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Who is that masked man?! Zendejas the hero Club America needed vs. Club Azul

The Polish star's impressive season has continued with the goals continuing to flow

Robert Lewandowski's header to crown Bayern Munich's 3-0 Champions League semi-final victory over Lyon gave him a place in the competition's history books alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was the Poland striker's 15th goal in this season's tournament, part of a remarkable haul of 55 across all competitions.

Ronaldo is the only other player to hit that number, although he has incredibly done so on three occasions – each time in successful campaigns for Real Madrid.

In 2013-14, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner struck an unmatched 17, while he scored 16 and 15 in 2015-16 and 2017-18 respectively.

Lewandowski has also now scored in nine consecutive Champions League matches.

Only Ronaldo in 2018 (11) and fellow former Manchester United favourite Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003 (also nine) have netted in as many successive outings.

In the Champions League final on Sunday against Paris Saint-Germain, Lewandowski can match or even beat another Ronaldo record. 

Ronaldo's 17 goals across the 2013-14 Champions League campaign is the most ever scored by a single player with Lewandowski now within touching distance of that feat. 

A brace would see him equal the record, while a hat-trick against PSG would ensure the Polish striker holds the mantle all by himself. 

Despite Lewandowski closing in on such an impressive feat, Bayern manager Hansi Flick has stressed he doesn't expect his star to be distracted by it on Sunday. 

"He won't think about that, he's happy that he finished our game. He works a lot for the team, that's very important," Flick said.

"For me he is the world's best centre-forward and I hope he scores against Paris too."

While Lewandowski etched his name into the record books against Lyon, it was Serge Gnabry that stole the show with an impressive double. 

"Serge Gnabry's outstanding individual performance gave us security," Flick said. 

"The opening goal was outstanding. When you see Serge's development over the last few years, you have to say that he is close to a world class player. We are very happy that he scored two goals and that we are happy to have him.

"He has tremendous qualities and I think he is far from the end of his development."

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Tottenham predicted lineup vs Wolves - Carabao Cup

The German coach is adamant he'd be using younger players at the club next season had he been appointed

Ralf Rangnick said it would have made "little sense" to keep star AC Milan veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic had he replaced Stefano Pioli as head coach.

Rangnick was set to take over from Pioli until Milan opted against a change in the dugout amid the club's 13-match unbeaten streak to end the 2019-20 season.

Ibrahimovic was instrumental in rejuvenating a struggling AC Milan side following his January arrival, the 38-year-old finishing the campaign with 11 goals.

The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain striker, who scored seven goals following the restart, is in talks to extend his stay by signing a one-year deal.

However, Rangnick said he would not be in favour of prolonging Ibrahimovic's career with the Rossoneri.

"What you should be asking is: why did Milan turn to me? What did they want to do? Maybe they were looking for a change of direction," Rangnick told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's not my style to focus on a 38-year-old player, not because of talent, but because I prefer to create value and develop talent.

"It made little sense to me the idea of relying on Ibrahimovic or [defender] Simon Kjaer, but that's just my way of seeing things, it's not necessarily right or wrong. When Ibra said he didn't know me, he wasn't wrong. I've never met him."

AC Milan's pursuit of Rangnick – who is a free agent after leaving his role at Red Bull – caused tension within the club.

Technical director and club great Paolo Maldini voiced his displeasure, while chief football officer Zvonimir Boban was sacked after clashing with chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

"I was first contacted [by Milan] at the end of October, when the team was three points off the relegation zone," said Rangnick, with Milan only appointing Pioli in October to replace Marco Giampaolo.

"I never talked about it in public. I do want to make it clear that I never signed a contract or had a clause. Up until three weeks ago, I was tied to Red Bull. As for Milan, they were the best team post-coronavirus lockdown, so changing would not have been wise or respectful.

"Pioli deserved to keep his job and I appreciated the kind of person he is, as in interviews he was always focused on objectives. Whether this is the right decision for Milan in the medium and long term is another matter."

Milan ended the season sixth and outside of the Champions League places – the Rossoneri have not won the Scudetto since 2011, while they have not featured in Europe's premier club competition since 2014.

Asked what he would do to do lead AC Milan back to the top of Italian and European football, Rangnick highlighted Atalanta's achievements and Antonio Conte's Inter.

