UCL: Dortmund Eliminate Atletico As Mbappe Bags Brace To Sink Barca

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2024

A brace from Kylian Mbappe and a strike from Ousmane Dembele saw Paris Saint-Germain thrash Barcelona 4-1, in the Champions League quarter-final second leg tie in Spain.

It was a night to forget for Barcelona as Xavi, defender Ronald Arajuo, and even goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente sent off.

The LaLiga giants came into the second leg holding a 3-2 advantage from their victory in Paris last week.

They looked on course for the semi-final when Raphinha’s early strike put them 1-0 up on 12 minutes.

However, the tie turned on its head when Arajuo was shown a straight red card on 29 minutes for impeding Bradley Barcola as the last man back.

Former Barcelona man Dembele equalised with five minutes left in the first half.

Vitinha then put PSG 2-1 ahead on the night nine minutes into the second half.

Barca boss Xavi lost his head at how referee Istvan Kovacs had officiated the contest.

The Spaniard booted the advertising hoarding in front of the fourth official in frustration and his aggression saw him get sent to the stands.

Things went from bad to worse for the Catalans when Joao Cancelo dived in late on Dembele inside the box to give away a penalty.

Mbappe, who will likely be facing Barcelona as a rival player for Real Madrid next season, then made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-1 on 61 minutes.

Barcelona goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente’s protests saw him join Xavi in being shown a red as the club pushed for a way back.

But after committing players forwards, Mbappe got his second and PSG’s fourth goal on 89 minutes.

His second-half double meant Mbappe has now scored six goals against Barcelona in the Champions League – his most against any opponent in the competition.

PSG will now face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals after the Germans ousted Atletico Madrid.

Dortmund lost the first leg 2-1 in Spain before triumphing 4-2 in the reverse fixture.

On Wednesday, holders Manchester City will host Real Madrid with everything to play for after the first leg ended 3-3.

At the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich will hope to overcome Arsenal whom they held to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

Flying Eagles Land in Cairo for U20 Showdown

Published

16 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have touched down in Cairo ahead of their campaign at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, receiving a warm welcome from the Confederation of African Football at the Jewel Sports City Hotel.

The team was officially briefed by CAF officials on tournament protocols as they settled into their base to fine tune preparations for their crucial opener against Tunisia.

The high-stakes clash will be held at the June 30 Air Defence Stadium in Cairo this Thursday, with kick off slated for 4 pm Nigerian time.

With national pride and continental glory on the line, expectations are high as the seven time champions aim to begin their journey with a strong statement.

News

Rüdiger Out of Season After Knee Surgery Blow

Published

20 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, dealing a heavy blow to the club’s LaLiga title hopes and his national team ambitions.

The 32-year-old German international had the procedure on Tuesday under the care of Dr. Manuel Leyes, with the club confirming a two-month recovery period.

This rules him out of Madrid’s final five league matches and throws his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup and Nations League into doubt.

Rüdiger sustained the injury during last weekend’s heated Copa del Rey final loss to rivals Barcelona. Despite playing through intense pain, he was later sent off for throwing an object in protest.

In a heartfelt apology, he admitted his actions were unjustified and revealed he had been struggling with knee pain for over seven months.

“Now I am finally pain free,” Rüdiger posted on Instagram. “The surgery went well. I will take it one week at a time and fight to return for the Club World Cup.”

His absence worsens Real Madrid’s injury crisis, with Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga also sidelined.

Madrid, currently trailing Barcelona by four points, faces Celta Vigo next before a decisive El Clásico showdown.

The Spanish football federation is still reviewing disciplinary action against Rüdiger, but with his recovery already underway, any suspension may have little effect this term.

Sports

Ancelotti Set to Lead Brazil in World Cup Quest

Published

21 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Carlo Ancelotti has sealed a deal with the Brazil Football Federation to take charge of the Selecao after his expected exit from Real Madrid in June.

The seasoned Italian tactician, widely respected for his trophy-laden career, will step into the role ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, fulfilling a long-standing ambition of the Brazilian football authorities.

According to trusted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti’s appointment marks a bold move by Brazil to reclaim global dominance ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite earlier failed attempts to bring him in for the Copa America, the CBF remained resolute in their pursuit.

Ancelotti is expected to bring a blend of discipline, tactical flair, and winning experience to a national side eager to lift its sixth World Cup trophy.