Sports Buzz

Tag: Champions League

  • Axe rumours to player rift claim: Why Ange’s Spurs plea could be his last…or end doom spiral

    Axe rumours to player rift claim: Why Ange’s Spurs plea could be his last…or end doom spiral

    The defining moment of Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham has arrived.

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    Spurs host Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar on Friday morning Australian time in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie, needing to come from behind to keep their hopes of winning a trophy alive this season after losing the first leg 1-0 in the Netherlands a week ago.

    Postecoglou’s statement back in September that “I always win things in my second year”, in reference to titles with Celtic, Yokohama F. Marinos, the Socceroos, Brisbane Roar and South Melbourne, has seemingly become a rod for his own back during his second season in north London.

    It is a quote that is brought up constantly, and when asked about it again in his match eve press conference, he passionately defended his words once again.

    “I wasn’t making anything up. I was asked the question, and I answered it,” Postecoglou explained.

    “Critics have used it for their own purposes, suggesting I’m making a bold claim, but I was stating a fact.

    “Usually in my second season, I win things.

    “That’s the whole idea. The first year is about establishing principles and creating a foundation. Hopefully, the second year is going to win things.

    “If that doesn’t happen this year, then I can’t say that anymore. What am I supposed to say? I’ve always won in the second year; I have in the past, everywhere I’ve been, but here (at Tottenham) it won’t happen.

    “Is that what people want to hear? People can twist these things, use them, and you know what, maybe we defy all the odds and we do win something.”

    With the FA Cup and Carabao Cup gone, and Tottenham sitting a lowly 13th place on the Premier League table, Postecoglou is all-in on the Europa League.

    Spurs won five, drew two and lost one of their league phase matches to avoid a playoff and gain automatic passage to the Round of 16.

    But a second poor showing in the first knockout stage would end Postecoglou’s stunning second-year streak and the knives are sharpening in preparation.

    Tottenham are winless in their past three matches in all competitions despite clearly playing better football as the cavalry returns following their injury crisis.

    Key players getting out of the medical room and back on the pitch built positivity, which was boosted by a hat-trick of league wins before an arguably unlucky 1-0 loss to Manchester City started their current winless stretch, but the discontent, that has bubbled away for several months, quickly resurfaced.

    Spurs salvage draw against Bournemouth | 01:30

    Reports from Italian outlet TuttoSport emerged this week that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is keeping a close eye on Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi as a possible replacement for Postecoglou.

    Meanwhile, former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe revealed to TalkSport that he and other coaches at Spurs in 2023 wanted now England manager Thomas Tuchel appointed instead.

    The Athletic’s Tottenham-focused podcast, ‘The View from The Lane’, spent much of their most recent episode debating whether Spurs would be more likely to win the Europa League if they moved on the Australian now.

    Former Tottenham and Barcelona striker Gary Lineker also poured fuel on the fire, suggesting on the Rest is Football podcast that Postecoglou may have had a falling out with attacking midfielder James Maddison because he started on the bench in their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Sunday.

    Defender Cristian Romero made his return from injury in the same game, having not played since December, but the World Cup winner increased speculation of unrest by thanking the Argentinian physiotherapists, and not Tottenham’s, on Instagram for getting him back on the park.

    But despite the huge amounts of negativity swirling about, Postecoglou is pushing ahead with trying to orchestrate a memorable comeback victory.

    Son Heung-min started on the bench along with Maddison against Bournemouth, in a call seemingly made to ensure they are fresh for this European clash.

    Romero played a little over an hour before making way for Micky van de Van, who has also returned from injury to offer Postecoglou the chance to start his preferred pairing in central defence.

    But midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, after a third booking in the competition, and Dejan Kulusevski, foot injury, will be absent because Tottenham could not possibly have their first-choice team available at the same time this season.

    The key addition that Postecoglou is most counting on, however, is a supportive home crowd.

    Reds fall in penalty shootout to PSG | 03:28

    Tottenham fans are routinely ridiculed for their negative antics, and Postecoglou has experienced a testy relationship with the supporters.

    It was all sunshine and roses when they sat atop of the Premier League table ten games into the Australian’s maiden season at the helm.

    He was serenaded with “I’m loving big Ange instead” to the sounds of Robbie Williams’ hit Angels upon the full-time whistle after home wins, but by the end of the season, Postecoglou blasted the club’s fragility as fans pleaded for the team to lose the penultimate game of the season to eventual champions Manchester City to deny rivals Arsenal the title.

    The tension increased throughout the current campaign as Postecoglou clashed with verbally abusive fans on several occasions after disheartening losses.

    He was also met with choruses of boos instead of jubilation upon the final whistle as well as calls for his sacking on social media and talkback radio.

    But the 59-year-old has asked the faithful to channel their passion into supporting the team rather than ridiculing.

    Postecoglou believes the players need a vibrant crowd to feed off rather than becoming engulfed by an anxious one.

    “Yeah, look, again I said before, I can’t sort of dictate to people how they sort of interact, but, AZ’s crowd certainly helped them on Thursday night,” he said after the Bournemouth match.

    “We need our crowd to get behind the boys on Thursday to make it an atmosphere where maybe we lose some of that nervousness and anxiety within our game.

    “But the reality is, we as a team have to respond irrespective of the atmosphere and one may follow the other. If we start the game strong, it’ll get the place nice and loud, which will help us.”

    Utd eyes historic move from Old Trafford | 01:24

    Tottenham have undeniably been a team of moment throughout the Postecoglou era.

    When they are good, they have ran over the top of teams and piled on goals, proven by the fact only league leaders Liverpool have scored more goals than them despite such an underwhelming campaign.

    When they are poor, the reverse is true. Unable to stem any bleeding with defensive frailties causing unrest in the stands.

