Europe

What's going on with James Rodríguez?

There was a time when James Rodríguez had the world at his feet. After a sublime 2014 World Cup, his name was everywhere. Then, Real Madrid decided to sign him, and his global recognition and fame levels went wild.

James was a hot item and had enough sauce to become a king.

But suddenly, he did not. Circa 2017, the Colombian entered into a weird downward spiral that currently has him looking for a new gig. 

Ivan Toney won't like this: Gambling sponsorships banned by English Premier League

The English Premier League and its clubs have announced they will not allow gambling sponsorships on the front of matchday kits following the culmination of the 2025-26 season. This decision comes as the UK aims to tighten its laws on betting and attempts to promote the use of gambling in a safer, more responsible way. 

Bayern drop Sadio Mané from squad for Saturday's game after punching Leroy Sané in the face

BERLIN - Bayern Munich's Sadio Mané will not be part of the squad for Saturday's Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim and has been fined over a row he had with teammate Leroy Sané, the club said on Thursday.

Senegal international Mané clashed with Sané at the end of their 3-0 loss at Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday.

Here’s everything Christian Pulisic did at the Bernabéu in the Champions League on Wednesday

He didn’t play, but that doesn't mean that we don't have a recap.

Christian Pulisic vs. Real Madrid 

Christian Pulisic's first action was to ignore the artwork on the wall inside the Bernabéu. 

That’s the mindset of a champion right there. Why would he focus on the final in Istanbul when he has a big quarterfinal ahead of him? He takes things one step at a time like all winners do.

Next up was getting dressed and killing it in warmups.

Theo Hernández collects Chucky Lozano's soul after throw-in scuffle

Ismaël Bennacer got a lot of high-fives after scoring the only goal in AC Milan's crucial 1-0 win over Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. 

However, if we have to choose a man of the match, that recognition should be in the hands of left fullback Theo Hernandez. The dyed-blond Frenchman probably didn't lead any stat some people care about nowadays, but he fueled his teammates from an emotional point of view.

Especially after seeing the aggressive tête-à-tête he starred alongside Mexican Hirving Lozano during a trivial throw-in.

While Los Blancos were beating Chelsea, Real Madrid loanee Brahim Díaz was lifting Milan over Napoli

In beating Napoli 1-0 in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the San Siro, Milan exemplified all the UCL cliché's that Real Madrid have entirely owned and turned into bonafide pieces of wisdom over the last decade. Hell, Milan even used a Real Madrid loanee to get it done.  

Cliché No. 1, you need to be street wise — basically you need to be in the mold of Theo Hernández.

What's better than getting your first signature boot? Scoring and celebrating with it

There was a standout moment during Crystal Palace's incredible 5-1 victory over Leeds United on Sunday that I failed to notice — I think I was too busy trying to comprehend Leeds' total capitulation — but now register as one of the best goal celebrations of the 2022-23 season.

DT del Napoli quiere hacer un experimento con el Chucky Lozano

Seguro que varios se estarán preguntando si veremos al Chucky Lozano vs AC Milan en el partido de ida de los cuartos de final de la Champions League 2022-23 que se juega este miércoles 12 de abril (3 p.m. ET). Y bueno, lo más probable es que así sea.

¿Lo curioso? Hay una gran chance es que lo haga utilizando una posición bastante diferente a lo que acostumbra, ya que en vez de ir por la banda, serviría a la causa como "falso nueve".

3 things we learned from Man City's beatdown of Bayern

With many experts having predicted that the winner of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League will emerge from the blockbuster quarterfinal tie between Manchester City and Bayern Munich, City's 3-0 beatdown of Bayern in Tuesday's first leg at the Etihad is quite the statement from the Sky Blues.

There's still a lot of thinking yet to come from Pep Guardiola, but this City team can kill you a myriad of ways (unlike Chelsea and Real Madrid), is UCL battle hardened (unlike Benfica, Inter, Milan and Napoli) and has Erling Haaland (unlike Bayern). 

Inter Milan one step closer to first UCL semifinal since 2010 after 2-0 victory vs. Benfica

LISBON — Inter Milan struck in the second half through Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku for a 2-0 win at Benfica in their Champions League quarterfinal, first leg on Tuesday which put them on course for a first last-four appearance since they won the trophy in 2010.

Barella headed home firmly at the back post in the 51st minute, rising unchallenged to get on the end of a superb cross from center back Alessandro Bastoni, who was storming up the left side and delivered a pin-point ball.

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