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Showing posts with the label PSG

Icons: Sergio Ramos

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It's time to explore another legendary footballer.  Sergio Ramos is a Spanish professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest defenders ever.  Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Ramos in action for Real Madrid against local rivals. Photo credit -  Jan S0L0 | Flickr Known for his tackling prowess, aerial strength, leadership, and an impressive goalscoring record for a defender, he netted over 100 goals for Real Madrid. During his sixteen seasons at Real Madrid, he won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, as well as two UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Spanish national team. An overview of his club career Ramos was born in Seville and developed his skills in Sevilla’s youth academy. After two seasons with Sevilla's senior team, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2005. He became an integral part of the squad, winning 22 major honours, including five La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. Ramos

UCL: Havertz and Saka sink PSG

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Arsenal 2 - 0 PSG Arsenal claimed their first victory in the revamped Champions League, defeating Paris St-Germain in North London. Mikel Arteta's men built on their initial draw with Atalanta by taking charge early, thanks to two first-half goals: Kai Havertz's well-timed header and a cleverly placed free-kick from Bukayo Saka that slipped past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Although PSG had their chances, most notably when Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves struck the woodwork either side of the break, Arsenal's dominance in the first half set the stage for their triumph. Havertz opened the scoring after 20 minutes, beating Donnarumma to Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross and nodding it home. Saka added a second, catching the PSG keeper off guard with a long-range free-kick that found its way into the net through a crowded penalty box. PSG, now in a period of transition without their former stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, applied more pressure in the

Transfer News: Mbappe signs Real Madrid deal

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Kylian Mbappe has signed a contract to join Real Madrid on a free transfer once his current deal with Paris St-Germain expires on 30th June.  The French striker had agreed to the move in February and confirmed his departure from PSG in May.  Mbappe, who is 25 years old, has finalised the terms with Real Madrid and will be moving to Spain when the La Liga transfer window opens on 1st July. The official announcement of the deal is expected to be made by Real Madrid over the next few days. Mbappe will be formally presented at the Bernabeu   after Euro 2024.  Since joining PSG from Monaco in 2017, Mbappe has become their all-time leading goalscorer with 256 goals. He has agreed to a contract with Real Madrid until 2029, with an annual salary of 15 million euros (£12.8m), a signing-on bonus of 150 million euros (£128m) to be paid over five years, and a share of his image rights. The best reaction Ana, a Real Madrid fan now living in England, told us: "This is a player that will real

UCL: Dortmund reach Champions League final

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 PSG 0 - 1 Borussia Dortmund  Very few people would have predicted that Dortmund would reach the 2024 Champions League final.  You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. Footage from TNT Sports YouTube account.  A closer look at what happened on the night Borussia Dortmund produced a sensational away performance to beat Paris St-Germain and reach their first Champions League final in over a decade. They held a 1-0 advantage following the first leg of the semi-final and doubled this lead when Mats Hummels headed in from Julian Brandt's left-wing corner. That goal came just after PSG has wasted a number of glorious chances. On one occasion, Warren Zaire-Emery volleyed against the post from close range early in the second half. The French champions hit the upright twice in the opening match in Germany and, after falling 2-0 behind on aggregate, again struck the post through Nuno Mendes. A potential lifeline was taken away from PSG They had been given a penalty

UCL: Dortmund are 90 minutes from Wembley

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Borussia Dortmund 1 - 0 PSG Niclas Fullkrug scored a brilliant goal in the first half as Borussia Dortmund beat Paris St-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. You watch the highlights of the match in the video below. The footage is from the TNT Sports YouTube account. The German international used his right foot to bring down a long ball before firing home with his left foot to give Dortmund a 36th-minute lead. That would prove to be the only goal of the night. After a poor first half which perhaps lacked the quality of the previous night's semi final, PSG missed several chances to equalise in the second. Kylian Mbappe curled an effort off the inside of the post before Achraf Hakimi narrowly missed his chance a few minutes later. There were still opportunities for PSG to equalise and take a 1-1 draw back to Paris buf they lacked a bit of quality at times. Mbappe looked determined throughout and he clearly wants to end his time in France with PSG