    An early goal would be a nightmare for Postecoglou’s side, while like Liverpool in their Round of 16 defeat to PSG in the Champions League, the fans would scarcely be able to handle the drama of a penalty shootout.

    But the reality of the situation is that the feeling of impending doom will not disappear if they can advance to the quarter-final.

    Tottenham have infamously not won a trophy since the 2008 League Cup, and their European drought dates back to the 1984 UEFA Cup, the precursor to the Europa League.

    Patience has not been Tottenham’s strong suit in the 17 years following their 2-1 triumph against Chelsea at Wembley, with Postecoglou their eighth full-time manager since Spaniard Juande Ramos, who lifted the trophy that day.

    The nerves will likely get greater if they can make it deeper into the competition, but that is far better than Postecoglou being given his marching orders.

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  • Slot unleashes ruthless edge as Liverpool face week of ‘finals’ with treble ambitions on the line

    Slot unleashes ruthless edge as Liverpool face week of ‘finals’ with treble ambitions on the line

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot described Paris Saint Germain’s visit as the second of “three finals” in a week, but has warned much more is needed from the Premier League leaders to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.

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    The Reds escaped the Parc des Princes with a 1-0 lead last week despite being battered by the French champions, who came up against an inspired Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal.

    The Brazilian number one said his nine-save display was the “performance of his life”.

    Never before have Liverpool won the first leg of a European tie away and let the lead slip at Anfield.

    However, Slot is taking nothing for granted based on what he saw from PSG. Luis Enrique remained upbeat his side are “going to do it” despite suffering a first defeat in 23 games.

    Adding to Slot’s concern was the lethargic first 45 minutes from his side against rock bottom Southampton in Saturday’s 3-1 win that forced the Dutchman into three half-time substitutions.

    The Saints, who have won just nine points from 28 games all season, took a shock lead into the break before Darwin Nunez and two Mohamed Salah penalties turned the game around to stretch Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to 15 points.

    The League Cup final against Newcastle is also around the corner on Sunday with Slot very much on track for a treble in his first season in charge.

    “The first of three finals,” he said of the victory over Southampton. “I do hope the next two finals we will play a bit better than the first one.

    “The only good thing in the first 45 minutes was that they saved their energy (or PSG) and didn’t run at all. It was maybe the first time this season I saw this tempo.

    “When I look at the game against PSG, we need to go one step up in terms of intensity. But if I compare it with the game today (Saturday), we need to go three, four, five, six or seven steps up in terms of intensity if we want to have any chance of reaching the next round.”

    Forest break 30-year win drought | 02:30

    – ‘Going for us’ –

    Salah conceded that he had rarely seeing his manager so furious as he was during a half-time tirade that helped the turn the Southampton game around.

    “The manager was like going for us,” said the Egyptian. “That’s something you need sometimes.” Slot has had little reason to lose his cool in his first nine months as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

    But he has shown his ruthless side when needed to keep Liverpool on course for just the fourth treble for an English side that would include the league title and Champions League.

    Harvey Elliott scored the smash-and-grab winner in Paris with his first touch after replacing Salah, who had a rare off night.

    Nunez’s work rate was questioned by his coach after disappointing displays against Wolves and Aston Villa, when he missed a glorious chance to win the game, last month.

    Premier League wrap: Arsenal fall behind | 03:13

    The Uruguayan has bounced back to deliver the assist for Elliott at the Parc des Princes and then sparked the fightback against Southampton with his first goal in 11 games.

    Many believed Nunez would have been one of those sacrificed by Slot’s triple half-time change, but he rewarded his manager’s patience.

    “I always hate the idea, if we need to score goals, to take someone off that can score a goal,” added Slot.

    “That’s also the life of a number nine – you go from missing a chance to scoring an important goal.” After a pummelling in Paris, Slot is determined Liverpool do not make the same mistake in their quest for a seventh European Cup.

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  • ‘Unacceptable’: Arsenal boss storms out of interview, left fuming as grim PL reality sinks in

    ‘Unacceptable’: Arsenal boss storms out of interview, left fuming as grim PL reality sinks in

    Declan Rice’s equaliser denied Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim a much-needed win but Arsenal’s faltering Premier League title challenge suffered another damaging blow in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

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    The Gunners sit 15 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, now with just one game in hand, with their focus beginning to turn to holding off the chasing pack for a place in next season’s Champions League.

    Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick put United ahead in first-half stoppage time.

    The Red Devils, though, could not hold on for just a sixth Premier League win in 16 games under Amorim as Rice swept home on 74 minutes.

    United missed a string of late chances to win the game, with a point leaving them down in 14th.

    PL WRAP: Chaotic’ Spurs rally saves Ange’s blushes; bitter rival lands brutal title blow on Gunners

    “How we conceded chances in certain moments was not acceptable,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

    “They have so much quality and they pick the right player and normally that would end in a goal.

    Utd coach full of praise for Fernandes | 00:48

    “We opened the gate to lose the game. there was no chance to lose the game and we opened it ourselves. I will defend my players all the time but in those moments we have to do better.”

    Arteta, however, was in no mood to answer questions about the club’s failure to make signings in January amid a striker injury crisis, or about its stuttering title challenge.

    The Arsenal boss awkwardly ended a post-match interview abruptly when asked about both matters.

    Asked if he regrets not signing a striker in January, Arteta shook his head, said ‘no, it’s not about that’, then started trying to exit.

    Stopped and asked for one more question, Arteta paused. But when the interviewer started to point out the 15 gap to Liverpool in the title race, the Spaniard said ‘no’ and completed his walk off.

    Spurs salvage draw against Bournemouth | 01:30

    Also feeling the heat will be United boss Amorim.

    United have had three permanent managers and an interim during Arteta’s five years in charge of Arsenal.

    Amorim said he knows he will not get the time Arteta did to turn around a sinking ship at Old Trafford.

