https://www.scmp.com/rss/320392/feed The Uefa Champions League is an annual continental competition for the top football clubs in Europe. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in world football and the biggest prize in European football. Introduced in 1992, the competition replaced the European Cup, which had run since 1955. Real Madrid are the most successful club in the competition’s history with 10 titles. Barcelona were champions in the 2014/15 season, beating Juventus in the final. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Already one of the greatest players in the history of football, it turns out Zinedine Zidane makes the right moves on the touchline, too. When you have players of this calibre you can really achieve a lot. It’s positivism. Is that how you say it? Zinedine Zidane Less than five months after taking over a squad in disarray under Rafa Benitez, Zidane has brought Real Madrid back to their accustomed place atop European football. “When you have players of this calibre you can really achieve a lot,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1958488/player-assistant-manager-serial-winner-zidane-wins-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1958488/player-assistant-manager-serial-winner-zidane-wins-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 May 2016 06:19:52 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo added the finishing touches as Real Madrid were crowned kings of Europe for an 11th time with a 5-3 penalties victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday. Two years after reviving Real’s bid for a 10th title, captain Sergio Ramos struck the opener after just 15 minutes at a packed San Siro. I was given the chance to come to this amazing club, and then to coach it. I have a phenomenal team and great players who are also talented, and it was together we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1958421/cristiano-ronaldo-strikes-shoot-out-winner-real-retain-their-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1958421/cristiano-ronaldo-strikes-shoot-out-winner-real-retain-their-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 May 2016 04:08:24 +0000 In the dying moments of Diego Simeone’s second Madrid derby as Atletico Madrid coach, a banner was lowered behind the goal his side was defending to display a stinging message: “Wanted: A dignified rival for a decent derby”. Real Madrid’s fans have since got far more than they bargained for as Simeone has transformed Atletico from a self-destructing shambles into a European powerhouse in the past four years. On Saturday, Madrid’s two heavyweights will face each other for a second time in three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1955063/can-atletico-rewrite-madrid-derby-history-champions-league-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1955063/can-atletico-rewrite-madrid-derby-history-champions-league-final?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 May 2016 04:42:25 +0000 Just five months into his first senior managerial role, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is already living up to the unenviable task of matching his credentials as one of the finest players of his generation. Fourteen years on from the sumptuous volley that rippled a rain-soaked net at Hampden Park in Glasgow to hand Real their ninth European Cup over Bayer Leverkusen, he can become just the seventh man to win the Champions League as a player and a coach with victory over Atletico Madrid at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1953841/star-power-how-real-madrid-players-bought-zinedine-zidanes-coaching?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1953841/star-power-how-real-madrid-players-bought-zinedine-zidanes-coaching?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 May 2016 04:54:14 +0000 Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini said his side did not deserve to be eliminated from the Champions League despite having only one effort on target in their 1-0 semi-final, second leg defeat to Real Madrid. We didn’t deserve to lose, we were very unlucky. It was a cross with a deflection that put the ball in the top corner and that goal gave them more time to play Manuel Pellegrini Gareth Bale’s deflected effort in the 20th minute was enough to propel Real into the final where they will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941422/no-fairy-tale-ending-pellegrini-lady-luck-deserts-man-city-their-big?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941422/no-fairy-tale-ending-pellegrini-lady-luck-deserts-man-city-their-big?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 May 2016 01:34:03 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo lauded the impact made by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane as the Frenchman led the Spanish giants into the Champions League final with a 1-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday. Zidane is doing a great job. I admire him as a coach and a person, I hope he continues in the job Cristaino Ronaldo Brazilian midfielder Fernando’s first-half own goal was the only difference between the sides over two legs as Real set up a repeat of the 2014 final against local rivals Atletico... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941421/cristiano-ronaldo-hails-manager-zidane-real-madrid-reach-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941421/cristiano-ronaldo-hails-manager-zidane-real-madrid-reach-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 May 2016 01:27:08 +0000 Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has promised his side won’t be afraid to attack Real Madrid in their bid to reach a first ever Champions League final on Wednesday. City travel to the Spanish capital with the tie finely balanced at 0-0 hoping to stop a Madrid side that has scored 18 goals without reply in five European games at the Santiago Bernabeu this season. However, despite the expected return of three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo from a thigh injury, Pellegrini... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941044/well-take-fight-real-madrid-promises-city-boss-pellegrini?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941044/well-take-fight-real-madrid-promises-city-boss-pellegrini?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 May 2016 04:02:01 +0000 Pep Guardiola says he views his three-year reign at Bayern Munich as a failure having again been unable to steer the Bavarians to the Champions League final. Bayern lost the semi-final first leg 1-0 in Spain, but won the return 2-1 in Munich on Tuesday as Atletico Madrid triumphed on away goals. Antoine Griezmann’s crucial goal for Atletico made all the difference at the Allianz Arena as the tie finished 2-2 on aggregate. Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski netted for Bayern on a night when both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941016/ive-been-failure-bayern-says-guardiola-after-another-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941016/ive-been-failure-bayern-says-guardiola-after-another-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 May 2016 01:30:15 +0000 Fernando Torres is backing Atletico Madrid to lift the Champions League trophy in Milan after Antoine Griezmann’s crucial away goal fired them into the final on May 28. Atletico reached their second Champions League final in three years, despite losing 2-1 at Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the semi-final return leg as it finished 2-2 on aggregate. After Atletico had beaten Bayern 1-0 in Madrid, Griezmann’s crucial away goal in Munich means Diego Simeone’s Atletico will face either Real Madrid or... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941015/atletico-can-win-champions-league-insists-fernando-torres-they-oust?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1941015/atletico-can-win-champions-league-insists-fernando-torres-they-oust?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 May 2016 01:23:18 +0000 Bayern Munich host Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Champions League semi-final second leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday looking to make up a one-goal deficit. Here’s the tale of the tape between the two: 1st leg Wednesday, April 27 At Madrid Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Saul Niguez 11) Bayern Munich (GER) 0 Click to enlarge: Atletico Madrid exploited Bayern Munich’s slow start, admits frustrated Pep Guardiola Form Bayern Munich Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich had to wait to have their historic fourth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1940676/everything-you-need-know-about-tonights-uefa-champions-league-semi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1940676/everything-you-need-know-about-tonights-uefa-champions-league-semi?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 May 2016 06:09:52 +0000 Jack Ma laughed off the reports yesterday that he is to buy the Italian football giants, posting a convoluted joke online mixing basketball and football. Ma is already the joint owner of Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande and, with an estimated personal fortune of US$29 billion, would have no difficulty financing a deal. “Neither Alibaba or Jack personally is involved in any discussion to acquire AC Milan,” an Alibaba spokesperson told the South China Morning Post yesterday. Italian media... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1939448/alibaba-denies-takeover-ac-milan-football-team-amid-italian-media?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1939448/alibaba-denies-takeover-ac-milan-football-team-amid-italian-media?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Apr 2016 02:51:53 +0000 Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola conceded his side had paid a heavy price for a slow start as Saul Niguez’s sensational 11th-minute solo effort handed Atletico Madrid a slender 1-0 lead from their Champions League semi-final, first-leg match on Wednesday. The German champions dominated possession, but struggled to create chances as Atletico held out for their 33rd clean sheet of the season to take a huge step towards their second final in three years. “We had talked before the game about how... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1939442/atletico-madrid-exploited-bayern-munichs-slow-start-admits-frustrated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1939442/atletico-madrid-exploited-bayern-munichs-slow-start-admits-frustrated?