DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Bayer Leverkusen takes huge step towards ending Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Bayer Leverkusen took an almighty step towards winning its first Bundesliga title after producing a stunning comeback victory on Saturday, before title rival Bayern Munich lost during an eventful day in the German top-flight. Leverkusen scored two late goals to beat Hoffenheim 2-1 and maintain its unbeaten record in the league. Later that day, Bayern Munich produced a disappointing display in a 2-0 loss to fierce rival Borussia Dortmund. However, as it has done on many occasions this season, Leverkusen struck late and equalized in the 88th minute through Robert Andrich. Bayern Munich now sits 13 points off the top of the table, with seven games remaining.

Persons: CNN — Bayer, Thomas Tuchel, ”, ” Patrik Schick, Lars Baron, Xabi, Maximilian Beier, Robert Andrich, Patrik Schick, ” Alonso, Alonso, Matthias Schrader, Tuchel, Harry Kane, “, Joshua Kimmich, We’re Organizations: CNN, CNN — Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, Bayern Munich, Leverkusen, Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern, Reuters, Xabi Alonso’s, Star, Dortmund, Champions League, Arsenal, ” Bayern Locations: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Munich

☆ Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain complete star-studded Women’s Champions League semifinals lineup
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain both reached the semifinals of the Women’s Champions League with dominant performances to set up two thrilling clashes in the last four. “Tonight was a good example of what my team are,” Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giráldez added. However, the French side stamped its authority on the match in the opening stages and deservedly broke the deadlock after 27 minutes thanks to Chawinga’s unerring left-footed finish off the post. PSG will rightly feel confident going into the semifinal against European powerhouse Lyon, with the team currently on a 22-match unbeaten run and 11-game winning streak at home. Thibault Camus/AP“It was a good game, there are many reasons to be satisfied,” PSG head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur said, per UEFA.

Persons: Germain, Ballon, Aitana Bonmatí, Fridolina Rolfö, Patricia Guijarro, Barça, Lyon, Tabitha Chawinga, Korbin Albert, Marie, Antoinette Katoto, Bonmatí, Barça hasn’t, Tomine Svendheim, Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Fridolina, Albert Gea, ”, Jonatan Giráldez, deservedly, Chawinga’s unerring, Albert, Katoto, Thibault Camus, Jocelyn Prêcheur, it’s, “ Organizations: CNN —, Paris Saint, Women’s, League, Norwegian, Brann, Chelsea, PSG, Women’s Champions League, Lyon, Rolfö, Reuters, UEFA, ”, ” Barcelona, ” PSG, European, Parc des Princes Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Paris, Thursday’s, Norway, Barcelona, ” Barcelona, Parc des

☆ Lionel Messi says he hasn’t yet thought about when he will retire
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Age, they say, is just a number – an adage that appears to ring true for soccer star Lionel Messi. “The truth is I haven’t thought about it yet,” said Messi, who turns 37 in June. “Today, I try to enjoy it day-by-day, enjoy every moment without thinking about it more than that. Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Asked about what will factor into his decision to retire, Messi said: “The moment that I’m not at the level to deliver, that I’m not enjoying it, that I’m not helping my teammates.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, hasn’t, Ballon d’Or, ”, it’s, Cristiano Ronaldo, aplenty, Nassr, Carl Recine, Reuters Messi, I’m, “, ” Messi, Argentina’s, El Savaldor Organizations: CNN, Argentina, La Liga, Barcelona, Reuters, MLS, Inter Miami, Leagues, Eastern Conference, El, Inter, New York Locations: “, Portugal, Saudi Arabian, Costa Rica, New York City

☆ Dani Alves: Soccer star leaves prison after paying $1 million bond for provisional release after sexual assault conviction
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Pau Mosquera | Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves has left prison after submitting a €1 million bond (approximately $1.08 million) to a Barcelona court required for his provisional release after being convicted of sexual assault, the Supreme Court of Justice of Catalonia said in a statement on Monday. On February 22, the Barcelona provincial court sentenced Alves to four-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in one of the city’s nightclubs in late December 2022. After leaving prison, the 40-year-old will have his Brazilian and Spanish passports confiscated. He is also prohibited from leaving Spanish territory and must make weekly appearances at the provincial court. Alves is one of the most decorated soccer players of his generation, winning domestic titles in Spain, Italy and France.