UCL: PSG knock out Barcelona

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  Barcelona 1 - 4 PSG (Aggregate: 4-6) Kylian Mbappe scored twice as his Paris St-Germain side thrashed Barcelona to turn around a first-leg deficit and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below . Footage from the TNT Sports YouTube account. The French side had trailed 3-2 after the first leg but they reached the last four for the first time since 2021 after what can only be considered a chaotic encounter in Spain. PSG will face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final after they beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate in what was another thrilling encounter. Where did it go wrong for Barca? It was actually the Catalan side who struck first when Lamine Yamal drove down the pitch, beating Nuno Mendes and clipping over for former Leeds United star Raphinha to score. The Barcelona fans and players assumed it was all going according to plan. Things were to go very wrong in the second-half. Things started to unravel when Rona

Transfer News: French captain agrees Real Madrid move

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A potential transfer saga is potentially about to be concluded Kylian Mbappe has made the decision to join Real Madrid this summer, after informing PSG of his intention to leave when his contract expires in June. While Mbappe hasn't yet put pen to paper with Real Madrid, the agreement is likely to be formalised once it's certain that the two clubs won't face each other in the current season's Champions League.  This move comes as Mbappe stands as PSG 's top goal scorer, boasting a record 244 goals for the club. Keen to resolve his future before March, Mbappe held discussions with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on 13th February, revealing his decision to join Real Madrid. Following reports of his departure last Thursday, Mbappe was omitted from the starting lineup in Saturday's match against Nantes. Despite this, he still made an impact coming off the bench, scoring a penalty as PSG secured a 14-point lead at the summit of Ligue 1. The impending deal sees M

Champions League: Results and reaction as the competition returns

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Let's explore the key results and stories as the Champions League returned this week Lazio 1 - 0 Bayern Munich Ciro Immobile scored a penalty to give Lazio a surprising victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. The penalty was scored from the spot midway through the second half after Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a foul on Gustav Isaksen. Bayern featured the likes of Harry Kane but they were unable to respond in an underwhelming display. This was another low point in a bad few days for Bayern after their poor result and performance against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Highlights below from TNT Sports:  Immobile Sinks 10-Man Bayern 😳 | Lazio 1-0 Bayern Munich | Champions League Round Of 16 Highlights - YouTube Paris Saint Germain 2 - 0 Real Sociedad  Kylian Mbappe put in a great performance for PSG as his side took control of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad. Mbappe, who has reportedly requested a move to

Latest transfer rumours: 30/07/23

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 Let's explore some of the latest transfer rumours from across Europe. It is proving to be a busy summer. Mbappe on Merseyside or is he off to Madrid? Liverpool are in talks with Paris St-Germain over a shock loan move for Kylian Mbappe after he reportedly rejected a world record £259m move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. It had been suggested that Spanish side Real Madrid had previously set a price limit of 230m euros (£198m) to land Mbappe from PSG permanently. Are Man United on the verge of another signing? Manchester United and Atalanta have agreed a £72m deal for Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund. Reports from across Europe have said that Manchester United will pay £64m plus £8m in add-ons for the 20-year-old. In his 34 appearances last season, Hojlund scored 10 goals for Atalanta.  Football News: Man United on verge of another signing (manchestersupernews.blogspot.com) Kane to Bayern Munich? Bundesliga side Bayern Munich remain confident of completing a deal to sign Tottenham

France: PSG almost clinch title

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 Auxerre 1  - 2 PSG Paris St-Germain are on the verge of another Ligue 1 title after two goals from Kylian Mbappe secured victory over the struggling Auxerre on Sunday. There is a big additional question that we ask at this end of this match report. What does the future have in store for PSG?  They are six points clear of second-placed Lens, and require just one point from their last two games to guarantee the title. Top scorer Mbappe netted twice in the opening eight minutes for the visitors. Lassine Sinayoko responded for Auxerre, who remain in relegation trouble. Click here to find more football news and stories from across France. Mbappe has scored 40 goals and contributed nine assists in 41 matches this season. The France international displayed great footwork as he twisted and turned in the box to create space for the opener, before bending in a sublime first-time strike two minutes later. PSG, who have won eight of the past 10 Ligue 1 titles, equalled Marseille and Saint-Et

