Opinion

The Champions League quarter-final match against an in-form Bayern Munich was always going to be a tough test for Barcelona. However, no one expected them to lose the game in the manner they did, conceding 8 goals. It was a humiliating defeat and one that will not be forgotten by the fans for a long time.

On Sunday night, Sevilla recorded a 2-1 win over Manchester United in the first of the Europa League semi-finals. The defeat showed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are not yet the finished article when it comes to challenging for silverware.

Norwich City, Watford and Bournemouth were all relegated from the Premier League this season. It could be argued that many of their players are already Championship quality, but there is no denying that their squads are packed with top-level talent.

On Thursday night, RB Leipzig recorded a late 2-1 victory over Champions League veteran’s Atletico Madrid to progress to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in their history. In reality, Die Roten Bullen’s history only spans 11 years.

Juventus celebrated winning their 9th Serie A title in a row as they claimed the Scudetto at the end of the 2019/20 season. It was a league victory at the first time of asking for manager Maurizio Sarri.

On Wednesday night, PSG defeated Atalanta 2-1 in the first of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Estadio da Luz. The game featured a dramatic finale, as the French giants equalised on 90 minutes before scoring a 93rd-minute winner through the unlikely source of former Stoke star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

It could be argued that Liverpool already possess the best left-back in world football. Barcelona’s Jordi Alba is certainly up there, while David Alaba, Alex Sandro and Marcelo all deserve a mention. But Andrew Roberston is possibly the best in the business in his position.

On Saturday, reigning Italian champions Juventus produced arguably one of the most sensational stories of the summer by appointing former player Andrea Pirlo as their new head coach after the sacking of the experienced Maurizio Sarri.

Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League has already led to them selling off one of their prized assets, centre-back Nathan Ake. The Dutchman, who cost Bournemouth £20.5 million from Chelsea, will move to the Cityzens for £41m this summer.

On Saturday, Eddie Howe left his position as Bournemouth head coach by mutual consent. Some were shocked by the 42-year-old’s exit. However, for some, it was the right time for the young boss to leave the south coast club.

On New Year’s Day, Hull City claimed an impressive 1-0 away win against Sheffield Wednesday to put themselves within touching distance of the play-off places.

The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League resumes on the 7th of August and there have been some major changes to the format of the competition. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the Champions League was postponed and it will now conclude with a shortened tournament, starting with the remaining Round of 16 matches.

On Sunday afternoon, Spanish midfielder David Silva played his final ever top-flight game for Manchester City, as the Citizens hammered Norwich 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus for €100 million in July 2018, many believed that it was the beginning of the end for the aging megastar.

German giants Dortmund have completed the £25million signing of Birmingham starlet Jude Bellingham. The 17-year-old is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in the world game.

David De Gea put in an absolute shocker for Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinals versus Chelsea on Sunday as the team went out with a whimper 3-1.

This season has been a major rollercoaster for everybody connected with Arsenal. A poor start to the season saw the exit of Spanish head coach Unai Emery, who was replaced by compatriot Mikel Arteta.

It is a question that has been asked regularly over the past 12 months but is it time for Manchester United to ditch David De Gea?

When Manchester City signed David Silva from Valencia in 2010, everyone knew they were getting a good player. But it’s fair to say that nobody could’ve predicted the impact that the Spanish magician would have on the club.

On Monday morning, CAS overturned Manchester City’s two-year ban from European competition. It was good news for the Citizens, who are still in with a chance of winning this seasons Champions League.