Political Tensions

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Champions League, the international game and why football is so important in modern-day Iran. Champions League fallout as Tottenham lose 5–2 to Atletico Madrid, increasing pressure on manager Igor Tudor. Tudor substitutes goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes following two costly errors. Tottenham Supporters’ Trust call for Tudor to be sacked after four straight defeats since his appointment. Spurs face another tough test this weekend with a Premier League trip to Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool suffer a 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul, with Mario Lemina scoring the winner. Arne Slot remains confident despite criticism, pointing to missed chances and a VAR-ruled-out equaliser. Newcastle denied a famous win as Barcelona score a stoppage-time penalty to draw 1–1. Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta 6–1 in Bergamo in the night’s most dominant performance. Preview of tonight’s Champions League ties featuring Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester City vs Real Madrid, and PSG vs Chelsea. Championship round-up as Millwall move close to automatic promotion and Leicester climb out of the relegation zone. FIFA confirms Iran will be allowed compete at the 2026 World Cup in the United States despite recent political tensions. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring part two into the fascinating and tragic story of Red Star Belgrade's triumphant 1991 European Cup campaign. They discuss Red Star's status as underdogs against Bayern Munich in the semifinal, their intricate path to victory amidst the backdrop of Yugoslavia's impending civil war, and the dramatic events of the legendary matches. This episode highlights not just the team's achievements on the field, but also the historical, cultural, and political context that made their victory the last moment of unity for Yugoslav football before the nation's fragmentation. Additionally, the episode covers the aftermath of the war on Red Star and the once-great football culture of the region. 00:00 Introduction 03:18 Quarter-Final Against Dynamo Dresden 04:43 Political Tensions and the Road to the Semi-Final 08:36 The Complexities of Yugoslavia's Ethnic Divisions 12:36 The Semi-Final Against Bayern Munich 21:13 The Dramatic Second Leg against Bayern Munich 35:43 The Aftermath and Celebrations 36:16 Final against Marseille 44:13 Post-Match Reflections and Legacy 49:43 Impact of War on Red Star Belgrade 53:48 Croatian Football's Success 56:59 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore the history of Red Star Belgrade, focusing on their monumental 1991 European Cup win against a backdrop of Yugoslavia's political turmoil and impending civil war. This episode explores the club's founding, cultural significance, and key players, including the dramatic escape of Miodrag Belodedici from Romania. They also detail the influence of notorious figures like Arkan and the emotional scenes in Belgrade during this turbulent time. Part Two will release on Friday. 00:00 Introduction 06:19 Political Tensions and Football 09:31 The Riot at Maksimir Stadium 16:36 Arkan's Criminal Background 25:04 Arkan's Bonkers Wedding and Return to War 27:23 The Rise and Fall of Arkan 29:39 Red Star Belgrade: Historical Context and Formation 31:13 The Intellectual and Working-Class Roots of Red Star 36:24 Red Star's European Struggles and Triumphs 39:52 The Escape and Signing of Miodrag Belodedici 44:32 The 1991 Season and Key Changes 47:48 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.