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Key thoughts and analysis from Tuesday's Champions League action

The Champions League returned this week, with the round of 16 finally kicking off. Below, we dissect the biggest talking points from Tuesday’s action in Europe’s premier club competition.

PSG foiled by Bayern’s French duo

Naturally, much of the discourse preceding Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich’s meeting revolved around Kylian Mbappe’s fitness. The protagonist of a glittering French generation was initially expected to miss the first leg due to a thigh injury, but PSG’s vague diagnosis and updates on his rehabilitation raised suspicions about whether Mbappe would be ready for the encounter.

So, his inclusion on the bench and eventual introduction in the 57th minute demanded plenty of attention. He produced the inevitable when he poked in from close range, only for video review to detect an offside in the buildup.

The erasure of that predictable storyline meant the narrative instead swung back toward Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory and two of Mbappe’s less heralded compatriots.

Kingsley Coman was the most dangerous player in the first leg. For the opening half, he was widely labeled as a wing-back but was extremely advanced down the left, completing three dribbles and regularly troubling Achraf Hakimi. Coman dropped back to help form a back-five during the rare occasions that PSG retained possession for a reasonable amount of time, but Bayern largely entrusted Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano, and Benjamin Pavard to protect Yann Sommer’s goal.

With Bayern’s organized press and Mbappe’s absence on PSG counter-attacks, the visitors could afford to thrust Coman forward.

(Courtesy: WhoScored)

Coman, who entered the fixture with three goals over his last 85 minutes in the Bundesliga, switched to the right flank following the halftime swap of Joao Cancelo for Alphonso Davies. He was soon rewarded for his positive display when he met Davies’ delivery and pushed the ball under Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Upamecano, Bayern’s second-best player, showed no scars from France’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina. The 24-year-old helped subdue Lionel Messi as he tallied five tackles, three interceptions, and a clearance from the heart of the Bavarians’ defense.

Bayern were so dominant for the opening hour of the match but threatened to unravel when Mbappe was on the pitch and surging at their backline. But unlike earlier in his Bayern spell, Upamecano was authoritative and decisive while his teammates’ composure frayed. It was a colossal performance on a huge day for Bayern.

Mbappe changes the equation

Excuse us for stating the obvious, but Mbappe is a singular force of nature around which everything else at PSG revolves. Yes, even Messi.

The Ligue 1 leaders were a complete non-factor in Tuesday’s match before introducing Mbappe off the bench in the 57th minute. PSG had two shot attempts – and none on target – before Christophe Galtier decided he had seen enough. Mbappe, making an expedited return from injury, was clearly not fully fit. It didn’t matter. PSG fired off seven shots in a frantic final 30 minutes, including a one-on-one situation where Mbappe, using his trademark pace down the left wing, sprung free to force an excellent save from Sommer. Were it not for a microscopic offside call against Nuno Mendes that chalked off Mbappe’s would-be equalizer, PSG would be heading to Bavaria deadlocked at one apiece. He changed everything.

DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty

Bayern, using a 3-1-5-1 formation in possession, pressed high and camped out in PSG’s half during the opening stanza. They were free to be extremely aggressive after recognizing that their French hosts, without Mbappe’s presence, couldn’t exploit the space behind their defenders and hit them with a direct ball over the top to launch a counterattack. When Neymar and Messi dropped deep to collect the ball, multiple retreating red shirts eventually crowded them out. PSG had just three touches inside the Bayern penalty area in the first half. Mbappe had double that total, on his own, in 33 minutes.

“The last 15 minutes we were great with Kylian,” PSG midfielder Danilo Pereira said. “We can go over there (in the second leg) and win.”

PSG’s late flurry should give Julian Nagelsmann plenty to ponder going into that return fixture on March 8. Mbappe, barring a setback, will start that affair, so how will Nagelsmann account for that? The lopsided setup that left space down the flanks – acres that Mbappe happily feasted on – is surely not a viable option again. Bayern, for all their territorial dominance and ball possession, barely escaped with a victory despite only facing the Mbappe-powered version of PSG for 33 minutes. Hell, they easily could have lost the match in the final stages. The innovative Nagelsmann will have to concoct a new tactical plan, a task made more difficult by versatile defender Pavard’s late red card and subsequent suspension.