"Set a concrete objective, such as Champions League qualification, because nobody enjoys playing in the Europa League," Rangnick replied.

"They have a perfect example just 30km from Milan: Atalanta have a third of Milan's revenue, but keep finishing ahead of them in the table. It's because they make intelligent investments, have one of the best youth academies in Europe, and it's not just about Gian Piero Gasperini. It's a team sport.

"I am also impressed with Antonio Conte's style of football at Inter, which is sophisticated, active and aggressive. My idea of football has always been about keeping a high tempo, pressing and counter-pressing, something in America they now call 'Ralfball'. All the young players in our academies grow up with that now."

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FIFA 22 ratings: Mbappe tops pace list as 5* skill players revealed

Although Selangor 2 were only slightly more experienced than them, Malaysia U-19 were overwhelmed by the Malaysia Premier League side in a friendly.

Although Selangor 2 were only slightly more experienced than them, Malaysia U-19 were overwhelmed by the Malaysia Premier League side in their Wednesday, August 19 friendly match.

In the match that was held at the Selangor Training Centre in Shah Alam, few of Brad Maloney charges were able to play well, resulting in a 4-0 defeat for the junior national team.

Much-hyped US-based midfielder Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal too seemed nervy in the encounter, his misplaced backpass just seconds after the second half started allowing Saravanan Thirumurugan to net his and the hosts' second goal of the evening.

But when speaking to the press after the encounter, the Saint Louis FC youngster was able to take the defeat in his stride, explaining that he is still a work in progress.

"Everyone makes mistakes, and they (Selangor 2) pressed us really hard and punished us today. These kinds of things happen at times and we'll need to keep going.

"I need to be better and more confident with the guys every week, I want to be a leader on this team. I want to take us to places we've never been because that's why I'm here.

"I have to make the team trust me in terms of going forward, tracking back; the basics. As long as I'm confident in myself, the team will be confident in me," said the 19-year old.

Original author: Zulhilmi Zainal
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LaLiga chief ashamed of Barca corruption charges

The French coach regrets how things panned out with the German attacker at the Emirates

Arsene Wenger has revealed he was "very sad" when Serge Gnabry decided to leave Arsenal in 2016. 

The German winger had joined the Gunners youth system in 2011 from Stuttgart but struggled to establish himself in the first-team with only 18 appearances to his name. 

After a failed loan move to West Brom in 2015, Gnabry joined Werder Bremen permanently in 2016 before linking up with Bayern Munich one year later. 

The now 25-year-old has gone on to star for the Bundesliga giants and scored a crucial double as Bayern defeated Lyon in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, with Wenger quick to point out the performance of his former protege. 

"Let's not forget Gnabry, I bought him at the age of 15 from Stuttgart and he was injured a lot," Wenger told beIN Sports.

"He's creative, he can score goals, right-footed, left-footed, good power, good penetration, very, very clever with the timing of his runs.

"His tendency was a bit too easy, like I've told you about with these young talented players, but he has matured a lot and is now one of the dominant players in Germany."

While Gnabry had yet to show his full potential in 2016 and was struggling with injuries, Wenger revealed he was desperate for the German attacker to remain at the Emirates. 

"No, no, we had an agreement with him you know," Wenger said.

"I had given him out on loan to West Brom and he didn't play a game. He came back, he was injured. We worked very hard with him for six months and he went out with the German national team, under-21's, and Bayern made a deal with Werder Bremen.

"He wanted to sign in the end, didn't want to extend his contract (with Arsenal) and I was very sad. But we couldn't get over the line with him because I knew he would have a great career.

"He can be a number nine, a number 10...he's a very intelligent player." 

Though Wenger was impressed by the performance of Gnabry against Lyon, the former Arsenal boss noted Bayern's defence must tighten up before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Sunday. 

"They were too open tonight to compete with Paris Saint-Germain," Wenger noted

Original author: Josh Thomas
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Messi: I suffered a 'fracture' with some PSG fans

Ronald Koeman has been hired as Barcelona's new head coach on a two-year deal
Original author: Goal
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Liverpool director steps back to 'focus on potential sale by FSG'

Bayern Munich will face PSG in Sunday's Champions League final in Lisbon after Serge Gnabry inspired them to a last-four triumph over Lyon.

