Champions League

17May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Inter reach first Champions League final since 2010

Lautaro Martínez of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammates after scoring his goal, during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between FC Internazionale v AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 16, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Inter Milan reached the Champions League final for the first time in 13 years as Lautaro Martinez’s goal sealed victory over fierce rivals AC Milan at San Siro. Three-time winners Inter, who led 2-0 after the first leg, will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in Istanbul on 10 June after a disciplined second-leg display ensured their progress. Heavily backed at a feverish San Siro as the designated home team, Inter were made to absorb early pressure as a determined start by Milan ensured the match began at a frenetic pace. Theo He...

16May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Milan to welcome back foursome in return leg vs Inter

Head coach AC Milan Stefano Pioli and Rafael Leao of AC Milan look on during training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match against FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 15, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Milan will be in almost full force as they try to stage a difficult two-goal comeback in the second act of the EuroDerby. Rafael Leao, Rade Krunic, Junior Messias, and Alessandro Florenzi, who missed time with various ailments lately, trained fully on the eve of the game.At least a pair will start. The Portuguese star sat out the last two matches because of an adductor pull. The Bosnian midfielder will likely partner Sandro Tonali in the midfield. He didn’t play against Spezia due to bursitis in his knee. Messias, who dealt with muscle fat...

11May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Inter beat Milan to take control of semi-final tie

Edin Dzeko of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at San Siro on May 10, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Inter Milan took a big step towards reaching the Champions League final as they beat their city rivals in a thrilling Milan derby at San Siro. In a game that had been anticipated for weeks in Italy and was witnessed at the ground by a vocal and passionate 80,000-strong crowd, Inter made the perfect start when Edin Dzeko volleyed home in the eighth minute. The goal silenced the Milan fans – the designated home side for this tie in the stadium the two sides share – as they significantly outnumbered the Inter supporters. And the hosts were stunned furthe...

10May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Milan to break UCL gate record in first euroderby leg

FC Internazionale coach Simone Inzaghi looks on during FC Internazionale Training Session ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match against AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 09, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Milan and Inter are set to take each other on in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, in what is a clash suspected to draw the eyeballs of the world. San Siro is officially sold out for the first leg, meaning the historic stadium will be graced to its full capacity by Rossoneri fans. The return match in a week will offer Inter a chance to better their brotherly rivals. As per MilanNews, the proceeds from ticket revenue are expected to increase over €10M, beating the €9.1M record set during Milan’s first leg victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of...

10May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

De Bruyne stunner earns draw for Man City at Real

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 9, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Kevin de Bruyne’s screamer earned Manchester City a Champions League semi-final first-leg draw at Real Madrid to keep their dream of a Treble on track. City know any win next Wednesday at home against Madrid will send them to only their second Champions League final, against either Inter Milan or AC Milan. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the early stages at a nervy Bernabeu, with Thibaut Courtois denying De Bruyne, Rodri and Erling Haaland twice. But Vinicius Jr scored with Real’s only chance of the first half, a 25-yard thunderbolt which flew past Ederson followi...

20Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Erling Haaland, NEWS, UCL

Man City see off Bayern to set up Real Madrid semi

Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts to Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal second leg match between FC Bayern Munich and Manchester City at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2023 in Munich, Germany. Manchester City set up a Champions League semi-final clash with holders Real Madrid as Erling Haaland’s goal ended Bayern Munich’s hopes of a comeback. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel felt his side needed a miracle to go through after losing the first leg 3-0 – and they squandered plenty of opportunities to get back into the game. Haaland made them pay as he lashed home a shot into the top corner to cap off a swift counter-attack, 15 seconds after Ederson had saved Kingsley Coman’s shot at the other end. That was the Norwegian’s 48th goal for City this s...

20Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Inter Milan, NEWS, UCL

Inter see off Benfica to set up Milan derby semi-final

Rafa Silva of SL Benfica is challenged by Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between FC Internazionale and SL Benfica at San Siro Stadium on April 19, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Inter Milan secured a historic Champions League semi-final with arch-rivals AC Milan despite being held by Benfica at an ecstatic San Siro. Leading 2-0 from the first leg in Lisbon, Inter increased their aggregate lead following Nicolo Barella’s sumptuous finish before a bullet header by Fredrik Aursnes gave Benfica hope. Argentina World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez and substitute Joaquin Correa made it 5-1 on aggregate before Benfica scored two late goals through Antonio Silva and Petar Musa. Inter have lost four of their past five games in Serie A to ...

17Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Manchester City, Real Madrid, UCL

Man City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan on verge of Champions League semis

Champions League logo is seen on an umbrella during the Champions League football match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli. Milan won 1-0 over Napoli.ManchesterCity, Real Madrid and Inter Milan are all on the verge of the 2022-23 UEFAChampions League semifinals as the second leg games of the last eight will be played this week. Erling Haaland-led Manchester City previously beat Bayern Munich 3-0 in the quarterfinals' first leg on April 11 in Manchester to control the tie. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel's men will try to turn the tables in front of their fans at Munich's Allianz Arena. ManchesterCity, who have a massive advantage, will visit Bayern Munich on Wednesday. On Tuesday, defending champions Real Madrid will face Chelsea at London's Stamford Bridge after a 2-0 win in Spain. The S...

14Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Carlo Ancelotti, Champions League, Real Madrid, UCL

Ancelotti: LaLiga, Serie A can challenge big-spending Premier League clubs in Champions League

Head coach Frank Lampard of Chelsea FC and head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid look on after the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti has said he's not annoyed by talk of Manchester City as Champions League favourites -- but insisted that Spanish and Italian teams can still compete with big-spending Premier League clubs. City beat Bayern Munich 3-0 in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday, with Ancelotti's Madrid beating Chelsea 2-0 a day later to set up a potential semifinal showdown with City. Madrid have won five Champions Leagues in the last nine seasons -- including ...

13Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Kylian Mbappe, PSG

Kylian Mbappe clarifies future with Champions League comments

Kylian Mbappe of France during the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round Group B match between France and Netherlands at Stade de France on March 24, 2023 in Saint-Denis, France.Kylian Mbappe’s future is a constant topic of conversation almost, with the player often dropping hints that he is not content with certain elements at Paris Saint-Germain. Less than a year after signing a new deal with PSG, rumours began again about whether he wanted to move to Real Madrid. Some reports even claim that he has begun taking steps to make that deal happen, while the idea that he was not altogether thrilled with his club gained traction last week, following his declarations on the use of his image for a marketing campaign. Speaking to ‘Tout le Sport’ though, Mbappe seemed to leave little doubt, when h...

13Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Napoli, Victor Osimhen

Napoli’s Osimhen to return for Champions League second leg v Milan

Victor Osimhen during Serie A match between Torino v Napoli in Turin, on March 19, 2023.Napoli forward Victor Osimhen will be fit for their Champions League quarter-final second leg at home to AC Milan next week after missing Wednesday’s 1-0 first leg defeat, manager Luciano Spalletti said. Nigeria’s Osimhen, Serie A’s top scorer with 21 goals, was sidelined for this month’s league games against Milan and Lecce due to a thigh strain. “The chances of him being available are 100% because the work schedule, it was made in that direction,” Spalletti told Sky Sports in Italy.“He was rested today (Wednesday) and in Saturday’s match to complete the work done by the doctors, then anything can happen.”Ismael Bennacer’s goal gave Milan a 1-0 win to take into the return leg on April 18. Serie A...

13Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

AC Milan, Champions League, Ismael Bennacer

Bennacer gives Milan first-leg lead over Napoli

Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan celebrates with his teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 12, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Ismael Bennacer’s first-half goal gave AC Milan a slender advantage over Napoli in the first leg of their all-Italian Champions League quarter-final. The Algeria midfielder struck home from the edge of the area after Braham Diaz broke superbly on the halfway line. Napoli had Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sent off in the second half and were well held by an organised Milan. Milan also came close to a second goal when Simon Kjaer’s header bounced off the underside of the bar. Napoli, in the Champions League last eight for the first time, were s...

13Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, CHELSEA FC, Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

Ten-man Chelsea lose first leg away to Real Madrid

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid competes with Thiago Silva of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal first leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Chelsea have it all to do if they are to advance to the Champions League semi-finals after losing to holders Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Karim Benzema’s tap-in – his 90th goal in the competition – gave Real boss Carlo Ancelotti the perfect start against his former club. Real Madrid struggled to add to their lead before Ben Chilwell was shown a straight red card in the 59th minute for fouling Rodrygo as the Brazil forward threatened to go clean through on goal. Chelsea produced a battling performance but Real scored what could be a decisive second goal when s...

12Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Luciano Spalletti

Spalletti: ‘No Napoli regrets with Milan in Champions League’

Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of SSC Napoli shouts instructions to his players during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, on 12 April, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Luciano Spalletti is confident Napoli will be able to make up for the absentees in the Champions League quarter-final against Milan. ‘We must not have any regrets.’ It kicks off at the Stadio Meazza at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT). “We need to enjoy the evening, as these are nights we must relish in their totality. If you earn your place in this evening with hard work, sweat and sacrifice, you must not have any regrets, you go out there and play,” Spalletti told Amazon Prime Video. The Rossoneri grabbed a 4-0 Serie A victory in Naples on April 2 with a Ra...

12Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola

Man City not resting easy despite big win against Bayern: Guardiola

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of FC Bayern Munich, gestures as Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester City and FC Bayern München at Etihad Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester City appeared in total control in a surgical second-half dismantling of Bayern Munich on Tuesday but Pep Guardiola looked aghast when a reporter asked if it was the most comfortable he and his team have felt this season. “It was not comfortable at all, emotionally I’m destroyed,” he said, prompting laughter. “I [aged] 10 more years today.” Nevertheless, City took a huge step towards a first Champions League title with a 3-0 victory over the visiting German powerhouse at Etihad Stadium in the first le...

11Apr

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Champions League, Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku scores as Inter Milan win at Benfica

Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica v Internazionale at the Estadio Da Luz on April 11, 2023 in Porto Portugal.Romelu Lukaku scored an 82nd-minute penalty as Inter Milan put themselves in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League after a deserved win away to Benfica. Nicolo Barella’s downward header gave Inter the lead in the quarter-final first leg in Lisbon. Benfica struggled to dictate play in front of their own fans as Inter produced a defensive masterclass in Lisbon. Rafa Silva was denied by Andre Onana’s first-half save before Inter’s Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries produced a crucial block from close range as Benfica pushed for an equaliser. The Italian visitors wrapped up a solid win when...

17Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Chelsea, NEWS

Champions League draw produces top-heavy quarter-final line-up

Presenter Pedro Pinto speaks during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 Quarter-finals and Semi-finals Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on March 17, 2023, in Nyon, Switzerland.Chelsea will play holders Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the winners facing either Manchester City or Bayern Munich following a top-heavy draw that produced two blockbuster ties. On the other side of the draw Napoli will face AC Milan in an all-Italian clash while Inter Milan will play Benfica, with one of those sides guaranteed to reach the Champions League final. Real Madrid defeated Chelsea in last season’s quarter-finals on their way to lifting the Champions League for the 14th time and Friday’s draw produced a repeat of that tie. Manchester Cit...

16Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, NEWS, Victor Osimhen

Osimhen double helps Napoli see off Frankfurt

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 15, 2023 in Naples, Italy.Victor Osimhen scored twice as Napoli cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time with a comfortable win over Eintracht Frankfurt. With Luciano Spalletti’s side two goals up from the first leg, the Nigeria striker’s thumping header in first-half stoppage time dispelled any lingering nerves at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Osimhen doubled the Italians’ lead on the night with a close-range finish from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s cross eight minutes after the break and, having been brought down in the box, Piotr Zielinski ...

16Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Karim Benzema, NEWS

Real Madrid dump Liverpool out of Champions League

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Real Madrid and Liverpool FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Liverpool’s Champions League hopes ended at the hands of Real Madrid for a third consecutive season as they failed to overcome their first-leg Anfield demolition. The Reds, who lost the first leg 5-2, lined up with four forwards at the Bernabeu as they looked to add another famous comeback to their fabled European history. But that rarely looked on the cards and legendary Real striker Karim Benzema put the tie beyond doubt when he tucked in from Vinicius Jr’s cutback late on. Jurgen Klopp’s side would have lost this game by more if not for Alisson. The Reds goalkeeper denied Vin...

15Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool FC

Liverpool will try to beat Madrid with one per cent chance – Klopp

Liverpool FC Head Coach Jurgen Klopp talks during the Press Conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 14, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Jurgen Klopp said Tuesday his Liverpool team might only have a one per cent chance of beating Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, but they will try to use it. The coach had admitted, after his team’s 5-2 first leg defeat by the European champions at Anfield in February, that his side’s hopes of progress were extinguished. However Klopp said he had changed his mind a little, and even if nobody else believed in his side, they were looking forward to the clash in the Spanish capital, a repeat of last season’s final. “I said three weeks ago, Madrid with...