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 movin...

 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 hav...

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...

Wolves have named former Porto manager Vítor Pereira as their new head coach. The experienced Portuguese boss arrives from Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab on an 18-month deal, with Wolves paying around £825,000 in compensation to secure his services. Author - Josh Thomas Pereira replaces Gary O'Neil, who was dismissed on Sunday after Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich the day before, a result that left them second from bottom in the Premier League. Pereira oversaw his first training session on Thursday and will make his debut in the dugout during Sunday’s clash with Leicester. The Foxes sit 17th in the table, five points clear of Wolves. Premier League: 2024/2025 season The club had been exploring potential candidates for several weeks, considering options such as former West Ham boss David Moyes. However, Pereira emerged as the frontrunner and was swiftly appointed. The 56-year-old boasts an impressive CV, having won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles with Porto in 2012 and 2013, as...

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 upo...

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...

 AC Milan 1 - 1 Feyenoord (Feyenoord won 2-1 on aggregate) AC Milan’s Champions League campaign came to a crushing end as they were held to a draw by Feyenoord in the second leg of their knockout play-off at the San Siro. Author - Jack L Stadium - San Siro The Rossoneri had the perfect start, overturning their 1-0 first-leg deficit within just 36 seconds. Santiago Giménez, facing his former club, scored the fastest goal of this season’s Champions League, reigniting Milan’s hopes of progression. However, their chances took a major hit when Theo Hernández was sent off in the 51st minute after picking up a second yellow card. Feyenoord capitalised on their numerical advantage, with substitute Julián Carranza heading in the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Dutch side. The last-16 draw on Friday will determine whether Feyenoord will face Inter Milan or Arsenal next month. Champions League: 2024/2025 More news from Feyenoord can be found here ...

This article was first published in 2021, Messi now plays for Inter Miami. --- 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....

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 ...

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 - 0 Manchester United Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes saw red for the third time this season, as Wolves maintained their perfect start under new manager Vítor Pereira with a 2-0 win over the Red Devils. Author - Olivia T Fernandes was sent off just two minutes into the second half after receiving a second yellow card. This follows earlier dismissals against Tottenham and Porto, adding to what has been a frustrating campaign for the United skipper. Was this a significant moment in the match? Wolves wasted no time making their numerical advantage count. Eleven minutes later, Matheus Cunha delivered a moment of déjà vu for United fans, scoring directly from a corner—just as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min had done a week earlier. Cunha’s delivery floated over André Onana’s reach in a packed six-yard box, exposing United’s continued struggles to defend set-pieces. The game was put to bed deep into added time. With United desperately searching for an equali...

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 substit...

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-...

Wolves 0 - 3 Nottingham Forest Morgan Gibbs-White played a starring role as Nottingham Forest secured a clinical victory over Wolves, with new England manager Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands. Author -  Kieran M   The midfielder silenced the boos from the home crowd early on, scoring the opener just seven minutes in. Gibbs-White, who left Wolves for Forest in 2022, had the perfect response to his former club's jeers. Chris Wood doubled the lead just before half-time, notching his 12th goal of the season, while Taiwo Awoniyi sealed the win in stoppage time, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Wolves, however, had their opportunities. Joao Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen forced saves from Forest keeper Matz Sels, and Larsen was denied by a remarkable goal-line clearance from Murillo. This marked Forest’s 12th league victory of the season—three more than their total for the entire previous campaign. The win showcased the team’s key strengths, with opposition sides cont...

Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 2 Wolves Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late equaliser salvaged a point for Wolves in a chaotic Premier League draw with Tottenham, continuing Vítor Pereira’s strong start as Wolves manager. Author - Greg S Wolves took an early lead when an unmarked Hwang Hee-chan calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, capitalising on a lapse in the Spurs defence at a free-kick. Spurs responded swiftly, with Rodrigo Bentancur nodding in a powerful close-range header from Pedro Porro’s pinpoint corner. Moments later, they were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Brennan Johnson was brought down by Andre in the box. However, Wolves keeper José Sá guessed correctly, denying Son Heung-min from the spot. The missed penalty didn’t deter Totten ham’s attacking momentum. A slick exchange between Dejan Kulusevski and Johnson in a crowded box ended with Johnson firing a precise low shot into the net to give Spurs the lead. Wolves appoint ex-Porto...

 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.  M...

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 e...

Leicester City 0 - 3 Wolves Vítor Pereira’s debut as a Premier League manager was pretty much perfect.  A two-time league champion with Porto, Pereira has finally been given his chance in England – and it couldn’t have started much more comfortably. Author - Jamie P Wolves found themselves 3-0 up by half-time, but that’s not to say Pereira has instantly turned them into a free-scoring machine. Instead, they simply capitalised on their opportunities when they arose. The opener came after Nelson Semedo lofted a speculative ball down the right channel. Somehow, it made its way to Gonçalo Guedes in the box. The Portuguese forward, making just his second league start of the season, hooked it past Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward with Wolves’ first shot under Pereira’s management. The second goal had a touch of fortune about it. Matt Doherty sent a hopeful diagonal ball towards Leicester’s right-back, James Justin, who allowed it to roll past him – unaware that Joao Gomes had sneaked ...

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...