talkSPORT

Football news LIVE: Alexander-Arnold agrees to join Real Madrid, Liverpool star 'fortunate' to secure blockbuster move, Spence opens up on Conte

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Football news LIVE: Alexander-Arnold agrees to join Real Madrid, Liverpool star ‘fortunate’ to secure blo... - talkSPORT
Description

Verton-gone

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen is to call time on his football career at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old will end his playing days at Anderlecht after making over 300 appearances for Spurs over the years.

This news follows his ex-teammate in the Premier League, Toby Alderweireld, also announcing that he will retire this summer.

Vertonghen has posted a video on Instagram, saying: "During the past weeks, months, I have been thinking a lot about how I want to continue or end my career.

"This past time has made it clear that it will be my last games not only at Anderlecht but in my career.

"I've realised that it's becoming harder and harder not only in games, but also in training to get ready physically to show what I want, to be the player I want to be. Not only towards the fans, to my team-mates, but mostly to myself as well.

"I've had the chance when I was sitting in the stands to reflect a lot and I'm so proud of what I have achieved with everyone."

"For the next 11 games, these eight to 10 weeks, I'll try to give it my all and hopefully experience some beautiful moments together," Vertonghen added.

"But then the journey ends and that hasn't been an easy decision, but it's a decision I have to take and I feel it's the right time.

"We'll do everything we can to make it a fantastic ending."

'Deluded'

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has hit back at some of the criticism aimed at Trent Alexander-Arnold.

talkSPORT brought you the news earlier today that the England international had agreed a deal with Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield this summer for nothing and head to Spain, where he will pen a five-year deal worth £220,000 per week.

Since the news was revealed, the Scouser has been the subject of intense criticism online from Liverpool supporters.

But Warnock has staunchly defended Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave his boyhood club for Los Blancos, where he will join Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Writing on X, he said: "Can’t believe the negativity directed towards Trent Alexander-Arnold and his potential move away from LFC. I’ve seen comments like “he should be ashamed” and he’s “not loyal to the club” are deluded.

"He’s entitled to make his own choices and challenge himself in a different league and different country.

"He’s won everything with LFC, been an incredible servant to the club and should be given a great send off by the fans."

Rogers X Rooney

Former England manager and Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle has compared Morgan Rogers to Wayne Rooney.

Rogers made his first senior Three Lions start last night and impressed, after being rewarded for his incredible season with a call-up.

The Aston Villa forward has had a breakout year and Hoddle sees a similarity to English football icon Rooney.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I think he's one when you want to find out about somebody on the pitch, all the hype, you've had a look at him in training, can he reproduce it?

"He went out there and his first bit of skill that he made when he went out towards the corner flag and he did what I call a Rivellino.

"It was back in the day, he used to hit the top of the ball and he spun round the guy and I don't think anyone saw actually what he did, but he got on the back of him on the byline and cut it back.

"I think it went for a corner and I thought, my word, if that's your first thing you're gonna do as a as a player coming on...he was wonderful."

Hoddle continued: "I thought he was excellent, he's just got that little bit of guile about him, that little bit of turn of pace.

"And my word for his age, he's got that body strength that possibly like a Rooney when he was really young.

"He won't get knocked off the ball and he's a confident lad and he believes in his own ability.

"I mean, when you think about that type of player coming through who's only gonna get better, he's got talent coming out of his ears."

Spence's struggles

Tottenham defender Djed Spence has opened up on the negative impact Antonio Conte had on his career.

Spence joined Spurs in 2022 when Conte was in charge, but the Italian refused to play him, labelling him as an 'investment of the club'.

He's now in fine form back at the club this season after multiple loan spells, and he's looked back on that tough time.

"It wasn’t a nice feeling," Spence told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. "Especially as I was coming to the club on a high, I was confident, I was buzzing, had just won promotion.

"Then it was like running into a brick wall. It shattered my confidence a bit, obviously I’m young. It’s not nice to hear.

"I knew it was rubbish at the time. It wasn’t a nice feeling. I was even going into the club like ‘What am I doing?’”

He continued: “I feel like whatever I did, that man [Conte] wasn’t happy about anything.

"Even if you did the right things, you were like, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ Cos he’s not really a complimenting guy.

"It gets to a point where you don’t really need validation from a coach. You just go, ‘Oh’.

"I probably had one conversation with him."

Anger or respect?

There will be plenty of Liverpool fans this morning who will be frustrated that Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving.

The defender has been at the club for his whole career and he's Liverpool born-and-bred.

However, some will be content with Alexander-Arnold moving on to join one of the greatest clubs in the world, Real Madrid.

Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan has been speaking about the fan reaction.

He said: "I'm never one that aligns with players, in fact, I'm the polar opposite. So the fact I'm aligning with Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't me being a contrarian.

"Everyone that criticises a choice, they very rarely have that choice themselves.

"In this instance, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made a choice, has he performed admirably for Liverpool during the time he's been there? Has he ever let this club down?

"Is he entitled to live his life? Or does he have to do precisely what a Liverpool fan thinks he should - until Liverpool want him no more and discard him when they're finished with him?

"He's performed admirably for Liverpool and the only challenge is, should he have gone for a fee?

"Well, okay, how much did Liverpool pay for him?"

After Sam Matterface stated that Reds fans could be hurt by the departure, Jordan continued: "Well, they should grow up.

"He gave them significant performances. I don't think he's hoodwinked Liverpool.

"I don't think he's done the Sol Campbell trick of indicating to the club that he's going to sign and then run across town to join the biggest rivals."

'I think he's quite fortunate'

Simon Jordan believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'fortunate' to have got the move to Real Madrid.

However, he doesn't believe that the defender has lacked loyalty to Liverpool where he has spent his entire career.

Speaking on White and Jordan, he said: “There are some people that believe that you should actually tie yourself to one football club for the rest of your natural-born life if you happen to have come through their development and through their youth.

“In an ideal world, in a sentimental world, where those sorts of people live, that's a very interesting dynamic.

“In the real world, what players' responsibility is to be as loyal as their contract dictates and to do their jobs all the way through their contract.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold has done that. Do I think he's as good as people make him out to be? I don't think so. I think he's quite fortunate to be getting a move to Real Madrid.

“I think he's a very good player, but I don't think he features regularly in the England side.

"I don't think he's an international player that the England set-up felt was the most reliable player to have in their set-up at times. And I think he's got a great move to Real Madrid.

“In terms of loyalty, people lose their minds over this nonsense. They lose their minds over what loyalty looks like.

“Your loyalty in football is to do your job under the auspices of your contract, not engineer outcomes that disadvantage your football club and not go on strike when you don't like something. Other than that, that's the length and breadth of it.”

'He's earned the right'

Troy Deeney believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has earned the right to move on from his boyhood club Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup while playing for the Reds.

And now he's going to make the jump to Real Madrid.

Former Watford striker Deeney said on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I feel that he is in a position where he’s done everything at Liverpool. He’s won everything. He’s given them a lot.

“I would have liked for them to get some money for him, personally. For PSR and things like that but it’s been a wonderful exchange.

“It’s somebody who’s come through the youth system. He’s been captain of his boyhood club, he’s won everything with his boyhood club.

“Now, he’s not leaving to go to any other team, he’s going to Real Madrid, the biggest team in world football.

“So, I think it’s perfect for him and fair play to him, he’s earned that right in my opinion.”

