Former Bayern Munich forward Dieter Hoeness has dismissed criticism of Luis Diaz’s finishing, praising the Colombian for his “extraordinary” effort and impact since joining the German champions. Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Champions League showdown with PSG, Hoeness highlighted the winger’s work rate and influence despite claims of wastefulness in front of goal.
If there was an air of inevitability about Erling Haaland scoring Manchester City's first two goals against Bournemouth on Sunday, the same could not be said of the man who provided both of the assists. Rayan Cherki was making his first Premier League start in 10 weeks due to injury, but even before he picked up a thigh problem in August, there were many questions about his suitability to playing for Pep Guardiola.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was in contact with Real Madrid through his entourage last season regarding a potential free transfer in the summer. Van Dijk rejected offers from several other clubs, including Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, as his priority was to join Madrid. However, the Spanish side chose to look elsewhere and instead signed defender Dean Huijsen.
Roberto Firmino has weighed in on some of football’s biggest debates ahead of Liverpool’s blockbuster clash with Real Madrid, picking Mohamed Salah over Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr over Luis Diaz. The ex-Liverpool star praised both rivals but revealed his admiration for Vinicius’ energy and Salah’s unmatched consistency ahead of Champions League clash.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says it is just a "matter of time" before Florian Wirtz delivers for Liverpool after a tough start to life at Anfield. The Germany international swapped Bayer Leverkusen for the Reds in a £116 million deal in the summer but so far he has flattered to deceive for Arne Slot's team. Ahead of a reunion with ex-Leverkusen boss Alonso, the Spaniard has backed the 22-year-old to come good.
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has shared his thoughts on the ideal role for rising star Kenan Yildiz, praising the Turkish international’s versatility and ability to excel in multiple positions. Spalletti even revealed that he personally asked the 20-year-old where he feels most comfortable playing, adding fresh insight to the ongoing debate over Yildiz’s best spot on the pitch.
The build-up to Liverpool's Champions League meeting with Real Madrid on Tuesday has unsurprisingly focused on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is returning to Anfield less than six months after bidding an emotional farewell. The right-back is not certain to start for the visitors - nor is it clear how he will be received by the hosts, given the acrimonious nature of his exit.
The conspiracy theorists were on it immediately. Less than 10 minutes into Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille, Trent Alexander-Arnold went down holding his hamstring. He had that resigned look on his face, combined with the shake of the head, the pained expression and the acceptance that something wasn't right, nor could it be immediately fixed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield with Real Madrid and paid a touching tribute to his late former team-mate Diogo Jota, laying flowers and leaving an emotional handwritten message at the Liverpool memorial. The heartfelt gesture came as the English defender revisited his old home ahead of Los Blancos' Champions League clash with the Reds on Tuesday night.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he is concerned about star striker Viktor Gyokeres after the Swede picked up a muscular injury during the win at Burnley on Saturday. The Gunners return to action this week in the Champions League when they travel to Slavia Prague, but they will face this test without their talisman up front after he missed training on Monday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s emotional return to Anfield is set to take a dramatic twist, with the Real Madrid defender ‘highly unlikely’ to start against his former club. The 27-year-old, still recovering from a hamstring injury, remains short of full fitness and is expected to watch from the bench as Federico Valverde continues to deputise at right-back for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Arne Slot has provided an injury update on Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong and Alisson ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield. The Reds are looking to keep building positive momentum after ending their winless run in the Premier League against Brentford on Saturday. The champions will face no let up though, as they take on Manchester City a few days after hosting Los Blancos.
The mood surrounding Bayern Munich heading into September was not one of great optimism. Vincent Kompany missed out on his two main transfer targets, Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade, and his side were given a huge scare by third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, with an injury-time winner from Harry Kane ultimately sparing Bayern's blushes.
Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League showdown with Liverpool have been dealt a blow after teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono has been ruled out indefinitely with pubalgia. The 18-year-old Argentine has been a key rotational player under Xabi Alonso, but his absence comes at a crucial point in Madrid’s campaign, forcing tactical adjustments ahead of their high-stakes European clash this Tuesday.
French football giants Paris Saint-Germain are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele ahead of their massive Champions League clash with Germany's Bayern Munich. The winger sparked panic after complaining of a hamstring injury, but subsequently returned to training in a confusing twist for the French champions.
Athletic Club face a major Champions League setback ahead of their crucial clash with Newcastle United as Nico Williams remains doubtful with a recurring groin issue. The Spanish winger, struggling with pubalgia, continues to train separately and may miss the trip to St James’ Park. His uncertain fitness leaves Ernesto Valverde’s side weakened ahead of a huge fixture.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on what it means to him to return to boyhood team Liverpool ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Anfield this week. The full-back swapped the Reds for the Spanish giants this summer after spending the entirety of his career at the Merseyside outfit. Now, the England international is preparing for an emotional return to his former employers - something he had been preparing for.
Virgil van Dijk has slammed the “ridiculous” criticism Liverpool faced before they ended their Premier League losing streak against Aston Villa. The Netherlands defender has hit out at the negative “outside noise” which greeted a run of form which saw the Reds lose successive league games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.
Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti believes that Kylian Mbappe's departure to Real Madrid did not play a role in Les Parisiens' historic 2024-25 campaign, which ended with Champions League glory. The Italian midfielder defended the 26-year-old Frenchman's accomplishments in Paris and reflected on the team's failure to win the European crown with Lionel Messi and Neymar.
After years of courtroom clashes and failed negotiations, Real Madrid and A22 Sports Management, the company behind the European Super League, are preparing to sue UEFA for an astonishing €4.5 billion. The lawsuit, rooted in the EU’s landmark antitrust ruling, accuses UEFA of abusing its dominance and stifling fair competition.
Barcelona’s injury crisis deepens as star midfielder Pedri suffers a distal hamstring tear, sidelining him for crucial fixtures including the Champions League clash against Chelsea. With Gavi, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen also out, coach Hansi Flick faces a mounting midfield crisis that threatens to derail Blaugrana's season before the year’s end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness could not have come at a more important time for Real Madrid, following the loss of Dani Carvajal to injury. It comes just a week before Los Blancos are due to face Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield, only five months after Alexander-Arnold decided to end a 20-year association with his boyhood team.
From confronting Patrick Vieira in the Highbury tunnel to spurring his team on to victory in the 1998-99 Champions League semi-final, there is no shortage of examples of Roy Keane's aura - here, GOAL remembers the famous Ronaldo handshake snub.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca urged his players to find consistency if they are to compete for the Premier League title this season. The Blues suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, bringing an end to their four-game winning run and leaving them five points adrift of leaders Arsenal ahead of Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace.
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