BARCELONA: Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Paris Saint-Germain battled back to beat 10-man Barcelona 4-1 and book a place in the Champions League semifinals with a 6-4 aggregate triumph on Tuesday.
Raphinha fired Barcelona ahead early on but Ronald Araujo’s 29th-minute red card turned the tide in PSG’s favor, despite the Spanish champions leading by two goals following a 3-2 quarter-final first-leg win.
Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha levelled the tie for PSG and the deadly Mbappe hit a brace to put them into the final four for the first time since 2021.
The French champions have never won the trophy despite huge investment but demonstrated they have the attacking weapons in their squad to do so.
Five-time winners Barcelona were dreaming of a first semifinal return since 2019 but Araujo’s red card for pulling down the relentless Bradley Barcola undermined their grip on the tie.
PSG coach Luis Enrique, who led Barca to the 2015 Champions League, said he believed his team would turn things around despite never having managed to after a first-leg defeat, and so it proved.
The visitors started with determination and penned Barcelona back in their own territory, but it was the hosts who took the lead.
Explosive 16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal ripped past Nuno Mendes and crossed to the near post where Raphinha turned home despite pressure from Achraf Hakimi.
It was the Brazilian winger’s third goal of the tie after his brace in Paris.
Robert Lewandowski fired another chance over the top for Barcelona before Barcola tilted the tie in PSG’s favor. The winger was a nightmare for his French compatriot Jules Kounde to handle.
Barcola teed up Mbappe but Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen denied him well, before Araujo was sent off for bringing him down.
The Uruguayan center-back pulled Barcola back as he burst into the area, leaving Barca with 10 men.
Dembele whizzed the resulting free-kick narrowly over, but soon found the net, as he did in the first leg.
The former Barcelona winger struck after 40 minutes from another Barcola cross, which raked across the area to the back post where Dembele was arriving to fire into the roof of the net.
Barcelona sacrificed Yamal for defender Inigo Martinez after Araujo’s red card and it left them with few outlets in attack.
With PSG controlling the game Barcelona soon paid the price for their inability to keep possession.
Vitinha was given far too much space on the edge of the box and he drilled into the bottom corner to put PSG ahead on the night.
Ilkay Gundogan hit the post at the other end for Barcelona before their coach Xavi was sent off for a show of dissent on the touchline.
The Catalans were losing their heads and Joao Cancelo clumsily fouled Dembele to hand PSG a penalty.
Mbappe, who had been kept quiet in the first leg, hammered it into the top corner for his 40th goal across all competitions.
The striker’s future may lie in Spain, with Real Madrid aiming to sign him in the summer at the end of his contract, and he made no friends in Barcelona by hopping the advertising hoardings and running toward fans to celebrate.
Another member of Barcelona’s backroom staff was dismissed after Gundogan had a penalty appeal waved away and it became clear the hosts had no response.
Mbappe wrapped up the win in the 89th minute after a fine Ter Stegen double save, leaving Barcelona the victims of another bitterly disappointing night in Europe.
Mbappe’s PSG punish 10-man Barca to reach Champions League semis
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Mbappe’s PSG punish 10-man Barca to reach Champions League semis
- The visitors started with determination and penned Barcelona back in their own territory, but it was the hosts who took the lead
Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw
- Earlier Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bambo Diaby also faced racist abuse in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon
MADRID: Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde complained of racist abuse aimed at him from Getafe supporters in a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Saturday.
After Hansi Flick’s side were dealt another set-back in the title race at Getafe’s Coliseum stadium Balde reported the abuse in a post-match interview.
“I received various racist insults from some fans today, and I think that’s something I should say here. I think it’s something that should not keep happening,” Balde told Movistar.
The defender said he informed the referee during the game, who activated Spain’s racism protocol — leading to a public announcement to supporters in the stadium to desist.
Flick said those shouting racist abuse should not come to matches.
“There’s no space for this in football or in life, this is unbelievable, in the time (we live in now) it’s totally wrong,” Flick told reporters.
“They have to stay at home. Not go to the match, they have to stay at home.
“I think we have to fight against them, it’s the best thing, and the people around them can also do something... I think everyone can do it.”
Earlier Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bambo Diaby also faced racist abuse in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon.
There have been numerous instances of racism in Spanish football stadiums in recent years, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior often targeted for abuse.
In November three fans were arrested after racist abuse was aimed at Balde and his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal in the Clasico against Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback
- Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz
- There was an agonizing finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz
LONDON: Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major setback as they blew a two-goal lead in a damaging 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them in control at the Emirates Stadium.