Surprising stunner

Reece James has admitted that his muted celebration last night was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal.

The Chelsea star found the back of the net in England's 3-0 win over Latvia with a glorious set-piece late in the first half.

Stepping up from all of 30 yards, James curled his effort around the Latvia goal and into the top corner of the Wembley net.

While his teammates swarmed him to celebrate his effort, James kept a straight face - a reaction that was unusual given the quality of his strike and the fact it was his first goal for his country.

But reflecting on his celebration in his first Three Lions appearance since 2022, James insisted there was nothing to worry about.

Asked about his relaxed celebration on ITV, he smiled: "I was surprised it hit the back of the net.

"I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay, it was probably tough."

He added: "I saw the wall and I thought I could bend it round and thankfully I managed to hit the back of the net."

Winning start

England manager Thomas Tuchel has been left pleased with his winning start in his new role.

Tuchel's Three Lions beat Latvia last night to follow up a win over Albania on Friday evening.

Speaking on his time in the camp after his second win in charge, he said: "[I'm] Very happy because of the players mainly.

"The staff were amazing, the organisation of the camp was absolute top but the players made the difference.

"Of course, like always, they reminded me instantly why I was excited about the job - because of these players, top characters, very good group.

"I think we had some excellent days on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Good energy and a very positive atmosphere from the start.

"Everyone wants to give his best. Everyone is proud to play for England, to be in the starting 11, wants to come on. It was a good atmosphere, good start.

"There is still room to improve but overall we have two wins, two clean sheets. We did not allow any big chances in two matches.

"So there's a lot of positives to take away and still room to improve. It's good stuff."

Ball boy honour

A ball boy who played his part in one of Germany's Nations League semi-final goals against Italy has revealed a fitting tribute from the team's captain.

Fifteen-year-old Noel Urbaniak quickly passed a ball to Joshua Kimmich during a corner and he then set up Jamal Musiala for a tap-in while Gigi Donnarumma was remonstrating with the referee.

The goal proved to be crucial in the 3-3 draw in Dortmund as Germany made it past Italy by just a single goal after a 2-1 first-leg draw.

Speaking to Sky the morning after the event, Urbaniak said: "I had the ball and threw it to Kimmich.

"He later thanked me again for the assist and signed the match ball for me. It's mine now.

"I find it simply unbelievable, it's a truly amazing feeling. If you like, I was the twelfth man for the German national team today. I would have loved to have celebrated with the team."

Musiala said at the time: "That's his assist."

Jordan on Bruce vs Gayle

Simon Jordan has given his thoughts on former employee Steve Bruce going after Dwight Gayle.

Gayle criticised the ex-Newcastle manager's lack of tactics on a podcast interview, and Bruce surprisingly hit back.

Speaking after a win with his League One Blackpool side, Bruce made headlines as he sarcastically called Gayle 'legendary' before mentioning a big miss in the FA Cup against Manchester City.

talkSPORT host Jordan, who hired Bruce at Crystal Palace, wasn't a fan of the response, saying: "I think Steve should've risen above it.

"I think that was a laddy environment with two young lads guffawing at what he [Gayle] said.

"Bruce managed for me a long time ago and the one thing he did was get himself on the training pitch.

"Gayle is an average player who played at Palace and I doubt there is anything seeded in accuracy [in what he said] but it will play to the gallery to the people at Newcastle that didn't appreciate Steve Bruce and his brand of football."

Winger woes

England manager Thomas Tuchel has been backed in his critique of Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford.

Tuchel called out the pair in his first game as Three Lions boss, a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania.

Giving his thoughts on the pair ahead of facing Latvia, he said: "I've spoken to both of them in front of the group, they know that I appreciate the effort, especially off the ball.

"Marcus had a lot of runs where we did not see him and did not use him and from time to time we oversaw him.

"Phil is maybe just not finding the momentum at the moment that he can have but both of them are very positive and have every right to be positive."

talkSPORT host and three-time England international Gabby Agbonlahor commented: "You need your wingers to go both ways.

"Now I want to see more from Jarrod Bowen, I want him to start tonight and go down the line.

"Not inspiring performances from Rashford and Bowen but I'm sure the manager will be speaking to them and wanting more, because they have more than what they showed."

Ten Hag return?

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on the Juventus job, talkSPORT understands.

Ten Hag was sacked by United in October and has been out of work ever since.

Juve axed Thiago Motta on Sunday with the team currently fifth in Serie A. Igor Tudor was appointed on an initial contract until the end of the season.

Juve made the big call to go with Motta last summer in an expensive move after his heroics in taking Bologna to the Champions League.

However, the Brazilian-born former Italy midfielder endured a February from hell, getting knocked out of the Champions League by PSV, and then the Coppa Italia by Emploi in the space of a week.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, continues to be linked to top jobs away from England, including at Borussia Dortmund.

The 55-year-old moved to Old Trafford in 2022 after impressing with Ajax and won an FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Yet United's league form never picked up despite heavy investment, and it's only got worse under his replacement - Ruben Amorim.

SW6 stay for Chelsea?

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has suggested that the club are likely to stay on their current patch and rebuild Stamford Bridge.

The big-spending majority owner of the Blues has had stadium development near the top of his list of priorities since taking over the club in 2022.

Previously linked with a move to Battersea Power Station, Chelsea have remained at the Bridge and there has been little in the way of updates.

However, while speaking to Bloomberg, Bohely discussed the subject.

"Inside of London it's really complex, it's not as if we're building something inside a rural environment," he said.

"We have a lot of constituencies we have to care about and the Chelsea fan base is one.

"But long term I think we're going to build something new and we'll figure it out.

Decision to make

Chelsea will reportedly have to pay Manchester United £5million if they do not permanently sign Jadon Sancho.

Sancho joined the Blues on a season-long loan last summer, with the deal including a £25million obligation if they finish 14th or higher as per reports.

The Athletic have now said Chelsea will have to pay a fee to United should they choose not to make the winger's move permanent.

This is said to have been part of the agreement in the deal, with the relations between the west London side and the player 'strong'.

Sancho got off to a flying start for Chelsea as he assisted three goals in his first three Premier League outings.

However, the 24-year-old has scored just two goals in 28 appearances.

Salah saga

Mohamed Salah wants to stay at Liverpool even though he hasn't yet agreed a new deal.

That's according to Reds legend Michael Owen, who believes that the club should alter their contract policy to keep hold of the Egyptian.

As it stands, Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season once his current deal at Anfield expires on June 30.

He is yet to agree to new terms amid a potential final season at the club in which he has scored a stunning 32 goals in 43 matches.

However, ex-Liverpool striker Owen believes the 32-year-old wants to extend his stay, as long as Liverpool make one key change.

"Mo Salah's an interesting one. I think Mo Salah wants to stay, in fact I'm pretty sure he wants to stay," he told talkSPORT.

"I think Liverpool are going to have to bend the rules slightly, they might say, 'Oh right, only two years for players of this age.'

"But he's no normal player, he's as fit as a flea, he's dedicated, he lives in the gym, he's so profeSsional. You can't tell me that he's not going to be at the same level in three, four years.

"I mean, he's just unbelievable, so I would bend the rules, I would give him the contract, the length of contract.

"I'm also not that type of person, a fan that says, 'Just give him what he wants, he's brilliant, we'll win the league with him.' No, because you can't put your club at risk, but I don't think it's got to that stage.

