BARCELONA — Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez berated the referee and said his performance cost Barcelona a chance to fight for a place in the Champions League semi-finals after they lost 4-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and were knocked out of the competition on Tuesday.
Ousmane Dembele cemented himself as one of Barcelona’s biggest villains on Tuesday during Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-1 victory (winning 6-4 on aggregate) to send the Catalan side out of the Champions League.
The Frenchman and former Barcelona player scored one of PSG’s four goals, drew a penalty and won man of the match to send his previous club packing. He was undoubtedly the most booed and hated player inside the Estadi Olimpic in Barcelona.
Ousmane Dembélé: “Barcelona is a great club. I love it!”.
PARIS — Brazil forward Raphinha scored twice to help Barcelona secure a 3-2 win at Paris Saint Germain in a lively Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, earning the Spanish side their first win in the knockout stage in four years.
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe was nowhere to be found in Parc des Princes as five-times European champions Barca managed to neutralize France's captain, who was often frustrated in his attempts up front.
AS Monaco and United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun got himself on the scoresheet twice during his side’s 5-2 Ligue 1 victory vs. Metz on Saturday.
Balogun’s first goal was scored in bizarre fashion as Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja lived every keeper’s worst nightmare and got caught on the ball. Balogun, who came on a substitute in the 65th minute, did well to force the mistake and was rewarded with a goal.
They don’t come much easier than this.
The American midfielder had nothing short of a bittersweet start to her weekend.
Korbin Albert topped off her more-than-busy Thursday scoring an insane long-range goal in Paris Saint-Germain’s quarterfinal UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout tie.
The USWNT midfielder received the ball on the outskirts of the 18-yard box and hit an absolute bullet with her weak foot against BK Häcken to seal PSG’s qualification to the semi finals of the European tournament.
Korbin Albert goal for PSG in Women's Champions League vs. Häcken
NYON — Defending champions Manchester City will play record winners Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals while Barcelona take on Paris Saint-Germain after the draw was held at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon on Friday.
Champions League draw quarterfinals
Semi-finals
Kylian Mbappé had a sensational performance for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad. His first goal was so strong that Mbappé broke the net.
In the 15th minute the Frenchman found the tiniest bit of space in his opponent’s box and fired in an effort from an incredibly tight angle.
A look at the replay revealed that Mbappé breaks the net when the ball hits the netting.
Mbappé breaks the net vs. Real Sociedad
Ligue 1 looks to be getting a new league sponsorship deal as RMC Sport has reported the top French league is close to teaming up with McDonald’s.
The league’s current name is actually Ligue 1 Uber Eats. The food delivery service has had the sponsorship name since 2020 and the naming deal runs until the end of the 2023-24 season.
McDonald’s is reportedly set to ink a deal with Ligue 1 worth $65 million over the next three seasons.
The deal isn’t confirmed yet but has already generated quite the storm online.
Ligue 1 McDonald’s
United States men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter has a decision to make that few people will envy. Who will be the USMNT starting striker?
The answer to that question will be vital for this summer’s Copa América as the USMNT will be tested against South America’s elite teams.
Before the highly anticipated tournament begins, Berhalter will give USMNT fans some insight on which striker(s) he prefers with the Concacaf Nations League in March.
Tim Weah has had nothing short of a disappointing first six months in Italy.
It has been reported that Juventus are strongly considering selling Timothy Weah at the end of the season after struggling to consistently get into Massimiliano Allegri’s squad week-in and week-out.