Mbappé’s hattrick inspires Real Madrid to a 6-3 aggregate win over Man City.
Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory over Manchester City at a raucous Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a 6-3 aggregate win and a spot in the Champions League last 16. Kylian Mbappé starred with a sensational hat-trick, exposing City’s defensive frailties. Already trailing 3-2 from the first leg, City’s task grew tougher as Erling Haaland was sidelined with a knee injury. Madrid took control early, with Mbappé capitalizing on a Rúben Dias error to lob Éderson in the fourth minute. He doubled the lead in the 33rd minute after a slick move involving Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. The Frenchman completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, drilling a left-footed shot into the corner. City, lacklustre and disorganized, managed a late consolation as Nico González pounced on a rebound. However, it was Madrid’s night, as they dominated a struggling City side to underline their European pedigree.
FT: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City (6-3 AGG).
REAL MADRID REACH THE ROUND OF 16 AFTER DESTROYING MANCHESTER CITY! 🌟🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/JcKCsDDNqd
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 19, 2025
Ademola Lookman releases a statement following Gasperini’s public criticism.
African player of the year, Ademola Lookman has responded after being harshly criticized by Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for missing a crucial penalty in their Champions League exit to Club Brugge. With Atalanta trailing 3-1, Lookman stepped up for a spot-kick but saw his effort saved by Simon Mignolet. Gasperini, furious at the decision, claimed Lookman was not supposed to take the penalty, calling him “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” and criticizing his poor record in training. In response, Lookman issued a heartfelt statement, expressing disappointment at being singled out despite his commitment to the team. He revealed that the designated taker had instructed him to step up, and he acted in the team’s best interest. The Nigerian international emphasized resilience, vowing to turn adversity into strength. Many fans have since defended Lookman, criticizing Gasperini for publicly humiliating one of Atalanta’s standout performers this season.
🚨 Ademola Lookman’s statement after penalty miss and Gian Piero Gasperini’s strong words.
“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.
Being singled out in the manner I have… pic.twitter.com/dKgk9oyOWR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2025
Alexander-Arnold to the rescue as Liverpool draws against Aston Villa.
Premier League leaders, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday. The Reds struck first when Álvaro García’s error gifted Diogo Jota possession, allowing Mohamed Salah to slot home. Villa responded swiftly, as Youri Tielemans capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize from a Marcus Rashford free-kick. Just before halftime, Lucas Digne’s cross set up Ollie Watkins, who powered in a header to put Villa 2-1 ahead. Liverpool hit back in the second half when Trent Alexander-Arnold combined with Salah before his deflected shot found the net. Darwin Núñez missed a late chance, while Villa had a Jacob Ramsey goal ruled out for offside. The draw keeps Liverpool ahead of Arsenal, who have a game in hand. Villa remains ninth, five points off fourth. Next, Liverpool visit Manchester City, while Villa host Chelsea.
FT: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool.
ARNE SLOT'S TEAM DROPS 2 POINTS ONCE AGAIN WHICH MEANS ARSENAL COULD CLOSE THE GAP DOWN TO JUST 5 POINTS! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/h4nNoq1dY6
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 19, 2025
Lionel Messi’s strike seals Inter Miami’s win in frigid Kansas City.
8-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi overcame freezing conditions to fire Inter Miami to a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round on Wednesday night. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner netted the decisive goal in the 56th minute from the right side of the box, securing a vital away win. Both teams struggled on the slick, frozen pitch at Children’s Mercy Park, where temperatures plunged to 3°F (-16°C) with wind chills reaching -11°F (-24°C). The match had been postponed from Tuesday due to heavy snowfall, but conditions remained brutal at kick-off. Despite speculation that Messi might sit out, the Argentine played the full 90 minutes, leading his side to victory. Miami now takes a crucial advantage into next Tuesday’s second leg as they aim to advance in the tournament.
⭐️🇦🇷 First goal in 2025 for Leo Messi on first official game with Inter Miami against Kansas City.
Despite -17°, Leo scores his 851th career goal. pic.twitter.com/A3sQrAPIO5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 20, 2025
Paris Saint-Germain thrashes Brest 7-0 to reach Champions League Last 16.
Ligue 1 leaders, Paris Saint-Germain stormed into the Champions League last 16 with a record-breaking 7-0 win over Brest on Wednesday, sealing a 10-0 aggregate victory. The dominant performance marked PSG’s biggest European triumph, while Brest endured the heaviest defeat ever suffered by a French club in the competition. Already leading 3-0 from the first leg, PSG controlled the game from the outset. Bradley Barcola opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead just before halftime. Vitinha made it 3-0 near the hour mark, followed by goals from Désiré Doué, Nuno Mendes, and Gonçalo Ramos. Senny Mayulu capped off the historic night, making PSG the first team with seven different scorers in a single Champions League match. Unbeaten in their last 32 meetings with Brest, PSG now awaits a last-16 clash with either Liverpool or Barcelona as they continue their pursuit of a maiden European title.
PSG are qualified to round of 16 of Champions League after beating Brest 10-0 on aggregate 🔴🔵💣 pic.twitter.com/fH7W2umYtx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2025