Football

Aston Villa, the English Premier League club, is set to host German giants Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, October 3. The match will mark Villa's return to the top tier of European football after a 41-year absence.Villa's European adventure began with a resounding 3-0 victory over Swiss side Young Boys two weeks ago. However, the upcoming match against Bayern Munich evokes memories of the club's greatest triumph: the 1982 European Cup final victory over the same opponents.Villa manager Unai Emery is hoping his team can channel the spirit of that historic night and pull off an upset against the Bundesliga champions. Bayern Munich, led by star striker Robert Lewandowski, will be a formidable opponent, but Villa will be buoyed by the support of their home crowd at Villa Park.The match will be a clash of styles, with Villa's attacking flair likely to be tested by Bayern's renowned defensive solidity. Villa will need to be clinical in front of goal and minimize their mistakes to have a chance of victory.The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, October 3. It will also be streamed live on SonyLiv.

Bundesliga Title Showdown: Musiala and Wirtz Set to Clash in Early BattleThe Bundesliga title race is set to ignite this weekend as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning champions, face off in a highly anticipated clash at Munich's Allianz Arena. At the heart of this early showdown will be two of Germany's most promising young talents: Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.Musiala, 21, and Wirtz, 20, have emerged as key figures for their respective clubs and the German national team. Both midfielders possess exceptional technical ability, creativity, and an eye for goal. They have combined brilliantly at international level, but on Saturday, they will go head-to-head in a battle that could have a significant impact on the title race.Bayern, the perennial Bundesliga champions, have started the season in dominant fashion, winning all four of their opening fixtures. Leverkusen, meanwhile, sit just three points behind in second place, having lost only once in their first five games.The match will be played against the backdrop of Munich's Oktoberfest, adding to the festive atmosphere. Last year, Leverkusen laid down an early marker with a 2-2 draw in Munich, before thumping Bayern 3-0 in the return fixture.Musiala has been in impressive form for Bayern this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four league games. Wirtz, Leverkusen's creative force, has been equally impressive, with four goals and an assist in the same number of matches.In the lead-up to the match, Musiala described Wirtz as a "good friend" and acknowledged the significance of the clash. "It's going to be a tough game and everyone's looking forward to it," he said.The match will also be a test of character for both players, who have been linked with moves away from their current clubs. Bayern are keen to extend Musiala's contract, which expires in 2026, while Leverkusen are facing an uphill battle to keep Wirtz, whose deal runs until 2027.With both players entering the match with uncertain futures, the stakes are high. The outcome of the match could provide an early indication of the title race and the potential destinations of two of Germany's most exciting young talents.

Bayern Munich continued their dominant start to the Bundesliga season with a resounding 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. Michael Olise, the summer signing from Crystal Palace, was the star of the show, scoring twice and assisting on two more goals. Harry Kane also got on the scoresheet, continuing his impressive form since joining Bayern from Tottenham.Olise opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing off a pass from Kane. He then turned provider, setting up Jamal Musiala for Bayern's second goal shortly after. Kane extended Bayern's lead in the 57th minute, tapping in a pass from Olise. Olise then scored his second goal of the game, before Kane set up Serge Gnabry to make it five.The win was Bayern's fourth in four Bundesliga matches this season, and they now sit top of the table. Werder Bremen, on the other hand, have lost their last three league games and are now in the relegation zone.Olise's performance was particularly impressive, as he showed his versatility and creativity in attack. He was a constant threat to the Werder Bremen defense, and his goals and assists were crucial in Bayern's victory.Kane also continued his fine form for Bayern, scoring his 10th goal in six games in all competitions. The England captain is now Bayern's leading scorer this season, and he is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Munich.Bayern will now turn their attention to next Saturday's match against Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen are one of Bayern's main rivals for the Bundesliga title, and the match will be a key test of Bayern's credentials.

