Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has hit out at intensifying speculation linking him with a summer move to Barcelona, labelling the reports a "snowball of lies". The Argentine forward broke his silence during the build-up to Atleti's crucial Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, amid claims that the Catalan giants have already made contact over a blockbuster deal.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, widely regarded as Europe’s two best teams right now, will lock horns in the Champions League semi-finals. Here’s a quick preview before Tuesday’s first leg.
Arsenal have been rocked by a significant injury blow following their hard-fought victory over Newcastle, with Kai Havertz emerging as a major doubt for Champions League semi-final duty. The Germany international is now expected to miss the crucial first-leg trip to Atletico Madrid after limping off during the weekend's Premier League action.
Harry Kane could be on the cusp of greatness, if such a title isn't already guaranteed. Bayern Munich will be looking to the England captain to score the goals that will give them the edge over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, while another Bundesliga title is already wrapped up, the World Cup is fast approaching and he is already in the box seat for the Ballon d'Or. It promises to be a gilded season for the 32-year-old.
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit last week labelled Diego Simeone one of the finest coaches of all time - but claimed that the Argentine doesn't get the credit he deserves. It was an interesting argument, but one always likely to divide opinions - just like Simeone himself. The man affectionately known as 'Cholo' is widely revered within the football world. The job he's done at Atletico Madrid commands nothing but respect.
Michael Carrick has warned his Manchester United stars not to "over celebrate" Champions League qualification, which is now all but secured after a 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford on Monday night. The home supporters also aimed "one more year" chants at Casemiro, but Carrick maintained that the midfielder’s summer exit remains the "clear" plan as the club eyes a broader squad refresh.
Bayern Munich are reportedly keen to secure a swift contract extension with Harry Kane. Sky reports that the England striker's new contract should be wrapped up before the World Cup starts on June 11, providing a massive boost for the Champions League semi-finalists.
Gary Neville has claimed that Arsenal are more likely to secure the Premier League title than win their first-ever Champions League trophy this season. The Manchester United legend believes the Gunners' European journey will come to an end when they take on Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, but he can see them pipping Manchester City to the domestic crown.
Luis Enrique, manager of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, has heaped praise on challengers Bayern Munich ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
Just like pretty much everyone else on the planet, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock thoroughly enjoyed Bayern Munich's thrilling Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. The tie ebbed and flowed for 180 mesmerising minutes before the Bavarians eventually prevailed 6-4 on aggregate, thanks in no small part to Eduardo Camavinga's idiotic dismissal in the closing stages of the second leg.
With Vincent Kompany suspended, Aaron Danks will take charge on the touchline against Paris Saint-Germain. The assistant manager at FC Bayern typically oversees set-pieces.
James Maddison has led the praise for Antonin Kinsky after the Tottenham goalkeeper produced a heroic display to help the team secure a vital 1-0 victory over Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday. The young shot-stopper's performance follows a period of intense scrutiny after a harrowing experience on the Champions League stage.
Declan Rice has told his Arsenal team-mates to "embrace" the mounting pressure as the Gunners move into the final stretch of a potentially historic season. Following a vital 1-0 victory over Newcastle United that sent Arsenal back to the Premier League summit, the England midfielder insists that Mikel Arteta's side are ready to fight on both domestic and European fronts.
The approach was similar, yet the outcome was far more convincing: Paris Saint-Germain also rested several key players before their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich and still strolled to a comfortable 3-0 (2-0) win at Angers SCO.
Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has returned to football in a prestigious new role with UEFA. The 60-year-old was spotted at Anfield for his first major assignment, analysing Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG. Joining an elite tactical panel alongside Gareth Southgate and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Postecoglou’s debut report offered a unique insight into the Reds' tactical struggles under Arne Slot.
Four teams now remain in the Champions League. Can Bayern Munich live up to expectations, or could Arsenal, PSG, or Atletico finish at the top of the standings?
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been hit with a six-match suspension by UEFA following a discriminatory exchange with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. The 20-year-old was found guilty of using homophobic language during a Champions League clash in Lisbon.
Lifting the Champions League trophy could earn FC Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany a hefty financial bonus. Latest news and rumours about FC Bayern Munich.
Four teams remain in this year’s Champions League competition. Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid will all fancy their chances.
Paul Parker has told GOAL that “UEFA want Manchester United in the Champions League final”, but will the Red Devils hit that target across the next 10 seasons after enduring a 15-year barren run? One of the biggest clubs in world football have not graced the grandest showpiece in European competition since 2011, with a humbling fall from grace being suffered.
Hansi Flick has provided a candid update regarding his future at Barcelona following the club's recent exit from the Champions League. The German manager, who has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in Catalonia, admitted that while he intends to sign a new deal, his primary focus remains on securing a second consecutive La Liga title.
Alex Iwobi has explained what it is like to face all-time greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the former having an “aura” while the latter boasts a “force field”. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, former Arsenal midfielder Iwobi - who is now on the books of Fulham - has lifted the lid on how he became the unfortunate star of a Messi-themed compilation reel.
Alvaro Arbeloa has reignited the fire between Real Madrid and Spanish officiating by suggesting it is "easier" for the club to win the Champions League than La Liga. The Blancos coach has suggested that refereeing errors in La Liga often hamper the club’s title ambitions.
Barcelona’s Champions League campaign may have ended in heartbreak against Atletico Madrid, but the performance of Lamine Yamal left a lasting impression on one of the club's former greats, Neymar. Despite the disappointment of exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage, Yamal’s emergence as a genuine leader at the age of just 18 has convinced many that he is the heir to the throne at Camp Nou.
Real Madrid’s era of dominance feels like a distant memory as the financial consequences of two consecutive seasons without major silverware take a heavy toll. The Bernabeu is witnessing a shocking decline in overall squad value, with marquee attackers Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior both suffering steep drops to their personal market valuations amid the team's ongoing struggles.
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