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Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick admitted that his team took a "giant step" towards the quarter-final after destroying Lazio in the first leg of their Champions League clash.

The reigning Champions League winners hammered Lazio 4-1 on Tuesday with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane as well as a Franceso Acerbi own goal.

With the massive away leg win, Bayern have one foot in the next round as they look to continue the defence of their Champions League crown.

What did Flick have to say?

"Everybody met the expectations, we had a very good team performance and everybody applied pressure," he told Sky Sports. 

"Everybody had the will to do something special right from the start. The win is well-deserved. I am very happy. We made a giant step towards the quarter-final."

Musiala impresses

Having started only one game so far in 2021, Musiala shined for Bayern, scoring their second goal of the game.

With the likes of Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Douglas Costa out, it was Musiala who stepped in and stepped up, leaving Flick impressed.

“He’s very secure on the ball and plays well between the lines," Flick said after the match. "He has a good feeling for what spaces he can or should occupy and did a good job today along with the rest of the team.

"Of course, the goal made us all happy, so we’re very satisfied. A deciding factor for why he played today was that we needed someone like him to keep possession, someone who could try to create overloads between the lines and in the half-spaces, and give passing options. He did that well.”

Up next for Bayern

Bayern currently sit atop the Bundesliga, maintaining a two-point lead over RB Leipzig and a seven-point lead on third-place Wolfsburg.

Next up is a meeting with Koln this weekend before Bayern welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Allianz Arena on March 6.

Further reading

Khalid Jamil is a man of few words. But his actions have made the necessary impact after taking over the reins from Gerard Nus at NorthEast United. 

The Highlanders, who were winless in six matches when they brought in the Indian coach after parting ways with Nus, have turned their season around. The Guwahati-based club is now unbeaten in eight games, which includes five wins and three draws. 

The playoff race also has seen twists and turns and with NorthEast registering a 2-1 win against East Bengal on Tuesday, they are now only a point away from booking a place in the playoffs for only the second time in its history. The win has taken their tally to 30 points and they now require a point against Kerala Blasters to seal their spot in the semi-final.

East Bengal's attack, led by striker Jeje Lalpekhlua who started his fourth match of the season, didn't threaten the NorthEast defence enough to cause them any issues. The Highlanders managed to create chances to score but it was the second-half that turned out to be action-packed. 

VP Suhair, who has been deployed down the right flank all season. once again proved to be effective in the final third. The former Gokulam Kerala striker drifted inside from the flank, collected Imran Khan's pass and slammed home the opening goal. The Red and Golds' three-man defence featuring Scott Neville, Raju Gaikwad and Sarthak Golui was stretched quite often and they paid the price. 

There was end-to-end football on display but a bit of poor defending from Sarthak gifted the Highlanders their second goal minutes later. Nim Dorjee's cross into the box was sliced into his own net by the Indian defender after his attempt to clear the ball first-time went wrong. 

Sarthak then went on to do what every defender who scores an own goal usually does. He headed home Surchandra Singh's free-kick from the left flank three minutes before the end of 90 minutes but NorthEast United, who are firmly in the race for the playoffs, were vigilant enough to prevent a late comeback. 

East Bengal deserves credit for their late fightback, especially after Gaikwad picked up a second yellow card and the team was reduced to 10-men. The Highlanders survived the late onslaught but Robbie Fowler's team just didn't have enough quality to mount a comeback. They had been struggling even with the likes of Anthony Pilkington and Bright Enobakhare starting games and so on Tuesday, without those key players, their overall quality dropped even further. 

Assistant coach Tony Grant laid bare his thoughts on the game after the full-time whistle and said, "We tried young players, we had Jeje (Lalpekhlua) upfront and none of them had enough (quality), they never had enough. So recruitment is always key and these are the players we have had all season and this is the best they have looked. We weren't ready early in the season, now they had a chance and they had to show us but they couldn't show us (what they got)."

