UCL – Page 6 – Football Flame    
Latest Football News

UCL

No Comments
UCL

Ancelotti: ‘Something strange’ in Real’s run to final

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti waves to the crowd after the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 4, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti admitted there's been "something strange" about Real Madrid's progression to the Champions League final after overseeing yet another comeback in their 3-1 semifinal second leg win over Manchester City.Riyad Mahrez scored in the 73rd minute to put City 5-3 up in the tie, before Rodrygo grabbed two goals in two minutes and Karim Benzema converted an extra-time penalty to send Madrid to the final with Liverpool in Paris on May 28.It's the latest unlikely turnaround for Madrid, who had also trailed to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 and Chelsea in the quarterfin...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Pep Guardiola reacts to Man City defeat after stunning Real Madrid comeback

Manchester City Head Coach Pep Guardiola during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 4, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must accept their latest Champions League heartbreak and refocus on their bid to retain the Premier League after their stunning semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.City were moments away from setting up an all-English final against Liverpool before Real launched a remarkable comeback at the Bernabeu.A second-half goal from Riyad Mahrez the Premier League champions on the brink but two goals inside two minutes from Rodrygo in injury time saw Real force extra-time with the tie poised at 5-5 on aggregate.Karim Benzema continued his sensational run of form in this c...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Villarreal president slams Giovani Lo Celso penalty decision in Liverpool defeat

Giovani Lo Celso of Villarreal CF is challenged by Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain.Villarreal club president Fernando Roig has hit out at referee Danny Makkelie for not awarding an early penalty in their Champions League defeat to Liverpool.The Yellow Submarine’s European journey came to an end on a dramatic night at the Estadio de la Ceramica as Unai Emery’s side pushed for a first ever Champions League final spot.Despite trailing 2-0 from the first leg at Anfield last month, Emery’s charges were motivated by the challenge of turning the tie around on home soil. First half goals from Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin tipped the game in t...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid ‘have the quality to take risks’ against Manchester City

Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 30, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti has said his Real Madrid side “have the quality to take risks” has they look to overturn a one-goal deficit against Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.The Spanish side lost a thrilling first leg 4-3 in Manchester as they look to secure their first final spot since 2018 and have shown plenty of fight to come from behind in both their previous knockout games against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.And Real are flying high this week after clinching a 35th La Liga title at the weekend following their 4-0 win over Espanyol, sparking scenes of jubilation in...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Liverpool have to ‘be ready to suffer’ – Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James Park on April 30, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will have to "be ready to suffer" in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Villarreal, despite a two-goal advantage.An own goal from Pervis Estupinan and a Sadio Mane strike gave Liverpool a 2-0 win at Anfield last Wednesday.Manager Klopp warned: We have to be ready to play a top game because they will go for us.The Reds have been European champions six times and last triumphed in 2019.They will try to play much more football than we allowed them in the first game, added Klopp.My only concern is what we do and we have to be ready to suffer. But not going 1-0 down or whateve...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Kyle Walker struggling to return in time for Manchester City’s trip to the Bernabeu

Manchester City's Kyle Walker in action during training at Manchester City Football Academy on April 1, 2022 in Manchester, England.Manchester City’s starting right-back Kyle Walker, who has not played since coming off injured against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, has been all but ruled out for the game on Wednesday.Of course, it has not been confirmed yet, but before Manchester City beat Leeds United on the weekend, Pep Guardiola gave some grave news to City fans.There’s a danger Kyle could miss the rest of the season,” Guardiola said. “But right now I don’t know, and that is unfortunate for him, and for us.Guardiola did also give an update on John Stones, who started at right-back for City in the first leg but came off in the first half injured:Stones is out for...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

City top Madrid 4-3 in breathless ECL semi

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City in action with Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester City just couldn't shake off a stubborn Real Madrid in a wild 4-3 Champions League encounter, after which the hosts will wonder just how the record 13-time champions were still in their semi-final tie.Ultimately, Karim Benzema's cheeky "Panenka" penalty in the 82nd minute allowed Madrid to escape with some hope of pulling off a comeback in next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.City were 2-0 ahead after 11 minutes at the Etihad Stadium -- through goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus -- and should have been further cl...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Jurgen Klopp rules out Roberto Firmino for Villarreal semi-final

