CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Real Madrid’s Frustration: How Lille’s Sneaky Ball Boys Drove Them Crazy

Real Madrid’s recent loss to Lille was a tough setback for the team. The match revealed a clear lack of creativity in Real Madrid’s gameplay, and the absence of star player Kylian Mbappe from the start made matters worse.

This defeat highlighted some issues that extended beyond just the team’s performance on the field. Meanwhile, an interesting aspect of the match that has caught attention involves the actions of the ball boys at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

As captured by the cameras Movistar Plus+, these young helpers appeared to play a significant role in the outcome of the game.

During the closing moments, they seemed to be intentionally delaying the game, which was frustrating for Real Madrid players, particularly Dani Carvajal.

The ball boys’ tactics to waste time inadvertently made them a sort of extra player for the French side, helping Lille maintain their slender 1-0 advantage.

Carvajal was annoyed
As the game progressed a particularly tense moment occurred when Carvajal pushed the ball boy, who was reluctant to return the ball quickly.

This incident exemplified the mounting pressure felt by Real Madrid as they sought to equalize. Commentary during the broadcast reflected on Carvajal’s struggle, noting his visible frustration with the ball boys for not efficiently doing their job.

Their delays slowed down the pace of play and disrupted Real Madrid’s attempts to gain momentum and create scoring opportunities.

“Carjaval had a tough time with the ball boys in the final minutes of the match,” the commentator said.

Time-wasting tactics, especially in the closing minutes of a match, are a common strategy employed by teams looking to protect a lead.

However, such tactics can leave the opposing team feeling aggrieved and frustrated. For Real Madrid, this match was not just about the scoreline; it was a reminder of the small but significant factors that can influence a game.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Arsenal Fans Under Tension As Real Madrid Line-Up Leaked Ahead of UCL Quarter-Final

Real Madrid’s starting line-up for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal has been revealed hours before kick-off on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta‘s side host the Champions League holders at the Emirates Stadium and will be looking to secure a positive result ahead of the return leg in Spain next Wednesday.

Madrid suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia in La Liga on Saturday and Carlo Ancelotti is said to be making five changes from that side.

According to COPE, the most surprising of Ancelotti’s decisions is to play David Alaba at left-back against Arsenal.

Alaba has started just four games this season after he returned from a cruciate ligament injury in January. The Austria international then missed four games in February due to a thigh problem and has only played as a central defender so far this term.

‘It seems like a dangerous experiment in the Champions League quarterfinals,’ said COPE journalist Roberto Morales.

‘Physically, he’s not the player he used to be, and having Fran Garcia available, who isn’t doing badly, makes the decision difficult to understand.’

Elsewhere, Thibaut Courtois will return in goal after missing Madrid’s last three matches due to injury.

Antonio Rudiger will keep his place in central defence, while Raul Asencio will return to partner the former Chelsea centre-back with Aurulien Tchouameni suspended for the match.

Lucas Vazquez will keep his place on the right side of Madrid’s defence.

COPE report that Ancelotti will deploy a three-man midfield against Arsenal, with Luka Modric dropping to the bench after the defeat to Valencia at the weekend.

Eduardo Camavinga will return to Madrid’s startling-up alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.

In attack, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will start, while Rodrygo will return to the side ahead of Brahim Diaz.

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