Liverpool vs. Real Madrid UCL Final Delayed Due to Fan Issues Entering Stadium
May 28, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: The LED screen shows the message of a delayed kick off time prior to the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
UEFA announced that the start of Saturday's men's UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool in Paris would be delayed by 30 minutes.
European football's governing body initially attributed the delay to fans arriving late, first delaying the game by 15 minutes and then again:
The Champions League final has been delayed by 15 minutes due to late fan arrivals at the stadium pic.twitter.com/9JAw5KhPsR
However, Miguel Delaney of the Independent and several others reported many fans actually arrived hours before the match but had trouble getting into the venue.
While the match had been set to begin at 3 p.m. ET, Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo reported on the chaotic scene outside one of the gates of the Stade de France:
Fans queuing outside with tickets for a gate that’s been shut for no reason just been tear gassed. Throughly unpleasant experience and so dangerous. This isn’t how fans should be treated in a civilised society. Unacceptable
Kristian Walsh of Reach PLC called the situation "dangerous" and "ineptitude of the highest level," scolding both UEFA and French authorities for the handling of fan entry.
Sky Sports News tweeted video of Liverpool fans struggling to make their way into the stadium:
Thousands of Liverpool fans struggle to make it into the Stade de France for the Champions League final. pic.twitter.com/dcic3dbn7L
When Saturday's match kicks off, it will be a clash between two of the most famous and successful clubs in the history of soccer.
Real Madrid own the most UEFA Champions League titles of all time with 13, including three in a row from 2016 to 2018.
Liverpool won a UCL title more recently in 2019, but they lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League final one year earlier.
All told, Liverpool have won six Champions League titles, placing them in a tie with Bayern Munich for the third-most ever.
Saturday also marks the first UCL final to be held in France since 2006, when Barcelona defeated Arsenal.
Kylian Mbappe Contract Prompts La Liga to File FFP Complaint Against PSG
May 21, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 23: Kylian Mbappe #7 of Paris Saint-Germain warms up before the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and RC Lens at Parc des Princes on April 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
La Liga announced it will report Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA after the Ligue 1 champion convinced Kylian Mbappe to sign a new contract.
La Liga issued a statement arguing the contract "attacks the economic stability of European football":
It is scandalous that a club like PSG, which last season reported losses of more than 220 million euros after accumulating losses of more than 700 million euros in prior seasons (while reporting sponsorship income at doubtful valuation), with a squad cost around 650 million for this season, can close such an agreement, while those clubs that could afford the hiring of the player without seeing their wage bill compromised, are left without being able to sign him.
La Liga president Javier Tebas already voiced his criticism on social media, calling Mbappe's return to PSG "an insult to football":
Lo que va a hacer el PSG renovando a Mbappé con grandes cantidades de dinero (a saber dónde y cómo las paga) despues de dar pérdidas por 700M€ en las últimas temporadas y tener mas 600M€ de masa salarial, es un INSULTO al fútbol. Al-Khelafi es tan peligroso como la Superliga. pic.twitter.com/sZ1Y1TaSbK
— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) May 21, 2022
Faez and Julien Laurens initially reported that Mbappe was snubbing Real Madrid in order to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old was widely seen as likely to sign with Real with his PSG deal expiring this summer. Discussions with the Spanish giants were far enough along that Laurens and Faez reported Mbappe personally spoke with Madrid president Florentino Perez to let him know he wouldn't be signing after all.
Real Madrid after letting Erling Haaland join Man City to focus on signing Kylian Mbappé, only for Mbappé to stay at PSG: pic.twitter.com/nUxgZiAFHb
The specifics of Mbappe's new PSG contract are unclear. The Guardian's Ed Aarons and Fabrizio Romano only described it as a "lucrative extension" that runs until 2025.
It's fair to express a level of concern about how this move is part of a wider trend across world football, one in which an ever-shrinking number of clubs can realistically attract the best talent.
That has been the case to some degree for a long time, but it's telling when even a historically significant power such as Real Madrid is beginning to lose ground, as Miguel Delaney of the Independent noted:
Amazing to think Mbappe signing for *Madrid* would have been better for football.
Any player being paid this much, where only state clubs can compete, is a bad precedent for football. That was always the Qatari aim - raise fees/wages to such a point only a few clubs can compete.