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a press conference at Anfield on April 26, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have been fortunate in recent weeks on the injury front, with the Reds’ manager having had an almost entirely fit squad to choose from as he and his squad push to secure an unlikely, historic quadruple.One player whose availability has been limited, though, is striker Roberto Frimino. In his absence, Sadio Mane has proven himself adept at taking on the false nine duties that Klopp demands of his centre forward. Still, Firmino’s absence has been notable.I don’t think yes, was Klopp’s response at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Villarreal when asked if the industrious Brazilian would have a ...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Man City midfielder says Benzema ‘has what it takes’ to be the next Ballon d’Or winner

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Osasuna v Real Madrid at the Estadio El Sadar on April 20, 2022 in Pamplona Spain.On Tuesday night, the world will have its eyes fixed on the gargantuan clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The two European giants face off for a place in the final of the UEFA Champions League in what will be a treat to watch.The last time the two sides met, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos had games to forget. The former had two errors directly leading to goal, while the latter was sent off in the first leg.Eventually, City walked out of the game with a 4-2 win on aggregate, with two goals from Gabriel Jesus, and one each from Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne.The first leg is set to take place at the Etihad Stadium and the ...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Man City keep cool to set up semi with Real Madrid

Phil Foden of Manchester City controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Wanda Metropolitano on April 13, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Manchester City produced a mature and disciplined performance to hold off the challenge of Atletico Madrid - and set up a Champions League semi-final showdown with the Spanish side's city rivals Real.Knowing a clean sheet would be enough to seal the tie, City kept their cool in the face of a hostile home crowd and intimidation from a physical Atleti side showing far more ambition than in the first leg.Ilkay Gundogan could have made life much easier for Pep Guardiola's men by slotting in from close range, instead of against the post in the first half.But in the face of much-increased...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Liverpool into semi-finals after Benfica thriller

Roberto Firmino of Liverpool controls the ball under pressure from Jan Vertonghen of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Liverpool FC and SL Benfica at Anfield on April 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool remain on course for an historic quadruple after a thrilling draw with Benfica secured a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Villarreal.Having established a 3-1 lead in Lisbon, Liverpool extended their advantage with Ibrahima Konate's powerful 21st-minute header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner.Benfica equalised through Goncalo Ramos' excellent turn and finish, before Roberto Firmino's two second-half goals - a tap-in followed by a volley - in front of the Kop looked to have put the Reds in control.But after Roman Yaremchuk broke throu...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Holders Chelsea exit Champions League after epic

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates at the final whistle as Thiago Silva of Chelsea FC looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Chelsea's reign as European champions came to an agonising end despite beating Real Madrid on a night of high drama at the Bernabeu Stadium.In a Champions League epic, Mason Mount's wonderful finish and Antonio Rudiger's powerful header wiped out Real's 3-1 first-leg advantage and 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 and within sight of a place in the semi-finals.But subs...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Villarreal stun Bayern to reach semis

Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal CF celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Bayern München and Villarreal CF at Football Arena Munich on April 12, 2022 in Munich, Germany.Samuel Chukwueze scored a late winner in the tie as Villarreal stunned Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years.Unai Emery masterminded a 1-0 first-leg win in Spain, but a dominant Bayern looked seemingly in control once Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute at the Allianz Arena.But, with just his side's second shot on target across both legs, Chukwueze levelled on the break in the 88th minute to give Villarreal the lead on aggregate - and earn them an historic victory against the si...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Benzema hat-trick leaves Chelsea mountain to climb

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid holds off the challenge from Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 6, 2022 in London, United Kingdom.Chelsea's hold on the Champions League hangs precariously after Karim Benzema's hat-trick put Real Madrid in a position of power following the quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.Real coach Carlo Ancelotti made a winning return to the club where he won the Premier League and FA Cup double after veteran France striker Benzema delivered his latest masterclass.Benzema, 34 and fresh from the treble that sunk Paris St-Germain in the last 16, punished holders Chelsea with two magnificent headers in the space of three minutes midway through the firs...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Pep Guardiola warns Jack Grealish over “emotions” after clashing with Atletico Madrid ace

