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Home / Tagged "ChampionsLeague" (Page 5)

Tag: ChampionsLeague

Dortmund Stuns PSG, Mbappé Departs Without Champions League Glory

Dortmund Stuns PSG, Mbappé Departs Without Champions League Glory

By May 8, 2024 0

Borussia Dortmund’s triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals has sent shockwaves through the football world. The German club’s 2-0 aggregate victory was sealed by Mats Hummels’ header in the second leg at the Parc des Princes, sending Dortmund to the final at Wembley Stadium on June 1.

Kylian Mbappé, PSG’s star forward, was a notable absentee from the celebrations. The French international, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, cut a dejected figure as he left the field for the final time in a PSG jersey in the Champions League.

Dortmund’s victory was a testament to their defensive resilience and tactical discipline. They contained Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé effectively, limiting their attacking threat. Emre Can’s presence in midfield provided a solid shield for the defense, while Karim Adeyemi’s pace on the counter-attack caused PSG problems.

PSG, despite their star-studded lineup, lacked the efficiency and composure to break down Dortmund’s defense. They hit the woodwork three times, including a glaring miss from Warren Zaïre-Emery from close range. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s failure to claim Hummels’ header from a corner proved costly.

Dortmund’s victory is a major upset, considering PSG’s financial muscle and the presence of Mbappé. It highlights the importance of teamwork, organization, and tactical discipline in football. The German club will now face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final, where they will aim to lift their second Champions League trophy.

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Lyon Stuns Lille with Dramatic Comeback, Denting Champions League Hopes

Lyon Stuns Lille with Dramatic Comeback, Denting Champions League Hopes

By May 7, 2024 0

Mama Balde’s dramatic stoppage-time header propelled Lyon to a stunning 4-3 comeback victory over Lille in Ligue 1 on Monday, dealing a significant blow to Lille’s Champions League aspirations.

Lille appeared to be cruising towards victory after taking a 2-0 lead into the break, courtesy of Bafode Diakite’s first-half header and Edon Zhegrova’s strike. However, Lyon rallied in the second half, with Said Benrahma and Malick Fofana finding the net to level the scores.

Diakite restored Lille’s advantage with another header, but Alexandre Lacazette’s close-range finish once again brought Lyon level. As the match entered injury time, Balde rose highest to meet Clinton Mata’s cross and secure a dramatic victory for the visitors.

The result leaves Lille in fourth place with two games remaining, two points behind Brest in third and four ahead of Nice in fifth. The top three teams qualify automatically for next season’s Champions League, while the fourth-placed team enters the preliminary rounds.

Lyon’s victory, meanwhile, lifts them to seventh place, which could be enough to secure a spot in the Conference League if Paris Saint-Germain wins the French Cup.

The match was a rare Monday kick-off in Ligue 1 due to the anniversary of the Furiani disaster in Corsica, where 18 people died and thousands were injured in 1992.

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Real Madrid Seek Formula to Overcome Bayern Munich in Champions League Semi-Final

Real Madrid Seek Formula to Overcome Bayern Munich in Champions League Semi-Final

By May 7, 2024 0

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a crucial task as he seeks to guide his team past Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. Despite earning a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Bavaria, Ancelotti acknowledged that Real Madrid failed to reach their full potential.

“Bayern are very dangerous, they were at their best and we weren’t — we have time to improve for Wednesday,” Ancelotti said after the first leg.

Real Madrid secured the La Liga title with a 3-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday, but celebrations were muted as the team’s focus remained on the Champions League. The players reported for training on Sunday morning and refrained from joining fans at Plaza Cibeles, where they typically celebrate major titles.

“We would like to celebrate with all the fans, but they understand because on Wednesday we have a very important challenge,” Ancelotti said. “It’s contained joy — we have the most important game of the season coming up.”

Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We’re on the verge of reaching another final, we’re going to give our all to get there — that’s why we can’t celebrate too much,” he said.

Ancelotti’s goal is to secure a fifth La Liga and Champions League double for Real Madrid. The Italian coach has won 12 trophies at the club and is close to matching Miguel Munoz’s record of 14 titles, achieved between 1960 and 1972.

To reach the final at Wembley, Ancelotti must find a way to neutralize Bayern’s dangerous wingers, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala, who posed a constant threat in the first leg. Dani Carvajal will return from suspension at right-back to try and contain Musiala, while Jude Bellingham and others may be tasked with tracking back to help Ferland Mendy stop Sane.

“It was important when we began to defend with collective commitment,” Ancelotti said, emphasizing the team’s improved defensive performance this season. “The big effort was made by the forwards, rather than the defenders — injuries helped us understand that it wasn’t about individuals but a team effort.”

Ancelotti could also introduce Eduardo Camavinga to add energy and disrupt Bayern’s build-up play. If his tactical adjustments fail, Madrid can always rely on the “magic” of the Santiago Bernabeu. The stadium has witnessed remarkable comebacks in the past, including Real Madrid’s run to the 2022 Champions League final.

“It’s time to have a magical night at the Bernabeu,” Vinicius said after the Bayern draw, invoking the stadium’s legendary atmosphere.

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PSG Aim to Overturn Deficit and Send Mbappe Out on a High in Champions League Final

PSG Aim to Overturn Deficit and Send Mbappe Out on a High in Champions League Final

By May 6, 2024 0

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) face a daunting task as they aim to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final return match on Tuesday. The stakes are high for the French giants, who are determined to end Kylian Mbappe’s illustrious seven-year tenure at the club with a historic triumph at Wembley.

PSG’s previous appearance in the Champions League final in 2020 ended in disappointment, with a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich behind closed doors in Lisbon. This time, the prospect of playing before a packed crowd of 90,000 against either Real Madrid or Bayern again would be a transformative experience.

Mbappe, who has informed PSG of his intention to leave at the end of the season, is eager to depart on a high note. The 25-year-old has become PSG’s all-time top scorer with 255 goals in 305 appearances, including 43 this season. He has also netted 48 times in the Champions League, and Tuesday’s match against Dortmund presents an ideal opportunity to reach the half-century mark.

Luis Enrique’s Dortmund team underwhelmed in the first leg, but PSG are under immense pressure to turn the tie around at home. A repeat of their 2-0 victory over Dortmund in the group stage last September, with Mbappe scoring the opener from the penalty spot, would suffice.

“We are sure we are going to turn it around and qualify for the final,” Mbappe declared confidently. “There is a lot of pressure on us, but it’s normal because there is a place in the Champions League final at stake.”

PSG’s defensive frailties have been exposed this season, and they suffered a major setback when Lucas Hernandez ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the first leg. Nuno Mendes, who has recently returned from injury, also struggled against Jadon Sancho.

Despite the defensive concerns, PSG’s experience and the support of their home crowd could prove decisive. They have already wrapped up the French title and will be fresh for the second leg, while Dortmund may be fatigued after a grueling weekend fixture.

With Mbappe leading the charge and the Parc des Princes roaring behind them, PSG will be determined to overcome the first-leg deficit and book their place in the Champions League final.

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Real Madrid on Cusp of La Liga Title, Girona Holds the Key

Real Madrid on Cusp of La Liga Title, Girona Holds the Key

By May 3, 2024 0

Real Madrid, the current leaders of La Liga, have a chance to secure their 36th Spanish title this weekend. However, they need a helping hand from Girona, this season’s surprise challengers.

Madrid will host Cadiz on Saturday, and if they win, they will need Girona to take points off Barcelona, the defending champions, in the following match. If both conditions are met, Los Blancos will extend their record-breaking title count.

Girona, in their fourth season in La Liga, have been a revelation this season. They were Madrid’s main rivals for the top spot for much of the campaign, but their momentum stalled after a 4-0 defeat to Ancelotti’s side in February.