Milan find beauty in simplicity

This isn’t the team that won the Italian championship last May. That team pressed and counterpressed with unrelenting intensity and created enough big chances to win games twice over. AC Milan stumbled somewhere along the way, and with their title defense in tatters and defensive shape all out of sorts, the Rossoneri had no choice but to rethink their strategy on the go. Head coach Stefano Pioli switched to a back three, and soon after, his usual preference for zonal marking gave way to more pedestrian man-marking tactics.

And it’s worked. The players just needed a few games to understand their new roles.

Milan gave Tottenham Hotspur virtually nothing at San Siro on Tuesday, sitting deep for large stretches after taking an early 1-0 lead. Brahim Diaz’s seventh-minute opener allowed Milan to play defense-first football, and so they did, forfeiting possession so they could defend in numbers. Simon Kjaer latched onto Harry Kane every chance he got. Champions League debutant Malik Thiaw matched Dejan Kulusevski stride for stride. Olivier Giroud contributed more off the ball than he did on it. Milan, who looked completely lost in the derby a fortnight ago, played like a team again. The club’s allowed just one goal in its last three matches, vastly improving on its odious return of 12 in the three fixtures prior.

Catherine Ivill / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Tottenham could have even lost by more. For all of their possession, Spurs narrowly avoided conceding on two other occasions: As the second half wore on and their legs seemed to tire, substitute Charles De Ketelaere and midfielder Rade Krunic steered headers just wide of the post, and Rafael Leao threatened several times on the counter.

The consensus, however, is that Spurs still have every chance to overturn the tie. A 1-0 lead is tenuous. But if Milan’s newfound solidity is long-lasting, Antonio Conte’s men will have just as much trouble breaking them down in the second leg next month.

Quick free-kicks

Sarr shows class in relief of Bentancur

Conte threw Pape Matar Sarr into the deep end on Tuesday – and boy, did he ever swim. Having never played in the Champions League before, the 20-year-old midfielder showed incredible poise both in and out of possession, winning nine total duels and five tackles. Sarr kept Milan from breaking out of their own end on several occasions, stifling their counterattack before it could really get started and creating turnovers in dangerous positions. Sarr also demonstrated the passing range of a veteran playmaker, going long and short whenever necessary. He and Oliver Skipp had only started once together before, but it was Sarr who took the majority of the responsibility. He seemed to relish in it.

Time to recognize Mendes

Christina Pahnke – sampics / Corbis Sport / Getty

The nominees for FIFA’s FIFPRO Men’s World 11 included Cancelo – who played much of the period the distinction covers at left-back for Manchester City – AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, and Bayern’s Davies. There was no place for Mendes. Granted, his peculiarly limited role during Portugal’s underwhelming World Cup campaign didn’t help his cause, but he’s clearly one of the most threatening players in his position. PSG’s only true attacking highlight of the first half was when Mendes’ trickery and run eventually resulted in a free-kick, which Messi slammed against the wall. He was also his team’s most creative outlet in the second stanza, making explosive runs down the left before rolling the ball inside. Only an extremely tight offside call denied Mendes an assist and PSG an equalizer when he cut the ball across for Mbappe.

Ramos turns back the clock

Were it not for Sergio Ramos, the Champions League quarterfinals would already be out of reach for PSG. The veteran defender endured a tricky first season in the French capital after leaving Real Madrid, struggling to stay fit and watching most of the campaign from the stands, but he’s been a consistent presence in 2022-23. The Spaniard was colossal against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Ramos, 36, led PSG in clearances, interceptions, and successful aerial duels, and he tied for second in successful tackles. Just about every time Bayern charged toward the penalty area, Ramos, one way or another, provided an obstacle and forced them to recycle possession and start over again. He’ll need to replicate that showing next month in Germany.

Stat of the day

It’s been a while since Milan won a Champions League knockout match.

Tweet of the day

Warren Zaire-Emery is making everyone feel very old right now.

