Iran became the second Asian side to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan in Tehran, handing organisers a likely diplomatic headache.
Iran, the second-highest ranked AFC side in the FIFA standings, needed only a point to join Japan in qualifying for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran will, however, head to North America with relations strained as US President Donald Trump takes a hard line over opening new nuclear talks with Tehran.
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The Group A leaders were made to work hard at the Azadi Stadium by upward-trending Uzbekistan, with Mehdi Taremi scoring seven minutes from time – his second of the match – to seal the point.
“We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed,” said Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Seeking to qualify for a first World Cup, Uzbekistan opened the scoring on 16 minutes through Khojimat Erkinov, before Inter Milan striker Taremi scored his first of the night shortly after half time.
Parity lasted only one minute, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev restoring Uzbekistan’s lead.
Again, Taremi was the man to pull his team back into the game and ultimately book a spot in North America, when he finished past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov late on.
Iran will be appearing at a fourth successive World Cup and seventh in all. Taremi expressed his “happiness” with the result but admitted his team had “tactical problems” after conceding twice.
Uzbekistan remain on course for an inaugural appearance at the finals. Sitting second on 17 points, they require a win from the concluding double-header in June either away to third-placed UAE or at home to Qatar, in fourth.
The UAE climbed to four points behind Uzbekistan following their 2-1 victory in injury time against North Korea in Riyadh, with Qatar three points further back after their 3-1 defeat to Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.
The top two go straight to the World Cup, with teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups entering a further round of qualifying.
Iran’s players celebrate after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and Uzbekistan, on March 25, 2025 in Tehran. (Photo by AFP)Source: AFPIran’s players celebrate after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and Uzbekistan, on March 25, 2025 in Tehran. (Photo by AFP)Source: AFP
Earlier on Tuesday, the Socceroos beat China 2-0 to boost their chances of automatic qualification, but Saudi Arabia stayed in touch in Group C with a goalless draw in Japan.
Australia’s victory, courtesy of first-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay, left the Socceroos second in Group C on 13 points with two to play, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia with a much better goal difference. Japan are already sure to finish top.
Australia host Japan and travel to Saudi Arabia for their final qualifiers in June, leaving the race for the second direct qualification place on a knife edge. China stay bottom on six points, but they can progress to a further qualifying stage by finishing third or fourth.
Indonesia moved into fourth on nine points thanks to a 1-0 win over Bahrain. Oxford United forward Ole Romeny scored his second goal in as many games to give Netherlands and Barcelona great Patrick Kluivert his first victory since becoming manager.
In Group B, Son Heung-min’s South Korea remain top and favourites to progress, but they put in another toothless performance as they were held at home for the second match in a row – this time 1-1 by Jordan.
Iraq could have gained ground but conceded late twice to lose 2-1 to Palestine in Amman.
One-nil down from the 34th minute, Palestine equalised two minutes from time before grabbing a winner in the 97th minute, for their first victory of the third round.
Iraq stay third and one point behind second-placed Jordan, who are three off the summit.
Leaders South Korea face a tricky trip to Basra in June before a final home clash against Kuwait.
Oman are fourth on 10 points following their 1-0 win against Kuwait in Ardhiyah, with Palestine fifth and Kuwait rooted to the bottom.
TEAMS QUALIFIED FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP SO FAR
The Socceroos might’ve finished 5-1 winners against Indonesia in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Sydney and taken a giant step towards automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America, but coach Tony Popovic made it clear there’s still plenty of room for his side to improve describing the performance as “solid but it wasn’t great.”
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Goals to Martin Boyle, Nishan Velupillay, Lewis Miller and a double from Jackson Irvine send Australia to China with three vital points in the bag and full of confidence, but all too aware that its job half done when it comes to jumping the hurdles this international window presented.
The mental resilience the side showed to escape unscathed – albeit with some fortune – from a tricky 15-minute opening period is also a sign of growth as is a welcome surge in the way chances were finally converted into goals. This result bloats Australia’s goal difference column too and that could be one less thing to worry about come the final matchday of round three in June.