Persons: Dani Alves, Alves, Inés Guardiola, Alves ’ Organizations: CNN, Justice, Provincial, Barcelona Prosecutor’s, Barcelona, Copa Locations: Brazilian, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Italy, France, Brazil

☆ Champions League draw: Real Madrid to face Manchester City in pick of the quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester City has been drawn against Real Madrid in a mouthwatering Champions League quarterfinal clash. Real Madrid will be looking for revenge after suffering a 5-1 aggregate drubbing at the hands of City in last season’s semifinals, as Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the title for the first time in the club’s history. Real Madrid will be out for revenge after last season's defeat to City. Molly Darlington/ReutersFinally, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund - arguably the two underdog teams in the quarterfinals - will face off in perhaps the most even of the ties for a place in the semifinals. Draw in fullArsenal vs. Bayern MunichAtletico Madrid vs. Borussia DortmundReal Madrid vs. Manchester CityParis Saint-Germain vs. BarcelonaSemifinal drawAtlético or Dortmund vs. PSG or BarcelonaArsenal or Bayern vs. Real Madrid or Man City

Persons: Pep, Harry Kane, Kane, Germain, Xavi, Molly Darlington Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Real, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Spurs, Bayern, England, Paris Saint, Barcelona, Champions League, City, Reuters, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico, Dortmund hasn’t, Bayern Munich Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund Real Madrid, Manchester City Paris Saint, Atlético, Dortmund, PSG, Barcelona Arsenal Locations: Real Madrid, London, French, Man

☆ Where’s the Next Generation of Great Coaches?
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Greek triumph came a few weeks after Porto, led by a charismatic young coach with hair more pepper than salt, lifted the Champions League trophy. That was after Werder Bremen finished the season as champion of Germany and Valencia secured its second Spanish title in three years. The compilation clip could, at a push, be used as a sort of generational Rorschach test. Werder Bremen should be able to win the Bundesliga. You might not want to watch Greece win the Euros again, but it was nice that it happened.

Persons: craven, Kate Middleton, —, pang Organizations: Greece, European, Champions League, Werder Bremen, Valencia, Caldas, Copa Libertadores, Bundesliga, Porto Locations: Porto, Germany, Colombian, Europe

☆ Martin Ødegaard: How teenage prodigy finally found his home at Arsenal
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —As he led the team out inside of a raucous Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard had the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Because Ødegaard looks to have finally found his home at Arsenal. On a magical night for Arsenal fans, Ødegaard produced another sensational performance, proving once again to be the creative spark for Mikel Arteta’s team. But, in Ødegaard, Arsenal finally has a leader who looks determined to lead this team to success. And, in Arsenal, Ødegaard finally has a place to shine.

Persons: Martin Ødegaard, Ødegaard, Mikel Arteta’s, Leandro Trossard, Arsenal's Ødegaard, Andrew Boyers, Arsene Wenger’s, Martin, ”, Hans Erik Ødegaard, Zinedine Zidane, Denis Doyle, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Arteta, “, “ Martin, he’s, ” Ødegaard, Mike Hewitt Organizations: CNN, Emirates, Arsenal, Gunners, Porto, Champions League, Norwegian, Strømsgodset, Norwegian national, Manchester United, Liverpool, CNN Sport, ”, Madrid, Real Madrid, La Liga, Spanish, Real Sociedad, ” Arsenal, English Premier League rivals Manchester City Locations: Norwegian, Europe, France, Real, London, Liverpool, Ødegaard, Arsenal

☆ Al-Hilal: Saudi Arabia club sets record for most consecutive wins in men’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal set the world record for the most consecutive victories in men’s soccer on Tuesday, defeating Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the AFC Champions League. Before that, Dutch giant Ajax had held the record for 44 years after a 26-game winning streak between 1971 and 1972. “Everyone at Al Hilal is delighted to achieve world football history by winning 28 consecutive matches,” said manager Jorge Jesus. “It is up to everyone at Al-Hilal to ensure that we close out the season as Roshn Saudi League champions and meet our targets in the cup competitions. According to Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin has the most consecutive wins in soccer – men’s or women’s – with 41 across all competitions between 2012 and 2013.