"To replace him, it's going to cost an awful lot more, you're not going to pay a transfer fee for him.

"So I would do whatever it takes to keep him, and I think he wants to stay, but sources tell me that they're still quite a way apart."

Down

Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a 3-0 home defeat by Greece.

Steve Clarke's side made a decent start but goals from Giannis Konstantelias, Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis had the visitors 3-1 up on aggregate with just 15 seconds of the second half played.

The Hampden crowd expressed their dissent on several occasions as Scotland never really looked like getting back into the game.

They now drop down to the second tier of the competition ahead of the next set of group games in the autumn of 2026.

Scotland had Ryan Christie back in the team after suspension with Lewis Ferguson the only player to drop out following the 1-0 first-leg win.

Source

'Imagine' - I could have played in all-star Juventus lineup but made Tottenham transfer decision instead

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
‘Imagine’ – I could have played in all-star Juventus lineup but made Tottenham transfer decision inste... - talkSPORT
Description

Jermain Defoe revealed he was close to joining the legendary 2000s Juventus side before his return to Tottenham Hotspur.

Defoe spent the majority of his career terrorising Premier League defences up and down the country, scoring 162 top flight goals in a stellar career.

Things could have turned out differently for the 57-cap England international.

Prior to his January 2009 move from Portsmouth back to north London, an agent told Defoe that Juventus were interested in acquiring his signature.

He left Tottenham in January 2008 after nearly four years at the club to join Pompey.

In his 12 months stay he netted 18 goals and assisted five times in 36 matches.

A good stretch of form that attracted the eyes of Juve scouts and head coach Claudio Ranieri, who later went on to win the 2015-16 Premier League at Leicester City.

“I got a phone call before I went back to Tottenham in I think 2008,” Defoe said in an interview with WhoScored. “I remember my agent phoned me and said to me Juventus are interested.

“If Tottenham doesn't get over the line would you want to come to Juventus?”

The star-studded Juventus 2008 side also included Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved, Claudio Marchisio and Alessandro Del Piero.

It was particularly Del Piero that Defoe marvelled about being his potential strike partner.

“Imagine,” he added. “You talk about forwards you’d love to play with, but actually, he played in Soccer Aid last year, and it was just like—wow. As a young centre-forward, growing up watching players like that, an iconic figure.”

Despite such a star studded team the Old Lady could only manage a second place finish behind Inter Milan in 2008/09.

Prior to that season the club had won successive Serie A titles in 2001/02 and 2002/03.

Defoe remained at Tottenham Hotspur for five more years until his move to the MLS to play for Toronto in February 2014.

He did return to the UK in the following winter transfer window to play for Sunderland, AFC Bournemouth and Rangers.

During the 2000s Italian league developed into arguably the most competitive European league as the years went on, proven by the legendary Inter Milan and AC Milan stars.

Inter was home to players such as Javier Zanetti, Ronaldo and Samuel Eto’o.

They won five consecutive league titles between the 2005/06 and 2009/10 campaigns.

Milan had David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf and Paolo Maldini, eventually winning the title in 2010/11.

However it was Juventus who had the last laugh as they claimed nine league titles in a row from the 2011/12 and 2019/20 seasons.

Source

Andrea Pirlo's exquisite free-kick for AC Milan in Tottenham Legends match has fans purring

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Andrea Pirlo’s exquisite free-kick for AC Milan in Tottenham Legends match has fans purring... - talkSPORT
Description

It's almost been eight years since Andrea Pirlo retired from football, but he hasn't lost his world-class free-kick abilities.

Pirlo is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time thanks to a glittering career for both club and country.

He most notably starred for AC Milan and had a beautiful finish to his career at Juventus. Pirlo made 116 appearances for Italy and won the World Cup with them in 2006.

Pirlo's passing and creativity ensured he stood out on the pitch, with his free-kick technique also a sight to behold on many occasions.

And despite being 45 years old, he's still able find the back of the net from distance as shown in a charity match for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation on Sunday.

The Italian was selected in a Milan Glorie side facing Tottenham Legends, who won 6-2 in north London.

With around seven minutes left on the clock, Pirlo stood over a free-kick roughly 25 yards out from goal and let fly with a powerful effort.

It flew into the top-right corner in a stunning tribute to his playing days, and fans were in awe of what they saw.

Posting on X, one said: "Class is permanent."

"It was so effortless," another added.

Even the Spurs account appreciated his genius when they said: "It would be rude not to post this from from Pirlo. Legend."

"It would be equally rude not to reply by saying timeless masterclass'," Milan responded.

Robbie Keane scored a hat-trick for Spurs in their charity match win, with Jermain Defoe, Sandro and Michael Brown also netting.

Cristian Zaccardo found a consolation goal for Milan, but Pirlo's strike was arguably the best of the lot.

Pirlo played for Italian sides Brescia and Inter Milan before signing for the latter's rivals in 2001, where he made 401 appearances.

He won two Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues with Milan ahead of a switch to rivals Juventus in 2011.

A further four league titles came his way in Turin before he ended his career in MLS with New York City FC, retiring in 2017.

Pirlo has since got into management, with touchline spells coming at Juventus, Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk S.K. and Sampdoria.

Source

Sol Campbell reveals the five clubs that tried to sign him from Tottenham before Arsenal

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Sol Campbell reveals the five clubs that tried to sign him from Tottenham before Arsenal... - talkSPORT
Description

One of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history, Sol Campbell actually could’ve gone anywhere.

The 73-time England international shocked the footballing world in 2001 when he swapped Tottenham for their fiercest rivals Arsenal.

The move came out of nowhere with journalists not even seeing it coming, and Spurs didn’t get a fee as the centre-back’s contract had expired.

Judas shirts were displayed at White Hart Lane in response and Spurs fans even got in trouble for death threats and disgraceful chants.

He couldn’t have picked a worst move in regards to Spurs, but as it turns out, Arsenal weren’t the only ones interested.

While speaking to Stick to Football, he was asked by Gary Neville about Manchester United trying to sign him and replied: “You bloody called me!

“I remember, I was having an afternoon nap, and the phone call came through and Gary asked me if I fancied United, I must have been about 21 then.”

Campbell explained that the move could’ve been reality too, adding: "It did go further, but he blocked it, [Alan] Sugar blocked it.

“He must’ve, it didn’t go further [after that]. I think a lot of players have had difficult times with him.”

The now 50-year-old went on to discuss other interest from a number of European giants.

“Bayern [Munich] came in earlier, but you don’t know – is it a newspaper phoning you up? Back in those days, you didn’t know," he said..

"Liverpool came down, but the manager didn’t come for the meeting. I went to Inter, had a chat with them.

“Barcelona came in at the end, but you just don’t know, it’s all propaganda. Arsenal obviously came in at the end.”

Having won a League Cup at Tottenham, Campbell would go on to claim two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at Arsenal before adding another cup with Portsmouth.

The results showed that the move was a wise one, although Campbell also admitted he didn’t have any affection for Spurs, or any other side for that matter.

When asked which team he supported as a child, he replied: “England!

“My local team was West Ham, but I never really connected with them.”

Source

How many ex-Tottenham stars have won a trophy since leaving? From Kieran Trippier to Luka Modric but no Harry Kane

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham have one last opportunity to lift their first trophy in 16 years this season as a host of ex-stars continue to claim silverware.

Spurs can only win the Europa League this campaign to deliver on Ange Postecoglou's bold pre-season vow that he always wins silverware during his second season at a club.