News: Lionel Messi named men's player of the year

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 Lionel Messi has been named men's player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards. The World Cup winner beat French forwards Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize. He captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021-22. Liam, a Manchester United fan, told us: "You have to say, he deserves it. The World Cup was the crowning glory of this career." In a long statement, Messi told the media: "It's amazing. It's an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn't be here. It was an amazing year and I achieved the dream that I've been hoping for so long and finally, I managed to achieve it." Manuel, a PSG fan, was delighted with Messi winning the award: "He deserves this award. However, more for his performances with Argentina then PSG sadly. I don't think we have seen the best of him in Paris." This is a full list of the other wi

Ligue 1: PSG lose for the first time since March

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 Lens 3 - 1 Paris Saint Germain There was a shock result in Ligue 1. PSG lost for the first time since March as they were beaten by in-form Lens side. Second-placed Lens have lost only once in 17 Ligue 1 games this season and are now just four points behind Christophe Galtier's star-studded league leaders. Lois Openda scored one goal and set up another for Franck Haise's side. They were without Neymar, who was suspended after being sent off on Wednesday, and Lionel Messi, who continues his post-World Cup recovery. The hosts led after five minutes when Przemyslaw Frankowski volleyed into an empty net after a rebound off Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Hugo Ekitike quickly equalised for PSG but Openda beat defender Marquinhos and fired past Donnarumma into the bottom corner to give Lens the lead again in the 28th minute. Alexis Claude-Maurice added a third two minutes into the second half and - despite Kylian Mbappe playing the full game - the club from northern France

UCL: PSG on fire but Juventus are out

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It was a dramatic night in Group H of the Champions League One giant of European competition won't be playing in Europe's premier competition after Christmas. Paris Saint Germain 7 - 2 Maccabi Haifa Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe both scored two goals as Paris St-Germain thrashed Maccabi Haifa to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. Neymar and Carlos Soler also scored while Shon Goldberg scored an own goal. Messi's two goals mean he becomes the first player to score 80 goals in the group phase of the Champions League. PSG top Group H with 11 points from five games, the same as Benfica, while Juventus, who have failed to qualify, and Maccabi Haifa have three.  Highlights from  BT Sport - YouTube One YouTuber commented: "Mbappe and Messi's link-up is phenomenal. Their quick passes are insane!" Another added: "Messi is just something else, people can say whatever they want about the opposition, but football will never ever see anyone like him again.

UCL: Benzema leads Real Madrid fightback

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Real Madrid 3 -  1 Paris Saint Germain (3-2 on aggregate) Karim Benzema scored an incredible second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid produced a stirring fightback at the Bernabeu to reach the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of PSG, Kylian Mbappe's first-half goal had given the French side a deserved two-goal aggregate lead. This looked to have put Mauricio Pochettino's side well on course for the last eight. However, a mistake by PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma proved the catalyst for a dramatic recovery, with Benzema turning home after the Italian dawdled in possession. Luka Modric's intricate pass made Benzema's second as he levelled the tie against a panicked PSG. AS the visitors attempted to regroup, Benzema drove a low effort into the bottom right corner seconds after the restart to settle the tie. Will PSG ever win the Champions League? And after reaching the final and semi-finals in consecutive seasons, this felt like a backwards step for an expe

UCL: PSG will take narrow advantage into second leg

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Paris Saint Germain 1 - 0  Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning stoppage-time goal as Paris St-Germain beat Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The France striker, linked with a move to Real in the summer, received the ball on the left from a clever backheel by Neymar, and got between two defenders inside the box before slotting through Thibaut Courtois' legs to send the Parc des Princes crazy. It was a dramatic finish to a game that had looked set to end in frustration for PSG. This was all after Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved just after the hour mark. The successful strike was Mbappe's 22nd in another incredible season for the youngster. His performance will surely have only served to enhance Real's desire for him to be leading their line next term. Champions League highlights from BT Sport.  BT Sport - YouTube   The best reaction Let's have a look at the best social media reaction from the game. Casemiro tweeted: This is our competitio

