Football

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory.The match started with both teams cautious, but it was Madrid who broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Jude Bellingham, who had been impressive throughout the tie, initiated the move in his own half and surged forward before releasing a perfectly weighted through ball to Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward calmly slotted the ball past Janis Blaswich to give Madrid the lead.However, Leipzig responded swiftly, with Willi Orban equalizing just three minutes later. The German defender headed home a corner kick to level the score and give Leipzig hope of a comeback.Despite Leipzig's efforts, Madrid held firm and managed to see out the match, securing their place in the last eight. The result extends Madrid's impressive record in the Champions League, as they have reached the quarter-finals in 12 of the last 14 seasons.Bellingham's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he became the third-youngest player to either score or assist a goal in six consecutive Champions League appearances. The 20-year-old midfielder has been in scintillating form this season and is attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs.After the match, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team had struggled to control the game. "We had to dig deep, more than we thought we might have to," he said. "It was difficult and we played badly. Now we're pleased to reach the quarter-finals."Ancelotti also highlighted the need for improvement in Madrid's mental resilience. "When we have a small lead, we don't know how to handle it mentally," he said. "We don't press and we lack intensity. That's where we have to improve and evaluate what we didn't do well."

Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, two of the most prolific strikers in the world, showcased their exceptional abilities in the Champions League Round of 16, leading their respective teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, to victories.Mbappe's brace against Real Sociedad was a testament to his speed, power, and panache. He tormented the Spanish side's defense, leaving them bewildered with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. His first goal was a stunning solo effort, where he left two defenders in his wake before firing a powerful shot into the far corner. His second goal was equally impressive, as he outmuscled a defender and slotted the ball home with ease.Kane's goals against Bayern Munich were equally impressive. The English striker displayed his poacher's instinct, scoring two headers from close range. His first goal came from a Raphael Guerreiro shot that he cleverly redirected into the net. His second goal was a tap-in from a Leroy Sane rebound.Both Mbappe and Kane have been in scintillating form this season, averaging a goal per game for their clubs. Their performances in the Champions League have further cemented their status as world-class strikers.Mbappe's goalscoring prowess has been a key factor in PSG's success this season. The French giants are on course for a domestic treble, having already won the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Mbappe's pace and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders, and he is one of the most feared attackers in the world.Kane has been equally impressive for Bayern Munich. The German champions have struggled for consistency this season, but Kane's goals have kept them in contention for the Bundesliga title. His ability to score goals from all angles makes him a valuable asset to any team.Mbappe and Kane are two of the most exciting young players in the world. Their performances in the Champions League have shown that they are capable of reaching the very top of the game. They are both destined for greatness, and it will be fascinating to see how their careers unfold in the years to come.

Kylian Mbappe's brilliance propelled Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League quarter-finals with a stunning brace in a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad. The French superstar's goals sealed a 4-1 aggregate triumph for the Ligue 1 giants.Despite recent speculation surrounding his future, Mbappe proved his indispensable value to PSG. His electric pace and clinical finishing were too much for Real Sociedad to handle. The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 15th minute, showcasing his exceptional skill with a clever touch and a powerful shot into the far corner.Mbappe doubled PSG's lead in the 56th minute, racing past the defense and coolly slotting home. His sixth goal in eight Champions League matches this season effectively ended the contest.Real Sociedad fought valiantly but were unable to overcome Mbappe's brilliance. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea had a goal ruled out for offside, while Gianluigi Donnarumma made a superb save to deny Benat Turrientes.Mikel Merino scored a consolation goal for the hosts in the dying minutes, but it was too little, too late. PSG's victory marked their first appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals since 2021.Mbappe's performance was hailed by both his teammates and opponents. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his "unstoppable" ability in the final third, while Real Sociedad's Merino acknowledged his devastating impact.However, PSG will have to contend with the absence of Achraf Hakimi in the quarter-final first leg due to a booking. Despite this setback, the French champions will be confident of continuing their Champions League journey with Mbappe leading the charge.

Bayern Munich's resurgence under interim manager Thomas Tuchel continued on Tuesday as they secured a 3-0 victory over Lazio in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. The win, which sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, propelled the German giants into the quarterfinals and reignited their hopes of European glory.Harry Kane, Bayern's talismanic striker, proved to be the difference-maker once again. The England international opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a diving header, canceling out Lazio's first-leg advantage. He then doubled Bayern's lead in the 66th minute, tapping in a rebound after Thomas Mueller's effort had been parried.Mueller had earlier made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime, heading in a Matthijs de Ligt volley. The German forward's goal proved to be a crucial moment, as it gave Bayern a comfortable cushion going into the second half.Lazio, who were bidding for their first quarter-final appearance in 24 years, struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Ciro Immobile's header just before halftime was their best opportunity, but it sailed narrowly wide.Bayern, on the other hand, were relentless in their attack. Jamal Musiala almost added a third goal seconds after Kane's opener, but his sliding shot missed the target. Leroy Sane also came close in the second half, but his shot was palmed into Kane's path for the third goal.The win provides a much-needed boost for Bayern, who had won just one of their last five matches in all competitions prior to Tuesday. It also eases the pressure on Tuchel, who will leave the club at the end of the season.Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also booked their place in the quarterfinals with a comfortable 2-1 victory away to Real Sociedad. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show for the French champions, scoring both goals in a match that wrapped up a 4-1 aggregate victory.Mbappe's first goal came in the 15th minute, as he curled a fabulous strike into the far corner. He doubled his tally in the 56th minute, bursting into the box and beating the goalkeeper at his near post.Mikel Merino netted a consolation goal for Real Sociedad in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late to prevent PSG from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in three years.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has extended its exclusive broadcast and digital rights for UEFA club football competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup, and Youth League. The renewal covers the 2024/25 to 2026/27 seasons, granting SPNI access to over 1600 matches across its channels and OTT platform, SonyLIV.The UEFA Champions League will undergo a format change in 2024/25, with four additional clubs participating in a new league phase. This will increase the number of competing clubs to 36, ranked together in a single league format. The change aims to provide more opportunities for top teams to compete and enhance the excitement of the tournament.Additionally, UEFA's premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, ensuring non-stop European club football from August to May. SPNI will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, recognizing the growing popularity of regional language coverage.SPNI has been the home of UEFA Champions League since 2017 and will continue to broadcast the final at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The network also holds the rights to UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, and Roshn Saudi Pro League.The renewal of SPNI's UEFA rights ensures that Indian audiences will continue to enjoy the highest level of European club football, featuring top teams and players like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.