Despite the setback, Girona have regrouped and are now on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history. A victory over Barcelona in the Catalan derby would not only secure their place in the top four but also make club history.

Even though the title could be within their grasp this weekend, Madrid’s focus is divided as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. Los Blancos earned a creditable 2-2 draw in Munich and will host the German giants on Wednesday.

Ancelotti is likely to rotate his squad, as he did in their narrow win over Real Sociedad last week. The likes of Luka Modric, Joselu, Nacho, and Lucas Vazquez have proven to be reliable options when called upon.

Aurelien Tchouameni is set to miss the game with a knock, while Thibaut Courtois could make his first appearance of the season. Ancelotti has indicated that the Belgian goalkeeper is ready to return after two knee injuries kept him sidelined since pre-season.

Jude Bellingham, Madrid’s top scorer, may also be rested as he has struggled with various physical issues in the second half of the season. “He hasn’t been at his best, but he’ll be back very soon and by Wednesday he’ll be at 100 percent,” said Ancelotti.

Cadiz travel to the Bernabeu with slim hopes of survival. The Andalucians are 18th, five points from safety behind Celta Vigo. “The situation is very tricky and I understand the tension… but there are five games to go,” said Cadiz goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma.

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Chelsea Crush Tottenham's Champions League Hopes

Chelsea Crush Tottenham’s Champions League Hopes

By May 3, 2024 0

Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday dealt a significant blow to the latter’s Champions League aspirations. Trevoh Chalobah’s first goal since March 2022 gave Chelsea the lead in the first half, while Nicolas Jackson sealed the win in the closing stages.

Tottenham’s third consecutive defeat leaves them seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with four games remaining. The north Londoners are now considered outsiders to finish in the Premier League’s top four.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, citing a lack of belief and conviction. “We are not playing with the mindset we need,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed a second win over his former club this season. “The first half was fantastic,” he said. “All credit to the players. They really showed the way we want to build this.”

Chelsea’s victory keeps alive their hopes of qualifying for Europe, while Tottenham’s defeat further damages their Champions League ambitions.

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PSG's Champions League Hopes Alive Despite Dortmund Defeat

PSG’s Champions League Hopes Alive Despite Dortmund Defeat

By May 2, 2024 0

Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final remain alive despite a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Coach Luis Enrique expressed optimism, stating that the game was evenly matched and that PSG has a strong chance of overturning the deficit in the second leg.

PSG dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities, but their finishing let them down. Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi both hit the woodwork in the second half, highlighting their misfortune. Enrique acknowledged the difficulty of the semi-finals but emphasized that his team has the quality to advance.

“We had one chance where we hit both posts,” Enrique said. “You have to say this is an exceptional stadium, but I am sure we will be very strong in Paris and we have nothing to lose.”

PSG’s only other defeat this season came in the Coupe de France, and it is the first time they have failed to score under Enrique. However, they have a history of overcoming first-leg deficits in the Champions League, having knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals and Dortmund in the last 16 in previous seasons.

Captain Marquinhos echoed Enrique’s confidence, stating that PSG will need to convert their chances in the second leg. “We had lots of good chances, especially in the second half, clear chances that we can’t afford to miss if we want to get to the final,” he said.

Meanwhile, Enrique expressed concern over the injury to defender Lucas Hernandez, who was forced off in the first half. “It doesn’t look at all positive,” he said.

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Dortmund Stuns PSG 1-0 in Champions League Semifinal First Leg

Dortmund Stuns PSG 1-0 in Champions League Semifinal First Leg

By May 2, 2024 0

Borussia Dortmund stunned Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday, thanks to a brilliant goal from Niclas Füllkrug.

Dortmund, roared on by a raucous home crowd, started brightly and maintained their intensity throughout the match. In the 36th minute, defender Nico Schlotterbeck sent a long pass over the top for Füllkrug, who controlled it with his first touch and fired it past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with his next.

