Koundé strikes late as Barcelona down Madrid to claim Copa Del Rey

Jules Kounde lashed in an extra-time screamer as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey in a remarkable Clasico in Seville. After a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes and with penalties appearing inevitable, the Barcelona defender took possession of the ball 22 yards out and drilled a fine effort into the bottom corner. Barca had been by far the better side in the first half and led through Pedri’s fantastic first-time strike from outside the box but found themselves trailing Madrid in the final ten minutes after a dramatic second half turn around.

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Saka and Martinelli fire Arsenal past Real Madrid into final four

Bukayo Saka scored a goal and missed a penalty as Arsenal held off Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals in an incident-packed match at the Bernabeu. Saka stepped up but his weak, dinked effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois. However he made amends when he effectively killed off the tie with a fantastic chipped second-half finish. Real hit back through Vinicius Junior but a late winner from Gabriel Martinelli capped off a glorious night for the Gunners.

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Mbappé runs riot as Real dump City out of Champions League

Manchester City’s Champions League campaign came to a tame conclusion at the Bernabeu as Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant hat-trick inspired holders Real Madrid to a comfortable victory and place in the last 16. Pep Guardiola’s side were attempting to reverse a 3-2 deficit from the play-off first leg but this contest was effectively over after four minutes when Mbappe opened the scoring. Nico Gonzalez would score a consolation goal for the visitors but it was too little too late.

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Bellingham strikes late as City hand advantage to Real

Manchester City are fighting for Champions League survival and a place in the last 16 after Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner settled a tense play-off first leg in Real Madrid’s favour. Pep Guardiola’s side rediscovered more of their true form early on at Etihad Stadium as Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol combined to set up Erling Haaland for a confident finish after 19 minutes. An action packed second half saw the game ebb and flow with Bellingham popping up to secure a winner for Los Blancos.

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Liverpool overpower Real Madrid in Champions League thriller

Liverpool finally ended their Real Madrid curse as they maintained their flawless Champions League record with a fully deserved victory in a thrilling encounter at Anfield. They had failed to beat the holders in eight previous meetings in the tournament – including two Champions League finals – but there was no denying Liverpool as head coach Arne Slot’s remarkable start in succession to Jurgen Klopp continues.

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