Good day to everyone. The first matches of the Champions League and Europa League are done. I`m Francesco Porzio, and we`re going to recap the highlights before looking at what`s coming up.
⚽ Key Story: Mohamed Salah Extends Liverpool Contract
Liverpool fans received fantastic news this morning! The club announced that Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract. Salah`s previous contract was set to expire in the summer of 2025, but recent reports about a new agreement became increasingly likely. A similar situation is developing with Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, who is also expected to sign a new contract soon.
- Salah said: `I`m really happy. We have a fantastic team, and we`ve had one in the past too. I signed because I believe we can win more trophies and I`m enjoying my football here. I`ve spent my best years at Liverpool, eight years already, and hopefully it will be ten. I`m happy with my life and football here. I want to tell the fans I`m very happy to stay. I signed because I believe we can achieve a lot together. Keep supporting us, and we`ll do our best to win more trophies in the future.`
Salah is considered one of the world`s top players and currently ranks third on Liverpool`s all-time scoring list with 243 goals in 394 games. During his time at Liverpool, he has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times, been named PFA Players` Player of the Year twice, and received two FWA Footballer of the Year awards. With Liverpool, Salah has won seven trophies, including the Premier League in the 2019-20 season and the UEFA Champions League in 2019, along with several cup titles since joining from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 for around $40 million.
🔗 Midfield Action: Europa League Updates
Manchester United and Tottenham Underperform in Europa League
Manchester United and Tottenham both had disappointing Europa League performances, drawing their first-leg matches on Thursday and highlighting their current struggles. Manchester United drew 2-2 against Lyon in the Europa League quarterfinals, while Tottenham drew 1-1 at home against Eintracht Frankfurt. Both teams will need to win their away games next week to advance in the tournament.
Manchester United initially conceded a goal to former Atlanta United player Thiago Almada but equalized with a goal from Leny Yoro just before halftime. Joshua Zirkzee`s goal in the 88th minute seemed decisive for Lyon, but a mistake by Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Rayan Cherki to score in stoppage time, ending the game in a 2-2 draw. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defended Onana despite his error:
- Amorim said: `Looking at the season, I`ve made more mistakes than the players in recent months. It happens in football, especially with many games, mistakes are inevitable.`
Tottenham also continued their poor form, drawing at home after conceding an early goal to Eintracht Frankfurt`s Hugo Ekitike. Pedro Porro scored to equalize the match at 1-1. The second leg, scheduled for April 17 at Deutsche Bank Park, could be crucial for the future of Tottenham manager Ange Postecglou.
- Postecglou commented: `I`m a bit frustrated with the result. I thought our overall performance was very good. Conceding early was disappointing, but it was a good goal from Ekitike. We responded well, hit the crossbar three times, and on another day, we would have won.`
🔗 Top News
⏪ Champions League Rewind: There were incredible goals in the Champions League this week, making it tough to rank the top five.
🔍 Champions League Rankings: James Benge has ranked the remaining eight teams after the first leg of the quarterfinals.
🏆 Road to Semifinals: What do teams need to do to reach the Champions League semifinals? Here are the scenarios for the second leg matches.
🦩 Messi`s Future at Inter Miami: Lionel Messi is expected to stay at Inter Miami even after his contract expires this year. Club owner Jorge Mas seems confident about reaching a new agreement.