Serge Gnabry was the hero as Bayern Munich defeated a game Lyon 3-0 to book their place in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Five days on from the 8-2 obliteration of Barcelona, Bayern avoided an upset against a Lyon side who had shocked Manchester City to reach Wednesday's semi-final at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Germany winger Gnabry, a scorer in the Barca rout, was influential, smashing in a stunning 18th-minute opener following a lively Lyon start before adding a much easier second.

The prolific Robert Lewandowski added his 55th goal of an incredible season in the closing stages for the Bundesliga champions.

Lyon found some encouragement in the second half but there is little doubt Bayern deserve their spot in the showpiece on Sunday, when they will aim to complete a second treble in seven years.

Memphis Depay shot wide when attempting to round Manuel Neuer following a rare Thiago Alcantara error and Karl Toko Ekambi struck the post as Lyon threatened dangerously early on the break.

Leon Goretzka's scuffed effort had Anthony Lopes scrambling before Gnabry darted in from the right and fired an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner to open the scoring in sensational fashion.

Gnabry tested Lopes again with a stinging drive and doubled the lead by tapping in after Lewandowski uncharacteristically made a hash of Ivan Perisic's low centre.

Marcelo headed Lyon's first effort on target in the 56th minute, while Ekambi wastefully shot their second straight at Neuer one on one after being found in the area by Houssem Aouar.

Philippe Coutinho brilliantly controlled and finished Thomas Muller's pass, only to be flagged offside after a slight touch from Goretzka.

But Bayern did have a third when Joshua Kimmich's delivery was met by a thumping header from Lewandowski for his 15th Champions League goal of the campaign

What does it mean? PSG a daunting road block for brilliant Bayern

Hansi Flick has completely re-energised a Bayern side many had written off under Niko Kovac since assuming the reins, at first temporarily, in November.

Bayern now stand on the cusp of a famous treble and a sixth title in Europe's premier competition. A fired-up PSG will have something to say about that, though, in what promises to be a thrilling final.

Gnabry leads the way

There was a comical moment in a news conference post-Barca where Muller twice attempted a 'Lewan-goal-ski' gag that did not quite land.

Fortunately, on the pitch his team-mate Gnabry did find the intended target with a goal worthy of any Champions League semi-final. His second was all about being in the right place at the time, but all evening Gnabry's presence caused Lyon's defence problems.

Lyon pay for wasteful Ekambi

Pep Guardiola received criticism for his tactics in City's shock loss to Lyon but early doors that his conservatism was not entirely misplaced.

The difference on this occasion is Lyon missed two great chances prior to Gnabry's opener, which set Bayern to cruise control. Had they scored either of those then who knows? Ekambi was guilty on one of those occasions and again in the second half on a disappointing night.

Key Opta Facts:

- Bayern Munich have now won 10 consecutive games in the Champions League, equalling the longest winning streak by a team in the competition’s history (achieved by Real Madrid in 2015 and Bayern themselves in 2013).
- In scoring Bayern's third goal, Robert Lewandowski became only the second player in the history of the Champions League to net 15 goals in a single campaign, along with Cristiano Ronaldo who has done so three times (in 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18).
- Lewandowski has now scored in nine consecutive Champions League games; only Ruud Van Nistelrooy in 2003 (9) and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 (11) have scored in as many successive matches in the competition’s history.
- Lyon's Rayan Cherki become the youngest player to appear in the knockout stages of the Champions League, aged just 17 years and two days.

What's next?

Bayern can now begin preparations for Sunday's final at the Estadio da Luz, where they face PSG searching to become champions of Europe for a sixth time. Lyon's gallant run is over and they must get ready for a new Ligue 1 campaign.

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Henriette Akaba: Cameroon striker signs for Minsk

The Belarusian champions have completed the signing of the 28-year-old from Cameroonian side Amazone FAP

Belarusian champions Minsk have secured the services of Cameroon international Henriette Akaba for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Akaba sealed her move to the Belarusian giants from Cameroon Women's Premier League side Amazone FAP after a medical and she agreed to personal terms with Volodymyr Reva's team.

The 28-year-old had stints with Turkey's Trabzon Idmanocagi, Russia's Energy Voronezh, Thailand's Bangkokthonburi and a title feat with Besiktas in 2018.

