Aston Villa pulled off an apparent surprise Premier League victory over Manchester City at Villa Park on Wednesday, courtesy of a solitary strike by Leon Bailey.
While the defending champions, last season s treble winners, entered the clash as favourites for most, the home side thoroughly deserved the triumph, and may even consider themselves unlucky that it came down to one goal.
Interesting numbers
As usual, City had the ball at their feet more than their opponents (54%), attempted more passes (436-520) and completed them at a higher percentage (85%-87%), but the numbers in other areas tell a story which could not be more different.
Pep Guardiola s men took aim at Emiliano Martinez s goal just twice in the whole match, both on target, both the work of Erling …
It s fair to say LaLiga s reputation took a battering last week as three of its four representatives were eliminated from the Champions League with a match still to be played in the group stage.
What made this scenario even uglier for Spanish football is that none of it was even that surprising.
Barcelona s elimination before they d even played was the headline-grabber, but Atletico Madrid and Sevilla both had their fates sealed as well, albeit in rather different circumstances.
Sevilla won 3-0 at home to Copenhagen, though the score flattered them greatly, while Atletico drew 2-2 with Bayer Leverkusen, Yannick Carrasco seeing a last-gasp penalty saved before Saul Niguez headed the rebound against the crossbar and a follow-up effort was blocked on the line by Car…
Real Madrid have asked for permission to close the Bernabeu Stadium’s new retractable roof for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with holders Manchester City.
It is thought the record 14-time winners of the competition hope playing under the optional covering of their newly-redeveloped arena can enhance the atmosphere and make it more intimidating for the visitors.
The new Santiago Bernabéu stadium
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden)
The PA news agency understands Real have approached organisers UEFA with the request and the European governing body will consider it, in collaboration with the referee, on the morning of the quarter-final first-leg encounter.
Some Real players have also been urging supporters to wear the club’s traditional …
Chelsea forward Sam Kerr is being cautious with her comeback from a major knee injury, as she set her sights on winning the Women s Champions League.
Kerr, who is Australia s all-time leading goalscorer, has been out since January after she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in training.
She missed the back half of Chelsea s Women s Super League and Champions League campaigns, while she was also absent from Australia s Olympics squad.
But despite being eager to return to action under new Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor, Kerr is not going to rush her comeback.
I m not putting a date on my return, just making sure I get it right and making sure I feel good before I get back on the pitch, Kerr told Optus Sport.
I mean, it s my second…
Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart.
The defender becomes the first signing under new head coach Vincent Kompany, signing a four-year contract to keep him at the club until 2028.
Ito joined Stuttgart in 2021, on an initial loan from Japanese side Jubilo Iwata, before making the move permanent the following year.
He made 97 appearances for Stuttgart in all competitions, including 29 in 2023-24, as he helped the club to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga and Champions League qualification.
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN)
It s a great honour for me to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Ito told the club website.
Bayern is also a big name in Japan. I always gave my…
After a complicated start to the season, we showed good character going 19 matches unbeaten – but we weren t able to keep this form.
I have decided together with the medical team of the club that I will do a complementary intervention on my knee.
I m sad that I will miss Euro 2020 this summer with Germany. For the first time in many years I will be a fan at home supporting my country, I hope we win it!
After the summer break, when we are back on the pitch I hope to be able to play with fans [in attendance] once again, I miss it!
Thank you for your support throughout a difficult season and stay healthy!
Ter Stegen has featured 31 times in the league in 2020-21 for Barcelona, but his overall performance for the season has not been quite up t…
Karim Benzema has completed his move to Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club have confirmed.
The striker is leaving Real Madrid in the summer and has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions.
Benzema was allowed to leave the Bernabeu after 14 years after voiding the 12-month extension he had.
Benzima is here A new tiger will roar Welcome to Ittihad!
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en)
Earlier on Tuesday, the 35-year-old vowed he will never forget Real.
The France international scored 354 goals in 648 games and won a club-record 25 trophies during his time with the LaLiga side.
“I’ll never forget Real Madrid because it’s impossible,” he told a farewell press conference.
“It’s difficult to talk. There are so m…
Paulo Fonseca warned his Milan side they to be defensively perfect to get a result at Bayer Leverkusen in Tuesday s Champions League clash.
Milan suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool in their European opener despite Christian Pulisic firing the Rossoneri into a third-minute lead.
The Serie A giants will be looking to get off the mark at the Bay Arena but head coach Fonseca said they must be flawless at the back.
I don t think about changing (much), we need to have continuity. We know it s a different game, (but) I think it will be a similar game to the one against Liverpool, Fonseca told a press conference on Monday.
Defensively I think the team has grown, it s a good test to see our defensive capabilities at the moment. I told the players that to be…
With Euro 2012 right around the corner flank, it s time to look at the most intriguing players of the tournament.
Some players will make the list for their world-class abilities, while some will be featured for their unique egos.
Of course, many players fit both of these qualifications, making the 2012 European Championships must see television.
Enough banter, let s get started.
10. Wesley Sneijder (Holland)
Holland s midfield maestro will be looking to end his injury-ridden campaign on a high note at Euro 2012.
Sneijder featured in 35 games for club and country in 2011-12, bagging seven goals and nine assists in his worst statistical season since leaving Real Madrid for Inter in 2009.
9. Fernando Torres (Spain)
T…
The latest instalment of the Women s Super League returns this weekend, with the opening round of fixtures offering plenty of insight as to what this season may hold.
Sonia Bompastor started her quest for Chelsea s sixth straight title with a triumph against Aston Villa, with the Blues again kickstarting the action on matchday two.
The defending champions make the short journey to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, while Sunday s action features both Manchester City and Arsenal after their enthralling encounter at the Emirates.
Elsewhere, Manchester United will be hoping to build on their emphatic first week showing against Everton, with Liverpool and West Ham squaring off in their attempts to get their respective campaigns up and running.
But who d…