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Premier League

Breaking down thrilling EPL title race with 10 games left

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One of the most intoxicating title races in Premier League history is, mercifully, ready to resume.

The quirks of the calendar – an FA Cup weekend succeeded by an agonizing international window – means the titanic tussle between Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City will have been on hiatus for a full three weeks before it gets back underway on Sunday.

But there are no more impending interruptions. With 10 matches remaining for each title contender, we’re barreling toward a resolution to the type of three-way battle that’s exceedingly rare in England’s top flight. There’s never been a season in the Premier League era where three teams went into the final day with a chance to hoist the trophy. This could be it. The last time it happened was the 1971-72 campaign, when Derby County won an incredible four-team fight, narrowly beating Leeds United and, ominously, Liverpool and Man City to the crown. We’re overdue for that kind of drama.

That three sides have converged this way at all is, frankly, remarkable.

These are the three best teams in the country by an enormous margin. They’re the only ones with an expected goal difference per game of plus-1.0 or greater this season. The next best mark, surprisingly, belongs to Mauricio Pochettino’s erratic Chelsea team at plus-0.36. So, yeah, it’s not close.

The three of them are also on a tear and show no signs of slowing down. Arsenal have won all eight of their league games in 2024, scoring 33 goals in the process; Liverpool have collected 22 of a possible 27 points in that time; reigning champions Manchester City have racked up 23 of 27 points. They’ve combined for just one loss since the calendar flipped – Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in early February.

The only sides that look capable of halting their progress are each other, which makes this weekend’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad all the more significant.

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Each contender has a compelling reason for believing it’s “their” year.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s men look far more assured and mature than last season when they set the pace for nearly the entire campaign, only to crumble down the stretch and relinquish their once sizeable advantage to Manchester City. Do-it-all superstar Declan Rice has been a transformative figure in midfield, while Kai Havertz, after an inauspicious start, is becoming an increasingly vital and consistent scoring threat. At least from the outside, there appears to be more self-belief within the Arsenal camp. Having learned from their experience in 2022-23, Arsenal won’t cede top spot so easily this time. It’ll need to be ripped from them.

Some may be inclined to dismiss their recent run because of their opponents. Yes, the Gunners have played some weak teams – Sheffield United! Burnley! Nottingham Forest! – but, for the most part, they aren’t just beating them; they’re blowing them away with a ruthlessness usually associated with title winners. For those still unconvinced, Sunday’s visit to the Etihad, where they were tossed aside like a rag doll in last season’s 4-1 loss, will be the ultimate litmus test to see if this team is ready to end the club’s 20-year title drought.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s persistent squad, already with the League Cup in tow, aims to send off their departing bench boss in style. Liverpool have been the most entertaining team of the trio this season. They create more chances than Arsenal and City and concede more opportunities. Darwin Nunez, the ultimate agent of chaos on a football pitch, is the perfect fit for a team with a habit of scoring late goals and delivering dramatic moments. Their title charge is built on more than just vibes, though.

Liverpool overwhelmed none other than City in their last league game before the international break but came away from the pulsating affair at Anfield with a 1-1 draw. City, usually self-confident and domineering in possession, simply held on against what Pep Guardiola dubbed a “tsunami” of pressure. There was obviously some added incentive at play, but Liverpool are built to go full speed regardless of the opposition. It’s in their nature under Klopp.

Manchester City

Despite not being at its vintage best this term, Guardiola’s accomplished crew remains the favorite in the eyes of many who, for good reason, simply refuse to pick against them. We’ve been conditioned to feel like City will inevitably be the last team standing because, well, they usually are. Five titles in the previous six seasons will have that effect on the collective psyche. However, Erling Haaland isn’t replicating his ferocious scoring pace from last season, and Kevin De Bruyne has been limited to six league starts. Also, outside of some electrifying Jeremy Doku performances, the summer signings haven’t exactly set the world alight. And yet, here they are, just one point off the top, showing the quiet confidence and tranquility that can only be obtained through winning experiences.

With Phil Foden leading the way and authoring arguably the best season of anyone in the league, City could become the first team in English history to win four consecutive top-flight titles.