On the international stage, she boasts five appearances in the African Women's Cup of Nations, two senior Women's World Cup outings during her 34 caps for the Indomitable Lionesses.

The striker, who completed her switch this week, will become the second Cameroonian at the club as she teams up with compatriot Alvine Njolle, who is currently on her fifth campaign.

Her arrival further boosts the attacking ranks of the Blues and Whites following the shock exits of Nigeria striking duo of Chioma Wogu and Emuidzhi Oghiabekhva due to injuries.

With her signing, Reva's hopes received a huge boost as they seek to retain the Women's Cup against rivals Dinamo-BSUPC when both league table-toppers clash in the final on August 30.

She also increases the number of Cameroonians in the Belarusian top-flight to four, after Minsk's Njolle, Dinamo-BSUPC's Claudia Dabda and Neman's Moussa Zouwairatou.

She has now swelled the number of Africans in the Minsk squad to three after compatriot  Njolle and Cote d'Ivoire's Nadege Cisse.

Akaba made her unofficial debut in Minsk's 3-0 friendly triumph over ABFF U19 on Wednesday and will seek to earn her competitive debut in front of the home fans against Dnepr Mogilev on Sunday.  

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
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Montpellier striker Delort confirms he tested positive for Covid-19

The 28-year-old striker confirmed the diagnosis on social media while assuring he would be back soon

Algeria international and Montpellier star Andy Delort has confirmed he tested positive for Covid-19, after Ligue 1 stated earlier on Tuesday they had new positive test results.

Delort announced the diagnosis in a statement on Twitter, saying: “I tested positive for Covid.

“I will come back as soon as possible. I'm fine. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.”

The 28-year-old, a regular for his French top-flight side last season, is expected to go into isolation immediately as he hopes to recover in time.

In the wake of the result, Montpellier manager Michel Der Zakarian cancelled Wednesday morning's training, while the club's friendly against Metz on Saturday has been called off.

Tuesday's positive tests saw the French league enforced into deferring the opening match of the 2020-21 season, which had been scheduled to be between Olympique Marseille and Saint-Etienne on Friday.

"In view of the medical results communicated by Marseille on Tuesday, the national Covid commission has indicated to the LFP's Competitions Commission that the virus is circulating within the Marseille club and proposed the postponement of the match,” a statement from Ligue de Football Professionnel read.

"According to the protocol for the organisation of matches, the LFP's Competitions Commission has decided to postpone the match to Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 September 2020, subject to the evolution of health conditions at Marseille. 

"The final date will be determined in agreement with the match broadcaster."

Meanwhile, Olympique Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas urged support for the players infected by the coronavirus.

"Unfortunately, we live this week between certain anxiety and bad news," he told media.

"The pandemic that stubbornly continues to scare and affect so many families have ended up knocking on our door."

"It's the moment to be careful and to support others and at the same time keep hope for the times ahead."

Nimes squad will be tested again on Thursday morning, with the results planned to be announced on the same day.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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Why Atletico Madrid Will Win the Champions League

Lyon forward Rayan Cherki has become the youngest player to ever take part in a Champions League knockout-round match after coming on as a substitute against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

With his team trailing 2-0 in their semi-final encounter, Cherki came off the bench in the 73rd minute in place of defender Fernando Marcal as the Ligue 1 side chased the game.

Unfortunately for Lyon, their Champions League run came to a close as two first-half goals from Serge Gnabry and a late strike from Robert Lewandowski gave the Germans a comfortable 3-0 win.

Bayern will move on to face PSG in the final on Sunday at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. 

It was still a history-making cameo for Cherki, who only turned 17 on Monday. The teenager is only the fourth 17-year-old to appear in a Champions League semi-final after Bojan, David Alaba and Julian Draxler.

Previously, the youngest player to appear in a Champions League knockout-round match was Kenneth Zohore, who set the mark for FC Copenhagen in February 2011.

Cherki has announced himself as one of world football's top prospects in the 2019-20 season, having already made 12 senior appearances and scored three goals for Lyon's senior team prior to Wednesday.

In June, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed that Manchester United and Real Madrid were both interested in signing Cherki before he committed to a professional contract with Lyon.

“He’s undoubtedly a player who will go to the highest level,” Aulas told Telefoot. “That’s why we did everything we could to sign him. 

