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Showing posts with the label Champions League

Spurs lose eight goal thriller in Paris

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 PSG 5 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur suffered their first Champions League loss of the season, twice surrendering the lead in a frantic contest against holders Paris St-Germain. Author | Greg S Stadium | Parc des Princes For an hour, Thomas Frank’s side offered a marked improvement on the listless performance that drew heavy criticism after the north London derby defeat by Arsenal , yet they still could not keep PSG at arm’s length. Richarlison put Spurs ahead with a close-range header after 35 minutes, only for PSG to level on the cusp of the interval when Vitinha arrowed a fine right-footed shot beyond Guglielmo Vicario. Randal Kolo Muani restored the advantage five minutes into the second half with a scrappy effort against his parent club, but that goal merely prompted PSG to unleash the kind of ruthless spell that swept aside Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in last season’s competition.  Three goals in 12 minutes turned the match on i...

A crisis at Anfield is really starting to develop

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Liverpool 1 - 4 PSV The bleak spell for Arne Slot showed no sign of easing as they slipped to a chastening home defeat against PSV. Author | William G Stadium | Anfield The hosts, disjointed from the outset, have now lost nine of their past 12 matches in all competitions and were comprehensively outplayed by the Dutch champions at Anfield. Arne Slot’s domestic struggles have been plain to see, arriving here on the back of successive three-goal defeats, but Europe had at least offered a measure of relief. Three wins in four, including an impressive victory over Real Madrid, had given Liverpool a foothold in the league phase. This setback, however, leaves Slot under increasing scrutiny, with questions mounting over the team’s direction and how he intends to arrest their alarming slide. READ MORE  |  Champions League news and stories PSV struck early after just six minutes when Virgil van Dijk raised an arm while appealing for a foul, only to concede a penalty for handball. I...

Arsenal's memorable week continues

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Arsenal 3 - 1 Bayern Munich A fantastic week for Mikel Arteta and his platers continued as Arsenal beat Bayern Munich in what was a fascinating clash in North London Author | DJ Stadium | Emirates Stadium Arsenal asserted control from the outset and moved ahead in the 22nd minute, Jurrien Timber rising to meet Bukayo Saka's corner for the side's tenth goal from such a set piece this season, more than any other team across Europe's major leagues. Bayern settled after falling behind and levelled 10 minutes later, Joshua Kimmich sweeping a crossfield pass to Serge Gnabry, who squared the ball for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to finish from close range against his former club. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in the competition this season, though it did little to slow their progress as they marched to a fifth straight win. England winger Madueke restored the lead, guiding in substitute Riccardo Calafiori's fierce low cross, before the Gunners sealed the result. N...

Statement victory for Chelsea on memorable night

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Chelsea 3 - 0 Barcelona Chelsea’s rising star Estevao Willian eclipsed fellow prodigy Lamine Yamal during a commanding victory over ten-man Barcelona. Author | Lauren W Stadium | Stamford Bridge The 18-year-old delivered a standout display capped by a superb second goal, struck soon after Ronald Araujo was dismissed for a second booking on the stroke of half-time. By that point Chelsea were already ahead thanks to an own goal from Jules Kounde, and the evening later brought relief for Liam Delap, who ended an eleven-game goal drought with his first of the season. Much of the attention centred on the duel between Estevao and Yamal, widely regarded as two of the world’s brightest young forwards. Estevao seized the moment with a dazzling solo effort, gliding past Pau Cubarsi, shrugging off Alejandro Balde and drilling his shot beyond Joan Garcia. Yamal’s withdrawal on 80 minutes was met with boos from the home crowd, while Estevao departed moments later to warm applause from all corne...

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolls back the years

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Marseille 2 - 1 Newcastle United Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolled back the years as the experienced Marseille striker struck twice in quick succession to floor Newcastle United in the Champions League. Author | Anthony Gates Stadium | VĂ©lodrome Newcastle’s difficulties on the road continued as the hosts recovered from an early setback, with the 36-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea forward inspiring the turnaround in a charged atmosphere in the South of France. Harvey Barnes had given Newcastle the ideal start with a composed finish in the sixth minute, following a superb headed clearance on the line from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to deny Malick Thiaw. But the visitors, who have managed only one away win all season, retreated and allowed Marseille to seize control, creating a steady stream of chances for Aubameyang. The Gabon striker was wasteful before the interval but emerged rejuvenated for the second half. The second 45 minutes saw Marseille go up a level Barely a minute a...