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Apr 2016 01:52:17 +0000 Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini vowed that his team would play with no fear in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid following a 0-0 first-leg draw. Missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid created the better chances in Tuesday’s game, but substitute Jese saw a header hit the bar and City goalkeeper Joe Hart produced late saves to thwart Casemiro and Pepe. We had good results playing away against Paris Saint-Germain, Dynamo Kiev and Sevilla. We are not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1938945/were-not-afraid-going-real-madrid-manuel-pellegrini-still-confident?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1938945/were-not-afraid-going-real-madrid-manuel-pellegrini-still-confident?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Apr 2016 01:47:56 +0000 Manuel Pellegrini hailed the perfect preparation for Manchester City as they routed Stoke 4-0 ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Pellegrini’s side cruised back into third place in the Premier League and nearer guaranteed qualification for next season’s Champions League with a dominant display at Eastlands on Saturday. And they were also able to rest key players in readiness for the visit of 10-times European champions Real to Manchester. “It was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1938015/pellegrini-delighted-city-stroll-they-prepare-real-madrid-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1938015/pellegrini-delighted-city-stroll-they-prepare-real-madrid-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Apr 2016 04:29:21 +0000 Bayern Munich came out on top in an entertaining Champions League last-eight clash with Benfica, reaching the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory, after a second-leg 2-2 draw in Lisbon on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola took his German champions to the Estadio Da Luz with a 1-0 first-leg lead thanks to Aruto Vidal’s early strike at the Allianz Arena last week. After a slow start to the game, Benfica drew back onto level terms in the tie in the 27th minute, as Raul Jimenez escaped the Bayern... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935849/bayern-see-benfica-reach-champions-league-semis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935849/bayern-see-benfica-reach-champions-league-semis?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Apr 2016 01:46:12 +0000 Atletico Madrid dumped holders Barcelona out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage for the second time in three seasons as Antoine Griezmann’s double sealed a 2-0 win on Wednesday to progress 3-2 on aggregate. Griezmann put the hosts ahead on away goals with a fine first-half header before converting from the penalty spot two minutes from time after Andres Iniesta had handled inside the area. Barca, meanwhile, were left to rue referee Nicola Rizzoli’s decision to give a free-kick on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935847/theyve-done-it-again-griezmann-double-atletico-madrid-dump-barca-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935847/theyve-done-it-again-griezmann-double-atletico-madrid-dump-barca-out?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Apr 2016 01:33:37 +0000 Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini backed his players to go on and win the Champions League after they overcame Paris Saint-Germain to reach the semi-finals for the first time. Having procured two away goals in last week’s 2-2 first-leg draw, City went into Tuesday’s home leg in a position of strength, but it was not until Kevin de Bruyne struck in the 76th minute that their passage to the last four was secure. City join Real Madrid in the semi-final draw, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935629/we-can-go-all-way-says-pellegrini-after-city-see-psg-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935629/we-can-go-all-way-says-pellegrini-after-city-see-psg-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Apr 2016 01:33:17 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo revelled in the glory of scoring a hat-trick to inspire a stunning Real Madrid comeback to reach the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Wolfsburg on Tuesday. The Spanish giants made amends for their shock 2-0 defeat in Germany six days ago as Ronaldo struck twice in just over 60 seconds early on before sealing the comeback with a trademark free-kick 13 minutes from time for a 3-0 victory on the night. “It had to be a magic night and it was. It was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935628/hat-trick-hero-ronaldo-savours-magic-madrid-fightback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935628/hat-trick-hero-ronaldo-savours-magic-madrid-fightback?