    The discontent among the home support could be seen around the stands with many taking part in a protest by wearing black over what they perceive as “the death” of their club.

    “This club will never die, that is clear,” said Amorim. “You feel it in the streets. This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets.”

    Arsenal had failed to score in either of their previous two league games to realistically wave goodbye to their hopes of a first title in 21 years.

    Premier League wrap: Arsenal fall behind | 03:13

    Despite still missing the attacking quartet of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners hit back in stunning fashion to thrash PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

    Infused with fresh confidence, Arsenal started on the front foot but again missed the focal point of a natural centre-forward.

    Midfielder Mikel Merino has been forced to deputise upfront in recent weeks and fired wide from the edge of the area with an early opening.

    United have struggled for goals all season, but their skipper has remained a source of inspiration and Fernandes produced once more with a sumptuous free-kick just before halftime.

    Questions will be asked over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s starting position, but Fernandes still had to whip the ball over an imposing wall and back down into the visitors’ net.

    Spurs suffer huge Europa League blow | 01:41

    – Raya rescues Arsenal –

    If Raya was at fault for the opener, he made amends with a string of saves in the second period.

    Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee were the first to be denied as United threatened a second on the counter-attack.

    Arteta was able to throw on Martinelli on his return from a hamstring injury in the hunt for an equaliser.

    Instead, it was Rice who matched Fernandes’ fine finish by arrowing a shot beyond Andre Onana from Jurrien Timber’s pass.

    Amorim had dropped Rasmus Hojlund to the bench after a run of 19 games without a goal.

    The Dane should have ended that streak when he allowed Rice to get back and make a goal-saving challenge.

    More Raya heroics followed to stop Fernandes from snatching a winner as the match entered stoppage time.

    However, a draw did little for Arsenal’s title challenge.

    Arteta’s men edge four points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest and eight clear of Manchester City in fifth in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League.

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  • ‘Self-inflicted chaos’: Late drama saves Ange as Aussie calls out fresh toxic turn — PL Wrap

    ‘Self-inflicted chaos’: Late drama saves Ange as Aussie calls out fresh toxic turn — PL Wrap

    Tottenham fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth in north London, saving boss Ange Postecoglou from another embarrassing defeat.

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    Tottenham lost 1-0 at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.

    That competition represents Tottenham’s last chance of fulfilling Postecoglou’s boast that he always win a trophy in his second season.

    Languishing in 13th in the Premier League, Postecoglou’s side have gone three games without a win in all competitions.

    ‘UNACCEPTABLE’: Arsenal boss storms out of interview, left fuming as grim PL reality sinks in

    Tottenham conceded in the 42nd minute when Marcus Tavernier applied the finishing touch to Milos Kerkez’s pin-point cross after Pedro Porro carelessly conceded possession.

    Bournemouth struck again in the 65th minute as Evanilson raced onto Justin Kluivert’s pass and lifted a composed finish over Guglielmo Vicario.

    But Pape Sarr reduced the deficit two minutes later, the Tottenham midfielder catching out Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a misjudged cross that somehow dipped in at the far post.

    Tottenham completed their escape in the 84th minute as Kepa conceded a penalty with a desperate lunge on Son Heung-min.

    Son calmly slotted home from the spot for his first goal in 10 games, taking him to 11 in all competitions this season.

    – Spurs must show fighting spirit against Alkmaar: Postecoglou –

    Ange Postecoglou urged Tottenham to replicate the fighting spirit that salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth when they return to action in Thursday’s crucial Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar.

    Postecoglou’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 first leg at AZ on Thursday and looked set for another loss when Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a half-time lead on Sunday.

    Cristian Romero’s return after a three-month injury absence did little to improve Tottenham’s fortunes as Evanilson doubled Bournemouth’s advantage after 65 minutes.

    With the atmosphere turning toxic in north London and the pressure mounting on Postecoglou, Tottenham showed some much-needed character to scramble out of trouble.

    Pape Sarr’s miscued cross crept in to give Tottenham a fortunate lifeline and Son Heung-min converted an 84th-minute penalty that the South Korean won himself.

    Languishing in lower mid-table in the Premier League, Tottenham can now turn their attention to the visit of AZ on Thursday in the second leg.

    “Chaotic game, for sure. We added to the chaos and it was a little bit self-inflicted, especially in the first half. Just with the ball, we were really careless with our passing,” Postecoglou said.

    “At 2-0 down, it would have been very easy, particularly with the atmosphere as it was, for the boys to just let the game get away from us, but credit to them, they found a way to get back into the game and we got something out of it.

    “I don’t think it was a case of being open because we were throwing men forward, we just kept giving the ball away. We certainly need to be better in the way that we execute that part of our game for Thursday.

    “You can imagine the noise around if the players didn’t respond. Thursday is obviously a massive game for us.

    “At least from that perspective – and even for the players themselves – we’ve obviously got a challenge, but they overcame a fairly big challenge today and hopefully we show the same kind of mindset.”

    Adding to Postecoglou’s woes, Romero’s first appearance since December was followed by a pointed social-media post where he thanked the medical staff of Argentina and not Tottenham on his X account.

    Micky van de Ven also returned for his first league fixture in three months and lifted a nervous crowd, which Postecoglou conceded could lead to more tension among his players in the AZ clash.

    “I can’t sort of dictate to people how they sort of interact, but AZ’s crowd certainly helped them on Thursday night and we need our crowd to get behind the boys,” he said.

    “To make it an atmosphere where maybe we lose some of that nervousness and anxiety within our game.

    “The reality is, we as a team have to respond irrespective of the atmosphere and one may follow the other. If we start the game strong, it’ll get the place nice and loud, which will help us.”

