European Super Football

It's time to for another sliding doors moment in football  We travel back to 2004. Manchester United face Porto in the last-16 of the Champions League.  Author - Liam C What actually happened? A ontroversial offside call against Paul Scholes became a pivotal moment in European football history. The disallowed goal cost United a place in the quarter-finals, while Porto, managed by the up and coming manager José Mourinho, went on to win the competition and launch Mourinho into the managerial elite. But what if Scholes hadn’t been ruled offside? How might this alternative scenario have changed the landscape of world and European football? Scholes wasn’t offside: United progress Had the linesman not flagged Scholes for offside, Manchester United would have progressed to the next round of the Champions League. Scholes' goal was legitimate, and had it stood, United would have won the tie on aggregate, knocking out Porto and ending their European dreams. With the Red Devils moving

 FC Porto 0 - 0 Inter Milan (Aggregate: 0 - 1 ) Inter Milan fans are dreaming of Champions League success once again. The Italian side reached the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in more than a decade after surviving a late barrage of pressure at Porto to escape with a 0-0 draw which took them through 1-0 on aggregate. It was a disappointing night for the home fans at a sold-out Dragao stadium as the Portuguese champions tried in vain to wipe out the narrow deficit from the first leg in Italy. A disciplined Inter side seemed content to hold onto their lead and did not face a serious threat until added time.  Defender Pepe was then dismissed for a second yellow card and Inter joined city rivals AC Milan in the quarterfinal draw. This is the first time they have both reached the last eight since 2006. Click here for more news from across Italy>>> Porto fans will have been very disappointed that they didn't progress to the next round. This would have bee

This is the latest in our ' big discussion ' series of articles. Here, we will examine Porto's Champions League success in 2004 and ask whether a similar type of success can happen again. Mourinho celebrates in 2004. Photo from  mohamedkaka | Flickr Over the last twenty years, the Champions League has been dominated by a relatively small pool of teams from a limited number of countries. However, it wasn't always like this. Teams like Porto have a proud record in European competition, with their last Champions League victory in 2004. At that time, they were led by a man with a growing reputation. This was José Mourinho. How big an achievement was this in 2004? Porto has struggled to compete with the best in Europe in recent seasons. It is often anticipated that they may struggle to get out of the group stage on occasion. During the upcoming campaign, if you were betting on the Champions League, you would have seen that they were considered huge outsiders. Since Porto

Porto 3 - 3 Manchester United Harry Maguire salvaged a dramatic draw for a 10-man Manchester United side, who had thrown away a two-goal lead and seen Bruno Fernandes sent off in their Europa League clash against Porto. Maguire's injury-time header could be a lifeline for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, with the team just seconds from suffering their fourth defeat in ten games at the start of the season. In the first of five added minutes, Maguire leapt to meet Christian Eriksen's corner and expertly nodded the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial point. A closer look at what happened Marcus Rashford put United ahead in the seventh minute, cutting in from the left and skillfully beating two defenders before his low shot slipped past Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the near post. Rasmus Hojlund, making his first start of the season, added a second after 20 minutes, finishing off a swift United counter-attack to give them firm control. Porto weren’t done yet

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

Manchester United 1 - 1 Twente Christian Eriksen experienced both triumph and disappointment for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s side faltered at the beginning of their Europa League journey, drawing with Twente, the Dutch manager’s boyhood club. Eriksen put United ahead in the first half with a brilliant finish from inside the box.However, a determined Twente side capitalised on Eriksen's mistake when he was dispossessed by Sam Lammers just outside United’s penalty area. The former Rangers player wasted no time, unleashing a powerful shot that flew past Andre Onana. Ten Hag's men had chances to secure a late win, but Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall was in fine form, denying Joshua Zirkzee’s left-footed attempt that seemed destined for the net. Earlier, Unnerstall had also made a spectacular reflex save to stop Mees Hilgers from scoring an own goal. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, came close as well, and substitute Kobbie Mainoo had a penalty shout waved away. Foll

