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Champions League news

Leeds United v Manchester City - Premier League

Madrid end Rodri interest but remain keen on Wharton

Real Madrid have reportedly cooled their pursuit of Manchester City's Rodri, choosing to refine their midfield shortlist ahead of the summer window.The saga surrounding Rodri and a potential move to the Bernabeu has taken a definitive turn on the eve of a massive European showdown. While the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is set to step onto the hallowed turf in Madrid once again, he will do so strictly as a visitor.

Luis Enrique

Enrique questions PSG mental strength before Chelsea clash

Luis Enrique has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain are suffering from a mental "disconnect" after the Ligue 1 leaders slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Monaco. The result marks a worrying turn in form for the European champions, coming just five days before hosting Chelsea in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League round-of-16 tie at Parc des Princes.

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Why Wharton and Anderson could snub Man Utd

Manchester United’s hopes of a midfield overhaul under a new coach have been hit by a stark reality check. The Red Devils have identified Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as primary targets for the summer transfer window, but the pursuit of the Premier League duo is intrinsically linked to the club’s ability to secure a seat at Europe’s top table next season.

Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Real Madrid hit by Carreras injury blow ahead of Man City clash

Real Madrid’s preparations for their blockbuster Champions League showdown against Manchester City have been thrown into further disarray. While the club were already reeling from the confirmed absences of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, a fresh injury concern surrounding left-back Alvaro Carreras has left manager Alvaro Arbeloa facing a defensive headache. The Spaniard is now a major doubt for the first leg after picking up a heavy blow to his left calf during domestic action.

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-BAYERN MUNICH-MOENCHENGLADBACH

Neuer injured again! Bayern learn extent of new setback

Bayern Munich have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the business end of the season with the news that captain Manuel Neuer is set for a spell on the sidelines. The veteran goalkeeper suffered a calf injury during Friday night's 4-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, leaving the Bavarian giants without their undisputed number one for several high-profile encounters.

FBL-ENG-PR-MAN CITY-NOTTINGHAM FOREST

'I give up' - Guardiola left fuming by fixture scheduling

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing assessment of English football's scheduling, claiming that domestic cup competitions are held in higher regard than European success. The City boss is frustrated that his side must face Newcastle United in an FA Cup fifth-round tie at 8pm (GMT) on Saturday, leaving them with minimal recovery time before travelling to face Real Madrid on Wednesday.

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Harry Kane

Kompany delivers uncertain Kane injury update

Bayern Munich face a nervous wait over the fitness of Harry Kane ahead of their Champions League knockout tie against Atalanta. The England captain missed Friday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Monchengladbach, and manager Vincent Kompany has offered a cryptic update on his availability.

FBL-EUR-C1-BRUGGE-ATLETICO

Griezmann snubs MLS move for Atletico's Champions League bid

Antoine Griezmann has dealt a major blow to Orlando City's transfer plans by deciding to remain at Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season. The French international was widely expected to make the jump to Major League Soccer this month, but the lure of potential silverware in the Spanish capital has convinced the veteran forward to put his American dream on hold.

FBL-FRA-L1-PSG-TRAINING

Look away now, Chelsea! Dembele 'makes PSG return' just in time for UCL cash

Paris Saint-Germain have secured a monumental fitness boost at the most pivotal juncture of their campaign. Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or holder, has reportedly returned to first-team training and is expected to be included in the matchday squad for the Ligue 1 clash against Monaco tomorrow night. The Frenchman’s availability also comes as a major boost for Luis Enrique ahead of the team's Champions League round of 16 tie against Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2025-26

Arsenal Invincible claims NOBODY can do better job than Arteta

Arsenal are being advised to keep faith with Mikel Arteta regardless of what happens in their 2025-26 trophy bids, with former Invincibles squad member Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL why nobody could do a better job at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are back in the hunt for the Premier League, as part of a quadruple quest, with their manager determined to turn potential into something more tangible.

