CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Liverpool seal first place in Champions League despite PSV defeat in five-goal thriller

A much-changed Liverpool side secured the top spot in the Champions League group phase despite a dramatic 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven, ending their perfect winning streak.

The Reds, who had won their previous seven matches, led twice in the Netherlands but conceded two late first-half goals. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta ensured Liverpool finished top with 21 points, two clear of their closest rivals.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring from the penalty spot against his former club after Joey Veerman fouled Federico Chiesa. Johan Bakayoko equalized with a brilliant turn and finish, but Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead after a parried Chiesa attempt.

PSV responded with goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi, handing Liverpool their first European defeat of the season.

Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when substitute Amara Nallo received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a foul on Bakayoko.

With their place in the last 16 already secured, Liverpool manager Arne Slot rested key players ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

PSV, now guaranteed a play-off spot, celebrated a significant win, while Liverpool await the draw for their round of 16 opponents.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.

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Guardiola admits tough task as Manchester City draw Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in Champions League play-offs

EXPOSED! Pep Guardiola 'Secretly Discussing' Huge Job After Man City Exit

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the significant challenge his Manchester City side faces after being drawn against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-offs.

City secured their place in the play-offs with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League champions were on the brink of elimination but mounted a comeback with goals from Mateo Kovacic, an own goal by Joel Ordonez, and a strike from Savinho.

Reacting to the draw, Guardiola admitted that both potential opponents currently have the upper hand over City.

“Going to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will be really tough,” Guardiola said. “They are better than us right now, both of them, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next two weeks.”

The City boss, however, remained optimistic, highlighting the potential return of key players, including Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, Jérémy Doku, and Oscar Bobb, which he believes could bolster their chances.

“We have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully we can do two good games,” Guardiola added.

The first leg of the play-offs is scheduled to take place in two weeks, with City looking to assert their dominance on the European stage after winning the competition in 2023.