PARIS: Security will be “considerably reinforced” at Wednesday’s Champions League match in the French capital between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona after a “threat” from Daesh group, the interior minister said.
Gerald Darmanin said the militant group had threatened all the quarter-final matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, not just PSG’s first leg clash with Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.
Darmanin said there had been “a clear threat publicly expressed by Daesh.”
“The police, whom I spoke to very early this morning, have considerably reinforced the security measures,” the minister told reporters.
A source close to the issue told AFP: “Daesh has threatened the Champions League quarter-finals, not specifically in France, through one of its communication outlets.”
In the matches on Tuesday, Arsenal take on Bayern Munich in London and Real Madrid host reigning European champions Manchester City.
In Wednesday’s other game, Atletico Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in the Spanish capital.
European football’s governing body UEFA said all the matches would go ahead despite the threat.
“UEFA is aware of alleged terrorist threats made toward this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues,” the statement said.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
PSG coach Luis Enrique said in his pre-match news conference: “Who is not worried or concerned by terrorist threats?
“I hope it is a thing we can control and that they are just threats and that nothing will happen.”
Security reinforced at PSG v Barcelona game after Daesh ‘threat’: French minister
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Security reinforced at PSG v Barcelona game after Daesh ‘threat’: French minister
- Gerald Darmanin said the militant group had threatened all the quarter-final matches on Tuesday and Wednesday
- Daesh has threatened the Champions League quarter-finals, not specifically in France, through one of its communication outlets
Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up
- Mbappe, 26, was left out of the last two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League group stage in October and November
- Deschamps said at the time that his decision to do without Mbappe was “for the best” due to the noise surrounding the striker
PARIS: Captain Kylian Mbappe returned to the France squad named Thursday for this month’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, as Paris Saint-Germain teenager Desire Doue earned a first call-up.
Mbappe, 26, was left out of the last two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League group stage in October and November.
The Real Madrid superstar was initially dropped because of fitness concerns, before later being left out amidst headlines about his private life.
Deschamps said at the time that his decision to do without Mbappe was “for the best” due to the noise surrounding the striker.
Mbappe has been in fine form for Real in the months since and has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season for the club he joined last year.
“I have chatted with him and I confirm what I already said a few weeks ago, that he will be the captain,” Deschamps said in response to questions about Mbappe’s ongoing role as skipper.
The versatile Doue, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his impressive club form.
The 19-year-old has scored or set up a total of 17 goals in 23 appearances since becoming a regular in the PSG side in mid-December.
Capable of playing as a winger as well as in midfield, Doue was outstanding after coming off the bench for PSG in Tuesday’s Champions League last 16, second leg against Liverpool, and scored the winning kick in the penalty shoot-out.
Signed by PSG from Rennes for a reported 50 million euros ($54.1m) in August, Doue was part of Thierry Henry’s France Under-23 team that won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics last year.
“He is not always a starter for his club but whenever he plays or comes on he has made a lot of progress,” Deschamps said.
“He is a very young player but he is an interesting one for us. I could have waited but I have called him up now because I think it is the right time.”
France face Croatia away in Split in the first leg of the quarter-final next Thursday, March 20, in a tie that is a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final won by Les Bleus.
The sides will clash in the second leg at the Stade de France on Sunday, March 23.
The winners will advance to the final four, which will take place in either Italy or Germany in June.
N’Golo Kante is the most notable absentee from the squad, with Deschamps revealing that the Saudi Arabia-based midfielder has been nursing a minor muscle injury.
Squad Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/ITA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan/ITA), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (all Paris Saint-Germain), Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus/ITA, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olize (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)
Kimmich extends Bayern contract until 2029
- Germany international Kimmich said he made his decision because Bayern is “the best environment to achieve my sporting goals”
- “I feel at home here and I’m not finished yet“
BERLIN: Bayern Munich on Thursday announced Joshua Kimmich had signed a four-year extension to his contract that had been set to expire at the end of the season.
Germany international Kimmich said he made his decision because Bayern is “the best environment to achieve my sporting goals.
“There’s currently no better package of teammates, coaching staff and club environment for me to achieve maximum success. I feel at home here and I’m not finished yet.”
After Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen sent Bayern through to the Champions League quarter-finals, Kimmich told reporters he was set to prolong his stay at the club.
After speculation he could leave Bayern in previous seasons, Kimmich has rediscovered his best form in midfield under Vincent Kompany, having played every minute in the Bundesliga until picking up a minor injury in February.
Kimmich, already the national team captain, is viewed as the successor to current Bayern skipper Manuel Neuer.
Sporting director Christoph Freund called the 30-year-old Kimmich “a driving force that will tirelessly drive Bayern forward in the future.”
Kimmich’s new contract is the latest in several extended deals in 2025 as Bayern seek to shore up their future, with Neuer, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies all recently extending their contracts.
Kimmich signed for Bayern from Stuttgart in 2015 after a two-year spell at RB Leipzig and has made 429 appearances for Bayern, scoring 43 goals and providing 115 assists.
At Bayern, Kimmich has won eight Bundesliga titles and lifted the Champions League in 2020.
Kimmich has also played 97 times for Germany.
