Philippe Coutinho ran riot against Spartak Moscow but the Brazilian was circumspect about his immediate future and the prospect of another bid from BarcelonaJürgen Klopp bestowed the Liverpool captaincy on Philippe Coutinho for the first time in a competitive fixture against Spartak Moscow, acutely aware it will not be the fleeting honour that ensures the Brazilian’s loyalty amid interest from Barcelona but the continued promise of a shot at the Champions League. The destruction of the Russian champions, with Coutinho at the heart, kept the promise alive and Barcelona waiting.Liverpool’s coveted playmaker responded to the armband with the first hat-trick of his Anfield career as Klopp’s team took their prolific tally to 12 goals in two games before Sunday’s Merseyside...
Atlético Madrid’s no transfer policy contributed to their failure to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League, while Eden Hazard’s dazzling display gives Chelsea cause for optimismAt the end of this occasionally heated, largely room temperature night of make-or-break Champions League football Atlético Madrid’s travelling fans could be seen still singing in the away end 20 minutes after the final whistle, scarves twirling, flags draped, a wall of consolatory red and white.Atlético may have just failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time in seven seasons after this 1-1 draw. They may have looked blunt, a powerhouse whose resources have been stretched, with a team who have aged together. But this is a club built on that...
The Reds have let in three or more goals four times this season but the main problem is not just in defence but more the lack of a proper holding playerAt around 10 to 10 local time on Tuesday Liverpool were leading Sevilla 3-0. The home side were pressing and had had chances in the first half but there was no real sense of danger. Only the knowledge of Liverpool’s past record suggested the game might not be over.All they had to do was hold out, wait for the storm to pass, avoid doing anything stupid. Alberto Moreno did something stupid. Related: Blind Liverpool fan makes formal complaint against Seville police tactics Related: Chelsea did not give Mohamed Salah his...
Max Rushden and co run the rule over the midweek Champions League action and reveal why Edward Elgar would be turning in his grave Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast and Stitcher, and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and email.Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson and Andy Brassell review all of the midweek Champions League action. Liverpool’s defensive resolve is being questioned once again after throwing away a three goal lead at Sevilla, while Manchester United play a “perfect half” according to José Mourinho before being undone by Basel. Continue reading...
Max Rushden and co pick over the Champions League bones, preview an enticing weekend and get inside the mind of cartoonist David SquiresRate, review, share on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast and Stitcher, and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and email.Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, Archie Rhind-Tutt and Andy Brassell come together to discuss all the latest action and are joined on the phone from Australia by ace Guardian cartoonist David Squires. Continue reading...