European Super Football

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

 Let's explore the latest transfer news from across Europe It has been another busy day. Real Madrid signs Chelsea goalkeeper on season-long loan Real Madrid have announced the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a season-long loan. He will cover for Madrid's regular number one Thibaut Courtois, whose anterior cruciate ligament injury will keep him out of the league for the majority of the season. As a Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa has made 163 appearances since joining from Athletic Bilbao for £71m in August 2018. Real Madrid started their season with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club. West Ham United sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has joined West Ham United from Southampton for a fee thought to be in the region of £30 million. In addition to making 410 senior appearances for the club, the midfielder captained Southampton, who were relegated to the Championship last season.  You can see some of his best moments for the club in the video below. Footag

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, is our latest football icon.  He played for some of the world's biggest clubs and was a huge icon during the 1990's and 2000's. A brief introduction to 'The Phenomenon'. Nicknamed The Phenomenon and R9, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever. As a multi-functional striker who brought a new dimension to the position, Ronaldo had a huge impact on a generation of forwards and attacking players that followed him. His individual accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times and winning the Ballon d'Or twice. <More football icons> The start of his career. He started at Cruzeiro and moved to PSV in 1994. He joined Barcelona in 1996 for a then-world record transfer fee, and at 20 years old, he was named the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year, making him the youngest recipient of the award. Despite being a fan favourite and developing an affinity with the clu

 Manchester City 1 - 0 Chelsea City have progressed to another FA Cup final. Let's explore all the best reaction to the match. Manchester City managed to recover from the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Real Madrid.  For Silva, it was a moment of redemption following his earlier penalty miss that contributed to City's loss to Real. The Portuguese midfielder netted the winning goal, meeting Kevin de Bruyne's cross at the far post six minutes before the final whistle. Chelsea will rue missed opportunities, particularly by striker Nicolas Jackson, as they once again endured a heart-wrenching experience at Wembley. This defeat comes after their loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Adding to Chelsea's frustration was the belief that they should have been awarded a penalty in the second half. They felt aggrieved when Jack Grealish's hand appeared to block Cole Palmer's free-kick, but the video assistant refere

The draw has been made for the last 16 of the Champions League.  🚨🏆 Thoughts on Champions League draw? pic.twitter.com/NjTTJ2uzWA — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2023 Manchester City will play Copenhagen in the last 16 of the competition.  The Danish champions Copenhagen finished above Manchester United in their group, as they reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2011. This included a 4-3 memorable victory over the Red Devils. The 14-time winners Real Madrid while RB Leipzig. Inter Milan - who finished runners-up last season will face Atletico Madrid. Bayern Munich (led by Harry Kane) will face Lazio. This is the draw in full Porto v Arsenal Napoli v Barcelona Paris St-Germain v Real Sociedad Inter Milan v Atletico Madrid PSV Eindhoven v Borussia Dortmund Lazio v Bayern Munich Copenhagen v Manchester City RB Leipzig v Real Madrid European Super Football contributor Josh gave some thoughts on the draw The luck of the draw has smiled upon the two

Will football come home this summer? A couple of weeks ago, England and Gareth Southgate named their provisional squad for Euro 2024. The final 26-man squad list for England must be submitted to Uefa by June 7. Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley). Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (

The players to watch out for at Euro 2024 In the first of several Euro 2024 preview articles, this story will explore some of the players that will be looking to have an impact in Germany. Johan Bakayoko - Belgium  This player began to make a significant contribution to PSV early in 2023, and very quickly, he had managed to score seven goals and provide five assists. With fantastic speed and outstanding one-on-one skills, he is a constant threat to defenders as a traditional right-winger. He recently made his international debut for Belgium in March and could shine for his country in Germany.  Cole Palmer - England Despite scoring in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup, Palmer made a brave decision to leave Manchester City during the summer. This decision has paid off as he is now regularly starting and scoring goals for Chelsea. Palmer is not only important in pressing off the ball but also a creative force on it, whether he is playing centrally or coming off the right flank. You can watch s

The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was a European football club competition contested annually by the winners of domestic cup competitions.  The Cup Winners' Cup was for a long time regarded by UEFA as the second biggest European club competition, behind the European Cup (now Champions League) but ahead of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (later the UEFA Cup and now Europa League). The video below explores some of the most iconic matches and moments in the competition.  One of those iconic moments in more detail 1983 final: Aberdeen 2 - 1 Real Madrid Yes you read that correctly. Aberdeen once beat Real Madrid in the final of a European competition. It was a match and occasion that put a certain Alex Ferguson in the spotlight.  Aberdeen took the lead early in the first half with a goal by Eric Black, but Real Madrid drew level following a penalty scored by Juanito in the fifteenth minute.  It remained 1-1 so the match went into extra time. The winning goal was scored for Aberdeen by John Hew

This article will explore some of the most exciting talents in the world at the moment.  Will any of them be on the move this summer? Warren Zaïre-Emery - PSG Warren Zaïre-Emery, a 17-year-old football player, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming a regular player at one of Europe's biggest clubs. The midfielder has already made more than 50 first-team appearances for the French champions and is also a part of France's senior squad. You wouldn't expect him to leave PSG just yet but many clubs from England and Spain will be paying close attention to his development. Eduardo Camavinga - Real Madrid Given the amount of games he's played, you would have forgotten that Camavinga is still relatively young. His knack for playing in several positions across the pitch must make him a dream player for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.  Julian Rijkhoff - Ajax Ajax are renowned for producing technically gifted midfielders and wingers, but less well-known for creating genu

This article will explore the impact of Beckham in the MLS Since he made his debut for Manchester United in 1992, David Beckham has become a worldwide icon. This is down to his footballing ability and earned incredible success. His off-the-field activities have also turned him into a huge celebrity.  Ownership of Inter Miami and playing career in the United States David Beckham helped set up a new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in Inter Miami. His development from player to club owner started when he moved to La Galaxy in 2007.  Mike Randolph, a young player with the Galaxy when Beckham joined spoke with the media about David's impact in LA. Randolph was struck by the Englishman’s normality. Many have suggested that Beckham has played a huge part in expanding the popularity of football or soccer in the country.  David Beckham's best moment with LA Galaxy in the MLS came in 2011 when they clinched the MLS Cup. This marked a crowning achievement in his American journey

Let's have a look back at one of the most controversial moments of recent history. Many of the world's biggest clubs said they were forming a new competition. The European Super League. You can read the initial report from Greater Manchester Football by clicking the link below Clubs Announce New Super League Competition (greatermanchesterfootball.blogspot.com) At the time of the announcement, the story said: AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the new competition as Founding Clubs.   It is anticipated that a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable.  Proposed format of the competition Twenty participating clubs with fifteen Founding Clubs and a qualifying mechanism for a further five teams to qualify annually based on achievements in

The dreaded European Super League is back in the news again This video from Tifo Football explores how the original idea fell apart. Keep reading this article for the latest news on the European Super League. It now appears to be back in the news again.  What's being said? In an article for Sky Sports, it was reported that the chief executive of the company behind the previous failed project has claimed that a new European Super League with no permanent membership could be up and running by the 2024/25 season. There has also been an interesting article in The Financial Times. ESPN are reporting some of the developments and what it could mean. Are we close to the idea being relaunched? A22 Sports Management -- the company that launched the European Super League in April 2021 -- appointed a new chief executive, Bernd Reichart, who claimed it would be relaunched within three years. This comes against the backdrop of legal action taken by the three remaining Super League clubs (

 Let's travel across Europe for some talking points Spain: Bellingham shines for Madrid The former Borussia Dortmund midfielde r again proved Real Madrid’s match-winner, scoring in injury time to snatch a 2-1 La Liga victory over Getafe. Real Madrid played their first home game at the Bernabéu this season. Liam is a Manchester United fan, and watched the game on TV: "Bellingham is a special player. I really wish he was playing for Manchester United." You can see some highlights in the video below. Footage from  LaLiga - YouTube Italy: Napoli lost at home to Lazio The Italian champions, Napoli, faced their first loss of the season when they were defeated 2-1 at their home ground by Lazio. It was a surprising turn of events as Lazio's Luis Alberto scored the opening goal with a clever backheel after 30 minutes, despite Napoli dominating the game. Napoli, now under the management of Rudi Garcia, who took over from Luciano Spalletti in June, quickly levelled the score

