News Archive

Champions League, quarter finals, second leg

Real Madrid will be Spain’s only representative in the Champions League, the defending champions going through despite losing 1-3 to Juventus in the second leg. Like Barcelona, they appeared to have everything tied up after winning 0-3 in Italy a week ago, but two first half headers from Mandzukic and a strike by Matuidi on the hour mark levelled the tie. With extra time looming though Madrid were awarded a controversial penalty when Benatia fouled Lucas Vázquez in the area, Buffon getting himself sent off for dissent, and Ronaldo fired the spot kick past Szczesny to take his team through to the last four for the eighth year in a row. Sevilla are out though after a 0-0 draw at Bayern Munich. The Andalusians put up a good fight, Joaquín Correa in particular heading against the woodwork, but the 1-2 result from the first leg took the German side through, and a frustrated Correa got himself sent for a reckless tackle near the end. (11.04.18)

Barcelona are out of the Champions League after a 3-0 defeat at Roma in their second leg tie! A 4-1 scoreline from a week ago seemed certain to ensure Valverde’s team a place in the semi-finals for the first time in three years, but with only two minutes gone Dzeko gave the locals the lead following a De Rossi assist. The Italian side dominated the match after that, Ter Stegen having to make several saves, and a Rossi penalty for a foul by Piqué on Dzeko, and a late header by Manolas from a corner, took them through on the away goal rule. (10.04.18)