Real Madrid's Champions League play-off clash against Benfica descended into chaos after Vinicius Junior gave Los Blancos the lead in the first leg in Lisbon. The Brazilian winger fired in an unstoppable opener just five minutes into the second half, but his celebration sparked ugly scenes and a 10-minute delay ensued as the goal-scorer accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racism.
Folarin Balogun scored two goals inside 18 minutes in Monaco's Champions League knockout round playoff with Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain. The goals were Balogun's fourth and fifth in the Champions League this season and among the most vital scored in the striker's career. Balogun is the first American with a brace in a UCL knockout game.
Jose Mourinho is preparing for an emotional reunion as his Benfica side host Real Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League play-off on Tuesday. With "The Special One" dominating the pre-match narrative, speculation is mounting over a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Amidst the noise, the Portuguese manager has finally addressed the rumours and clarified the existence of a unique clause in his contract that has Europe’s elite on high alert.
For a particular generation of AC Milan fans, those who grew up in the early 2000s, one name stands out above any other. Andriy Shevchenko combined technical skill with a ruthlessness in front of goal that made him one of the best strikers the game has ever seen, a Ballon d'Or winner and a worthy entrant into GOAL's Hall of Fame...
No one can create a siege mentality like Jose Mourinho. Benfica were almost universally written off when they welcomed Real Madrid to Estadio da Luz in the final round of league phase fixtures for this season's Champions League, having lost five of their first eight games, including a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag.
Jose Mourinho is bracing for a backlash, warning that Real Madrid will be "dangerous" as they prepare to face his Benfica side in a high-stakes Champions League play-off. The Special One finds himself on the opposite side of the touchline, looking to inflict more misery on his former employers following a shock victory in the League phase. However, despite the magnitude of the occasion, the Portuguese tactician insists he is unfazed, citing his lifetime of experience in Europe's elite competition as the key to navigating the tie.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin is still processing the moment he became an unlikely Champions League hero. The Ukrainian shot-stopper opened up about the chaotic confusion in the dugout before his 98th-minute header secured a stunning 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, which earned a classy post-match gesture from Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid have issued an injury update on star striker Kylian Mbappe ahead of their meeting with Benfica on Tuesday night. The Spanish giants play the Portuguese side in their Champions League playoff clash as the two sides vie to secure a spot in the last-16 of Europe's elite club competition. The fixture sees the sides meet just weeks after Benfica's dramatic 4-2 win over Los Blancos in the group phase.
The official confirmation of Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille departure arrived at 2:35 on Tuesday morning. In that sense - and that sense alone - the timing of the news was odd. But there was nothing else remotely surprising about De Zerbi's exit. It had been coming for some time, and Sunday's humiliating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes was obviously the final nail in De Zerbi's coffin.
Paris Saint-Germain legend David Ginola has admitted it is largely impossible to compare the club from previous decades to today’s iteration of European champions, though conceded there is one main similarity. PSG finally won their first Champions League title at the end of last season, becoming only the second French side to lift the trophy, with a team featuring stars such as Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha. Ginola was speaking to GOAL at PSG's new 'La Maison' experience in at a townhouse in London. The hope is that a new audience will be able to discover the club's "creative universe" built around sport, culture and Parisian lifestyle.
Real Madrid and UEFA have announced that they have ended their legal dispute over the proposed Super League. The Spanish giants were the only club still signed up to the failed project, as Barcelona withdrew their support last week.
Mauricio Pochettino has once again indicated that he wants to return to Tottenham as he claimed their recent achievements are "not enough" for a club of that stature. Despite his current commitments with the United States national team, the Argentine said his ultimate ambition is to win the Champions League and Premier League, placing them above achieving World Cup glory in his current role.
Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign has suffered a significant blow after Rodrygo was handed an extended two-match suspension by UEFA. The Brazilian was sent off during a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Benfica, and his punishment ensures he will miss both legs of the upcoming knockout play-off rematch against the Portuguese giants. With stars like Jude Bellingham also sidelined, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa faces a major tactical crisis.
Lamine Yamal finished as runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote and the Barcelona wonderkid insists that winning a Golden Ball is not something that he gives much thought to. The talented teenager would prefer to focus on collective trophy targets at Camp Nou, rather than individual accolades, with there still plenty for him to try and achieve in 2026.
Paul Pogba has been removed from Monaco's Champions League squad ahead of their upcoming knockout round play-off with domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain. Pogba was included in their European roster for the first half of the season despite battling with injuries and focusing on a return to full fitness, but will sit out their tie against the reigning champions of France and Europe.
Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.
Jude Bellingham left the field in tears after picking up an untimely injury in Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. The England international crumpled to the turf clutching at his hamstring, with immediate fears being raised regarding how long he could be sidelined for. According to reports in Spain, the 22-year-old has avoided a serious setback and will only be out for around a month.
Declan Rice has set a “legacy” challenge for his team-mates at Arsenal, with the Gunners’ class of 2025-26 continuing to chase down major honours on multiple fronts. In the Premier League, they are seeking to become the first side since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 to deliver a top-flight title to north London. Rice is determined to become an immortal in that department.
Roberto De Zerbi has clarified his Marseille future after reports surfaced he had resigned following the French side's Champions League exit. The Ligue 1 outfit were dumped out of the competition in midweek after a 3-0 loss at Club Brugge, coupled with Benfica's dramatic 4-2 win over Real Madrid. After speculation mounted the Italian had stepped down from his role, De Zerbi has now set the record straight.
Arne Slot complained about the "noise" around Anfield ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Qarabag - and one could understand why. As well as being distracting, some of it has been disrespectful. Indeed, Slot had even been asked a question about Xabi Alonso, the favourite to replace him as Liverpool boss, in his pre-match press conference.
Real Madrid will be reunited with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout play-off round, while title holders Paris Saint-Germain must overcome domestic rivals Monaco in order to reach the last-16 and Newcastle face a tough test against Qarabag. A number of European heavyweights are paying the price for failing to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.
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