The Lilywhites' 2-0 defeat to Fulham on Sunday left them languishing in lowly fourteenth with European football as their remaining hope.

Tottenham crashed out of the Carabao Cup to Liverpool in the semi-finals, before Aston Villa ended their FA Cup dreams days later.

To add insult to injury, their EFL Cup conquerors failed to win the trophy at Wembley as another Premier League side ended their own lengthy wait for glory.

Newcastle, inspired by ex-Tottenham star Kieran Trippier, delivered Eddie Howe's side their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

Ironically, the only ex-Spurs star the fanbase would want to win trophies above the rest hasn't in the form of Trippier's England teammate Harry Kane.

Kane was in the Spurs youth ranks when the club last lifted a trophy - the 2008 League Cup - but has never won a major honour himself.

He is already Tottenham and England’s record goalscorer but the debate over his lack of medals blots his otherwise superb record.

After joining Bayern Munich, the striker missed out on a trophy in his debut season after the Bavarians endured their first trophyless season since the 2011–12 campaign.

He then lost his second successive European Championship final in the summer but has cause for optimism in the Bundesliga this time.

Here, talkSPORT.com looks at the 65 former Spurs players and managers who have lifted a team trophy since the club's last success.

Managers (Nine trophies)

Jose Mourinho - Roma

Titles won: Europa Conference League (2021/22)

Nuno Espirito Santo - Al-Ittihad

Titles won: Saudi Pro League (22/23)

Saudi Super Cup (2022)

Mauricio Pochettino - Paris Saint-Germain

Titles won: Ligue 1 (21/22)

Coupe de France (20/21)

Trophée des Champions (2020)

Andre Villas-Boas - Zenit Saint-Petersburg

Titles won: Russian Premier League (14/15)

Russian Cup (15/16)

Russian Super Cup (2015)

Players (202 trophies)

Gareth Bale - Real Madrid/ LAFC

Trophies won: La Liga (16/17, 19/20, 21/22)

Copa del Rey (13/14)

Supercopa de España (2017, 19/20, 21/22)

Champions League (13/14, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 21/22)

UEFA Super Cup (2014, 2016, 2017)

FIFA Club World Cup (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)

MLS Cup (2022)

MLS Supporters' Shield (2022)

Luka Modric - Real Madrid

Trophies won: La Liga (16/17, 19/20, 21/22, 23/24)

Copa del Rey (13/14, 22/23)

Supercopa de España (2012, 2017, 19/20, 21/22, 23/24)

Champions League (13/14, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 21/22, 23/24)

UEFA Super Cup (2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024)

FIFA Club World Cup (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)

FIFA Intercontinental Cup: 2024

Kyle Walker - Manchester City

Trophies won: Premier League (17/18, 18/19, 20/21, 21/22, 22/23, 23/24)

Champions League (22/23)

UEFA Super Cup (2023)

FA Cup (18/19, 22/23)

EFL Cup (17/18, 18/19, 19/20, 20/21)

FA Community Shield (2018, 2019, 2024)

Kieran Trippier - Atletico Madrid/ Newcastle

Titles won: LaLiga (20/21)

EFL Cup (24/25)

Emerson Royal - AC Milan

Titles won: Supercoppa Italiana (2024)

Lucas Moura - Sao Paulo

Titles won: Copa do Brasil (2023)

Supercopa do Brasil: 2024

Dimitar Berbatov - Manchester United

Titles won: Premier League (08/09, 10/11)

League Cup (09/10)

Community Shield (2010, 2011)

FIFA Club World Cup (2008)

Toby Alderweireld - Al-Duhail/ Royal Antwerp

Titles won: Qatar Cup (2022)

Belgium Pro League (22/23)

Belgium Cup (22/23)

Christian Eriksen - Inter/ Manchester United

Titles won: Serie A (20/21)

EFL Cup (22/23)

FA Cup (23/24)

DeAndre Yedlin - Newcastle/ United States/ Inter Miami

Titles won: EFL Championship (16/17)

CONCACAF Nations League: (19/20)

Leagues Cup: 2023

Erik Lamela - Sevilla

Titles won: Europa League (22/23)

Bryan Gil - Sevilla (Loan)

Titles won: Europa League (22/23)

Tanguy Ndombele - Napoli/Galatasaray

Titles won: Serie A (22/23)

Süper Lig (23/24)

Turkish Super Cup: 2023

Davinson Sanchez - Galatasaray

Titles won: Süper Lig (23/24)

Turkish Super Cup: 2023

Giovani Lo Celso - Argentina

Titles won: Finalissima (2022)

Juan Foyth - Villarreal/ Argentina

Titles won: Europa League (20/21)

World Cup (2022)

Etienne Capoue - Villarreal

Titles won: Europa League (20/21)

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic

Titles won: Scottish Premiership (21/22, 22/23, 23/24)

Scottish League Cup (21/22, 22/23, 24/25)

Scottish Cup (22/23, 23/24)

Joe Hart - Celtic

Titles won: Scottish Premiership (21/22, 22/23, 23/24)

Scottish League Cup (21/22, 22/23)

Scottish Cup (22/23, 23/24)

Victor Wanyama - CF Montreal

Titles won: Canadian Championship (2021)

Jan Vertonghen - Benfica

Titles won: Primeira Liga (22/23)

Carlos Vinicius - PSV Eindhoven (Loan from Benfica)/ Galatasaray (Loan from Fulham)

Titles won: KNVB Cup (21/22)

Turkish Super Cup: 2023

Süper Lig (23/24)

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou - Besiktas

Titles won: Super Lig (20/21)

Turkish Cup (20/21)

Turkish Super Cup (2021)

Pierluigi Gollini - Napoli (Loan from Atalanta)

Titles won: Serie A (22/23)

Vincent Janssen - Monterrey/ Royal Antwerp

Titles won: Liga MX (19/20)

Copa MX (19/20)

CONCACAF Champions League (2021)

Belgium Pro League (22/23)

Belgium Cup (22/23)

Benjamin Stambouli - Paris Saint-Germain

Titles won: Ligue 1 (15/16)

Coupe de France (15/16)

Coupe de la Ligue (15/16)

Trophée des Champions (2015, 2016)

Paulinho - Guangzhou Evergrande/ Barcelona

Chinese Super League (2015, 2016, 2019)

Chinese FA Cup (2016)

Chinese FA Super Cup (2016, 2017)

AFC Champions League (2015)

LaLiga (17/18)

Copa del Rey (17/18)

Fernando Llorente - Napoli

Titles won: Coppa Italia (19/20)

Rafael van der Vaart - FC Midtjylland

Titles won: Danish Superliga (17/18)

Jermain Defoe - Rangers

Titles won: Scottish Premiership (20/21)

Adel Taarabt - QPR/Benfica

Titles won: EFL Championship (10/11)

Primeira Liga (18/19)

Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (2019)

Kevin-Prince Boateng - AC Milan/ Eintracht Frankfurt/Barcelona

Titles won: Serie A (10/11)

Supercoppa Italiana (2011)

DFB-Pokal (17/18)

La Liga (18/19)

Robbie Keane - LA Galaxy

MLS Cup (2011, 2012, 2014)

Supporters' Shield (2011)

Clint Dempsey - Seattle Sounders

Titles won: Supporters' Shield (2014)

US Open Cup (2014)