“The two clubs that were interested when we won his faith were Real Madrid and Manchester United.

“We want him to succeed with Lyon. We want to support him and that’s why we’re trying to move his career on. In years to come, we want him to become not only a leader for our attack, but a leader from the academy.”

Cherki became the club’s youngest-ever scorer at 16 years and 140 days when he netted against third-tier Bourg in the Coupe de France on January 4.

His performances even drew praise from Kylian Mbappe, who tweeted: “Don’t speak too much about age."

Original author: Goal
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'There will be goals!' - Davies expecting high-scoring Champions League final as Bayern book date with PSG

The defender believes Sunday's finale could produce fireworks as two teams with elite attacks square off
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Arteta predicts 'really bad news' on injuries due to three subs and packed schedule

The Bundesliga side cruised into the final against PSG but things could have been different if their opponents took advantage of their opportunities

Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry has admitted that his side were lucky to see Lyon miss several good chances early in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, which the Bavarians won 3-0.

Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi were both unable to take advantage of golden chances to give their side an early lead, and the Ligue 1 side were made to pay for that profligacy.

Gnabry scored an excellent solo effort from the top of the box just a minute after Toko Ekambi hit the post, before scoring again to round off a first-half brace.

Robert Lewandowski would add a third late to give Bayern a three-goal win and push them into Sunday's final against PSG. 

Though the final margin was comfortable, Gnabry knew that things could have turned out different had Lyon managed to take advantage of their early pressure.

"Lyon put lots of pressure on us. They had some chances and we were lucky at the beginning," Gnabry told DAZN before looking ahead to Sunday's final.

"On Sunday we will give everything to get the cup. It would be the icing on the cake of a super season for us."

With his brace, Gnabry has now been directly involved in 11 goals in the Champions League this season (nine goals and two assists). Only Lewandowski with 20 has had a hand in more.

Speaking to RMC Sport after the match, Toko Ekambi rued his inability to give his side an early lead and said he felt that Bayern were there for the taking on the night.

“We thought we could have done better but we missed opportunities, me incuded," the forward said. "This Bayern side was not unbeatable because we had the chances.

"We played well but we knew we were facing a great team. The first [Bayern] goal hurt us but we continued to play. There are evenings when you have it and evenings when you don't, and the latter was the case today.

"We have to keep the same mindset because in the league, we don't play Bayern Munich every weekend. But we have to keep this cup spirit in Ligue 1."

 

Original author: Goal
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Laba: Al Ain star wants to emulate Adebayor, Coubadja

The Frenchman is eager to take down the Ligue 1 giants and believes his side are more than capable of stopping their stars

Bayern Munich don't have to be afraid of Paris Saint-Germain heading into the Champions League final, according to defender Benjamin Pavard. 

Hansi Flick's side booked their spot in the decider after a comfortable 3-0 semi-final win against Lyon on Wednesday, with goals from Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski wrapping up the result. 

PSG, meanwhile, also claimed a 3-0 victory the night before against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and are desperate to claim their first Champions League title. 

Bayern will enter the final as favourites, though, having won 10 consecutive games in the competition, and Pavard stressed the German giants must back themselves to get the job done on Sunday. 

"It's nice, it's a dream to play this competition and even more to play a final," Pavard told RMC Sport.

"It's against Paris so I'm glad it's against a French club. We knew Lyon were going to wait and block, which is what they did, but luckily they didn’t score. We play high so we leave space in behind as a result, but we were warned that if OL broke our line they would be dangerous.

He added: "We will retain the positive attitude, we won and we will prepare as best we can for the final. There will be two great teams in the final but we are calm, no one scares us. We had a great season and we have to make it happen with this title. We are Bayern Munich."

On the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Pavard was similarly confident in his response: "They’re a very complete team but we don't have to be afraid of them.

"We are a great team and we showed it [tonight]. We are serene. We had a big season and now we have to make it happen."

Pavard, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, has recovered well from a recent ankle injury that saw him miss Bayern's past two games and revealed the unique way he was able to channel the Champions League during his recovery. 

"I feel good, the ankle is fine. I'm back three weeks early - my goal was to be with the squad," he said. 

"I put on Champions League music during my rehabilitation." 

