Hardly any other player embodies VfB Stuttgart’s meteoric rise under manager Sebastian Hoeneß – from relegation candidates to a top-flight club – more than Maximilian Mittelstädt. Yet this summer, the success story faces a bittersweet conclusion.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League return leg against Bologna, the Brazilian full-back addressed the much-discussed red card he received in the match against Como.
It’s a blow for Bologna, who have lost their first-choice goalkeeper: he will not be available for the return leg against his former club, Roma, in the Europa League.
Lyon snatched a vital 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in their Europa League round of 16 first leg. The breakthrough came in the final minutes when Real Madrid loanee Endrick fired a left-footed strike that slipped through goalkeeper Ionut Radu’s grasp in a shocking blunder. The goal was also a big boost for Endrick, who had gone four games without finding the net.
Real Betis winger Antony has demanded a period of intense self-criticism following the team's 1-0 defeat to ten-man Panathinaikos in the first leg of their round of 16 Europa League tie. After seeing a late penalty sink the La Liga side, the Manchester United flop sent a strong "we have to change" message to his team-mates.
While VfB Stuttgart is still in contention on all three fronts and Champions League qualification is within reach, one summer signing has been a disappointment across the board so far. Could he even become one of the most expensive transfer flops ever?
Within a Real Madrid squad that is packed full of Galacticos, Fede Valverde is rarely singled out for what he offers to Los Blancos despite his obvious importance to the team. On Wednesday, though, he was able to hog the limelight after his stunning first-half hat-trick saw off Manchester City in the Champions League. His performance also earned him the rarest of plaudits: A 10/10 rating from L'Equipe.
Aston Villa will face Lille in the Europa League last-16, while Nottingham Forest must overcome Midtjylland in order to remain on course for continental glory in 2025-26. The Villans made light work of the league phase, securing automatic qualification, while the Reds had to overcome a testing knockout play-off clash with Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina has mocked Fenerbahce's infamous "welcome to hell" mantra after his side won 3-0 in Türkiye. The Premier League side won 3-0 away from home in the first leg of their play-off tie, thanks to goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White.
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