Lionel Messi now plays for PSG. Very few people would have anticipated him ever leaving Barcelona but here we are. Just after the announcement of his departure, News Ball UK published this article looking at Messi's best ever moments at Barcelona.        His debut At 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, Messi made his first team debut when he came on in the 75th minute during a friendly against José Mourinho's Porto in November 2003. His career has been extraordinary. Let's take a look at some of his best moments.  April 18, 2007 Messi emulates fellow Diego Maradona with this amazing goal, ghosting through half of Getafe’s side while his teammates could only watch in awe. It was at this time when people started to talk about him being one of the world's best. How good is this goal? See Messi at his best by watching the video below. Some have argued that this is his best goal.  OTD in 2007 📅 Lionel Messi did his best Diego Maradona impression v Getafe 🐐 His best eve

Let's have a look at some festive football gossip from the Premier League Newcastle United face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham in the race to sign England defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid. Watch some skills from Trippier in the video below. Video source - SCHD Football Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 32, after he was stripped of the captaincy this month. Tottenham are determined to sign a right wing-back and a forward in January, and they are looking to offload both Irish defender Matt Doherty and England midfielder Dele Alli.  Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham and Rangers are currently battling it out to sign West Brom and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. Anthony Martial has held talks with Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick as he tries to secure a move away from Old Trafford in January. Sevilla have been linked with he French forward. Anthony Martial position has always been clear after his agent

Aston Villa 1 - 1 Bournemouth Bournemouth striker Evanilson salvaged a crucial point with the final touch of the game against Aston Villa in the Premier League. Author - Craig H from GMCR Football  Deep into stoppage time, Bournemouth were awarded a free-kick. With everyone, including their goalkeeper, pushed forward, Marcus Tavernier delivered a cross to an unmarked Evanilson at the near post. The club’s record signing deftly nodded the ball into the far corner. Aston Villa had largely dominated and took the lead in the 76th minute when Ross Barkley capitalised on Leon Bailey’s header back across the box, volleying it in. Earlier, John McGinn thought he had put Villa ahead in the 28th minute, only to see his goal chalked off following a lengthy VAR check. McGinn had converted Ollie Watkins’ cutback, but VAR ruled that the ball had narrowly crossed the line for a Bournemouth goal-kick just before Watkins gained control. Despite Villa’s superior play, it was Bournemouth substitute

Liverpool became the first English side to win six Champions League group games as they picked up a victory over AC Milan in Italy. Jurgen Klopp made several changes with qualification for the last 16 already assured as group winners. However, the Serie A leaders went in search of the win they hoped would secure their own passage into the last 16. Milan's hopes rose on the half-hour when Takumi Minamino missed a near-post corner and goalkeeper Alisson could only push the ball out to Fikayo Tomori, who then scored from close range. Despite all the changes, Mohamed Salah was stikl in the starting line-up and once again demonstrated his ability with an equaliser that came seven minutes later. He put home the rebound after Milan keeper Mike Maignan saved from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It means Salah has became the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush to score 20 goals in five successive seasons. The away side continued to dominate and Divock Origi scored his first goal in the competi

Do you think this is a good permanent move Arsenal fans? The Gunners have activated the £27m option to permanently buy Brentford goalkeeper David Raya after his successful loan spell last season. Raya kept 16 Premier League clean sheets for the Gunners to win the Golden Glove, conceding just 16 league goals in the campaign. He did have an underwhelming start to the season. His lowest point came after making two errors in Arsenal's last-gasp 4-3 win over Luton in December. Arsenal already had a settled keeper in Aaron Ramsdale, who had played all 38 league matches the previous season, keeping 14 clean sheets. Still, boss Mikel Arteta opted for a new option. Click here for more Arsenal news and stories He missed only two league matches when he was ineligible to face his parent club Brentford. Raya was praised by Arteta for his passing out from the back ended any doubt about his position in March when he saved two penalties as Arsenal beat Porto in a shootout to reach the quarter-