Original author: Josh Thomas
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No fairy-tale ending for Valeri and the Timbers

The full-back saw his request denied after his side's 8-2 demolition of Barcelona last week

Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies said Lionel Messi denied his request for his shirt after last week's 8-2 demolition in the Champions League quarter-final.

Davies and his Bayern Munich team-mates beat Lyon 3-0 at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday in the semi-final, reaching the final against PSG.

Serge Gnabry grabbed a first-half double and the prolific Robert Lewandowski nodded in his 55th goal of a staggering season to put Lyon out of their misery late on.

It followed an astonishing win over Barcelona in the quarter-final, where the only blot on a fabulous evening for Davies came when he failed to claim Messi's famous number 10 jersey as a souvenir afterwards.

"I asked for it but I think he was a little bit upset," the left-back told BT Sport. "It's OK, next time hopefully."

Messi's frustration was understandable after Barcelona finished the 2019-20 season without a trophy, casting doubt on the 33-year-old's future with the club. 

Reports have suggested that Messi could be looking for a way out of Camp Nou as his contract enters its final year.

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has said that he plans to sit down and talk with Messi, expressing his hope that he can work alongside the Argentinian star for years to come.

"I don't know if I have to convince Messi or not," Koeman said on Wednesday. "You want to have the best in the world in your team, not the opposite.

"I want to work with Messi. He wins you games and, if he provides the performances he has always shown, I'll be happy if he wants to stay.

"He has a contract. I have to talk to him, because he is the captain of the team. We are going to work and talk with several players. And in the case of Messi, I hope that he will be here for many more years.

"What I talk to Messi, there are private things between player and coach. We will talk about what he thinks of Barcelona and then I will make decisions."

Koeman took over from Quique Setien, who was sacked in the aftermath of the heavy defeat to Bayern. Technical manager Eric Abidal was also shown the door.

 

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Gnabry closing in on being world class, says Bayern boss Flick

The Gunners reject is fast becoming one of the best at his craft, according to his coach

Bayern boss Hansi Flick believes Serge Gnabry is close to becoming a world class player after his stunning performance in the Champions League semi-final.

Gnabry scored twice in the first-half to set up Bayern's comfortable 3-0 victory over Lyon at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday, with the Bundesliga champions now set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday.

The 25-year-old winger has enjoyed his most productive season to date - scoring 23 goals and creating 14 assists in all competitions, with Flick feeling he is on the verge of taking the next and likely final step in his development. 

"When you see Serge's development over the last few years, you have to say that he is close to a world class player," Flick said in this post-match press conference.

"We are very happy that he scored two goals and that we are happy to have him. He has tremendous qualities and I think he is far from the end of his development."

Gnabry now has nine goals in nine Champions League games this season - having never previously scored in the competition - including a stunning four-goal haul in the 7-2 rout of Tottenham earlier in the season.

He opened the scoring against Lyon in the 18th minute when he darted in from the right and fired an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner after Leon Goretzka's shot had left Anthony Lopes scrambling.

Fifteen minutes later, Gnabry made it two for the game, profiting from Robert Lewandowski's missed attempt to tap in Ivan Perisic's cross and finishing it off himself.

Gnabry's teammate Manuel Neuer was also pleased at his compatriot's progress and praised his performances in the Champions League.

"He is developing well. He had a lot of great moments, especially in the Champions League," Neuer said.

Gnabry joined Arsenal's youth academy as a 16-year-old but struggled to break into the first team during five years at the club and spent a season on loan at West Brom.

He was eventually sold to Werder Bremen in 2016, where he impressed for one season before being snapped by Bayern - where he has spent the last three years.

Original author: Goal
  258 Hits

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Fati swaps Messi's brother for Ronaldo's agent

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal
  241 Hits

Lyon 'weighed down by injustice' after Champions League loss to Bayern Munich - Garcia

The Ligue 1 side eventually fell by a 3-0 score, but the outcome could have been different had they taken their chances early

Lyon manager Rudi Garcia admitted he felt a sense of "injustice" after his side fell 3-0 to Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Despite Bayern's comfortable final margin of victory, the game could have turned out differently had Lyon not spurned several good chances early in the match. 

Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi both could have given their side the lead before Serge Gnabry scored the first of his two first-half goals.

Robert Lewandowski would add a third late on as Bayern reached Sunday's final, where they will take on PSG.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Garcia expressed pride at his side's run to the last four but also regret that they were unable to better capitalise on their chances against the Bundesliga champions.

"We can be proud of our run and our game, but yes, it is the disappointment that prevails," Garcia said. "We lacked success because we have to lead by the score and eventually we are led.

"We have this feeling of injustice that has weighed us down a bit. At 2-0, it's complicated even if we didn't give up in the second half. We knew they were going to be very high up and that we had to use the spaces behind their backs as was the case on the opportunities of Memphis and Karl.

"What we didn't do well in the first-half was to use the ball and move them sideways. We did a lot better in the second-half. When you don't score, you can't qualify."

Garcia added that the three-goal margin was harsh on his side, who will now turn their attention to their Ligue 1 opener against Dijon on August 28.

"We believed in reaching the final and the match showed it," Garcia continued. "When we had the chances, we saw that Bayern Munich were not tight.

"The score does not reflect the match. You have to get back into the championship quickly and that's what I'm a little afraid of because it happens very quickly.

"But we have to get back on track quickly because we only play the championship. We know that it will be different and that the game plan will be different. We will have to master our matches from now on."

Original author: Goal
  288 Hits

Neuer: Current Bayern Munich side better than 2013 treble winners

The Bundesliga champions would match the heroics of the team from seven years ago by beating PSG on Sunday

Bayern Munich have more talent at their disposal now than when they last ruled Europe in 2013, according to captain Manuel Neuer.

Neuer, along with David Alaba, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller, was one of four players remaining from their Wembley triumph over Borussia Dortmund who started Wednesday's 3-0 semi-final triumph against Lyon.

Despite coughing up early chances to their Ligue 1 opponents, there was little doubt over the outcome after Serge Gnabry's fabulous opener – the initial part of a first-half brace from the Germany winger.

Robert Lewandowski, who played for Dortmund in the showpiece seven years ago, typically got in on the act with his 55th goal of the season, meaning only Paris Saint-Germain lie between Bayern and a sixth European title.

Hansi Flick's men collected the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal domestically and Neuer told reporters afterwards that this Bayern squad has greater depth than the group Jupp Heynckes led to a famous treble.

"We are better positioned across the board," he said. "Now we have a class that not only includes the 18-man squad, it is fantastic what a great team we have."

Such feats were impossible to envisage as Bayern struggled under Niko Kovac earlier this season. Since the appointment of former Germany assistant Flick, they have been a team revitalised.

"Calm characterizes him, especially before games like this," Neuer said. "He prepared us very well for the games, no matter which opponent we played against.

"We always have a plan. You can see the result on the pitch."

Gnabry and Lewandowski have been producing plenty of good results for Bayern during the Champions League, with the pair surpassing a record previously set by Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. 

The Bayern duo have now combined for 24 goals in the competition, surpassing the previous record set by Ronaldo and Bale, who fired 23 times between them during the 2013-14 Champions League campaign with Real Madrid.

Flick hailed former Arsenal forward Gnabry after the game, saying that the Germany international is "close to a world-class player."

"We are very happy that he scored two goals and we are happy to have him. He has tremendous qualities and I think he is far from the end of his development," Flick added.

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The French side will have to farewell to some players with no European football next season

Lyon sporting director Juninho confirmed there will be departures following the club's Champions League semi-final loss, though he is not worried about the Ligue 1 outfit.

After stunning Juventus and Manchester City en route to the final four, Lyon's memorable 2019-20 European campaign came to an end after losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Lyon's early wastefulness was punished as Serge Gnabry's brace and a late goal from Robert Lewandowski guided Bundesliga champions Bayern through to Sunday's decider against Paris Saint-Germain.

While disappointed with the result, Juninho turned his attention to 2020-21 amid speculation over the futures of Moussa Dembele, Houssem Aouar and captain Memphis Depay.

Dembele has previously been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United, Aouar is reportedly a target for the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City, while Depay has emerged as a possible replacement for Jadon Sancho should he leave Borussia Dortmund.

"The aim now is to continue working, immediately with Ligue 1," Juninho, whose Lyon will not feature in the 2020-21 Champions League after finishing seventh at the time of Ligue 1 concluding due to the coronavirus pandemic, told RMC Sport.

