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Serie A

Opponent watch: Inter Milan key defender suffers damage forward of Barcelona conflict

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Following their triumphant return from Seville with the Copa del Rey trophy, FC Barcelona will welcome Inter Milan subsequent week for the primary leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Chasing the historic treble, the Blaugrana might be aiming to take a big benefit within the first leg at Montjuic this coming Wednesday, earlier than travelling to Milan for the reverse fixture on 6 Could.

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Heading as much as the blockbuster conflict, Barcelona appear to have been handed one other main increase.

Benjamin Pavard injured

Certainly, after experiences emerged confirming that subsequent week, Inter Milan have now misplaced key defender Benjamin Pavard to an damage.

The 29-year-old versatile defender began the Nerazzurri’s sport towards AS Roma earlier in the present day however suffered an damage very early within the sport.

Benjamin Pavard has sustained an damage. (Picture by Alex Grimm/Getty Photos)

Simply eight minutes in, Pavard went to the bottom beneath a problem from Roma’s Zeki Celik. Whereas he obtained up and resumed enjoying, the Frenchman went down once more as he appeared to have turned his ankle over whereas beneath strain from an opposition participant.

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After being examined by the medical workers, supervisor Simone Inzaghi was compelled to switch Pavard with Yann Bisseck, elevating issues within the Inter Milan camp.

Pavard has been a key participant for the Nerazzurri this season, that includes in 35 matches throughout all competitions, through which he has registered one aim and help every.

The 29-year-old has featured in 11 of Inter’s 12 Champions League video games this time period, beginning ten of them. If confirmed, his absence will come as a giant blow for Inzaghi & co. towards Barcelona.

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Champions League

Former Actual Madrid ahead reacts to UCL exit and presents assist to Ancelotti – ‘Give credit score to your opponent’

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Former Actual Madrid ahead reacts to UCL exit and presents assist to Ancelotti – ‘Give credit score to your opponent’

Former Actual Madrid striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández has shared his ideas on Actual Madrid’s current by the hands of Arsenal.

Whereas the consequence was a troublesome tablet to swallow for followers of the membership, the Mexican ahead inspired a balanced view of the state of affairs, recognising each the excessive expectations on the membership and the standard of the opposition.

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“You need to give credit score to your opponents, too,” Chicharito defined.

“You at all times need to demand the utmost from a crew like Actual Madrid, and finally, their historical past dictates the calls for themselves.” 

He identified that Arsenal’s aggressive urgent from the beginning caught many unexpectedly, even forcing Thibaut Courtois into uncomfortable conditions.

“Everybody anticipated Arsenal to take a seat again, however they got here out urgent each ball. You’ll be able to’t ignore that effort,” he mentioned.

Regardless of the exit, Chicharito reminded followers of the membership’s wealthy historical past of comebacks and success. Nevertheless, he admitted that conceding such a scoreline made issues very tough.

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“We’ve seen Madrid come again earlier than, however in matches like this, it turns into a steep uphill climb,” he added.

Backing Carlo AncelottiChicharito reflected on Real Madrid’s UCL elimination. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Chicharito mirrored on Actual Madrid’s UCL elimination. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photos)

The previous ahead additionally spoke about Carlo Ancelotti, who coached him throughout his transient spell on the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I’ve at all times revered Ancelotti. The way in which he handled me at Madrid says lots concerning the type of coach and individual he’s,” Chicharito mentioned.

He believes criticism is a part of the job when you find yourself at a membership of Madrid’s stature, however he urged supporters to maintain issues in perspective.

“I don’t know if criticism is honest or unfair, as a result of once you don’t obtain the targets you set at the start of the season, you need to settle for that.

“If you don’t win the Champions League, individuals discuss. However there’s nonetheless La Liga and the Copa del Rey. There’s an opportunity for a double,” he reminded.

Comparisons between Mbappe and Ronaldo

As regards to Kylian Mbappe, Chicharito averted direct comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo however praised the French ahead’s dedication.

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“Mbappe doesn’t must be the following Cristiano. He has already handed the purpose tally of Ronaldo in his first season, though many individuals wished to see him as the brand new Hazard.

“That’s the type of strain you get at Actual Madrid. Individuals count on perfection, and even the smallest flaw will get magnified,” he added.

