CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

What To Expect From Bologna Against Liverpool: How Calafiori, Zirkzee And Motta Were Replaced

As Bologna prepare to face Liverpool in their first away trip in the Champions League or European Cup since the 1960s, here is a look at what to expect from the Rossoblu at Anfield and how they replaced the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Joshua Zirkzee and coach Thiago Motta.

Bologna were one of the surprise packages of the 2023-24 season in Serie A, storming to a fifth-placed finish, which was enough for them to qualify for the Champions League due to the competition’s expansion and Atalanta’s victory in the Europa League final.

The Rossoblu had looked strong contenders to finish last season in the top four, but fell just short in the final weeks of the campaign.

How Bologna replaced Calafiori, Zirkee and Motta
Thiago Motta was credited as the mastermind behind Bologna’s success last season. His services have since been snapped up by Juventus, who currently lead the Serie A table after six matches, with a record zero goals conceded over that period.

The club have replaced the former Italy international with former Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano, who, like his predecessor, tends to favour a back four and a front three.

There have, of course, been some fairly major personnel changes over the last few months. Italy international Riccardo Calafiori was sold to Arsenal for a sum just shy of €50m after an impressive break-out season in Serie A.

Bologna brought in a handful of defenders to replace him, including Nico Casale from Lazio and full-backs Juan Miranda and Emil Holm. However, the Calafiori ‘replacements’ have been promoted from within, as Sam Beukema and Colombia international Jhon Lucumi have been the go-to options at centre-back for most of the campaign.

The club also made a huge profit from the sale of Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United, although a large chunk of that fee was paid back to the Dutchman’s former club, Bayern Munich.

Still, Bologna opted to bring in Thijs Dallinga, who became the club’s most expensive purchase of the summer at €15m. Similarly to how they replaced Calafiori, though, the most used striker so far this season has been Santiago Castro, who joined from Velez Sarsfield in January.

What to expect from Bologna against Liverpool at Anfield
Like their hosts, Bologna are expected to line up in a form of 4-3-3 when they take on Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday. Stefan Posch, Charalampos Lykogiannis and the aforementioned centre-backs Beukema and Lucumi have been mainstays in the back four so far this campaign.

Similarly, Switzerland internationals Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer are good bets to start in midfield, as are the more advanced Giovanni Fabbian and Kacper Urbanski, who have had more opportunities in the starting line-up while Lewis Ferguson recovers from his long-term injury.

Though they sold Zirkzee, Bologna were able to keep hold of some of their other star attackers, such as Dan Ndoye and Riccardo Orsolini, who should also start against Liverpool if fit. It remains to be seen whether Italiano sticks with Castro, or gives Thijs Dallinga a run out at centre-forward.

Liverpool will of course be the firm favourites on home soil, but Bologna showed they are capable of keeping clean sheets in Europe with a 0-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk last time out.

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