UEFA Champions League

Stu Holden is BACK and joins David Mosse for a new episode of State of the Union. On this show, the duo reacts to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer for a leadership role with Saudi Arabia so soon before the World Cup. After, Stu and Mosse recap a WILD Champions League week that saw Bayern, PSG, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid advance to the semi-finals. Stu asks if Mbappé is the best player in the world despite Real's loss and gives his pick for the UCL winner. Back stateside, Nashville made history by becoming the first MLS side to win in the mighty Azteca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, knocking off Club America. In #AskAlexi, Stu and Mosse debate if Mexico or the U.S. utilize their domestic league better and in One for the Road, the guys dive into the sudden departure of Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Chapters: (1:36) Stu's Reaction to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer (6:34) The UCL semifinals are set (29:31) U.S. abroad weekend preview (35:25) Nashville SC pulls off historic CCC upset (45:32) #AskAlexi (56:41) One for the Road #StateOfTheUnion Subscribe to get the latest from Alexi Lalas' State of the Union: http://sprtspod.fox/SUBSCRIBEtoSOTU Listen to Alexi Lalas' State of the Union on Apple Podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/sotu Follow SOTU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOTUWithAlexi Follow SOTU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotuwithalexi/ Follow SOTU on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sotuwithalexi Like SOTU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOTUWithAlexi About Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast: U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas discusses the biggest stories in the world of soccer from an American perspective. Join Alexi and soccer guru David Mosse, as they break down the USMNT, USWNT, MLS, Bundesliga, Premier League, World Cup & everything in between. Mbappé over Yamal, Epic UCL night and MLS vs Liga MX with Stu Holden www.youtube.com/@StateOfTheUnion

Arsenal 0-0 Sporting (1-0 agg.): Mikel Arteta’s side failed to instil confidence in their fans as they eked through to the Champions League semi-finals

Mikel Arteta wanted "fire" from his Arsenal players but instead got a sluggish performance as the Gunners did what was needed to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Adam Hurrey is joined on the midweek Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: the imminent demise of the iconic Champions League match ball, Carlos Queiroz's highly logical new job, highly obscure football in the background of US crime dramas, worrying gaps appearing in the Premier League Archive, referees in the media, Jorge Mendes-backed dentists and the happy self-employment of Richard Keys. Meanwhile, the panel tackle the formidable quiz challenge of the Happy Hunting Grounds Ladder. Play the new Happy Hunting Grounds daily quiz at games.footballcliches.com Sign up for Dreamland, the members-only Football Clichés experience, to access our exclusive new show and much more: https://dreamland.footballcliches.com Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday, as Bayern Munich secured a 6-4 aggregate victory in their quarter-final tie. However, it did not come without controversial, as Eduardo Camavinga’s late red card was the catalyst for the Bavarians to score the two late goals that sent them through to the last […] The post Real Madrid players slam referee after controversial red card during Bayern Munich defeat – “It’s your f****** fault” appeared first on Football España.

Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to push on after a dramatic Champions League quarter-final success over Real Madrid kept their treble hopes alive. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, Bayern were initially rocked as Arda Guler’s brace and a calm finish from Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid a 3-2 half-time lead […] The post Kane calls for Bayern to push on after statement win over Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

Lamine Yamal has been left heartbroken after Barcelona's European exit but has vowed to return the club to the top of the continent.

Hello Rank Squad! It's the second Champions League Takeaway of the week, looking back at Wednesday's action from the Second Legs of the Quarter Finals - where Bayern Munich and Arsenal booked their spots in the final four, albeit in very different manners. At the Allianz, Bayern came out the right side of a 4-3 thriller against Real Madrid, that ended up with the Bavarians prevailing 6-4 on aggregate, but it wasn't as comfortable as that scoreline might suggest. Los Blancos took the lead after just 35 seconds, wiping out Bayern's first leg advantage, and in a topsy-turvy first half the game swung wildly from end to end. Bayern did calm things down in the second half, but it took a chaotic last 10 minutes for them to seal the deal - with Eduardo Camavinga sent off, Luis Diaz put Bayern ahead in the tie and Michael Olise finished things off with a beautiful last kick of the game. In Part Two we head to the Emirates, where Arsenal held a 1-0 lead over Sporting coming into the second leg - and that's how it stayed, to see Arsenal through into the final four. It's history for the Gunners, who have made back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in the club's existence. Job done, but no more than that - this was perhaps not the performance that fans at the Emirates were looking for to soothe some of the nerves that have spread across the fanbase in recent weeks. Although, a clean sheet after some difficult defensive displays will no doubt be some tonic. It's Ranks! And remember, if you’d like more from the Rank Squad, including extra podcasts every Monday and Friday (including our weekly Postbox taking a look at the whole weekend of football) and access to our brilliant Discord community, then why not join us here on Patreon? (http://patreon.com/ranksfc) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com (https://pcm.adswizz.com) for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa said it was "obvious" that Eduardo Camavinga's red card was crucial in Real Madrid's Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while midfielder Jude Bellingham called the decision "a joke."

Rui Borges left the Emirates Stadium with “infinite pride” despite Sporting CP’s Champions League elimination against Arsenal in the last eight. Sporting held Arsenal to a goalless draw in Wednesday’s second leg, though Mikel Arteta’s side progressed as 1-0 aggregate winners, thanks to Kai Havertz’s last-gasp winner in the team’s first meeting in Lisbon. Sporting […] The post Sporting´s Champions League exit leaves Borges with ´infinite pride´ appeared first on Soccer News.

Real Madrid are set for a trophyless season, after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday. They are nine points adrift of Barcelona in the La Liga title race, meaning that it could be a second dismal campaign in a row for the Bernabeu club. In the lead-up to […] The post Real Madrid ready to cut ties with Alvaro Arbeloa after Champions League exit appeared first on Football España.

Rog and James Horncastle went live right after the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal matches to discuss the mounting pressure on Arsenal as they advance past Sporting Lisbon, the goalfest between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance over Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid’s triumphant clash against Barcelona. Plus, Rog and James look ahead to the semifinals and take listener calls. Join us for MiB Live in Philadelphia on May 12th! Tickets available here: mibcourage.co/4bWGBKp Order Rog's new book "We Are the World (Cup)" now: https://a.co/d/0eMdbvoa Check out the Men in Blazers Shop: https://mibcourage.co/4qIb2L1 Sign up for our newsletters: https://mibcourage.co/4rA5fGz Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/9dUpP2pHHU See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Gunners are through to the last four of the Champions League, but they must quickly turn the page ahead of Sunday's huge showdown at the Etihad

Arsenal will have to beat two European heavyweights in order to win a first-ever Champions League title

Atletico Madrid will take on Arsenal in the semifinals, while reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will face Bayern Munich

Despite being eliminated by Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe eclipsed Lionel Messi’s personal best but fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. Kylian Mbappe‘s 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign came to a crashing halt Wednesday following Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal second leg. While the Frenchman managed to surpass Lionel Messi’s personal best, he ultimately fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s gold standard for goals in a single UCL season. Despite being sidelined for three matches, Mbappe enjoyed a prolific run in European play, netting a staggering 13 goals in just seven games during the league phase. Those historic numbers immediately put the Frenchman on a trajectory to shatter every existing record had Real Madrid managed a deeper run toward the final. His availability in the knockout stages was limited, featuring only in the first leg of the playoff round against Benfica and the second leg of the Round of 16 against Manchester City after missing time with a knee sprain. After going scoreless in those earlier rounds, Mbappe regained his form in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, scoring once in each leg of the series. His 42nd-minute strike at the Allianz Arena, assisted by Vinicius Junior, brought his tournament total to 15 goals. Although he shattered his previous personal bests of eight goals in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 campaigns, the premature exit effectively clipped Mbappe’s wings in his pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ultimate milestone. Messi left in the rearview When it comes to pure finishing, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the competition’s historical benchmarks. However, Mbappe’s 2025-26 output has already eclipsed the greatest single-season effort produced by the Argentine and Barcelona legend. By finding the net 15 times in 11 appearances, Mbappe surpassed Messi’s career-high for a single Champions League campaign. Messi’s most productive season came in 2011-12, when he scored 14 goals before Barcelona was eliminated by Chelsea in the semifinal stage. Remarkably, Mbappe now joins an elite club alongside Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, who both reached the 15-goal mark in a single season. Benzema achieved the feat in 12 matches during the 2021-22 campaign, while Lewandowski hit the number in just 10 games in 2019-20; notably, Mbappe is the first to do so under the competition’s revamped format. Cristiano Ronaldo’s record remains safe While Mbappe was on a torrid pace, the quarterfinal exit preserves both of the high-water marks set by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon still holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League edition, having scored 17 times in 11 games during the 2013-14 season. Furthermore, Ronaldo also maintains the second-best mark in history, a 16-goal barrage across 12 games in 2015-16. Mbappe’s mid-season fitness issues, which saw him sidelined for three matches, proved to be missed opportunities to catch Ronaldo, whose records will remain untouched for at least one more year.