It wasn’t all good news though with Martin Boyle and Adam Taggart coming off at halftime. Popovic revealing post-game that both have fitness concerns.
OMINOUS SIGN BEFORE A BALL WAS KICKED
A crowd of 35,241 packed into the Sydney Football Stadium and the Indonesian fans not only made their presence felt but had the decibel reader reaching its upper limits.
The Indonesian national anthem was greeted with full voice by those in red and more than one Socceroos player turned to look at the raucous away end. It did not sound,
look or feel like a Socceroos home game until the goals started flying in.
Remarkably, the Team Garuda faithful were still chanting at 5-1 down in the second half.
“It’s part of football and it’s what we love about it, that teams can come away from home and bring that energy and atmosphere,” midfielder Jackson Irvine said.
“I thought our fans were equally brilliant and pushed us in the key moments of the game and gave us that extra leg up probably when we needed it.”
A TALE OF TWO PENALTIES
Perspective is in the eye of what colour jersey you were wearing.
The decision to award Indonesia a penalty in the seventh minute after the Brisbane Roar’s Rafael Struick was ruled to have been fouled by the recalled Kye Rowles was
contentious through an Australians lens, but while it was on the softer side it was the right call.
Kevin Diks dulled the debate by hitting the woodwork. A sprawling Mat Ryan guessed the right way in any case and might’ve saved it.
Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert, in his first match in charge, believed his side struggled to shrug off that setback.
“If you shoot the penalty in it would be a totally different match of course,” Kluivert said.
“From that moment we changed something in our minds.
“We had a grip of the game. I think that we played better than Australia.
“If you score 1-0, I’m sure it will be a totally different game.”
10-minutes later Australia was sent to the spot after Nathan Tjoe-A-On pulled off a tackle on Lewis Miller in the box that looked more like something James Tedesco would execute on this ground in a Roosters jersey. Boyle did the honours from the spot.
The goal helped calm the nerves after the Socceroos were let off the hook just moments prior. The side looked far more settled from that point and Australia led 3-0 at the break thanks to two more goals from Velupillay and Irvine.
“It’s the hardest I’ve been pressed in a home game in a long time,” Irvine said.
“There was absolutely no time on the ball in the middle of the park.
“Once we broke that pressure it looked like we were going to score every time we went through.”
3-0! Socceroos dominant first half surge | 01:31
POPPA PULLS THE RIGHT SELECTION CALLS
This was not an easy squad to pick.
Six regular starters were missing through injury and Popovic had key calls to make when it came to his starting wingers and striker.
As Velupillay wheeled away to celebrate with the fans in the 20th minute he had fellow winger Martin Boyle and striker Adam Taggart to thank for the opportunity.
Boyle’s pass found Taggart whose lunging effort resulted in Velupillay being able to run onto the ball and calmly slot Australia’s second.
“It’s a special moment for the boy,” Popovic said.
“Starting your first game, pressure, a stadium that’s full. It doesn’t come bigger than that.
“When he looks back, he should be really proud of that.”
This was the first time Boyle had seen minutes under Popovic after failing to get on the pitch in the November window against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. 14-goals and 9
assists in 36 games for Hibernian in Scotland made a compelling case for selection.
Velupillay is working his way back into form after a nasty ankle injury suffered against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. To start him in a game of this magnitude was bold. Taggart deserved his spot after five goals in his last 11-games for Perth Glory in the A-League but hadn’t even been picked in a squad by Popovic yet before this window.
For a goal that released the pressure valve in this campaign to be created by two players who’d never featured under this manager and scored by one still not quite at
top form domestically must be applauded.
Unfortunately, Taggart and Boyle were both substituted at half time with potential fitness issues. Taggart appeared to feel for his groin multiple times just before the break. Asked if there was anything amiss with both players Popovic said “there could be.”
“They both had a bit of a niggle, maybe Adam a little bit more than Martin Boyle.”
