One other wild weekend of soccer in Europe is within the books, with shock outcomes and drought-breaking objectives and, in fact, extra hypothesis over Kylian Mbappé’s future dominating the headlines.
Sunday’s largest consequence was absolutely Bayern Munich’s capitulation at VfL Bochum, whereas a draw for Actual Madrid stored issues tight on the prime of LaLiga. And what of Manchester United’s win at Luton City? You would definitely say that Erik ten Hag’s group is heading in a single route.
In the meantime on Saturday, Bayer Leverkusen clinched a 2-1 win to additional their lead on the prime of the Bundesliga desk, Barcelona edged Celta Vigo with a stoppage-time penalty and Manchester United vs. Arsenal broke the WSL attendance report.
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Right here is your look again at yet one more roller-coaster weekend in European soccer.
SUNDAY REVIEW
The lead: Tuchel on the brink as Bayern lose once more
Stress had been mounting for Bayern Munich and their supervisor Thomas Tuchel after losses to Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio in the course of the earlier eight days. Confidence, nevertheless, was bettering as they travelled to the Ruhrstadion on Sunday to face considered one of their favorite opponents in VfL Bochum — the defending Bundesliga champions had achieved three 7-0 wins in opposition to Die Blauen of their earlier 5 conferences. It had grow to be a working joke within the Germany that Bayern have been all the time at their greatest once they performed in opposition to Bochum.
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This time, nevertheless, was fully completely different. The conflict with the tradition-rich membership from the Ruhr space resulted in a nightmare, as Bayern slipped to a 3-2 defeat.
Whereas the guests tried to search out their groove early on, it shortly turned apparent that Bochum have been far more than only a sparring companion for Tuchel’s beleaguered group. In truth, the hosts seemed like they might all the time go toe-to-toe with Bayern in midfield duels. Erhan Mašović, particularly, displayed a defensive masterclass as he moved from one wing to the opposite ceaselessly to fend off Jamal Musiala and Thomas Müller.
Despite the fact that Bayern scored the go-ahead purpose within the 14th minute, they could not construct any momentum on it as Bochum stayed within the sport and seemed particularly harmful when Takuma Asano obtained the ball in the suitable half-space the place he engaged in one-on-ones with defender Kim Min-Jae.
Following a 13-minute break attributable to fan protests in opposition to a possible deal between the German soccer league (DFL) and an out of doors funding agency, Bochum started to maneuver the ball with poise after turnovers, as Asano was discovered by 37-year-old Anthony Losilla with a ravishing move to set the Japan worldwide to strike the equaliser previous Manuel Neuer. Keven Schlotterbeck then headed the underdogs forward following a Kevin Stöger nook kick.
Within the second half, Bochum held their very own for essentially the most half after which capitalized on a mistake by Dayot Upamecano, who hit Schlotterbeck along with his elbow in an aerial duel contained in the penalty space. Upamecano was punished along with his second yellow card of the day and thus was despatched off once more after seeing a straight pink at Lazio on Wednesday. Stöger slotted the penalty previous Neuer to take an unassailable 3-1 lead.
It’s the first time since Could 2015 that Bayern have misplaced two consecutive away video games within the Bundesliga.
“It seems like a horror film that by no means ends,” Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka mentioned after the match.
For nearly all the sport, Tuchel watched the motion with a warming scarf pulled over his mouth. It definitely was wet and chilly in Bochum, however the picture was becoming for the 50-year-old supervisor’s troublesome scenario at Bayern. Zsolt Löw, his assistant, and Joshua Kimmich had a heated alternate of phrases after the sport, and it appeared the 2 nearly acquired right into a combat. Tensions are more and more excessive at Bayern, who now path Leverkusen by eight factors. — Constantin Eckner
2:16
Bayern lose 3 straight Bundesliga matches after defeat to Bochum
Bayern Munich lose additional floor within the title race after shedding 3-2 at VfL Bochum.
Sunday speaking factors across the leagues
Madrid’s draw breathes life into LaLiga title race
Simply when it seemed just like the LaLiga title race may be throughout, leaders Actual Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday introduced it again to life.
If Madrid’s 4-0 win over closest title rivals Girona had made them look invincible, two dropped factors in Vallecas have been a reminder that this group — particularly after a tiring midweek Champions League journey, and with out the injured Jude Bellingham — is fallible in spite of everything.
