After conjuring up magic to save Real Madrid from the brink of elimination against PSG in the previous round, it was again Karim Benzema’s night – this time in west London – as two first-half headers and pouncing on Edouard Mendy’s early second-half mistake has now confined Champions League holders Chelsea to an unenviable second leg recovery mission on April 13. Continue reading
Tag: Champions League
Report: Timo Werner working with agent to engineer summer departure from Chelsea
According to recent reports, which have only intensified over this ongoing international break, the 25-year-old – a £49m signing in 2020 – could be set to depart on a permanent basis once the current campaign is concluded at a cut-price fee after a disappointing stint in west London. Continue reading
Contingency plans: Adeyemi fee impasse, Dortmund also linked with other Haaland replacements
While still battling over a fair price for RB Salzburg’s latest hotshot, around the €45m (£37.4m) figure, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have been linked with approaches for other strikers this summer as they prepare for life after Erling Haaland – whose €75m (£62.4m) release clause is active and will inevitably be explored by Europe’s elite in the weeks to come. Continue reading
Real Madrid (3) 3-1 (2) PSG: Benzema’s second-half hat-trick secures unlikely comeback
Karim Benzema’s 17-minute hat-trick sent the Bernabeu into raptures, as Real Madrid produced the seemingly improbable: recovering from 1-0 down on the night, and 2-0 on aggregate, stunning PSG to progress into the Champions League quarter-finals. The visitors, ahead after Kylian Mbappe’s near-post finish six minutes before half-time, capitulated again. Continue reading
Inter Milan 0-2 Liverpool: Firmino, Salah score as Reds seize commanding first leg lead
It wasn’t a vintage away display but didn’t need to be as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool emerged unscathed from a frenetic Champions League last-16 first leg affair in Milan with a two-goal cushion after late second-half strikes from substitute Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
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Sergio Aguero’s abrupt retirement, aged 33, is upsetting but tinged with relief
Less than six months into his Catalan adventure, Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer wept during the announcement as he explained what we’ve known for a few weeks now: having to retire prematurely with a heart condition. But as we reflect on his greatest moments and angrily wonder what could’ve been, I’m relieved he’s okay at a time where nothing is certain. Continue reading
Reece Oxford’s Augsburg extension reinforces his refreshing progression
Cast aside too quickly as another teenage wonderkid who swiftly disappeared according to English critics, Reece Oxford’s career trajectory has been re-energised by a Bundesliga journey taking him from Borussia Monchengladbach to Augsburg – where his consistent performances earned a new contract extension last week, like most things, that went under-the-radar. Continue reading
Brazilian winger Antony comes of age, as Ajax annihilate dishevelled Dortmund
On a rough night where Borussia Dortmund’s wonderkid striker Erling Haaland missed a handful of big chances and hit the woodwork, Ajax’s ambitious young core exposed their visitors with ruthless abandon en route to a 4-0 win. Antony, an Olympic gold medallist with Brazil in Tokyo two months ago, showed why many of Europe’s elite are tracking his progress. Continue reading
Juventus 1-0 Chelsea: Chiesa the catalyst as ponderous Blues stifled in Turin
Federico Chiesa’s winner, 11 seconds into the second-half, felt inevitable after multiple warning signs were ignored but typified just how Chelsea – with their 73% possession and half-chances galore – laboured through proceedings in Turin. If Thomas Tuchel’s men are going to successfully defend their Champions League crown, they can’t afford more displays like these. Continue reading
Tottenham’s City triumph felt inevitable, even as Harry Kane saga rumbles on
Tottenham players had their backs to the wall, the world watching intently as their talisman was absent against the team he wants to join… but still found a way to start the new Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s men on Sunday. Surprised? Not quite. Continue reading
Meticulous planning, irreparable damage and cruel irony: Lionel Messi at PSG
Lionel Messi’s 21-year association with Barcelona, where he became the greatest player of his generation, ended yesterday. The Argentine joins a stacked PSG side whose pursuit of an elusive Champions League triumph has become clearer in recent months with their summer business. But while the seeds had been sown for a decade, even they wouldn’t have expected this…
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Report: Tottenham in advanced talks with Gladbach forward Marcus Thuram
Per today’s reports, Tottenham are leading the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram – currently in Didier Deschamps’ Euro 2020 squad with France. The versatile 23-year-old, who has two successful Bundesliga seasons under his belt, has admirers aplenty. Continue reading
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