Giovani dos Santos - America/ Mexico

Titles won: Campeón de Campeones (2019)

CONCACAF Gold Cup (2011, 2015)

Lee Young-pyo - Al-Hilal

Titles won: Saudi Professional League (09/10, 10/11)

Saudi Crown Prince Cup (09/10, 10/11)

Teemu Tainio - Ajax/ HJK

Titles won: Eredivisie (10/11)

Veikkausliiga (2013, 2014)

Finnish Cup (2014)

Didier Zokora - Sevilla

Titles won: Copa del Rey (09/10)

Vedran Corluka - Lokomotiv Moscow

Titles won: Russian Premier League (17/18)

Russian Cup (14/15, 16/17, 18/19, 20/21)

Russian Super Cup (2019)

Roman Pavlyuchenko - Lokomotiv Moscow

Titles won: Russian Cup (14/15)

Harry Winks - Leicester City

Titles won: EFL Championship (23/24)

Paulo Gazzaniga - Fulham

Titles won: EFL Championship (21/22)

Jack Clarke - Sunderland

Titles won: League One Play-offs (21/22)

Josh Onomah - Fulham

Titles won: Championship Play-offs (19/20)

EFL Championship (21/22)

Jamie O'Hara - Billericay Town

Titles won: Isthmian League Premier Division (17/18)

Isthmian League Cup (16/17, 17/18)

Essex Senior Cup (17/18)

Hossam Ghaly - Al Ahly

Titles won: Egyptian Premier League (10/11, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18)

Egypt Cup (16/17)

Egyptian Super Cup (10/11, 14/15, 15/16)

Jake Livermore - Hull City

Titles won: Championship Play-offs (15/16)

Michael Dawson - Hull City

Titles won: Championship Play-offs (15/16)

Tom Huddlestone - Hull City

Titles won: Championship Play-offs (15/16)

Niko Kranjcar - QPR

Titles won: Championship Play-offs (13/14)

Radek Cerny - QPR

Titles won: EFL Championship (10/11)

Sebastien Bassong - Norwich City

Titles won: Championship Play-offs (14/15)

Adam Smith - Bournemouth

Titles won: EFL Championship (14/15)

Fraizer Campbell - Cardiff City (Loan from Manchester United)

Titles won: EFL Championship (12/13)

Zeki Fryers - Swindon Town

Titles won: League Two (19/20)

John Bostock - Notts County

Titles won: National League Play-offs (22/23)

Tomislav Gomelt - CFR Cluj/ FK Suduva/ NK Rudes

Titles won: Romanian Cup (15/16)

Lithuanian Supercup: 2022

First NL: 2022–23

Simon Dawkins - San Jose Earthquakes

Titles won: Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield (2012)

Major League Soccer Western Conference Regular Season Championship (2012)

Paul-Jose Mpoku - Standard Liege

Titles won: Belgian Cup (2017/18)

Tomas Pekhart - AEK Athens/ Hapoel Be'er-Sheva/ Legia Warsaw

Titles won: Greek Cup (2015/16)

Israeli Premier League (17/18)

Ekstraklasa (19/20, 20/21)

Polish Cup: (22/23)

Polish Super Cup: 2023

Bongani Khumalo - SuperSport United

Titles won: South African League (x4)

South African Cup

Source

‘Behave yourself’ – Ange Postecoglou in ANOTHER fan confrontation moments after Tottenham defeat

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

A fan's three-word verbal jab sparked a heated confrontation with Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou's side failed to lay a glove on Fulham as the Cottagers ran out 2-0 winners on Sunday.

Rodrigo Muniz broke the deadlock in the 78th minute before former Tottenham defender Ryan Sessegnon added the second ten minutes later.

It was Tottenham's 15th league defeat this season, their equal-most since the 2008/09 campaign.

One fan at Craven Cottage took the opportunity to stick the boot into Postecoglou following the contest.

Instead of letting the fan's swipe wash over him, Postecoglou hit back.

As Postecoglou made his way to the dressing room, the fan said: "What was that? What was that? What was that?"

The Tottenham boss stopped dead in his tracks and stared down the fan, as Djed Spence and Mathys Tel tried to lead him away.

Postecoglou told the fan to 'behave' and made a calming gesture with his hand.

The Australian added: "You're a young man."

Tel also tried to intervene and said: "Hey, respect. Respect."

The fan continued to take aim at Postecoglou, which prompted the Aussie to reply: "Behave yourself."

Postecoglou then moved away as a Tottenham staff member questioned why the fan wanted to poke fun at the evidently frustrated manager.

The former Celtic manager's reaction was not the only clash involving a fan and a Tottenham figure on Sunday.

Tel, who only joined Spurs on loan in January, was captured talking to some of the away fans following the defeat.

Several supporters could be heard shouting, 'It's not good enough'.

But Tel tried to keep the fans onside and responded: "We need to be together."

As for Postecoglou, the incident at Craven Cottage was not the first time he had clashed with a fan.

Following a brutal 1-0 loss to Leicester City in January, which remains the Foxes' only win from their last 14 games, a Tottenham fan told Postecoglou: "You're taking us down, we're going down with you."

Postecoglou appeared to hear the fan's dig as he backtracked up the tunnel and looked to make eye contact with the fan before disappearing down the tunnel again.

The former Socceroos boss also copped an earful from Tottenham supporters following a 1-0 loss away to Bournemouth, where some labelled him 'Postenoclue'.

"They're disappointed and I got some pretty direct feedback, which is always healthy mate," Postecoglou said after the match.

Postecoglou will look to get Tottenham supporters back onside when Premier League resumes following the international break as they travel to Chelsea on April 3.

Source

'Need to be together' - Footage shows Mathys Tel talking to angry Tottenham fans in tense exchange

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Mathys Tel urged Tottenham fans to remain behind the team in a heated conversation with angry fans after yet another defeat.

Spurs were beaten 2-0 by Fulham on Sunday afternoon, their 15th league defeat of the season.

Goals from Rodrigo Muniz and former Spurs man Ryan Sessegnon secured all three points for the hosts at Craven Cottage.

The win sees Fulham climb to eighth in the table with nine matches remaining as they chase European qualification.

But for Spurs, the loss extends Ange Postecoglou's winless run in the competition to three matches.

And their slim hopes of a top half finish continue to fade as they remain 13th after 29 matches.

The visiting supporters made their feelings known at full-time as the players applauded the away end.

Forward Tel was even filmed speaking to some of the fans during a heated exchange.

Shouts of 'it's not good enough' could be heard from several supporters in footage shared to social media.

Meanwhile, Tel is seen responding by telling them: '"We need to be together".

The Frenchman started against Fulham, playing 77 minutes before being replaced by Wilson Odobert.

Tel has featured eight times since signing from Bayern Munich on loan on transfer deadline day.

However, he has scored just once in those matches, with his only strike coming in the FA Cup against Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou appeared to share the fans' frustrations after the match.

The Spurs boss told the BBC: "It's been a difficult campaign for sure.

"But I feel we've lost too many games that we should have got stuff out of, and this was one of those games.

"It's another international break we go into off a loss and you feel that. We just need to make sure we're ready for when we come back."

His side visit London rivals Chelsea on April 3 following the international break.

Tottenham's final chance of a trophy this season will also resume next month.

Source

WWE star takes potshot at Tottenham Hotspur as special belts of football clubs are released

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur’s ongoing trophy drought was brutally highlighted by WWE superstar Drew McIntyre.

