European Super Football

 Aston Villa 2 - 4 Olympiakos "Everything that could have gone wrong, did." Those were the words of one Aston Villa fan as their chances of reaching a first European final since 1982 were severely dented against Olympiakos. The star man on the night for the visitors was Ayoub El Kaabi. He scored a hat-trick, netting twice early on. Ollie Watkins then reduced the deficit for Unai Emery's side and Moussa Diaby equalised moments after the interval. Villa Park was rocking at this point, creating an atmosphere that had not been seen at the famous old stadium for many years.  However, Olympiakos roared back into a two-goal lead with a El Kaabi penalty and a deflected strike from Santiago Hezze.  Douglas Luiz missed a late penalty, meaning Villa must overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg.  The Greek Super League side have actually never reached a major European final. They played without fear and attacking verve as they pressed and harassed Villa into defensive mist

Bayern Munich want to sign another English player It is believed that they want to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City Bayern came close to signing the Manchester City's star player last summer. However, Pep Guardiola convinced him to stay at the 11th hour and he signed a new contract, potentially keeping him at the Etihad until June 2026. He has proved to be an important player in Manchester City's quest for a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title. Earlier this season, when Kevin De Bruyne was injured, Kyle Walker took over as the captain. Walker has since been in excellent form, which has reignited Bayern's interest in him. This video from Monsif Attoui would perhaps explain why Bayern interested in signing Walker despite his age. They will be hoping to put together a team that can bring the title back from Leverkusen next season.  Both City and the player in question are aware that the Bundesliga giants are interested in signing the right back du

Chelsea 0 - 2 Barcelona Barcelona won 2-1 on aggregate  Chelsea's hopes of making it to the Women's Champions League final in manager Emma Hayes' final season at the club were crushed with a defeat by Barcelona at a sold-out Stamford Bridge.  Despite leading 1-0 from the semi-final first leg, Chelsea was unable to hold onto their advantage as holders Barca turned the tide in their favour. Referee Iuliana Demetrescu made two crucial decisions that went against the Blues.  Firstly, she issued a second booking to Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan within four minutes, leaving the hosts with only 10 players on the field just before the hour mark.  A history of women's football (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Secondly, she awarded a penalty to Barcelona for a contentious foul on Aitana Bonmati, which Fridolina Rolfo converted. Bonmati had earlier cancelled out Chelsea's aggregate lead with a deflected strike off Buchanan, and her dramatic fall in the box under conta

 Bayern Munich 1 - 0 Arsenal  (Bayern Munich won 3-2 on aggregate) Arsenal endured a heart-wrenching departure from the Champions League as Bayern Munich clinched victory in a thrilling match at the Allianz Arena. Joshua Kimmich's commanding header in the 63rd minute, off Raphael Guerreiro's cross, sealed the Germans' path to the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win, following a 2-2 draw in London in the first leg. Despite hosting the first leg at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were optimistic about progressing against a Bayern Munich squad that had struggled in their domestic campaign and were missing key players Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman due to injuries. In a tense second leg, observed by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, Gabriel Martinelli had the best opportunity of the first half for the Gunners but failed to beat Manuel Neuer, who made a crucial save after Jamal Musiala's earlier attempt. UCL and UEL (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Although Harry Kane had limite

Manchester City 1 - 1 Real Madrid Real Madrid won 4-3 on penalties Real Madrid beat Manchester City in a dramatic quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, ending their hold on the Champions League after a penalty shootout. Some incredible celebrations in the #RealMadrid end last night. #MCFC https://t.co/sibOvrXJB0 https://t.co/ZuTAUAqK7V — Jay Dee (@JDESFNews) April 18, 2024 The holders came back from an early goal scored by Rodrygo to put pressure on Real Madrid's defence. They eventually managed to equalize 14 minutes before the end of normal time when Kevin de Bruyne took advantage of Antonio Rudiger's clearance. It was the least City deserved for their almost total domination, but a lack of the finishing touch cost them as Real, despite being exhausted and mounting a desperate rearguard action, held out for spot-kicks. UCL and UEL news and stories UCL: Madrid and City play out a classic  A Dramatic Penalty Shootout It all started well for City. Real Madrid players and f

 Let's explore another Manchester United transfer rumour.  After so many dropped points recently, you can understand why they are interested in this player. Reports from across Europe that United are showing an interest in Viktor Gyokeres, but they fear that Premier League rivals Liverpool could scupper their chances of landing him. United are in the market for a new forward, as they want to add to their attacking options alongside Rasmus Hojlund. The club has been evaluating different options for a potential transfer in this position, and Gyokeres seems to have caught the attention of the club's management. It is believed that INEOS, the club's new minority owners, are eager to proceed with the transfer plans to avoid missing out on specific targets. INEOS are in the process of bringing in Dan Ashworth as sporting director and Jason Wilcox as technical director. However, their appointments are not yet finalised.  United are aware that they need to address key areas in

 Liverpool 0 - 3 Atalanta A few weeks ago, Liverpool fans were dreaming of 4 trophies. This time next week, there's every chance that they will only be fighting to add the Premier League to their Carabao Cup.  The Anfield side faces a huge battle to stay in the Europa League after suffering a home defeat to Atalanta in the quarter-final first leg.  Let's explore what happened.  The former West Ham United forward Gianluca Scamacca scored in each half. Ex-Chelsea player Mario Pasalic added a late third goal to ensure the Italians start strong favourites to reach the semi-finals when the sides meet in the return leg in Bergamo.  After a fairly open first 30 minutes or so, Scamacca managed to break the deadlock in the 38th minute after Caoimhin Kelleher allowed his low drive to creep under him. On a deeply frustrating night for below-par Liverpool, Darwin Nunez missed two big chances to give Liverpool a foothold in the match. Harvey Elliott's curling attempt somehow managed

Real Madrid 3 - 3 Manchester City There was a quite incredible night of football in Real Madrid. Let's explore what happened.  This video below is from the official Real Madrid YouTube account. The current Champions League holders Manchester City took took the lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva intelligently placed a 25 yard free-kick round the wall and past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. This lead was quickly overturned. Deflected strikes from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo helped 14-time European champions Real overturn the deficit at the Bernabeu. A lot of fans and pundits were saying that City were lacking quality in the final third. This was until Phil Foden, who had been on the periphery of the game, found some space outside the area to turn and fire into the top corner to pull last year's Treble winners level. 2-2 quickly became 2-3 which then became 3-3 Only a few moments later, Josko Gvardiol cut in and found the far corner with a superb right-foot shot to scor

It's time to explore another iconic Euros moment.  Let's throwback to Euro 96. This was the first time England and Scotland had met in a major competition in seven years. A tactical analysis Terry Venables' 4-4-1-1 from the previous match gave way to something a little different. Manchester United's Gary Neville , who had just won the double with other members of the 'class of 92' was to join Stuart Pearce in flanking Tony Adams in a back three. Gareth Southgate stepped into midfield alongside Paul Ince, with Paul Gascoigne tasked with being a central creative outlet. Teddy Sheringham was to work off Alan Shearer up front. Darren Anderton and Steve McManaman would be rotated frequently between the wings throughout this match and the rest of Euro 96.  A brief match report After a scrappy, nervous first half, England stepped up a gear, and a peak-form Alan Shearer scored his second goal of the tournament with a superb header from a Gary Neville cross in the f

England 2 - 2 Belgium Jude Bellingham late on to secure a draw for England in a friendly against Belgium, preventing a second consecutive defeat at Wembley. More reaction to #ENGBEL coming up on https://t.co/kHngVy25Il https://t.co/SFvnhfj4d4 — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) March 27, 2024 Having lost at home to Brazil, Gareth Southgate's reshuffled side was a mixed bag. They displayed good potential at times in attack but they were vulnerable at the back, and this was ruthlessly exploited by Belgium before Bellingham's dramatic intervention seconds from time. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a rare error, his first to cost a goal in 60 international appearances, when his poor clearance led to Youri Tielemans putting Belgium ahead after 11 minutes. Ivan Toney scored his first international goal on his first England start, equalizing from the spot just six minutes after he was brought down by Jan Vertonghen. Click here to read more news and stories