"There are no presents. We will have to work. If we continue like this, we will be back in this competition. When you are well paid, you need motivation every day, we are going to concentrate on Ligue 1. There are the basics.

"There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa and Houssem...We will have to show the same spirit to be back in the Champions League next season."

On the match itself, Juninho said: "We are all sad, it is not easy. But we are going out with our heads held high, I am proud of the players, the staff. We accept this. We respected our gameplan.

"You need a lot of luck and efficacy to beat a team like this. Maybe if we had scored one or two goals at the beginning of the match…I am proud of the squad, I thank the supporters for their incredible support, we felt a strong energy. I wish PSG good luck, that they show people that Ligue 1 is not what they think it is.

"We started well, with two or three chances, Karl [Toko Ekambi] hits the post. We had to at least score one. They caused us problems between the lines. The hardest thing was to play the ball out from the back. We saw that it did not work for RB Leipzig."

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The German manager is well aware of the attacking threat his side will face on Sunday

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick said his team must defend better in the Champions League final after earning a date with Paris Saint-Germain.

Bundesliga champions Bayern booked their spot in Sunday's showpiece with a 3-0 win over Lyon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday.

Lyon – who stunned Juventus and Manchester City en route to the final four – made a lively start and Karl Toko Ekambi hit the post, but the French champions were made to pay for their wastefulness.

A first-half brace from Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski's 55th goal of the season two minutes from the end sealed the victory as Bayern stayed on course for a first treble in seven years.

"We knew it would be difficult, they came in off the back of great performances against City and Juventus," Flick told Sky after Bayern won their 10th consecutive Champions League game, equalling the longest streak in the competition's history.

"They are strong tactically and they caused us problems early on. We know we need to defend better, we said before we couldn't afford to give away the ball easily, but we did."

Thomas Tuchel's PSG, who will look to the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for inspiration, will feature in their maiden Champions League final after outclassing RB Leipzig 3-0 on Tuesday.

"Paris are a great team, they fought their way into the semi-final and then reached the final. We will analyse some things, we know they have quick players," added Flick, whose free-scoring Bayern have netted 42 goals in the competition this season – only the 1999-00 Barcelona (45) team have managed more in a single campaign.

"We will look to organise our defence, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure.

"Thomas is doing a sensational job, that is excellent. I visited him once and I have the opinion that his team is working very well. I'm looking forward to Sunday."

Asked about Lewandowski's opportunity to break Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League scoring record on Sunday, Flick stressed his star striker won't be distracted by such an individual milestone. 

"He won't think about that, he's happy that he finished our game. He works a lot for the team, that's very important," Flick said.

"He's also important defensively. For me he is the world's best centre forward and I hope he scores against Paris too."

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Kingsley Coman said his "heart is 100 per cent" with Bayern Munich ahead of facing boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Coman came off the bench as Bayern recorded a 3-0 win over Lyon in the semi-finals in Lisbon on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old came through PSG's youth system and made four senior appearances for the club before joining Juventus and then Bayern.

Coman said he was entirely committed to Bayern despite the connection to PSG, who they face in Sunday's decider.

"It's a nice poster," he told RMC Sport. "My heart is 100 per cent Bayern."

Lyon were left to rue missed chances against Bayern before Serge Gnabry scored a brace and Robert Lewandowski sealed the win.

A five-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern, Coman is eager to add the Champions League to his collection.

"It's a great moment, we really wanted to go to the final. Now you have to win it," he said. "The work is not finished, we have to win it otherwise we will have done all this for nothing. 

"We knew it was going to be complicated, they played on their qualities, luckily they didn't score and we were efficient."

Bayern manager Hansi Flick bemoaned his side's defensive lapses on Wednesday and expects a similar challenge against PSG. 

"It was very intensive. Lyon put on a great team and a good performance. We were lucky in the first few minutes," Flick said post-match.

"Serge Gnabry's outstanding individual performance gave us security. We had too many simple ball losses, we have to stop that. But we are all happy, we're in the final. We knew it was going to be a tough game. The team deserved the finals.

"I do not think that the attacking players of Lyon are so much worse than the attacking players of Paris.

"[Memphis] Depay is a world class player and after his injury at a high level again. He can harm any team. The spaces behind the line we didn't defend as well as we usually do. Now we have to regain our energy and try to win the title on Sunday. "

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