Two Spanish sides progressed in the Champions League after an epic night full of drama Real Madrid 2 - 3 Chelsea (Agg 5-4) Chelsea's reign as champions of Europe came to an end despite beating Real Madrid on a night of high drama and tension at the Bernabeu Stadium. Mason Mount's finish and Antonio Rudiger's header had wiped out Real's 3-1 first-leg advantage. This brought the quarter-final tie level in Spain's capital. Thomas Tuchel's side were outstanding throughout and Timo Werner's clever finish from an angle put them ahead for the first time on aggregate. They were within sight of a place in the semi-finals. However, substitute Rodrygo - after a stunning pass by Luka Modric - forced extra time with a volleyed finish before Karim Benzema headed the decisive goal in the 96th minute to send Real through 5-4 on aggregate. This was the reaction of the Chelsea manager Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Villarreal Villarreal silenced a passionate Bayern Munich crowd to rea

 Wales 3 - 1 Belgium (Euro 2016) Let's explore another iconic moment from the European Championships. Wales recorded the greatest night in their football history as they came from a goal down to beat Belgium at Euro 2016. Radja Nainggolan put Belgium ahead in Lille with a stunning 25-yard strike but Wales captain Ashley Williams headed in from a corner to equalise in a breathless first half littered with chances at both ends. Welsh celebrations reached stratospheric levels when Hal Robson-Kanu, a striker without a club at the time, gave them the lead with a divine turn and finish. Iconic Euros Moments: Throwback to England v Scotland (1996) After withstanding late Belgium pressure, Wales sealed victory through a header from substitute Sam Vokes to set up a semi-final against Portugal and what many believed would be a mouth-watering duel between Gareth Bale and his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Wales manager Chris Coleman later described the last-eight tie as W

Transfer deadline day happens twice a season and is always a crazy day.  Let's explore some of the best and most controversial Deadline Day transfers. Dimitar Berbatov - Tottenham to Manchester United in 2008 Earlier on this dramatic deadline day, it had appeared that Manchester City were going to shatter United's hopes after they had a bid of more than 20 million pounds accepted by Tottenham. United ultimately got their man and the Bulgarian would go onto win two Premier League titles and a League Cup whilst at Old Trafford. At the time of the transfer, one Manchester United fan said: "Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Berbatov - Is there a better attacking outfit? Now we are really ready to attack European football like we have done domestically."  There is constant debate about the overall effectiveness of 'Berba' during his time at Old Trafford. Some United believed he was the world class addition needed at the time, others argued he slowed down a vibrant and

In the middle of some great football action across Europe, let's have a look at some of the latest gossip. West Ham United manager David Moyes is set to make a final bid to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski with the 29-year-old English centre-back due to become a free agent in the summer. West Ham will be determined to keep growing their squad as they continue in their quest to join the Premier League elite.  Manchester City's Spain forward Ferran Torres, 21, has submitted a transfer request with Barcelona interested. Barca have also been linked with Raheem Sterling in recent days. Fiorentina have put a £55m price tag on Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic in a bid to hold off interest from Manchester United - but the 21-year-old is not expected to make any move in January. Would the Serbian be a good signing for the Old Trafford club? Alexandre Lacazette has said his agents are considering variety of options. The 30-year-old France striker's contract expires at Arsenal in

There's been an update regarding the kick off time for the 2024 FA Cup final.  The match taking place between Manchester City and Manchester United will kick off at 15:00 BST. For the repeat of last year’s final between the same teams , the match has been brought forward from 17:30 BST. The Football Association said the kick-off time was moved to the traditional slot after it was agreed with both sides alongside the local authority, members of the safety advisory group and TV broadcasters.  City and United will meet at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th May. Last year’s final between the two was the first all-Manchester FA Cup final, with Pep Guardiola's side winning 2-1 on their way to a Treble. In 2023, the match was moved to the same time following police advice. This was the first final to take place at that time in twelve years. Many fans were happy with this as they believed it is the best time for important football matches.  How did the teams reach the FA Cup final? 

There has been an interesting development with of La Liga's most decorated players. Sevilla have reached an agreement to terminate Isco's contract, just four months after signing the former Spain midfielder on a free transfer. He joined Sevilla on a two-year deal in August after long and successful spell with La Liga rivals Real Madrid. He signed from Malaga in 2013 and helped Real win the Champions League five times and La Liga three times. However, he has now been released after just 19 games for Sevilla, scoring once and claiming three assists. It will be certainly interesting to see where he ends up next. Could a Premier League club sign him? There will certainly be plenty of interest in signing a player with som much experience at the highest level of football. One Sevilla fan told us: "I'm always worried about these kind of transfers. When a player has been at a club like Real Madrid for so long, it can be very difficult to integrate into another side. This h

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