European Leagues

Manchester City earn Guardiola’s praise for avoiding Treble hangover

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City’s 4-4 draw at Chelsea was proof that his team have not gone “soft” after winning the Treble last season, despite conceding three lead on three occasions at Stamford Bridge.

A 95th minute penalty scored by Cole Palmer, who joined Chelsea in a £40m transfer from City in September, sealed a point for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to extend their revival under the former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain coach.

But although City uncharacteristically failed to close out a game after repeatedly being in a winning position, they go into the international break with a one point lead over Liverpool — their next opponents — at the top of the Premier League.

And Guardiola said that his side have shown that they have not dropped their standards since winning the Treble.

“We are top of the league and qualified in the Champions League,” Guardiola said. “From where we have come from [last season], when you can have the tendency to be more soft, it is the complete opposite. It hasn’t happened.

“If you expect come here and win 7-0, you are wrong. Everyone want to beat us. You say there is nothing to lose for them because if Chelsea lose to City, it’s normal, City are a fantastic team.

“But it isn’t normal. Chelsea has always been a tough place to come to, ever since I have been here in England. Chelsea is Chelsea, one of the best teams of the last 25 years, so to come here and not lose is a good result. It is a fair result.

Man City players celebrate after scoring a goal against Chelsea in the Premier League. Getty Images
“And Chelsea will be there, in future seasons they will be there. They have built for that.”

City midfielder Rodri, whose deflected goal had put Guardiola’s side 4-3 ahead in the 86th minute, said the game had left he and teammates “exhausted.”

“We feel a bit exhausted,” Rodri told Sky Sports. “This type of game, we know how hard it is to come here. The team Chelsea has built, they have great players and they sign massive players.

“The level of the Chelsea team has risen and it was not our best performance today. Individually we needed to do a bit more ourselves — to concede four goals is not normal for us.

“We keep pushing and sometimes it is like this and you have to score at the other end. But we have to correct some mistakes.

“I think we played how they want. Quick transitions and they are a better team in that situation and they are faster and stronger we have another type of players and we try to play our game and I think we struggled.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Mbappe Hat-Trick Dismantles Man City As Real Madrid Hit Last 16

Real Madrid have booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a convincing 3-0 over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final aggregate score being 6-2.

A stunning comeback in Manchester last week ensured that Real Madrid only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg in order to be confirmed in the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were never going to settle for this, and they extended their aggregate lead inside the opening four minutes in the Spanish capital. A long ball over the top from Raul Asencio went into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who lobbed over the onrushing Ederson and into the back of the net.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Mbappe got his and Real Madrid’s second of the evening. A wonderful team move ended with Rodrygo Goes playing in the French attacker, and he showed great feet to take the ball away from a couple of Man City defenders before blasting in from close range.

That goal put the tie beyond any doubt, but Real Madrid and Mbappe did not stop there. The 26-year-old would finish off for his second hat-trick of the season on 61 minutes after he curled the ball into the far corner to complete a sensational evening for him and his teammates.

However, it was not a perfect match for Ancelotti’s side as they conceded in the final minute after former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored from close range after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick came back off the crossbar.

The result means that Real Madrid are into the next round, and they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 stage of the Champions League. The draw for that round is set to take place later this week.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Set Up Clash With Liverpool or Barcelona

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Stroll Into Last 16

Paris St-Germain roared into the last 16 of the Champions League with a thumping victory over Brest.

Luis Enrique’s side will now face Liverpool or Barcelona with the draw due to take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT, in Nyon Switzerland.

Already leading 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, the hosts again exhibited their superiority over a fellow French side they have now defeated four times this season – scoring 18 times in the process.

Bradley Barcola extended their advantage with a neat near-post effort and his fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tapped in PSG’s second of the evening before the break.

Portugal international Joao Neves also hit the crossbar for the hosts, before his compatriot and midfield partner Vitinha curled a low shot into the right corner from 18 yards just before the hour mark.

From there PSG moved through the gears.

Goncalo Ramos teed up fellow substitute Desire Doue for their fourth, the impressive Nuno Mendes slid in Achraf Hakimi’s teasing ball for a fifth, Ramos’ deft finish brought a sixth and teenager Senny Mayulu rounded off the scoring with four minutes left.

It ensured a miserable night in the French capital for Brest, who only threatened sporadically when Mathias Pereira Lage’s placed effort was cleared off the line by PSG captain Marquinhos and Pierre Lees-Melou hit the post with a curling effort.

BBC

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ademola Lookman Trains Fully Ahead Of Champions League Clash

Atalanta has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, per Allnigeriasoccer.

Lookman had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained just two days before a crucial match against Barcelona.

His recovery and return to group training are expected to enhance Atalanta’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming fixture.

Lookman’s return is also a positive development for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national football team in January 2025, is keen to have his key players in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Lookman’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by Chelle, as the winger’s pace and creativity could be instrumental in Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta’s coach will however assess Lookman’s fitness to determine his potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Brugge.

Given the importance of the fixture, Lookman’s inclusion could provide a significant advantage, as his attacking prowess has been a key asset for Atalanta this season.

For Atalanta supporters, Lookman’s recovery is great news, and the club’s prospects in the Champions League look much brighter with him back in the fold.

Atalanta is aiming to build on their strong performances this season, and Lookman’s return is crucial as they look to advance further in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As the match day draws closer, both Lookman and Atalanta are hopeful that the winger can make an impact once again, and fans are excited to see the Nigerian back on the pitch.

With Lookman fully integrated into the squad once more, Atalanta’s attacking threat is renewed, and they are optimistic about their chances in the Champions League.

Allnigeriasoccer