Raphinha hat-trick inspires Barcelona to demolition of Bayern Munich

FC Barcelona captain Raphinha scored a hat-trick to lead them to a commanding 4-1 home victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, ending a near decade-long winless run against the German powerhouses. The Brazilian winger gave Barca the lead inside the opening minute but the Catalans were pegged back by Harry Kane. A goal from Robert Lewandowski restored the home side’s lead before Raphinha completed his hat-trick.

Read more

Arsenal edge past Shakhtar to remain unbeaten in Europe

Arsenal beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League thanks to an own goal by goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk as they bounced back from defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend. Gabriel Martinelli’s effort in the 29th minute bounced off the post and hit the Shakhtar keeper in the back before trickling over the line as the home side’s dominance paid off.

Read more

Duran the hero as Aston Villa stun Bayern Munich

Jhon Duran emerged from the bench in dramatic fashion once more to give Aston Villa a magnificent victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League at an exultant Villa Park. In a meeting surrounded by a rich sense of history as a repeat of the Villa’s 1982 European Cup final victory over the German giants in Rotterdam, Duran ensured a replica of that scoreline with his fifth goal after coming on as substitute this season.

Read more

Lewandowski bags brace as Barca blitz Young Boys

Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona comprehensively beat Young Boys in the Champions League. Lewandowski struck after eight minutes for the hosts, poking home Raphinha’s ball across the box at the back post. Barca doubled their lead as Brazil forward Raphinha netted the rebound from Pedri’s blocked shot.

Read more

Bidding reopened for 2027 Champions League Final

Concerns over the future of San Siro mean it will not host the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League final. The governing body has stripped the stadium of the rights to stage the game, as its future remains up in the air. UEFA are worried “the Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishments” and have re-opened the bidding process.

Read more