“Adam was definitely coming off and Martin was a bit of a precaution.”
IRVINE GOAL A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
Jackson Irvine is the heartbeat of the Socceroos midfield. His goals in the 34th and 90th minutes were the 12th and 13th of his international career and came on the same
ground where he scored his first ever for Australia in 2017.
“From a personal point of view a special night,” he said.
“I never take it for granted being here and I haven’t played in this stadium since that night.”
THE RETURN OF DANIEL ARZANI
Arzani replaced Velupillay in the 72nd minute and was greeted by warm applause. It was his first appearance for Australia since a 26-minute spell in a World Cup qualifier
against Bangladesh in June last year.
His last minutes prior to that came against Kuwait in a friendly match in 2018. That was just before the anterior cruciate ligament tear on debut at Celtic that would change the trajectory of his then skyrocketing career.
It took just two minutes for Popovic to call Arzani to the sideline for a chat after his introduction, but generally he worked hard in defence and looked lively in attack.
All of this after Popovic told Arzani his effort in camp during the October international window last year “wasn’t good enough” and that his “level was really poor in
training.”
It appears to have been the wake-up call the 26-year-old – once dubbed the next big thing in Australian football – needed.
Five months on from that camp and Arzani has impressed his mentor this time around. Popovic does not give out easy minutes even with Australia 4-0 up at the time.
It was an impressive response from a player who can only enhance the fortunes of himself and his country with similar application.
Socceroos calm ahead of crucial clashes | 01:56
STATE OF THE PITCH
There’d been concerns about the state of the Sydney Football Stadium pitch in the days prior to kick-off and those fears weren’t alleviated once the game got underway.
Several players lost their footing or looked unsure on the ball. It was not ideal and hampered the fluidity of the game.
“Tough pitch for the players,” Popovic said.
“Very hard underneath and slippery on top. The players were in two minds. Half the players wore studs, and half the players had moulds. It was a difficult one for them tonight. It took a lot out of them.”
MAT RYAN BACK TO HIS BEST ON AN HISTORIC NIGHT
Lost in the euphoria of scoring five goals was the three incredible saves Mat Ryan pulled off between the sticks.
On a night where the goalkeeper became the third most capped player in Socceroos history with 97, moving ahead of another former skipper in Lucas Neill and now only
behind Mark Schwarzer with 109 and Tim Cahill on 108 appearances, Ryan was immense.
He stopped Jay Idzes’ header from a freekick in the 5th minute, made a superb diving save to his left in the 53rd minute and another clutch reflex save down low to his right
in the 84th minute.
“I have to say I’m not surprised after seeing him when he came into camp,” Popovic said.
“Just a different demeanour and that comes from playing.
“You can see he’s full of confidence and he showed that when he came in. He was a real presence around the group and tonight he stood tall.”
The fact the captain was dropped to the bench for the first three games of Popovic’s tenure now seems a distant memory. His move to Lens in France from Roma in Italy
has been a masterstroke.
Davidson hoping to re-ignite Roos career | 02:26
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AT THE BACK
Australia’s backline was hardest hit by the current run of injuries between November and March.
Popovic picked Lewis Miller, Jason Geria, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles and Aziz Behich.
Geria, Burgess and Rowles formed the central trio of that combination, and the coach made it clear there was plenty to work on. Indonesia’s goal was well taken, but the lead-up was scrappy.
“The goal they scored probably summarised how we defended,” Popovic said.
“They didn’t create, we gave them chances, we gave them the penalty, we gave them the goal as well.
“Defensively we weren’t great, we were a little bit on edge, a little bit sloppy in our defending.”
WHERE ARE THE SOCCEROOS AT WITH PROJECT POPPA AND WHAT’S NEXT?
Project Poppa is progressing, but it’s far from the finished article. That’s not a bad thing, but just the reality of only being in the job for six-months.
“I aim quite high,” Popovic said with a smile when asked how far along the side is when it comes to implementing his game style.
“They’re not where we want to be, but that’s not a negative that’s a positive. They’ve taken strides forward and it’s not easy to do what they did tonight.”
Popovic pointed to decision making as an area that needs work.
“How do we identify quicker what is happening on the field?” he said.
“That will happen with more games together.
“I felt that this camp or this window of the first game is the first time I’ve felt in training and just around the hotel that this group is now starting to build into something.”
Now, it’s off to China for their next qualifier on Tuesday night.
Australia remains second in group C and in control of its own fate when it comes to securing automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.
Real Madrid survived a controversial penalty shootout against bitter rivals Atletico Madrid, while Premier League outfits Arsenal and Aston Villa comfortably progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals.
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– SHOOTOUT CONTROVERSY –
Real Madrid produced a gritty display to reach the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-2 win on penalties against rivals Atletico Madrid, following a 1-0 defeat after extra time on Wednesday.
Diego Simeone’s side outplayed the record 15-time champions at the Metropolitano stadium for much of the game, but Madrid have never been eliminated by Atletico in the competition and they battled hard after Conor Gallagher’s first-minute opener to secure a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Thibaut Courtois made several saves to thwart Julian Alvarez and Vinicius Junior blazed a penalty high and wide for Madrid.
Atletico seemed likely to end a history of being dominated by Madrid in Europe but Los Blancos have the knack of survival down to a fine art and took the game to penalties.
In the shoot-out Julian Alvarez scored for Atletico but his effort was ruled out as he touched the ball twice because of a slip as he shot.
Marcos Llorente also missed for Atletico and Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger struck the winner for the reigning champions.
Atletico played with caution in the first leg despite trailing, willing to take a single goal deficit back to the fiery Metropolitano stadium, where they believed they could really turn the heat up on their arch-rivals.
Real Madrid knocked Atletico out in the 2017 semi-finals in the final European game at the Vicente Calderon, with this the first time the derby has been played at Atletico’s new home in the Champions League.
After defeats by Madrid in the 2014 and 2016 finals, the latter on penalties, and elimination on every other occasion the teams have met in the competition, Atletico were desperate to change the narrative.
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 12: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid scores the team’s second penalty in the penalty shoot out, which is later ruled out following a VAR Review due to an improper kick, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
They came flying out of the blocks and took the lead after just 27 seconds through Gallagher, levelling the tie on aggregate.
Rodrigo De Paul’s low ball in from the right was not cut out by Raul Asencio and former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher lunged in to beat Courtois from close range.
Atletico were content to sit deep and soak up pressure as Real Madrid pushed the ball around in their territory but were also ready to spring forward on the counter.
With a strong hand Courtois batted away a powerful Alvarez effort as Atletico sought a second, then denied the Argentine again at his near post before half-time.
The Belgian goalkeeper made another save to deny Alvarez soon after the break too, as Atletico continued to threaten and Jan Oblak was still untested.
– High tension –
With Atletico controlling the game, Ancelotti brought on Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Vazquez in search of fresh energy.
Madrid soon produced their best attack of the game, with superstar trio Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe combining on a rapid counter.
Mbappe skipped away from Jose Gimenez and then was dragged down by the desperate Clement Lenglet for a penalty before he could shoot.
After the French forward missed spot-kicks against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao earlier in the season, Ancelotti said Vinicius was his team’s primary taker.
So it was the Brazilian forward who stepped up, facing down a red wall of whistling Atletico fans behind the goal, and buckled under the pressure, firing high and wide of the target.
Correa almost snatched Atletico victory in the last minute but hammered a vicious half-volley over the crossbar, and the match went to extra time.
Madrid shaded the additional period as both teams looked tired but pushed themselves to their limits with the match on a knife-edge.
Mbappe stepped up first from the spot and sent Oblak the wrong way, with Bellingham following suit after Alexander Sorloth netted for Atletico.
Alvarez slipped as he smashed home the hosts’ second penalty and after a VAR review it was ruled out as he had touched the ball twice as he struck it.
Oblak saved from Vazquez’s weak penalty to put Atletico back on track but it was short-lived as Llorente crashed his penalty off the bar.