Guardiola’s selection gamble doesn't pay off

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Manchester City 0 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match in charge of City ended in frustration as a heavily rotated side were undone by a sharp Bayer Leverkusen. Author | Macca Stadium | Etihad Stadium Guardiola made 10 changes from the weekend defeat at Newcastle, a gamble that swiftly unravelled as the visitors took control. Leverkusen looked dangerous on the break and took the lead when Christian Kofane clipped the ball back for captain Alejandro Grimaldo to drill a first-time finish past James Trafford.  Thus much-changed side struggled for fluency and, despite late substitutions, found it difficult to build momentum.  Leverkusen doubled their lead early in the second half when Patrik Schick rose highest to glance home a header from Ibrahim Maza’s cross.  Erling Haaland and other senior players were introduced from the bench as City sought a response. Haaland almost made an impact when he latched on to Phil Foden’s pass, but Fl...

Ajax continue torrid form in European competition

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Ajax 0 - 2 Benfica Ajax’s bleak Champions League campaign took another turn as they fell to fellow strugglers Benfica, a result that leaves them rooted to the bottom of the league phase. Author | Ed Stadium | Johan Cruijff ArenA Their form in Europe has been wretched, with this defeat marking a fifth successive loss in the competition after ending last season with three straight reverses in the Europa League. Benfica arrived in Amsterdam on their own dismal run of six defeats but secured a first Champions League win under Jose Mourinho, striking early through Samuel Dahl’s emphatic drive after six minutes. Ajax created openings yet found Anatoliy Trubin in resolute form, the goalkeeper denying Davy Klaassen, Rayane Bounida and later Oscar Gloukh at his near post. Their resistance counted for little in the end as Benfica doubled their lead in stoppage time. Leandro Barreiro broke clear and hammered in a decisive second to lift the visitors’ hopes of reaching the knockout rounds. For...

Fans will soon need another TV subscription

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Watching live football on TV is going to get mor expensive US media group Paramount has secured the rights to broadcast Champions League football in the UK for four years from 2027. Author | Josh T Pre match at Atletico Madrid 5 - 1 Eintracht Frankfurt It has been reported that the company will pay well above the near £1bn deal currently held by TNT Sports. Amazon Prime is set to continue screening one match each Tuesday in the UK between 2027 and 2031. Paramount’s agreement follows the joint UC3 initiative involving UEFA, European Football Clubs (formerly the European Club Association) and commercial rights partner Relevent. The company has collaborated with UEFA on the elaborate films shown during the Champions League draw over the past two seasons. READ MORE | Champions League news and stories Industry sources suggest the move may be viewed positively by the Premier League, as it brings another major broadcaster into the football rights landscape and is unlikely to shrink the ov...

Phil Foden shines for Man City against Dortmund

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Manchester City 4 - 1 Borussia Dortmund Phil Foden scored twice and Erling Haaland found the net against his former club as Manchester City eased past Borussia Dortmund  Author |  Macca Stadium |  Etihad Stadium Pep Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten after four group matches, and this third win lifts them to fourth in the standings, with the top eight sides set to qualify automatically for the knockout rounds. After last season's struggles in the competition, they look a much better side. A good run this season is absolute must.  Dortmund began brightly under Nico Kovac but their early promise faded as City struck twice in seven first-half minutes to take charge. Foden was at the heart of everything He first forced Gregor Kobel into a sharp save with a fierce drive from distance, then tested the goalkeeper again with a curling free-kick. His persistence paid off in the 22nd minute when he collected the ball on the edge of the area and, afforded too much space, guided a...

Chelsea held by Qarabag despite Garnacho goal

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Qarabag 2 - 2 Chelsea Chelsea escaped suffering a historic loss to Qarabag. Author | Lauren W Stadium | Tofiq BÉ™hramov adına Respublika stadionu Alejandro Garnacho's second-half equaliser meant Chelsea avoided the embarrassment of becoming the first English team to lose to the Azerbaijani side. Garnacho equalised having come on as one of three half-time substitutes with his side 2-1 down after goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic had put the hosts ahead following Estevao Willian's early opener for the Blues. Qarabag had lost all seven of their previous matches against English opposition. The last time they were in the Champions League, they faced Chelsea and lost both matches by an aggregate score of 10-0 and secured just two points from six matches. However, they gave Enzo Maresca's side a real scare at the packed 32,000-seater Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, with a squad worth just £22m compared with Chelsea’s, valued at £1.5bn according to figures from Transfermarkt. It...

