Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton 1 Nottingham Forest 1: Luke Berry scores dramatic last-minute equaliser as relegation battle hots up

      by

      LUKE PERRY’S last-gasp equaliser showed you can only write Luton Town off at your own peril.The Hatters midfielder’s 89th-minute leveller broke Nottingham Forest’s heart as they were on course for only their second win in 14 games.Luke Perry kept Luton’s survival hopes aliveCredit: PAHe bundled home a crucial goalCredit: AFPChris Wood fired in a 34th-minute opener which up until the dying seconds had soared the club into 15th in the table, six points above the Hatters.But the draw leaves them just three points behind Forest and still occupying the last relegation spot.Forest will be sweating as they know their plight could potentially worsen with a possible points deduction hanging over them after their FFP rules charge.Things have been looking bleak at Kenilworth Road too, with their sick list full to the brim and nine senior stars out injured for the hosts.The first-half was virtually neck and neck between two sides embroiled in the relegation dogfight.Ross Barkley started brightly for the hosts, fizzing a shot at Matz Sels before firing agonisingly close to the post.Up the other end Issa Kabore produced a crucial challenge on Divock Origi to stop him getting a shot away, smack bang in front of goal.Hero Reece Burke then saved a rasping Origi shot off the line with an outstretched foot.Wood gave Forest the lead after some great work from Morgan Gibbs-WhiteCredit: ReutersAnd continued to repay Nuno’s faithCredit: PACredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe hosts should have seen the warning signs because Wood made them pay just minutes after Origi’s chance.Neco Williams found Morgan Gibbs-White on the left who chipped it onto the path of Wood who looped it beyond Thomas Kaminski.Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clashThe Hatters hit back strongly and Tahith Chong fired a deflected shot out for a corner.Teden Mengi look as though he had pulled one back as he slotted in from close range but VAR rained on his parade with a check showing a handball in the build up.The disallowed goal did not hide Forest’s glaring vulnerability from set-pieces once again.Gibbs White nearly doubled the lead straight after the break as he broke free on goal but Burke put him off the scent and Kaminski made a routine save.Anthony Elanga almost rolled a shot in but Mengi heroically made a hooked clearance with his foot off the line.Centre-back Murillo cheekily spotted Kaminski off his line and fired a long-range free-kick right at goal, but the Hatters stopper tracked back just in time to make the save.Credit: The SunThe Hatters survived a flurry of set-pieces which ended with Gibbs White lashing a shot just shy of goal.To heap more misery on Edwards, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was forced off with a knee injury on the hour mark and was replaced by Andros Townsend.Kenilworth Road serenaded Darren England to a rendition of “the referee’s a w***er” as Forest were awarded a free kick after Barkley slid in and had won the ball.To rub salt in the wound, Gibbs White got away with a questionable challenge from behind on Chiedozie Ogbenne.On 89 minutes Perry saved the day as he pounced on a downward header by Burke and thumped into the net for honours even. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wolves 2 Coventry 3: Visitors score two injury-time goals in three minutes to seal incredible FA Cup semi-final spot