Madrid have been up in opposition to a Rayo aspect immediately improved by new coach Iñigo Perez, Andoni Iraola’s former assistant, hoping to repeat the successes of his three years in cost. The consequence: For the second time this season, Rayo denied Madrid, after a goalless draw on the Bernabeu in November.
Madrid began nicely, going forward by means of Joselu’s third-minute purpose — sweeping residence Federico Valverde’s cross — however their momentum was halted by Raúl de Tomás’ penalty equaliser halfway by means of the primary half. Joselu’s purpose apart, Madrid struggled to create clear possibilities, ending with an xG (anticipated objectives) of simply 1.04.
By the tip, their frustration boiled over as Dani Carvajal misplaced his head, shrugging off Kike Perez with an elbow to earn a pink card. Carvajal shall be suspended for subsequent week’s sport with Sevilla, and so will Eduardo Camavinga, banned for selecting up his fifth yellow card of the season.
“It is necessary that if you cannot win, you do not lose,” coach Carlo Ancelotti mentioned afterwards, hoping to place a constructive spin on the consequence.
But when Girona win at Athletic Membership on Monday — which is way from a given — Madrid’s lead on the prime shall be reduce to 3 factors. They usually nonetheless have 13 video games left, together with away journeys to Valencia, Osasuna and Actual Sociedad, in addition to enjoying Athletic Membership, Barcelona and Actual Betis at residence. The title race hasn’t been reignited, precisely. However it’s extra alive than it was every week in the past. — Alex Kirkland
1:08
Actual Madrid held by Rayo Vallecano in 1-1 draw
Raul de Tomas’ penalty cancels out Joselu’s early purpose as Rayo Vallecano maintain LaLiga leaders Actual Madrid to a draw.
Milan miss golden alternative on historic night time for Monza
Silvio Berlusconi was not there to witness it, however there was one thing of correct calcio heritage in Monza — a membership owned by Il Cavaliere when he handed away in June 2023 — beating AC Milan on Sunday. Berlusconi owned Milan for 26 years between 1986 and 2012, but on Sunday night time it was Monza that triumphed in an exhilarating 4-2 encounter, their first-ever win in opposition to their neighbours.
Milan had the possibility to overhaul Juventus in second place on the Serie A desk with a win however, as a substitute of benefiting from this chance, they let it slip. In a really stunning blunder, Rossoneri boss Stefano Pioli made too many adjustments to his beginning line-up — Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud, Simon Kjaer and Tijjani Reijnders all began on the bench — and, earlier than he knew it, Monza have been 2-0 up.
The ever under-pressure supervisor most likely thought that his group had savaged a degree after substitutes Giroud (sixty fourth minute) and Pulisic (88th minute) introduced them again to 2-2 regardless of being right down to 10 males after Luka Jovic’s 52nd-minute pink card. But Monza scored twice extra in an unimaginable finale.
And there was much more calcio heritage when Daniel Maldini, the son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare, two Milan legends, assisted Monza’s third purpose within the ninetieth minute.
Consequently, Milan keep third, two factors behind Juve and 11 behind league leaders Internazionale. This Serie A season is in some ways distinctive week after week. — Julien Laurens
Sunday’s Individuals overseas:
Christian Pulisic’s drought is over. The 25-year-old hadn’t scored in 2024: 725 minutes of motion, unfold throughout three competitions, no objectives. That modified within the 88th minute of AC Milan’s aforementioned loss Monza on Sunday, when he tied the sport. Absolutely Milan boss Pioli will not begin Pulisic on the bench once more anytime quickly?
In the meantime, the wait goes on for Folarin Balogun, who was held scoreless in 71 minutes as AS Monaco misplaced 2-1 to Toulouse at residence. The final time the Arsenal academy graduate netted in opposition to first-division opposition was November.
Taylor Sales space limped out of FC Utrecht’s 1-0 win over FC Twente on Sunday after simply 22 minutes. The 22-year-old twice-capped U.S. worldwide from Utah had 5 objectives in his earlier two appearances.
In Spain, Johnny Cardoso performed the complete 90 minutes as Actual Betis have been held to a 0-0 draw by Alaves. The 22-year-old New Jersey-born, Brazilian raised midfielder has solely did not play a full match as soon as in his six appearances for Betis since becoming a member of in January. — Austin Lindberg
Information of the day
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Actual Madrid’s gamers have not been distracted by speak linking the membership with Kylian Mbappé. “When have not we been targeted?” Ancelotti mentioned following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano. “I feel we have all the time been [focused]. And as we speak too, when issues did not go so nicely. Criticising this group this season is troublesome.”