But the Gunners collapsed midway through the second half as Youri Tielemans’ first league goal this season handed Villa a lifeline before Ollie Watkins bagged the equalizer.
Boyhood Arsenal fan Watkins was about to be replaced by Jhon Duran before his 10th league goal this season put a huge dent in the north Londoners’ hopes of catching Liverpool.
There was an agonizing finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz.
Second-placed Arsenal are now six points behind Liverpool as their bid for a first title since 2004 continues to splutter.
Darwin’s Nunez’s stoppage-time double for Liverpool sealed a 2-0 win at Brentford just half an hour before Arsenal kicked off, with groans audible from the stands as the result reached fans at the Emirates.
And with Liverpool holding a game in hand on Arsenal, Arne Slot’s men are firmly in control of the title race.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win against north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday had ended a damaging run of three games without a win in all competitions.
That frustrating streak included the FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and a League Cup semifinal first leg loss to Newcastle.
There was a pre-match blow for Arsenal as French defender William Saliba was ruled out with a “minor issue” and Villa eventually exploited his absence.
Villa had ruined Arsenal’s title bid last term, beating them twice in the league including a crucial 2-0 victory in north London in April.
Despite partially avenging those losses with a win at Villa earlier this season, Arsenal found themselves frustrated by their former boss Unai Emery again.
Despite being penned deep inside their own half for most of the opening 10 minutes, Villa should have taken the lead when Ian Maatsen’s fierce strike from 12 yards forced a fine save from David Raya.
Arsenal’s pressure was rewarded in the 35th minute as Leandro Trossard whipped a cross into the six-yard box and Martinelli got in front of Maatsen to stab past Martinez, whose save couldn’t quite stop the ball crossing the line before he clawed it out.
Havertz headed over from Martin Odegaard’s free-kick, but the much-maligned German finally ended his recent struggles to double Arsenal’s lead in the 55th minute.
Trossard cleverly shifted the ball away from Villa defender Matty Cash and whipped a low cross toward Havertz, whose close-range finish eluded Martinez’s weak attempted save.
The 25-year-old’s first goal in four games took him to 13 in 29 matches in all competitions this season, but he would still finish as the villain.
Tielemans led Villa’s instant fightback, getting in front of Merino to meet Lucas Digne’s cross with a diving header from six yards in the 60th minute.
Arsenal were rocking and Tielemans nearly equalized 90 seconds later with a snap-shot that smacked back off the post.
Martinelli volleyed wide from Gabriel’s lofted pass, foreshadowing the pain to come for Arsenal in the 68th minute.
Cash’s cross arrowed into the Arsenal area and Havertz couldn’t head clear, giving Watkins the chance to guide a clinical finish into the roof of the net from close-range.
Merino briefly thought he had spared Arsenal’s blushes but his strike from the edge of the area was disallowed for the clear contact with Havertz’s arm.
In a thrilling finale, Merino hit the post before Martinez made a superb save to repel Trossard’s effort from the rebound as Arteta held his head in disbelief.
Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier
- Kane said he hoped the club would extend Dier’s 2025-expiring deal
- “He’s come in the last couple of games and done really, really well, and got two clean sheets”
MUNICH: Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to extend Eric Dier’s deal at the club, saying he would “love” to continue playing with his former Spurs and England team-mate.
Dier was a surprise signing when he arrived from Spurs in January 2024 but has gone on to play 31 games for the German giants.
The 31-year-old center-back has started three of his past four league games for Bayern despite competition from central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
Speaking to AFP and other media after Bayern’s 3-2 home win over Wolfsburg on Saturday, Kane said he hoped the club would extend Dier’s 2025-expiring deal.
“Eric’s been great, he’s been waiting patiently, obviously Upa (Upamecano) and Min-jae have been fantastic this season, so Eric’s just had to bide his time.
“He’s come in the last couple of games and done really, really well, and got two clean sheets, so, yeah, of course I’d love Eric to stay.
“I guess that’s between him and the club, I haven’t had any conversations with him, so we’ll have to see.”
Including matches for Bayern, Tottenham and England at junior and senior level, the duo have played 386 games together.
Bayern went trophyless for the first time in 11 seasons in 2023-24, continuing Kane’s run of never having won a team trophy, but the England captain backed Bayern to break through this year.
“Last year there were games where we were struggling but we just found a way to win.