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Apr 2016 01:25:26 +0000 Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will look to their superstar strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in desperate bids to clinch Champions League semi-final berths against Wolfsburg and Manchester City on Tuesday. The key objective is getting through to the next round. It is the only option that will allow us players and the fans to leave the stadium happy Cristiano Ronaldo The Parisians were held 2-2 at the Parc des Princes last Wednesday when Ibrahimovic missed a spot-kick and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935346/heat-ronaldo-and-ibrahimovic-turn-tables-wolfsburg-and-manchester-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1935346/heat-ronaldo-and-ibrahimovic-turn-tables-wolfsburg-and-manchester-city?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Apr 2016 02:14:34 +0000 Zinedine Zidane admitted Real Madrid suffered an El Clasico hangover as they crashed to a 2-0 Champions League quarter-final, first-leg defeat at Wolfsburg on Wednesday. Just five days after ending Barcelona’s 39-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 away win, Real were humbled as Wolfsburg ignored their struggling mid-table form in Germany’s top flight. Real never recovered as first-half goals from Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez and Maximilian Arnold put the hosts 2-0 up at the Volkswagen Arena with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1934106/zz-blows-his-top-zidane-fumes-real-madrid-crash-wolfsburg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1934106/zz-blows-his-top-zidane-fumes-real-madrid-crash-wolfsburg?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:43:52 +0000 Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini admitted his side must not repeat the defensive errors that marred their Champions League quarter-final, first leg with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday despite the 2-2 draw giving them the edge. Away goals by Kevin de Bruyne and Fernandinho at the Parc des Princes mean City have the upper hand ahead of Tuesday’s return, but those strikes sandwiched a farcical goal gifted to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and an Adrien Rabiot effort for PSG. The French champions... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1934103/no-room-errors-warns-manchester-city-boss-manuel-pellegrini-after-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1934103/no-room-errors-warns-manchester-city-boss-manuel-pellegrini-after-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:24:00 +0000 Fernando Torres raged that Atletico Madrid are not treated equally to Barcelona by referees after his early red card turned their Uefa Champions League quarter-final, first-leg match around on Tuesday. Torres had put Atletico in front at the Camp Nou before seeing two quick-fire yellow cards to leave the visitors a man light for over an hour. Luis Suarez finally converted Barca’s relentless second-half pressure into a 2-1 lead as he struck twice in 12 minutes. Uefa worry about making us change... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1933889/crying-foul-referees-protect-barcelona-fumes-atletico-madrids-red?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1933889/crying-foul-referees-protect-barcelona-fumes-atletico-madrids-red?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Apr 2016 02:19:43 +0000 Bayern Munich staged a sensational comeback, scoring twice in extra time after battling back from two goals down to beat Juventus 4-2 on Wednesday and march into the Champions League last eight with a 6-4 aggregate victory. It was a crazy game. Juve played well at the back and we let in two goals. That should never have happened Thomas Mueller Thiago Alcantara drilled in after 108 minutes and Kingsley Coman curled in their fourth goal as Bayern, who needed a 90th-minute equaliser from Thomas... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1926292/heart-stopping-bayern-munich-leave-it-late-beat-juventus-last-eight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1926292/heart-stopping-bayern-munich-leave-it-late-beat-juventus-last-eight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Mar 2016 02:11:55 +0000 Manuel Pellegrini backed his Manchester City team to make a mark on the Champions League’s latter stages after they overcame Dynamo Kiev to reach the quarter-finals for the first time. City fell to Barcelona in the last 16 in both of the past two seasons, but they will take their place in Friday’s draw for the last eight after Tuesday’s drab 0-0 stalemate completed a 3-1 aggregate success. City’s shaky domestic form suggests they cannot be considered serious contenders for the Champions League,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1925720/manuel-pellegrini-backs-battered-manchester-city-go-all-way-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1925720/manuel-pellegrini-backs-battered-manchester-city-go-all-way-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Mar 2016 03:05:14 +0000 Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one and created another as Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to eliminate Chelsea from the Champions League for the second season running. It is a difficult season. We were almost panicking about relegation when I came in, but it is difficult to get into fourth place Guus Hiddink Leading 2-1 from the first leg of the last 16 tie, PSG stretched their lead when Ibrahimovic crossed for Adrien Rabiot to tap in and although Diego Costa’s slick... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1922778/avenging-zlatan-ibrahimovic-fires-paris-saint-germain-past-chelsea-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1922778/avenging-zlatan-ibrahimovic-fires-paris-saint-germain-past-chelsea-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Mar 2016 01:38:04 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal to fire Real Madrid into the Champions League last 16 made it six seasons in a row that he has scored at least 40 goals for the team – yet fans still booed him at the Bernabeu during the 2-0 win over Roma. Ronaldo also laid on the second for James Rodriguez, but apparently that wasn’t good enough for the Real ‘supporters’ Some sections of the Bernabeu crowd voiced their displeasure at the club’s all-time leading scorer because he also missed a few scoring chances as Real... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1922579/ronaldo-takes-goal-tally-40-six-consecutive-seasons-real-fans-still-boo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1922579/ronaldo-takes-goal-tally-40-six-consecutive-seasons-real-fans-still-boo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Mar 2016 01:00:45 +0000 Anyone seeking to understand Chelsea’s steady return to form under interim manager Guus Hiddink will find a partial explanation in the unassuming figure of holding midfielder John Mikel Obi. He knows where the strength of the opponent is and he knows exactly how to cope with that Guus Hiddink on Mikel Having started just two of Chelsea’s final 16 Premier League games under Jose Mourinho, Mikel has started nine of 12 under Hiddink in the only notable non-enforced personnel change that the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1922398/elegant-enforcer-john-obi-mikel-steadies-chelsea-ship-ahead-return-leg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1922398/elegant-enforcer-john-obi-mikel-steadies-chelsea-ship-ahead-return-leg?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 04:55:56 +0000 Manchester City may be toiling domestically at the moment but they produced a superb European away performance to beat Dynamo Kiev 3-1 in Ukraine in their Champions League last 16, first leg on Wednesday. It was an exceptional result away from home. We couldn’t have hoped for better Vincent Kompany Manuel Pellegrini’s side did enough to win the game in the first half with Sergio Aguero and David Silva both scoring to underline their importance to City. Dynamo pulled a goal back in the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916538/superb-manchester-city-have-champions-league-quarter-finals-sight-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916538/superb-manchester-city-have-champions-league-quarter-finals-sight-after?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Feb 2016 01:50:00 +0000 Super-sub Stefano Sturaro came off the bench to hit a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich as outclassed Juventus rescued their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday. Bayern dominated throughout a one-sided encounter at a packed Juventus Stadium and took a 43rd-minute lead through Thomas Mueller. Arjen Robben doubled the Germans’ advantage on 55 minutes but the 2013 champions paid for a series of earlier misses when Paulo Dybala netted on the hour and Sturaro hit a dramatic leveller... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916112/stefano-sturaro-rescues-juventus-dramatic-bayern-munich-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916112/stefano-sturaro-rescues-juventus-dramatic-bayern-munich-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Feb 2016 03:49:38 +0000 Arsene Wenger accused Arsenal of naivety after they were pushed to the brink of another frustrating Champions League exit by Lionel Messi’s brace in Barcelona’s 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium. Wenger was infuriated his players failed to heed his warning to keep it tight at all costs in the last 16, first leg on Tuesday as Messi punished the hosts’ careless defending with a clinical 71st-minute opener. Messi then took advantage of a needless foul on him by Mathieu Flamini, stroking home the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916051/tighten-arsene-wenger-rages-naive-arsenal-after-devastating-show-lionel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1916051/tighten-arsene-wenger-rages-naive-arsenal-after-devastating-show-lionel?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:17:45 +0000 Arsenal and Barcelona resume their decade-long rivalry in the Champions League this week. It’s been a one-sided tale. It started in 2006 when Barcelona came from behind against 10 men to score two late goals and win 2-1 in the final in Paris. Arsenal haven’t reached the final since. Barcelona won 6-3 over two legs in the 2010 quarter-finals, and 4-3 on aggregate in the last 16 in 2011. There’s rarely a dull moment when these two entertaining and attack-minded teams meet, with those five... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1915182/champions-league-preview-arsenal-and-barca-resume-one-sided-rivalry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1915182/champions-league-preview-arsenal-and-barca-resume-one-sided-rivalry?