Persons: Hilal, Al Hilal, ”, Jorge Jesus, Romarinho, Yasser Al, Shahrani, Hilal's, Yasser Bakhsh, Abderrazak, Ali Al, Malcom, Jesus, ” Al, Al Ain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Neymar Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, AFC Champions League, Welsh, New Saints, Ajax, ”, “, Saudi League, Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin Locations: Saudi Arabian, Ittihad, Al, Hilal, Jeddah

☆ Al-Nassr knocked out of the AFC Champions League by Al Ain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s costly miss
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League after a thrilling tie against Al Ain ended 4-4 on aggregate before the Emirati side triumphed on penalties. Monday’s end-to-end game could have gone either way, though Ronaldo will likely regret his staggering miss in the second half which could have seen Al-Nassr progress to the semifinals. Together, always!”After Al Ain won the first leg 1-0, the visiting team got off to a superb start in Riyadh thanks to two first-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi, whose neat finish had been the difference between the teams last week. Al Ain players celebrate their dramatic victory. Al Ain, chasing its first AFC Champions League title in 21 years, will next face another Saudi Arabian team – either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad – in the semifinals.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Al Ain, Ronaldo, “, Soufiane Rahimi, Khalid, Sadio Mané, Abdulrahman, Fayez, Alex Telles ’, Ayman Yahya, Sultan Al, Shamsi, Raghed Al, Yasser Bakhsh, Marcelo Brozović Organizations: CNN, AFC Champions League, Al, Getty, AFC, League, Saudi Arabian Locations: Riyadh, Portuguese, Al Ain, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Ittihad

☆ Arsenal edges past Porto on penalties to reach Champions League quarterfinals for first time in 14 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Emirates Stadium, London CNN —If Arsenal fans had forgotten just how tense and grueling the Champions League knockout stages can be, their memories will now certainly be refreshed after a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Porto in the round of 16. On a raucous night, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said this was probably the best atmosphere he’d experienced at the Emirates Stadium since taking over as manager in 2019. It was a reminder of the threat this Porto team possessed – if Arsenal still needed one after Galeno’s late, long-range sucker punch in the first leg. That strike propelled Arsenal forward in the second half, though Porto looked increasingly content with sitting back and absorbing the pressure. After a riveting 90 minutes, extra time was largely a non-event, with the highlight coming when Kai Havertz pushed Porto manager Sergio Conceição to spark a tussle on the touchline.

Persons: Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard’s, Wendell, Galeno, David Raya, Mikel Arteta, “, ”, Pepe, William Saliba, Evanilson, Leandro Trossard's, Hannah McKay, Porto, Diogo Costa, Arteta, Arsenal's, Adrian Dennis, Francisco Conceição, Kai Havertz, Sergio Conceição, ’ Organizations: London CNN, Arsenal, Champions League, Porto, Gunners, Emirates, League, Reuters, Belgian, Getty Locations: London, Europe’s, Raya, AFP

We'll also guide you step-by-step on how to use a VPN to watch UFC 299, no matter where you are. ET / 3 a.m. GMT (Sun) / 11 a.m. AWST (Sun)How to watch UFC 299 in the USUS viewers can watch the main event of UFC 299 on ESPN Plus tonight at 10 p.m. UFC PPV + Annual ESPN+ Membership (Bundle) ESPN+ is the home of UFC PPV events, meaning that fans need to purchase a subscription in addition to buying the one-off cards. Where to watch UFC 299 everywhere elseIf you're not in the US, you still have a few options to watch UFC 299. In Canada, UFC 299 will be available as a pay-per-view through most TV providers and directly via UFC Fight Pass.

Persons: Sean O'Malley's, Marlon Vera, There's, Dustin Poirier, Benoit Saint, Denis, We'll, ExpressVPN, O'Malley, Vera Main, Sean O'Malley, Kevin Holland, Michael Page, Gilbert Burns, Jack Della Maddalena, Petr Yan, Curtis Blaydes, Jailton Almeida, Katlyn, Maycee Barber, Mateusz, Rafael dos Anjos, Pedro Munhoz, Kyler Phillips, Philipe, Michel Pereira, Michal Oleksiejczuk, Robelis, Josh Parisian, CJ Vergara, Assu Almabayev, Joanne Wood, Maryna Moroz Organizations: Business, Kaseya, UFC, ESPN Plus, ESPN, TNT Sports, Amazon, Apple, PlayStation, Samsung, BT, BT Sport, League, LG Locations: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, Asia, Africa, Brazil

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish state prosecutors have accused Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti of alleged tax fraud, claiming he used shell companies to hide parts of his income during his first stint at the club a decade ago. Prosecutors in Madrid said in a statement Wednesday that they are accusing Ancelotti of two accounts of tax fraud and are requesting a prison sentence of four years and nine months. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesFormer Madrid coach Jose Mourinho received a one-year suspended sentence after reaching a guilty plea for tax fraud in 2019. Star players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — among others — have also been found guilty of tax fraud in Spain. Madrid is leading the Spanish league and is set to play Leipzig on Wednesday for a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Persons: Carlo Ancelotti, Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo —, —, Mourinho, Ronaldo, Messi, ___ Organizations: Real Madrid, Prosecutors, Madrid, Champions League, AC Milan, Spanish, Star, Leipzig Locations: BARCELONA, Spain, Spanish, Madrid, Ancelotti, England, Italy, Germany, France

☆ Kylian Mbappé breaks part of net with powerful goal as he’s hailed ‘No. 1 player in the world’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The 25-year-old’s double led the French side to a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, Spain, giving it a 4-1 victory on aggregate over the two legs of their round-of-16 clash. Such was the power of his goal that the strike actually broke the net, leaving a hole behind between post and net. Mbappé doubled PSG’s lead on the night and effectively finished off the tie 11 minutes after halftime with another trademark goal. Mbappé scores PSG's second goal against Real Sociedad. Alvaro Barrientos/APAlthough Mikel Merino scored late on to give Real Sociedad some consolation, the evening was all about Mbappé and his excellent outing.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Mbappé, Alejandro Remiro, Alvaro Barrientos, Mikel Merino, “ We’re, ”, ” Mbappé, Luis Enrique lauding, ” Enrique, France’s, Mbappé –, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Rio Ferdinand, “, … Mbappé, don’t, Mbappé’s, ’ ”, Owen Hargreaves, Thierry Henry, Ronaldo Nazario, Hargreaves Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Champions League, Real Sociedad, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, TNT Sports, France Locations: Paris, San Sebastián, Spain, –, England

☆ Xabi Alonso becomes Europe’s most wanted coach as Bayer Leverkusen runs away with Bundesliga
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Xabi Alonso was appointed the club’s head coach in October 2022, with Leverkusen languishing near the bottom of the German table. Prior to being appointed Leverkusen’s manager, Alonso had coached Real Madrid’s Under-14 team and Real Sociedad’s B team. We have seen in the past what else can happen,” Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tag told Dazn after the victory over Köln. There are 10 games remaining in the Bundesliga season and Leverkusen is the strong favorite to win its first ever league title. And with Leverkusen in semifinals of the domestic cup and the round-of-16 stage of the Europa League, Alonso could cap off a memorable second season in first-team management with a hat-trick of trophies.

Persons: ’, Michael Ballack, Oliver Neuville, Dimitar Berbatov, Zé Roberto, Zidane’s, Xabi Alonso, Alonso, Ina Fassbender, –, Jeremie Frimpong, Grimaldo –, Grimaldo, Frimpong, John Muller, “, ”, Jonathan Tag, Köln, Wolfgang Rattay, Thomas Tuchel’s Organizations: CNN, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Real Madrid, Leverkusen, Spain, Bayern Munich, English Premier League, Köln, Getty, Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Merseyside, League, Spanish national team, Real Madrid’s, Real, Benfica, The, Bayern, Europa League Locations: Liverpool, AFP, Istanbul, Leverkusen, Europe