Ahead of Euro 2024, we will start looking back at some iconic moments from previous competitions.  First up is a recap of the final of the last tournament.  You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. What were your memories of that memorable night?  HIGHLIGHTS | More penalty pain for England as Italy win Euro 2020 (youtube.com) England's hopes of ending a 55-year wait for a major trophy were crushed heartbreakingly as they lost 3-2 on penalties to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley.  On a night of incredible tension played in a feverish atmosphere, England looked on course for their most joyous day since the 1966 World Cup final when Luke Shaw gave them the dream start after only two minutes. Italy eventually edged their way back into the game and were level in the 67th minute when Leonardo Bonucci pounced after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford turned Marco Verratti's header onto the post. More news from across Italy England look ahead to Euro

 Newport County 2 - 4 Manchester United Newport County's FA Cup journey came to an end in the Fourth Round, with Manchester United securing a 4-2 victory at Rodney Parade. It was so nearly a huge upset though.  The Red Devils took control early on, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo (his first for the club) within the first twelve minutes. Bryn Morris's late first-half strike and Will Evans' equaliser for County just after the restart kept the game alive.  However, late finishes from Antony and Rasmus Højlund secured United's place in the next round of the competition where they will face an away match against Forest or Bristol City. FA Cup: Eastleigh 1 - 3 Newport (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Magic of the FA Cup: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Manager Graham Coughlan stuck with the same lineup that defeated Wrexham last weekend, with Aaron Wildig, Harry Charsley, and Seb Palmer-Houlden retaining their spots in the starting XI. Scot Be

Everton 0 - 3 Manchester United Alejandro Garnacho scored an incredible goal in Manchester United's win against Everton, who were playing their first game after a 10-point deduction.  Video from  Manchester United - YouTube Garnacho's stunning third-minute goal, a bicycle kick, left the Goodison Park crowd in awe, and it came amidst protests from fans against the Premier League's decision to deduct those points. Everton had several chances to level the score in the first half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin being the main threat. However, United's goalkeeper Andre Onana made crucial saves, and Garnacho's goal remained the only highlight of the first half. United introduced 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who made a clearance off the line. Everton's missed opportunities proved costly as Ashley Young was judged to have fouled Anthony Martial in the box, leading to Marcus Rashford confidently converting the penalty. Although Fernandes typically takes penalties for Unite

 FC Copenhagen 4 - 3 Manchester United VAR stole the spotlight again On a wild night in Copenhagen, fans witnessed seven goals, two spot-kicks, a game-altering red card, a protester causing a stir, and a thrilling last-minute winner courtesy of a 17-year-old substitute.  Goal. FC Copenhagen make it 4-3. #MUFC || #UCL — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 8, 2023 Amidst the chaos reminiscent of Monday's madness at Tottenham, video technology played a pivotal role in crucial decisions that impacted Manchester United's fate in the Champions League. Manager Erik ten Hag believed that VAR's intervention in dismissing Marcus Rashford for a challenge on Elias Jelert was a "game-changer," and it's tough to dispute that claim. Referee Donatas Rumsas was summoned to the pitchside monitor twice more, awarding penalties to both sides for handballs, described as soft by most people.  UCL: Emotional and dramatic night at Old Trafford (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal Gabriel Jesus played a pivotal role in helping Arsenal secure a much-needed victory in the Champions League against Sevilla.  After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Lens in their previous European match, the Gunners faced a challenging test against the seven-time Europa League champions. The match began with Gabriel Martinelli making his Champions League debut and scoring a goal for Arsenal. He skillfully capitalised on a brilliant pass from Gabriel Jesus, skillfully maneuvering past the goalkeeper just before halftime. In the early stages of the second half, Jesus extended Arsenal's lead with a magnificent shot that found the top corner of the net. Despite the vocal support from the home crowd, Sevilla managed to get back into the game with a goal from Nemanja Gudelj via a set-piece. More Sevilla news can be by clicking here. This prompted Arsenal to endure significant pressure as Sevilla sought an equalizer. David Raya made a crucial save by tipping Mariano'

