European Leagues

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Late Penalty Rescues Crystal Palace From Home

Crystal Palace rescued a dramatic point against Leicester City at Selhurst Park, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty cancelling out Leicester’s two-goal advantage.

The encounter showcased the resilience of Roy Hodgson’s side and highlighted the ongoing struggles of both teams in the Premier League.

The match began with Leicester City asserting their authority, and Jamie Vardy was quick to capitalise on Palace’s defensive lapses. Midway through the first half, Vardy pounced on a pass from Wilfred Ndidi, rounding Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson before slotting the ball into an empty net. This early goal set the tone for Leicester’s first-half performance, as they displayed efficient attacking play and solid defensive organisation.

Just as it seemed Leicester were taking control, Palace’s defensive frailties were exposed again shortly after the break. Within 23 seconds of the restart, Ndidi seized on a misjudged clearance from Palace debutant Maxence Lacroix. He set up Stephy Mavididi, who made no mistake in finding the net with a powerful shot from close range. This second goal appeared to put Leicester in a commanding position, and they looked set to secure their first victory of the season.

Despite being two goals down, Crystal Palace showed commendable resolve. The home side’s pressure eventually bore fruit when Mateta scored from a close-range finish following Tyrick Mitchell’s low cross. This goal, initially subject to a VAR review, was confirmed as legitimate, reigniting Palace’s hopes of salvaging something from the match.

As time ticked away, Palace’s efforts seemed in vain until the crucial moment arrived. In the dying seconds of the match, Conor Coady’s foul on Ismaila Sarr inside the penalty area presented Mateta with a golden opportunity. The French striker remained composed under pressure, calmly rolling the ball past Leicester’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, to level the score at 2-2.

The draw leaves both Crystal Palace and Leicester City still searching for their first win of the season. However, it is Palace who will take greater satisfaction from this result. Avoiding a third Premier League defeat and securing a point in such dramatic fashion provides a significant morale boost for Hodgson’s side.

For Leicester, the inability to hold onto their lead will be a source of frustration. Although they displayed moments of quality, their failure to close out the game underscores ongoing challenges. With both teams needing to improve their fortunes, the season ahead will be crucial in determining their respective standings.

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