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Rice Cook Real Madrid With Stunning Freekicks To Double Fires Arsenal to 3-0 Win Over

High Stakes for English Clubs as UEFA Semi-Finals Conclude on GOtv

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

The second legs of the European semi-finals take centre stage this week, with six ties across the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League set to decide who advances to the finals. Five English clubs remain in contention, and each will be looking to complete the job or mount a comeback after the opening legs. On Tuesday, Barcelona and Inter Milan resume their heavyweight clash following a pulsating 3–3 draw at the Olympic Stadium. Xavi’s side, already crowned Copa del Rey winners and top of La Liga, were twice behind before salvaging a draw in the first leg. Inter, who eliminated Bayern Munich in the previous round, will fancy their chances at the San Siro, where the return leg promises to be just as dramatic. Arsenal will need to overturn a 1–0 deficit when they travel to Paris to face PSG on Wednesday. The Gunners were undone by a solitary goal at the Emirates last week and now face a daunting challenge against a French side that has already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa in earlier rounds. Arsenal, who are chasing their first Champions League final appearance since 2006, must produce a resolute performance in the French capital. In the Europa League on Thursday, Manchester United carry a commanding 3–0 lead into their second-leg fixture against Athletic Bilbao. The Reds were clinical in Spain and will look to manage the return leg at Old Trafford to book their place in the final. United’s domestic form may have faltered, but their European campaign has been efficient. Tottenham Hotspur also take a two-goal cushion into their second leg against FK Bodø/Glimt. Spurs, struggling in the Premier League, produced one of their better performances in the first leg, winning 3–1 in London. A professional outing in Norway would see them through to the final, keeping hopes of silverware and European qualification alive. Chelsea, meanwhile, are on the brink of reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League final after dispatching Djurgårdens 4–1 in the first leg in Sweden. The Blues, unbeaten in the competition this season, will aim to complete the job at Stamford Bridge and move one step closer to their first European trophy since 2021. Catch all the games on GOtv.

UEFA Semi-Finals Week on GOtv: Arsenal, Man United, and Chelsea Target Finals

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago24 mins

The business end of European football begins this week as the first legs of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League semi-finals take centre stage. With five English clubs still in the mix, GOtv viewers are in for a thrilling run of high-stakes football action across three nights. Champions League: Arsenal Face PSG Test, Barcelona Eye Treble Arsenal will return to Champions League action on Tuesday, with a blockbuster clash against Ligue 1 champions PSG at the Emirates. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 66 (SS Action). The Gunners earned their spot after a dominant 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid, but face a PSG side that’s already eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout stages. Arsenal will be hoping to avoid becoming the third English casualty on the Parisians’ path to the final. On Wednesday, Barcelona host Inter Milan in another heavyweight Champions League tie. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 66 (SS Action). Fresh from winning the Copa del Rey over the weekend and sitting top of La Liga, Flick’s men are chasing a historic treble. However, Inter, who knocked out Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, will be no pushovers. Europa League: United and Spurs Out to Salvage Seasons The Europa League semi-finals kick off on Thursday, with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur needing strong results to rescue otherwise disappointing domestic campaigns. United will be away to Spanish outfit Athletic Club, with kick-off at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 66 (SS Action). Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled in the Premier League and are currently in 14th place, but edged past Lyon in a 13-goal thriller (7-6 on aggregate) to stay alive in Europe. Tottenham, meanwhile, face Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt at home. Kick-off is also at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 65 (SS EPL). Spurs, sitting 16th in the league, have endured a torrid campaign but narrowly beat Frankfurt 2-1 over two legs to reach this stage. A path to the final, and potentially Champions League football next season, remains on the line for both clubs. If both English sides can navigate their semi-finals, a blockbuster all-English final could be on the cards. Conference League: Chelsea Look to Keep Perfect Run Alive Chelsea have been the standout team in the UEFA Conference League this season, winning 11 of their 12 matches. They’ll look to extend that dominance when they take on Djurgårdens IF at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM on GOtv Channel 61 (SS Football). With their domestic top-four hopes fading, this competition presents a golden opportunity for silverware and continental pride.