    ARSENAL HOPES ALL OVER

    Arsenal’s fading hopes of winning the Premier League suffered a fresh blow as Manchester United held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw, while Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Leicester on Sunday (Monday AEDT).

    After Liverpool’s 3-1 win against Southampton moved the leaders 16 points clear at the top on Saturday, there was no margin for error when Arsenal arrived at Old Trafford 24 hours later.

    But United captain Bruno Fernandes put the hosts ahead with a superb free-kick in first half stoppage-time.

    Declan Rice’s clinical finish from just inside the United area hauled Arsenal level in the 74th minute.

    But Mikel Arteta’s second-placed side couldn’t find a winner and now sit 15 points adrift of Liverpool.

    Despite holding a game in hand on Liverpool, Arsenal look certain to miss out on the title yet again after finishing as runners-up for the last two seasons.

    Liverpool are bidding to win a record-equalling 20th English title and their first since 2020 in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.

    The Anfield club need a maximum of 16 more points from their last nine matches to ensure they clinch the silverware.

    Not for the first time, Arsenal have faded as the title pressure mounts, with a run of three league games without a win effectively gifting the trophy to Liverpool.

    Troubled Manchester United are down in 14th place, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions.

    Adding to the gloom around Old Trafford, thousands of United fans staged a pre-match protest against co-owners the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe.

    At Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella struck with a long-range rocket in the second half to lift Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth place.

    The Blues are two points ahead of City in the race for the top four finish that guarantees a Champions League berth.

    It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches.

    Maresca believes that should be enough to ensure Champions League action, but Chelsea will have to improve on a spluttering performance against second-bottom Leicester.

    – Cucurella lifts Chelsea –

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer missed the first penalty of his career and was later substituted, making it seven league games without a goal or assist for the England forward.

    Second-bottom Leicester have lost five successive league games and sit six points from safety as they slide towards relegation.

    Victor Kristiansen’s clumsy challenge pole-axed Jadon Sancho, earning Chelsea a first half spot-kick.

    Usually such a ruthless penalty taker, Palmer seized the ball, only for Mads Hermansen to deny him with a superb save.

    Chelsea finally took the lead in spectacular fashion on the hour when Spanish defender Cucurella drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

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  • ‘It doesn’t come from the sky’: Pep blasts City stars as CL place balances on a knife’s edge

    ‘It doesn’t come from the sky’: Pep blasts City stars as CL place balances on a knife’s edge

    Pep Guardiola has warned his Manchester City flops that Champions League qualification will not “fall from the sky” after a painful 1-0 defeat at top four rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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    Guardiola’s side were humbled yet again in their wretched campaign when Callum Hudson-Odoi beat City keeper Ederson at the near post in the 83rd minute.

    City’s ninth league defeat of the season — their most since 2019-20 — leaves them anxiously looking over their shoulder in the top-four race.

    To get back in Europe’s elite club competition next season, Guardiola knows City must find a way to shake off the lethargy that has gripped them throughout their astonishing decline.

    “We have to win games. We don’t win enough games in a row to be secure. We have 10 games left, we have to win a lot of games to qualify. This is how it is,” he said.

    “To find a way we have to play better. We have to do something, it doesn’t come from the sky. Of course the situation is what it is.

    “Ten games left, starting against Brighton next Saturday, international break afterwards and we’ll see what happens.” In keeping with City’s error-strewn season, Ederson made a hash of Hudson-Odoi’s winner, allowing the former Chelsea forward to squeeze in his shot at the near post.

    Fourth-placed City are four points behind third-placed Forest and only one ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who host lowly Leicester on Sunday.

    Despite their predicament, Guardiola refused to blame Ederson for their latest loss.

    “It is what it is, we can’t blame a player, I prefer to praise than blame,” he said. “I didn’t see the action. It happens in football, nothing to say.”

    – ‘Gives you confidence’ –

    City’s first league defeat to Forest since 1997 was the latest highlight in a memorable campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

    But Nuno remains grounded and insists the victory does not guarantee they will qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1980-81.

    “We are very happy. We did a very good game against a tough team,” he said. “We are talking about the best teams around. It always gives you the confidence that you can compete well against such good players.

    “It allows us to grow as a team, but it doesn’t change the opponent ahead of you because the Premier League is very tough. Every good performance we have and every good result we have is always what we look for.

    “It doesn’t change anything. It’s about the focus and the approach of the games. Let’s enjoy the journey together. The players are doing amazing, the fans are giving us help, so let’s keep on enjoying.” Forest legend Stuart Pearce is currently recovering in hospital in Canada after falling ill on a flight home from Las Vegas.

    And Nuno sent his best wishes to Pearce on a day when Forest’s performance encapsulated the passion and pride that were the former England defender’s calling cards.

    “Stuart is not just a legend of our club, he is part of our family,” Nuno said. “We all send him our very best wishes and hope he has a full and fast recovery.”

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  • Liverpool take another big step towards title as City crash to PL’s fairytale team — Wrap

    Liverpool take another big step towards title as City crash to PL’s fairytale team — Wrap

    Premier League leaders Liverpool needed two Mohamed Salah penalties to beat bottom-of-the-table Southampton 3-1 on Saturday, while Nottingham Forest took a giant step towards the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Manchester City.

    Liverpool stretched their lead at the top to a massive 16 points, despite a sloppy first 45 minutes.

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    Fresh from a smash-and-grab 1-0 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool boss Arne Slot made just three changes.

    However, the Dutchman was forced into making three half-time alterations to kickstart the champions-elect.

    “The manager was like going for us – but that’s something you need sometimes. Because first half, the game was sloppy,” said Salah.

    Southampton have taken just nine points from 28 games all season, but stunned Anfield when Will Smallbone fired the visitors in front in first-half stoppage time.

