Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

Paris Saint-Germain have eliminated Liverpool FC from the UEFA Champions League after a tense second leg at Anfield, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice to secure a 2–0 win on the night and progression to the semi-finals.

PSG entered the return leg with a two-goal advantage from the first meeting in Paris and were forced to withstand heavy pressure in a noisy Anfield atmosphere. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, pushed aggressively from the start but were repeatedly frustrated by PSG’s defensive structure and goalkeeping resilience.

The first half saw chances at both ends, with PSG creating early openings through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, both denied by key saves from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. At the other end, Liverpool struggled to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities despite moments of attacking intent.

Liverpool’s night took a further hit with injury concerns to Hugo Ekitike, forcing an early tactical reshuffle that saw Mohamed Salah introduced earlier than planned, after Alexander Isak had been handed a surprise starting role.

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PSG came closest before the break but failed to capitalise on several openings, including a missed chance by Dembélé from a promising position. Liverpool also had appeals overturned after a VAR review denied a penalty following a challenge involving Willian Pacho and Alexis Mac Allister.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute when Dembélé latched onto a pass from Kvaratskhelia and finished clinically to give PSG control of the tie. As Liverpool pushed forward in search of a comeback, gaps opened in their defence, which PSG exploited in transition.

Late in the game, substitute Bradley Barcola set up Dembélé for a simple close-range finish, sealing the victory and confirming Liverpool’s elimination from the competition.

The result marks another disappointing European exit for Liverpool, who fail to progress beyond the knockout stages despite expectations of a deep run. PSG, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of a first UEFA Champions League title and will now face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Inter Miami CF have entered a period of uncertainty after head coach Javier Mascherano resigned with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The club, co-owned by former England international David Beckham, confirmed the Argentine’s departure, stating that Mascherano stepped down for “personal reasons” after discussions with the club’s leadership.

The resignation comes during a shaky run of form for Inter Miami, despite having global superstar Lionel Messi in the squad. The team suffered a 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on the opening day of the season and was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC.

In the MLS campaign, Inter Miami have drawn three of their last four matches and currently sit in the lower half of the 30-team league table, raising early concerns about consistency and competitiveness in the 2026 MLS season.

Despite the difficult start, Mascherano departs with a strong legacy after a highly successful first season in charge. Appointed in January 2025 with no prior senior managerial experience, he guided Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title, along with an Eastern Conference championship.

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Under his leadership, the club also enjoyed a record-breaking offensive season, scoring over 100 goals across all competitions and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant attacking sides in MLS history.

Inter Miami also made global headlines during the FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first MLS side to reach the knockout stages, marking a major milestone for the league.

In his farewell statement, Mascherano thanked the club, players, staff, and fans, describing the MLS Cup triumph as a historic achievement he would “always carry” with him.

Managing owner Jorge Mas praised Mascherano’s impact, calling him a key figure in the club’s history and commending his leadership in delivering silverware and raising the club’s global profile.

Inter Miami have not yet announced a permanent replacement, but the club is expected to appoint an interim coach as they begin the search for a long-term successor.

Despite the sudden managerial exit, the club insists its long-term project remains unchanged, although Mascherano’s departure adds fresh pressure on a squad built around ageing stars and high expectations.

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Barcelona Crash Out Despite Dramatic Fightback Against Atletico

Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging FC Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, surviving a late scare despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat in Madrid.

Barcelona came into the clash trailing 2-0 from the first leg and looked out of contention for much of the tie. However, a dramatic late surge nearly turned the game on its head. Rising star Lamine Yamal ignited hope with a calm finish after capitalising on a defensive error, reducing the aggregate deficit and shifting momentum.

The visitors intensified their pressure, and Ferran Torres brought Barcelona level on aggregate with a stunning left-footed strike from a pass by Dani Olmo, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.

At that stage, Barcelona looked poised to complete a remarkable comeback in the Champions League quarter-final, but Atlético responded almost immediately. Marcos Llorente surged down the flank before setting up Ademola Lookman, whose composed finish restored Atlético’s aggregate advantage and ultimately sealed qualification.

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Barcelona had earlier missed key chances to take full control of the tie. Fermín López was denied by goalkeeper Juan Musso, while another effort from Torres was ruled out by VAR for offside.

Their challenge was further complicated when Eric García was sent off after fouling Alexander Sørloth, leaving Barcelona with ten men during a crucial phase of the encounter.

Despite sustained late pressure, Barcelona were unable to find the decisive goal, as Atlético’s defensive resilience and clinical response ensured progression.

The result marks another European setback for Barcelona, who showed attacking quality but paid the price for earlier defensive lapses and their first-leg deficit. For Atlético Madrid, it represents a significant step in their Champions League campaign, keeping alive their ambition of reaching the final for the first time since 2016.

Atlético will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals, as they continue their push for European glory.

Barcelona Crash Out Despite Dramatic Fightback Against Atletico