European Dreams, FA Cup Glory: All to Play for This Weekend on GOtv

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago13 mins

The Premier League resumes this weekend with Chelsea hosting Everton in Saturday’s early kick-off at 12:30 PM. The game, which will be broadcast live on GOtv, will see Chelsea attempt to revive their ambition of a top-five finish and a possible Champions League spot. The Blues could climb the table if they win and other results go their way. Newcastle United, who dropped points in last weekend’s clash with Aston Villa, host bottom-placed Ipswich Town at 3:00 PM. Newcastle remain fifth and will be looking to return to form, while Ipswich will be relegated if they lose. Manchester United, without a win in four league games, visit Bournemouth on Sunday at 2:00 PM. The Red Devils, now 14th, have struggled for consistency and face a Bournemouth side pushing for a top-half finish. Sunday’s headline fixture sees Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield at 4:30 PM. Liverpool are just one point away from the title after Arsenal dropped points in the 2–2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Spurs, currently 16th, have had a disappointing campaign and go into the match on the back of a 1–2 loss to Nottingham Forest. Elsewhere, Brighton host West Ham, Southampton face Fulham, and Wolves meet Leicester City in the Saturday 3:00 PM kick-offs. This weekend also features the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Crystal Palace take on Aston Villa on Saturday at 5:15 PM, while Manchester City face Nottingham Forest on Sunday at 4:30 PM. City’s only remaining shot at silverware this season comes in the FA Cup, following years of dominance across multiple competitions. All the matches will be broadcast live on GOtv channels 65 and 66.

Arsenal Knock Out Real Madrid, Advance to Champions League Semi-Finals

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

LONDON – April 16, 2025 — Arsenal have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic victory over Real Madrid, eliminating the 14-time champions from the competition. In a high-stakes second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners delivered a confident and composed performance to edge past the Spanish giants, securing a historic result for the North London club. The aggregate score sealed Arsenal’s progression, marking their first semi-final appearance in over a decade. The match was filled with intensity and tactical battles, but Arsenal’s clinical finishing and solid defense ultimately proved decisive. Real Madrid, despite their pedigree and attacking threats, were unable to break through Arsenal’s well-organized back line. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and discipline, stating, “To beat a club like Real Madrid on this stage is a huge moment for us. I’m incredibly proud of the players and the fans who created a special atmosphere tonight.” Arsenal will now prepare for their semi-final matchup, with hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006. More updates to follow as the Gunners continue their European quest

Champions League: PSG Survives Thriller at The Villa

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate to move into the semi-final of the Champions League where they will play Arsenal or holders Real Madrid. PSG went into the game at Villa Park leading 3-1 from the first leg at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Morocco international Achraf Hakimi increased the aggregate score to 4-1 when he swept home after 11 minutes. Fellow defender Nuno Mendes got his second goal of the tie mid way through the half to put the visitors 5-1 up and looking set to saunter into the semis. But just before half-time, William Pacho deflected Youri Tielemans’ shot into his own net past goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma to offer Villa a shred of respectability. That transformed into a glimmer of hope 10 minutes after the pause. Villa skipper John McGinn picked up the ball just inside the PSG half and barrelled forward. Unchallenged, he let fly from 30 metres and his shot rose and dipped over a befuddled Donnarumma into the net. Donnarumma pushed away a vicious goal-bound drive from Marcus Rashford for a corner a couple of minutes later but from the ensuing kick, Villa worked the ball back to Rashford who foxed two defenders on the right wing, drove into the penalty area and cut back for Ezri Konsa to steer the ball past Donnarumma for 3-2 on the night and inflame Villa’s dreams. Villa pushed but PSG held off the charge to slink into the semis – 5-4 on aggregate. “Very proud of the boys,” Konsa told broadcaster Amazon Prime. “The two goals at the start killed us but we showed great heart to get back into the game. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough.” PSG will take on the winners of the tie between holders Real Madrid and Arsenal who go into the game at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night leading 3-0 from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. “It’s going to be such a difficult semi-final whether it’s Arsenal or Real Madrid,” PSG skipper Marqinhos told Amazon Prime. “But there’s belief we can go all the way. We knew it was going to be difficult against Villa. The tie is never won in the first leg. They scored the goals in the second-half and it wasn’t easy at times but we did what we needed to do and we are through to the next round.” In Tuesday night’s other quarter-final, Guinea international Sehrou Guirassy hit a hat trick as Borussia Dortmund beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Signal Iduna Park. However, the Spaniards advance 5-3 on aggregate to a semi-final clash with Inter Milan or Bayern Munich who play on Wednesday night. Inter won the first leg in Munich 2-1.