Juventus' extend their winless run in the Champions League

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Juventus 1 - 1 Sporting Juventus’ search for a first Champions League victory of the season goes on after they were held to a draw by Sporting CP in Turin. Author | Jack L Stadium | Allianz Stadium Dusan Vlahovic levelled midway through the first half, cancelling out Maxi Araujo’s early strike, but Luciano Spalletti’s side were unable to build on their new manager’s bright start. Sporting, buoyed by two wins from their opening three group fixtures, struck first in the 12th minute when Araujo drilled a low shot in off the post. The visitors almost doubled their lead moments later, only for Trincao’s deflected effort to come back off the crossbar. Juventus eventually found some rhythm  Vlahovic forced a superb save from Rui Silva before finally finding the net with a precise finish from Khephren Thuram’s cross. It was the Serbian forward’s first goal from open play in 10 matches, a timely reminder of his quality as uncertainty over his future continues to linger. A third Champions ...

Are Bayern Munich now favourites for this season's Champions League?

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PSG 1 - 2 Bayern Munich Luis DĂ­az struck twice as Bayern Munich extended their flawless start to the season with a statement victory over defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Author | Andrea Stadium | Parc des Princes The win was Bayern’s 16th in a row in all competitions and their fourth straight in the Champions League, keeping Vincent Kompany’s side at the top of the league phase table. DĂ­az endured a dramatic evening, scoring both goals before being dismissed on the stroke of half-time for a reckless challenge on Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan full-back left the pitch in tears with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury and was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot. A closer analysis of what happened In a frantic first half at the Parc des Princes, Bayern pressed high and were rewarded when DĂ­az opened the scoring after just four minutes. Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ© thought he had equalised midway through the half, chesting in from close range, ...

Spurs recover from weekend defeat with fantastic display

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Tottenham Hotspur 4 - 0 Copenhagen  Ten-man Tottenham delivered a stirring Champions League display as they swept aside Copenhagen to stay unbeaten in the competition Author | Greg S Stadium | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium  Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert put Spurs firmly in control before Johnson’s dismissal for a late challenge on Marcos Lopez briefly threatened to derail their momentum. Any fears were quickly silenced when Van de Ven produced a moment of extraordinary brilliance. Collecting the ball deep inside his own half, the defender surged past five Copenhagen players before slotting home with the composure of a seasoned striker – a goal destined to feature among the best of the season. It was a defiant response from a side booed off after their limp 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend. This time, Spurs’ supporters were on their feet, applauding as Joao Palhinha added a fourth after fine work from Cristian Romero. Tottenham could have had a fifth in stoppage time, but ...

Liverpool almost looked back to their best against Real Madrid

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Liverpool 1 - 0 Real Madrid Liverpool produced one of their most complete displays of the season to overpower Real Madrid and claim a vital Champions League win. Author |  William G Stadium |  Anfield Arne Slot’s Premier League champions had ended a miserable run of six defeats in seven matches with victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, and the resurgence gathered pace here as Real were swept aside. The scoreline barely reflected Liverpool’s control. Alexis Mac Allister finally made the breakthrough midway through the second half, heading in Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick to reward a dominant performance in which the home side carved out chance after chance. Thibaut Courtois was exceptional in the Real goal, pulling off a series of stunning saves – four from Szoboszlai and another fine reflex stop to deny Virgil van Dijk – to keep the visitors alive far longer than they deserved. Super Local Sports News | Merseyside | Champions League | Five classic matches between Li...

Arsenal ease to win over Slavia Prague

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Slavia Prague 0 - 3 Arsenal Mikel Merino struck twice as Arsenal eased past Slavia Prague, extending their winning streak to eight matches in all competitions. Author | DJ Stadium | Fortuna Arena This was also an eighth consecutive clean sheet, equalling a club record that has stood since 1903 and spanned two separate seasons. Closer analysis of what hardened Merino led the line in place of the injured Viktor Gyokeres and, much like when he filled in for Kai Havertz last season, showcased his adaptability by providing both a focal point and a decisive impact. Arsenal broke the deadlock on 32 minutes after VAR intervened to penalise Lukas Provod for handball when Gabriel flicked on a corner. Bukayo Saka made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a confident finish into the bottom corner. READ MORE  |   Champions League news and stories from this season Though Mikel Arteta’s side were far from fluent before the interval and survived an early sca...