Of course, English football legend and former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker noted there's a level of irony in La Liga drawing a line in the sand here:
I love Spanish football, but the bleating about @KMbappe staying at @PSG_English ruining the sport is a bit much. The 2 Spanish giants have always attracted and paid enormous sums for for the game’s superstars. No one else got a look in. Can’t always have things your own way.
Real Madrid, for example, has been siphoning off top talent from lesser opposition for years.
And in terms of spending above your means, the failed Super League was largely viewed as a vehicle for Real Madrid and other top clubs to begin addressing their sizable debts. Perez and past presidents have been savvy in finding inventive ways to balance the books.
It's unclear what kind of consequences PSG could face as a result of La Liga's legal measures. In May 2014, the club was fined 60 million euros ($63 million) and a squad reduction in UEFA competition for the following season for FFP breaches.
Report: Kylian Mbappe to Announce Decision Between PSG, Real Madrid This Weekend
May 20, 2022
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - MAY 14: Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Montpellier HSC (MHSC) and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson on May 14, 2022 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe is reportedly set to
choose between re-signing with Paris Saint-Germain or joining Real
Madrid "over the next few days," but he's yet to communicate
his decision to either club.
ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez
reported Friday that "pessimism" has grown at Madrid after
limited contact with Mbappe in recent weeks, while a "similar level
of uncertainty" exists at PSG as they work to keep the 23-year-old
superstar forward.
The situation was seemingly trending in
favor of Real Madrid earlier in the week when ESPN's Julien Laurens
reported the Parisians were set to give up on their efforts to keep
the French international.
PSG offered Mbappe a massive extension
along with the captain's armband, the ability to keep 100 percent of
earnings from his image rights and a promise to upgrade the squad
before next season, per Laurens.
The Ligue 1 champions appeared to lose
confidence when the proposal wasn't accepted, but it now sounds like
Mbappe has simply decided to keep his decision close to the vest until it's
announced.
PSG's offer is "significantly higher" than what Real Madrid has put on the table, according to Kirkland and
Faez.
Mbappe's decision has the potential to
shift the balance of power in Europe.
The dynamic forward has recorded 168
goals across 216 appearances in all competitions across five seasons
at PSG.
He's coming off a 2021-22 campaign
in which he tallied six goals and four assists in eight UEFA Champions
League matches. He also scored 25 goals in 34 matches to help lead
the club to its eighth Ligue 1 championship in the past 10 years.
Not only would Mbappe's departure leave a massive
void at PSG, but he'd provide another elite option for a Real Madrid
attack that's already showcased its might as the club advanced to
the UCL final against Liverpool on May 28.
Quite a week could be on the horizon
for Los Blancos if they raise the Champions League trophy and
finalize an Mbappe transfer within a couple days of each other.
Kylian Mbappe Rumors: PSG Ends Pursuit After Star Agrees to Terms with Real Madrid
May 17, 2022
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe reacts during the French L1 football match between Angers SCO and Paris Saint-Germain at the Raymond-Kopa Stadium in Angers, north-western France on April 20, 2022. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain has resigned itself to losing star striker Kylian Mbappe, according to ESPN's Julien Laurens.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported Monday that Mbappe, who's due to be a free agent this summer, agreed to a contract with Real Madrid. The deal hasn't been signed, though, leaving PSG with a sliver of hope about him reversing course and remaining in the French capital.
A last-minute change of heart always seemed unlikely because Mbappe would've surely re-signed with PSG by now if he had wanted to stay where he is.
The 23-year-old told RMC Sport (h/t CBS Sport's Jonathan Johnson) in October he had asked to leave when the summer transfer window was open. Real Madrid had lodged a nine-figure transfer bid but was rebuffed by Paris Saint-Germain.
Still, Laurens reported the Ligue 1 champion was "confident of Mbappe staying as recently as last week."
"They offered Mbappe a huge new deal, promised him a better squad for next season, offered him the captain's armband and 100 percent of his own image rights, according to sources," per Laurens.
With the three-time Ligue 1 Player of the Year now set to depart, the question is whom PSG will identify as a replacement.