UCL Second-Leg Fireworks on GOtv: Can Arsenal Hold Off Madrid?

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Semi-finalists for the 2025 UEFA Champions League wil emerge this week, as the second leg matches of the lquarter-finals take place across different match venues. The pick of the matches, which will be broadcast live on GOtv, is the clash between defending champions, Real Madrid and Arsenal. Scheduled for Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, the game will see Madrid attempt wipe out the 0-3 deficit suffered at the Emirates last week in what will require a staggering attacking performance. Arsenal go into the game with comfort and could adopt a safety-first approach that preserves their three-goal advantage. The action begins on Tuesday with Aston Villa welcoming Paris Saint-Germain to Villa Park in a match that is live on Channel 65 (SS EPL). Villa lost 1-3 in Paris and must pull off something special to reach the semi-finals. While PSG are among Europe’s elite this season, Villa’s home form and attacking spirit could make this one interesting. The French champions are well-rested after being exempted from domestic duties over the weekend and will arrive fresh and focused. Also on Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund host Barcelona at the Signal Iduna Park, The Spanish giants won 4–0 in the first leg and are unbeaten in 24 matches across all competitions. With 145 goals scored this season, Hansi Flick’s side have been ruthless. But Champions League history has seen bigger turnarounds. Can Dortmund deliver the impossible? The second game on Wednesday will see Italy’s Inter Milan host German giants Bayern Munich. Inter Milan hold a narrow advantage heading into the game after a surprising 2–1 win at the Allianz Arena. Though Inter are in form and have a home advantage, Bayern are not out of this yet. The game is live on Channel 65 (SS EPL). Don’t miss two nights of electrifying Champions League action live on GOtv, Channel 65 (SS EPL) and Channel 66 (SS Action). All matches kick off at 8:00 PM.

Ademola Lookman slams ‘disrespectful’ Atalanta coach

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Ademola Lookman has hit back at his own manager after being slammed as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” following a crushing Champions League defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini made the damning comments after the former Everton winger’s spot kick was saved by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in Champions League playoff defeat to Club Brugge. The Nigerian had netted the only goal for La Dea off the bench but they were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate, losing 3-1 on the night. Despite his mixed evening, Gasperini stuck the knife in on the negatives and singled out the 27 year old, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, to the media at full time. The Atalanta star missed the spot kick and it was claimed he is not the designated penalty-taker. The Italian coach said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.” Lookman took to X in response, claiming he has been ‘singled out’ and disrespected. He posted: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city. Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo. “In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful. “Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”

UCL: Real Madrid to play Man City in knockout playoffs

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday. Man City, the 2023 champion, will host the first leg on Feb. 11 or 12 and the return game in Madrid is on Feb. 18 or 19. Madrid won a record-extending 15th European title last season. The winner over two legs advances to the round of 16 to face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen, who placed in the top eight of the new 36-team league standings that ended Wednesday. Teams that finished from Nos. 9 to 24 in the standings dropped into the two-leg knockout playoffs. Madrid placed 11th and Man City barely qualified in 22nd, after rallying to beat Club Brugge 3-1 in a must-win game. By finishing in 22nd Man City knew it would have to face No. 11 Madrid or No. 12 Bayern Munich in the playoffs. Munich was drawn instead to face 21st-place Celtic. Seedings decided by the 36-team standings means Madrid and Man City already know the winner of their two-leg blockbuster will be drawn then to face No. 5 Atletico or No. 6 Leverkusen. UEFA makes the round of 16 pairings on Feb. 21. The tennis-style knockout bracket in the fresh competition format also now allows teams from the same country to face each other before the quarterfinals. That was not possible for the past two decades when the round of 16 opened the knockout phase. That left Paris Saint-German to be drawn Friday to face French rival Brest, which it also plays in a Ligue 1 game Saturday. Monaco was left to face Benfica. National derby games between Italian and Dutch sides were avoided because AC Milan was paired with Feyenoord, before Juventus was drawn to face PSV Eindhoven. Concluding the matches, Club Brugge play Atalanta and Sporting Lisbon face Borussia Dortmund. Teams awaiting them in the round of 16 in March are Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico, Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa.