – for once.
    Both of the papers went for the headline “Historic Humiliation” on Saturday morning.
    Marca opted to have the word “embarrassment” splashed across their front page.

    The source claimed the defeat to the German giants marked the “end of an era” for the Catalan club.
    L’Esportiu added “It’s finished” to their front page to pile the pressure on Barcelona.
    Barcelona had not lost a game by six goals since their 6-0 defeat to Espanyol in 1951.

    5

    Barcelona crashed out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
    Philippe Coutinho, who is on loan from Barcelona, even scored twice in the dying stages of the game to add to the embarrassment.

    Unsurprisingly, nine Barcelona players were awarded a 0/10 rating by Spanish publication AS.
    Six-time Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi received the lowest rating possible after a nightmare 90 minutes.
    Fans are convinced the Argentine icon will now hand his transfer request in at the Nou Camp.
    He was pictured looking heartbroken in the dressing room after the final whistle.
    Reports claim the LaLiga side have already decided to sack struggling manager Quique Setien.

    5

    Gerard Pique was used on the front cover of Mundo Deportivo

    Club legend Xavi, now boss of Qatari club Al Sadd SC, has been tipped to replace him at the Nou Camp.
    But former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the club’s No1 target.
    Pique also hinted after the match that he could call time on his career with the Catalan giants.

    5

    Marca did not hold back as they ripped into the struggling LaLiga side

    Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

  • in

    Inter Milan have ‘everything it takes’ to seal stunning Lionel Messi transfer from Barcelona, says ex-president Moratti

    INTER MILAN have “everything it takes” to seal the shock signing of Lionel Messi according to the club’s former President.
    The Argentina playmaker has been a long-term target for the Italian giants with their former president an admirer of the La Liga icon. 

    2

    Lionel Messi has been a long-term target for Inter Milan and former club president Massimo Moratti believes they can seal a shock transfer
    Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” in their power to prise Messi away from the Nou Camp. 
    Gossip concerning the 33-year-old’s future has refused to die down following his scathing assessment of Barca’s league performances this term. 
    The former LaLiga champions lost their crown to bitter rivals Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane’s team capturing their first title in three years. 
    And if Messi was unhappy with Barcelona’s domestic performances then what he must have made of their 8-2 Champions League exit to Bayern Munich is anyone’s guess.

    Inter, under Moratti’s stewardship, had tried and failed to capture the Barca skipper’s signature on a handful of occasions. 
    But the 75-year-old reckons the Nerazzuri’s wealthy Chinese owners are in a perfect position to seal a deal for six-time Ballon d’Or winner. 
    Moratti told Quotidiano Sportivo: “I am just a simple fan of Inter now, so I don’t have any inside information. 
    “Having said that, I do know this: Suning have everything it takes to bring Messi to Milan, in terms of both resources and competence.”

    One Inter signing Moratti admits he was wrong to underestimate was the £76.5million signing of former Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku. 

    2

    Messi, who scored 25 goals in 33 La Liga appearances this term, has slammed some of Barcelona’s performances this season
    The Belgian international, whose United performances came in criticism from pundits in the past, has been in fine form for the Serie A giants in his debut season. 
    Lukaku, 27, has netted 31 goals across all competitions this term. 
    On the Belgium player’s performances Moratti added:  “I got it wrong on Lukaku. 
    “In all honesty, I thought he was just physically strong and feared we would regret losing Icardi. Instead, Romelu is a champion, always helps his team-mates and has good vision.
    “Antonio Conte was right to demand his signing and then did so well to improve him.” 

    On Monday Inter, who are rumoured to have agreed terms with Chelsea outcast Emerson, are due to face Shaktar Donesk in the semi-finals of the Europa League. 
    And the Italian club will be aiming to capture a trophy they have won on three occasions. 
    Moratti added: “Winning the Europa League won’t be easy, as there are four very competitive sides left, but I do hope Inter can be the next Italian club to lift a European trophy.”

    Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

  • in

    Lionel Messi looks heartbroken and Ter Stegen devastated in Barcelona dressing room picture after 8-2 Bayern Munich loss

    LIONEL MESSI could not hide his disappointment in the dressing room after Barcelona’s 8-2 defeat.
    The Spanish side were ripped apart by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final tie.

    2

    Lionel Messi looked lost for words after the devastating defeat
    Fans are convinced the 33-year-old will hand in a transfer request after the humiliating defeat.
    A snap of Messi after the match shows him slumped on his own in the dressing room.
    The six-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared heartbroken as he stared into space.
    Rio Ferdinand has also backed claims that the Argentine could quit his beloved Barcelona.

    Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “What is Messi thinking going home tonight?
    “Does he want to spend his time left in that shirt given the performances and the way the squad is looking at the moment in comparison to other teams around Europe?
    “Has he got the time to sit there and wait?”
    Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also looked devastated after conceding eight goals.

    Reports claim the LaLiga side have already decided to sack struggling manager Quique Setien.