      by

      COVENTRY stunned Premier League Wolves with two goals in injury time to seal an amazing 3-2 win and book a first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1987.The Sky Blues went on to win the competition that year in one of the most famous finals ever – and they kept their hopes of another unlikely triumph this season alive after a remarkable climax at Molineux.Ellis Simms scored twice to inspire Coventry at MolineuxCredit: GettySimms now has five goals in the FA Cup this seasonCredit: ReutersHaji Wright, right, scored a dramatic late winner for Coventry to send them to WembleyCredit: ReutersThe Coventry players and fans went wild as they celebrated a breathtaking victoryCredit: GettyCoventry deserved the victory as they took the game to Wolves at MolineuxIt looked like they would be leaving with broken hearts after two goals in the final 10 minutes from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno overturned Ellis Simms’ opener and seemed to set a Wembley date for Wolves.But the Championship side were not done and in nine minutes of time added on they turned the quarter-final tie around again, with Simms grabbing a second and then Haji Wright earning himself folklore by grabbing the winner.It was a dramatic ending to a breathless derby, which the Championship side probably deserved to win.Coventry survived a couple of early scares as Mario Lemina and Nelson Semedo missed chances, but having absorbed the pressure, the visitors missed a golden chance of their own to go ahead and Simms will not want reminding of it.After Jose Sa had palmed Kasey Palmer’s shot into the path of Jake Bidwell, the wing-back set up a simple tap-in from close range after rolling the ball across goal, but Simms got his feet in a mess and somehow put his shot straight at Sa.The momentum had suddenly switched and two more glorious chance came for Coventry before half-time as Simms played in Milan van Ewijk, who looked prime to score until Sa made a fine block and the Wolves keeper was grateful to an unmarked Palmer for cushioning the ball straight at him.The Sky Blues finally made the breakthrough eight minutes after the restart as Simms made amends for his earlier howler.Liam Kitching headed a free-kick back across goal to the far post where Simms appeared to bundle the ball in with his arm.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSimms produced a superb display for CoventryCoventry pressed high against the Premier League sideBut it survived a lengthy four-minute VAR check to give the travelling supporters a second chance to celebrate.They should have been celebrating another goal soon after as their side bombarded Wolves’ goal.Laura Woods asks ‘did I get pied there?’ in awkward moment during interview with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilSa had to make a double save, first keeping out Wright’s effort with his feet and then parrying away Josh Eccles’ effort from the rebound.After Sa then rolled the ball to Matt Doherty, the Republic of Ireland wing-back was dispossessed in a dangerous area and Palmer put a shot agonisingly wide.They could have done with one of those chances going in as the inevitable Wolves onslaught came in the final 20 minutes.Joao Gomes saw a vicious effort tipped onto the post by Bradley Collins and then Ait-Nouri hit the other post with a header soon after.But Wolves remained ragged at the other end and only a one-man show from Sa stopped Coventry from killing the tie.The Portugal keeper pulled off three big saves to keep the score at 1-0, palming away efforts from Simms and Callum O’Hare and then denying Kitching at close range.And he was rewarded as Wolves levelled in the 83rd minute when Joel Latibeaudiere could not clear a cross and Ait-Nouri slammed home the loose ball.The writing appeared on the wall for Coventry as Ait-Nouri surged forward, playing in Bueno, who made no mistake.But in the sixth minute of time added on Simms headed home at the far post after Bobby Thomas had flicked on Bidwell’s cross.There was time for more drama as in the 10th minute Simms teed up Wright to steer Coventry to a famous victory.Check out how the action unfolded through our live blog below… More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League draw LIVE: Latest reaction as Arsenal face Bayern and Man City meet Real Madrid – latest updates

      by

      ARSENAL and Manchester City have been handed HORROR Champions League quarter-final ties.Harry Kane will return to London as Arsenal have been drawn against Bayern – a team they have never beaten in the knockout stages and lost 10-2 on aggregate when they last met in 2017.Man City also have a tough couple of nights in the coming weeks with Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid to visit during the last-eight.Should both English clubs win their quarter-final draws they will then MEET in a potential all-English semi-final.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSupercomputer predicts quarter-finals
      A supercomputer predicts that Arsenal will beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Statisticians at BETSiE have used their supercomputer to guess the outcomes of the Champions League.
      They have simulated matches 100,000 and believe Mikel Arteta’s side have a 51.51 per cent chance of beating Bayern.
      Arsenal will play the winner of Manchester City versus Real Madrid in the semi-final. And the algorithm reckons that they have a 25.75 per cent probability of making the final at Wembley.
      Man City supposedly have 59.76 per cent chance of victory in their glamour tie against Real Madrid in a repeat of last season’s semi-final.
      On the other side of the tournament, Atletico Madrid face Borussia Dortmund and PSG clash with Barcelona.
      The Parisians are the favourites as they have a 25.48 per cent chance of making the final and a 10.96 per cent of ending their wait to seal a Champions League crown.
      Copy linkCopiedBayern fans BANNED from quarter-final
      Arsenal were handed a horror Champions League quarter final draw against Bayern Munich – but already have a massive advantage in their first leg at the Emirates.
      The German giants will NOT have any away fans at the Emirates for the first leg having received a Uefa one-match ban earlier this week for fan trouble.
      During their 1-0 first leg defeat away at Lazio in the last-16, travelling Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch. They would eventually win 3-1 on aggregate to advance.
      Having already received a suspended one-match ban – as well as a £30k fine – for an identical incident in the group stages at Copenhagen in October, Uefa were left with no choice but to impose the ban.
      Copy linkCopiedChampions League round-up
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton gives his round-up of the Champions League draw.
      Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foes
      Copy linkCopiedMuller’s message to Arsenal
      Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller had a message for Arsenal and Kai Havertz following the Champions League draw.

