1000

Author: Chirag

Diego Jota injured Against Inter Milan As Liverpool Take The Advantage

Posted on by Chirag

The Reds travelled all the way to Italy last night to face the giants known as Inter Milan. 

The Champions League saw its Round of 16 extend as Liverpool faced Inter Milan and Bayern Munich faced fellow Germans Salzburg. 

RB Salzburg managed to get a goal in and keep Bayern Munich limited to a goal as they drawed the match. Over in Italy, Inter Milan just couldn’t manage to get in a goal as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool played keep away with the possession.

With Roberto Firmini and Mohhamad Salah getting in on the goal action within just 8 minutes of each other.

Meanwhile Liverpool forward Diogo Jota got himself in trouble as he was injured late in the game. “I am happy with everything apart from Diogo [Jota] going off,” said Klopp.

“The ankle was swollen at the break so we had to change,” added Klopp.

Pressed further on the injury, the German said: “Twisted ankle, it was swollen. So that’s not a good sign but we have to see.

“We will check it as early as possible tomorrow [Thursday] but we need further assessment.”

“Luis [Diaz] is so natural when he comes on so that is all very helpful,” said Klopp.

“Roberto Firmino needed time to get in the game because he got the balls in the most difficult areas.

“After he scored the goal you could see the confidence back and all of a sudden the ball was our friend again.

“After the game I couldn’t care less but in the game we didn’t finish situations often enough. Very often, their situations were offside. This really kills me. You can see it is offside but they let it run and then forget to raise the flag.”

Rafael Nadal Talks About Recovery and Comebacks

Posted on by Chirag

The only 21 time grand slam winner in tennis history came back to his hometown in Mallorca to a huge crowd and celebrations as everyone welcomed back a hero. Now Nadal is taking a break from tennis until early March as the Indian Wells come up.

“It’s important to have real inner humility, not false humility, to accept that things don’t always go well, and tolerate bad times better,” he said. “One of the keys to me continuing to play tennis today is that I tolerated success and failure equally.”

The Spaniard claimed he always looked forward to gaining “a broader knowledge” when it came to his own health. He also said developing healthy habits directly affects the daily aspects of one’s life. “I always say and believe that everything can be improved, and days like today help us do it, not because in the end, you have a broader knowledge of the things we need,” the Spaniard said.

“Above all, to be able to enjoy life… But without health it becomes impossible. This is the reality.”

Meanwhile, one of his biggest competitors and close personal friend Roger Federer sits in Switzerland recovering from various knee surgeries and injuries from his long legendary career. With Djokovic not willing to take the vaccine in order to play at any tennis tournament around the world, it seems likely that Nadal might have to find competition within the ‘next gen’ of Tennis. 

Mbappe’s Last Minute Winner Puts PSG In Driver’s Seat

Posted on by Chirag

Kylian Mbappe played one of his best games so far as he faced off against the visitors under the lights of the Parc de Princes in Paris.

The giants of Paris and the Giants of Real Madrid faced off in an epic encounter last night in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The Parisian leaders dominated in terms of possession as the visitors played catch-up. 

With the likes of Vinicius, Benzema and Asensio failed to convert any of their chances throughout the tumultuous affair as the two teams fought for the second leg advantage. 

Effective this season and onwards, UEFA have enforced the new rule that ensures no additional weightage to the crucial away goals for any 2 leg match-ups. This means that the team playing any away games from the Round of 16 and onwards will not have any additional advantage if they score and will instead count as a regular goal.

This new rule is projected to increase the number of games decided under extra time and penalties. With this additional nugget of excitement, both PSG and Real tried to score early to get the advantage going ahead into the second leg. However, PSG’s homegrown talent proved to be fatal for the visitors as Kylian Mbappe after many attempts finally managed to sneak one under the legs of Thibaut Cortois at the very last minute.

During the normal time, Messi received a penalty opportunity as Kylian was fouled in the box earlier. PSG’s Neymar also returned to action for PSG in the Champions League after suffering an injury in late 2021.

Djokovic Choses Vaccine Stance Over Grand Slams

Posted on by Chirag

The World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who was ousted from Australia right before the first major Grand Slam of the year due to not being vaccinated, has now made his stance very clear for the whole world.

