Karim Benzema reveals true reason for his surprising Real Madrid exit.
Real Madrid legend, Karim Benzema has clarified why he left the club to join Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. The French striker, who moved in the summer of 2023 on a two-year deal worth €200 million per season, faced criticism for his decision, with many labeling it a cash-driven move. However, Benzema insists his motivation was different. In a recent interview, he explained that he wanted to leave Real Madrid on a high and avoid ever playing against them. “I didn’t want to ever play against Real Madrid in my life,” he told Fabrizio Romano. He also revealed that club president Florentino Pérez was the first person he informed, reassuring him that young talents like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo were ready to step up. Benzema continues to thrive at Al Ittihad, having scored 16 goals, making him the league’s second-highest scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
🚨 Karim Benzema: “My decision to go to Saudi Arabia was also because I wanted to leave Real Madrid on top…
…and I didn’t want to ever play against Real Madrid in my life”. pic.twitter.com/W8dD5amczX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 3, 2025
Arsenal sets a new Champions League record in 7-1 dominating win over PSV.
Mikel Arteta’s side looks to have secured their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 7-1 victory over PSV, marking the biggest away win in a Champions League knockout game. Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled their Dutch opponents in the first leg of their last-16 clash, conceding only a penalty late in the first half. PSV threatened early when Ismael Saibari struck the bar, but Arsenal quickly responded. Declan Rice set up Jurrien Timber for the opener before Ethan Nwaneri doubled the lead. A defensive mishap gifted Mikel Merino a third, though PSV pulled one back through a Noa Lang penalty. Arsenal wasted no time in the second half, with Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard scoring within three minutes. Ødegaard added his second in the 73rd minute, and Riccardo Calafiori completed the rout late on. Arsenal’s historic win cements their place among Europe’s elite as they eye the quarter-finals.
FT: PSV 1 – 7 ARSENAL
ARSENAL COMPLETELY HUMILIATES PSV AND IS THROUGH TO THE QUARTERFINALS WHERE IT MEETS REAL MADRID OR ATLETICO MADRID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/PnaiKekoIR
— The Screenshot Lad (@thescreenlad) March 4, 2025
Benfica star, Ángel Di María ruled out of Barcelona clash due to muscle injury.
Barcelona will face Benfica in their Champions League Last-16 first-leg clash without having to contend with Ángel Di María, who has been ruled out due to injury. The 37-year-old suffered a muscle issue that, while not serious, has not healed in time, prompting Benfica coach Bruno Lage to exclude him from Wednesday’s showdown at Estádio da Luz. Di María’s absence is a significant blow for the Portuguese side, as he has been instrumental across all competitions. Benfica will also be without Florentino Luís, sidelined with a similar injury. Meanwhile, Barcelona, chasing a historic treble, will look to capitalize on this advantage and secure a strong result before the return leg in Catalunya. Speaking ahead of the match, Lage acknowledged the Argentine’s absence, stating, “Di María is not available, but the tie remains open.” The Blaugrana will aim to build momentum and take a commanding step toward the quarter-finals.
🚨⚠️ Ángel Di Maria, set to miss the game against Barcelona tomorrow due to injury.
Florentino Luis will also be absent. pic.twitter.com/xoUKoPCTLs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 4, 2025
Brahim Díaz stars as Real Madrid edges Atlético in Champions League Thriller.
Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash, with Brahim Díaz delivering the decisive moment. Despite being outplayed for stretches, Los Blancos capitalized on key opportunities to take a narrow advantage into the second leg. Rodrygo set the tone early, latching onto Federico Valverde’s pass before cutting inside and curling a stunning shot into the far corner. Atlético responded well and deserved their equalizer, as Julián Álvarez rode a challenge before bending a superb effort past Thibaut Courtois. Madrid reclaimed the lead in the second half when Brahim displayed brilliant skill and slotted an angled finish into the net. Despite Atleti’s efforts, including a solid attempt from Antoine Griezmann, they couldn’t find another goal. A last-ditch block from Marcos Llorente denied Vinícius Jr. a late tap-in, setting up an enticing second leg next week.
First Derbi round: Real Madrid ⚪️✨ pic.twitter.com/wWq8CJrlKk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 4, 2025
Aston Villa places one leg in the CL last 8 after 3-1 Win Over Club Brugge.
English side, Aston Villa took a major step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their last-16 first-leg clash in Belgium. Leon Bailey put Villa ahead inside three minutes with a superb half-volley, while Marcus Rashford came close to doubling the lead, only to be denied by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Brugge responded quickly, with Maxim De Cuyper curling a precise shot into the corner. The hosts dominated much of the first half, forcing Emi Martínez into a crucial save to keep the scores level at the break. After halftime, Marco Asensio tested Mignolet, while Tyrone Mings produced a goal-line clearance. Villa capitalized late as Brandon Mechele turned Morgan Rogers’ cross into his own net in the 82nd minute. Moments later, Matty Cash won a penalty, which Asensio calmly converted. Unai Emery’s side now take a two-goal advantage into the second leg at Villa Park.
Magic night for Aston Villa! 🟣🔵✨ pic.twitter.com/CDwI5QC0en
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 4, 2025