      Copy linkCopiedQuarter-final draw
      The Champions League quarter-final draw is set, with each club’s path to the final also revealed.
      Arsenal will play Bayern Munich as Manchester City meet Real Madrid.

      Copy linkCopiedRoute to the Champions League final
      The route to the Champions League final for Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City has been revealed.

      Copy linkCopiedWhere will the final be played?
      This year’s Champions League final will be played at Wembley Stadium in London.
      It will take place on June 1.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedWhen will the fixtures be played?
      The round dates for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final are as follows:

      Quarter-finals: 9/10 April and 16/17 April 2024
      Semi-finals: 30 April/1 May and 7/8 May 2024
      Final: 1 June 2024

      Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw
      Click HERE to follow our live blog for the Europa League draw, which is about to take place.

      Copy linkCopiedFans claim draw is ‘fixed’
      Furious Arsenal fans have taken to social media to vent their frustration after they found out their fate in the Champions League quarter and semi finals.
      Following the Gunners’ last-16 shootout victory over Porto on Tuesday, today they discovered they would be playing Bayern Munich next.
      The last time the two sides played was in 2017, with a devastating victory for the Germans.
      Two 5-1 wins at the Allianz Arena and the Emirates meant Bayern won the tie 10-2 on aggregate.
      This is the joint second biggest margin for victory over two legs in the competitions history, only eclipsed by Bayern’s 12-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in 2009.
      One fan said: “Arsenal v Bayern Munich… fix.”
      A second said: “Uefa fix the draw on nostalgia… and Bayern have history with Arsenal.”
      Copy linkCopiedBayern fans WON’T travel to Emirates
      Bayern Munich supporters will NOT be allowed at the Emirates Stadium for the Champions League quarter-final.
      That’s because UEFA issued a ban after Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch during their 3-1 win at Lazio earlier this month.
      The club were also fined €40,000 after travelling fans set off fireworks during their 2-1 win at FC Copenhagen in October.
      Copy linkCopiedDraw in full
      Quarter-finals:

      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
      Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
      Real Madrid vs Man City
      PSG vs Barcelona

      Semi-finals:

      Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund vs PSG/Barcelona
      Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid/Man City

      Final:
      Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund or PSG/Barcelona vs Arsenal/Bayern Munich or Real Madrid/Man City
      Copy linkCopiedFinal
      Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund or PSG/Barcelona vs Arsenal/Bayern Munich or Real Madrid/Man City
      Copy linkCopiedSecond semi-final
      Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid/Man City
      Copy linkCopiedFirst semi-final
      Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund vs PSG/Barcelona
      Copy linkCopiedQuarter-final draw in full

      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
      Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
      Real Madrid vs Man City
      PSG vs Barcelona

      Copy linkCopiedFourth quarter-final
      Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona
      Copy linkCopiedThird quarter-final
      Real Madrid vs Man City
      Copy linkCopiedSecond quarter-final
      Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
      Copy linkCopiedFirst quarter-final
      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
      Copy linkCopiedBlues icon to draw teams
      Chelsea legend and Champions League winner John Obi Mikel is here to draw the teams.
      Copy linkCopiedHere we go!
      The draw is about to get underway!
      Copy linkCopiedIn the pot
      Premier League title chasers Arsenal and Manchester City are set to find out their quarter-final opponents today.
      They could even face each other…

      Copy linkCopiedCountdown to the draw
      Just 30 minutes to go until we find out this season’s quarter-final fixtures!
      Make sure you’re keeping up with this live blog!
      Copy linkCopiedWhich teams are in the draw?
      Here are the eight Champions League quarter-finalists:

      Arsenal
      Atletico Madrid
      Barcelona
      Bayern Munich
      Borussia Dortmund
      Manchester City
      Paris Saint-Germain
      Real Madrid

      Copy linkCopied More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League last-16 LIVE SCORES: Liverpool seal record-breaking win, West Ham run riot against Freiburg, Brighton OUT

      by

      EUROPA LEAGUE action returned tonight with bags of goals flying in left, right and centre.West Ham completed a comeback in style as they thrashed Freiburg 5-1 on aggregate to book their spot in the next round.Liverpool sealed a record-breaking win against Sparta Prague by beating the Czech Republic league leaders 11-2 overall.While Brighton have gone crashing out at the hands of Italian giants Roma.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEuropa League quarter-finalists decided
      After tonight’s results we can now look forward to the draw for the next round tomorrow.
      The teams in the hat for the draw are:

      Liverpool
      West Ham
      Atalanta
      Bayer Leverkusen
      Benfica
      AC Milan
      Marseille
      Roma

      It should be an interesting draw, we could potentially even see an all-English tie now.
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Qarabag (agg: 5-4)
      What a finish to this game at the BayArena.
      Going into added time, Leverkusen were a goal down with German heads completely down.
      Two goals from Patrik Schick have turned the game on its head and see Leverkusen progress to the quarter-finals.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-0 Roma (agg: 1-4)
      It proved a bridge too far for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
      Coming back from four goals down was a mammoth task which Brighton just could not match.
      They had chances in the game but could not work the goal enough.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Atalanta 2-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-2)
      It is a big win for the Italians against the Portuguese league leaders.
      Goals from two ex Premier League players take them through.
      After going ahead in the game, Lisbon will be devastated to go out.

      Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 3-2 Qarabag
      90+8. Insane scenes at the BayArena.
      Palacios crosses the ball in and Schick meets it to head home in the eighth minute of added time.
      Heartbreak for Qarabag.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
      Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 2-2 Qarabag
      90+2. Would be believe it, they have done it again.
      Grimaldo crosses from the wing, Schick side foots it into the back of the net.
      It looks as though this one is heading to extra-time, with Qarabag down to ten men.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague (agg: 11-2)
      It is all over at Anfield.
      There was only ever one team in this tie over both legs.
      Cody Gakpo could not get the match ball with his first Liverpool hat-trick, which is the only disappointment this evening.

      Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 1-2 Qarabag
      88. The Germans are throwing everything at the visitors now.
      Wirtz has a chance to score but a brilliant sliding challenge blocks his effort.
      Qarabag are defending for their lives now to pull off an upset.
      Copy linkCopiedAtalanta 2-1 Sporting Lisbon
      87. The game is finely poised heading into the final stages.
      Sporting have dominated the ball in this second half but the direct style of the Italians has put them into a position of strength.
      They just need to hang on now to book their place in the next round.
      Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague
      82. Elliott strides through the middle, seemingly looking for Gakpo.
      As he gets into the box, he has no other chance than to shoot.
      The keeper makes a fine save to tip it around the post.
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-0 Roma
      73. Despite having 63% possession in the game, The Seagulls just cannot find the target often enough.
      They have had 11 shots but only 2 of those have been on target.
      With those stats, there is no chance of coming back from a 4-0 defeat in Rome.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 1-2 Qarabag
      72. Just like in the first leg, the Bundesliga leaders are having to come back from two goals down.
      Grimaldo crosses to find Frimpong who volleys home in spectacular style.
      This will be some finish at the BayArena.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
      Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 0-2 Qarabag
      67. It is a carbon copy of the first goal for the visitors.
      Andrade crosses and picks out Zoubir who heads home.
      We could have an upset on our hands in Germany.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Abdellah Zoubir (Qarabag)
      Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-0 Roma
      62. Roma are starting to come into this game more.
      Spinazzola picks the ball up wide in the box and gets a shot away.
      It comes thundering back off the woodwork.
      Warning for Brighton there but the hosts need goals desperately now.
      Copy linkCopiedAtalanta 2-1 Sporting Lisbon
      59. Gian Piero Gasperini’s words at half time seem to have worked.
      Atalanta have completely turned this game around now.
      Marten de Roon squares the ball to Gianluca Scamacca who slots home, much to the delight of the Italian fans.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)
      Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 0-1 Qarabag
      62. Despite their dominance, it is the visitors who take the lead.
      Leandro Andrade crosses with pinpoint accuracy to find Zoubir in the box who heads home.
      It has silenced the German fans, that is for sure.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Abdellah Zoubir (Qarabag)
      Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague
      55. As a corner is whipped in, the keeper gets a weak punch on it.
      McConnell shifts it to Elliott on the edge of the box who shoots.
      His effort is going wide but Gakpo reacts to divert it into the bottom corner.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
      Copy linkCopiedAtalanta 1-1 Sporting Lisbon
      52. The former Everton winger gets on the scoresheet.
      It was an easy finish for Lookman with all the work being done in the build-up.
      It puts us all level on the night and on aggregate also.
      Copy linkCopied More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth 4 Luton 3: Semenyo completes epic Cherries comeback after Hatters charged into three-goal lead