When asked if he would forgo tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon if there is a requirement of being vaccinated, Djokovic answered in the affirmative.

“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” he said.

“The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can,”

“I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus.”

“I never used my privileged status to get into Australia by force. I was treated as anybody else. The circular e-mail that my team received was sent to all the athletes, both male and female, both qualification and main draws. There were hundreds of tennis players receiving that email. So, we were following the rules and when there was a possibility of medical exemption, I was using that and I applied.”

“I put forward my PCR test, my sufficient amount of antibodies that I had at the time and I got accepted by two independent Australian medical panels — anonymously, it’s important to mention. My name was not on the application,” added the tennis star.

‘Liverpool Chose me’, Says Reds Super Fan

Posted on by Chirag

Liverpool, the famous English football club dressed in red, have been around for a long time now. They have garnered relationships with a lot of fans during this time.

This list of fans includes super fans from Italy, a country where Liverpool is headed to face Inter in their Champions League clash this week. 

“I live 500 metres away from the Stadio San Paolo,” Esposito tells GOAL. “My father was a season-ticket holder there when I was a kid.”

He pauses. “But there has only been Liverpool for me.”

“I was eight years old,” he remembers. “I was given a team, Ref. 41, while playing Subbuteo. It was the classic Liverpool kit from the 1970s

“So, I picked up a Guerin Sportivo magazine to search for pictures of Liverpool players. There, I saw Kevin Keegan: full red kit and his trademark haircut. It was love at first sight!”

“Even in black and white, Anfield was on fire,” he says. “The Kop was fearsome, so loud – even at 2-0 down.”

A year later, he attended his first Reds game. “The European Cup final in Rome!” he smiles. “Not bad! The 1984 final was my second game, as well!”

“My first game at Anfield was against Sunderland in 2010. After that trip I decided I wanted to move permanently to this wonderful and unique city. I’m so proud to have been able to achieve that.”

“Liverpool is my biggest love and passion,” says Mario. “I’m very proud to support this special, amazing club. I believe your club chooses you, not the other way around,” she says. “And I’m so glad Liverpool chose me!”

“Make Tennis Cool Again” says Fritz’ Girlfriend Morgan

Posted on by Chirag

Morgan Riddle, the famous TikTok influencer and girlfriend of tennis star Taylor Fritz is on a mission “to make tennis cool again”.

Tennis tournaments are not your average casual sporting events with hot dogs and beer,” Riddle says. “You can expect champagne, strawberries and cream, Nobu and getting to wear really cute outfits.

“If you’re looking for a sign to go to a tennis tournament this year, this is it.”

Riddle will continue to give her over 30,000 followers on Instagram and 200k plus on TikTok updated with the latest and greatest the sport has to offer. Even notable tennis journalist, Blair Henley approves of Riddle’s efforts and is wondering when she can purchase her “make tennis cool again” hat.

With Tennis also becoming as popular as the most watched sports in the world like Football, it is getting its own show. Recently streaming giants Netflix announced that they will be making a show following the best tennis stars on tour for the entire season ranging from the Australian Open to  the Nitto ATP Finals. After the success of the Formula 1’s Netflix season show Drive to Survive this sure seems like a way to get tennis to people.

Chelsea Lift FIFA Club World Cup After Thrilling Night in Abu Dhabi 

Posted on by Chirag

The Blues beat Palmeiras last night in Abu Dhabi as they lifted the FIFA Club World Cup to become the best club in the world.

Lukaku opened up the scoring for Chelsea early on with Kai Havertz scoring the crucial penalty in extra time at the 117th minute.

“It’s amazing,” said Havertz to Channel 4. “After champions of Europe, we are now champions of the world. It sounds better.

“I was nervous [taking the penalty], I have to be honest. It’s a big penalty. It’s just crazy. It was good I kept the nerves. I am very happy.

“I was the third penalty taker but I was the only one left on the pitch.
“My team-mates gave me trust. I dreamed always as a kid of this. This is an amazing feeling for me.”

Tuchel meanwhile said, “In the end if you score late you need luck to do it but we were relentless and we did not stop trying,” he said to Channel 4.