The north London club have regularly been the butt of jokes surrounding their failure to land a major trophy for the first time since 2008.

Ange Postecoglou’s men have one final shot at finally silencing their detractors after booking their place in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night following a second leg win over AZ Alkmaar.

But for now, they remain an easy target for rival fans as their wait for silverware rumbles on.

Bizarrely, their most recent criticism has come from three-time WWE world champion McIntyre, who himself is an avid football fan.

The Scot has often displayed his affection for boyhood club Rangers and it appears the England vs Scotland rivalry is alive and well.

On Friday, WWE announced that it had released exclusive legacy title belts - priced at £425 - featuring the branding and colours of 13 European football clubs.

The featured teams included Manchester United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea, West Ham and Old Firm duo Rangers and Celtic.

Also included were European giants AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

But it was the inclusion of Tottenham that handed McIntyre too good of an opportunity to miss.

The 39-year-old knows all too well the importance of being an opportunist after claiming the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2024.

McIntyre brutally shared WWE’s post on X with the caption: “That’s the only title Tottenham have seen in years.”

Whilst not technically wrong, the wrestler sparked a huge debate in his comments section with fans either praising him or hitting the star back with some banter of their own.

Ironically, Tottenham could face Rangers in the Europa League final in May to break their trophy hoodoo.

The club’s have already met in this season’s league phase which saw Dejan Kulusevski score late on to earn the Premier League side a 1–1 draw at Ibrox.

With both clubs on opposite ends of the draw, a second meeting can only happen if both sides make it to the final in Bilbao.

Rangers saw off Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in a tense penalty shootout on Thursday and will face Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals.

Last year, McIntyre was given the prestigious honour of being inducted into the Scottish Wrestling of Hall of Fame by Glasgow’s Lord Provost, becoming the first active wrestler to do so.

He was handed the honour prior to WWE’s Clash of the Castle premium live event which took place at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro in June.

“It’s pretty surreal to be the only active wrestler to be inducted into the Scottish Wrestling Hall of Fame,” McIntyre said.

“But it’s even more surreal that it happened in Ibrox and, even more so, on the weekend where I’m wrestling Scotland’s first ever PLE for the World Championship. It’s all my passions as a kid coming together as one.”

Source

‘It is a dream’ – Mauricio Pochettino leaves door open for Tottenham return and abstains from Man United question

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Mauricio Pochettino has told talkSPORT he dreams of returning to Tottenham one day.

The Argentine manager also jokingly abstained from questions over his past links with the Manchester United job.

Pochettino was announced as the head coach of the United States men's national team in September after a one-year spell at Chelsea.

His Stamford Bridge tenure followed a five-and-a-half season stint at Spurs, during which he competed for two Premier League titles.

Fans chanted his name towards the end of Antonio Conte's dramatic reign in 2023, and it is clear the club is still close to Pochettino's heart.

Reflecting on his surprise Spurs exit in 2019 on talkSPORT Drive, he said: "To be honest, the day that I left the club always I was thinking one day to come back.

"It's not that I was thinking before the offer from the USA national team, I was thinking to come back.

"The day that I left I was thinking I would love to one day come back to Tottenham because like I told in the past, I said for me, I felt empty in the moment that I left.

"It was like an unfinished job and that is why. It's a feeling, it's a feeling, it's a dream.

"I don't know how you can take or I can explain or describe but I think for sure it's a club that is always going to be special for me.

"And I would like to one day to have the possibility again to try to arrive in a situation that we are back to finish in a different way."

Pochettino is no stranger to the Premier League given his experience with Southampton, Spurs and Chelsea.

He is considered one of the top coaches around, and Man United were famously linked with his services on more than one occasion.

The 53-year-old was a target before Erik ten Hag took charge in 2022, with talkSPORT also reporting his interest in the job following his Chelsea exit last summer.

talkSPORT Drive presenter and avid United fan Andy Goldstein was keen to know more on the rumours, but was left disappointed.

He asked: "One final question, and if you answer it I will send you a bowl of lemons… I’m a Manchester United fan, how close were you to managing my club?"

Pochettino responded: "Okay. Thank you very much! I will send my address."

Goldstein replied: "Do you not want the lemons?

"How close? Was there a conversation? That's my last question. Was there a conversation at one stage?"

Pretending to not understand the question, Pochettino responded: "Sorry, sorry, sorry. If I, sorry?"

Goldstein continued: "I was just asking, was there a conversation with United at any stage for you to take over there?"

But Pochettino didn't back down from his jokey response and said: "I don't… I cannot hear!"

Pochettino has already taken charge of the USMNT on six occasions, with wins coming in five of those matches.

He looks set to manage the United States when they host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

However, his attention will currently be focused on the upcoming international break when they face Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals on March 20.

Source

Europa League LIVE: Postecoglou under huge pressure as Tottenham look to flip Alkmaar tie, Man United welcome Sociedad, Mourinho and co at Ibrox

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

The Europa League and Europa Conference League round of 16 ties will come to an end this evening.

In north London, Tottenham Hotspur face the most important game of the season as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against AZ Alkmaar.

Manchester United's tie with Real Sociedad is locked at 1-1 as the two teams head to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Rangers can seal a famous aggregate win over Fenerbahce after beating the Turkish giants 3-1 in the first leg.

And in the Europa Conference League, Chelsea have a narrow advantage over Copenhagen.

Europa League and Europa Conference League rounbd of 16 ties

Europa League

Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Roma (3-2)

Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 Ajax (6-2)

Lazio 1-1 Viktoria Plzen (3-2)

Olympiacos 2-1 Bodoe/Glimt (2-4)

Europa Conference League

Cercle Brugge 2-0 Jagiellonia Bialystok (2-3)

Djugaarden 1-0 Pafos FC (1-1)

Lugano 3-1 NK Celje (3-2)

Rapid Wien 0-1 Borac Banja Luka (1-2)

You can recap of all the action in our live blog below...

Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Team news

Right, we have the starting XIs for Tottenham's must-win Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar.

The big news is that Micky van de Ven is fit enough to start alongside Cristian Romero at the heart of the Spurs defence.

The duo haven't played together since they started against Chelsea in December.

Archie Gray and Mathys Tel have been dropped to the bench while Wilson Odobert starts over Brennan Johnson.

Dominic Solanke leads the line.

Meanwhile, former Spurs striker Troy Parrott is up front for the Dutch side.

Can he come back to haunt Tottenham?

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence, Bergvall, Maddison, Sarr, Odobert, Son, Solanke

Subs: Austin, Bissouma, Tel, Udogie, Gray, Johnson, Davies, Whiteman, Scarlett, Moore

AZ: Owusu-Oduro, Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe, Clasie, Buurmeester, Koopmeiners, Sadiq, Poku, Parrott

Subs: Martins Indi, Verhulst, Belic, Dekker, Smit, De Wit, Meerdink, Zoet, Bouziane, Dijkstra, Van Dujin

War of words

Ahead of Fenerbahce's game against Rangers this evening, Allan Saint-Maximin has been axed from the squad.

The former Newcastle United winger has been dropped by Jose Mourinho, and a fierce war of words has started.

The Frenchman hit on Instagram with a message that read: "It will take more than this to defeat me.

"When a lie takes the elevator, the truth takes the stairs. It takes longer, but it always arrives in the end. If God is with us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31."