Latest gossip: 11/01/22

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Lets look at what all the newspapers are saying across the continent. The rumour mill is rather busy at the moment.  Premier League rumours and stories Liverpool are reportedly ready to trigger the £75m release clause in Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde's contract this month, with Chelsea and Real Madrid also interested in him. Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger, out of contract in the summer and yet to sign a new deal with the European champions, is said to prefer a move to Real Madrid over Paris St-Germain if he leaves London.  Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani has committed himself to Manchester United for the rest of the season after talks with boss Ralf Rangnick. In terms of incoming players, United have discussed a move for Borussia Monchengladbach's Denis Zakaria this month. They are yet to make a bid for the Swiss midfielder.  FA Cup: Man United hold on to beat Aston Villa  Newcastle's hopes of signing defender Sven Botman during the January tran

Icons: Lionel Messi

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Let's take a closer look at Lionel Messi.  The Argentian player is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever. How did his career develop? What were his best moments? Keep reading for the story of a football legend. Quick summary Messi has won seven Ballon d'Or awards and six European Golden Shoes. In 2020, he was named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. Until leaving the club in 2021, he had spent his entire professional career with Barcelona.  With the Spanish giants,  he won a club-record 35 trophies. This included ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles and four Champions Leagues. He is known for being a prolific goalscorer and creative playmaker. Records He holds the records for most goals in La Liga, a La Liga and European league season, most hat-tricks in La Liga and the Champions League, and most assists in La Liga, a La Liga season and the Copa América. He also holds the record for most international goals by a South American. Messi has scored over 7

The most iconic and interesting moments of 2021

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Let's look at some of the best matches and moments of 2021. England v Italy - Euro 2020 final It was so close to coming home. England had a superb tournament but came unstuck in a penalty shootout in the final. The gradual return of crowds throughout the competition meant a special atmosphere.  Italy's triumph was perhaps unexpected despite their wonderful run of form throughout recent history, Southgate and England went one better than their semi-final spot in the 2018 World Cup. Can they finally win their first trophy since 1966 in Qatar 2022? Another notable mention from the tournament was France 3-3 Switzerland. The 2018 World Cup winners were knocked out after an enthralling match. Chelsea v Manchester City - Champions League final Another all English final. Manchester City were desperate to win their first Champions League title but it never really happened for them on the night. Back in May, Greater Manchester took a detailed look at some of the best reaction from th

UCL: Manchester City 2 - 1 Paris Saint Germain

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Manchester City came back from behind to beat Paris St-Germain and secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. They have also done so as group winners.  The home side's outstanding display reaped the reward it deserved, as they showed great character after Kylian Mbappe swept PSG into the lead. The PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was left disappointed as City hit back in style to turn the game around. Raheem Sterling's recent good run carried on as he turned home Kyle Walker's far post touch to equalise after 63 minutes. Then Gabriel Jesus was the beneficiary of a superb pass from Bernardo Silva to beat Kaylor Navas from close range.  All the reaction Pep Guardiola said: "Of course, PSG, what a team, what players, what could I say. Performance is quite similar to Paris a month ago. Today we created more chances in the first half. We played well and always we had the sense that they could run in behind." Kyle Walker tweeted: "Buzzing

UCL: Paris Saint Germain 3 - 2 RB Leipzig

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Lionel Messi scored twice as Paris St-Germain came from behind to beat RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Kylian Mbappe had previously put the French side ahead, slamming into the bottom corner on the counter-attack. However Andre Silva and Nordi Mukiele scored from Angelino crosses to put Leipzig ahead. Messi turned the game around for the home side when he tapped a rebound into an empty net before scoring a Panenka penalty to win the game. PSG won another penalty deep into extra time, but instead of Messi stepping up for a hat-trick, Mbappe took it instead - and then skied it over the bar. Messi's three goals since joining PSG as a free agent this summer have come in the Champions League, with the Argentinian legend also scoring in their 2-0 win over Manchester City. He is now on 123 Champions League goals across his career, with Leipzig the 37th team he has scored against in Europe's premier competition. Despite the win, PSG were well below their best with only four shots