East Bengal's lack of quality on the day helped NorthEast United and they'll take it. They delivered a spirited performance to keep the unbeaten run and their play-off hopes well and truly alive. 

Kerala Blasters sporting director Karolis Skinkys has said that a couple of players failed to live up to his expectations during the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) in which the team failed to get to the playoffs. 

After 19 matches, Blasters are ninth on the table with 17 points. They have the league's worst defence this season having conceded 34 goals.

A 0-4 defeat to Hyderabad last week forced the club to part ways with head coach Kibu Vicuna. The former Mohun Bagan manager, in his final post-match press conference, hinted that poor scouting and high expectations could be the reasons for the team's unremarkable displays. It must be noted that the Spanish manager whose first language is not English, later took to social media to seemingly deny the criticism against the club's transfer policies. 

Karolis Skinkys told Goal that he watched the interview and agreed with what Kibu had to say after the defeat to Hyderabad. 

"That sentence (quotes) is more a media sensation that is constantly being incited. I heard the interview and I agree with Kibu.  As he said, something was done badly with the scouting - we expected a better performance from a couple of players. Kibu also said that expectations were too high. This is because we set high goals but to achieve them, our young team has to learn.

"Sometimes people underestimate what it takes to play for Kerala Blasters. It is harder than any other club, especially for young players because such big attention and flow of information in the media is put on Blasters given its size and stature.

"At the same time, this season we lost a huge advantage – having our supporters in the home matches. When our supporters are in the stadium, they give a huge boost to the players on the field, including the much-needed support and motivation for youngsters.

"At the end of the day, the potential of our squad is far from where we are right now. We will continue to raise high expectations next season and look for correct ways to achieve them."

Skinkys, who took charge just as the Coronavirus pandemic crossed the Indian borders, has had a challenging first year in Indian football but he has had quite a few positive takeaways. 

"A clear positive is the experience which our young players collected this season. Sahal Samad, Rahul KP, Jeakson Singh, Sandeep Singh, and Albino Gomes are all first-team regulars. Other players also got their chances and collected important experience. This is extremely important for the future.

"Looking from a personal point of view, I have the advantage of this season because I adapted to the club, met people, I think we got good connections. Also, I got to know Indian football closer. I see some things differently compared to a year ago," the Lithuanian said. 

The sporting director of Kerala Blasters reiterated that changing the head coach does not point towards another revamp at the club in terms of its vision and project. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to share a message with the supporters that such a season and changes at the end of the season do not mean that there is some kind of deviation from the objectives of the club. We have clear targets, a vision, a plan, and we will follow what is best until we reach it."

Diego Simeone says that Atletico Madrid will be put to work as they look ahead to their second leg clash with Chelsea.

Atleti fell 1-0 to the Blues on Tuesday with Olivier Giroud's stunning overhead kick proving the difference in the first leg.

As a result, Simeone's side will have it all to do when they head to Stamford Bridge with a spot in the quarter-finals on the line.

What did Simeone have to say?

“Looking three weeks ahead is too far,” Simeone said.. “We have a lot of games until then. We’ll be playing against an opponent with speed and will need to be able to stop it, to deal with forwards like Giroud and other powerful players.

“We need to have more of the ball and position ourselves better in attack. We’ll work on it, but we also have an important game against Villarreal.

"Work, work, work. I trust the team we have. If we were in the month of September and they told me we’ve lost but we’re still leading, I’d sign for it.”

He added:  "We are in a difficult moment, it is the reality. More based on the results than what happened on the field. We have to occupy ourselves, work and improve.

"At the moment, the game is difficult. They have an advantage, but I trust my team."

What's next for Atletico Madrid?

Before looking ahead to a rematch against Chelsea, Atletico Madrid will be looking to protect their lead atop La Liga.

Simone's team is three points ahead of rivals Real Madrid in the league, having played one less match.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are eight points back while Sevilla is in third, sitting seven points behind the league leaders.

