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
Tag: Lionel Messi
PSG 1-0 Real Madrid: Mbappe’s stoppage-time magic sinks Los Blancos in tense first leg
Kylian Mbappe scored his second stoppage-time winner in four days, ensuring PSG hold a slender first leg lead in their Champions League last-16 clash with La Liga leaders Real Madrid. The visitors defended stoutly with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois producing saves galore – including a Lionel Messi penalty – but had no chance stopping a magical moment at the death.
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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
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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City career complete, Sergio Aguero’s Catalan adventure begins
After a forgettable end to his illustrious Manchester City tenure at the weekend in their Champions League Final loss, Sergio Aguero returns to La Liga where he’ll partner Lionel Messi at Barca – a decade after departing the country’s new champions Atletico Madrid for England. Continue reading
Timely two-year contract extension just what Kevin de Bruyne deserves
Less than 12 hours removed from his decisive display to help Manchester City overcome a relentless Borussia Dortmund effort in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, the news was finally announced: the Premier League leaders had agreed a two-year contract extension with their creator-in-chief to keep him at Eastlands until the summer of 2025. Continue reading
UCL MD6 Previews: Barcelona and Juventus clash, while unbeaten Chelsea host Krasnodar
Read on for two Champions League MD6 match previews ahead of a pivotal Group G clash between Spanish giants Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus with top spot not yet confirmed, while Frank Lampard’s unbeaten Chelsea side expect to finish with a flourish when entertaining Russian side Krasnodar elsewhere tonight in Group E. Are we in for some surprises? Continue reading
Saturday previews: Barcelona travel to Cadiz, Juventus host Torino in derby clash
Ahead of their eagerly-anticipated UCL clash on MD6 next, La Liga giants Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus face potentially stiff opposition during their brief return to domestic action on Saturday. Barca travel to sixth-placed Cadiz, after Juventus entertain determined strugglers Torino in the Derby della Mole as they look to close the gap on their title rivals. Continue reading
Juventus 0-2 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points as Dembele, Messi pile early pressure on Pirlo
Goals from Ousmane Dembele and a Lionel Messi penalty helped Barcelona to a morale-boosting 2-0 Champions League group stage win over Serie A champions Juventus. What were five talking points as Ronald Koeman’s men bounced back from their 3-1 El Clasico defeat to record a first victory in Turin, continuing their 100% record to begin this season’s UCL? Continue reading
Barcelona 3-1 Napoli: 5 Talking Points as Messi excellence ends Partenopei’s season
Barcelona made hard work of it, but earned their place in this season’s Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-1 win (4-2 on aggregate) against a spirited Napoli display at the Camp Nou. Read on, for five talking points as Barca booked a mouthwatering clash against Bundesliga giants Bayern next Friday.
Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol: 5 Hits and Flops as Suarez’s strike relegates city rivals
Far from perfect, Barcelona’s title hopes remain intact after Luis Suarez’s 15th La Liga goal of the season – now their third highest goalscorer in club history – settled a drab affair against city rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou. Who impressed while others struggled? Continue reading
Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona: 5 Hits and Flops as Aspas further dents Barca’s title hopes
Iago Aspas’ late free-kick strike meant Barcelona were forced to share the spoils against Celta Vigo in a pulsating 2-2 draw with significant ramifications atop La Liga – cancelling out a well-taken Luis Suarez brace at the Municipal de Balaidos. Continue reading
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