Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain: Valentine´s Day defeat could spell the end for Zizou

A knockout tie in the Champions League, in front of a packed house at the Santiago Bernabeu, pitting Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale against Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, is an occasion the football world is relishing.

But it is easy to see how Wednesday s last-16 first leg between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain may fill coaching counterparts Zinedine Zidane and Unai Emery with a degree of dread, as both head into the Valentine s Day clash knowing the tie could serve as their last act for the respective clubs on the European stage.

It was tough to envision Zidane being in such a position when Madrid cantered to a third Champions League triumph in four seasons, becoming the first team to successfully defend the title in its current guise, with a 4-1 win over Juventus i…

Sanchez cools Real Madrid link

The Mirror understands that Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez has dismissed claims that he could be set for a summer move to Real Madrid.

The European Champions are planning a major overhaul of their squad when the transfer open reopens and have been linked with a move for the Colombia international, who only signed for the North London club from Ajax back in August.

He has impressed under manager Mauricio Pochettino thus far helping to keep clean sheets in recent wins over both Arsenal and Manchester United with his form keeping fit-again Toby Alderweireld out of the side.

In total, the twenty-one year old has racked up eighteen appearances for Spurs in all competitions having played forty-seven times for his former club for whom he was named Play…

Rodriguez signs new Fiorentina deal

Fiorentina defender Gonzalo Rodriguez is set to remain at the club until 2017 after signing a contract extension.

The Argentine, who arrived at Stadio Artemio Franchi from Villarreal in 2012, has made 68 Serie A appearances during his two seasons at the club, contributing 10 goals.

Rodriguez s deal was set to run out in 2015, but he has now declared his delight at having resolved his future.

I am very happy and there were never problems negotiating the renewal, so it was easy to sign the new contract, he said.

We need to improve, even if other teams have great players, as we want to win something this season. We’ve got important players too.

What are my objectives? I always say to win a trophy, whether it’s the Coppa Italia or the Europa Le…

Wenger ´afraid´ of Chelsea potential

Arsene Wenger has admitted he is afraid of Chelsea s possible spending power in the transfer market.

The European champions have splashed the cash in recent seasons, spending over 160 million pounds since 2011 on the likes of Fernando Torres, Eden Hazard, Oscar, David Luiz and Juan Mata.
That sort of spending is something the Frenchman can only dream of with Arsenal still operating on a restricted budget, and thanks to the backing of mega-rich owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea are likely to be heavily involved in the transfer window again this off-season.
Wenger feels that Chelsea will be very busy in their attempts to add to their squad but said that he knew nothing about reports they were set to sign Atletico Madrid s Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
I m afraid of what Chelsea…

Simeone takes responsibility for Suarez´s form as Costa nears return

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone takes full responsibility for Luis Suarez s disappointing form after suggesting he rushed the striker back from his coronavirus-enforced lay-off.

Suarez missed four matches for Atleti, including a reunion with former side Barcelona, after contracting COVID-19 while away on international duty with Uruguay last month.

The 33-year-old marked his return to action with a goal in the 4-0 win over Cadiz but has since failed to find the net in his last three appearances, totalling 200 minutes on the pitch.

He failed to test Thibaut Courtois from his only shot in last weekend s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid and his 10 completed passes was the fewest of any Atletico player on the day.

Going further back, Suarez has scored just onc…

Prediction: Atalanta vs AC Milan

Prediction: AC Milan to win 2-1

Best Odds:

Bookmaker: 

Atalanta and AC Milan will face each other in Serie A this weekend. The match will be held at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Sunday.AtalantaAtalanta are fourth in the Serie A table at the moment with three points from one match. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side kicked off their 2022-23 Serie A campaign with a 2-0 victory over Sampdoria away from home in the league last weekend.Rafael Toloi and Ademola Lookman scored the goals for Atalanta in their win against Udinese. Toloi gave Atalanta the lead in the 26th minute, and Lookman doubled the advantage in the fifth minute of injury time.Atalanta finished eighth in the Serie A table last season and wil…

Manchester United 1/2 to win against Southampton in tonight’s Premier League clash

Competition: Premier League
Market: Man Utd to win against Southampton
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Manchester United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford tonight in the Premier League, and are favourites to pick up all three points to go into the weekend top of the table.

United have, in fact, suffered defeat in their last two home league meetings with the Saints, but the Red Devils will fancy their chances of ending their losing run with a much-changed side and new manager.

Manchester United enjoyed a winning start to the new season, having comfortably beaten Bournemouth 3-1 at Dean Court. The home side have been formidable at Old Trafford for 12 months, suffering just one defeat at home since December 2015.

As for their opponents, Southampton are still getting u…

Drinkwater poised to sign new Leicester contract

Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater is hopeful of signing a new deal to stay with the Premier League champions, insisting he does not want to be anywhere else.

Drinkwater was an integral part of Leicester s title-winning campaign in 2015-16, making 35 appearances in midfield.

He is poised to become the latest player to extend his deal at the King Power Stadium, following renewals for manager Claudio Ranieri, captain Wes Morgan and star striker Jamie Vardy among others. 

I want something done. When it s right it s right and I ll sign, Drinkwater said. 

I love the club and don t want to go anywhere else.

Leicester have had a poor start to their title defence, going down 2-1 to Hull City in their Premier League opener before playing out a…

Thohir coy on Lavezzi talk

Inter president Erick Thohir has refused to comment on speculation linking the club with a move for Argentina attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

The 29-year-old has been a regular in the Paris Saint-Germain first team since signing from Napoli in 2012, but is rumoured to be on his way out of the French capital.

However, Thohir says he is unable to comment on specific deals until they become a reality.

I don t know. I don t want to promise anything until we ve signed, he said.

We can t announce anybody until we ve signed them.

There are three days to go, and then there s the window in January too.

In any case I believe that with the acquisition of [Nemanja] Vidic, Dodo, [Yann] M Vila, [Gary] Medel and [Pablo Daniel] Osvaldo we have a well-balan…

England 1 Norway 0: Captain Rooney seals unconvincing win

Wayne Rooney s first goal as England captain ensured a winning start to life after the World Cup in an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Norway.

Roy Hodgson s men endured a dismal time in Brazil, failing to win a single match as they crashed out in the group stage.

Influential figures Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have since announced their retirement from international football, with the latter s armband now passed on to Manchester United striker Rooney.

Liverpool duo Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling showed glimpses of their club form during a dominant first half for the home side on Wednesday, but Norway held firm and even threatened to take the lead themselves after the break.

However, Rooney scored the only goal of the low-key friendly from the pen…