Next up for Atleti is a clash with Villarreal this weekend before a potential title-deciding battle with Real Madrid on March 7.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel has urged his Chelsea side to not get into their comfort zone after an important 1-0 away win over Atletico Madrid which represents the first match in a tough run of games.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Leeds are next in the Premier League, ahead of Chelsea welcoming Diego Simeone's side to Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their Champions League tie.

It will be a big test of the Blues' quality as Chelsea remain unbeaten in the eight games after Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard last month.

What did Tuchel say?

After being asked about Mason Mount and Jorginho's suspensions from the second leg, Tuchel spoke about the need to not get complacent after his biggest win yet as Blues manager.

"Don’t forget Jorginho, we will miss two crucial players [in the second leg], it makes things not easy for us," he said at Arena Nationala. "I am very happy with the performance of everybody, that includes Mason of course.

"Again, a good effort, a big effort, high work rate, high intensity like we are used to when he plays like this. He has a big impact on our team. Honestly, we now play Man Utd, Everton, Liverpool and Leeds, it is good like this.

"We cannot get comfortable; we cannot get lazy. These games will push us to our limits, then we will think about our solutions for the second leg."

What about match-winner Giroud?

Olivier Giroud's acrobatic overhead kick won the match on Tuesday night and, having left him out of four of his eight games so far, Tuchel admits that the France international could play more often.

"No, it was not [that we saved him for Atletico]," he added. "We thought long and hard about putting him in. It was clearly a possibility that he starts against Southampton [after scoring versus Newcastle], then we analysed them and they are a very aggressive team and they press and play high up the pitch.

"So we expected more spaces behind the last line and we wanted more runs from deep. I had only three changes because in our league, it is only possible to have three changes. I wasn't too happy in my decisions in the game against Southampton.

"Maybe we missed the opportunity to bring him on at the end, but then I can say I saved him for today!"

Tuchel continued by praising Giroud's professionalism, fitness and influence on the squad at 34 years of age: "If you see him daily, you cannot be surprised. He is totally fit, his body is in shape and his physicality is on top level.

"Mentally, I have really the feeling he enjoys every day being a professional soccer player on this level and this is the level he needs to be. He trains like a 20-year-old, like a 24-year-old.

"He is a guy who has a good mixture of serious and joy in training. He is always positive and it is a big factor for the group. He starts, when he comes from the bench, he has all these qualities and it is good like this."

Further reading

Joshua Kimmich has set a Champions League record for most wins in his first 50 games in the competition as Bayern Munich beat Lazio on Tuesday.

The Bundesliga giants secured a 4-1 away win in the first leg of their last-16 tie, with Robert Lewandowski, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane and a Francesco Acerbi's own goal giving them an insurmountable lead with just 47 minutes played.

Joaquin Correa pulled a goal back for the home side two minutes later.

What record has Kimmich broken?

It is the 38th time Kimmich has been on the winning side in the Champions League, more than any other player in their first 50 games.

Kimmich has scored 10 goals in the European competition and has suffered just five defeats.

Kimmich's Champions League career began during his first year with the club when he came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes in a 3-0 win at Olympiacos in September 2015.

He quickly blossomed into a first-team regular for the Bavarian side and helped them to the semi-finals on two occasions before eventually winning the competition last season.

The Germany international remains a crucial figure for Hansi Flick's side, but injury has limited him to just 25 appearances in all competitions this season.

Kimmich was not the only Bayern player to set new records in Tuesday's comfortable win, as 17-year-old Jamal Musiala became the youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League and the youngest to find the net for a German club.

What next for Bayern Munich?

Bayern return to Bundesliga action on Saturday when face Koln at home and then host rivals Borussia Dortmund a week later. The second leg against Lazio will be played on March 17.

Further reading

Olivier Giroud says Chelsea came into Tuesday's clash with Atletico Madrid with their eyes on winning, even if it was an away leg at a neutral site.

Giroud scored the game's lone goal, a stunning second-half bicycle kick that gave Chelsea a massive advantage heading into the second leg.