      by

      TOM LOCKYER made an emotional return in the stands as his Luton side lost a Premier League classic from 3-0 up.Antoine Semenyo struck two brilliant goals as Bournemouth’s second-half turnaround sealed their first home league win since Boxing Day.Cherries’ matchwinner Antoine Semenyo celebrates his late gloryCredit: ReutersTom Lockyer met the medical team who helped save his lifeCredit: GettyRoss Barkley and  Carlton Morris show Luton’s despairCredit: ReutersRob Edwards reflects after somehow losing 4-3Credit: ALAMY
      But at least the lowly Hatters were cheered by the sight of Lockyer watching on fit and healthy.The Luton skipper “died” for two minutes at the Vitality Stadium 89 days ago when his heart stopped beating.And on Wednesday night he was smiling then applauding his team-mates as they raced 3-0 up at the interval.Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene and Ross Barkley took full advantage of naive Bournemouth defending.Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on this pitch in December, with his team-mates in tears as they feared the worst before the match was abandoned.And before Wednesday’s kick-off the Wales international shook the hands of the four paramedics who saved his life.Then he walked to the centre of the pitch clapping both sets of fans, giving the away supporters the thumbs up sign.The home club band struck up “The Great Escape” in the pre-match entertainment which was fittingly appropriate on the night.PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder betsBournemouth midfielder Philip Billing was the first player to react to Lockyer’s plight in the first game and instantly summoned for help.Billing revealed in last night’s programme: “It was just a natural reaction to try and help him, even though I don’t feel like I did anything.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV “Credit has to go to the medical people, they’re the life savers.“I didn’t know until after the game and in the tunnel that his girlfriend was pregnant at the time, and things like that come before football.“Being there for his child is more important than football, at the end of the day, so it is beautiful to see him back on his feet and being with his family.”Rob Edwards’ desperate eyes were full of tears the last time we saw the Luton gaffer in these parts-but it wasn’t long in the match when he was full of smiles.That was in the ninth minute when the unmarked Chong thundered a header high into the net from Issa Kabore’s cross.Then a wonderful move by the Hatters saw Chong find Alfie Doughty who set-up Ogbene for the second on 31 minutes.And in first half stoppage time Barkley was left alone to smash Issa Kabore’s pass into the top corner.But the great Cherries’ fight-back started on 50 minutes when Dominic Solanke turned smartly and fired home his 17th goal which was given after a VAR check.Then 12 minutes later the Cherries had a second when goal-line technology confirmed that Illia Zabarnyi’s header was over the line before Doughty cleared.And amazingly it was 3-3 two minutes later when Ghana striker Semenyo cut inside and found the corner with a low shot.But Semenyo wasn’t finished. He took a return pass from sub Enes Unal and beat goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski at his near post for the winner.Semenyo cracks home his dramatic winner for BournemouthCredit: ReutersLockyer with the team who saved his life More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico Madrid 2 Inter Milan 1 (agg 2-2, 3-2 on pens): Jan Oblak the hero as Man Utd flop misses penalty in shootout

      by

      ATLETICO MADRID overturned a first leg one-goal deficit to beat Inter Milan on penalties in the last-16. Jan Oblak was the hero in the shootout, saving two efforts from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen before Lautaro Martinez blazed over the decisive kick.Jan Oblak was the hero in the shootoutCredit: GettyThe Atleti keeper made two stunning saves from the spotCredit: EPAAtletico showed all their experience to overturn the first leg deficitCredit: ReutersEx-Arsenal and Man Utd star Alexis Sanchez missed his spot-kickCredit: ReutersWhat a first half it was in an electric Estadio Metropolitano and one Inter Milan had looked totally in control of.Leading 1-0 from the first leg they were happy to control the ball and then broke to take the lead on the night and go 2-0 up on aggregate.It was a scintillating build up that had the home side chasing shadows before Nicolo Barella cut the ball back for Federico Dimarco to thump a shot past Oblak.His first goal in 25 Champions League matchesThe stadium silenced but for the ecstatic away following.But just two minutes 16 seconds later the teams were level on the night through the club’s all-time leading scorer Antoine Griezmann.Nahuel Molina crossed from the right and the clearance was met by Atletico captain Koke whose ball into the box took a couple of deflections before the French international turned home a volley.That took his tally to six in the Champions League this season, nobody has scored more in the campaign.The second-half was a more tense affair with so much on the line but chances fell at both ends.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Griezmann could have had a second when set up by smartly by Marcos Llorente but went for prescision more than power.Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was furious when Marcus Thuram fired wildly over when clean through.Diego Simeone’s son Giovanni nail impression of hot-head dad’s touchline antics leaving pals in stitches On came Depay and what an impact.Having hit the post with one effort he then grabbed the equaliser.The former Manchester United player received a pass from Koke, took it under his spell and then produced a magic finish.Then Riquelme could have put Atletico through with the last chance of the game but blazed a shot over.In the shootout, Oblak saved from Sanchez but Inter were let off the hook by Chelsea flop Saul Niguez as he missed.Former Everton man Klaassen then had his effort saved by Atleti’s world-class stopper before Martinez failed to keep his nerve as he fired over the bar to send the Spanish side through.The passionate boss Diego Simeone celebrated wildly as his backstreet brawlers lived to fight another day. PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Borussia Dortmund 2 PSV 0 (agg 3-1): Jadon Sancho scores but forced off close to tears as Germans reach quarter-final

