European Super Football

Just how good are the 2018 winners? France look increasingly like a side that will take something extraordinary to prevent them reaching a third consecutive World Cup final. Author | Jack L Les Bleus have negotiated a two-hour storm delay in Philadelphia, Didier Deschamps' absence for one match after he returned to France following the death of his mother, and Paraguay's disruptive tactics to book their place in the last eight. They have been one of the outstanding teams of the tournament, none more so than in their last 32 victory over Sweden, when they produced 25 attempts on goal. The ominous prospect for the rest of the field is that they still appear capable of raising their level even further. It is not simply about Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, who have combined for 20 goal involvements. France have not trailed at any stage of the competition. They have conceded only twice in five matches, once after opening up a 3-0 lead against Senegal and again whe...

France v Paraguay further analysis This last-16 tie brought together two sides at opposite ends of the footballing spectrum. Author | Jack L France's attack, which has been at its fluent best throughout this tournament, came up against a Paraguay side intent on disrupting their rhythm through physicality, aggression and disciplined defending. Breaking them down proved far from straightforward for Didier Deschamps' side in a contest that became only the third World Cup knockout match since 1966 not to produce a shot on target in the first half. But once again it was Mbappe who provided the defining moment, this time sending Les Bleus into the quarter-finals while ending Paraguay's impressive run. The France captain kept his composure from the penalty spot after some superb footwork from Doue tempted the foul, in a match where France found themselves frustrated not only by Paraguay's resilience but also by a series of refereeing decisions that went against them. Alfaro...

Four years after the penalty shootout heartbreak against Argentina in the final in Qatar... Les Bleus look intent on putting that disappointment behind them and going all the way this time. Author | Jack L They squandered a host of chances against Sweden, finishing with 25 attempts on goal, their highest tally in a World Cup match since 1998. Even so, France have scored 13 goals in four matches in the United States and their attacking numbers are on another level. Watch | Highlights of France v Sweden on BBC Football Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has been involved in six goals, scoring four and providing two assists, while Michael Olise has five assists and struck the post with a spectacular acrobatic effort. One player will be key again But in Kylian Mbappe they have a player at the peak of his powers, producing the kind of ruthless finishing that underlines why he is regarded as one of the world's finest forwards. The Real Madrid forward is level in the race for the Gold...

It was a hard-fought win for France against Senegal Senegal famously beat Les Bleus in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, with the late Papa Bouba Diop scoring the only goal in one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history. Author | Jack L For long periods, the Lions of Teranga looked capable of producing another memorable result against the two-time champions, whose star-studded attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Michael Olise struggled to find their rhythm before the interval. France managed only three touches inside the Senegal penalty area in the first half, while Mbappe found it difficult to influence proceedings. Didier Deschamps' side emerged with far greater intensity after the break. Doue dragged a shot wide within moments of the restart, while Olise and Mbappe were both denied by Edouard Mendy when sent clean through on goal. However, the former Chelsea goalkeeper could do little to stop Mbappe, 27, from taking centre s...

Paris St-Germain 1-1 Arsenal (PSG won 4-3 on penalties) PSG have won the Champions League for the second year in a row. Author | DJ Stadium | Puskás Aréna It was heartbreak for Arsenal as they miss two penalties in the shootout - Eberechi Eze fired wide and Gabriel shot over. David Raya had managed to save from Nuno Mendes, but it was not enough for Arteta’s side. By lifting the trophy once again, PSG have become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League since Real Madrid's remarkable run of three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018, and only the second club to achieve the feat in the Champions League era, which began in 1993. Across the competition's 71-year history, PSG are just the 10th club to win back-to-back European titles. Notably, all 10 outfield players who started PSG's victory over Arsenal also began last season's final triumph against Inter Milan, underlining the continuity at the heart of their success. The only change since last seas...