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Feb 2016 03:46:19 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc heaped praise on Edinson Cavani after the Uruguayan played the role of super-sub to give his side a 2-1 win against Chelsea in their Champions League last-16, first-leg encounter. Cavani replaced Lucas in the 74th minute of Tuesday’s game at the Parc des Princes and four minutes later beat Thibaut Courtois with a first-time finish from an Angel di Maria assist to ensure the French champions will take a lead to London for the second leg next month. [Cavani]... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1913608/laurent-blanc-jubilant-guus-hiddink-retains-hope-chelsea-can-still?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1913608/laurent-blanc-jubilant-guus-hiddink-retains-hope-chelsea-can-still?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Feb 2016 01:19:32 +0000 Will Chelsea’s makeshift defence be able to cope? Captain John Terry limping off against Newcastle on Saturday was the last thing Chelsea wanted to see, after fellow centre back Kurt Zouma was ruled out for at least six months the week before. Right back Branislav Ivanovic will likely partner Gary Cahill at the back with Baba Rahman coming in at left back and Cesar Azpilicueta moving to right back. “We made a test this morning and it didn’t work out well so the decision was made to leave him at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1913436/champions-league-returns-5-key-questions-will-be-answered-psg-chelsea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1913436/champions-league-returns-5-key-questions-will-be-answered-psg-chelsea?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Feb 2016 05:00:00 +0000 Lionel Messi’s Barcelona will go up against English Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 after they were thrown together in Monday’s draw. French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain were drawn against 2012 winners Chelsea for the third straight season, while Bayern Munich will meet last year’s finalists Juventus. Arsenal are a great team and I am sure we will have difficulties against them Barcelona director Albert Soler The draw also saw record 10-time winners Real Madrid... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1891164/barcelona-face-arsenal-chelsea-play-psg-again-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1891164/barcelona-face-arsenal-chelsea-play-psg-again-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:40:58 +0000 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Olivier Giroud's “perfect performance” as the French striker's hat-trick completed a remarkable escape act in the Champions League on Wednesday. I told you before that it would be the greatest escape Arsene Wenger Arsenal needed an emphatic win to leapfrog Olympiakos into second place in group F and reach the competition's last 16 and had Giroud to thank for leading the cavalry charge in a 3-0 romp. “I told you before that it would be the greatest escape,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1889197/greatest-escape-arsenal-reach-champions-league-last-16-thanks-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1889197/greatest-escape-arsenal-reach-champions-league-last-16-thanks-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Dec 2015 03:21:23 +0000 Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini told Raheem Sterling to mark his 21st birthday with two goals and the forward duly delivered as he inspired a 4-2 Champions League win over Borussia Moenchengladbach on Tuesday. The hosts trailed 2-1 at half-time but former Liverpool winger Sterling struck in the 80th and 81st minutes while substitute Wilfried Bony was also on target late on as City rallied to finish top of group D with 12 points. By pipping Juventus for first place, they will avoid the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1888893/manuel-pellegrini-purrs-manchester-city-top-champions-league-group-after-late?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1888893/manuel-pellegrini-purrs-manchester-city-top-champions-league-group-after-late?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Dec 2015 03:16:19 +0000 Gary Neville will be handed a baptism of fire as Valencia boss when the Spanish side host Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday hoping to seal their place in the last 16. The match will be Neville's first as a head coach after he was surprisingly hired by business partner and Valencia owner Peter Lim until the end of the season despite his lack of managerial experience. To reach the knockout stages for the first time in three years, Valencia need to win and hope that Belgian champions Gent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1888221/gary-neville-gets-chance-become-instant-valencia-hero-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1888221/gary-neville-gets-chance-become-instant-valencia-hero-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Dec 2015 02:02:04 +0000 Jose Mourinho faces a decisive moment in his fight to save his job as the beleaguered Chelsea manager bids to avoid a catastrophic exit from the Champions League against Porto on Wednesday. Mourinho is on the brink of being sacked by Blues owner Roman Abramovich after Saturday's stunning 1-0 home defeat against lowly Bournemouth left the crisis-torn Premier League champions languishing just two points above the relegation zone. Mourinho was given a public vote of confidence by Chelsea at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1888215/do-or-die-mourinho-against-porto-abramovich-prepares-wield-axe-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1888215/do-or-die-mourinho-against-porto-abramovich-prepares-wield-axe-again?