    2

    Fans think Lionel Messi could call time on his Barcelona career

    Club legend Xavi, now boss of Qatari club Al Sadd SC, has been tipped to replace him at the Nou Camp.
    Pique also hinted after the match that he could call time on his career with the Catalan giants.
    The defender, who has made 543 appearances for Barca, said: “We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave.”

    Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

  • in

    Inter Milan have money and resources to seal shock Lionel Messi transfer from Barcelona, reveals ex-president Moratti

    INTER MILAN have “everything it takes” to seal a shock swoop for Lionel Messi according to the club’s former President. The Argentina playmaker has been a long-term target for the Italian giants with their former chief an admirer of the La Liga icon.  Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” […] More

  • in

    Luis Suarez ‘wanted by Al Arabi’ as Qatari club join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in transfer race for Barcelona star

    LUIS SUAREZ is at the centre of a transfer battle with Qatari club Qatar Al Arabi rivalling David Beckham’s Inter Miami for his signature.  Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is reported to have approached the Uruguay international’s representatives, according to bEIN Sports.  The ageing Barcelona star’s current deal with his Nou Camp employers is set […] More

  • in

    RB Leipzig 2 Atletico Madrid 1: Germans don’t miss Werner as deflected Adams strike earns first semi-final spot vs PSG

    RB LEIPZIG showed they’re not a one-man Timo as they booked their place in the Champions League semi-final after a stunning win against Atletico Madrid.
    Tyler Adams’ late deflected strike saw the Germans cause an upset in Lisbon, where Europe’s elite competition is being completed in an unprecedented knockout-tournament style format.

    4

    RB Leipzig booked their place into the Champions League semi-final
    Leipzig were, of course, without star striker Timo Werner, who is already preparing for Chelsea’s pre-season but took the lead through Dani Olmo.
    Joao Felix, who started on the bench, scored Atletico’s equaliser from the spot but Adams left them stunned.
    Throughout the uneventful first half, Arsenal transfer target Dayot Upamecano had no problem dealing with ex-Chelsea fans’ favourite Diego Costa, chosen ahead of Alvaro Morata.
    Following a stalemate in the opening 45, Leipzig came out fast and within five minutes of the second half had stunned their LaLiga opposition.

    A Marcel Sabitzer cross on the right wing perfectly set up Spaniard Olmo, who headed home.

    4

    Leipzig came out fast and within five minutes of the second half had stunned their LaLiga opposition
    Atletico were caught on their heels and manager Diego Simeone was in clear need of some inspiration.
    That task fell to club record signing Felix, who was brought on just before the hour mark and made an immediate impact.
    The Portuguese forward situated himself mainly on the left and got Atletico back into the tie.

    On 70 minuets, after a beautiful one-two with Costa, Felix won a penalty.
    He cooly converted and thought he had set his side on their way to turning the tie on its head.

    But amazingly, with three minutes left Leipzig took another shock lead after Adams’ shot took a wicked deflection to wrong foot Jan Oblak.
    After a beautiful cutback from Manchester City loanee Angelino, Adams effort from outside the box took a nick off Stefan Savic and past a helpless Oblak.
    Despite a late push from Atletico, Leipzig held on for a famous win where they meet PSG, who needed two late goals to beat Atalanta.

    4

    Joao Felix equalised with a penalty for Atletico

    4

    Leipzig progress into the semi-final where they play PSG More

  • in

    Isco ready to snub Juventus transfer to stay at Real Madrid despite Pirlo desperate to link him with Cristiano Ronaldo

    ISCO is reportedly ready to stay with Real Madrid amid speculation he is wanted by Juventus.
    Andrea Pirlo, who took over as manager of the Italian champions, was said to be eyeing a move for Isco.

    1

    Isco is reportedly ready to stay with Real Madrid amid speculation he is wanted by Juventus
    It would see the Spaniard, 28, reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo, 35, with whom he won four Champions League trophies.
    According to AS, Isco was initially open to listening to offers away from Madrid.
    But it is understood after a holiday he has decided to commit to the LaLiga champions for another season.
    His contract expires in 2022 and Bernabeu bosses are yet to enter talks to extend the deal.

    Amid the coronavirus pandemic, transfer fees are facing a plummet.
    And Isco is said to believe his price tag would significantly drop this summer.
    He has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital for several seasons now, despite 30 appearances in Madrid’s title winning campaign this term.
    It is believed Pirlo identified Isco as the perfect man to get the best out of Ronaldo.

    And with Madrid igniting reported interest in Paulo Dybala, the Spaniard’s future could even be out of his hands.
    According to SportMediaset, Madrid could offer Isco or Toni Kroos to Juve in exchange for the Argentine.
    In addition to offering one of the midfielders, it has been said they are also prepared to hand over £89.9million – despite the Italian kings wanting to extend Dybala’s deal.

    Cristiano Ronaldo swipes at Cuadrado’s ankles in training after Juventus ace taunts him with his own celebration More