NEWS

UEFA Champions League fans are in for another exciting phase of action following the completion of the draw for the round of 16 and knockout play-off fixtures.One of the headline clashes will see Portuguese side Benfica lock horns once again with Spanish giants Real Madrid in a high-profile encounter.The draw has revived memories of the dramatic meeting between both teams on the final day of the league phase. In that decisive clash played in Portugal, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4–2 under the guidance of José Mourinho.That victory proved pivotal, helping Benfica secure a place in the knockout play-offs while preventing Madrid from earning automatic qualification to the round of 16.Teams were paired based on their final standings at the end of the league phase, with clubs r...

The Premier League reportedly blocked Man United legend Ryan Giggs from being inducted into their Hall of Fame when he faced trial for domestic abuse of his ex-girlfriend.Giggs, 52, had been intended to be an inaugural member of the Hall of Fame alongside Alan Shearer after the Premier League launched the concept, borrowing  from the model in American sports.The Welshman was then quietly withdrawn from the process because of the charges he faced, according to the Telegraph.The first players to be committed to the Hall of Fame were supposed to be announced in 2020, but there was a delay due to the pandemic.In the time that then passed, the nomination committee were aware of the developments with Giggs and his accuser, opting to leave him off their list, according to the...

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has said Michael Carrick deserves to be appointed the club’s permanent manager following an encouraging start to his spell in charge.Keane, who had earlier expressed reservations about Carrick taking the role long-term, appeared to soften his position after the former midfielder led United to impressive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.Speaking on The Overlap, Keane backed the idea of Carrick being given the job full-time, commending his impact and the timing of his appointment.“I hope they give it to him,” Keane said. “I hope he gets it in the summer. I don’t necessarily think it’s the right decision, but I wish him well.“I’ve said what I think already. If he gets the job in the summer, then you just say, ‘Fair enough, good luck to h...

Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie has described it as heartbreaking to watch his son suffer a serious career ending injury during the club’s 2–1 defeat to Real Betis in Thursday’s Europa League clash.Nineteen-year-old Shaqueel van Persie, who was introduced in the 73rd minute, made an immediate impact by assisting Casper Tengstedt’s goal that briefly pulled Feyenoord level. However, his night ended in distress just ten minutes later when he landed awkwardly on his right leg. The youngster’s knee appeared to bend backwards, leaving him in visible pain as he was stretchered off the pitch.Speaking after the match, Van Persie admitted he was deeply affected by the incident, revealing that in that moment he stood on the touchline more as a father than as a coach.“It’s not lookin...