☆ Manchester City comes from behind to defeat rival Manchester United 3-1
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester City came from behind to defeat Manchester United 3-1 and keep the pace on Liverpool in the English Premier League title race. By now, the home side was in control of the match, and when Sofyan Amrabat was dispossessed by Rodri close to the United goal, Erling Haaland was able to complete the victory. Incredible.”However, the 23-year-old made amends with a composed finish in added time, his 18th Premier League goal of the season. Carl Recine/ReutersAfter a dominant second-half display, City ended the game with 74.3% of possession and 27 shots to United’s two. The Premier League champion next plays Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, while United is back in action in the Premier League at home against Everton on Saturday.

Persons: Phil Foden, Rashford, Foden, Julián Álvarez, Sofyan Amrabat, Rodri, Erling Haaland, “, ” Foden, ”, Carl Recine, Pep, Gary Lineker, “ @ErlingHaaland Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, English Premier League, Manchester Derby, Sky Sports, United, Reuters, Etihad, Premier League, Reds, Nottingham Forest, Luton, England, Champions League, Everton, Saturday, Anfield Locations: Reuters City, Norwegian, Copenhagen, United

☆ Jude Bellingham red carded after final whistle as Real Madrid is controversially denied winning goal against Valencia
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was sent off after he was denied an injury-time winner against Valencia on Saturday. That prompted Bellingham, along with other Real Madrid players, to remonstrate angrily with the referee, only for the midfielder to be shown a red card as the match ended 2-2. Real Madrid pulled a goal back through Vinícius Jr. right on the stroke of halftime and continued to push for an equalizer in the second half. He had celebrated his first goal by raising his fist into the air on what was his 250th appearance for Real Madrid. Real next plays RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Valencia returns to action in the league against Getafe next Saturday.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Gil Manzano, remonstrate, Hugo Duro, Roman Yaremchuk, Dani Carvajal’s, Vinícius Jr, Vinícius, David S, Bustamante, Duro, Brahim Díaz, Manzano, Bellingham “, ‘, ”, Carlo Ancelotti, it’s, It’s, ” Ancelotti, ” Bellingham's, Pablo Morano, Valencia Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Madrid, Bellingham, Mallorca, Leipzig, Champions League, Getafe Locations: Bellingham, Valencia, Girona

☆ Dwight Yorke: Manchester United legend says it will be ‘two to three years’ until the club is back at the top
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Zayn Nabbi | Darren Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has welcomed British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s investment into the club, saying that the new co-owner can restore the European powerhouse to its glory years. Yorke concedes, however, that for the time being the Red Devils will not be able to compete for the English Premier League title. Yorke would go on to win a further two Premier Leagues with the Red Devils before leaving the club in the summer of 2002. “We really should be in the [Premier League] top four relatively comfortably, and it hasn’t been that easy a ride for us. “I think Alan Shearer is still the current [record] holder in the Premier League and was a real goal machine.

Persons: Dwight Yorke, Jim Ratcliffe’s, Yorke, Darren Lewis, Ratcliffe, “, ” Yorke, Sir, Jim, Alex Ferguson’s, Jim Ratcliffe, Peter Byrne, Erik ten Hag, ”, It’s, he’s, ” United, Erling Haaland, He’s, Clive Rose, Alan Shearer, Harry Kane –, Wayne Rooney, Andy Cole, City’s, Kevin De Bruyne Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, Red Devils, English Premier League, CNN Senior, United, FA, League –, Leagues, Premier League, Manchester City, Etihad, Tottenham, Citizens, ”, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, City, Liverpool, Luton Town, Bournemouth, Getty, League, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich – Locations: Old Trafford, “, atoning, England, Germany

