Manchester City will meet defending champions Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout play-offs, while Paris Saint-Germain will face French rivals Brest. The conclusion of the first-ever league phase of the Champions League, which wrapped up with 18 simultaneous matches on Wednesday night, finalized the 36-team standings. The top eight teams automatically secured a spot in the round of 16 and were not part of Friday’s draw, leaving the clubs ranked 9th to 24th to compete in two-legged ties set for February. Each team knew it would face one of two potential opponents based on their final position in the…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
The Europa League group stages concluded on Thursday night, giving fans a clear picture of who their teams will face in the knockout rounds. Manchester United secured third place in their group with two second-half goals against Steaua Bucharest. The Red Devils advanced to the last 16, where they will face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or Midtjylland on March 6 and 13. Tottenham Hotspur, who beat Elfsborg 3-0, will also play one of Midtjylland, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad, or Olympiakos in the last 16. Due to the draw’s structure, Spurs and United cannot meet until the final.…
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has criticized this season’s new Champions League format following the conclusion of the first-ever ‘league phase’ this week. UEFA revamped the competition, replacing the traditional group stage with a single league table and increasing the number of pre-knockout fixtures from six to eight. “Too many matches,” Ancelotti responded when asked by reporters on Wednesday night about his thoughts on the new format. While Ancelotti insisted that the increased number of matches has not negatively affected Madrid more than other teams, he reiterated his long-standing belief that elite football should involve fewer games. “There have been…
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim revealed he moved Kobbie Mainoo to a different position during Thursday’s Europa League win over FCSB after noticing the teenager “struggling” with his defensive duties. Mainoo had started in an attacking role alongside Christian Eriksen behind striker Rasmus Hojlund, with Bruno Fernandes dropping into the deeper position Mainoo typically occupies. In the second half, after Alejandro Garnacho came on, Mainoo shifted to the right wing and played a key part in the opening goal, providing an assist for Diogo Dalot. The United academy graduate later sealed a 2-0 victory, scoring himself from a Garnacho…
Arsenal are “optimistic” that goalkeeper David Raya will be fit to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. Raya was absent for Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday. Although he traveled with the squad to Spain, he was unexpectedly left out of the matchday squad. Mikel Arteta confirmed just before kick-off that the Spain international was “not fit,” later adding, “He certainly could not play, he’s injured and that’s it.” When asked about the nature of the injury, Arteta replied simply, “Let’s see how it goes.” However, The Athletic has reported that there…
Chelsea playmaker João Félix has requested to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline. Frustrated with his lack of playing time, Félix is reportedly pushing for a move away from the club, according to The Transfers Podcast. The Blues are now considering their options in light of his decision. Chelsea secured the Portugal international on a permanent deal from Atlético Madrid last summer, but Félix has struggled to make an impact since signing a seven-year contract. Under manager Enzo Maresca, Félix has found it difficult to secure regular minutes, starting just three Premier League matches this season. He currently finds…
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface will resume training immediately after a potential move to Al-Nassr fell through. Since joining Leverkusen in the summer of 2023, the 24-year-old Boniface has made a strong impact, helping his team secure a local double during his debut season. However, this year, he has faced some difficulties. After a slow start in front of goal, he suffered a thigh injury in November that has kept him sidelined. Despite recently extending his contract with Leverkusen until 2029, Boniface attracted interest from Al-Nassr, with the Saudi Pro League…
Former Chelsea defender David Luiz has praised Cole Palmer for his performances at Chelsea, describing the attacking midfielder as “intelligent” and “world-class.” Palmer has been a standout player since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. His impressive form earned him the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year and the Premier League Young Player of the Year after a breakout first season at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old has continued to shine this season, contributing 14 goals and six assists for Enzo Maresca’s side. “Cole, like Eden [Hazard], is on another level, he’s a world-class player,” Luiz told…
Manchester United are on the verge of finalizing a £30m deal to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce. The two clubs have been in negotiations since last week, with many key aspects of the transfer already agreed upon. Discussions are ongoing regarding the deal’s structure. According to Sky Sports, Dorgu is set to become Ruben Amorim’s first signing as United manager. The 20-year-old left wing-back is eager to join, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue. Since Amorim’s appointment, the left wing-back position has been a priority, with the transfer seen as highly likely to happen regardless of…
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the team is stronger with Marcus Rashford in the squad. Amorim made the comments ahead of United’s UEFA Europa League match against FCSB at the National Arena on Thursday. Despite this, reports have suggested that Rashford has fallen out of favor under Amorim, with the England forward not featuring for the team since being left out of the matchday squad for the December clash against Manchester City. This absence has sparked speculation that Rashford could be on his way out of Old Trafford during the January transfer window. Additionally, he was not…