A statement win over Real Madrid, despite a shaky start, has the Bavarian club as the team to beat in UCL

Alvaro Arbeloa said the feeling in Real Madrid’s camp was one of “injustice” after Eduardo Camavinga’s red card cost them dearly in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Having suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home in last week’s first leg, Madrid put on a much-improved display in a thrilling rematch in Munich. Following […] The post Arbeloa describes Madrid´s Champions League exit as an ´injustice´ after Camavinga red appeared first on Soccer News.

Real Madrid were knocked out of the 2025-26 Champions League in controversial circumstances on Wednesday. Bayern Munich won 4-3 on the night to ensure a 6-4 aggregate success, but that came about after two late goals – which came after Eduardo Camavinga was shown a controversial red card. Camavinga was booked on 78 minutes, and […] The post Alvaro Arbeloa blasts referee as Real Madrid exit Champions League – “He ruined a beautiful tie” appeared first on Football España.

The crowd were getting anxious and players are either missing or off form but they have still reached the Champions League semi-finals And so I am become a meme. Towards the end of this game, already booked for standing on the edge of the pitch whirling his arms in a balletic, immaculately groomed pose of horror, like an oversized wedding cake figurine at the world’s most distressing wedding, Mikel Arteta could be seen pulling his jumper up over his eyes to obscure the spectacle in front of him. Not so fast, Mikel. We’re all in this together you know. At the final whistle, with a controlled, job-done 0-0 safely in the bag, Arteta could be seen striding out in front of the post-match column of Arsenal players, conducting the crowd, an urgent, compact, dark-haired figure with, from a distance, something of the business-casual Tom Cruise about him.

Relief for Arsenal as they make it to the Champions League semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting Lisbon, John Murray and Chris Sutton join Steve Crossman for reaction from the Emirates. They discuss the nervousness around Arsenal and look ahead to their tie with Atletico Madrid in the final four. Euro Leagues’ Raphael Honigstein joins us from Munich where Bayern beat Real Madrid in a thriller to set up a meeting with Paris Saint Germain. Plus, Spanish football journalist Juan Castro gives his assessment of the controversial red card for Eduardo Camavinga which swung the balance in Bayern’s favour on a disappointing night for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side. Timecodes: 00:35 – Arsenal - Sporting Lisbon reaction with John Murray and Chris Sutton 13:06 – Bayern Munich reaction with Raphael Honigstein 17:46 – Real Madrid reaction with Juan Castro 22:00 – The challenge ahead for Arsenal with John Murray and Chris Sutton 31:35 – Mikel Arteta interview

Reaction as Arsenal beat Sporting Lisbon to make the Champions League semi-finals.

Mikel Arteta says reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League is a "massive boost" for Arsenal despite once again struggling against Sporting on Wednesday.

Champions League analysts Stephen Warnock and Nedum Onuoha feel Arne Slot's Liverpool do not have a definitive starting XI and style of play like other clubs around Europe, following their elimination from the competition at the hands of PSG.