Supply:

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Champions League

Arsenal or Actual Madrid? Luis Enrique Provides Relaxed Response to PSG’s Subsequent Opponent

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Arsenal or Actual Madrid? Luis Enrique Provides Relaxed Response to PSG’s Subsequent Opponent

Paris Saint-Germain dropped a wild one to Aston Villa on Tuesday evening, dropping 3-2 at Villa Park within the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. However because of their robust displaying within the first leg, PSG nonetheless punched their ticket to the semifinals with a 5-4 win on mixture. They’ll face both Arsenal or Actual Madrid subsequent.

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PSG got here out flying and regarded to have the tie wrapped up early. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring within the eleventh minute, and Nuno Mendes doubled the lead within the twenty seventh to make it 5-1 on mixture. With a four-goal cushion, it regarded like cruise management from there—however Aston Villa had different concepts.

Youri Tielemans gave the house followers a cause to imagine with a Thirty fourth-minute strike, and the momentum swung after halftime. John McGinn scored within the fifty fifth minute, and Ezri Konsa adopted up simply two minutes later to make it 5-4 on mixture.

Villa saved pushing till the ultimate whistle, however PSG managed to climate the storm and maintain on to their Champions League hopes.

Luis Enrique responds to who he desires to face within the semifinalsLuis Enrique

Julian Finney/Getty Pictures

With PSG now within the semifinals, the Ligue 1 facet will await the winner of the Arsenal-Actual Madrid tie with the Gunners holding a 3-0 mixture lead. After edging out Aston Villa, PSG supervisor Luis Enrique was requested which facet he’d choose to face?

“Actual Madrid or Arsenal? I don’t have a most popular opponent,” Enrique mentioned (h/t ). “I’m simply going to benefit from the match with a chilly beer. Tomorrow (Wednesday), I’ll make myself some dinner and watch the Actual Madrid-Arsenal sport in peace. It’ll be particular it doesn’t matter what—whether or not it’s an English or Spanish membership.”

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Champions League

Juventus defender admits Osimhen was ‘hardest’ Serie A opponent

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Juventus defender admits Osimhen was ‘hardest’ Serie A opponent

Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu admits Victor Osimhen was his hardest opponent in Serie A, whereas Manchester Metropolis ‘lacked need’ in opposition to the Bianconeri in a Champions League assembly this time period.

Kalulu was the primary visitor of Juventus’ newly inaugurated podcast , the place he mentioned his life and profession on and off the pitch.

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Kalulu, a former Milan defender, was requested concerning the hardest striker he needed to mark in Serie A, and his reply left no room for doubt: “I believe it was Osimhen.”

Kalulu has been enjoying in Serie A for a number of years, successful the Scudetto with Milan in 2021-22.

“I believed concerning the membership the place I might develop probably the most, and I picked Milan,” he mentioned.

“It was not a straightforward alternative. I couldn’t return residence and will make no errors. I left my consolation zone and it was good for me.”

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 06: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 06: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts throughout the heat up previous to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photograph by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Photographs)

Kalulu even revealed that NBA star Tony Parker one way or the other satisfied him to affix Milan from Lyon.

“He’s a star in France. I used to be enjoying videogames and I noticed a name from the USA. I believed it was anyone dialing the fallacious quantity or a industrial provide. Then I obtained a textual content from anyone telling me Tony Parker would name me.

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“We spoke about his profession for a very long time and that troublesome choices require braveness. We spoke concerning the optimistic features and the way a lot Milan needed me. I had a certainty after our chat, however I used to be additionally a bit confused. My mind couldn’t cease considering. I didn’t sleep a lot, however it was good and on occasion I nonetheless have a look at Tony Parker’s quantity on my telephone. It was the proper alternative; if I hadn’t taken it, I’d not be right here now.”

Kalulu additionally spoke about Turin and Juventus’ Champions League match in opposition to Manchester Metropolis in December.

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Champions League

Opponent watch: Arsenal more likely to recuperate key celebrity in time for Actual Madrid conflict

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Actual Madrid and Arsenal are all set to sq. off in April in what will probably be a conflict of the heavyweights within the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

The primary leg of the tie will probably be performed on April 8 on the Emirates Stadium earlier than the 2 giants collide once more on April 16 on the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal more likely to recuperate Bukayo Saka

Main as much as the conflict, Arsenal might be set for an enormous increase on the damage entrance as one in every of their most vital gamers is perhaps poised to make a comeback.

Certainly, in keeping with journalist , the Gunners are hopeful of recovering Bukayo Saka in time for subsequent week’s recreation in opposition to Fulham, which might imply the Englishman might be accessible to face Actual Madrid.

Bukayo Saka could be back next week. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Saka has been out of motion since December with a hamstring damage however has been making regular progress in his restoration, .

As such, Arsenal are hoping that the England winger will probably be prepared in time for the derby in opposition to Fulham within the Premier League subsequent Tuesday.

In such a situation, Mikel Arteta may look to present Saka some minutes in opposition to the Cottagers after which once more within the Premier League conflict vs. Everton subsequent weekend in order to assist him put together for the Actual Madrid match.

Certainly one of Arsenal’s most vital gamers, Saka’s availability will come as an enormous increase for the Premier League giants.

Previous to his damage, the Gunners ace had racked up a powerful tally of 9 objectives and 13 assists from simply 24 appearances in all competitions.

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Champions League

Opponent watch: Benfica veteran celebrity stays a doubt for Barcelona conflict

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Barcelona and SL Benfica will lock horns subsequent week at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys with a spot within the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on the road.

from the primary leg of the Spherical of 16 conflict regardless of being decreased to 10 males.

With the reverse leg set to kick off in lower than every week, Barcelona may need acquired a further enhance past their one-goal benefit from the primary leg.

Angel Di Maria stays a doubt

Certainly, in accordance with , Benfica veteran winger Angel Di Maria stays a doubt for the second-leg fixture towards Barcelona subsequent Tuesday.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has been out of motion since early February after struggling a muscle damage in his left thigh through the Champions League playoff first leg towards AS Monaco.

A doubt for the reverse fixture. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

In consequence, Di Maria missed the first-leg tie towards Barça earlier this week, together with one other key participant in Florentino Luis.

With Benfica dealing with Nacional de Madeira within the league this weekend, the Portuguese membership’s supervisor, Bruno Lage, confirmed that the previous Argentina worldwide will probably be unavailable.

“Di Maria isn’t accessible, whereas Florentino and Tomas Araujo are nonetheless uncertain,” Lage said.

Constructing on that, the report provides that Di Maria won’t be prepared in time for Benfica’s journey to Barcelona on Tuesday, which can come as an enormous enhance for the Blaugrana given the Argentine’s high quality, regardless of his age.

The 37-year-old has 14 objectives and eight assists from 32 matches in all competitions for the Portuguese giants this season.

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Champions League

Man Metropolis nonetheless worst opponent for Actual Madrid, says Ancelotti

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Actual Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes the winner of his aspect’s Champions League play-off conflict with Manchester Metropolis shall be among the many favourites to raise the trophy.

Actual and Metropolis are set to conflict for the fourth consecutive season in Europe’s elite membership competitors, with the primary leg in Manchester on Tuesday.

However the newest blockbuster showdown between groups extra accustomed to assembly within the latter levels is sooner than standard this time period after each misplaced three of their eight video games within the new-look league section.

Metropolis sneaked into the knockout levels due to a second-half fightback towards Membership Brugge of their closing match and have suffered a staggering fall from grace within the Premier League.

After an unprecedented run of 4 consecutive titles, Pep Guardiola’s males sit fourth within the desk, 15 factors adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Madrid are in pole place in a three-way title race in La Liga, forward of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, however have additionally struggled at occasions this season, hampered by a sequence of accidents to their defence.

Nonetheless, the victor within the tie between Actual and Metropolis has gone on to win the Champions League in every of the previous three seasons and Ancelotti expects the streak may proceed.

“Sure, essentially the most tough opponent, most essential opponent and towards the most effective supervisor,” Ancelotti mentioned at a pre-match press convention on Monday.

“I am satisfied the workforce that goes by on this tie will go very deep into the competitors.”

Metropolis received simply as soon as in 13 video games in a torrid spell between the tip of October and December.

Guardiola’s males have picked up barely in 2025, however their frailties have been nonetheless uncovered in a 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal of their final Premier League match.

Ancelotti expressed his shock at that run however believes Metropolis nonetheless have the gamers and coach to do injury to the Champions League holders.

“I proceed to suppose Metropolis is without doubt one of the greatest groups in Europe and that they’ve the most effective coach on this competitors. It’s nonetheless essentially the most tough sport we may have,” he mentioned.

“I’m shocked they’d a interval the place it was tough to beat the accidents however now the workforce I noticed in the previous couple of video games is an efficient workforce, a aggressive workforce.

“I wrestle to think about Manchester Metropolis not being sturdy. They’re actually sturdy with improbable gamers and a improbable manger.”

Ancelotti should discipline a makeshift defence after Lucas Vazquez grew to become his newest damage casualty.

Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are additionally absent from the Madrid squad.

Midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are anticipated to begin within the again 4 alongside Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy.

kca/smg/iwd

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Champions League

Barcelona or Liverpool? Skilled Suggests Superb Opponent for PSG if They Progress Previous Brest

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Paris Saint-Germain will face Stade Brestois within the UEFA Champions League knockout part play-off. The winner of this tie will get both FC Barcelona or Liverpool within the subsequent stage of the competitors.

Within the lead-up to their Champions League conflict, PSG cruised to a 5-2 win over Brest at Stade Francis Le Blé. Ousmane Dembélé has reworked right into a prolific objective scorer in 2025. Because the begin of the yr, the previous Barcelona winger has netted 11 occasions in simply six matches—greater than every other participant in Europe thus far.

A participant who had just one profession hat trick earlier than final week has now delivered two within the span of 4 days. He opened the scoring within the twenty ninth minute, ending off a surging run and pinpoint cross from Bradley Barcola. His second got here within the 56th minute when he reacted quickest to a Fabian Ruiz shot that deflected off Marco Bizot.

However his third was the spotlight, a medical end from an excellent Kang-in Lee help within the 62nd minute. With 14 targets, Dembélé now tops the Ligue 1 scoring charts.

Who ought to PSG need to face within the subsequent part?Bradley Barcola

If the present Ligue 1 leaders get by Brest, they’ll get Barcelona or Liverpool. , Soccer Transfers’ Robin Bairner said who can be the perfect opponent for the capital membership within the subsequent part.

“For me, Barcelona, undoubtedly,” Bairner stated. “Barcelona haven’t been in notably good type in La Liga. They’ve already misplaced to Monaco this season and to PSG final season, albeit PSG with Mbappé. However we’ve spoken about this earlier than—PSG are arguably now a greater workforce with out Mbappé. So, for me, it needs to be Barcelona.”

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Serie A

Baroni: ‘I thank Lazio, able to face any opponent’ in Europa League

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

Marco Baroni thanked Lazio gamers for ‘sacrificing themselves’ in uncommon roles and securing high spot within the Europa League desk, however shrugs off the prospect of dealing with Roma within the Spherical of 16.

The Aquile have been the one aspect going into the ultimate matchday who knew their place within the Spherical of 16 was safe, having been high of the desk from begin to end of this opening league section.

, determined by the early Ricardo Horta objective and a sequence of Lukas Hornicek saves, they saved that

“I’ve to thank the squad, as a result of I advised them we would have liked a real efficiency and I noticed that. Gamers sacrificed themselves by working in roles that they weren’t accustomed to and that was nice to see,”

There have been solely two outfield senior gamers out there on the bench and defender Mario Gila needed to act as a makeshift midfielder to fill the gaps of a decimated squad in Portugal this night.

“We acquired it mistaken on the objective as a result of the midfielders didn’t observe again correctly and we as soon as once more suffered from a move from the wings. We’ve acquired to cease permitting these passes and crosses to return in from these areas. I’m upset, clearly it should not grow to be a phobia, however it’s one thing we have to work on,” defined Baroni.

“In any case, Gila labored arduous, he tried to search out the appropriate place, however clearly our type of play relies upon an important deal on the midfielders. We tried to get again into the sport and I’m proud of the strategy. We all know it’s tough in these conditions the place the result’s irrelevant, however we gave it our all making an attempt to get again into it.

“I wish to say I’ll by no means cease being shocked by Pedro, who even dropped again making an attempt to work in midfield and do all the things attainable for the workforce.”

Baroni prepared for European derby with RomaBRAGA, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 30: Mario Gila of SS Lazio in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between SC Braga and S.S. Lazio at Estadio Municipal de Braga on January 30, 2025 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio already know they’re via to the Spherical of 16 and can face one of many play-off winners, which will likely be from Viktoria Plzen, FC Porto, Ferencvaros and their metropolis rivals Roma.

It means we might find yourself with a Derby della Capitale within the Europa League, to not point out the one two Italian sides dealing with one another.

“This can be a marvellous event and we all know each workforce we face to any extent further will likely be of a excessive stage. We’ll wait and see, then be able to battle it out towards whoever we’re drawn towards,” famous Baroni.

“Now we’ll get our heads again on Serie A and the Coppa Italia. We have to get some gamers again in form, as everybody has put a lot effort in up to now this season.”

Contemplating they’ve so many accidents, is Baroni anticipating any reinforcements within the January switch window?

“The membership is aware of the scenario and is making an attempt to do what is feasible, however my job is to work with these gamers. They’re doing very well, have reached an essential stage and if somebody can arrive to assist, he’s welcome, however in any other case I’m targeting additional elevating the bar of the present group, as a result of we want that for the video games that we’ve acquired coming,” concluded Baroni.

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Champions League

AC MILAN v GIRONA: OPPONENT REVIEW

by Soccer-News
written by Soccer-News

AC Milan’s  journey resumes with a completely new opponent: the Rossoneri are making ready to face Girona at San Siro. They had been final season’s nice shock in La Liga and are enjoying in Europe’s prime competitors for the primary time of their historical past. The Catalans are enjoying of their first ever official match towards an Italian group, whereas for us, it is going to be our twelfth Spanish rival in continental tournaments. Girona are coming off an unstable begin to 2025, as an away success at Alavés was adopted by a house defeat towards Sevilla final weekend.

The historic debut within the Champions League has been relatively turbulent for Míchel’s group, who’ve to date picked up one win (2-0 over ) and 5 defeats, 4 of which had been by one aim, towards PSG, Feyenoord, Sturm Graz and Liverpool. Girona’s probabilities of qualification are slim – after the match at San Siro, Girona will shut the league part at house towards Arsenal – and they’re depending on a full three factors in Milan. In any case, you possibly can count on a group decided to honour the problem with their highest effort.

A PROACTIVE BUT VULNERABLE GIRONAA group with a nice, proactive sport, at all times making an attempt to impose themselves up entrance. This season, Girona usually are not replicating the successes of 2023/24, achieved by shocking their opponents day after day in a league as aggressive as La Liga. Eighth place in Spain (however recovering after an advanced begin), exterior of the  and already eradicated within the Copa del Rey, the Catalans mentioned goodbye to essential gamers from final season in the summertime, similar to Sávio, Aleix García and Dovbyk above all, however the tactical methods of Michel’s group have remained pretty unchanged. A 4-3-3 in some methods not too dissimilar to the Rossoneri’s, during which the forwards stand out for his or her seek for width and depth. The contribution of the full-backs can also be essential: in comparison with AC Milan, it’s above all of the right-back – Arnau Martínez – who is vital to the build-up part, with the left-back becoming a member of the 2 centre-backs.

Sure particulars are lacking, nonetheless, particularly within the Champions League. For instance, in counter-pressing, the place a immediate restoration of the ball may result in alternatives, Girona is the one group on this European season but to try a shot following a counter-attack, and likewise the underside of the competitors desk for defensive recoveries. Up to now, the Catalans have been not often harmful on crosses (only a 20.2% success fee) and haven’t proven the identical effectiveness on passes in Europe as they’ve within the league. At house, they’re behind solely Actual Madrid and Barcelona within the variety of passes, however in Europe solely seventeenth. One other side on which Girona have suffered are the fouls dedicated: within the Champions League, solely Younger Boys (88) have dedicated extra fouls than the Catalans.

A MIX OF OLD AND NEW HANDS, AND WATCH OUT FOR DANJUMAIn their three European outings away from house, Girona have failed to search out the online, which is maybe shocking given they scored 85 La Liga targets in 2023/24. By way of their assault, Abel Ruiz, who signed from Braga in the summertime, is the focus up entrance, though he is had fairly a disappointing marketing campaign to date (simply three league targets). Lining up behind him is captain Stuani, who arrived in 2017 and is the membership’s all-time prime scorer. Out vast, Míchel has the Colombian Asprilla and the Ukrainian Tsygankov to select from down the fitting flank. The previous is the most costly signing in Girona’s historical past and can also be seeking to discover his kind in what has been a difficult season.

On the left, it is the Spaniard (and former Tottenham) Bryan Gil or the Dutchman Danjuma, in restoration in the previous couple of days and a terrific star on this competitors three years in the past with Villarreal (along with our ), in addition to being the Girona participant who has tried probably the most photographs within the Champions League to date with 11. Different essential gamers embrace the Dutchmen van de Beek and Blind, in addition to the 2001-born Gutiérrez, one of many 4 who performed all six Champions League matches to date. Additionally with him are Stuani, the Czech defender Krejčí and the skilled Argentine goalkeeper Gazzaniga, one of many prime keepers on this Champions League version by way of the variety of saves made.

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