The Frenchman says that was always Chelsea's intention, as the Blues were looking to have an edge heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Giroud on Chelsea's approach

"We came here with strong intentions to win the game, play our game and we know how we could give them trouble offensively," he told BT Sport. "We have been strong at the back in the defensive shape and very pleased with the win, it was a deserved win tonight.

"We know the importance of the away goal in European cups so that is why I was pleased to help the team win the game, we managed it well and we were confident but faced a great team and I think we were very committed and knew their main strengths. We dealt with it but we have to stay focused and complete the job.

"Not overconfident, we were confident in our qualities in the game. I did not know what to think about the goal, I just focused on hitting the overhead kick and was pleased to see it go in the back of the net, I had no clue about being offside, Mason Mount said he did not touch the ball. Good for the team, good for me."

Giroud on his goal

The Frenchman's goal was not without a bit of a wait, as Giroud and Chelsea were forced to be patient during a VAR review.

Mason Mount's initial foray into the area resulted in a mishit clearance from Mario Hermoso, who fired the ball into the air behind him.

Giroud was awaiting in what would have been an offside position but, thanks to the touch from Hermoso, was free to smash an overhead kick, and ultimately seal the win.

"I told Mason [Mount] that I was going to blame him if I was denied the goal," Giroud told RMC Sport. "Because he touches the ball just before when I can have it and finish before if he lets me, but we are not going to be choosy. I am very happy to see the ball in the net and especially that it is not offside.

"It's great for me and the team. The wait? With VAR, you have to keep the faith and be patient. It was a long time, but it was an important decision. It's weird to celebrate three minutes later."

What's next?

With the 1-0 lead in their back pocket, Chelsea will now head into the second leg with a major edge.

The two sides will face off once again at Stamford Bridge on March 17 with a spot in the quarter-finals on the line.

Before that, though, Chelsea face some massive matches in the Premier League as they'll take on Manchester United and Liverpool within the next two weeks.

Further reading

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel expressed his happiness with his side's performance against a defensive Atletico Madrid side, as the Blues pulled out a 1-0 Champions League win on Tuesday.

Olivier Giroud's second-half stunner was enough for Chelsea in Bucharest, as they will take a big advantage into their home leg of the last-16 tie.

Tuchel said the Blues anticipated their opponents might set up defensively and was happy that they managed to break through Atletico's stodgy back line.

What Tuchel said

Speaking to BT Sport, the Chelsea boss said: "Fantastic result, fantastic goal. Well deserved.

"We wanted to dominate in the opponents' half, to never lose concentration, not to do any easy mistakes and always be aware of quick counterattacks for all their quality.

"It was a very disciplined performance - a deserved shut-out. This is the hard work, a team effort - the basis for a big win.

"We knew it [Atletico packing their defence] could happen. We told the guys if it happens maybe it's our quality and the respect. We wanted to be brave and play in their half.

"We knew they were ready to suffer with eight people in the box. The intention was to keep the intensity high. This is what we did very good. We never let them breathe or come out for counterattacks. We have a big reward with this result.

"This is one of the toughest challenges to open a defence like Atletico."

Tuchel's strong start at Chelsea continues

Since the former Dortmund and PSG boss replaced Frank Lampard last month, he has won six and drawn two of his eight matches in charge of Chelsea.

Defence has been a strong point for Tuchel, with Chelsea conceding just twice in those eight matches. Only Jose Mourinho has had a better start defensively as Chelsea boss.

Tuchel also became the third Chelsea manager to win his first Champions League game in charge when that game took place in the knockout stage, after Roberto Di Matteo and Guus Hiddink also did so.

What's next for Chelsea

The suddenly surging Blues face a tough run in the league, as they are set to face Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Leeds in their next four Premier League games. 

Tuchel's side will then take on Atletico in the second leg on March 17.

Further reading

Chuba Akpom was on parade while Famara Diedhiou scored and provided an assist as Bristol City secured a 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough in Tuesday’s Championship game.