Strength of schedule

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On paper, Arsenal have the most difficult fixture list.

Their remaining opponents average 41.8 points this season, roughly corresponding to ninth place in the table. Put another way, it would be the equivalent of playing Wolves (41 points) or Brighton (42) each week. It doesn’t help that many of Arsenal’s toughest matches are away from home. Coincidentally, they have upcoming trips to Brighton and Wolves, along with north London rivals Tottenham and Manchester United, following this weekend’s potentially decisive tilt at the Etihad. It’s tough.

Manchester City’s task is slightly more forgiving, as their remaining opponents average 40.7 points or 10th place.

Liverpool appear to have the most favorable schedule of the trophy chasers, with their opponents averaging 38.4 points, a tally representing the haul of a team in the bottom half of the table. While that’s better than the alternative, it’s not quite so simple for the Reds. On the back of a potentially draining Europa League quarterfinal second leg against Atalanta in mid-April – more on that soon – Klopp’s men have three away games in seven days against Fulham, Everton, and West Ham. In addition to battling their local nemesis, who could still be scrapping for survival at that point, Liverpool will also face a rambunctious Goodison crowd that would love nothing more than to play a critical role in stopping their hated rivals from winning another league crown.

Aston Villa and Spurs, meanwhile, stand out as common foes for all three title hopefuls. Sitting fourth and fifth, respectively, and engaged in their own fight to secure a Champions League place, they could play the role of kingmakers this spring.

European commitments

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Balancing the mental and physical demands of domestic play with continental competition is a huge piece of this puzzle for all three teams. Midweek success can further galvanize a group, but taxing failures can cripple a team’s momentum at home.

Much like the domestic schedule, Liverpool seem to have an edge here. Arsenal and Manchester City will face European behemoths Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in a pair of mouthwatering Champions League quarterfinal ties beginning next month. However, Liverpool have a comparatively charitable Europa League encounter with Atalanta.

If they both advance, Arsenal and City will meet in the Champions League semifinals, an outcome that will surely be celebrated wildly on Merseyside.

How those games intermingle with the league schedule also matters. Liverpool play Crystal Palace and Fulham following their two matchups with the Italian outfit. After locking horns with Bayern, Arsenal have to contend with Aston Villa and Wolves. Manchester City, still active on three fronts as they seek a second consecutive treble, host lowly Luton after the first leg of their Real Madrid rematch and take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinals following the second leg.

Injury concerns

Simon Stacpoole/Offside / Offside / Getty

Liverpool have been plagued by injuries all season. Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Andy Robertson, among others, have missed varying amounts of time, though the bulk of that group is getting back to full fitness. Alisson Becker remains sidelined and might not return until mid-April. Defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk is the only Liverpool player to garner over 2,000 league minutes this season, indicating how disruptive injuries have been for Klopp’s team. And yet, they persevere.

Five Manchester City players have cleared the 2,000-minute mark thus far, and a couple more are on the cusp. But the club was without De Bruyne for the entire first half of the season, while trips to the treatment room ravaged Jack Grealish’s year. City also got hit the hardest by the recent international break, with John Stones and Kyle Walker hurt on England duty and racing against time to recover for Sunday’s match versus Arsenal. Swiss defender Manuel Akanji is in the same boat, and Ederson’s return date from a thigh injury remains uncertain. Never shy about tweaking his lineup, Guardiola could be forced to tinker yet again.

Arsenal have been largely unscathed, with six players eclipsing 2,000 league minutes. William Saliba, whose absence last season played an outsize role in Arsenal’s capitulation, has been on the pitch for every second of league play in 2023-24. Gabriel Jesus has battled ailments all year, and Jurrien Timber suffered an ACL injury just 49 minutes into his Premier League debut in the season opener. But the Gunners will be hoping their relative good fortune on the injury front extends right through May, especially as it relates to Bukayo Saka, who pulled out of the England squad to nurse a minor muscular issue.