English-born winger Michael Olise has been rewarded for his impressive performances for France at the Olympics by being called up to the full French national team for the start of their UEFA Nations League campaign next month. The 22-year-old, who was born and brought up in London to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, was arguably the standout player in Thierry Henry's France team that won the Olympic silver medal at the Paris Games earlier this month.Olise has also recently joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace for a reported 60 million euros ($66.6m), off the back of scoring 10 goals in 19 games in the Premier League last season."Michael did great things with Thierry Henry's Olympic team and he has moved up into a new category with his transfer to Bayern Munich," coach Didier Deschamps told reporters. "It is quite logical that he should now come with us. He still has progress to make but potentially he has a lot of quality."France host Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris next Friday, September 6, before taking on Belgium three days later in Lyon.Olise is not the only member of the Olympic squad to make the step up, with 23-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone also getting the call from Deschamps.There is also a return to the squad for Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana, 23, whose only cap so far came in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar over a year ago.Kylian Mbappe will feature for France for the first time since making his debut for new club Real Madrid.Players who went to Euro 2024 in Germany -- where France reached the semi-final -- but have been left out this time, include Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, Bayern winger Kingsley Coman, and midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The latter was a regular at the Euros but his absence from the squad is related to the fact he currently has no club after leaving Juventus when his contract expired.Veteran striker Olivier Giroud, now playing for Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC, retired from international duty after the European Championship.Les Bleus, who won the Nations League in 2021, will also play Israel in League A Group 2, with remaining matches taking place in October and November.

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has been crowned the European Golden Shoe winner for the 2023-24 season, receiving the prestigious award at a ceremony in Munich on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Kane's remarkable tally of 36 goals in the Bundesliga propelled him to the top of the scoring charts across all European leagues.Despite being the Premier League's top scorer on three occasions, Kane had never previously won the Golden Shoe. The award recognizes the highest goalscorer in any European football league, and Kane's achievement marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career."It's a fantastic feeling," Kane said after receiving the award. "The award is for everyone. Without you, I wouldn't be standing here today."Kane's success in Munich has been a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. After a trophyless debut season with Bayern, the first time the club had failed to win silverware since 2012, Kane has bounced back with a vengeance."I feel good and am looking forward to the new season," Kane added. "I feel a new energy."Kane's goal tally of 36 in 32 Bayern appearances is just five shy of the single-season record held by former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored 41 goals in the 2020-21 season. However, Kane remains humble about his chances of breaking the record."Once we get to April and we're a little bit closer, maybe it's something we can talk about, but for now it's just taking it game by game, trying to help the team by scoring goals," Kane said.This season's Champions League final will be held in Munich, and Kane is eager to lead Bayern to glory on home soil. "We have to be there," he said.Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised Kane's character and contributions to the team since his arrival in Munich. "Harry has been an exceptional player for us," Dreesen said. "His goalscoring ability is unmatched, and he has also been a great leader in the dressing room."Kane's Golden Shoe award is the latest in a long list of personal accolades, but he remains focused on team success. "I want to continue on as I started last season, but it is important to win titles," Kane said. "We want to achieve success as a team."

Harry Kane's heroics propelled Bayern Munich to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Wolfsburg in Vincent Kompany's Bundesliga debut as manager.Bayern took an early lead through Jamal Musiala, but Wolfsburg stunned the visitors with two goals from Lovro Majer in the second half. The Croatian midfielder capitalized on defensive errors to put Wolfsburg in front.However, Kane's presence proved pivotal for Bayern. His header forced an own goal from Wolfsburg's Jakub Kaminski, leveling the score. The England captain then set up Serge Gnabry for the winning goal in the 82nd minute.Despite the victory, Bayern's performance was far from perfect. "We got punished a little in the second half," Kane admitted. "We're still implementing the coach's ideas."Joshua Kimmich echoed Kane's sentiments, acknowledging that Bayern "lost control of the game due to many mistakes." However, he praised the team's resilience in coming back from behind.Wolfsburg's resurgence in the second half was impressive, but they were unable to hold on to their lead. The defeat extended their winless streak against Bayern to 21 matches.In other Bundesliga action, promoted St Pauli hosted Heidenheim in the final match of the round.