Akpom was handed his 26th appearance in the encounter since teaming up with Boro from PAOK Salonika last summer and gave a good account of himself, although his effort was not enough to save his side from defeat.

Diedhiou delivered an eye-catching performance at Riverside Stadium to help Nigel Pearson’s men clinch their 13th win of the season.

Bristol hit the ground running with Diedhiou opening the scoring in the 22nd minute with a fine header after receiving a timely pass from Adam Nagy.

Middlesbrough were forced to make a change in the 23rd minute, introducing Nigerian forward Akpom into the game after Ashley Fletcher suffered an injury.

Moments after the half-hour mark, Senegal international, Diedhiou, completed his brace with a well-taken strike after he was set up by Nahki Wells.

With few minutes left before the half-time break, Diedhiou played Wells through on goal and the forward swiftly tucked home his effort.

Dael Fry then found the back of the net in the 80th minute but his strike ended as a mere consolation goal for Middlesbrough.

Bristol City, thus, ended their six-game losing run, having last won a match against Huddersfield Town on January 26.  

Akpom made effort to try and help Neil Warnock’s men avoid defeat, making 18 touches on the ball and firing one shot.

Diedhiou featured for 73 minutes before he was replaced by Antoine Semenyo while the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Britt Assombalonga was brought on for Duncan Watmore in the 67th minute.

Neeskens Kebano played for 67 minutes before making way for George Saville while Marc Bola featured for 77 minutes but could not help Boro to continue in the winning ways.

With the result, Bristol moved to the 12th spot on the Championship table after gathering 42 points from 32 games.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, dropped to the eighth spot after their inability to add to their existing 46 points.

Akpom will hope to help Boro bounce back from the loss when they square off against Cardiff City in their next league game on Saturday while Bristol will face Swansea City.

ATK Mohun Bagan, whom Mumbai City face in the last league fixture of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season, dropping points in the 2-2 draw against Hyderabad gave the Islanders their final hope to finish the league stage at the summit when the Mumbai-based are against Odisha at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, on Wednesday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

 TEAM NEWS

Odisha Possible XI:

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Diego Mauricio, Brad Inman
 

Mumbai City Possible XI:

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Hugo Boumous

Key Players - Bartholomew Ogbeche, Ahmed Jahouh
 

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski became the third-top scorer in Champions League history with his opening goal against Lazio on Tuesday.

The striker opened the scoring just nine minutes into the first leg of the last-16 tie in Rome when he intercepted a pass from Lazio defender Mateo Musacchio.

The Polish forward rounded goalkeeper Pepe Reina and knocked the ball into the empty net as Bayern took control of the tie in the early stages.

How many Champions League goals has Lewandowski scored?

It is his 72nd goal Champions League goal, putting him above Real Madrid legend Raul into third place.

Only Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 134 goals to his name, and Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, who is on 119, have scored more than Lewandowski in the competition.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema lingers behind in fifth place with 69 goals.

Musiala breaks England and Germany records

Bayern extended their lead 15 minutes later when Jamal Musiala brought down a pass from Leon Goretzka on the edge of the box and fired it low past Reina. 

The 17-year-old, who joined Bayern from Chelsea's youth academy in 2019, is the youngest English player ever to score in the Champions League.

Musiala became the youngest to score in the Champions League for a German club, too.

He is also the second-youngest player to find the net in the knockout rounds. Former Barcelona attacker Bojan is the record holder.

Bayern found themselves three goals ahead at half-time when Leroy Sane pounced on the rebound of a Reina save and tapped in.

Further reading

Brighton & Hove Albion have been boosted by the injury return of England U21 star Tariq Lamptey ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The right-back has been on the sidelines since sustaining an injury in a league fixture against Fulham in December.

When fit, he was a key part of Graham Potter's outfit, culminating in 11 league appearances in the elite division so far this term.

"Yes, he did [train at the weekend]. He started the very first stages of joining the group so depends on how this week goes," Potter said, as reported by Sussex Live.