    Alisson Becker was Liverpool’s hero at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday but the Brazilian and Virgil van Dijk got in each other’s way to allow Smallbone to roll into an unguarded net.

    Slot turned to Harvey Elliott, Alexis MacAllister and Andy Robertson at the break, and the changes had the desired effect with two goals in three minutes before the hour mark.

    Darwin Nunez levelled with a sharp near-post finish from Luis Diaz’s cross. Nunez was then upended inside the area and Salah converted from the spot. The Egyptian slotted home a second penalty two minutes from time to take his tally for the season to 32 goals.

    Second-placed Arsenal have two games in hand on the leaders, the first of which comes away to Manchester United on Sunday.

    But it appears a matter of when not if Liverpool will clinch just their second league title in 35 years.

    Gunners create UCL history in 7-1 win | 01:00

    Forest pulled four points clear of City in third thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late winner at the City Ground.

    The former Chelsea winger fired past Ederson on 83 minutes from Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass to spark jubilant scenes of celebration as Forest beat the English champions for the first time since 1997.

    Two-time European champions, Forest have not experienced the continent’s top competition since 1980.

    But they are closing in on the Champions League with a top-five finish almost certain to be enough thanks to the strong performance of English teams in Europe this season.

    “We are not here to joke”, Hudson-Odoi posted on social media. “Goal, MOTM (man-of-the-match), three points!” City remain fourth and are looking over their shoulders after a ninth league defeat of the season.

    Pep Guardiola’s men are likely to be overtaken by Chelsea, when they host struggling Leicester on Sunday.

    Crystal Palace shrugged off the loss of top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta to a serious ear injury to beat Ipswich 1-0 thanks to Ismaila Sarr’s winner.

    The Eagles have won nine of their last 11 games in all competitions and climb to 11th.

    Brighton boosted their own Champions League hopes courtesy of Joao Pedro’s 98th-minute penalty to beat Fulham 2-1.

    Raul Jimenez’s spectacular strike opened the scoring for Fulham, but Jean Paul van Hecke levelled before half-time.

    Pedro’s spot-kick lifts the Seagulls to sixth and within one point of City. Aston Villa travel to Brentford and Wolves host Everton in Saturday’s later kick-offs.

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  • Liverpool pull off ‘one of the biggest robberies’ as star shot stopper delivers ‘greatest performance of his career’ – CL Wrap

    Liverpool pull off ‘one of the biggest robberies’ as star shot stopper delivers ‘greatest performance of his career’ – CL Wrap

    Liverpool pulled off one of the great Champions League heists with an 87th minute goal from substitute Harvey Elliott handing the Reds a 1-0 advantage after the first leg of their Round of 16 clash with PSG in Paris.

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    The hosts were dominant, taking a whopping 27 shots, ten of which were on target as well as having 72% possession but they could not find a way past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

    The Brazilian was comfortably the best player on the pitch, making nine saves as he seemingly built a brick wall in front of goal.

    Arne Slot’s side meanwhile, needing only two shots, and just one on target, to secure a lead before next week’s second leg at Anfield.

    “That’s one of the biggest robberies you will ever see in football,” Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said on CBS Sports post-match.

    “I can’t believe what I’ve just seen. PSG were absolutely outstanding. Brilliant, battered Liverpool and the last time Liverpool won this competition, Alisson Becker, the goalkeeper, made a save against Napoli in the last group game. Liverpool could have gone out if Napoli had have scored, and that’s always looked back on as a defining moment.

    “That wasn’t a save tonight. That was arguably the greatest performance of his career or certainly in a Liverpool shirt.

    “If Liverpool go on to win this competition, which they have a great chance of, that performance will be remembered for years to come.”

    Elliott ended up being a hero with the 21-year-old driving a low shot off the hand of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the far corner of the goal, only one minute after coming off the bench to replace superstar Mohamed Salah.

    Alisson blasted a long ball forward, Darwin Nunez knocked it down and regathered before playing it out to Elliott, who was charging forward and buried the chance with his first touch.

    The substitution clearly turned out to be a stroke of genius from Slot as Salah had a very quiet night by his lofty standards, but the Egyptian was not helped by the fact the Premier League leaders struggled to get their counter attack going.

    The home fans at the Parc des Princes were simply baffled that their team was unable to find a goal, as despite Alisson’s brilliance, they were made to pay for several wasted opportunities.

    Ousmane Dembele was simply electric early as he could have set up PSG’s first with an exquisite piece of dribbling down the right wing before finding Joao Neves in the box but the Portuguese midfielder bounced at a fairly open goal over the crossbar.

    The chances kept coming in the opening 20 minutes as PSG dominated.

    A deflected Dembele shot went wide much to Liverpool’s relief, but the hosts thought they had the lead when Khvicka Kvaratskhelia curled a stunner into the far corner of the net.

    The Parisian celebrations were short-lived however as VAR stepped in, ruling that the Georgian has been offside by barely the length of hit boot in the build up.

    It was then unbelievable how PSG did not score on the half-hour mark as Alisson charged off his line to stop another Dembele shot one-on-one but the ball could only spill towards Fabian Ruiz.

    But the Reds got back in time to set up a barricade in front of goal, attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai retreated to blocking Ruiz’s shot before Bradley Barcola sprayed another shot over the bar.

    After half time the near misses continued with Alisson completing yet another superb save off another Dembele shot in the 84th minute after also stopping a Desire Doue shot after he came off the bench, and even making a miraculous save despite the offside flag being raised among his highlight reel.

    – 10-men Barca get the job done –

    In Portugal, Barcelona were down to ten men after 22 minutes but still managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Benfica.

    Centre back Pau Cubarsi was shown a straight red card for bringing down striker Vangelis Pavlidis just outside the penalty area.

    But it was a Benfica defensive blunder to proved most costly.