A defiant Thomas Tuchel has claimed that he can repair the problems at Bayern Munich regardless of seeing his group lose their third consecutive aggressive sport for the primary time since Could 2015. “For those who ask me, if I firmly nonetheless imagine me and training workers can flip issues round — sure,” Tuchel mentioned after the defeat to Bochum. “Rising strain? That occurs after each defeat. However as we speak we by no means stopped, by no means stopped making an attempt.”
Luton City defender Tom Lockyer mentioned he feared he was dying when his coronary heart stopped and he collapsed throughout a Premier League sport in opposition to Bournemouth in December. “I used to be a bit disorientated,” he mentioned. “I could not communicate, I could not transfer. I used to be making an attempt to work out what was occurring, and I keep in mind considering: ‘I could possibly be dying right here.'”
And eventually on Sunday…
There’s nothing like an away day. Whether or not you wish to watch your group go to its largest rival, or play in a floor dripping with historical past, or parade in entrance of overseas followers in dream locations, there’s nothing fairly like following the aspect on a street journey.
Luton is not a vacation spot location of many vacationers, neither is it the house of Manchester United’s nice rivals, and Kenilworth Highway does not boast a very wealthy historical past, however there’s a sure coziness, an authenticity to the 11,500-seater that appeals to an artist’s sensibilities. Possibly that is why Harry Types visited Bedfordshire to see his beloved Purple Devils triumph 2-1.
We’re not trendy sufficient to query his style sense, or judge his hair (which, judging by social media, appears to be a factor), however we do respect that he wore impartial colors for a visit to an away floor. Good selection. — Austin Lindberg
🤩 @Harry_Styles picked match to come back to… 🍿 #LUTMUN pic.twitter.com/OPHowhMn7w
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2024
SATURDAY REVIEW
The lead: Leverkusen sustain title cost with yet one more win
Following their magnificent win in opposition to nearest challengers Bayern Munich final weekend, Bayer Leverkusen stored up their title cost by beating minnows Heidenheim 2-1 on Saturday. The Bundesliga newcomers had remained unbeaten for eight video games earlier than internet hosting Leverkusen on Saturday, and whereas Heidenheim defended commendably in opposition to Leverkusen’s onslaught, they ultimately needed to concede in opposition to among the best groups in Europe at present.
Leverkusen scored their go-ahead purpose in first-half stoppage time when Amine Adli, who has been a revelation in current weeks, assisted Jeremie Frimpong inside Heidenheim’s field. Frimpong’s shot flew previous goalkeeper Kevin Müller because of a deflection from Jonas Föhrenbach’s physique.
32 – Bayer 04 Leverkusen are unbeaten of their final 32 consecutive aggressive matches (W28 D4), equalling the report by a Bundesliga group, beforehand solely achieved by Bayern Munich from 2019 to 2020 underneath Hansi Flick. Invincible. pic.twitter.com/tUWRX4ucY9
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) February 17, 2024
After the interval, Xabi Alonso’s aspect needed to face a extra intense press by the hosts, who have been supported by a vociferous 15,000 followers contained in the packed Voith-Area. However regardless of struggling at occasions to interrupt that press and create promising goal-scoring alternatives within the early phases of the second half, Leverkusen remained in management with relative ease and have been by no means at risk of giving the win away. Ultimately, they put a stamp on the sport because of an Adli purpose 9 minutes earlier than the tip.
Getting previous one other difficult problem signifies that Leverkusen are, for now, eight factors forward of Bayern Munich within the Bundesliga standings, as Bayern will face VfL Bochum on Sunday. What’s extra, Leverkusen are unbeaten for 32 video games at this level, equalling a report Bayern set between December 2019 and September 2020. It’s really a historic season for Alonso, his gamers and Leverkusen as a complete.
Whereas there’s nonetheless quite a lot of soccer to be performed, the reward for this group can’t be excessive sufficient. — Constantin Eckner
Saturday speaking factors across the leagues
Lewandowski finds kind for Champions League?
A Robert Lewandowski brace, together with a twice-taken stoppage-time penalty, helped Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 2-1 on Saturday at Balaídos as they returned to successful methods forward of Wednesday’s crunch Champions League assembly with Napoli.