The goal gave Dortmund a narrow advantage heading into the second leg in Paris next Tuesday, where the French champions will need to overturn the result to keep their hopes of winning the Champions League alive.

PSG, under pressure to finally win the competition after years of heavy investment, started slowly and struggled to create clear-cut chances. They pushed hardest early in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé hitting the right post and Achraf Hakimi striking the left post. However, Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made several crucial saves to keep his team in the lead.

Füllkrug missed further good chances for Dortmund, while Marquinhos made a crucial block to deny Julian Brandt late on.

“It would have been nice if we could have made our counterattacks count to get a second goal at the end,” said Dortmund veteran Mats Hummels. “But now we have to come through in Paris.”

PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted his team lacked intensity in the first half but created clear chances in the second. “We couldn’t score,” he said. “But we still have a chance in the second leg.”

Dortmund coach Edin Terzić praised his team’s performance and said they would need to be even better in Paris. “We played with a lot of heart and passion,” he said. “We defended well and took our chance when it came. We know it will be difficult in Paris, but we believe we can get the result we need.”

The winner of the two-leg tie will play either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final in London on June 1.

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Aston Villa Aim for European Glory Under Emery's Guidance

Aston Villa Aim for European Glory Under Emery’s Guidance

By May 1, 2024 0

Aston Villa, under the guidance of seasoned European tactician Unai Emery, embark on their first European semi-final in over four decades against Olympiakos on Thursday. Emery, a four-time Europa League champion, aims to add the Europa Conference League trophy to his illustrious resume and complete Villa’s transformation from a sleeping giant.

When Emery took over in November 2022, Villa languished near the Premier League relegation zone. However, he steered them to a seventh-place finish, securing European qualification for the first time since 2010. Captain John McGinn praised Emery’s meticulous approach and obsession with football, crediting him with transforming the club’s culture.

Villa’s European campaign has been marked by memorable victories, including a 4-0 triumph over Ajax and a dramatic penalty shootout win against Lille. Their impressive performances have earned them the tag of favorites to lift the trophy.

Despite a recent setback in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea, Villa remain confident heading into the semi-final. Olympiakos, currently fourth in the Greek league, is not expected to pose a significant threat. The winners will face either Fiorentina or Club Brugge in the final.

Emery’s contract extension until 2027 has further boosted Villa’s optimism. His track record of success at clubs aiming to compete with the European elite bodes well for the club’s future.

Emery’s attention to detail and unwavering belief in his players have created a squad hungry for European glory. Villa fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of their first Champions League appearance since 1982, a testament to the remarkable transformation under Emery’s leadership.

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Vinícius Júnior Double Earns Real Madrid Draw at Bayern Munich

Vinícius Júnior Double Earns Real Madrid Draw at Bayern Munich

By May 1, 2024 0

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Tuesday. Vinícius Júnior was the star for Madrid, scoring twice to cancel out goals from Leroy Sané and Harry Kane.

Bayern dominated the opening stages, but Madrid took the lead against the run of play when Vinícius Júnior raced onto a through ball from Toni Kroos and slotted past Manuel Neuer. Bayern equalized in the second half through Sané, but Kane put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot just four minutes later.

Madrid were awarded a penalty of their own late on when Kim Min-jae brought down Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior made no mistake from the spot. The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Madrid on May 8.

Vinícius Júnior’s performance was particularly impressive. The Brazilian forward was a constant threat to the Bayern defense, and his two goals were crucial in keeping Madrid in the tie.

Toni Kroos also played a key role for Madrid. The German midfielder returned to his former club and put in a typically composed performance, dictating the tempo of the game and creating chances for his teammates.

Bayern will be disappointed not to have won the first leg at home, but they will still be confident of reaching the final. The German champions have a strong record at the Allianz Arena, and they will be looking to use their home advantage to their advantage in the second leg.

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