Gian Piero Gasperini has admitted that Roma’s latest Champions League collapse against Manchester United has left a bitter taste, insisting the defeat offers a harsher lesson than their previous failure against Real Madrid. The Giallorossi threw away a two-goal lead at Old Trafford, echoing a worrying trend of mental fragility that has plagued their European campaign.
Harry Kane’s pursuit of Champions League immortality was halted on Tuesday night as the Bayern Munich talisman failed to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-standing scoring record. Despite entering the clash with Atletico Madrid on a hot streak of 10 consecutive European appearances with a goal, the England captain could not find the net at the Allianz Arena. It marks a rare moment of frustration for the forward, who recently celebrated his first Ballon d'Or win.
Real Madrid have won the race ahead of several European heavyweights to capture Manchester United youth prospect JJ Gabriel following his refusal to return to Carrington. The 16-year-old talent has already begun training in the Spanish capital while waiting for his departure from Old Trafford to be formally ratified.
Jose Mourinho has challenged Federico Valverde to embrace the sacrifices required of a Real Madrid captain as the Spanish giants prepare for a tricky Champions League encounter with AEK Athens. Speaking ahead of the trip to Greece, the Portuguese manager also clarified his attacking selection plans involving Vinicius Junior and provided a somber reflection on the tragic passing of Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel.