Raphinha inspires 10-man Barcelona to a crucial 1-0 victory against Benfica.
Despite being down to 10 men early in the first half, Barcelona delivered a resilient 1-0 victory over Benfica in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday. The match started at a blistering pace, with Wojciech Szczęsny making a crucial save just 30 seconds in, while Anatoliy Trubin denied Robert Lewandowski with a stunning double stop. Barcelona faced a major setback in the 20th minute when Pau Cubarsí was sent off for a last-man foul on Vangelis Pavlidis, a decision upheld by VAR. Despite Benfica dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Szczęsny produced a goalkeeping masterclass, making eight saves—five in the second half. His heroics paid off in the 61st minute when Raphinha seized on a poor defensive pass, drilling a deflected shot past Trubin. Szczęsny, who came out of Retirement after Marc-André ter Stegen’s knee injury, proved decisive as Barcelona held firm under relentless pressure.
🔥🔥🔥 FULL TIME! 🔥🔥🔥#BenficaBarça @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/raPAPi6dCJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2025
Paquetá to face the FA this month over alleged breach of betting regulations.
Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Paquetá is set to face a three-week hearing this month over alleged breaches of betting regulations, Sky Sports News reports. The West Ham star has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for allegedly receiving yellow cards in matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth to manipulate the betting market for financial gain. Paquetá has strongly denied the allegations, expressing shock and frustration at the charges while criticizing misleading media reports. Despite speculation about a potential lifetime ban, he remains confident he will clear his name. Sky Sports reports that Paquetá insists he has never placed a bet on football and is determined to fight the accusations. The midfielder has been sidelined with an ankle injury since West Ham’s defeat to Brentford, and it remains unclear whether he will be available for their upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle as he awaits the FA’s verdict.
Exclusive: West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta’s hearing into alleged breach of FA's betting rules due to take place this month and will last three weeks, Sky Sports News understands.
The FA are seeking a lifetime ban for Paqueta. pic.twitter.com/hVzP7zvMY1
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2025
Paulo Fonseca suspended for nine months after furiously confronting an official.
Lyon coach, Paulo Fonseca has been handed a nine-month suspension by the French Professional Football League (FLP) following his heated confrontation with referee Benoît Millot during Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest. The suspension, which runs until November 30, prevents Fonseca from accessing the bench, officials’ dressing rooms, or engaging in any official match-related duties. The incident occurred in stoppage time when Fonseca reacted angrily to a potential Brest penalty, leading to his red card. He then confronted Millot, leaning in close before being restrained by captain Corentin Tolisso and other players. Lyon criticized the severity of the punishment, arguing that it was influenced by the broader issues surrounding French refereeing rather than solely Fonseca’s actions. Fonseca later apologized, admitting his reaction was wrong. His suspension comes amid heightened tensions in French football, with referees expressing concerns over rising hostility following recent criticism from Marseille president, Pablo Longoria.
🚨 Paulo Fonseca has been suspended for total 𝟗 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 because of his actions towards the officials, LFP have confirmed.
Until September 15th, he won’t be able to enter the locker-room before and after matches; and not be able to be on the touchline until November 30th. pic.twitter.com/xM3AZV2aA1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 5, 2025
Super-sub, Harvey Elliott win it late for Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool endured relentless pressure at Parc des Princes but somehow emerged with a stunning 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Despite being completely outplayed, the Reds capitalized on a late chance to snatch an unlikely win. From the start, PSG dominated, with Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola tormenting Liverpool’s defense, while João Neves, Fabián Ruiz, and Vitinha controlled the midfield. However, Alisson Becker produced a goalkeeping masterclass, making crucial saves to deny Neves, Dembélé, Barcola, and Kvaratskhelia in a one-sided encounter. As PSG’s frustration grew, Liverpool seized their moment. Deep into stoppage time, Alisson’s long ball found Darwin Núñez, who held off his marker before setting up Harvey Elliott. The youngster coolly slotted past Gianluigi Donnarumma with Liverpool’s first shot on target. PSG, who had 28 attempts, now face a tough second leg at Anfield. The winner will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarterfinals.
Who’s your Man of the Match? ✨ pic.twitter.com/36s28uq5o2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 5, 2025
FIFA announces a $1 billion prize money for the FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to award a record-breaking $1 billion in prize money, with FIFA securing major sponsorship and broadcasting deals to fund the revamped 32-team tournament. London-based streaming service DAZN acquired exclusive global broadcasting rights in a deal worth approximately $1 billion, while TNT Sports will televise 24 matches in the U.S., highlighting clubs like Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain. FIFA has also partnered with major sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Hisense, and AB InBev. The prize money will be divided into $575 million for participation fees and $465 million based on performance, though distribution will vary by confederation. Top clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea could earn up to $90 million each. Additionally, FIFA will allocate at least $150 million in “solidarity payments” to non-participating clubs, with hopes of increasing that to $250 million. While FIFA vows to reinvest all profits into global soccer, concerns over financial inequality persist.
BREAKING: FIFA to announce prize money of $1 billion for Club World Cup for 32 teams, which includes Chelsea and Man City 🚨💰 pic.twitter.com/Gd6Ty5tykC
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2025