“We did not give in. We had the lead then lost it but never stopped. It was deserved but also lucky when you score late.

“The penalty does not look nervous [from Kai Havertz] but for sure he was. You cannot not be nervous in this situation. We trusted the statistics and I’m happy for him.”

Experts talk about Nadal’s Legacy

Posted on by Chirag

Rafael Nadal, who recently won his 21st Grand Slam as he defeated Daniil Medevdev in Australia in an unforgettable comeback has been in everyone’s conversation when it comes to the GOAT.

The Spaniard now stands atop his competitors Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by becoming the only man in history to win 21 grand slams.

Nadal’s long-time physician made some interesting comments on Rafa’s legacy and everything he will leave behind in the tennis world.

 “In Australia, we witness the triumph of bravery.”

“To the victory of an extraordinary guy who turns his enormous private sacrifices into a great public recognition. Rafa gives it all. To the limit. You cannot demand more than you demand of yourself. And Rafa cannot be asked for more,” 

“He will go down in history as the ancient warriors of Troy, invincible, becoming an icon for society. He will leave a fabulous legacy for eternity,”

“To his physical power and mental strength, he adds a perfect team: Marc, Sebastián, Carlos, Rafael, Costa, Benito and the lessons of uncle Toni. All this forms an extraordinary cocktail, an infallible formula with which he manages to ensure that those small details that make the difference between defeat and victory always fall on his side,”

“For me it will be even more special returning this year after missing the tournament in October. See you soon in the tennis (and golf) paradise, Indian Wells”

Pep Guardiola on Jurgen Klopp Giving Up Title Hunt

Posted on by Chirag

Manchester City coach Pep Guarldiola has made his thoughts public on Jurgen Klopp talking about giving up on their title aspirations this season already.

“I am not sure we are in a position to get them on their toes,” he said after Thursday’s win over Leicester. “We have no chance to catch them but that does not mean we shall not try to play the best possible season for us.”

Currently the gap between the two English giants stands at 9 points in City’s favour. Liverpool do stand a chance to shorten the gap to 6 points this weekend as they get ready to face Leeds United.

When asked about Klopp’s comments, leading team coach Pep Guardiola said, “I don’t believe him!”

“Absolutely (it’s possible) and he thinks the same, otherwise he wouldn’t be the competitor that he is.”

“Of course he believes. In football, everything can happen. He knows that he has to win a lot of games, like we know we have to win a lot of games to fight to be champion again.”

“Both teams have shown over the years that they can make an incredible run of victories in a row,” Guardiola added. “If one team is able, they can.”

“Both have the same managers, more or less the same squads and ideas. Both could make 16, 17 wins in a row. They can do it – we can do it too.”

Arsenal Start February With Firm Win Over Wolves

Posted on by Chirag

Mikel Arteta’s February has started with a blessing as his gunners have beaten Wolves by a goal to get those three precious points and the most important W.

After a winless and controversial January, the gunners were in a tough spot in terms of points. To guarantee a top 4 spot they will have to continue to win most of their upcoming matches. However the significance of yesterday’s match was higher than it seemed as United’s stumbling run against the likes of Burnley, Tottenham and Southampton meant that Arsenal still have hope to reach the Top 4.

Though not the best match Arsenal has ever played or will play, the 1-0 win drew lot’s of cheers and sighs of relief for Arsenal fans around the globe.

With the controversial decision of letting the former captain Pierre Emrick go in January on a free transfer to Barcelona, all eyes were on the newly refurbished Arsenal.

The only goal of the match was scored by Gabriel as the clock touched 25 minutes. The Brazilian defender scored a close range finisher to seal the deal for Arsenal but the drama wasn’t over there.

Another Gabriel got to affect the match with his double yellow cards in just 10 seconds as he pushed a Wolves player in the middle of a throw-in and then ran off to foul another player. This red card put Arsenal at a disadvantage as they stood with 10 men.

Wolves tried to equalise late after that uncanny red card however they were denied by the assistant waving the offside flag. Arsenal now stand at 5th place below West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City with Manchester United breathing down their necks at 6th place.