Lionel Messi scored just six league goals in his first year at the club, with the legend beginning to show his age (34). Neymar has averaged roughly 18 Ligue 1 appearances per season since signing with PSG in 2017. Mauro Icardi isn't good enough to be the No. 1 option for a side with ambitions of winning the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland was the most obvious successor to Mbappe, but he's on his way to Manchester City.
PSG has a bottomless well of money it can use to attract marquee names, but signing a striker approaching Mbappe's level might be easier said than done for sporting director Leonardo.
Kylian Mbappe Rumors: Real Madrid Agrees to Terms with PSG Star; Contract Not Signed
May 16, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 08: Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint Germain prior to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and ESTAC Troyes at Parc des Princes on May 8, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/vi/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Real Madrid have agreed to personal terms on a contract with Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
Ornstein reported Mbappe has yet to officially sign the deal, however, with PSG still hopeful he will remain in the French capital.
Many expect the 23-year-old will be a member of Real Madrid when the 2022-23 season kicks off.
His contract with PSG is due to expire, and he has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid was prepared to bid $211.7 million to sign him last August but had their pursuits rebuffed by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Frenchman is coming off another prolific season. He had 25 goals and 18 assists in 34 Ligue 1 matches and another six goals and four assists in the Champions League.
Alas, Mbappe has probably achieved all he can in his native country. PSG's round-of-16 exit in the Champions League was another sobering assessment of where it stands compared to the rest of the European elite.
Real Madrid is a different challenge and also presents him with an opportunity to feature for one of the most historically significant clubs in world football history.
For Madrid, this transfer likely represents a sort of succession plan for Karim Benzema. The 34-year-old striker might be on his way toward a Ballon d'Or after scoring in 27 La Liga goals and almost single-handedly carrying Los Blancos to the UEFA Champions League final.
But Benzema is clearly approaching his twilight years. He and Mbappe can line up together for now, and when it's time for the former to move on, the latter will be the lead attacker on the forward line.
That's to say nothing of the financial boon Mbappe's presence will have for Madrid and La Liga for what could be the next decade or more.
Real Madrid Outlasts Chelsea in Thriller, Advances to Champions League Semifinals
Apr 12, 2022
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 12: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Karim Benzema is inevitable.
The French star scored the winning goal in extra time as Real Madrid sent Chelsea packing 5-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Benzema put Chelsea to the sword in the first leg with a hat trick at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel didn't mince words about his club's precarious position. He said immediately after the 3-1 first-leg defeat on Wednesday that the Blues would "get hammered at the Bernabeu" with a similar showing in the return fixture.
Tuchel's tone didn't change much Monday.
"It is one of the biggest challenges to perform away at the Bernabeu," he told reporters. "It is even more difficult if you have to earn a certain result, if you need to win with a minimum of two goals or better or maybe a three-goal difference, that makes it almost impossible and very, very difficult, but still it is worth trying."
If the German was trying to deploy some reverse psychology, it certainly seemed to work in the first half.
Mason Mount opened the scoring in the 15th minute, continuing what has been a rich vein of form.
Beyond just Mount's goal, Chelsea registered eight total shots and two on target. Real Madrid was limited to three shots, all of which were wide of the mark.
Perhaps the first-place club in La Liga was guilty of resting on its laurels a bit because Madrid flattered to deceive in the opening half. And with the abolition of the away goals rule, the one-goal aggregate lead wasn't as advantageous as it would've been in years past.
Chelsea only needed one more tally to make things really interesting, and Antonio Rudiger duly delivered in the 51st minute.
Real Madrid had reason to feel aggrieved, though, since the goal came from a corner that shouldn't have been a corner in the first place.
Real Madrid concede a goal from a corner that should’ve been a goal kick.
Marcos Alonso appeared to net Chelsea's third goal of the match in the 62nd minute when he fired a right-footed shot inside the far post from close range. However, the goal was taken off the board when he was judged to have handled the ball prior to the attempt.
Fresh off a brace in the Blues' 6-0 demolition of Southampton, Timo Werner left no room for interpretation when he feinted twice and managed to sneak the ball just under Thibaut Courtois in the 75th minute.
Chelsea's 4-3 aggregate advantage didn't hold for very long. In the 80th minute, Luka Modric floated an inch-perfect pass to Rodrygo, who volleyed home the equalizer. Between the assist and the finish, it was a masterful piece of attacking.
