Champions League

David Beckham has revealed he was proud to be honoured with the 2018 UEFA President’s Award ahead of the Champions League group stage draw. The award was presented to him ahead of the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco for his work with children around the world. “It’s amazing to be up there with some of the best,” Beckham told the UEFA’s official website. “So I’m very honored, honored to be here, to be part of such a special event.” “I’ve been lucky to have played with some of the biggest clubs with some of the best …

Ajax reached the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in four years after a 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kiev. The Dutch superpowers took a 3-1 advantage to the Olimpiyskyi Stadium in Kiev and protected their lead, despite a strong start from the home side. Ajax weathered the early storm and could have extended their aggregate lead from the penalty spot, but Dusan Tadic could only strike the woodwork. Dynamo Kiev couldn’t make the most of the lifeline as Ajax tightened their grip on the tie, spurning chance after chance. It’s four years since Ajax last made the group stages …

Gerard Pique believes that just trying to win the Champions League would be ‘suicide’ for Barcelona. Barcelona have not won the Champions League since 2015 and Pique says they can’t afford to concentrate only on the European trophy. Barca Blaugranes reports. “To only try and win the Champions League would be suicide. In the way we operate, we’re stronger when we don’t let everything ride on a single match,” Pique said. “If we concentrate on LaLiga, it’s better, because it’s the measuring stick we use to see where we currently stand. “Barça have never won the Champions League without winning LaLiga too. If …

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes his team can win the Champions League this season thanks to the team’s maturity. Pep Guardiola’s men were eliminated by Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League despite their dominance in the League. Gundogan, who has been instrumental to City’s campaign so far, feels the English giants are ready to challenge for the European crown. “I dream of winning the Champions League title with Manchester City and a title with Germany,” he told WAZ. “In Manchester last season we had the feeling that we are ready for it. It was not enough. This year nothing …

Radja Nainggolan has completed a move to FC Internazionale Milano on a four year deal from Serie A rivals FC Roma. The transfer fee for the Belgian midfielder is reported to be in the region of £21million with two players – veteran fullback Davide Santon and 18-year-old midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo – heading to Roma in a swap deal. The combative midfielder was a surprise omission from the Belgium squad in Russia 2018, a move that led to his retirement from International football. Most Serie A fans believe that former Roma boss Luciano Spalleti played a massive role in the player’s decision …

Cristiano Ronaldo has eclipsed Ferenc Puskas record with his recent strike against group B opponents Morocco that took his tally to 85 goals more than any other player in the continent’s history. The Portuguese forward started the game on 84 goals after scoring a hat-trick in the opening group match vs. Spain. The three goals recorded in that match equaled the number of goals scored by the Hungarian legend. The 33-year-old Real Madrid forward scored in the fourth minute against Morocco to give Portugal the early lead and is now only behind Ali Daei of Iran, on 109 goals, in …