    Antonio Silva coughed up the ball to Raphinha in his own half and the Brazilian pounced, bursting past his opponents and finishing calmly in the bottom right corner once he made it to the edge of the box.

    The hosts had the better of much of the game, having 26 shots to ten, eight on target compared to five.

    It is the most amount of shots Benfica have recorded in a Champions League match without scoring, but Barcelona managed to stay firm to ensure they take a lead into the second leg at home.

    They also extended their unbeaten run in the competition to eight matches, seven wins and a draw.

    – Bayern clinical as consistent Kane reaches impressive mark again –

    Bayern Munich had no such troubles, claiming a 3-0 win in an all-German clash with Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena.

    Harry Kane unleashed a powerful header to open the scoring in the ninth minute for Bayern, finding the back of the net for the 30th time this season in all competitions.

    It is the third straight season that Kane has reached that feat, two in Munich and one at Tottenham, and he also boasts ten assists this campaign.

    Jamal Musiala scored Bayern’s second in the 54th minute after a cross created a scramble in the box before the midfielder could tap it home.

    Hopes of a Leverkusen comeback were later dashed as they were reduced to ten men in the 62nd minute with defender Nordi Mukiele shown a second yellow card for a late challenge and given his marching orders.

    Kane then sunk another blow, converting a penalty with 15 minutes remaining to secure a brace.

    Bayern did not come out of the clash without any concerns however, as almost on the hour mark, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who made his 150th Champions League appearance, was subbed off with an injury concern.

    – Inter’s strike force seize control –

    Inter Milan’s powerful strike duo of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez combined to give the Italians a handy 2-0 advantage over Dutch side Feyenoord after an absorbing Champions League last-16 first leg Wednesday.

    Quality finishes either side of half-time from the French and Argentinian strikers proved the difference between the two teams, who meet again in Milan for Tuesday’s second leg, with the winner of the Bayern Munich-Bayer Leverkusen German derby lying in wait.

    A lively opening quarter in Rotterdam’s ever-atmospheric De Kuip saw three-time European champions Inter enjoy most possession but Feyenoord carve out the clearest opportunities.

    Ibrahim Osman, the pacy 20-year-old Ghana international winger on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, was the main threat for the hosts, twice forcing Josep Martinez into sharp saves.

    For the visitors, Thuram found himself with a clear run at goal but decided to pass square rather than shoot and the danger was snuffed out.

    It was a moment of quality from the French striker that broke the deadlock with just eight minutes until the half-time whistle, latching onto a curling cross from Nicolo Barella to hook it in with the outside of his boot at the far post.

    The goal, slightly against the run of play, galvanised the Serie A side, who suddenly looked much more dangerous going forward.

    Feyenoord legend and recently installed manager Robin van Persie would have been glad to get his side into the dressing room just 1-0 down after an entertaining first half.

    But his side’s arrears doubled just five minutes into the second period, as Martinez drilled an unstoppable shot into the top corner, giving the hosts a mountain to climb.

    Jakub Moder came close to getting Feyenoord back into the game when his lunging deflection skimmed the bar.

    Inter had their own chance to put the game — and probably the tie — beyond reach when Jeyland Mitchell brought down Thuram in the box, the referee awarding a penalty after a long VAR check.

    But Timon Wellenreuther in the Feyenoord goal produced an excellent save from Piotr Zielinski’s penalty, moving smartly to his right.

    Feyenoord pressed to the end looking for something to take to the San Siro but the Inter defence held firm in a pleasing night for Simone Inzaghi’s men.

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  • Gunners score SEVEN; Unlikely PL challenger on cusp of unthinkable — CL Wrap

    Gunners score SEVEN; Unlikely PL challenger on cusp of unthinkable — CL Wrap

    Two memorable, but contrasting in quality, goals have lit up the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 16 with Arsenal’s Mikel Merino capitalising on a comedy of errors and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvaraz scored a worldie against rivals Real Madrid.

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    Alvaraz’s mind-blowing goal was in vein as Real snatched the first leg of the Madrid derby 2-1 but it was seventh heaven for Arsenal as they demolished Dutch outfit PSV 7-1 away from home.

    It was just the second time ever in a Champions League match that the Gunners have scored seven goals, and it was only the fifth time they have won by six or more goals.

    Merino’s goal was Arsenal’s third, 20 seconds after the half-hour mark, as PSV’s defenders behaved as if they were allergic to the ball.

    Once Arsenal got the ball into the penalty area, it bounced around off defenders’ legs, two of the PSV players fell over and there was even some air swings in attempts to clear it before it eventually fell to Merino who buried it in the far corner with a cool left-footed finish.

    There was a lengthy VAR check for offside in the build-up among the carnage, but there was no denying Arsenal who were on a roll after Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 18th minute, heading home a Declan Rice cross at the back post.

    Three minutes later 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri fired a left-footed bullet in at the near-post to double the advantage and continue his stunning rise, having scored in both of his Champions League starts.

    Nwaneri became the third youngest player ever to score in a knockout tie in the premier European competition, and he was assisted by fellow teenager, 18-year-old left back Myles Lewis-Skelly – it was the first time two English teenagers have combined for a goal in Champions League history.

    The margin was reduced to 3-1 at half time however as Noa Lang converted a penalty for the hosts.

    But the contest turned into a bloodbath in the second half with Martin Odegaard scoring two minutes after the resumption, and Leandro Trossard then added the Gunners’ fifth one minute later.

    Odegaard ended with a brace as he scored Arsenal’s sixth in the 73rd minute before substitute Riccardo Calafori made it seven in the 85th minute.

    The crushing win means next week’s return leg at the Emirates is little more than a formality for the Gunners.

    At the Bernabeu, Real Madrid got the victory against fierce rivals Atletico but Alvarez’s stunner was the highlight of the night.