Lewandowski’s 97th-minute spot kick was initially saved by Vicente Guaita, however he was handed one other likelihood when VAR dominated the Celta goalkeeper had superior off his line too quickly. The Polish striker made no mistake along with his second likelihood, incomes Barça a confidence-boosting three factors after final week’s horror present in opposition to Granada, once they drew 3-3. Lewandowski had earlier damaged the impasse with a well-taken end earlier than the break. Iago Aspas drew Celta stage early within the second half, however Rafa Benitez’s aspect couldn’t maintain on and stays simply three factors above the relegation zones.
Barça coach Xavi Hernandez insisted the efficiency represented a “step ahead” forward of the midweek journey to Napoli for his or her Champions League spherical of 16 first leg. Nevertheless, this was one other gray show from the Catalans, though Lewandowski’s improved numbers do present some optimism.
0:38
Lewandowski smashes Barca forward vs. Celta Vigo
Lamine Yamal units up Robert Lewandowski for a superb Barcelona purpose in LaLiga.
He has now scored 4 objectives in his previous three appearances and 17 in all competitions this season. His successful purpose in Vigo was his fiftieth for Barça since his 2022 switch from Bayern Munich, and he seems to be refinding his goal-scoring contact simply in time for the return of the Champions League.
“The objectives are arriving as a result of he’s enjoying higher for the group,” Xavi defined. “Positionally he’s higher. He isn’t leaving his space a lot, he’s enjoying higher and the objectives are coming. There isn’t a huge secret.”
Barça, in the meantime, have now taken 10 factors from 12 within the league since Xavi introduced he’ll step down in the summertime. Saturday’s win strikes them inside two factors of second-placed Girona and 7 of leaders Actual Madrid, with each groups because of play later this weekend. — Sam Marsden
First-half errors show pricey for United on the Emirates
A Geyse Tenth-minute personal purpose set the tone as Arsenal clashed with Manchester United in entrance of a report crowd of 60,160 on the Emirates on Saturday.
It was, on steadiness, an odd sport that ended 3-1 to the Gunners. United had began the stronger, however after the personal purpose, ended up uncovered twice extra earlier than the break. After Cloe Lacasse had been left unmarked to nod residence on the again stick, Kim Little tucked a penalty away after Beth Mead had been fouled by Gemma Evans. Three objectives to the great on the break, having had solely two photographs on course, Arsenal have been cruising, however the sport had lacked substance, devolving to a bitty, transitional affair.
The second half was extra of the identical: Arsenal the higher group going ahead, however reasonably than having fun with the rub of the inexperienced, the hosts persistently discovered their efforts blocked by a mixture of our bodies, Mary Earps’ gloves and the woodwork. United, to their credit score, managed to truly put one thing on course and even grabbed a stoppage-time comfort purpose by means of Lucía García, however as the sport wore on, the guests seemed even much less of a cohesive unit.
The sport, regardless of the objectives and crowd, was a little bit of a non-event, the context of the consequence to maintain Arsenal inside three factors of the highest two, with a seven-point drop to United in fourth the necessary end result for the hosts. For United, who had come away with a snatch-and-grab win on their journey to the Emirates (en path to ending above Arsenal) final season, this match wasn’t only a dent of their top-three hopes for this marketing campaign however spoke to a deeper regression and solely furthers the strain on supervisor Marc Skinner. — Sophie Lawson
2:22
How Arsenal held off strain to communicate of Chelsea, Man Metropolis
Sophie Lawson breaks down Arsenal’s 3-1 victory in opposition to Manchester United in entrance of a Ladies’s Tremendous League report crowd.
Mbappé benched then secured one other PSG win
Kylian Mbappé was on the bench when PSG kicked off their Ligue 1 sport at Nantes on Saturday night. 4 days after telling his membership that he shall be leaving on the finish of the season, this wasn’t a punishment, just a few relaxation time given by coach Luis Enrique. The France captain did not appear blissful when he acquired off the bus earlier than the sport, however he got here on within the second half, simply after Paris’ first purpose scored by Lucas Hernández after a deflection, with a giant smile on his face.
Mbappé was cheered by the PSG ultras who travelled to Nantes within the first public response from the followers after the massive announcement. And when he scored his group’s second purpose, his twenty first within the league this season, on a penalty, all of the celebrations appeared real.