"He has got a chance to maybe be involved at the weekend [against West Brom] so we will see."

Brighton are not faring so well in the Premier League so far as they currently occupy 16th position, one place and one point above the relegation zone on the log.

Lamptey joined The Seagulls from Chelsea in January last year, leaving Stamford Bridge in search of regular action.

"I think most possibly, yes," Potter replied when asked whether the fullback would be progressively eased back into the squad.

"I think it will depend on what we can do in between in terms of getting him some game time. I think it would be sensible to ease him in.

"He won't be ready to go straight into 90 minutes of football after the time he has had off. So we have to be careful with that.

"Even though he is cleared from the medical department there is still a process of reintegration to football and developing his football fitness and dealing with the rigours of the Premier League."

Lamptey's fine performance for Brighton recently earned him a three-and-half-year contract extension, prolonging his stay at Falmer Stadium.

His good showing has also reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Born in the United Kingdom to Ghanaian parents, the 21-year-old has been approached by the Ghana Football Association for a switch of international allegiance from England, for whom he currently plays at U21 level. 

China-based Ghana midfielder Frank Acheampong has stated Black Stars coach CK Akonnor will have to remain true to himself to lead the team to glory.

The former Wolfsburg captain has been tasked to guide Ghana to a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title and help the team earn a return to the World Cup.

He assumed duty in January last year following the exit of James Kwasi Appiah.

“I think he’s very aware of the opportunity he’s been given and as a coach, any big opportunity you get, you have to make good use of it," Tianjin Teda attacker Acheampong, who was last called up for international duty in 2018, told Citi Sports.

“I think he’s going to do well. He just has to remain true to himself and he will succeed.

“For me, any time he chooses me, I’m ready to come and wear the nation’s colours and fight for my country."

Akonnor has endured a mixed bag of results as Ghana coach so far.

In his first game at the helm of affairs, the Black Stars succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Mali in a friendly fixture last October. Few days later, the four-time African champions bounced back with a big 5-1 win over Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in a second friendly.

Ghana returned to action in November with a 2-0 home victory over Sudan in the Afcon qualifiers but suffered a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture away from home.

Currently top of Group C in the qualifiers, the Stars are set to take on South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe next month to wrap up the qualifiers.

In Cameroon next year, Ghana will be chasing their first continental title in 40 years should they make it to the championship. 

"It’s not about me. It’s about us," Akonnor said of Ghana's Afcon ambitions last year. 

"Over 30 years we’ve not won Afcon. I don’t want to be just another coach who comes in to manage Ghana and goes and then it’s the same story.

"I want us to work and make an impact, be relevant.”

Ghana are also looking to make a return to the World Cup next year, having missed out on the last edition in Russia. 

They qualified for three straight tournaments between 2006 and 2014.

Watford midfielder Will Hughes has described Ismail Sarr’s pace and technique as frightening and impressive.

The Senegal international teamed up with the Hornets in the summer of 2019 from French side Rennes for a club-record fee of £30 million.

The winger has been delivering eye-catching performances and in his debut season, he scored five league goals although his efforts were not enough to save his side from relegation.

His impressive debut season caught the attention of many Premier League clubs but the Hornets managed to hold onto their star forward.

Sarr has bagged seven goals and provided nine assists in 27 Championship games in his quest to help Xisco Munoz’s men return to the English top-flight at the end of the campaign.

His pace and dazzling displays on the wing have often caught his markers on the back foot and Hughes has praised the forward for those showings.

“He's frightening. How he does it every single game is scary,” Hughes told the club website.

“Everyone talks about his pace and that's brilliant, but his technique and touch at the pace he runs at is frightening.

“He does not stop for 90 minutes and it's the control he has at such pace that is the most impressive thing. He's a good lad, too.”

Sarr’s effort helped Watford to their current third position on the league table after gathering 57 points from 31 games.

The forward will be expected to continue his scintillating performances when Watford take on Blackburn Rovers in their next league match on Wednesday.