(L-R) Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City, Angel Correa of Atletico Madrid, Sime Vrsaljko of Atletico Madrid, coach Josep Guardiola of Manchester City, Jack Grealish of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City v Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on April 5, 2022 in Manchester United Kingdom.Pep Guardiola insisted his Manchester City players must "control our emotions" after Jack Grealish was caught up in some heated scenes during the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.City emerged 1-0 winners after a close-run battle at the Etihad on Tuesday night, with Kevin de Bruyne's 70th minute strike proving to be the difference. Atletico dug in and gave away very little in true Diego Simeone style, with the small cushion setting up an exciting second l...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Jurgen Klopp critical despite Liverpool ECL win

Liverpool FC's head coach Jurgen Klopp gestures during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One football match between SL Benfica and Liverpool FC at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal on April 5, 2022.Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his side should have scored more goals in their 3-1 victory over Benfica having dominated the first half of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon.The Reds should have put the tie to bed before the second leg with the number of chances they created in the opening 45 minutes on Tuesday night, but they were still cruising at the break thanks to Ibrahima Konate's first since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer and Sadio Mane's close-range strike.Klopp was unhappy his side then gifted Darwin Nunez a goal just after the break, when Konate's mi...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Alphonso Davies could start for Bayern Munich in their Champions League tie with Villarreal

Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern München during a training session at Saebener Strasse training ground on March 30, 2022 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies could start against Villarreal in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg after recovering from a heart condition that had sidelined him for over three months, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Tuesday.The Canadian has been sidelined since early January after being diagnosed with Myocarditis - which is a mild condition that is caused by a viral infection, such as Covid-19, and makes the heart to become inflamed.  Davies played his last competitive fixture on December 17, 2021 but could be in the starting line-up on Wednesday.He will be coming with us,' Nagelsmann told a virtual news conference pri...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Carlo Ancelotti did not travel with Real Madrid for Chelsea clash

Carlo Ancelotti coach of Real Madrid during a Real Madrid training session at Valdebebas training ground on March 28, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti did not travel to London with the rest of the Real Madrid players and staff on Tuesday, ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea.Ancelotti tested positive for coronavirus last week, which forced him to watch Los Blancos beat Celta Vigo 2-1 on Saturday from home.Real had hoped that Ancelotti would have returned to the touchline to face his former club at Stamford Bridge, but his involvement in the fixture is in doubt.According to Spanish radio station OndaCero, the Italian has not yet flown to London and will instead take another PCR test on Wednesday morning in the hope of being cleared to travel before th...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Chelsea to face Real Madrid in Champions League, Man City v Atletico

The result of the draw is displayed on the screen during the UEFA Champions League 2021/22 Quarter-finals and Semi-finals Draws at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football, on March 18, 2022, in Nyon, Switzerland.  The Champions League draw threw up a mouthwatering range of possibilities on Friday as troubled holders Chelsea were drawn to play 13-time winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.The three Premier League and three La Liga clubs in the last eight avoided each other, with Manchester City up against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool to face Portuguese side Benfica.Bayern Munich will play Villarreal.Friday's draw also incorporated the semifinal line-ups which could see Chelsea face Manchester City in a repeat of last season's final.Liverpool or Benfica will face Baye...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Villarreal wins 3-0 at Juventus to reach Champions League quarter-final

Gerard Moreno of Villarreal CF celebrates with his team-mates Serge Aurier and Samu Chukwueze after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Juventus and Villarreal CF at Juventus Stadium on March 16, 2022 in Turin, Italy. Europa League champion Villarreal scored three second-half goals in a convincing 3-0 win at Juventus on Wednesday to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.Substitute Gerard Moreno converted a penalty, then Pau Torres was left unmarked to redirect in a corner before Arnaut Danjuma added another spot kick.Villarreal advanced 4-1 on aggregate as two-time winner Juventus was eliminated at home in the round of 16 for the third consecutive season.That’s soccer, Juventus midfielder Juan Cuadrado said. We had a goo...
Read More
Like Us
Follow Us
Follow us
Follow us
Blogarama - Blog Directory