Prediction

Justin Setterfield / Getty Images Sport / Getty

First, a disclaimer: Luck will play a pivotal role in determining which team is crowned on May 19. Injuries will continue to be a factor. There will almost certainly be contentious refereeing and VAR decisions that favor and oppose the title challengers. There will also be finishing variance, with players missing seemingly easy chances and converting more difficult opportunities.

Impossible to predict? No matter. We’re not going to let that stop us.

Considering their advantageous schedule, at home and in Europe, along with their improving squad health at just the right time and the inescapable feeling that this is a team of destiny determined to send their beloved manager out on a high, we’re going with Liverpool, who’ll collect 88 points to pip their rivals and again interrupt Manchester City’s run of domestic dominance.

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Premier League

Euro 2024 playoffs: Miraculous Ukraine comeback, big result for Wales

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Wales, Greece, and Poland registered statement wins Thursday, joining three other teams in next Tuesday’s playoff finals for the three remaining places at Euro 2024.

Ukraine staged an incredible late comeback against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its semifinal to keep its Euro dream alive.

The highest-placed team in FIFA’s rankings that’s no longer in contention to reach the tournament in Germany is 60th-placed Finland.

Here’s how the playoff semifinals across Path A, B, and C played out.

Path A

Mateusz Slodkowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Poland 5-1 Estonia

Estonia barely stood a chance. Down to 10 men as early as the 27th minute, the northern Europeans could only muster a consolation goal in a 5-1 loss to Poland. The Polish achieved the rout without Robert Lewandowski getting on the scoresheet and remain unbeaten in 21 Euro qualifiers at home, a magnificent run dating back to September 2006. Poland is trying to make up for a poor qualifying campaign in which it finished third in Group E, four points behind the Czech Republic and Albania. The country hasn’t missed the Euros since 2004.

Wales 4-1 Finland

The Red Wall might descend on Germany this summer. Wales’ raucous supporters have legitimate hopes of traveling to another major tournament after the Dragons scorched Finland without the retired Gareth Bale and with Aaron Ramsey, 33, on the bench after more injury problems. Teemu Pukki gave the visiting team some hope just before halftime following well-taken finishes from David Brooks and Neco Williams. But Wales needed just 73 seconds of the second period to restore its two-goal cushion via Brennan Johnson’s tap-in. Daniel James took advantage of a defensive error before rounding the goalkeeper in the 86th minute to give the host a resounding victory.

Playoff final: Wales vs. Poland, Tuesday 3:45 p.m. ET

Path B

David Balogh – UEFA / UEFA / Getty

Israel 1-4 Iceland

Iceland’s Albert Gudmundsson stole the show with an emphatic hat-trick against Israel on Thursday. His stunning free-kick into the top right corner canceled out Eran Zahavi’s opening goal for Israel, and he created a nice cushion for his country with a pair of markers in the final 10 minutes. Just before that, Zahavi blew an incredible opportunity to equalize the match at 2-2, missing a penalty awarded for handball against Iceland’s Gudmundur Thorarinsson. A red card to Israel’s Haim Revivo didn’t help the trailing side. Iceland is now a game away from making only its second-ever appearance at the Euros following its quarterfinal run in 2016.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-2 Ukraine

Ukraine scored twice with just minutes remaining in regulation to snatch what seemed to be a sure victory from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Bosnia controlled play for most of the match and took the lead in the 56th minute when Mykola Matviyenko turned in Amar Dedic’s shot into his own net. But a colossal defensive lapse cost the Bosnians a chance to make it a record four countries from the former Yugoslavia at Euro 2024. Roman Yaremchuk came off the bench to equalize in the 85th minute and teed up Artem Dovbyk’s sensational winning header three minutes later to turn the playoff semifinal on its head. Ukraine now faces Iceland with a third consecutive Euro appearance at stake.

Playoff final: Ukraine vs. Iceland, Tuesday 3:45 p.m. ET

Path C

GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE / AFP / Getty

Georgia 2-0 Luxembourg

Two clever finishes from Budu Zivzivadze in Tbilisi assured Georgia of a place in Path C’s final – and all without the help of suspended talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But it wasn’t that simple for the host. Luxembourg thought it equalized during the second half, only for the goal to be eventually snatched away due to Maxime Chanot’s apparent foul 45 seconds earlier. Luxembourg’s Chanot was controversially sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and Zivzivadze effectively ended the match six minutes later with his second strike. Kvaratskhelia is available for the final.