Sarr has also been a consistent performer for Senegal since he made his debut against Namibia in 2016 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The forward has now made 32 appearances for the Teranga Lions and will be expected to continue to replicate his club performances for the West African side in their next outings in March.

Real Madrid fans are called 'Madridistas', a nickname derived from their club's name. 

For Barcelona fans, however, who call themselves 'cules', the terminology is not as straightforward - so what is the meaning behind the name? Goal takes a look.

Why are Barcelona fans called cules?

Camp Nou has a capacity of almost 100,000, but the home of Barcelona wasn't always as expansive and accommodating.

The true backstory of why Barcelona supporters call themselves 'cules' dates back to the early 20th century, when Barcelona played their matches at a small ground called Calle de la Industria which could hold only 6,000 people.

The stadium was very simple and not lavish at all, nowhere near the grandiose design of Camp Nou. But even back then, Barcelona had more fans than they were able to accommodate at their ground, with the stadium only boasting a simple wall and a two-tiered stand.

And so, in order for most Barcelona fans to catch their team in action, they would start perching on the walls that surrounded the field.

Those passing the ground from the outside, then, could only see glimpses of these fans' backsides.

The Catalan word 'cul' translates to 'backside' in English - and so the nickname for those fans was born.

The English author, Phil Ball, noted that at the time, "all you could see was row upon row of bums".

Barcelona eventually moved to a larger stadium in 1922 named Les Corts, which held 20,000 supporters initially, and was later expanded to contain 60,000.

Camp Nou opened in 1957 and is now the largest stadium in Europe, though the earlier, more modest roots of the club will forever be immortalised with the Blaugrana fans still calling themselves 'cules'.

What does 'Mes Que Un Club' mean?

Barcelona's official motto, 'Mes Que Un Club' is a Catalan phrase and it means 'more than a club'.

Barcelona's official website proudly states: "We are more than a team of great stars, we are more than a stadium full of dreams, we are more than the goals we’ve scored and more than the trophies that we’ve won throughout our history."

It is understood that the motto was first originated by former club president Narcis de Carreras in his 1968 nomination speech.

Since then, Mes Que Un Club has since become synonymous with the Spanish powerhouses, a slogan symbolising the club's reputation as something deeper than just a football team - it is something sacred.

Jose Mourinho says he is "totally convinced" about Gareth Bale's ability and says the winger's limited role at Tottenham is down to a lack of match fitness.

Bale has made only four Premier League appearances in 2021, starting just once.

Despite the 31-year-old's struggles since his return to north London from Real Madrid, the Spurs coach is happy to have him in his squad and hopes he can play a bigger role this season.

What did Mourinho say about Bale?

“He doesn’t need to convince me of anything. I am totally convinced about everything," Mourinho said. "It’s not about convincing me, it’s about being ready to play the minutes we all would love him to play.

“It’s a process. You feel that in matches in the last couple of years. It’s the process. We want him of course to be ready to play every minute of every game.

“He is a player with special qualities, you could see against West Ham in the second 45 minutes the positive impact in the quality of the game. He had a cross, he had a couple of assists, he hit the crossbar.

“He is doing that better and better, but he is not playing 90 minutes, he is not playing every game. We have to manage his evolution, but he has nothing at all to convince me about.”

How has Bale performed at Spurs?

Bale has struggled with injuries since making the move back to Spurs on loan until the end of the season last September.

He has started just two of the eight Premier League games in which he has featured, but has found playing time easier to come by in the Europa League. The Wales international has started all seven of their games in the European competition and scored two goals.

Bale played a key role in the 4-1 win at Wolfsberger in the first leg of their last-32 clash last week, as he scored one goal and set up another. He is expected to feature in the return fixture on Thursday.

His contract at Madrid will run until the summer of 2022 but he has had a difficult time in the Spanish capital in recent years, having made played just 20 times in the 2019-20 campaign.

However his agent, Jonathan Barnett, told Goal last week that Bale is still happy at Madrid and could return to the club at the end of the season.

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