    The hosts seized the advantage in just the fourth minute through Rodrygo, but the Argentine equalised in the 32nd minute.

    Alvarez received a pass on the left wing, dribbled past a defender, cut back into the penalty area and unleashed a remarkable curling shot into the far corner that left the home crowd stunned.

    It is a serious contender for goal of the season, but Real took control in the second half with Brahim Diaz again playing the role of hero with a 55th minute winner.

    Diaz also scored the decisive goal away at his former club Manchester City in the first leg of the playoff to reach the Round of 16.

    That was a tap-in after coming off the bench, but this was a superb finish after starting on the pitch.

    It was not as spectacular as Alvarez’s, but it was impressive nonetheless as he dribbled expertly in the penalty area and slotted home to the far corner of the net.

    Diaz then seized the chance to celebrate with the home fans in stunning scenes.

    Meanwhile in Germany, French side LOSC picked up a massive result, holding Borussia Dortmund to 1-1 draw.

    Dortmund led at half time courtesy of a Karim Adeyemi first half goal, but Hakon Arnar Haraldsson equalised in the 68th minute for the visitors.

    The away fans who travelled from Lille made quite the scene to try compete with Dortmund’s famous yellow wall, setting off flares, creating a light show, singing and waving massive flags.

    – Late goals put Villa in command –

    Aston Villa manager Unai Emery insisted his team still have work to do to reach the Champions League quarter-finals despite a commanding 3-1 victory away to Club Brugge in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.

    Two late goals, including a Marco Asensio penalty, gave Villa the victory in Belgium to puncture the hopes of the hosts who performed so well for so long.

    Leon Bailey’s early opener for Villa at the Jan Breydelstadion was soon cancelled out by a Maxim De Cuyper leveller.

    Club Brugge had been more than a match for their Premier League visitors, but Brandon Mechele’s 82nd-minute own goal restored Villa’s lead.

    Asensio, on as a substitute, then converted an 88th-minute penalty, his fifth goal in four games wrapping up the victory which puts the 1982 European Cup winners in a very strong position.

    “Today I am happy but calm,” Emery said.

    “We are not in the quarter-finals. There are still 90 minutes to play and we are ready in case we need extra time and a penalty shootout because I know how many difficulties there can be in each match.” If Emery’s team complete the job at Villa Park next Wednesday, their reward will be a quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool.

    Villa qualified directly for this stage after finishing eighth in the league phase, but they had lost 1-0 in Bruges in early November, a game from which Emery learned lessons.

    “After the match we played here in November, they have been performing very well,” he said.

    “They have a very good structure with the ball, and we decided to respect them when they have possession, and the most important thing was how we competed.” That last meeting was decided by a Hans Vanaken penalty after Tyrone Mings bizarrely picked the ball up in his own area.

    Mings will be pleased to have played a part in the third-minute goal which put Villa in front in that same box.

    He met a free-kick into the Brugge area with a header down for Bailey to score with a controlled finish past goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

    Club Brugge have shown this season that they can compete at this level, notably dispatching Atalanta 5-2 on aggregate in the play-offs last month.

    – Rashford ineffective –

    The hosts were soon level, as Greek international Christos Tzolis collected the ball on the left and laid it back to De Cuyper, who sent a first-time shot into the far corner.

    They then almost went ahead as Emiliano Martinez made a vital save to deny Chemsdine Talbi.

    Raphael Onyedika tried a powerful strike from range early in the second half, and Emery then sought to stir his subdued side by making a quadruple substitution just past the hour.

    Marcus Rashford was among the players to come off, after he was quiet on the left wing in his first Champions League appearance since being sent off for Manchester United in a 4-3 defeat in Copenhagen in November 2023.

    One of those coming on was Asensio, another of Villa’s winter signings, who started on the bench despite excellent recent form.

    “Their response was fantastic,” Emery said of the replacements, with Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash also introduced.

    On-loan PSG player Asensio almost struck on 68 minutes, meeting a Ramsey assist only for Mignolet to save.

    Club Brugge also could have scored again. Captain Vanaken headed narrowly wide from a Tzolis cross and then set up the Greek winger for a great chance which he miscued.

    They did not deserve to end up losing by two goals, but that is what happened as Mechele turned a Morgan Rogers cross into his own net.

    Tzolis then tripped up Cash in the area, and Asensio blasted in the spot-kick before running away to celebrate in front of the travelling fans.

    “We created a lot of chances, but unfortunately we concede an own goal and then of course five minutes later the penalty, and it makes the return much more difficult,” said Brugge coach Nicky Hayen.

    “Despite the result I think we played a positive game and we have to remember that when we go there next Wednesday.”

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  • Real Madrid beats Atletico 2-1 in derby

    Real Madrid beats Atletico 2-1 in derby

    A superb goal from Brahim Diaz helped Real Madrid maintain its dominance of the Madrid derby on Europe’s biggest stage with a 2-1 victory over bitter rival Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.

    Atletico has been beaten by the record 15-time European champion in both Champions League final matchups and has won only three of 11 meetings with their city rivals in UEFA competitions.

    Also Tuesday, Arsenal made a massive step toward a quarterfinal spot with a 7-1 win at PSV Eindhoven.

    On a good night for Premier League teams, Aston Villa won 3-1 at Club Brugge, and Borussia Dortmund drew 1-1 with Lille.

    A tense encounter in the Spanish capital was decided by a moment of individual brilliance. Diaz scored the winner for Real Madrid after squeezing past a couple of Atletico players and curling a low strike into the far corner in the 63rd minute.

    Diego Simeone’s team lost its finals to Madrid in 2014 and 2016 and was eliminated the other two times they faced off in the knockout rounds – in the 2015 quarterfinals and 2017 semifinals.