Ousmane Dembélé was additionally neglected of the beginning lineup earlier than making his entrance concurrently Mbappé. With out their two greatest gamers, the French champions have been as soon as once more open defensively, conceding alternatives that Nantes did not take. The end result might have been a lot completely different had the hosts been extra scientific, and now PSG are working away with the title.
They’re 14 factors away from Good in second place and 15 on Lille and Monaco (who’ve a sport in hand). PSG are nonetheless unbeaten away from residence in Ligue 1 this season and have misplaced solely as soon as, in opposition to Good on the Parc des Princes again on September. — Julien Laurens
Saturday’s Individuals overseas: Aaronson scores winner, Sargent on a sizzling streak
On mortgage from Leeds United, Brenden Aaronson scored his first Bundesliga purpose for Union Berlin after 18 appearances, and what a purpose it was. Goalless till the 84th minute, the 23-year-old stepped as much as present a scientific end in an outstanding counter-attack in opposition to Hoffenheim. Union Berlin now sit in twelfth place, and Aaronson will hope it is the primary of many objectives to keep away from the relegation zone and hold in kind forward of this summer time’s Copa América.
Josh Sargent’s brace for Norwich Metropolis in opposition to Cardiff takes his purpose tally to 10 for the season, his second greatest throughout his profession in Europe after scoring 13 occasions final marketing campaign. What’s extra, the 23-year-old has discovered the online in 4 straight video games for the Canaries, who sit in seventh place within the Championship desk. Will we see the identical Sargent for the USMNT this summer time?
Elsewhere, each Giovanni Reyna and Matt Turner have been left on the bench for Nottingham Forest of their 2-0 win over West Ham. With Turner now the No. 2 goalkeeper and Reyna having made the mortgage transfer from Dortmund, each are in want of enjoying minutes to remain sharp.
0:51
Brenden Aaronson strikes late to win it for Union Berlin
Brenden Aaronson comes off the bench to attain the successful purpose in Union Berlin’s 1-0 win over Hoffenheim.
Information of the day
Liverpool suffered a trio of accidents in Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Brentford, with Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota going through probably vital accidents whereas striker Darwin Núñez was substituted with a “small” problem at half-time. The win cements their place on the prime of the Premier League for a minimum of the rest of the weekend. Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp’s aspect should now do with out key gamers Jones and Jota, whereas Núñez’s problem will not be but recognized. Klopp confirmed that Jones was utilizing crutches after the match. They be a part of an damage listing that already included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak, Joël Matip, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alisson.
The Skilled Soccer Referees Affiliation (PSRA), the union that represents officers working in MLS, the NWSL and the USL, rejected a proposed new collective bargaining settlement (CBA) put earlier than it by the union’s govt board, and negotiated with the Skilled Referees Group (PRO), the referees’ employer. The vote happened over Thursday and Friday, and in response, PRO is now saying it is going to lock out the referees beginning at midnight ET on Saturday and start the season with substitute officers.
Pep Guardiola has insisted Erling Haaland was to not blame for Manchester Metropolis dropping factors in opposition to Chelsea regardless of having 9 photographs with out scoring. Metropolis and Chelsea drew 1-1 on the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to slide behind Liverpool and Arsenal — who each gained earlier within the day — within the Premier League title race. “It is good to have 9 photographs and subsequent time he will rating,” mentioned Guardiola. “I used to be a soccer participant for 11 years and scored 11 objectives. I am not a correct man to provide recommendation to strikers. We create the possibilities, he had the possibilities and subsequent time he will rating. I do not blame him. It is soccer, it is human beings.”
And eventually on Saturday …
After netting his first purpose of 2024 and 18th for the season, Serhou Guirassy turned the primary Stuttgart participant to attain so many objectives after 22 matchdays. The final participant to be so prolific for the membership in a single season was Mario Gómez, who scored 24 in 2008-09. Guirassy is now in second place behind Harry Kane (24) for many objectives within the Bundesliga this marketing campaign, and his membership trails Bayern Munich by 4 factors. If the 27-year-old Guinean continues to ship, prime golf equipment throughout Europe shall be clamoring for his signature come the summer time switch window.
Purpose machine @Guirassy_19 again up and working! 🎯#VfB | #SVDVfB | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/xg6F9EVMz9
— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) February 17, 2024