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Dec 2015 01:30:00 +0000 Beaten and bruised, Manchester City entertain a revitalised Borussia Moenchengladbach on Tuesday looking for a restorative victory that could yet yield a first-place finish in Champions League Group D. City conceded top spot in the Premier League following a 2-0 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday and must now contend with a Gladbach team revelling in the feat of becoming the first team to defeat Bayern Munich in this season's Bundesliga. City must win and hope that group leaders Juventus lose away... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1887939/battered-and-beaten-manchester-city-seek-top-place-finish-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1887939/battered-and-beaten-manchester-city-seek-top-place-finish-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Dec 2015 01:52:00 +0000 Louis van Gaal says Manchester United only have themselves to blame ahead of Tuesday's winner-takes-all clash at Wolfsburg as they bid to avoid an early Champions League exit. Van Gaal's Red Devils must beat Group B leaders Wolfsburg to ensure their place in the knockout stages having allowed the Germans to usurp them at the top of the table by being held to a goalless draw at home to PSV Eindhoven a fortnight ago. Wolfsburg will reach the knock-out stages for the first time in the club's... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1887937/victory-must-united-try-ensure-place-champions-league-knockout-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1887937/victory-must-united-try-ensure-place-champions-league-knockout-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Dec 2015 01:43:34 +0000 Real Madrid’s woes deepened on Friday when the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) expelled them from the King’s Cup for using an ineligible player in Wednesday’s last-32, first-leg match at third-tier Cadiz. Real included Denis Cheryshev in their starting line-up for their first match of the 2015-16 competition even though he should have been serving a one-match suspension and the Russia forward opened the scoring in a 3-1 victory. Real Madrid CF reaffirms its reasoning and confirms that it will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1887004/real-madrid-kicked-out-kings-cup-after-fielding-ineligible-player?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1887004/real-madrid-kicked-out-kings-cup-after-fielding-ineligible-player?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Dec 2015 03:49:16 +0000 Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on his return to hometown club Malmo as Paris Saint-Germain strolled into the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday after routing their Group A rivals 5-0 in Sweden. Atletico Madrid and Benfica joined the French side in clinching qualification with a game to spare. First-half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Angel Di Maria put the French champions in control before Ibrahimovic struck just after the interval. Di Maria was then on target again before Lucas added a late fifth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883439/champions-league-roundup-psg-cruise-last-16-zlatans-hometown-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883439/champions-league-roundup-psg-cruise-last-16-zlatans-hometown-return?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 01:15:45 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo sparkled as Real Madrid, who had already sealed a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, clinched top spot in Group A with a remarkable 4-3 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. Ronaldo scored after 18 and 70 minutes while Luka Modric (50) and Dani Carvajal (52) also struck to put the 10-times European champions in complete command on a freezing night in western Ukraine. The temperature then soared quickly, on the field at least, as Shakhtar netted three times in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883435/real-madrid-made-sweat-freezing-ukraine-shakhtar-nearly-come-back-4-0?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883435/real-madrid-made-sweat-freezing-ukraine-shakhtar-nearly-come-back-4-0?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 01:00:30 +0000 Manchester City were left facing the prospect of another unforgiving draw for the knockout phase of the Champions League after conceding their second successive defeat to Juventus in a 1-0 reverse on Wednesday. A first-half strike from Mario Mandzukic saw Juventus, last season’s beaten finalists, into the last 16 after Massimiliano Allegri’s men produced a dominant display in Turin to drop City into second place in Group D at two points adrift. City have never finished top of their Champions... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883433/manchester-city-could-face-another-brutal-champions-league-draw-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883433/manchester-city-could-face-another-brutal-champions-league-draw-after?