Oblak dived the right way for Rudiger’s decisive penalty but could not keep it out as Madrid marched into the last eight, where they will take on Arsenal.
– GUNNERS PILE ON NINE –
Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday to complete an emphatic 9-3 aggregate win and set up a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
The Gunners demolished the Dutch champions 7-1 in the Netherlands last week, making the second leg at the Emirates a formality.
Arsenal, with seven changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United, were quickly out of the blocks, scoring in the sixth minute through Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Croatian veteran Ivan Perisic pulled PSV level on the night with a thunderous finish past the sprawling David Raya but midfielder Declan Rice headed Arsenal back in front.
PSV, seeking to salvage pride after last week’s humiliation, equalised with 20 minutes to go with a fine goal from Couhaib Driouech.
Arsenal were waiting to find out their opponents after the final whistle because Real Madrid and Atletico were locked at 2-2 on aggregate at the end of normal time.
The Gunners have never won the Champions League and have not won a European trophy since the now-defunct 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup.
Mike Arteta’s men, whose Premier League challenge has fizzled out in recent weeks, were quickly in the driving seat in the second leg against PSV.
Raheem Sterling received the ball on the right of the Arsenal attack and found his former Manchester City teammate Zinchenko, who glided along the 18-yard box before unleashing a superb left-footed shot past Walter Benitez.
Former Tottenham player Perisic levelled in the 18th minute and Raya had to be alert to produce a fingertip save from the lively Driouech moments later.
But the home side were back in front in the 37th minute Sterling, who has been out of favour under Arteta despite his lack of forward options, charged down the right and produced a teasing cross that Rice headed home.
Raya produced another fine save 10 minutes into the second half, diving full length to his left to keep out an effort from Isaac Babadi.
But PSV were level with 20 minutes to go after Moroccan youth international Driouech, making his first Champions League start, dinked the ball over the onrushing Arsenal goalkeeper.
The Dutch champions were now on top but neither side could find a winner.
Barcelona storm into Champions League QF | 00:38
– VILLA BOOK PSG SHOWDOWN –
Marco Asensio starred as Aston Villa beat 10-man Club Brugge 3-0 on Wednesday to book a Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Asensio came off the bench to strike twice in the second half of the last-16 second leg at Villa Park.
The in-form Spanish forward has netted seven times since joining on loan from PSG in the January transfer window and is set for a reunion with his parent club in the last eight.
Brugge had Kyriani Sabbe sent off for a professional foul on Marcus Rashford early in the first half and Asensio ensured Villa eventually took advantage.
Ian Maatsen scored in between Asensio’s brace as Unai Emery’s side romped to a 6-1 aggregate victory.
With Prince William, a noted Villa fan, celebrating in the stands, the Premier League outfit are through to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 42 years.
Their exit against Juventus at that stage in 1982-83 was Villa’s last appearance in the European Cup — the forerunner to the Champions League — until this season.
Emery’s men are the first team to reach the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut season in the competition since Atalanta in 2019-20.
Wins against Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Celtic are among the Champions League highlights for Emery’s men this term.
PSG are next in their sights after the Ligue 1 leaders’ penalty shootout win at Liverpool on Tuesday.
Facing PSG in April will have extra meaning for Emery, who spent two turbulent seasons in charge at PSG, winning the French title in 2018 but struggling in the Champions League.
It is only the second time Emery has made it past the Champions League last 16 after he took Villarreal to the semi-finals in 2022.
A repeat of their famous European Cup-winning campaign in 1982 might prove beyond Villa, but they have created memories of lifetime in their fairytale run this season.
– Songs of praise –
As fireworks crackled over Villa Park before kick-off, fans in the Holte End unfurled a huge flag emblazoned with the motto “Prepared”.
It was a message their team initially seemed to ignore.
Brugge captain Hans Vanaken glanced a header just wide of the far post in a confident start from the visitors.