Paris Saint-Germain's preparations for their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Sociedad have been marred by controversy surrounding coach Luis Enrique's handling of star forward Kylian Mbappe.Despite PSG's comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg, Enrique's decision to reduce Mbappe's playing time has raised eyebrows. The French superstar, who has scored 32 goals in 33 games this season, was benched for the game against Nantes and substituted early in the matches against Rennes and Monaco.Enrique's actions have been interpreted as a punishment for Mbappe's decision to leave PSG at the end of the season. The coach has hinted that he is preparing the team to play without Mbappe, who is expected to join Real Madrid.However, critics argue that Enrique's handling of Mbappe is inappropriate and could jeopardize PSG's chances of advancing in the Champions League. Former PSG defender Alain Roche said, "I don't understand. I get the impression that ever since he told the club he was leaving he has been punished by the coach."Mbappe's absence from the starting lineup has been particularly noticeable in PSG's recent matches. The team has struggled to create chances and has failed to win in their last two games.Enrique's decision to experiment with Mbappe's playing time ahead of such an important European fixture has been questioned. PSG have a history of dramatic collapses in Champions League knockout ties, and another exit this time would be disastrous for both the coach and the club.

Barcelona's Champions League hopes have been dealt a significant blow with the news that midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are set to miss the second leg clash against Napoli due to injuries.De Jong suffered a right ankle sprain in Sunday's goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao, while Pedri picked up a new injury to his right hamstring. The club has not specified the duration of their absence, but both players could be out for more than a month.This is a major setback for Barcelona, who are already without Sergio Busquets due to suspension. Pedri and De Jong have been key figures in Xavi Hernandez's team this season, and their absence will be a significant blow to the team's chances of progressing in the Champions League.De Jong has been sidelined earlier this season with a right ankle injury, while Pedri has been plagued by right thigh problems. This is the third time Pedri has suffered a right thigh injury this season.Pedri is also expected to miss Spain's international friendlies against Colombia in London on March 22 and Brazil at Santiago Bernabeu four days later."They are two very influential players in our game, two very important players. We will miss them," said Xavi after the draw at Bilbao.Barcelona will host Napoli on March 12 in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, so the tie is finely poised.Without Pedri and De Jong, Barcelona will have to find a way to replace their creativity and energy in midfield. Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, and Riqui Puig are all options for Xavi, but none of them have the same experience or quality as Pedri and De Jong.The injuries to Pedri and De Jong are a major blow to Barcelona's hopes of winning the Champions League this season. The Catalans have not won the competition since 2015, and they will need to be at their best to overcome Napoli and progress to the quarter-finals.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has declared that his team is entering a "moment of truth" as they prepare for crucial matches in La Liga and the Champions League. The Catalan giants have enjoyed a resurgence in form, winning six consecutive matches in all competitions.Xavi's comments come after a turbulent period for Barcelona, who were written off as title contenders following a string of poor results in January. However, the team has since turned things around, with Xavi crediting the players' improved performances and positive mindset."We are much better than a few matches ago," Xavi said. "We have good feelings and this is the moment of truth. To measure ourselves against direct rivals as the Champions League approaches, this is the decisive moment."Barcelona currently trail league leaders Real Madrid by eight points, but have a game in hand. A victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday would be a significant step towards closing the gap. Athletic Bilbao, who are undefeated at home this season, will provide a stern test for Xavi's side."If we win, it'll be a big step forward," Xavi said. "We need to find the continuity in our game which we are lacking."Xavi also addressed speculation about his future, stating that his focus remains on the present. "Today nothing has changed, it's not an issue," he said.Barcelona's resurgence has been built on a solid defensive foundation and a more attacking approach in midfield. Pedri and Gavi have been instrumental in the team's recent success, providing creativity and energy in the center of the park.Robert Lewandowski continues to be a potent threat in front of goal, having scored 25 goals in all competitions this season. The Polish striker will be looking to add to his tally against Athletic Bilbao.With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, Barcelona will be eager to maintain their momentum. They will host Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie on March 15, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.