Hello everyone! We`ve just passed the initial matches of the Champions League and Europa League. I`m Francesco Porzio, and I`m here to recap the recent events before we delve into what`s coming up.
β½ Key Headlines
Mo Salah Commits to Liverpool with New Two-Year Contract
It`s official! Liverpool supporters received fantastic news this morning as Liverpool confirmed Mohamed Salah has signed a contract extension with the club. With Salah`s previous contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, rumors of a new deal have intensified recently and materialized into reality. A similar situation is unfolding with Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, who is also anticipated to sign a new agreement soon.
- Salah`s statement: `I`m very happy. We have an excellent team now, as we did before. I decided to sign because I believe we have the potential to win more trophies and I`m enjoying my football here. These have been the best years of my career, and I hope for continued success over the next two years. To the fans, I`m thrilled to stay. I signed because I believe we can achieve great things together. Keep supporting us, and we`ll give our all to win more trophies.`
Salah is recognized as one of the world`s top players and currently ranks third in Liverpool`s all-time scoring charts with 243 goals in 394 appearances. During his Anfield tenure, he has secured the Premier League Golden Boot three times, been voted PFA Players` Player of the Year twice, and received two FWA Footballer of the Year awards. With Liverpool, Salah has won seven trophies, including the Premier League title in 2019-20 and the UEFA Champions League in 2019, along with several domestic cups since joining from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 for approximately $40 million.
π Midfield Action
Europa League: Manchester United and Tottenham Face Setbacks
Manchester United and Tottenham both experienced another disappointing night in the Europa League, each drawing their respective matches on Thursday, highlighting their ongoing struggles. Manchester United drew 2-2 against Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals, while Tottenham drew 1-1 at home in London against Eintracht Frankfurt. Both teams now face the challenge of needing to win their away fixtures next week to advance in the tournament.
Manchester United initially conceded a goal to former Atlanta United player Thiago Almada but quickly equalized through Leny Yoro just before halftime. Joshua Zirkzee`s goal in the 88th minute seemed decisive for Lyon, but a late error by Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Rayan Cherki to score in stoppage time, securing a 2-2 draw. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defended Onana despite his costly mistake:
- Amorim`s comment: `Throughout the season, I believe I`ve made more errors than the players in recent months. Mistakes are part of football, especially with a high volume of games.`
Tottenham`s struggles continued as they drew against Eintracht Frankfurt in front of their home crowd after conceding an early goal to Hugo Ekitike. Pedro Porro equalized for Tottenham, but the match ended 1-1. The return leg, scheduled for April 17 at Deutsche Bank Park, is likely to be crucial for manager Ange Postecoglou`s future with the club.
- Postecoglou`s perspective: `I`m a bit frustrated with the result, although I felt our overall performance was very good. Conceding early was disappointing, but it was a well-taken goal by Ekitike. We responded well, hit thecrossbar three times, and on another day, we would have won that match.`
π Top News
βͺ Champions League Rewind: This week`s Champions League fixtures featured incredible goals, making the selection for the top five goals very challenging.
π Champions League Power Rankings: Our analyst James Benge has ranked the remaining eight teams following the first leg of the quarterfinals.
π Road to Semifinals: What are the scenarios for teams to secure their place in the Champions League semifinals? Hereβs a preview of the crucial second leg matches next week.
𦩠Messi`s Future at Inter Miami: Lionel Messi is expected to remain with Inter Miami as his contract nears its end this year. Club co-owner Jorge Mas expressed confidence about reaching a new agreement.
π° Final Whistle
π΅ Top Betting Pick
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Serie A: Udinese vs. AC Milan, 2:45 p.m.
π° Bet on AC Milan to win against Udinese (-105): AC Milan needs a victory to stay competitive for a European qualification spot as the season progresses. Their recent form includes only two wins in their last five Serie A games, including a home draw against Fiorentina. A win against Udinese could significantly boost AC Milan`s chances to finish in the top eight, especially with Lazio and AS Roma facing each other in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday.
For more betting tips, expert predictions, and the latest news, visit CBSSports.com`s betting section.
Dominic Ashworth