By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League knockout stage has delivered a seismic Round of 16 draw, headlined by another blockbuster collision between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City F.C., as Europe’s elite battle for a place in the final at Budapest’s iconic Puskás Aréna on May 30, 2026. The draw has split
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has thrown his full support behind Vinícius Júnior’s celebrations after the Brazilian inspired Los Blancos to qualification for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, insisting the forward should continue dancing as long as he keeps scoring. Speaking after Madrid secured their place in the Round
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior put the icing on the cake with a decisive late goal as Los Blancos defeated S.L. Benfica 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory. The Brazilian star struck in the 80th minute,
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Clashes reportedly broke out outside the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash with S.L. Benfica, with medical personnel treating several visiting supporters, according to Spanish television reports. Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV reported that confrontations involving Benfica fans occurred near the stadium perimeter, prompting an emergency
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo UEFA has rejected SL Benfica’s appeal against the provisional suspension of Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni, confirming that the player will remain barred from tonight’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid club while an investigation into alleged discriminatory conduct continues. The decision was delivered by UEFA’s Appeals Body, which dismissed Benfica’s
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has strongly criticized his former manager José Mourinho for questioning Vinícius Júnior’s conduct amid a racism controversy, insisting there was nothing wrong with the Brazilian’s goal celebration. Mikel expressed disbelief at suggestions that Vinícius’ actions contributed to the abuse he suffered, arguing that such
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo José Mourinho has exercised his right to refuse all pre- and post-match media obligations ahead of Benfica’s crucial fixture against Real Madrid, according to reports from Sky Sports. The Portuguese manager will not speak to journalists before Wednesday’s match and will also skip post-match media duties, invoking provisions that allow coaches
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed Didier Deschamps as head coach of the France national football team after the FIFA World Cup 2026, though no official agreement has yet been announced by the French Football Federation. Deschamps’ current contract runs until the conclusion of the 2026 tournament, a timeline already
Former France international Lilian Thuram has launched a blistering attack on legendary coach José Mourinho, accusing him of showing “white narcissism” and attempting to shift blame onto Vinícius Júnior over racist abuse, according to an interview published by L’Équipe. Thuram, one of football’s most outspoken anti-racism voices, condemned Mourinho’s stance on racism incidents involving Vinicius,
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo The night was supposed to be about football. Instead, it became another chapter in José Mourinho’s long war with authority. Now, the Special One will not be on the touchline when his team walks into the fire at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He has been suspended. He has been silenced. But