☆ Laureus Awards: Erling Haaland and Manchester City lead nominations for this year’s awards
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland leads the nominations at this year’s Laureus Awards as he continues his record-breaking goal-scoring form. Haaland scored a stunning 52 goals in all competitions during Manchester City’s treble-winning season last year, being named Premier League Player of the Year in the process. 1 tennis player Iga Świątek. Nominees for this year’s awards were determined by a vote from members of the world’s media. The winners are then chosen in a secret ballot by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Noah Lyles, Max Verstappen, Haaland, couldn’t, ”, Laureus, Pep Guardiola, ” Europe’s, Catherine Ivill, Mikaela Shiffrin, Iga, Jude Bellingham, Coco Gauff Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, Sportsman, Manchester, Premier League Player, “, Laureus, Premier League, ” Europe’s Ryder Cup, Red Bull Racing, Spanish women’s, City, Sports Academy Locations: Norwegian, England, Europe, Madrid, Spain, Real Madrid

☆ Arsenal players ‘living the dream’ after underlining title credentials with impressive win
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Arsenal underlined its place in this year’s English Premier League title race with a statement 4-1 win against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. But when the chips were down, Arsenal’s players stepped up to produce one of the best performances from any team in the league this year. “We are all living the dream, we have all been dreaming of being here on the biggest stage in the best league in the world,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard told TNT Sports after the match. Many fans are therefore rightly cautious about their team’s chances of winning a league title for the first time since 2004, but things do look slightly different this season. “We want the best club in the world, and to be the best club in the world we have to have the best stadium and best atmosphere in the world, that’s for sure,” Arteta said.

Persons: Martin Odegaard, David Klein, Kai Havertz, Jakub Kiwior’s, Joe Willock, ”, “ It’s, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Arteta, ” Arteta Organizations: CNN, Arsenal, English Premier League, Newcastle, Emirates, Porto, Champions League, ” Arsenal, TNT Sports, Manchester City, Liverpool, North London, Reuters Saturday’s, Premier League, Sheffield United, Brentford Locations: North, Newcastle

☆ Want to Play in Asia’s Champions League? It Will Cost You.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At least nobody can accuse Asia’s soccer authorities of failing to sweat the small stuff. can still find the time to dictate precisely which water bottles, with which labels, fans should be allowed to carry into stadiums. That kind of attention to detail should reassure you that soccer’s future — from Beirut to Beijing, and Ulaanbaatar to Hobart — is in safe hands. Unfortunately, that is not quite the picture that emerges from a report, commissioned by soccer’s global players’ union, FIFPro, assessing the benefits and shortcomings of Asia’s most prestigious club competition, the Asian Champions League. Instead, the report documents a tournament that acts as an almost perfect microcosm of soccer’s general direction across the globe.

Persons: Hobart — Organizations: Asian Football Confederation, ’, Asian Champions League Locations: —, Beirut, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Hobart

☆ Copa Libertadores: Bolivian and Peruvian soccer teams set record after playing match at 4,150m altitude
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Standing 4,150 meters (more than 13,500 feet) above sea level, it is one of highest soccer stadiums in the world. And on Tuesday, Bolivian team Always Ready and Peruvian side Sporting Cristal set a new record for the highest match ever played in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League. “We must clarify something: playing at this altitude is very difficult,” Cristal head coach Enderson Moreira said after the match, per El Comercio. “We played in a complicated stadium, it is perhaps the game that Cristal has played at the highest altitude, but there are no excuses,” Cristal star Yoshimar Yotún told El Comercio. Always Ready beat Sporting Cristal 6-1 at high altitude.

Persons: Estadio Daniel Alcides Carrión, Cristal, “, ” Cristal, Enderson Moreira, Cristal’s, ”, Yoshimar Yotún, El, Raldes, Estadio Hernando Siles, Alberto Gallardo, Moreira Organizations: CNN, El, Bolivian, Peruvian, Sporting Cristal, Copa Libertadores, Champions League, Spanish, AS, Estadio, El Comercio, Libertadores, Bolivian national, El Alto Locations: Bolivian, El Alto, Peruvian, Cerro de Pasco, El Comercio, Lima, AFP, La Paz, El

☆ Dani Alves: Former soccer player sentenced to four-and-a-half years over sexual assault
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Al Goodman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Former Barcelona and Brazil soccer player Dani Alves was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub and sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, a Barcelona court ruled Thursday. The Barcelona provincial court, where the trial was held earlier this month, said there was proof that the assault was not consensual, the court press office said in a statement Thursday. Alves, 40, was arrested in January 2023, following the events at a Barcelona nightclub in late December 2022, and he has been held in prison pre-trial since then. A lawyer for Alves, Inés Guardiola, told reporters outside of the courthouse that the former Barça star will appeal the ruling. Alves is one of the most decorated soccer players of his generation, having won domestic titles in Spain, Italy and France.

