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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Gunners Crash Out Of Champions League With Defeat In Paris

Gunners Crash Out Of Champions League With Defeat In Paris

Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League journey came to a close at the Parc des Princes as they suffered defeat against PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Arsenal, ending the Gunners’ campaign and extending their long wait for European silverware.

Arsenal were aiming to become only the third team to reach the Champions League final after losing the first leg of a semi-final at home, and they started brightly, with Gianluigi Donnarumma forced into early saves to keep the visitors at bay.

However, in the 24th minute, PSG broke the deadlock as Fabián Ruiz unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to double the hosts’ aggregate advantage. That goal proved the difference at the break, with the home side taking a 1-0 lead into half-time.

Achraf Hakimi doubled the hosts’ lead in the 72nd minute with a powerful strike from distance, beating David Raya at his left-hand post. However, just five minutes later, Bukayo Saka pulled one back for Arsenal, reigniting hopes of a comeback. But it wasn’t to be, as the Gunners fell at the final hurdle, crashing out of Europe with a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSG.

As it happened
The Gunners looked to get back into the tie early, with Bukayo Saka causing danger down the right. Declan Rice had the first opportunity of the night and should have given the away side the lead after Jurrien Timber won the ball back deep inside the PSG half and swung a brilliant ball into Rice, who narrowly guided his shot off target in a big chance missed for the Gunners.

Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli had a golden opportunity after a long throw-in found him charging into the box, but Donnarumma produced a crucial save to deny the Brazilian. Arsenal maintained their early pressure, with Martin Ødegaard testing Donnarumma again, forcing the Italian keeper into another smart stop.

However, PSG began to grow into the game after surviving Arsenal’s early pressure and nearly took the lead in the 16th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was picked out on the left, cut inside onto his favoured left foot, and unleashed a stunning long-range strike that had Raya beaten, but the post came to Arsenal’s rescue.

Luis Enrique’s side continued to grow in confidence and broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. A free-kick into the box was initially cleared, but the ball fell kindly to Fabián Ruiz, who rifled a powerful strike from distance beyond the outstretched David Raya. It was a potentially decisive goal, notably Ruiz’s first ever in the Champions League.

Mikel Merino came close just before the break after Bukayo Saka whipped a low cross into the box, with the Spaniard only inches away from turning it goalward. It was the final chance of the half, as the French side went into the interval with a 1-0 lead on the night and a 2-0 advantage on aggregate.

The second half began at a slower tempo, with Arsenal knowing they needed a goal to keep their hopes alive, but PSG looked more threatening. However, Bukayo Saka had a brilliant chance in the 63rd minute, bursting into space down the right before unleashing a powerful strike, only for Donnarumma to get his fingertips to it and deny Mikel Arteta’s side.

Paris Saint-Germain were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, David Raya made an excellent save by denying Vitinha from the spot and keeping Mikel Arteta’s side in the contest. However, two minutes later, Hakimi effectively sealed the tie, firing in a powerful strike from range that beat Raya at his near post to give the hosts a 3-0 aggregate lead.

The Gunners weren’t done yet, as Saka rounded the keeper and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to give Arsenal a lifeline. Moments later, he had a golden chance to score again after being picked out in the box, but the winger miscued his effort and blazed it over the bar – a moment that could have changed the tie.

The French side saw out the remainder of the game to secure a brilliant 2-1 victory on the night, booking their place in the final in Munich on May 31st against Inter Milan.

The Lineups
PSG: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz; Doue, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia

ARS: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino

Fromthespot.co.uk

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Champions League Top Scorers 2025-26: Mbappe, Haaland, Osimhen Lead The Golden Boot Race

Champions League Top Scorers 2025-26: The Battle For Europe’s Most Ruthless Finisher

The race for the 2025-26 Champions League Golden Boot is shaping up into another heavyweight shootout, with Europe’s most lethal forwards firing at full throttle.

Last season, the scoring chart exploded as Raphinha and Serhou Guirassy both finished with 13 goals, one of the highest tallies in modern UCL history. It was a reminder that Europe’s attackers aren’t just competing — they’re breaking barriers.

Now, the 2025-26 campaign is delivering more fireworks as big names like Kylian Mbappe, Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane battle for the crown.

Below is the updated top scorer ranking after matches played on Wednesday, November 26.

UEFA Champions League Top Goal Scorers 2025-26

Updated After Matches Played On November 26

Rank Player Club Goals
1 Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 9
2 Victor Osimhen Galatasaray 6
3 Harry Kane Bayern Munich 5
=3 Erling Haaland Manchester City 5
5 Anthony Gordon Newcastle United 4
=5 Harvey Barnes Newcastle United 4
=5 Marcus Rashford Barcelona 4
=5 Gabriel Martinelli Arsenal 4
=5 Vitinha PSG 4
=5 Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan 4

At the moment, Mbappe is setting the pace with nine goals as Real Madrid push for another deep run in Europe. Right behind him is Victor Osimhen, whose red-hot form at Galatasaray has shocked the continent.

Meanwhile, serial scorers Haaland and Kane remain firmly in the race, proving yet again why they are two of the most reliable forwards in world football.

Who Won Last Season’s Champions League Golden Boot?

The 2024-25 Golden Boot ended in dramatic fashion — and with two winners.

Both Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund) and Raphinha (Barcelona) finished tied on 13 goals, with UEFA refusing to use tie-breakers such as assists or minutes played.

The result?
A shared Golden Boot, and a season remembered for its goal-scoring chaos.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Hansi Flick Defends Lamine Yamal After Chelsea Clash And Calls For Teen Star To Step Up

Lamine Yamal looking frustrated during Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea.

Flick Backs Yamal After A Rough Night In London

Barcelona’s Champions League setback at Stamford Bridge has dominated headlines, and one storyline took center stage — Lamine Yamal vs Marc Cucurella. The 18-year-old starlet struggled to break free from Cucurella, whom Hansi Flick boldly labelled “one of the best full-backs in the world.”

Despite the tough showing and the teenager’s visible frustration when he was subbed off late in the match, Flick stepped in with both support and a challenge.

“Lamine is fine. Many players aren’t happy when we substitute them,” Flick said. “Cucurella is one of the best in the world… but now it’s Lamine’s turn to step up.”

A firm hand. A soft landing. Classic Flick.

Barcelona Need A Reaction After The Chelsea Collapse

Barca’s 3-0 loss featured an own goal from Jules Kounde and clinical finishes from Estevao and Liam Delap. The defeat leaves Barcelona sitting in the playoff zone of their group instead of the automatic qualification spots — not exactly the Blaugrana standard.

Flick admitted it was “tough” and the team was “feeling down,” but he pushed back against the idea that the defence alone should carry the blame.

Barcelona’s high line makes headlines every season, but Flick made the tactical demand crystal clear:

“It’s not just the defenders. If we don’t all press effectively, we’ll have problems.”

Translation?
If one gear misses, the whole Barca machine stutters.

Injury Updates: More Problems, Some Solutions

Ahead of the weekend clash against Alaves, Barcelona’s squad news is mixed:

❌ Ronald Araujo

Out with a stomach virus — and coming off a red card vs Chelsea.

❌ Fermin Lopez

Experiencing discomfort after the Chelsea match. Flick joked that sometimes even “new boots with new monthly colors” can cause issues.

✔️ Pedri

Expected to return in the second half.
Barcelona fans exhaled collectively.

✔️ Marc Bernal

Will get minutes after recovering from injury.

✔️ Andreas Christensen In Midfield?

Yes — Flick is seriously considering it alongside Eric Garcia.

✔️ Raphinha

Flick says he’s “one of the most focused players” and admits he has missed the Brazilian’s spark.

Spotlight: Yamal Must Answer The Call

Cucurella may have won the duel at Stamford Bridge, but Flick’s message is clear:

This is not about one bad night.
It is about how the young star responds.

Barcelona need energy, leadership, and bravery — and Flick believes Yamal can provide it.

For an 18-year-old carrying expectations this huge, the next match will be more than just another LaLiga fixture.
It’s a character exam.

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Ballon d’Or

Thomas Frank Backs Vitinha For Ballon d’Or After Spurs’ 5-3 Thriller Loss To PSG

Tottenham gave Paris Saint-Germain a real scare in Paris but ultimately fell 5-3 in a thrilling Champions League clash. Spurs twice led the defending champions, but a stunning second-half display from PSG, led by Vitinha, proved decisive.

Despite the defeat, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank praised his side’s performance, highlighting their grit, personality, and aggressiveness. “I’m pleased with the performance. It was the reaction I wanted from the players, from the team. Much more character, personality, aggressiveness… Today we saw it, and I’m pleased with that,” Frank told reporters.

Frank also reserved high praise for PSG midfielder Vitinha, who scored a hat-trick and finished third in this year’s Ballon d’Or. “When we played against a decent team where they have one Ballon d’Or winner and I think the next one is playing in midfield… Vitinha. Wow, what a player,” said Frank. “Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world. He will be the next Ballon d’Or winner.”

The match saw Tottenham showing signs of life after their 4-1 drubbing by Arsenal, with strikers scoring two goals and promising performances from Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. Midfielder Gray reflected positively on the game, noting that Spurs faced “probably the best team in Europe at the moment” and that there were valuable lessons to take forward.

While Spurs now face back-to-back heavy defeats, Frank’s words underline that the team’s identity and fighting spirit remain intact. For Tottenham fans, there are positives to build on even in defeat, and lessons from facing Europe’s elite could prove invaluable.

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