Modric's pass was so good that Rodrygo scored a perfect equalizer on the full volley in the Champions League quarters and nobody cares
— Ryan Rosenblatt, World Series Champion (@RyanRosenblatt) April 12, 2022
In the second minute of second-half injury time, Christian Pulisic could've dealt the decisive blow. His volley from inside the box sailed over the bar.
While that was a costly miss, Tuchel had plenty of reason to believe his players could make the vital breakthrough in extra time.
Brilliant performance from Chelsea in Madrid. Brave, intelligent and technically/tactically spot on. Too many top performers to single out. 3-1 after 90 mins the very least they deserve. And at this point they look like they have what it takes to finish the job in extra time
As many have reflected already, the attention and credit being paid to the 34-year-old are long overdue. Because he shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo, his contributions at Real Madrid have often been overlooked.
Now that he's the main man, it's impossible to ignore Benzema's contributions, which puts his time at the club into a different context. He has undoubtedly earned his place alongside the greatest players to step into the dressing room at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid will wait for the second leg of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid's matchup to learn of its opponent in the semifinals. City holds a 1-0 lead ahead of Wednesday's clash at Wanda Metropolitano in the Spanish capital.
Karim Benzema's 2nd-Half Hat Trick Leads Real Madrid Past PSG in UCL Stunner
Mar 9, 2022
Real Madrid's David Alaba celebrates with Karim Benzema, right, who scored his side's first goal during the Champions League, round of 16, second leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Karim Benzema and Real Madrid overcame a two-goal deficit to stun Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 matchup.
After a 1-0 home win in the first leg, PSG were seemingly in a great position after Kylian Mbappe gave them a 1-0 halftime lead at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. Real Madrid didn't give in, however, with Benzema scoring three second-half goals to win 3-2 on aggregate.
Benzema needed just 17 minutes to complete the hat trick and transform the tie.
At 34 years and 80 days Karim Benzema is the oldest player to EVER score a hat trick in the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain have a star-studded team with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, but they are once again unable to secure a Champions League title. Real Madrid, meanwhile, lead all clubs with 13 European titles and will look to top last year's semifinal appearance.
Real Madrid appeared dead in the water when trailing by two goals on aggregate, but a mistake from Paris goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept the tie alive.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 9, 2022
That by Donnarumma was one of the worst Goalkeeping errors I have ever seen. Especially when you consider the circumstances. This tie was just about done and dusted!#RealPSG
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) March 9, 2022
It was enough to create drama for the final 30 minutes, but Benzema didn't need that much time as he scored two more goals back-to-back.
PSG never recovered, unable to find an equalizer in the closing minutes.
It was a major shift after Paris Saint-Germain seemingly had one foot in the quarterfinal after the first half. The French squad took advantage of the counter-attack early in the match, with Mbappe putting a lot of pressure on the defense.
Just like he did in the first leg, Mbappe scored the first goal of the second match with a great finish in the 39th minute.
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ GIVES PSG THE LEAD 💥
PSG now lead Real Madrid 2-0 on aggregate in the Champions League round of 16 @brfootball
Neymar provided a perfect pass to set up the break, but it was also an elite finish by Mbappe to get past Thibaut Courtois. The 23-year-old continues to impress as one of the best players in the world.
Brilliant deception and execution from Mbappe. #RMAPSG
8 - Kylian Mbappé has scored eight goals in Champions League knockout stage since the start of the last season, three more than any other player. Clutch. #RMAPSGpic.twitter.com/78lATBsMDV
The forward's chances weren't as prevalent in the second half with Real Madrid doing a much better job of getting back in transition.
The hosts also improved in the final third, leading to Benzema's outstanding finishes to earn the 3-1 victory.
Paris Saint-Germain entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win it all, but a tough draw has them going out in the round of 16. On the other hand, Real Madrid will be a club no one will want to face in the quarterfinal.
Report: Erling Haaland's Future to Be Discussed by Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund
Mar 4, 2022
SINSHEIM, GERMANY - JANUARY 22: Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund in action during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund at PreZero-Arena on January 22, 2022 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images)
Real Madrid is reportedly set to open
discussions with Borussia Dortmund about a potential summer transfer
for superstar Erling Haaland.
ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez
reported Friday that Manchester City is "best positioned" to land
Haaland, but Los Blancos are still keen on trying to land both the
Norwegian striker and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona is also said to be involved in the
pursuit of Haaland, whose camp has "made it clear" he'd prefer
to leave Dortmund this summer and would like to finalize plans in
the "next few weeks to avoid further drama," according to the
ESPN report.
Haaland scored 41 goals in 41 matches
across all competitions for the German club last season and has
continued to shine throughout the 2021-22 term, tallying 16 goals and
five assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances.
In January, the 21-year-old attacking
sensation told Norwegian outlet Viaplay (h/t ESPN) that Dortmund had
started to "press" him into making a decision about his future.
"That is what they want," he said. "It means
things will happen now. They have started to put a lot
of pressure on me, and I have to accept that ... so now is the time
to get things started."
Real Madrid leads La Liga with
52 goals scored in 26 matches this season, which has helped the club
build a six-point lead over Sevilla atop the table.
Adding Haaland or Mbappe, or
potentially both, to the squad would make it even more difficult for
their Spanish counterparts to keep pace in the coming years.
That would obviously come at quite a
cost, though. In November, agent Volker Struth estimated to German
outlet Sport Bild (h/t Marca) the total price to sign Haaland between
the transfer fee and the striker's new contract will likely be in the
€250-300 million range.
Given Haaland's status as one of the
world's top strikers and the high-profile clubs involved in trying to sign him, transfer talks could stretch well into the summer as
Dortmund tries to maximize its return.
But it sounds like
both the player and the club would prefer to settle the situation
well before the transfer window opens to avoid a summer of
unrelenting speculation.
Karim Benzema's Home Burglarized During Real Madrid's Match vs. Elche
Jan 24, 2022
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 23: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Elche at the Santiago Bernaubeu on January 23, 2022 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Spanish police are investigating the burglary of Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema's home that took place during Sunday's match against Elche.
Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez of ESPN reported the burglary took place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET, which was at the same time Benzema was in action in the 2-2 draw.
Benzema's home was previously broken into in 2019. Teammates Casemiro, Isco and Lucas Vazquez have also been the victims of robberies in recent years as part of a string of events seemingly targeting soccer players.
The report did not include what was stolen from Benzema's home, nor did it say whether anyone was home at the time of the incident.
The Frenchman has been with Real Madrid since 2009, emerging as one of the most decorated scorers in club history.
Report: Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland Summer Transfers Eyed by Real Madrid
Dec 31, 2021
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - DECEMBER 19: Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the French Cup match between Entente Feignes-Aulnoye and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade du Hainaut on December 19, 2021 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images )
Real Madrid won't restrict itself to signing either Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe or Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland this summer; it wants both.
ESPN FC's Mark Ogden reported the Spanish giant is plotting moves for the pair "in an attempt to take advantage of the financial problems at Barcelona by landing the two most sought-after players in world football."
Ogden noted the contracts of Gareth Bale, Isco, Luka Modric and Marcelo are due to expire, which will free up significant space on Madrid's wage bill.
The club failed in its pursuit of Mbappe last summer, with PSG turning down a €200 million bid. The French forward will be a free agent after this season, at which point Real Madrid or anybody else can sign him without paying a transfer fee.
The 23-year-old reiterated his desire to remain in the French capital to finish out the current campaign,
Kylian Mbappé announces to @cnn: “No, I'm not joining Real Madrid in January. In January it's not happening”. 🔴🇫🇷 #PSG
“I'm in Paris Saint-Germain, I'm really happy and I will 100% finish the season as PSG player. I'll give everything to win with Paris all titles this year”. pic.twitter.com/3tFUHUr8a1
Although Haaland is under contract with Dortmund for 2022-23, an exit from Germany could be similarly straightforward thanks to a reported €75 million ($87 million) release fee. Ogden reported in October a transfer is nonetheless going to be expensive because the Norway international will look to earn at least £30 million ($41 million) annually on top of a payment to his representatives.
According to Ogden, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are both contenders to sign Haaland, with the latter looking at the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Mbappe. Still, Ogden described Real Madrid as the "leading contenders."
On two occasions, Florentino Perez has ushered in an era of Galacticos at the Santiago Bernabeu. The club signed Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham in the early 2000s and then brought in Kaka, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
Now, a third class of Galacticos could be incoming.