Kylian Mbappe 2026

Mbappe's entourage strongly DISAGREE with club's injury diagnosis

Real Madrid have been plunged into a state of internal conflict as a significant disagreement has emerged between the club and Kylian Mbappe's inner circle regarding the forward's recovery timeline from injury. While Los Blancos are desperate to have their talismanic number 10 available for a potentially season-defining Champions League second-leg showdown against Manchester City, those closest to the Frenchman are reportedly horrified by the prospect of him being rushed back into action prematurely.

Arne Slot Liverpool GFX

Liverpool must bite the bullet and sack Slot to salvage season

Arne Slot called Tuesday's embarrassing 2-1 loss at Wolves "the same old story". And he was right. There was nothing new or novel about their painfully predictable defeat at Molineux. Liverpool produced a dreadfully flat first half, got themselves back into the game after gifting the opposition a goal, only to then lose it by conceding an injury-time winner.

Real Madrid CF v FC Barcelona-LaLiga EA Sports

Blow for Barcelona as Balde to miss BOTH legs of Newcastle UCL tie

Barcelona’s season has been rocked by a devastating double injury blow following their exit from the Copa del Rey. Despite a 3-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final second leg, the Catalans went out 4-3 on aggregate and, more importantly, lost two vital components of their backline. The club has now confirmed that both Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde sustained significant hamstring injuries during the high-stakes encounter, leaving manager Hansi Flick with a major selection headache ahead of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Newcastle.

FBL-EUR-C1-JUVENTUS-GALATASARAY

Explained: Why Galatasaray fans banned from UCL game at Liverpool

Galatasaray face a daunting trip to Anfield without their vocal support after UEFA's Appeals Body confirmed a ticket ban for their upcoming Champions League last-16 clash against Liverpool. The Turkish giants are set to travel to Merseyside for the second leg of the tie, but the legendary atmosphere they usually bring on the road will be silenced following a disciplinary crackdown from European football's governing body.

Chelsea unravelling GFX

Childish Chelsea in danger of setting whole season on fire

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior could barely contain his frustration after his side conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser against Burnley at Stamford Bridge on February 21 - just three days after blowing a 2-0 lead at home to Leeds United. "We've set fire to four points from two home games," the Blues boss fumed in his post-match press conference.

Ousmane Dembele Leah Williamson Aitana Bonmati split

Lionesses & Williamson among nominees for 2026 Laureus awards

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson is one of four footballers to be nominated for accolades at the prestigious 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, with her England team also shortlisted after winning the 2025 European Championships. Lamine Yamal was the only footballer to win an award at last year's ceremony, with Real Madrid also scooping up a team prize, but the chances of more recognition are greater this year, with significantly more nominees from the world of football.

Arsenal Premier League trophy 2025-26

Can Arsenal do the quadruple?! Invincible refuses trophy 'swap'

Arsenal remain in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple, with former ‘Invincibles’ squad member Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL why the Gunners would not “swap” three of those trophies for a guaranteed Premier League title triumph. The Frenchman is of the opinion that domestic dominance can be restored at Emirates Stadium while collecting multiple pieces of major silverware.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025-26

Real Madrid confirm Mbappe injury diagnosis

Real Madrid have confirmed the nature of the injury suffered by Kylian Mbappe, sparking fresh concerns over his availability for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Manchester City. The French superstar has been the subject of intense medical scrutiny in the Spanish capital after picking up a knock that sidelined him for recent domestic action. With a season-defining European tie on the horizon, Madrid fans have been waiting with bated breath for an update on their marquee summer signing’s condition.

Perez Laporta

Real Madrid expect UEFA ban for Barca

The long-standing tension between Spanish football's biggest rivals has reached a critical point. Real Madrid are confident that UEFA will soon hand down severe sanctions to Barcelona regarding the "Negreira Case." While Spanish courts move slowly, Madrid believe European football's governing body is ready to take decisive disciplinary action against the Catalan club in the near future.

