European Cups

BVB mounts comeback in the final moments

Published

1 month ago

09/16/2025

Staff

On the brink of the abyss, Igor Tudor’s Juventus rises and snatches a draw in extremis (from 2-4 to 4-4) against a Borussia Dortmund plagued by injuries.

A sensational Yildiz, full of heart and little else. Yet, this is enough for a poor Juventus to snatch a draw at the last minute (from 2-4 to 4-4 in the finale) against a wasteful Borussia Dortmund team burdened by absences. Many defensive errors, a technical poverty not suitable for the Champions League, but also the awareness of having rediscovered the proverbial “Juve DNA”. A clue in the Derby d’Italia against Inter, confirmed in tonight’s match.

Juventus, only Yildiz saves the day: heart prevents embarrassment

A tactical and extremely blocked first half, with few chances and even fewer emotions. In the second half, the Germans start strong, determined to assert their undeniable technical superiority. For over forty minutes, the many absences and a bare-bones bench go unnoticed, only to present a very steep bill in the end. When Kovac’s team, perhaps convinced of having secured a victory against an opponent too ugly to be true, relaxes and squanders everything with two monumental defensive errors.

An unleashed Adeyemi directs the second half, first hitting the post and then striking Di Gregorio with a left-footed shot from distance. Right after, Guirassy misses a sitter, also thanks to a miracle from former Monza goalkeeper, and the feeling is that the clear technical superiority could allow the Vespe to dominate. However, if the “Juve DNA” is branded with the motto “Until the End”, in the yellow and black DNA is marked by an innate and enduring inability to manage games: a prerequisite not to be a great team.

First, Yildiz equalizes with a splendid right-footed shot from distance. And hats off, what can you say? A pearl of rare beauty, unstoppable for Kobel and undefendable for the defense. The Eupalla Goddess, for once, seems to smile at the ones from Westfalia, who immediately take the lead again with a formidable right-footed shot from distance by Nmecha: again assisted by Adeyemi, a former target of Napoli. All done, this time? Far from it, as Yildiz once again finds a corridor worthy of the best Diez in Juventus’ history and sets up Vlahovic for a goal.

The revived Serbian was coming off two platonic goals against Genoa and Parma, two teams fighting for survival, and then off a lackluster performance (yet another) against a big team: that of Saturday, in the Derby d’Italia against Inter. However, in the most important evening, the Belgrade native (perhaps revitalized by the ovation of his people and the regained confidence) does not go unnoticed and beats Kobel with a right-footed shot. The game opens up, but when there are spaces, it’s always the team with the highest technical level and experience that can take advantage.

Too light Thuram, who loses a challenge at the edge of the box with Yan Couto. The former Girona and Manchester City winger unleashes a rather simple shot towards the near post, but Di Gregorio reacts culpably late. A bittersweet moment for the product of the Inter youth sector, who must then pick up another ball from the back of the net a few minutes later. Namely, the penalty by Bensebaini, provoked by a handball by Kelly (canceling a Guirassy shot destined for the corner) and a gem from Brandt.

Only stoppage time and a bit more to play. Juventus seems dazed and unable to react, Kovac substitutes a bewildered Guirassy (who wasted unnecessary energy arguing with Bensebaini when taking the penalty, trying to take the responsibility away from the designated penalty taker of the team) for the experience of Gross: recovered just in time for the bench. Tudor’s team, however, does not give up on the match and throws themselves forward in a relentless search for the equalizer, and then Vlahovic makes the Allianz Stadium roar once again.

The Serbian is decisive, first with a header correction on Kalulu’s cross and then surprisingly turns into an assist man himself. A cut left-footed shot in the penalty area, the German defense inexplicably still, and a precise finish by Kelly. An Unsung Hero, as in the derby a few days ago. Seven goals conceded in two matches, against the first two high-level opponents faced this season, are a wake-up call, but losing tonight (especially in a much clearer way than the result would suggest) would have nullified the post-Inter enthusiasm.

DUSAN VLAHOVIC GIVES THE OK SIGN ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

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European Cups

Probable lineups and where to watch it – Soccer style

Published

1 hour ago

10/20/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Union Saint Gilloise.

Inter is looking for their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. On the European journey of the Nerazzurri is Union Saint Gilloise, the Belgian champions. Chivu’s team will take the field tomorrow at 9 PM at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. On the eve of the match, Inter coach Christian Chivu presents the Champions League match. Below are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s words on Sky Sport

How will you manage the team also with Napoli in mind?

“Since I arrived, I have been asking for responsibility and passion from the boys. We need to honor this competition, at this moment we are only thinking about tomorrow’s match.”

Opponent.

“A team that has its own identity, last year they won the championship. They are still at the top of the league, they beat PSV in the Champions League. They are a very physical and aggressive team, we will have to be very good at avoiding their pressure.”

Has the group mentality been regained?

“I have tried to do my job. It’s just a matter of perception, given by the results. When you win, everything is easier, and you get praised. I have been in this world for many years, I know how it works in Italy, and it takes little to start saying certain things again. I am happy with what the boys are giving me, they have the ambition to stay at the levels reached in recent years.”

Thuram.