Manchester United 1 - 0 FC Copenhagen Andre Onana saved a penalty in the final seconds to give Manchester United a dramatic victory against Copenhagen. On what was always going to be an an emotional night in Manchester, a lone piper walked the teams out playing the United anthem 'We'll Never Die' as Old Trafford paid its respects to Sir Bobby Charlton. The match report in brief The vast majority of United fans were hoping that Harry Maguire's first goal since February 2022 had given them the win they craved. Christian Eriksen delivered a superb curling cross to the far post 18 minutes from time, Maguire met it perfectly, shrugging off the attentions of a defender to make sure he was in position to head home. However, with the four minutes of added time played, Scott McTominay conceded a penalty by swinging a high boot dangerously near Mohamed Elyounoussi's face. In dramatic circumstances, Onana turned Jordan Larsson's effort wide with what turned out to be

 Everyone at European Super Football was saddened yesterday by the passing of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton.  This article will explore his fantastic career. A brief summary Sir Bobby spent most of his club career at Manchester United, scoring 249 goals. It was only in 2017 that Wayne Rooney beat him as United's most prolific goalscorer. In terms of trophies, he won the First Division on three occasions and the Fa Cup in 1963. His crowning glory came in 1968 when he scored twice in their European Cup Final win against Benfica. His last game for United was against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 28 April 1973. Before the game, the BBC cameras for Match of the Day captured the Chelsea chairman handing him a commemorative cigarette case. Coincidentally, this day also marked his brother Jackie's last appearance for Leeds. The impact of Munich After bursting onto the scene at Manchester United in the 1950s, tragedy struck. The Munich Air Crash of 1958 also had a profound impact

 It's time to explore another football icon. This time, it will be our first female player with Alex Scott. Alexandra Scott MBE is an English sports presenter, pundit, and former professional footballer. Known mainly as 'Alex Scott', she mostly played as a right-back for Arsenal. Scott made 140 appearances for the England national team and represented Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. More Women's Football news can be found here Becoming an Arsenal legend At club level, Scott has had three separate spells with Arsenal, punctuated with a season at Birmingham City in 2004–05 and three years in the American Women's Professional Soccer with Boston Breakers.  Scott was a key figure in Arsenal's historic "Quadruple" season in which they won every trophy they were involved in. In fact, they are the only team in the history of English football, across the men's and women's game, to win four major competitions in the same season. This list

England 1-0 Australia Ollie Watkins made a triumphant return to the England national team by scoring the winning goal in a friendly match against Australia at Wembley. The Aston Villa striker turned in Jack Grealish's shot from very close to the goal line just before the one-hour mark, creating one of the few bright moments in an otherwise unimpressive performance by the English team. Watkins made up for a missed opportunity in the first half when he hit the post. Australia couldn't capitalize on several chances before halftime. Sam Johnstone, who was given the opportunity to play as the goalkeeper, made an excellent save against Keanu Baccus, and Mitchell Duke narrowly missed with a volley.  UK and Republic of Ireland announced as Euro 2028 hosts (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Lewis Dunk also came to the rescue, clearing a shot off the line from Ryan Strain. After Watkins scored, Australia had a late opportunity to level the score, but Connor Metcalfe hit the post with a

UEFA has confirmed that the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland will host the 2028 European Championships . The joint bid was unopposed after Turkey withdrew to focus on a bid with Italy for Euro 2032, which was also confirmed at a meeting in Switzerland. Check out this video from  FAI TV - YouTube The UK and Ireland focused on Euro 2028, with UEFA's approval, after they had previously cancelled a plan to be Europe's preferred candidate for the 2030 World Cup. London's Wembley Stadium and Glasgow's Hampden Park hosted games at Euro 2020. Wembley hosted the final after what proved to be a hugely controversial day where there were reports of carnage and hooliganism outside the stadium.  Matches at Euro 2028 are set to be held at 10 different grounds, including Wembley and Hampden Park alongside Cardiff's Principality Stadium and Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Belfast's Casement Park and Everton's Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, the former unbuilt while the