“It’s been a bit different this year... we’ve been dominating every game we’ve played.
“We’re becoming a really dominant team in Germany and in Europe.”
Leganes snap Liga leaders Atletico’s winning streak
- Matija Nastasic nodded Leganes ahead early in the second half
- “We didn’t get into the game well enough, I thought we were low on energy, it wasn’t enough from us,” Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told DAZN
MADRID: Antoine Griezmann missed a late penalty as La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid stumbled to a shock 1-0 defeat at Leganes on Saturday, ending a club record run of 15 consecutive victories.
Matija Nastasic nodded Leganes ahead early in the second half, with Griezmann dragging a poor penalty wide in the final stages to consign Atletico to a second defeat of the league season.
Diego Simeone’s side’s superb form toward the end of 2024 took them above rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona at the halfway point, but their poor display against Leganes opened the door to Spain’s big two.
Real Madrid have the chance to move top of the table on Sunday when they host Las Palmas, while Barcelona can cut down the six-point gap on Atletico later Saturday at Getafe.
“We didn’t get into the game well enough, I thought we were low on energy, it wasn’t enough from us,” Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told DAZN.
“We’ll keep our head up after (winning) 15 games, we lost this one and we have to keep going forward... unfortunately the streak is over.”
The goalkeeper said Atletico would keep battling to win the title for the first time since 2021.
“The league is long, there are a lot of games until the end and it’s clear that it doesn’t end in January,” added Oblak.
Madrid minnows Leganes, 15th, battled well in defense to keep Atletico at bay in the first half.
Rojiblancos striker Julian Alvarez hit the woodwork and had another effort blocked, while Griezmann struck the post and Marko Dmitrovic batted away his second effort from the rebound.
At the other end Juan Cruz threatened on a rare forray forward for the hosts but Oblak reacted well to keep out his cross-shot.
Early in the second half, Serbian defender Nastasic headed Leganes in front from a corner, and they protected their advantage without much stress until controversially conceding a penalty for a debatable handball by Sergio Gonzalez.
Griezmann took responsibility from the penalty spot, but rolled his 90th-minute effort wide of the goal.
Substitute Angel Correa had a final chance to level for Atletico but Dmitrovic bravely blocked his effort from close range to secure Leganes’ victory.
Leganes also beat Barcelona in December and Dmitrovic said their shock wins come down to elbow grease.
“There’s nothing special (about the team), there’s work behind every game, the whole week,” said Dmitrovic.
“Yes, we were capable of beating two of the three biggest sides in La Liga, now there’s no excuses — what we did against Barca and Atletico we have to repeat in other games.
“You can’t guarantee you’ll win games in this league, but the same effort, desire, hope and work, we have to repeat.”
Atletico must now bounce back in the Champions League, where they are aiming to reach the knock-out rounds, against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
“They were 15 extraordinary games, I feel enormously proud at having set the (consecutive) winning record in Atletico’s history,” Simeone told DAZN.
“Their goal gave them the strength to keep working hard in defense, and it’s a strength to defend as well as Leganes did...
“We have to accept that defeat is part of the game and prepare ourselves for Tuesday.”
Nunez late double rescues win for Liverpool in Premier League
- Nunez was derided by Brentford’s fans after going on as a substitute in the 65th minute
- The Uruguay striker responded by turning home a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the first minute of added-on time
LONDON: Darwin Nunez scored twice in stoppage time as Liverpool beat Brentford 2-0 to strengthen their spot in first place in the Premier League on Saturday.
Second-placed Arsenal will look to restore the four-point gap to Liverpool by defeating Aston Villa later.
Nunez was derided by Brentford’s fans after going on as a substitute in the 65th minute, but the Uruguay striker responded by turning home a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the first minute of added-on time.
Nunez then finished off a counterattack two minutes later and secured a first victory in three league games for Liverpool, which drew with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest either side of a loss to Tottenham in the first leg of the English League Cup semifinals.
Liverpool have still lost only one league game all season, at home to Forest in September. The Reds had 37 shots against Brentford and scored with their final two.
Van Nistelrooy under pressure
Next-to-last Leicester lost a seventh straight game in the league, 2-0 to Fulham, to pile the pressure on recently hired manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Van Nistelrooy has won only one of his nine league games in charge — the first against West Ham on Dec. 3.
Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore scored for Fulham.
Crystal Palace won at West Ham 2-0 thanks to two second-half goals by Jean-Philippe Mateta, the second from the penalty spot.