    Gunners romp to emphatic win

    Arsenal got off a shaky start and Jurrien Timber scored against the run of the play with a header at the far post, just after PSV hit the woodwork.

    The London team never looked back after that and led 3-0 at the half-hour mark. Noa Lang scored from the spot before the interval for PSV but the Dutch team crumbled once back from the locker room.

    Aston Villa wins away

    Aston Villa shook off its poor away form, and it was largely due to an own goal from a rival player.

    A turning point came in the 82nd minute when Club Brugge defender Brandon Mechele beat his own goalkeeper with the teams tied 1-1. Mechele slid to stop a cross from Morgan Rogers, only to deflect into the back of the net.

    Before that, the Belgian side had looked solid, enjoyed most of the possession and created the best chances in the second half.

    Looking demoralized, the hosts then conceded a late penalty that was converted by substitute Marco Asensio.

    Villa had suffered two away defeats in the group phase of the tournament, including one at Club Brugge. In the Premier League, the team has lost seven of 13 away matches.

    On Wednesday, it will be Paris Saint-Germain hosting Liverpool, Inter Milan visiting Feyenoord, Benfica taking on Barcelona, and Bayern Munich welcoming fellow German club Bayer Leverkusen.



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  • Title race over? Liverpool open up massive lead; Utd youngster sees red in horror show – PL Wrap

    Title race over? Liverpool open up massive lead; Utd youngster sees red in horror show – PL Wrap

    An action-packed mid-week slate of mouth-watering Premier League fixtures delivered with Liverpool extending their lead as several other results shook up the top four race.

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    Manchester City overcame a wasteful Tottenham 1-0 courtesy of an early goal from Erling Haaland upon his return to the starting line-up, while Arsenal and Nottingham Forest drew as Manchester United overcame some horrific defensive blunders to earn a come-from-behind win against 18th placed Ipswich Town.

    LIVERPOOL MARCH ON

    Liverpool now sit 13 points clear of Arsenal, with a game in hand, as they overcame Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield despite suspended manager Arne Slot having to watch from the stands.

    Dominik Szoboszlai buried an 11th minute goal after being fed through by Luis Diaz to open the scoring, and Alexis Mac Allister rifled home the second in the 63rd minute after a one-two with Mohamed Salah following a Newcastle turnover in midfield.

    Liverpool continue to hog the Premier League spotlight as an almost-flawless campaign approaches a memorable climax.

    The Reds look certain to win the Premier League for the first time since 2020, which will move them level with Manchester United on a record-equalling 20 English titles.

    Having won 2-0 at fading champions City on Sunday 24 hours after Arsenal lost to West Ham, Slot’s men kept their foot on the gas to turn the title race into a procession.

    Szoboszlai netted with a clinical finish in the 11th minute and Mac Allister’s fine strike in the 63rd minute made it 20 wins and just one defeat from 28 league games this term.

    In his first season after replacing Jurgen Klopp, Slot has made an astonishing impact, which could yet include Champions League and League Cup glory as well.

    The Reds play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 first leg next week and face a rematch with Newcastle at Wembley in the League Cup final on March 16.

    TOP FOUR RIVALS STALEMATE

    Second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Nottingham Forest played out a scoreless draw at the City Ground, allowing Liverpool to extend their lead at the top.

    The Gunners had the better of the match, statistically, registering 13 shots to six and having 65% possession as their midfield controlled the match.

    But only one of Arsenal’s shots was on target, compared to two from Forest.

    The hosts defended resolutely to make it appear as if the game would never break open, and they also never seriously threatened in attack.

    A point is enough to keep Forest in third, ahead of defending champions Manchester City.

    Arsenal’s title chances have been hampered by injuries suffered by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

    Midfielder Mikel Merino was retained by Arteta in a centre-forward role despite failing to impress in a shock 1-0 home defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

    In the absence of fit and in-form attackers, Arsenal have been reliant on defenders coming up with big goals and Riccardo Calafiori nearly obliged.

    The Italian international came closest to scoring for the visitors when his first-half effort came back off the inside of the post.

    Merino forced Matz Sels into his only serious save with a header from a corner early in the second period.

    Arsenal did at least limit Forest to precious little as an attacking threat. Chris Wood had the hosts’ only chance 20 minutes from time but Forest’s talisman fired too close to David Raya.

    However, after three defeats in their last four league games, Nuno Espirito Santo may see this as a point gained in his side’s challenge to reach the Champions League for the first time, having last played in the European Cup in 1980.

    UNITED SURVIVE DEFENSIVE HORROR SHOW

    Meanwhile, Manchester United came from behind to pick up a 3-2 win at Old Trafford against relegation battlers Ipswich Town.

    The visitors scored after just four minutes courtesy of a defensive breakdown by the hosts.

    United defender Patrick Dorgu ran down a long ball over the top and tried to touch it back to André Onana, but the goalkeeper had come out to collect the ball himself and Dorgu’s touch took the ball behind Onana.

    The blunder was a gift for Ipswich’s Jaden Philogene who ran onto the ball and tapped it into an empty net.

    United hit back with two goals in the space of just four minutes to take the lead, however.

    An own goal off Ipswich captain Sam Morsy’s head from a United free kick levelled the scores before defender Matthijis de Ligt scrambled home a rebound from a corner in the 26th minute.

    But then things got chaotic again with Dorgu’s horror night ending via a red card after a dodgy tackle that missed the ball and collected Omari Hutchinson’s shins.

    Reduced to ten men, United then conceded an equaliser in added time with Philogene scoring his second to head into the sheds at 2-2.

    The script flipped again three minutes after the break, with Harry Maguire heading home United’s third goal, all of which have come from set pieces.

    Elsewhere, Brentford drew 1-1 at home to Everton with Yoane Wissa scoring on the stroke of half time for the hosts before Jake O’Brien found an equaliser in the 77th minute.

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