Raphael Onyedika’s goal-bound was blocked by Villa defender Ezri Konsa, a chance that provoked anxious groans from fretting fans.
Villa lost 1-0 at Brugge in the league phase and needed two goals in the final eight minutes to take control in the last-16 first leg.
But Brugge had never won in England in 14 trips and those nervous Villa supporters need not have worried as the tension was lifted in an instant by Rashford’s blistering pace.
Accelerating onto Emiliano Martinez’s long punt in the 17th minute, Rashford was hauled down by Sabbe on the edge of the area, with the Brugge defender dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
From the free-kick, Youri Tielemans’ drive forced Simon Mignolet to make a sprawling save low to his right.
Emery made an inspired double substitution at the interval, sending on Asensio and Leon Bailey in a move that paid immediate dividends.
The pair combined to break the deadlock in the 50th minute as Bailey’s pass reached Asensio inside the Brugge area and he swivelled to finish with aplomb.
Asensio should have scored again moments later, but the 29-year-old’s shot cannoned back off the post.
With Villa fans singing songs of praise to Emery, Maatsen doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
Morgan Rogers’ nimble footwork worked space for a cross to Maatsen, whose close-range effort deflected past Mignolet.
Asensio wrapped up another memorable European night for Villa four minutes later, meeting Rashford’s low cross with a clinical finish from six yards.
Utd eyes historic move from Old Trafford | 01:24
– DORTMUND FIGHT BACK –
Borussia Dortmund recovered from losing an early goal to fight back and beat Lille 2-1 in France in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
Jonathan David gave Lille an early lead on the night, putting the French club ahead in the tie after last week’s 1-1 first-leg draw.
However, Emre Can squared things by converting a penalty for Dortmund on 54 minutes, and Maximilian Beier then fired in a fine winner for last season’s runners-up.
Dortmund will now face Barcelona in the quarter-finals next month, having already lost 3-2 at home to the Catalans during the league phase in December.
The result is a huge boost for Dortmund and their recently-appointed coach Niko Kovac, coming as the club languishes in 10th place in the Bundesliga.
“For the whole 90 minutes we controlled the game. It was a fantastic performance,” Kovac told UEFA.com.
He will now come up against a Barcelona side coached by Hansi Flick, his former assistant at Bayern Munich.
The result is a massive disappointment for Lille, who were hoping to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in their history after an outstanding performance during the league phase.
They finished seventh out of 36 teams, beating both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on the way, while also holding Juventus and putting six past Feyenoord.
– ‘Frustration’ for Lille –
Their coach Bruno Genesio insisted it had been a “satisfying” campaign despite the exit, but club president Olivier Letang was unhappy about the decision to award the penalty from which Dortmund equalised.
“I want to emphasise how good a run we had, even if we are frustrated,” before questioning the decision to appoint as referee Sandro Schaerer, a German-speaking Swiss.
“I don’t think it was a penalty and it changed the game,” he said. “When I saw who was appointed referee, and that he was a German-speaking Swiss, I thought it was a bit strange. And at half-time he was speaking to the Dortmund players exclusively in German.” Lille appeared to be in a strong position after coming from behind to draw in Dortmund last week, and they went in front in the tie when Canada forward David scored in the fifth minute.
Ismaily’s low ball in from the left was swept towards goal by David, somehow going in through the legs of Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
It was David’s seventh goal in this season’s Champions League, but it seemed to galvanise the visitors.
They were denied an equaliser by a remarkable double save from Lille ‘keeper Lucas Chevalier in the midst of a goalmouth scramble on 20 minutes.
Dortmund applied pressure and were rewarded when they won the penalty shortly after half-time as Serhou Guirassy went down under contact from Thomas Meunier.
It appeared a soft decision, but Can fired in the spot-kick, and Karim Adeyemi then hit the bar for Dortmund before they found what proved to be the winner on 65 minutes.
Guirassy, who has 10 goals in the Champions League this season, was the provider but Beier still had work to do as he controlled the ball in the box before firing a lethal shot high into the net.