Leeds United v Manchester United - Premier League

Dalot warns Man Utd stars: Don't take UCL for granted

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates, warning them never to take European football for granted again. As the Red Devils endure their shortest competitive season in over a century, the Portuguese full-back believes the emptiness of missing out on the Champions League must serve as a permanent lesson for the squad. While domestic rivals prepare for the business end of continental competition, United find themselves observers after a 2024-25 campaign that was well below the standards expected at Old Trafford.

Gianni Infantino Vinicius Junior Real Madrid Champions League 2026

Infantino wants red cards for mouth-covering after Vini racism row

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed that players who cover their mouths during verbal altercations that are racist in nature should be shown a straight red card. The proposal comes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni allegedly subjected Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to racial abuse. Infantino believes there should be a "presumption" of guilt, arguing that the act of hiding one's lips should be considered sufficient evidence of offensive intent.

Vinicius Junior Gianluca Prestianni Real Madrid Benfica 2025-26

'If he's guilty, it's over' - Mourinho sends warning to Prestianni

Jose Mourinho has sensationally threatened to end Gianluca Prestianni’s career at Benfica if allegations that the young Argentine racially abused Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. prove to be true. While the former Blancos boss preached the importance of the presumption of innocence, he made it crystal clear that there is a zero-tolerance policy for any form of prejudice under his watch.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2026

Real Madrid offer Mbappe fitness update ahead of City clash

Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of star striker Kylian Mbappe as the Spanish heavyweights prepare for a season-defining Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City. The French superstar has been dealing with a knee problem, leading to intense speculation regarding his availability for the upcoming European showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.

FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-TRAINING

PSG see controversial request approved ahead of Chelsea clash

Paris Saint-Germain have seen a controversial request ahead of their Champions League round-of-16 clash with Chelsea next month approved by the LFP. The Parisian powerhouse will welcome the Blues to the Parc des Princes in a little over a week before the return leg at Stamford Bridge the following week as Luis Enrique's side seek to defend their European crown.

Frequently asked questions

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have won the Ligue 1 title 12 times, more than any other club. Their first win was in 1986, and they claimed their record-breaking 12th title in 2023, surpassing AS Saint-Etienne.

The Ligue 1 consists of 18 teams since the 2023-24 season, prior to which 20 teams took part in the league. The inaugural season of the French first division in 1932-33 also consisted of 20 teams, divided in two groups of 10 teams each.

Mickael Landreau holds the record for the most Ligue 1 appearances, with 618 matches as a goalkeeper. His career spanned nearly two decades, playing for clubs like Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, and Bastia.

Delio Onnis holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 with 299 goals. Playing as a centre-forward, his remarkable goal-scoring feats spanned the 1970s and 1980s, where he starred for clubs like AS Monaco and Reims, making him a legend in French football.

As of 2024, Dimitri Payet holds the record for the most assists in Ligue 1 history, with a total of 130 assists. The attacking midfielder achieved this milestone during his successful stints with several clubs, including Marseille and Lille.

Pierre Braine holds the record of being the oldest player in Ligue 1 history, aged almost 45 years in a Ligue 1 game in 1945.

At 15 years and 225 days, Kalman Gerencseri is the youngest player in Ligue 1 history. The Frenchman played for Lens against Monaco in a Ligue 1 game in 1960.

Notable players who have graced Ligue 1 include legends like Zinedine Zidane, George Weah, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.

Prominent managers in Ligue 1 include Arsene Wenger, Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti, Adi Hutter, Luis Enrique, etc.

The Orange Velodrome in Marseille is the largest stadium in Ligue 1, with a capacity of 67,394 spectators. Home to Marseille since 1937, it is renowned for its electric atmosphere and hosting significant football events in France.

Neymar is indeed the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history. His transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was valued at a record €222 million, which remains the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player.