The Champions League has reached the semi-finals stage and there will be a fresh name on the trophy after Arsenal sensationally knocked out holders Real Madrid. Arsenal are now the clear favourites to become European champions for the first time.
Paris Saint-Germain are next up for Arsenal in the semi-finals. Barcelona and Inter Milan are in the other semi-final after last week’s matches.
Arsenal were so impressive in the two legs against Real, winning 3-0 and 2-1 that Real president Florentino Perez and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez have both approved a potential $120m transfer package for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners forward impressed hugely at the Bernabeu, scoring the opening goal in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg. Although he earlier missed a penalty, Saka menaced Real throughout.
Arsenal fans hope they can keep Saka for a long time after his remarkable rise from the club’s academy to become a first-team star and regular England international.
The 23-year-old is a hugely important to Mikel Arteta’s success. But Real Madrid are the world’s biggest side and tend to get whoever they target.
Barcelona have impressed under head coach Hansi Flick, after the Spanish side eased past Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian forward Raphinha has grabbed the headlines with12 goals and seven assists in this year’s tournament alone for Barca.
But brilliant teenager Lamine Yamal continues to demonstrate levels of composure and consistency well beyond his years. The 17-year-old has a remarkable 14 goals and 22 assists in all competitions this season, with the legendary Lionel Messi under no doubt that he is already one of the world’s best.
“What Lamine Yamal is showing is very impressive, not only what he’s doing but what he’s already done, being a Euro champion with Spain,” Messi told Simplemente Fútbol.
Yamal’s talents were on full show on Saturday, too, as the winger helped mastermind Barcelona’s remarkable comeback against Celta Vigo, coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 to move seven points clear of Real Madrid with six games to play.
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.