Harry Kane is getting better with age

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Harry Kane’s best chance yet to claim football’s biggest individual honour Earlier this year, Harry Kane finally ended his long wait for silverware in the 15th season of his professional career, as Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions.  Author |  Peter Grainger The long-awaited triumph paved the way for the England striker to target even greater prizes for club, country and himself. Ballon d’Or ambitions reignited Despite being in the finest form of his career, Kane ranked only 13th at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in September and has never finished higher than 10th in the prestigious vote. Yet since Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ© was crowned the world’s best player in Paris last month, Kane appears to have reached another level entirely. Now 32, he took his tally for the season to 20 goals in just 12 appearances across all competitions as Bayern swept aside Club Brugge 4-0 in the Champions League. Kane knows that if he maintains this relentless scoring r...

Tottenham lucky to escape Monaco with a point

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Monaco 0 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario delivered an outstanding display to help his side earn a crucial point against Monaco. Author | Greg S Stadium | Stade Louis-II Spurs corner The Italian, who has faced criticism this season, was pivotal as Spurs scraped a draw at Stade Louis II following a largely uninspiring performance. Vicario made four impressive first-half saves, three from former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, before producing another stop to deny Maghnes Akliouche. Spurs were forced into a resilient defensive performance against a Monaco side that had previously drawn 2-2 with Manchester City. They came close themselves when Micky van de Ven headed just over before half-time.  After the break, Vicario continued to shine, repelling further efforts from Akliouche and Balogun, and producing the standout moment of the match by brilliantly blocking a Jordan Teze header from point-blank range. Former Liverpool midfielder Takumi Minamin...

A vision of an exciting future at Stamford Bridge

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Chelsea 5 - 1 Ajax Chelsea made history in the Champions League by becoming the first team to have three teenage scorers as they thrashed a woeful Ajax. Author | Lauren W Stadium | Stamford Bridge Marc Guiu, 19, opened the scoring and briefly became Chelsea’s youngest Champions League goalscorer, striking just over a minute into the match following the sending off of Ajax captain Kenneth Taylor. His record, however, lasted only 33 minutes before Estevao Willian, 18, netted Chelsea’s third goal from a penalty, adding to spot-kicks converted earlier by Enzo Fernandez and Wout Weghorst, as well as a long-range strike from Moises Caicedo in a frenetic first half. Chelsea made three changes at half-time, including forward Tyrique George, who scored within three minutes of coming on to become the third teenager on the scoresheet. Substitute midfielder Reggie Walsh, 17, also made history by becoming the youngest player to appear for the club in the Champions League and the second younges...

Liverpool bounce back in emphatic fashion

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Frankfurt 1 - 5 Liverpool Hugo Ekitike scored against his former club as Liverpool emphatically ended their losing streak, coming from behind to thrash Eintracht Frankfurt. Author | Ed Stadium | Deutsche Bank Park After beginning the season with seven straight wins in all competitions, Liverpool had stumbled badly, suffering four successive defeats, including Sunday’s loss to Manchester United in the Premier League. Their troubles appeared set to continue when Rasmus Kristensen, the former Leeds defender, put Frankfurt ahead after a sluggish opening from the visitors. But Liverpool soon found their rhythm. Ekitike, starting alongside British-record signing Alexander Isak for the first time, levelled ten minutes before the break, latching on to Andy Robertson’s precise long pass and finishing calmly. Virgil van Dijk headed Liverpool in front four minutes later from a corner, before Ibrahima KonatĂ© made it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time with another powerful header. Virgil van Dijk...

Ruthless PSG thrash Leverkusen

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Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 7 PSG Holders Paris St-Germain delivered a devastating attacking performance to crush Bayer Leverkusen and maintain their perfect start in the Champions League. Author | Sophie T Stadium | BayArena Fantastic atmosphere from both sets of fans Desire Doue struck twice, with Willian Pacho and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also on target in a rampant first half that saw PSG lead 4-1 at the break. Nuno Mendes, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha added further gloss to the scoreline after the interval. Pacho opened the scoring after just seven minutes, meeting Mendes’ teasing in-swinging cross with a firm header. Leverkusen had a chance to level when Illia Zabarnyi fouled Claudio Echeverri in the area, but Alejandro Grimaldo struck the post from the spot. Moments later, captain Robert Andrich saw a yellow card upgraded to red after VAR spotted an elbow on Doue. PSG’s man advantage was short-lived. Zabarnyi was dismissed soon after for hauling down Christian K...