To which Mourinho said: “I didn't know Maxi had a talent for poetry. He used a poem about life and stairs. I'm good at that too.

“I can only say that when a footballer trains well, he will become fit, can climb stairs, and does not need an elevator, but if he doesn't train well if he comes in late and is overweight, he needs an elevator to go up because he gets tired very quickly on the stairs.”

'I was stating a fact'

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has defended his infamous trophy comments from earlier in the season.

The Australian essentially promised Spurs fans that they would win something this year because he always does in his second season.

As Tottenham prepare to face AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie against the Dutch side.

They are in the bottom half of the Premier League, and out of both domestic cups.

And with the Europa League Tottenham's last chance of silveware, Postecoglou has responded to his initial comments.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: "I wasn’t making anything up. I was asked the question, and I answered it.

"Critics have used it for their own purposes, suggesting I’m making a bold claim, but I was stating a fact.

"Usually in my second season, I win things.

"That's the whole idea. The first year is about establishing principles and creating a foundation. Hopefully, the second year is going to win things."

Huge night

Attention now turns to the Europa League, as Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Rangers all look to make it through.

Meanwhile, in the Europa Conference League, we have Chelsea in action as well.

The biggest game is arguably in north London with Spurs taking on AZ Alkmaar.

They trail 1-0 from the first leg, and if they lose, their season is pretty much over, meaning the pressure on Ange Postecoglou is intense.

At Old Trafford, Man United are locked at 1-1 with Real Sociedad, so that tie can go either way.

However, Rangers are in a much better position, starting their game against Fenerbahce 3-1 up on aggregate.

And in the Conference League, Chelsea have a narrow 2-1 lead over Copenhagen.

Europa League

Europa Conference League

Cruel twist

REAL MADRID HAVE BEATEN ATLETICO MADRID ON PENALTIES!!

But wow, what way to decide such a highly-charged tie, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez's spot-kick registered as a miss despite striking the ball into the net.

But when kicking the ball, the former Manchester City star slipped and inadvertently kicked it twice before he beat Thibaut Courtois.

Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved a penalty to deny Lucas Vazquez but Marcos Llorente striking the crossbar allowed Antonio Rudiger to squeeze in the winning penalty.

Real Madrid's reward for their win is a quarter-final date with Arsenal.

The match was taken to extra time with Diego Simeone's men winning 1-0 on the night through Conor Gallagher's goal after just 27 seconds.

Vinicius Junior skied a penalty in the second half after Kylian Mbappe was fouled, but in the end it was Atleti who paid the penalty.

Job done

Arsenal and Aston Villa have sealed their places in the Champions League quarter-finals with both sides enjoying stress free evenings.

A much-changed Gunners side played out a 2-2 draw at home to PSV Eindhoven, going through 9-3 on aggregate.

An Oleksandr Zinchenko piledriver put Arsenal ahead on six minutes but they were pegged back by Ivan Perisic's tidy finish.

Declan Rice nodded Mikel Arteta's men back in front just before the break before Couhaib Driouech ensured the spoils were shared on the night.

Arsenal will face the winners of the Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid tie, which is going to extra time with the tie 2-2 at aggregate with Conor Gallagher's strike after 27 seconds giving Diego Simeone's men a 1-0 win after the 90.

Villa, meanwhile, breezed to a 3-0 win over Club Brugge, going through 6-1 on aggregate.

A brace from Marco Asencio and Ian Maatsen's deflected effort in the second half saw Villa through to the quarters.

They will face Paris Saint-Germain, who got the better of Liverpool on penalties last night.

GOAL - Aston Villa 3-0 Club Brugge (6-1 agg)

IT'S PARTY FOOTBALL FROM VILLA!

Marco Asensio is loving life at Villa Park, the Spaniard bagging his second of the night to put Aston Villa well on the way to the quarter-finals.

The strike, a low effort with his weaker right foot from close range, is his seventh goal in eight appearances for the club.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have been pegged back to a 2-2 draw at home to PSV Eindhoven, meaning Arsenal are 9-3 up on aggregate.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have missed a glorious chance to go ahead against Atletico Madrid on aggregate with Vinicius Junior skying a penalty at the Wanda Metropolitano.

GOAL - Aston Villa 2-0 Club Brugge (5-1 agg)

ASTON VILLA HAVE ONE FOOT IN THE QUARTER-FINALS!!

That should be that with Marco Asensio and Ian Maatsen scoring against ten-man Club Brugge.

Asensio fired into the roof of the net after being picked out with an intricate through ball by Leon Bailey.

And their second of the night came just moments ago when Maatsen fired in from close range after fancy footwork by Morgan Rogers.

Villa fans, looks like you can start booking your tickets for Paris.

Half time

It's half time in all of tonight's Champions League matches, and it's looking good for the Premier League teams.

Arsenal are 2-1 up against PSV Eindhoven, 9-2 on aggregate, thanks to goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice.

It's 0-0 at Villa Park with Aston Villa on track to book their place in the quarter-finals, having beaten Club Brugge 3-1 in the first leg in Belgium last weekend.

The flashpoint of the relatively uneventful match saw Brugge defender Kyriani Sabbe get sent off for bringing down Marcus Rashford with the Villa loanee through on goal.

Things are hotting up in Madrid with the Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid tie locked at 2-2 on aggregate with Conor Gallagher's strike just 27 seconds into the Wanda Metropolitano putting the home side ahead on the night.

GOAL - Arsenal 2-1 PSV Eindhoven (9-2 agg)

DECLAN RICE IS ON THE GOAL TRAIL

After his fine effort during their draw to Manchester United, Rice has got himself another goal.

This time it was a header as the midfielder nodded home a searching cross from the right by Raheem Sterling to give Arsenal the lead on the night.

The goal was a record-breaking moment for assist provider Sterling, who becomes the first English player to be involved in at least one goal for four different clubs in the Champions League.

Sterling had previously managed to contribute in the Champions League for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Arsenal are chasing a record of their own with one more goal seeing them equal the highest winning margin in a Champions League tie.

They'd equal City, who beat Schalke in the last 16 of the 2018/19 season, 10-2 on aggregate.

GOAL - Arsenal 1-1 PSV Eindhoven (8-2 agg)

Arsenal have been pegged back, not that it'll have much effect on deciding the victor of the last 16 tie.

Although a bug bear for Gunners fans will be the fact that PSV's equaliser has comes from a player who used to play for Tottenham.

A tidy finish by Ivan Perisic, who was a Spurs player between 2022-24, has seen the Dutch side go level on the night following a rocket of an opener by Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Just the six goals without reply for PSV to get now!

Should Arsenal get the job done as expected, they'll face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.

GOAL - Arsenal 1-0 PSV Eindhoven (8-1 agg)

WHAT A HIT, SON!

Just in case there was any doubt over whether Arsenal would book their place in the quarter-finals, they now have a seven-goal advantage in their tie.

An unlikely source for the opener at the Emirates Stadium with Oleksandr Zinchenko scoring a superb goal from distance.

The left-back is playing in midfield tonight with Mikel Arteta making seven changes to the XI that started during Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Manchester United last weekend.

GOAL - Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (2-2 agg)

THE STANDOUT TIE OF THE LAST 16 IS ALL SQUARE!

Atletico Madrid have taken the lead inside the first minute of the second leg clash against Real Madrid, to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.

The goalscorer is an unlikely one indeed with Conor Gallagher scrambling the ball home.

Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher put the ball in from close range as he reacted first to a deflected low cross from the right by Antoine Griezmann.

This is just Gallagher's third goal for Atletico Madrid, and no doubt his most important one to date.

It's an historic strike for Gallagher too. Having scored after just 27 seconds this is the fastest goal scored by an Englishman in Champions League history.

Full time - Lille 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (2-3 agg)

Borussia Dortmund will meet Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals as they claimed a turnaround win over Lille.

After the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Germany last week, it was advantage Lille at half time as they led 1-0 through Jonathan David's sixth-minute strike.

David's effort trundled between the legs of Gregor Kobel in a hairy moment for the Dortmund goalkeeper.

The Bundesliga giants had plenty of chances to get level before the break but for some super goalkeeping by Lucas Chevalier making great saves.

Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Alexsandro cleared a goalbound shot off the line with Chevalier beaten.

But Dortmund got their equaliser through Emre Can's emphatic penalty before a thunderous strike by Maximilian Beier denied the French outfit their first ever Champions League quarter-final.

Confirmed

Aston Villa are eyeing a Champions League quarter-final date with Paris Saint-Germain and continue their European fairytale.

In order to do that they need to preserve their 3-1 lead against Club Brugge ahead of the second leg at Villa Park tonight.

Listen to full commentary of Villa vs Brugge, live on talkSPORT.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Rashford, Watkins

Subs: Zych, Olsen, Disasi, Digne, Torres, Asensio, Onana, Bogarde, Bailey, Ramsey

Club Brugge: Mignolet, Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Nwadike, Jashari, Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis, Jutgla

Subs: Jackers, Romero, Vetlesen, Vermant, Nilsson, Skoras, Nielsen, Siquet, Spileers, Campbell

All change

Unsurprisingly, Mikel Arteta has rung around the changes to his Arsenal starting line-up for their clash against PSV Eindhoven.

The Gunners have a six-goal advantage going into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium tonight having thumped the Dutch side 7-1 in last week's first leg.

Only David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino have kept their place in the starting XI from their draw at Manchester United last weekend.

Arsenal: Raya, White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Jorginho, Zinchenko, Sterling, Merino, Tierney

Subs: Neto, Setford, Saliba, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Timber, Trossard, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Nwaneri

PSV: Benitez, Ledezma, Nagalo, Obispo, Malacia, Til, Schouten,

Babadi, Bakayoko, Perisic, Driouech

Subs: Drommel, Schiks, Karsdorp, Flamingo, Dest, de Jong, Lang, Boscagli, Bajraktarevic, Veerman, Land

The winner of this tie, which let's face it will be Arsenal, face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

GOAL - Lille 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (2-3 agg)

DORTMUND HAVE TURNED THIS TIE AROUND!!

The German side had plenty of opportunities to level in the first half after Jonathan David's early opener, but now they're on the verge of a place in the quarter-finals.

Dortmund got their equaliser on 54 minutes when former Liverpool star Emre Can struck home a penalty with an emphatic strike.

And moments ago Maximilian Beier put Dortmund ahead on the night and on aggregate with 65 minutes played.

A reminder, the winner of the tie will face Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Half time - Lille 1-0 Borussia Dortmund (2-1 agg)

Lille are 45 minutes away from a first ever Champions League quarter-final.

They lead Borussia Dortmund 1-0, and 2-1 on aggregate, at the Stade Pierre Mauroy courtesy of Jonathan David's goal on six minutes.

An attack down the left saw the ball get crossed to David, who struck straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, only for the ball to trundle through his legs and into the net.

Dortmund have asked plenty of questions though with Lille keeper Lucas Chevalier making saves, including multiple stops during an almighty goalmouth scramble that somehow didn't result in an equaliser.

Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Alexsandro cleared a goalbound shot off the line with Chevalier beaten.

GOAL - Lille 1-0 Borussia Dortmund (2-1 agg)

The French side strike first blood in the second leg through Jonathan David's opener on six minutes.

But it's some very questionable goalkeeping from Gregor Kobel as David's meek strike rolls through his legs and into the net.

After the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Westfalenstadion, it's Lille who will be going through as things stand.

The winner of this tie will come up against Barcelona, who got the better of Benfica, in the quarter-finals.

Feast of football

After a classic night of Champions League action we have some more mouth-watering fixtures on the continent.

Aston Villa will be looking to finish the job against Club Brugge as they take on the Belgian side, live on talkSPORT tonight at 8pm.

Arsenal are almost certain to finish the job against Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven with the Gunners boasting a 7-1 advantage going into tonight's second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

It'll be a tight affair at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Real Madrid 2-1 up on aggregate against inner-city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, the early kick-off sees Lille lock horns against Borussia Dortmund with the two level at 1-1 on aggregate.

Lille: Chevalier, Meunier, Diakite, Alexsandro Victor, Ismaily, Mukau, Andre, Bouaddi, Cabella, David, Arnar Haraldsson

Subs: Mannone, Caillard, Mandi, Gudmundsson, Gomes, Sahraoui,

Fernandez, Bakker, Akpom, Andre Gomes, Mbappe, Cossier

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Gross, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson, Sabitzer, Can, Adeyemi, Brandt, Beier, Guirassy

Subs: Meyer, Yan Couto, Bensebaini, Ozcan, Reyna, Duranville, Chukwuemeka, Sule, Watjen, Kabar, Bynoe-Gittens, Lisewski

Injury updates

Liverpool manager Arne Slot also provided injury updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate.

The England international limped off after going over on his ankle midway during the second half.

Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate could barely move as he left the field in extra time.

However, ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, it's mixed news.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, he said: “Konate was just tired, but with Trent, I’d be surprised if he played on Sunday.”

'Incredible performance'

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was disappointed to see his side crash out of the Champions League, but he was delighted with the performance.

The Reds lost 1-0 on the night at Anfield, meaning they drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain on aggregate.

But the French giants won 4-1 on penalties.

However, despite losing, Slot was proud of his players.

Speaking to Amazon, he said: "It was the best game of football I have ever been involved in.

"It was an incredible performance, especially if you compare it with last week. We were creating chances and then we were 1-0 down. We ran out of luck after last week.

"We played the perfect game, except for scoring a goal. It was similar to Paris last week, when they played the perfect game. And then in extra time, they were maybe a little bit better."

Oh dear

Curtis Jones' missed penalty in the shootout means he equals a pretty unwanted record.

He becomes just the second Englishman to miss a penalty in a Champions League shootout.

The Liverpool midfielder saw his penalty stopped by Gianluigi Donnarumma during the 4-1 defeat on penalties for the Reds tonight at Anfield.

He now joins John Terry on that list.

Redemption

Last week, Gianluigi Donnarumma faced one shot on target, and he let it past him.

Many people argued that the Italian should have done much better with Harvey Elliott's strike after getting a hand to it.

But this was his redemption story.

Throughout the game, he made a succession of punches and clearances, and then in the penalty shootout, the Italian denied Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones.

He then spent a long time after the game celebrating with the PSG fans, and why not.

Coming of age

Paris Saint-Germain have always been a team that have flattered to deceive in the Champions League.

They've had some of the best footballers in the world represent them in over the past few years, but it always felt like a bunch of individuals rather than a team.

But this Luis Enrique side is very different.

The recruitment model has shifted to buying young and hungry players, and this was a night they came of age.

The penalties from all of the PSG players were out of this world, and they will be a match for anyone.

Source