Wayne Rooney has hit out at Arsenal following their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid, accusing Mikel Arteta and his players of "over-celebrating" their progression to the final. While the Gunners basked in a historic night at the Emirates, the Manchester United legend was far from impressed with the exuberant scenes in north London.
Diego Simeone has heaped praise on Arsenal’s "incredible power" after seeing his Atletico Madrid side knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage. Despite a controversial penalty incident involving Antoine Griezmann, the Argentine tactician refused to blame the officials for his side's narrow second-leg defeat at the Emirates.
In the 44th minute of Bayern Munich's Bundesliga clash with St. Pauli on November 29, Luis Diaz ended up prone in the penalty area. However, while the winger had lost his balance, he'd not lost control of the ball - and somehow managed to flick it up off the floor and into the path of Joshua Kimmich to score. It was an extraordinary piece of skill - but Bayern boss Vincent Kompany wasn't in the least bit surprised by it.
Arsenal are through to the Champions League final after a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday. It wasn't pretty - it rarely is when Arsenal are involved. Mikel Arteta's men specialise in ugly wins. but there was unquestionably something beautiful about Bukayo Saka scoring the goal that decided a tedious tie 2-1 in the Gunners' favour.
Bukayo Saka couldn't hide his delight after firing Arsenal into the Champions League final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory (2-1 on aggregate) over Atletico Madrid. The England international pounced on a rare mistake from Jan Oblak to net the only goal of the game, sparking wild scenes of celebration at the Emirates Stadium.
Atletico Madrid once again came up short in the Champions League as they suffered a 1-0 loss at Arsenal on Tuesday that meant they succumbed to a 2-1 aggregate defeat in their semi-final tie. Diego Simeone's side mustered just two shots on target in north London as their hopes of facing either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30 went up in smoke.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal reached their first Champions League final in 20 years by defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in a tight and tense encounter on Tuesday to progress 2-1 on aggregate. The semi-final tie had been left perfectly poised after Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez had exchanged penalties at the Metropolitano last week, and there was once again little to choose between two attritional teams in the return clash at the Emirates.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has jokingly threatened to make Arsenal wait for their food when they visit Spain. Speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League semi-final second leg, he was stunned by the early start to the traditional directors' lunch in London. Cerezo insists his team are ready to overcome the Gunners and secure a spot in the grand final.
The Kvaratskhelia name is already a household one across Europe thanks to Khvicha’s exploits with Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain, but it appears another star from the same stable is beginning to emerge. Bayern Munich have reportedly registered their interest in Tornike Kvaratskhelia, the 16-year-old younger brother of the Georgian international.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has urged his squad to draw inspiration from the iconic rivalry between tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer ahead of their vital Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. The Spanish coach highlighted that facing such a formidable German side should motivate his players to elevate their performance to reach a second consecutive final.
Bayern Munich are preparing for a season-defining night at the Allianz Arena as they look to secure a place in the Champions League final. Following a chaotic first-leg encounter in Paris, head coach Vincent Kompany is facing questions over whether his expansive style needs a pragmatic adjustment to handle the threat of the reigning European champions.
Chelsea are now out of the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League, but a narrow and unlikely route to the Champions League still exists. The Blues must climb to sixth in the Premier League - and hope Aston Villa deliver a crucial favour in Europe.
Paris Saint-Germain were forced to change hotels ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Bayern Munich after Vincent Kompany and the Bundesliga giants refused to vacate their preferred base. The decision disrupted PSG’s travel plans and removed a venue tied to one of their most memorable European triumphs.
Last week was unquestionably the best of Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal career so far. On Wednesday, the £64 million ($86m) summer signing confidently converted a penalty in the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Metropolitano. Three days later, Gyokeres scored two goals and created another in a 3-0 win over Fulham that extended Arsenal's advantage at the top of the Premier League to six points.
Diego Simeone has dismissed suggestions that Atletico Madrid’s decision to change hotels in London was born out of superstition. Speaking ahead of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, the Colchoneros boss offered a surprisingly practical explanation for the move.
Arsenal have received a massive double fitness boost ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Mikel Arteta confirmed that key duo Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are back in contention as the Gunners look to reach their first European final in two decades.
Michael Carrick is expected to be offered the Manchester United manager’s job permanently after guiding the club to Champions League qualification, according to a new report. United's dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday secured a top-five finish, completing a remarkable turnaround under Carrick, with the permanent coaching role now "his to turn down".
Harry Kane fronted the launch of Bayern Munich’s new home kit, revealing a modern design rooted in the club’s traditional colours. The strip arrives as the German giants prepare for a decisive Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
Diego Simeone pulled off a managerial masterstroke at the Mestalla, opting to rest every single regular starter ahead of a season-defining Champions League semi-final with Arsenal. Despite the wholesale changes, his second-string side, and a pair of inspired debutants, secured a vital 2-0 victory over Valencia.
Mikel Arteta has hit back at claims that Premier League clubs are falling behind their European counterparts, insisting that a lack of "freshness" is what is separating English sides from the elite. The Arsenal boss was left in awe of the recent Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, describing it as the highest level of football he has ever seen.
In one of the most entertaining Champions League semi-finals in recent memory, PSG edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a nine-goal classic. Bayern dominated possession and pressing, but PSG mastered the transitions and decisive moments. From false 9 masterclasses by Ousmane Dembélé (2 goals) and Harry Kane to dazzling 1v1 battles on the wings, this was a tactical war fought at full throttle.
Pep Guardiola revealed he chose to watch Stockport County instead of tuning in for the blockbuster Champions League clash between PSG and Bayern Munich. The Manchester City boss jokingly claimed the managers and players involved were not good enough to keep him entertained.
Declan Rice’s furious reaction to Arsenal’s overturned penalty against Atletico Madrid has been caught on camera, with the midfielder now facing the threat of UEFA disciplinary action. The England international claimed the hostile home crowd influenced the officials’ decision during the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Declan Rice is reportedly walking a disciplinary tightrope following Arsenal’s fiery Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The England international could face significant UEFA sanctions after suggesting that the hostile atmosphere at the Metropolitano influenced the officials to overturn a crucial penalty decision in the 1-1 draw.
Arsenal have been urged to offload "terrible" Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard after his subdued midweek display against Atletico Madrid. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara tore into Odegaard after the Gunners drew 1-1 with Atleti in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
The Champions League delivered one classic and one truly forgettable contest amidst a mixed week of semi final action. The good news? There's more football to be played.
Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.
Leeds United have reignited their pursuit of Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita as they begin planning for a second consecutive season in the Premier League. The Japan international is reportedly open to a move to Elland Road once the club’s top-flight status is mathematically confirmed, having opted to remain in Portugal last summer.