Bayern Munich's legendary goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has expressed his intention to continue playing beyond the current season, despite his recent retirement from international football. Neuer's contract with Bayern expires at the end of the campaign, but he remains committed to the club and is eager to extend his stay.In an interview with German sports magazine Kicker, Neuer stated, "I'm not going into this season with the idea of saying goodbye afterwards... If we successfully complete the season with the new coaching team and with new momentum, that means I'll be having fun. And if it's fun, I'll definitely carry on."The 38-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement from the German national team earlier this week, citing his desire to focus on his club career. Neuer believes he can still perform at the highest level and is determined to help Bayern achieve success in the upcoming season."Of course there's a bit of sadness with the decision, but at the same time there's a lot of relief," said Neuer, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany.Discussions regarding a contract extension with Bayern are yet to take place, but Neuer is confident that an agreement will be reached in due time. "The time will come," he said.Alexander Nuebel, who is currently on loan at Stuttgart, is seen as the potential successor to Neuer at Bayern. However, Neuer remains the undisputed number one goalkeeper for the Bavarian giants and is determined to maintain his position.Neuer joined Bayern from Schalke in 2011 and has since become one of the most successful goalkeepers in the club's history. He has won 11 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles, and numerous other trophies with Bayern.The Allianz Arena, Bayern's home stadium, will host the final of this season's Champions League, providing Neuer with an opportunity to add another major trophy to his impressive collection.Neuer's decision to continue playing beyond this season is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his commitment to Bayern Munich. The German goalkeeper remains one of the best in the world and will be a key figure for Bayern in their pursuit of domestic and European glory.

Vincent Kompany, the newly appointed Bayern Munich coach, exudes confidence ahead of his Bundesliga debut against Wolfsburg on Sunday. Despite overseeing Burnley's relegation from the Premier League last season, the 38-year-old Belgian has been entrusted with the daunting task of restoring Bayern's dominance in German football.Bayern's trophyless campaign last season, their first in 11 years, has cast a shadow over the club. Bayer Leverkusen's impressive domestic double has raised the stakes for Kompany, who is determined to prove his worth.Kompany, who previously coached Anderlecht and guided them to the 2022 Belgian Cup final, expressed satisfaction with Bayern's preparations for the season opener. "I'm not nervous, but it's a big challenge," he said. "We've prepared well, and now it's up to the players."Kompany acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Leverkusen, who opened their campaign with a victory on Friday. "They were phenomenal last season," he said. "We'll need around 90 points for the title again, so we need maximum performance from everyone."The Belgian coach hinted at the potential debuts of Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha, who joined Bayern from Crystal Palace and Fulham, respectively. "There's a good chance they'll play a lot this season," he said.Wolfsburg, Bayern's opponents on Sunday, have not defeated the Bavarian giants in 20 matches dating back to 2015. Kompany is aware of the challenge but remains optimistic. "We're excited and ready to start the season," he said.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable Bundesliga and cup double last season has not swayed coach Xabi Alonso's belief that Bayern Munich remain the title favorites this season."For me, the favorites are Bayern, that's clear," Alonso declared at a press conference ahead of Leverkusen's Bundesliga season opener at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. "Our goal is to stay in the top four. That's realistic -- we have a good squad."Leverkusen's historic triumph last season, which ended Bayern's 11-year reign in Germany, was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. However, Alonso is keen to emphasize that past achievements are no guarantee of future success."Last year was really nice... but we're starting from scratch again," he said. "We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that we need good performances."Bayern, under new coach Vincent Kompany, have bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings, including Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito. Leverkusen, on the other hand, have maintained a relatively stable roster, with the exception of the departure of Moussa Diaby to Manchester United.Despite their impressive unbeaten run in Germany since May 2023, Alonso is wary of the challenges that lie ahead. "We know every game will be difficult -- and that will be the case against Gladbach," he said.Leverkusen's title-winning campaign was built on a solid defense and a potent attack led by Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz. However, they will face a stern test against a Gladbach side that has strengthened its squad with the addition of Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach.Alonso will be without Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios for the trip to Gladbach due to a knee injury. However, the rest of his squad is available for selection as Leverkusen aim to start the new season with a positive result.