Lille could not recover from that blow as they went out in the last 16, just like in their two previous appearances at this stage of the competition, in 2007 and 2022.
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.
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.
No Sam Kerr, no permanent coach, a horror showing on debut at a major tournament and now the lowest ranking ever; the shine has well and truly come off the Matildas since they became Australia’s No.1 team at the 2023 World Cup.
The latest FIFA rankings have heaped further misery on a team that was ordinary in three defeats at the SheBelieves Cup in the US that came on the back of a dismal Olympic campaign in Paris after which coach Tony Gustavsson stepped away.
Without injured captain Sam Kerr to bail them out with her bevy of goals, the Matildas have slumped to 16 on the world rankings, their joint-worst spot since they were introduced in 2003.
It’s a position they last held two decades ago in 2005.
Hayley Raso and her Matildas teammates have fallen off the pace. Picture: Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFPSource: AFP
As Football Australia stalls on appointing a successor to Gustavsson, with Tom Sermanni doing his best in the interim, the Matildas have battled for success since an exhilarating run to the World Cup semi-finals on home soil in 2023.
The Matildas were still in their familiar top-10 position this time two years ago.
But after defeats to Japan, the US and Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup, and performances that raised serious questions given the quality of the line-up, albeit without Kerr, the slide down the rankings has hit a new low.
The Matildas will next be in action in a two-game series against Korea Republic in April.
It’s unclear whether Kerr, who also endured an ugly court hearing in the UK during which she was found not guilty of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer, will be back for those games.
Ange Postecoglou clashed with a journalist over questions about one of his Tottenham players’ behaviour away from football ahead of the first leg of Spurs’ crunch Round of 16 Europa League tie against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar.
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Having been knocked out of the FA Cup last month, Tottenham had the weekend off and on Monday, midfielder Yves Bissouma posted photos on Instagram from a ski resort.
The Australian was then asked during his match eve press conference whether he had given the players extra time off ahead of an important match in the last competition in which Tottenham can win silverware this season.
Postecoglou was less than impressed by the insinuation that his team were not treating the trip to the Netherlands with respect.
“Seriously, what sort of question is that?” Postecoglou fired back before chuckling to himself.
“No I didn’t, we were training but he decided to go skiing… “Come on mate, you’re better than that!”
The reporter refused to back however, following up by asking Postecoglou whether the Mali international did actually go skiing to which the former Socceroos boss replied “well, obviously he did”.
Postecoglou was then probed further about whether he had any concerns about one of his players undertaking a potentially dangerous activity when Tottenham’s season has been embroiled by an injury crisis.
“I don’t worry about those things, mate,” Postecoglou said.
“They’re adults, they’re human beings, they had a couple of days off.
“They can choose to use that time as wisely as they can to help them be ready for what’s in store for us.
“You kind of hope that they’re sensible about these things and go about whatever they do in a manner that befits the position they hold, but I have no concerns… and he’s fine.”
Yves Bissouma posted this photo, and others, of him skiing on his Instagram earlier this week.Source: FOX SPORTS
Bissouma started on the bench in Tottenham’s last outing, a 1-0 home loss to Manchester City in the league, and Postecoglou’s starting XI remains unclear with several stars a chance to return from injury, including centre back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, as well as striker Dominic Solanke.
Son Heung-min is likely to return to the starting XI after coming off the bench against City due to Postecoglou’s desire to rest and rotate, clearly with this European opportunity in mind.
But unfortunately for Spurs, Postecoglou said that Dejan Kulusevski’s foot injury is likely to keep him sidelined until after the next international break later this month.
Tottenham finished fourth in the standings after the league stage with five wins, two draws and a loss, including a 1-0 victory at home against AZ Alkmaar, who are sixth in the Eredivisie, courtesy of a Richarlison penalty.
It has been highly publicised that Postecoglou has a habit of winning trophies in his second season in charge, as he did at Celtic, Yokohama F. Marinos, the Socceroos, Brisbane Roar and South Melbourne.