France legend Thierry Henry offered help to Antoine Griezmann as he prepares for his next chapter in Major League Soccer with Orlando City. Antoine Griezmann will bring his time at Atletico Madrid to an end this summer and will try his luck in Major League Soccer with Orlando City. Months ahead of that move, France legend Thierry Henry offered his help as the forward looks to adapt to soccer in the United States. In the moments following the match against Barcelona — in which Los Colchoneros secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League semifinals — Griezmann gave an interview to CBS Sports, where Henry works as an analyst. That led to a rare on-air exchange between the two French icons. “Antoine, Antoine, I have something to tell you: thank you for everything you have done for French soccer, the national team, and the game in general. You have given me a lot. I wish you all the best,” Henry began, recognizing the career Griezmann has put together. But the 1998 World Cup champion did not only praise the 35-year-old forward for his past, he also turned his attention to the challenges ahead. “I hope you finish your time at Atletico Madrid well, and good luck in Orlando,” Thierry added. “I know MLS very well — anything you need regarding your time there, I’ll be happy to help.” Thierry Henry played for New York Red Bulls between 2010 and 2014. Henry made his mark in MLS The current state of MLS — with an increasing number of high-profile, world-renowned players — was built on the gradual arrival of stars over the past decades. One of the first major names to move to the United States was Thierry Henry, who joined New York Red Bulls in 2010. At the time, the French forward was 33 years old and arrived directly from Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, giving the New York side a marquee addition. Henry spent five seasons there (with a brief loan spell at Arsenal in between), making 135 appearances, scoring 52 goals, and winning one Supporters’ Shield trophy along with two Eastern Conference titles. Griezmann still has major challenges before MLS move While Orlando City and MLS are surely already on Antoine Griezmann’s mind, he still has significant challenges ahead with Atletico Madrid that could provide a perfect ending to his time at the club. This Saturday, Atletico Madrid will play the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, aiming to win a title that has eluded the side since 2013. And as if that were not enough, the Champions League also awaits: Los Colchoneros will face Arsenal in the semifinals.

They drew 0-0 at home to Sporting Lisbon to progress 1-0 on aggregate.

Gunners are one step away from reaching a first Champions League final in 20 years

Champions League analysts Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onouha and Julien Laurens believe Mikel Arteta is trying to "convince" the Arsenal fanbase that concerns around his team's form are overblown, after Arsenal qualified for the semi-finals in nervy fashion against Sporting.

Declan Rice is not interested in any opinions from outside of the Arsenal camp after they scraped into the Champions League semi-finals. Wednesday’s uninspiring goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium was still enough to see Arsenal past Sporting CP with a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner in the opening meeting in […] The post ´Who cares what people think?´ – Rice hits back after Arsenal scrape into last four appeared first on Soccer News.

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's progression to the Champions League semi-finals can act as a massive boost for his side's pivotal top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Manchester City.

MUNICH, Germany, April 16 - Bayern Munich showed mental strength and absolute belief to come from behind three times before beating Real Madrid 4-3 to reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, coach Vincent Kompany said.

Arsenal advance, UCL semis fixtures revealed Kick Off

Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid over two legs for a place in this season’s Champions League final.

Champions League analysts Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha and Julien Laurens look at how Michael Olise and Luis Diaz caused Real Madrid's defence constant problems after they helped Bayern Munich reach the semi-finals.

Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg. 1-0): Gunners control second leg as draw is enough to secure spot in Champions League semi-finals

Real Madrid bowed out of this season’s Champions League on Wednesday, as they went down 4-3 to Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, which ensured a 6-4 defeat on aggregate for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side. Andriy Lunin – 5 He may have made a couple of good saves to keep Bayern at […] The post Real Madrid player ratings against Bayern Munich: Arda Guler shines on disappointing night appeared first on Football España.

Bayern Munich edged out Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a classic Champions League quarter-final tie, taking advantage of Eduardo Camavinga’s red card for a 4-3 second-leg win. It was 1-1 within six minutes of kick-off – the earliest both teams have ever scored in a Champions League knockout game – after goalkeeping errors from […] The post Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid (6-4 agg): Late Diaz and Olise goals settle thrilling quarter-final appeared first on Soccer News.

Real Madrid faced off against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a win on the road in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos made a dream start to the game as they scored the opener in the first minute when Arda Guler found the back of the net. […] The post Mbappe And Bellingham Get 7.5 | Real Madrid Players Rated In Tough Loss Vs Bayern Munich appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

Bayern Munich scored two late goals to knock record 15-time European champions Real Madrid out of the Champions League following a thrilling 4-3 win at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Arsenal secured their place in the semifinals of the Champions League following a 0-0 draw against Sporting CP at the Emirates.

DECLAN RICE was not having any of the negativity surrounding Arsenal's performance after they reached the Champions League semi-finals. The Gunners held on to their 1-0 lead from the first leg to see out their tie against Sporting CP on Wednesday. And though the individual performance was far from inspiring, Rice shot down the idea...

Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final after dispatching Sporting

Relive Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Arsenal could rely on their one-goal aggregate lead to earn them a spot in the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid after a goalless draw against Sporting at the Emirates.

Bayern Munich scored twice late on to beat Real Madrid 4-3 on the night and knock them out 6-4 on aggregate in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final.