 Jose Mourinho is set to become the new manager of Fenerbahce The 61-year-old will take over from Ismail Kartal, who left Fenerbahce after they finished second in the league to city rivals Galatasaray.  Despite losing just one game and recording 99 points last season, Fenerbahce finished as runners-up. How much of an impact will have Mourinho in Turkey? The club hinted at Mourinho's appointment in a video featuring the Portuguese manager directly addressing the fans with the words "See you tomorrow". Are you ready for tomorrow? 🔥😄 pic.twitter.com/PgbdiegcjE — Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) June 1, 2024 Mourinho, who has previously managed Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, is the only manager to have won the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League .  Over his 24-year managerial career, he has won 21 major honors, beginning in his home country of Portugal at Benfica and including stints at Porto, Inter Milan, and Tottenham.  Mourin

This is a full list of all the transfers involving the Premier League clubs on Deadline Day The 20 Premier League sides had already run up a huge net spend this summer as it continued to expand its collection of stars. This video from Sky Sports looks at how a dramatic day concluded.  Sky Sports Premier League - YouTube   Which signing will turn out to be the best? Sylvester Jasper — Fulham to Bristol Rovers — Loan Xavier Simons — Chelsea to Hull City — Loan Rob Street — Crystal Palace to Shrewsbury Town — Loan Jack Stephens — Southampton to Bournemouth — Loan Willy Boly — Wolverhampton Wanderers to Nottingham Forest — Undisclosed The Ivory Coast international has signed a two-year deal at The City Ground following a five-year spell at Molineux, having joined Wolves permanently in 2018 following an initial season-long loan from FC Porto. He was a key member of the Wolves side that won promotion to the Premier League during his first season in England, with his performances earning hi

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Manchester United Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping that the hard-fought draw at Aston Villa eases some of the intense pressure surrounding his role. In contrast to recent performances, United showed signs of the resilience that had been sorely lacking during the home defeat to Tottenham and the defensive frailty witnessed against Porto in the Europa League. Ten Hag called upon experienced defenders Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans to bring stability to the backline, though Maguire was forced off with an injury just before half-time. Marcus Rashford twice tested Villa’s goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, while United captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring with a second-half free-kick that rattled the crossbar in front of the Holte End. Substitute Antony also drew an impressive acrobatic save from Martinez with a long-range effort. Meanwhile, United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, had a relatively quiet evening but made an excellent save to deny a power

It's time to explore another football icon. Henrik Larsson is a Swedish professional football coach and former player, formerly an assistant manager of Barcelona.  Larsson celebrating a goal for Celtic in 2005. The start of a wonderful career. Playing as a striker, Larsson began his career with Högaborgs BK. In 1992, he moved to Helsingborg IF where in his first season his partnership up front with Mats Magnusson helped the club win promotion  after over 20 seasons in the lower tiers.  He moved to Feyenoord in November 1993, staying for four years before leaving in 1997. During his time in the Dutch Eredivisie, he won two KNVB Cups with Feyenoord. Trevor Stolk told us: "He should have stayed with us for much longer. Look at what he did for Celtic. He could have achieved that with us if he'd stayed longer." Larsson also broke into the Swedish national football team and helped them finish in third place at the 1994 World Cup. He was gaining a lot of fans but whe

Manchester United have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager, currently with Sporting Lisbon, will make the move to Old Trafford on 11 November and has signed a contract lasting until June 2027. Author - Liam C The post Ten Hag era started with a 5-2 win in the EFL Cup Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker who stepped in as interim manager after Erik ten Hag’s departure on Monday, will remain with the team for the next three matches. Amorim becomes the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year tenure ended with his retirement in 2013. Sporting confirmed in a statement that United agreed to pay €11 million (£9.25 million) to activate the release clause in Amorim’s contract. Amorim’s debut match leading the Red Devils is set for 24 November in the Premier League against newly promoted Ipswich, following the international break. His first game at Old Trafford will be on 28 November against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in