Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Wembley hosts the Champions League final for the first time since 2013 tonight and while Borussia Dortmund fell short 11 years ago against arch-rivals Bayern, the competition’s most successful team wouldn’t be in London this week if it wasn’t for Joselu blocking a storybook rematch last month. Dortmund relish their underdog tag, but can they produce another surprise one final time?
Continue reading “UCL final – Real vs. Dortmund preview: A por la 15, or redemption a decade later?”
They did it again. On the verge of a first home defeat in 13 months, Real Madrid conjured up two goals in three minutes from an unlikely source – inspired substitute Joselu with a pair of poacher’s finishes – confining Bayern to a trophyless campaign for the first time in over a decade while punching their ticket into the Wembley final, where they’ll play Borussia Dortmund on June 1. Continue reading “Real 2-1 Bayern: Joselu’s late double seals frantic comeback, sets up Dortmund final”
Vinicius Junior drew first blood, then had the final say from twelve yards as Real Madrid were predictably resilient in Munich to keep their Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern finely poised at two goals apiece before next week’s return leg at the Bernabeu. That was despite being second best for large periods during an action-packed clash between two giants on Tuesday. Continue reading “Bayern 2-2 Real: Vinicius gives visitors vigour in pulsating UCL semi-final first leg”
Should I stay and push for more or venture in the unknown? That’s the impending dilemma for Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, and a few other teammates in a similar situation to consider this coming summer as a series of interested clubs continue to approach the Gunners about his availability. Is it time to make an uncomfortable choice that could benefit him in the long run? Continue reading “Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves all circling for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah”
Premier League leaders Arsenal are the latest side to be heavily linked with a summer move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who spent five years in England relatively under-the-radar until he shone with Coventry in the Championship and sides on the continent took notice. So, is he good enough for another talent upgrade or is this a purple patch in a depleted forward market? Continue reading “Purple patch or worth it? Why everyone is linked with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres”
Having made his first Premier League start during their home win over Brentford earlier this week, the Premier League champions’ plan is for the Norway international to sign a new long-term contract extension beyond the existing 2026 agreement to reflect his growing status within the senior side. Continue reading “After first start vs. Brentford, City’s Oscar Bobb now set for new contract extension”
Having narrowly beaten Inter Milan last June to complete a historic treble, the Premier League champions’ inconsistent domestic form this term saw many believing they’d crash-and-burn on all fronts this season after Kevin de Bruyne’s injury left star striker Erling Haaland without his creator-in-chief. Both back fit again in an in-form team, Guardiola doesn’t think so – and why would he? Continue reading “Guardiola talks up City belief in retaining Champions League crown, as you’d expect”
David Moyes declared Declan Rice was worth more than £100m, and his West Ham side were the beneficiaries of a nine-figure sum when Arsenal swooped for his signature last summer. Ivan Toney is perhaps even more expensive to Brentford, though the England striker’s existing situation makes it difficult to envisage a high bidding war – something his manager has now said publicly. Continue reading “Thomas Frank accepting the inevitable leaves Ivan Toney sweepstakes open”
PSG star forward Kylian Mbappe capped his 25th birthday with a matchwinning brace during their 3-1 home win over Metz tonight, while his teenage brother and midfielder Ethan was afforded a few minutes from the bench to make his maiden senior appearance on a memorable night for the Mbappe household. Continue reading “Birthday boy Mbappe nets brace in 3-1 Metz win, younger brother Ethan debuts”
Joelinton’s rasping drive had Newcastle sitting second in their Champions League group at one stage during an eventful evening, before their hearts were broken twice in a manic second-half after goals from Christian Pulisic and substitute winger Samuel Chukwueze sent them out of European competition altogether on Tyneside tonight while Milan are Europa League-bound in 2024. Continue reading “Newcastle 1-2 Milan: Chukwueze curler sends Toon tumbling out of Europe late”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola publicly revealed the belief his side could be in trouble after John Stones’ latest injury setback, during their 3-0 home Champions League group stage win over BSC Young Boys on Tuesday. The 29-year-old England international recently returned to action last month after hip and hamstring issues, but could be sidelined again with a muscular complaint. Continue reading “Guardiola fears another lengthy John Stones absence after Young Boys victory”
Ange Postecoglou is a miracle worker. James Maddison quickly proving himself the division’s best summer signing, Heung-Min Son flying and there’s no suggestion they’re missing Harry Kane. The emotional hangover from previous head coaches – Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte – has quickly disappeared, Spurs sit top of the table and packed with plaudits. How long will it last? Continue reading “As feelgood factor fizzes around Hotspur Way, Tottenham travel to Palace tonight”
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