Persons: Dani Alves, Alves, Inés Guardiola Organizations: CNN, Barcelona provincial Locations: Barcelona, Brazil, Spain, Italy, France

☆ Champions League: Toothless Arsenal suffers late defeat to Porto
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

While Arsenal dominated possession and passing, the Gunners were largely toothless throughout the contest, mustering zero shots on target and just seven total shots all game. You can’t overlook anyone, ever, in the Champions League because it is the Champions League, special things happen. It’s a real kick in the teeth because we’ve conceded late, but we know what to do. If we want to get into the next round, we know how we’ve got to win and what we’ve got to do to go about that. We’ve been in a great bit of form, it’s about staying positive, getting back, recovering, going again in the Premier League and we’ll be ready for the Champions League for sure.”Galeno applauds the fans following his match-winning performance.

Persons: CNN —, Mikel Arteta’s, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, David Raya, Rice, you’re, ” Rice, “, we’ve, “ We’re, we’re, We’ve, we’ll, Galeno, David Ramos, ”, haven’t Organizations: CNN, CNN — Arsenal, Champions League, FC Arouca, Arsenal, Gunners, Porto, Otávio, TNT Sports, League, Premier League, Getty, Emirates Locations: Porto’s, Portuguese

☆ MLS season preview: Messi and Inter Miami target domination of US soccer in ‘year two’
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

How to watch the MLS season openerThe MLS season opener between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast in the US and UK on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, following the 10-year streaming deal signed in 2022 between MLS and the technology company. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty ImagesDays before the MLS season began, league commissioner Don Garber said he believed Miami could still add more superstar firepower to its squad. The Columbus Crew will likely pose a threat once again to win the MLS Cup. Writing for ESPN, Luis Miguel Echegaray said he doesn’t see Inter Miami winning the Eastern Conference.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, it’s, Messi, Luis Suárez, Gerardo ‘ Tata ’ Martino, Suárez’s, ” Messi, Tim Nwachukwu, Don Garber, “, ” Garber, Leo, Garber, Maddie Meyer, Wilfried Nancy, ’, Luciano Acosta, “ We’re, Luis Miguel Echegaray, Tata Martino, ”, ” GOAL.com’s Ryan Tolmich Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Barcelona, MLS Eastern Conference, Leagues, MLS, Miami, Apple, Uruguayan, Gremio, Messi, CONCACAF Champions League, ESPN, Argentine, Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Miami Herald, ”, Eastern Conference Locations: Miami, Real Salt, Brazil, Barcelona, French, Ohio, Argentine

☆ Champions League: Mats Hummels rages at ‘joke of a penalty’ in Borussia Dortmund’s draw with PSV
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels was left raging at what he called “a joke of a penalty” after the team’s 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. With Malik Tillman advancing into the box, Hummels slid in and clearly won the ball before following through on the attacker. However, referee Srđan Jovanović immediately pointed to the spot and Luuk de Jong stepped up and confidently buried the penalty kick. I cannot believe there can be decisions like today or against Chelsea or PSG with the VAR,” Hummels posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the match. They might as well give the referee that’s made the decision the opportunity to make the right decision anyway in his opinion.

Persons: Mats Hummels, Donyell Malen, Malik Tillman, Hummels, Srđan Jovanović, de Jong, Twitter, ” Hummels, Jovanović wasn’t, Glenn Hoddle, Joleon, ” Hoddle, ‘, ”, Hoddle, Lescott, “, ” Lescott, Dean Mouhtaropoulos, that’s Organizations: CNN — Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven, Champions League, PSV, Dortmund, Twitter, Chelsea, PSG, TNT Sports, TNT Locations: Germany

Search resuls for: "Champions League"

25 mentions found