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:36:29 +0000 Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal conceded he was “worried” about his team's goal-scoring problems after a goalless draw with PSV Eindhoven left their Champions League campaign in the balance. Victory on Wednesday would have taken United into the last 16, but with Jesse Lingard blazing their best chance over the bar in the second half, they must now win away to Group B leaders Wolfsburg in their final match to be certain of a place in the knockout phase. United have scored only six goals... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883430/we-have-be-more-ruthless-pleads-rooney-shot-shy-uniteds-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883430/we-have-be-more-ruthless-pleads-rooney-shot-shy-uniteds-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:30:30 +0000 The way Barcelona pressure the opposition as a team is the key to their success, coach Luis Enrique said after their 6-1 demolition of AS Roma in the Champions League. Last season's treble winners were at their breathtaking best with the fit again Lionel Messi back in the starting lineup and helping them cut open Roma but Luis Enrique focused on their work rate. “We go into each game with the knowledge that we need to pressure and the more that you do that then the better you get at it,” he said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883094/hes-back-lionel-messi-starts-first-game-injury-and-immediately-bags-two?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883094/hes-back-lionel-messi-starts-first-game-injury-and-immediately-bags-two?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Nov 2015 01:15:45 +0000 Matthias Sammer says Bayern Munich demonstrated their insatiable desire for silverware by beating Olympiakos 4-0 with 10 men on Tuesday to reach the Champions League knockout stages as group winners. Bayern raced into a 3-0 lead after just 20 minutes at the Allianz Arena thanks to goals by Douglas Costa, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller before defender Holger Badstuber was sent off. The Germany defender marked his first start for seven months after injury with a red card, but Bayern barely... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883092/we-want-win-lot-say-bayern-after-another-rout-sees-them-win-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883092/we-want-win-lot-say-bayern-after-another-rout-sees-them-win-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Nov 2015 01:10:45 +0000 Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will complete their Champions League escape act by securing the result they need against Olympiakos to reach the last 16. Wenger’s side kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages for the 16th successive year thanks to an inspired display from Alexis Sanchez in Tuesday’s crucial 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. The Gunners would have been eliminated if they had failed to beat the Croatians at the Emirates Stadium, or if Olympiakos got a draw against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883090/arsenal-will-complete-champions-league-great-escape-insists-wenger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883090/arsenal-will-complete-champions-league-great-escape-insists-wenger?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Nov 2015 01:00:00 +0000 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was in playful but confident mood following the 4-0 Champions League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv that edged them closer to the knock-out rounds. The Portuguese manager began his post-match press conference by asking journalists for a calculator so he could figure out what Chelsea would have to do to qualify for the last 16. After pausing and thinking about it, Mourinho said: “I know if we win, we finish first. If we lose we are going to the Europa League and with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883088/has-anyone-got-calculator-mourinho-needs-help-champions-league-maths?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1883088/has-anyone-got-calculator-mourinho-needs-help-champions-league-maths?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Nov 2015 00:47:28 +0000 Chelsea and Roma scored late goals to earn crucial victories in the Champions League on Wednesday, improving their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Chelsea defeated Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in England thanks to an 83rd-minute free kick by Willian, while Miralem Pjanic’s 80th-minute penalty kick gave Roma a 3-2 home win over Bayer Leverkusen. Zenit St Petersburg secured their place in the round of 16 with a win at Lyon, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Porto and Olympiakos also won on Wednesday,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1875862/champions-league-zenit-storm-through-knockout-stage-vital-win-roma?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1875862/champions-league-zenit-storm-through-knockout-stage-vital-win-roma?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Nov 2015 02:30:45 +0000