From sleeping giant to Champions League powerhouse Let 's explore PSG's long road to the top Author | Jack L Back in 2011, Qatar Sports Investments were deep in negotiations to acquire the sleeping giant that was Paris Saint-Germain. PSG had finished 13th in Ligue 1 the previous season and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was leading talks on behalf of QSI, regularly checked the results amid concerns the club could end up being relegated and become a second division side before the takeover was completed. The Parisians stayed up and the deal went through, though the club bore little resemblance to the European heavyweight recognised today. Should they win this Champions League final against Arsenal, they will become one of only two sides to defend the Champions League in the modern era. Arsenal v PSG Champions League final preview eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2026/05/arse... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 29 May 2026 at 20:56 The jou...

Arsenal v PSG | Champions League final preview  The 2026 UEFA Champions League final sees Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest Author | DJ Stadium | Puskás Aréna Only nine clubs have completed an unbeaten Champions League campaign and Arsenal are now one match away from joining them. Standing in their path are reigning champions PSG, the first holders to return to the final since Real Madrid defended the trophy in 2016/17 and 2017/18. How PSG won last season's Champions League. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2025/05/psg-... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 29 May 2026 at 09:18 The showpiece occasion revisits last season’s semi-final, when Luis Enrique’s side won both legs to overcome Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate before dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in the final to secure the trophy for the first time. Across the clubs’ five meetings in this competition, however, those remain PSG’s only victories. Arsenal won during last seaso...

Bayern Munich 1 - 1 PSG (PSG won 6-5 on aggregate) Paris Saint-Germain set up a Champions League Final meeting with Arsenal after overcoming Bayern Munich Author | Ed Stadium | Allianz Arena The second leg of the semi-final did not reach the extraordinary heights of the first encounter in Paris, when Luis Enrique's holders established a 5-4 advantage before travelling to Munich. Harry Kane scored his 55th goal of the season deep into stoppage time for Bayern, but it offered little comfort on a night of deep frustration for Vincent Kompany's side. Replicating the breathtaking standards of the first leg was always likely to prove impossible, yet the contest still carried quality, intensity and chances at both ends. Watch | Highlights from PSG YouTube account PSG struck with their first meaningful attack After only three minutes, Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a brilliant run and cross for Ousmane Dembele to finish emphatically . Roared on by a fierce atmosphere, ...

PSG 5 - 4 Bayern Munich Paris Saint-Germain edged a nine-goal thriller against Bayern Munich in Paris to take a narrow advantage in their Champions League semi-final. Author | Jack L Stadium |  Parc des Princes Five goals arrived in a breathless first half and the drama continued after the interval as the holders stretched into a three-goal lead. Bayern, already crowned Bundesliga champions and chasing a Treble, reduced the deficit to one to leave the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Munich. With the competition’s two most prolific sides meeting, it felt appropriate that a lively crowd witnessed such a high-quality, attack-minded contest. A closer analysis of what happened Having fallen behind to Harry Kane’s penalty after Luis Diaz was fouled by William Pacho, PSG responded with authority. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut in from the left and guided a fine effort into the far corner before Joao Neves headed the hosts in front. Bayern replied through a moment of individual br...

Liverpool 0 - 2 (PSG won 4-0 on aggregate) Ousmane Dembele scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain overcame Liverpool to secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals Author | William G Stadium | Anfield PSG arrived at Anfield with a two-goal cushion but were pushed hard in a raucous atmosphere before Dembele struck in the 72nd minute with a superb left-footed finish. He added a second in stoppage time to seal the tie. Driven on by the crowd, Liverpool searched for another famous European comeback, but Arne Slot’s side could not find a way past the reigning European champions and, for the second successive season, were eliminated by PSG. Liverpool's players couldn't take advantage of a raucous Anfield atmosphere After a subdued display in Paris, where they lost 2-0, Liverpool were much improved at Anfield and posed more of a threat, though ultimately fell short. Slot handed Alexander Isak his first start since December and again left Mohamed Salah on the bench. Salah was intro...

Liverpool v PSG preview Liverpool face an almighty task to reach the Champions League semi-finals as they welcome Paris Saint-Germain Author | William G Stadium | Anfield A 2-0 loss in last week’s quarter-final first leg leaves Arne Slot’s side facing elimination at the hands of the reigning champions, who also ended the Reds’ European hopes last season. Liverpool's season hangs by a thread after PSG defeat. Some immediate reaction from European Super Football below ⬇️ eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2026/04/live... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 9 April 2026 at 06:49 Victory against Fulham at the weekend, combined with Chelsea’s defeat by Manchester City, has sharpened Liverpool’s hopes of returning to Europe’s top table next season. Yet their more immediate task is far more exacting: containing one of the continent’s most formidable attacks while finding the net at least twice themselves. As Arne Slot acknowledged, the challenge...

PSG 2 - 0 Liverpool Liverpool's Champions League hopes are hanging in the balance after a demoralising defeat by reigning European champions Paris St-Germain Author | William G Stadium | Parc des Princes Desire Doue's deflected strike looped over the head of Giorgi Mamardashvili to give the Ligue 1 leaders the lead, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled their advantage with a moment of brilliance. It means the Reds, who failed to register an attempt on target, have it all to do to stay in the competition in the quarter-final second leg at Anfield next Tuesday. After suffering a four-goal mauling by Manchester City in their previous game, Liverpool appeared to be on a damage limitation exercise and started with a five-man defence in the French capital. Watch | PSG fans unveil TIFO pre match. Footage from StanSportsFC But PSG took the lead in the 11th minute - and dominated throughout - amid another muddled performance by Arne Slot's side that raised more questions than answer...

Chelsea 0 - 3 PSG (PSG won 8-2 on aggregate) This was Chelsea’s joint-heaviest defeat in a two‑legged European tie Author | Lewis W Stadium | Stamford Bridge Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring after just six minutes, with Bradley Barcola doubling PSG's lead with their second shot of the game in the 14th minute. That goal meant Chelsea needed to score 4 without reply to take the tie into extra time, effectively ended it as a contest, and substitute Senny Mayulu piled further misery on Chelsea in this last‑16 meeting. Chelsea responded with a burst of attacking intent, with Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Trevoh Chalobah all involved as they pressed for a way back. Yet it was Paris Saint-Germain who struck again. After Moises Caicedo was dispossessed in midfield, PSG broke with purpose. Bradley Barcola took a fine first touch on his weaker left foot before sending a half-volley into the top corner to double the advantage. Chelsea continued to threaten, carving ...

Strasbourg 2 - 1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace’s impressive run came to an end as they slipped to defeat against Strasbourg in the Conference League. Author | James Lees Stadium | Stade de la Meinau Tyrick Mitchell broke the deadlock after 35 minutes with a crisp finish across goal, latching on to a clever pass from Jean Philippe Mateta. Palace, unbeaten in five, should have added a second on the stroke of half time but Ismaila Sarr struck the post from distance after Strasbourg keeper Mike Penders had surrendered possession, leaving his goal unguarded. The French side were level eight minutes into the second half when Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join Chelsea next summer, steered in a low ball from Diego Moreira. Penders was soon exposed again, caught out of position as Adam Wharton clipped the crossbar from range. The goalkeeper redeemed himself moments later with a sharp stop to deny Yeremy Pino at close quarters, yet Palace’s wastefulness proved costly. Julio Enciso’s free...

 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...

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 | Vélodrome 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...

Manchester United 2 - 1 PSG United extended their winning run in the Women’s Champions League with a hard-fought victory over Paris St-Germain on Mary Earps’ return to Manchester. Author | Olivia T Stadium | Old Trafford There was surprise before kick-off as Ella Toone was left out of the starting XI alongside striker Elisabeth Terland. With Phallon Tullis-Joyce unavailable, 20-year-old Safia Middleton-Patel made just her second senior appearance for United, her first at Old Trafford and in European competition, leaving some fans understandably nervous. The young goalkeeper was immediately tested when Jennifer Echegini’s fierce drive struck the inside of the post inside two minutes. On the left, United’s Sandberg endured a difficult evening as Rasheedat Ajibade repeatedly stretched the defence, with PSG enjoying the majority of possession. But in Melvine Malard, United always had a threat.  The French forward seized her moment midway through the first half, outmusclin...

PSG 1 - 2 Bayern Munich Luis Díaz 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. Díaz 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 Díaz opened the scoring after just four minutes. Ousmane Dembélé thought he had equalised midway through the half, chesting in from close range, ...

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...

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...