      by

      JADON SANCHO showed Manchester United what they are missing by firing Borussia Dortmund into the quarters.The exiled Red Devils winger’s 20-yard beauty just two minutes in was enough to beat PSV 2-1 on aggregate before he hobbled off late on.Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for DortmundCredit: AFPHowever, Sancho was forced off with an injuryCredit: EPAHe left the pitch seemingly close to tearsCredit: GettySancho, 23, admitted at the weekend that he has “disappointed” since going back to Dortmund on loan in January after falling out with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.But it’s now back-to-back goals following his early struggles, leaving him chasing a Champions League crown while his United future remains up in the air.The Yellow Wall was jumping at kick-off and Sancho sent them wild with his first knockout goal in the competition.Picking it up 20 yards out, he shifted it to his right and fired a stunner into the bottom corner.A revitalised Sancho was running the show, involved in everything as they battered PSV in the first half without extending their lead.Striker Niclas Fullkrug lashed a great chance wide before keeper Walter Benitez kept his side in it with a great double stop.Dutchman Donyell Malen was then inches away as his former club clung on in at the Westfalenstadion.PSV finally got to grips as the opening 45 minutes wore on with Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko posing the greatest threat.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And Eindhoven forward Hirving Lozano went closest at the start of the second half, firing a brilliant 25-yard strike off the post with the keeper beaten.Benitez made a smart stop to deny Fullkrug and keep his side in it 65 minutes in before Dortmund stopper Gregor Kobel’s brilliant save denied Bakayoko at the other end moments later.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through’Sancho went off injured with 15 minutes remaining and Dortmund looked to be holding firm until Newcastle striker Luuk de Jong skied a sitter at the death.Yet the Germans still had time to make it 2-0 as sub Marco Reus finished off a counter to seal a spot in the last eight.Check out how the action unfolded… More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona 3 Napoli 1 (agg 4-2): Man City’s forgotten man guides Spanish giants into Champions League quarter-finals

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY forgotten man Joao Cancelo helped put Barca into the quarter-finals.The Portuguese, on loan from City for the season after falling out with Pep Guardiola, struck after 20-year-old Fermin Lopez had broken the deadlock.Joao Cancelo scored for Barcelona in between Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski’s goalsCredit: GettyThe Spanish giants booked their Champions League quarter-finals spot for the first time since 2020Credit: APNapoli hit back through Amir Rrahmani and had chances to take the game to extra time.But they could not take them and the game was up when Robert Lewandowski hit his 19th goal of the season late on.Barca were worth their win but did not look a patch on their great sides of yesteryear – giving little reason for other teams to fear Xavi’s men in the next round.They raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 17 minutes, though, that threatened to kill the tie off altogether.First, Cancelo fed Raphinha down the left and the ex-Leeds man picked out youngster Lopez – who was on loan in the third tier of Spanish football last season – to find the corner.Two minutes later, it was 2-0 when Raphinha’s shot crashed against the post and there was Cancelo to fire home the rebound.But the visitors reduced the arrears on the half-hour through Kosovan defender Rrahmani who swept in Matteo Politano’s fine cutback.Francesco Calzona’s men pushed for another with sub Jesper Lindstrom somehow heading wide with ten minutes to go.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And they paid for their wastefulness.Because three minutes later, sub Sergi Roberto exchanged passes with Ilkay Gundoagan before teeing up veteran sharpshooter Lewandowski.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersStill Napoli had opportunities.Mathias Olivera hit the bar and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled just wide but Barca were relatively comfortable.Here’s how the drama unfolded at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium… More