Plus, Spurs have a much-discussed trophy drought, dating back to 2008 and they last triumphed in Europe in the 1984 UEFA Cup – the predecessor to the Europa League.
So, Postecoglou shared that there is no need to remind him or the players of the importance of the upcoming tie.
“Yeah, I think it is fair to say the boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us,” he said.
“It’s a competition we obviously want to do well in. We’ve got ourselves in a good position. We’re in the round of 16, we’ve got two tough games against AZ and that’s the first thing to overcome.
“The club hasn’t in recent years done well in this competition, but it’s a major European competition, we’re in the last 16 and for us there’s an opportunity there and we’ll see how far we can go in it.
“With us tomorrow night, we’ve got to make sure whatever happens at the end of the game, we’ve still got an opportunity to go back to Tottenham and win the tie.
“We understand with the home support — I’ve been here with Celtic in a Europa game, so I know the experience of it and they’re a good side — but we’ve got to make sure we play our football and dictate the tempo of the game to make sure we take a result back to Tottenham.”
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.
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.”
Galatasaray have vowed to file a criminal complaint against Jose Mourinho amid claims he made “racist statements” after Monday’s Istanbul derby.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side drew 0-0 away with their bitter Turkish rivals but the match was overshadowed by allegations of racism.
Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on, The Sun reports.
He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.
Galatasaray immediately hit back and accused the Portuguese manager, 62, of “regularly using derogatory words towards the Turkish people” since moving to Istanbul.
In a damning statement, accompanied by a #SayNoToRacism tag, the reigning Turkish champions added: “[He] has now added inhumane rhetoric to his immoral statements.
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“We would like to inform you that we will file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office and that we will also file a complaint with UEFA and FIFA regarding these racist statements against Jose Mourinho.
“Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce — an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’— in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.”
Fenerbahce’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho looks on from the technical area during the UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-off 2nd leg football match between Fenerbahce SK (TUR) and RSC Anderlecht (BEL) at the Lotto Park Stadium in Brussels, on February 20, 2025. (Photo by Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP)Source: AFP
In his post-match press conference, Mourinho claimed Galatasary players had played for a draw and tried to get one of his players a yellow card.
Praising Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was reportedly drafted in from abroad following a string of controversies surrounding Turkish officials, Mourinho said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.
“He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.”
However, it was his comments that followed which are believed to have caused uproar.
Mourinho continued: “In the situation I mentioned, everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys.
“If it were a Turkish referee, they would have immediately given the card, and I would have had to take the player off in a minute.
“It was a great match for him.”
Thirty thousand police were deployed. Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
“After the match, I went to the referee’s room. I said to the first referee, ‘Thank you for managing this big match well.’
“I said to the [Turkish] fourth official, ‘If it was you, this match would have been a disaster’. It was a very, very good match in terms of emotion and competition.”
Mourinho is yet to respond to the allegations made against him. The former Manchester United boss has previously spoken out on how football is plagued by racist incidents.
The feisty derby saw seven yellow cards dished out, and the match was also stopped momentarily when Fenerbahce fans launched flares into the home fans beneath them.
Some 30,000 police officers were believed to be on duty for Monday night’s match.
Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen later shared his club’s statement to his Instagram story.
Mourinho had previously criticised Osimhen for his on-pitch antics, labelling him a fantastic player, but claiming he “dives too much”.
Jose Mourinho is a multiple Premier League winning manager. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk later took aim at the “Special One” for going into the referee’s dressing room to talk to him.
Buruk said: “Mourinho took a long time to cry. The Crying One… He’s famous for crying. He went into the referee’s room and cried. Let him keep crying.
“Mourinho entered the referee’s room. It is very wrong for him to speak insultingly to the Turkish referee. He said that if they were the ones managing, it would be like this.
“This is very wrong. I cannot believe that he is humiliating the Turkish referees so much, I condemn it.”
Former Porto, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss Mourinho took over at Fenerbahce last year.
Monday’s result leaves them in second place, six points behind Galatasaray with 12 Super Lig games remaining.
— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