Greece 5-0 Kazakhstan

Anastasios Bakasetas lashed home a penalty, Dimitrios Pelkas headed into the net’s roof, Fotis Ioannidis tapped in from close range, and Dimitrios Kourbelis added another header. And that was all before halftime. Kazakhstan’s impressive 2022-23 Nations League campaign and notable Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Denmark, Northern Ireland (twice), and Finland suddenly seemed ages ago, as Greece recorded its biggest halftime lead since October 1978 (5-0 against Finland). Aleksandr Marochkin’s embarrassing own goal in the 85th minute made Kazakhstan’s day even worse.

Playoff final: Georgia vs. Greece, Tuesday 1:00 p.m. ET

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Premier League

Look: Nike unveils beautiful kit selection for Euro 2024, Copa America

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Nike released a stunning batch of threads ahead of Euro 2024 and Copa America on Monday.

Days after Adidas launched its lineup for the summer’s top two tournaments, Nike followed suit with an array of colorful designs.

The U.S. manufacturer also announced redesigns for Canada and Poland, even though they’ve yet to qualify for their respective tournaments. The Canucks face Trinidad and Tobago in a one-off Copa America qualifier on Saturday, while Poland must navigate a four-team playoff to reach Euro 2024.

(All images courtesy of Nike)

Euro 2024

Croatia

Home

The square-shaped design that gives Croatia its unique look gets a slight upgrade. The home shirt features larger squares than ever before.

Away

Croatia’s away shirt plays on the national flag, with the traditional checkered pattern now on a slant.

England

Home

Influenced by England’s 1966 training gear, the home shirt has a classic feel with a rich blue collar and gorgeous trim along the cuffs.

Away

England embraces a deep purple hue for its away selection. The crest stands out with a contrasting off-white tint that makes the three lions pop.

France

Home

France’s home shirt may have the biggest crest of all of Nike’s offerings. The oversized rooster defines this shirt as much as the royal blue that’s made France’s kits a crowd-pleaser.

Away

The pinstripes mirror the colors of France’s national flag and span the width of the shirt in a simple, yet elegant design.

Netherlands

Home

Nike could’ve offered anything orange here, and it would’ve been perfect. But the Netherlands has something bolder and better to wear. The zig-zag pattern adds edge.

Away

The orange collar and cuffs pop alongside the three shades of blue Nike has chosen to create the abstract design on this work of art.

Poland

Home

Poland dedicates premium real estate on the country’s home shirt to its imposing crest.

Away

Poland’s away shirt is a daring choice. The graphic treatment adds texture, giving it a rugged feel while separating from the red tones of years past.

Portugal

Home

With possibly the best home shirt in Nike’s collection, Portugal leans heavily into its traditional red-and-green motif with a polo collar and thick cuffs. The logo sits prominently as well. A smash hit.

Away

Here’s another winner. Portugal’s away strip has a stunning textile imprint that gives off a cool summer vibe.

Turkey

Home

This is a menacing look. Turkey will look like a whirring red army with these imposing shirts.

Away

The classic red band returns to Turkey’s away uniform. Like the others, it features an oversized crest in the middle of the shirt.

Copa America

Brazil

Home

Nike goes big with Brazil’s crest and adds an intricate design to the same yellow hue the Selecao have used for decades.

Away

Brazil’s secondary strip feels like the beach. A horizontal wavy pattern covering the entire shirt mimics the country’s picturesque coastline.

Canada

Home

The only blemish in Nike’s lineup. Why is there a circle around the swoosh? And why are the shoulders so much darker than the body? None of it makes sense.

Away

The 13 pinstripes are supposed to represent the 10 provinces and three territories that make up Canada. Unfortunately, the rest of the shirt looks incomplete.

United States

Home

The United States men’s national team gets a classic home shirt with patriotic detailing along the color and sleeves.

Away

The gradient works perfectly with the red shorts the U.S. will wear at the Copa America.

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