CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

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

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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.

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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.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ethan Nwaneri earns praise from Keown, Hargreaves after Arsenal’s Victory over Girona

Football pundits Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves have showered praise on Arsenal’s teenage sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, following his match-winning performance in the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League triumph over Girona on Wednesday.

Nwaneri sealed Arsenal’s victory with a stunning long-range strike, his first Champions League goal, after Jorginho had equalized from the penalty spot.

Despite conceding early when Arnaut Danjuma capitalized on a defensive lapse by stand-in goalkeeper Neto, Arsenal’s resilience shone through, largely thanks to Nwaneri’s brilliance.

Keown expressed his admiration during his analysis on TNT Sports:

“I love it when a young player produces on the night. We build him up at the start, saying what a great talent he was, and there is anger in that [finish] but control as well – he is whipping that into the corner. He’s got the ability and has made that look really easy.”

Hargreaves echoed similar sentiments:

“The remarkable thing about him is the ball sticks to his foot – it’s never away from him. I don’t want to say who he reminds me of because it puts pressure on him, but he’s a special player.”

The victory secured Arsenal’s progression to the next stage of the competition and highlighted the promising future of their rising star, Nwaneri.