MARCUS THURAM A TERRA RAMMARICATO (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

“It’s a shame, he is an important player and was in great shape, and in confidence. I believe he will rejoin the group next week, I’m not sure if it will be against Fiorentina or Hellas Verona.”

Chivu in the press conference

Do you want to repeat last year’s path?

“We have an obligation to think big. We have a club that supports us and we must be the best version of ourselves to be present in all competitions by spring.”

What needs to be avoided now?

“We need to maintain enthusiasm and try to avoid missteps. We have had good performances and we have the ambition to continue following the same path as in recent weeks.”

How are Lautaro and Thuram?

“Lautaro is fine and has not had the same issues he had before Roma. He has also recovered from a cold and has made a good recovery. Marcus needs a few more days, he won’t be available for Napoli.”

What do you expect from Union St Gilloise?

“The team is very aggressive and wants to press high, I don’t know if they will change against us but I don’t think they will change their identity. They have already taken three points in the Champions League and are top of the league. The incident with Newcastle is something that can happen to anyone, they are a strong and very aggressive team.”

Are you also thinking about the Napoli match?

“We think game by game and the Champions League is not to be underestimated. We know what it means to play in the Champions League and we must honor our history. In the last three years, these boys have reached two finals and that is not easy, there are teams that can’t make it in 30 years, let alone two in three years. We treat this match with the utmost responsibility and attention.”

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European Cups

Probable line-ups and where to watch it – Football style

Published

5 hours ago

10/20/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Union Saint Gilloise.

Inter is looking for their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. On the European path of the Nerazzurri is Union Saint Gilloise, the Belgian champions. Chivu’s team will take the field tomorrow at 9 pm at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. On the eve of the match, Inter coach Christian Chivu presents the Champions League challenge. Here are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s words on Sky Sport

How will you manage the team in view of Napoli?

“Since I arrived, I have been asking for responsibility and passion from the players. We need to honor this competition, at the moment we are only thinking about tomorrow’s match.”

Opponent.

“A team with its own identity, last year they won the championship. They are still at the top of the league, they beat PSV in the Champions League. They are a very physical and aggressive team, we will need to be very good at avoiding their pressures.”

Has the team’s mentality been restored?

“I have tried to do my job. It’s just a matter of perception, based on results. When you win, everything is easier, and you are praised. I have been in this world for many years, I know how it works in Italy, and it takes little to start saying certain things again. I am happy with what the players are giving me, they have the ambition to stay at the levels reached in recent years.”

Thuram.

MARCUS THURAM A TERRA RAMMARICATO ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

“It’s a shame, he is an important player and was in good shape and confidence. I believe he will return to the group next week, I don’t know if against Fiorentina or Hellas Verona.”

Chivu in the press conference

Do you want to repeat last year’s journey?

“We have an obligation to think big. We have a club that supports us and we must be the best version of ourselves to be present in all competitions by spring.”

What should be avoided now?

“We must maintain enthusiasm and try to avoid missteps. We have performed well and we have the ambition to move forward following the same line as in recent weeks.”

How are Lautaro and Thuram?

“Lautaro is fine and has not had the problems he had before Roma. He has also cleared the cold and has made a good recovery. Marcus needs a few more days, he won’t be there in Naples.”

What do you expect from Union St Gilloise?

“The team is very aggressive and wants to press high, I don’t know if they will change with us but I don’t think they will change their identity. They have already taken three points in the Champions League and are at the top of the league. The incident against Newcastle is something that can happen to anyone, they are a strong and very aggressive team.”

Are you also thinking about the match with Napoli?

“We think game by game and the Champions League should not be underestimated. We know what it means to play in the Champions League and we must honor our history. In the last three years, these guys have reached two finals and that’s not something small, there are teams that can’t do it in 30 years, let alone two in three years. We treat this match with the utmost responsibility and attention.”

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European Cups

Probable lineups and where to watch it

Published

10 hours ago

10/20/2025

Staff

The Champions League is back in the spotlight with Kairat Almaty-Pafos. The two teams are hunting for their first victory in their historic first participation.

A promising start for the Cypriots, a bit less for the Kazakhs, considering the opponents. However, both are determined to take advantage of the clash with teams of similar level to secure the first three points.

Here Kairat Almaty

The team of Rafale Urazbakhtin comes from a heavy defeat against Real Madrid but is aware that they can do something positive in this Champions League, especially in front of their home crowd. The lineup is expected to confirm the 4-4-2 formation with the attacking duo formed by the usual Satpayev and Monteiro.

In front of Kalmurza, the central defenders Martynovich and Sorokin are likely to be confirmed, while on the wings, it will be up to Tapalov and Mata. In the midfield, the chances of Kasabulat and Arad as central midfielders are rising, and to complete the department, most likely Mrynskiy and Gromyko will be there.

Here Pafos

The team, known for, among other things, signing David Luiz, should find the right formation in a 3-4-3 to face the challenge. The point earned against Olympiacos brings a lot of confidence, and there is the goal of winning.

The former Chelsea and PSG player will complete the defensive line alongside Goldar and Luckassen in front of the goalkeeper Michael. In the midfield, there will be room for Jajà and Pileas on the flanks, while in the center, it will probably be Pepè and Sunjic. The front three will be formed by Orsic, Silva, and Dragomir.

Kairat Almaty-Pafos