Champions League
Barcelona to alter formation for Champions League clash with Napoli
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly under pressure to secure a positive result against Napoli in the Champions League to safeguard his position.
Some reports suggest that a poor performance in the first leg or elimination from the tournament could lead to his dismissal before the end of the season.
In an attempt to improve their form, Barcelona is expected to adopt a tactical change for their upcoming match. Xavi is likely to deploy a midfield quartet, with central defender Andreas Christensen playing in a holding role.
Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan are expected to provide support in midfield, with Pedri playing in a more advanced role on the left.
Despite limited forward options, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski are set to lead the line for Barcelona. In defense, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi is expected to make way for Ronald Araujo, who will partner with Inigo Martinez.
Joao Cancelo is likely to continue at left-back, with Jules Kounde hoping to improve his form at right-back.
On the bench, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, and Vitor Roque are expected to be Xavi’s key options for tactical changes during the game.
Barcelona will aim to strike a balance between caution and attacking ambition, considering their recent defensive struggles, having conceded 22 goals in 12 games in 2024, with only two clean sheets in that period.
BUNDESLIGA
Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid: Vinicius saves Los Blancos, Sane & Kane score [VIDEO]
The UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid lived up to its billing, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the first half, but Leroy Sane and Harry Kane turned the game around with a goal each for Bayern. Vinicius then equalized with a penalty to set up an exciting second leg in Spain.
Vinicius Junior was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring both goals to secure a valuable draw away from home. Despite Bayern’s early pressure, it was Real Madrid who took the lead midway through the first half, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Toni Kroos.
Vinicius’ goal marked his third consecutive season scoring in the Champions League semi-final.
Bayern Munich fought back in the second half, with Sane finding the back of the net to level the score.
The momentum shifted further in Bayern’s favor when Kane converted a penalty, giving them the lead. However, Real Madrid responded quickly, with Vinicius scoring his second of the night from the spot after a foul on Rodrygo.
The result leaves the tie finely poised heading into the second leg, with a place in the final at Wembley on the line.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Highlights
Champions League
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (agg 4-4): Los Blancos through after shootout (Video)
Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Champions League were dashed by Real Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final at Etihad Stadium that ended in a penalty shootout.
Despite going behind early to Rodrygo’s goal, City dominated the game and equalized through Kevin de Bruyne in the 76th minute. Their relentless attack, however, was met with a resilient defense from Real, who managed to hold on until the end of extra time.
The match was ultimately decided by penalties, with Luka Modric missing Real’s first spot-kick. However, City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert, allowing Rudiger to score the winning penalty for Real Madrid.
The defeat ended City’s hopes of securing another treble, as they now shift their focus to the Premier League and FA Cup. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, needing to bounce back quickly from this disappointment.
Real Madrid vs Man City
Champions League
Xavi fires back at Enrique for claiming PSG would’ve won without red card
“Luis Enrique said that even without the red card PSG would have won anyway and he hopes you will be the coach of Barca for many years, what do you say?” Xavi was asked.
The Barca boss replied in a fiery tone, “I say NO to both.”
Xavi’s disagreement with Enrique’s celebration of PSG’s victory may indicate his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs at Barcelona, potentially hinting at a departure this summer.
Enrique’s exuberant reaction to PSG’s win, followed by comments boasting about his team’s superiority, contrasts with Xavi’s perspective and may suggest a difference in their visions for the club.
Despite PSG’s convincing win, it’s important to remember that Barcelona had a strong start in the match, leading by two goals at one point.
However, a pivotal moment came when Ronald Araujo’s decision to foul Bradley Barcola shifted the momentum in PSG’s favor, leading to their eventual victory.
PSG’s upcoming semi-final against Dortmund will be an intriguing matchup. During the group stage, Dortmund was unable to defeat PSG, indicating that the upcoming clash could be another challenging encounter for the German team.
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
Best site to watch football live (Free and premium)
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
Best app to buy sports tickets 2022
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
10 Footballers who went to university during their careers
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
How much is the prize money for NPFL winner?
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
What Is The biggest Stadium In The World?
-
Sportvectru on it2 years ago
With Erik Ten Hag taking over Manchester United are firm favourites for 2022/23 major trophies?
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
Football player who never got yellow card during his whole career
-
Sportvectru on it1 year ago
10 highest-paid players in the Turkish league