Eight points clear of defending champions Leverkusen, Bayern are on track to win back the Bundesliga title.
They will face Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals, with this season’s final to be held in Munich in May.
Saudi clubs edge closer to success in AFC Champions League divisions
- With all Elite competition matches from the quarterfinals on taking place in Jeddah, few will bet against a Saudi side landing Asia’s premier club competition
RIYADH: Saudi clubs’ continued outstanding performances in the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League competitions underlined why for many people they remain favorites for the big prizes.
Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli have reached the quarter-finals of the main, “Elite” tournament, while Al-Taawoun made history by advancing to the semi-finals of AFC Champions League 2. These achievements show the growing strength of Saudi club football in Asia. Here are some of the highlights after the latest round of matches.
Al-Hilal’s big comeback win highlights dominance
Al-Hilal, after losing the away leg 1-0 to Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan, in the second leg in Riyadh on Tuesday night pulled off an outstanding comeback with a 4-0 victory that included goals from Hamad Al-Yami, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari and Nasser Al-Dawsari. With a spot in the quarterfinals confirmed, they will again be one of the favorites to take the trophy, and for a record fifth time.
Mahrez stars in solid Al-Ahli performance
Al-Ahli secured their quarterfinal place with a 2-0 win over Al-Rayyan in the second leg at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, having won the away fixture 3-1 in Qatar. Riyad Mahrez scored two late goals, helping the team to a comprehensive 5-1 win on aggregate. With Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Roberto Firmino providing the firepower, few teams would want to face Al-Ahli in the knockout stages.
Duran and Ronaldo help Al-Nassr cruise into quarterfinals
After a goalless first leg in Iran, Al-Nassr dominated Esteghlal in the last 16 return leg in Riyadh to win 3-0 and cruise into the quarterfinals.
Jhon Duran scored in the ninth and 84th minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 27th minute penalty sandwiched in between. With all matches from the quarterfinals on taking place in Jeddah, it is difficult to see the next Champions League Elite winner not being from Saudi Arabia.
Al-Taawoun’s historic achievement
In AFC Champions League 2, Al Taawoun reached the semi-finals after beating Iranian club Tractor SC 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the second leg finished 2-2. The teams played out a 0-0 draw in Iran on March 4.
The win by Taawoun, who are eighth in the Saudi Pro League, shows that clubs from the Kingdom are competitive at both levels of this season’s AFC Champions League. Al-Taawoun will now face the UAE’s Sharjah in the semifinals.
With four teams still in contention, this could well be the year that Saudi clubs take full control of Asian football.
Real Madrid beats Atletico on penalties in Champions League. Arsenal, Villa, Dortmund also advance
- Madrid moves on to the quarterfinals to face Arsenal, which also advanced Wednesday along with Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in a Champions League penalty shootout — again — to keep its title defense alive Wednesday and advance to the quarterfinals.
Defender Antonio Rüdiger scored the decisive spot-kick in a 4-2 shootout win after two Atletico players missed. Marco Llorente’s shot struck the bar after Julian Alvarez’s score despite slipping was disallowed because he touched the ball twice.
Madrid also beat Atletico in a shootout to win the 2016 final — part of a streak of eliminating its city rival in the knockout rounds for four straight years, starting with the 2014 final.
Madrid moves on to the quarterfinals to face Arsenal, which also advanced Wednesday along with Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund. The quarterfinals lineup was completed with Madrid’s win in a tense derby that had ended 2-2 on aggregate score.
Atletico led 1-0 after 90 minutes and extra time in its Metropolitano Stadium to cancel out Madrid’s 2-1 advantage from the first leg last week.
Two key incidents defined regulation time. Atletico Madrid scored within 30 seconds and Real Madrid missed a penalty in the 70th minute.
Atletico took the lead with its first attack when England midfielder Conor Gallagher pounced on the ball from close range when a cross by Rodrigo De Paul was deflected into the goalmouth.
Madrid star Vinícius Júnior blazed a penalty kick high over the Atletico goal when he could have sent the 15-time champion through. He was substituted in extra time for his teenage fellow Brazilian, Endrick.
Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham stepped up to score Madrid’s first two spot-kicks, and Fede Valverde also scored before Lucas Vazquez’s kick was saved by Jan Oblak.
It was more relaxed in London, where Arsenal rested some regulars in a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven to run up a 9-3 aggregate score.
Aston Villa also had a stress-free evening at home to ensure England has two teams in the quarterfinals, one night after Premier League leader Liverpool was beaten at Anfield by Paris Saint-Germain in a shootout.
Villa won 3-0 against Club Brugge, which played with 10 men from the 17th, after a 3-1 win in Belgium last week. Brugge defender Kyriani Sabbe was sent off for pulling back Marcus Rashford when running clear on goal.
Substitute Marco Asensio, on loan at Villa from PSG, scored twice in the second half to ensure his temporary club will meet his parent club next.
Borussia Dortmund rallied with two second-half goals to win 2-1 at Lille and advance 3-2 on aggregate. The beaten finalist last season now faces Barcelona.
Quarterfinals draw
The quarterfinals pairings are: Arsenal vs Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa, Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan
First-leg games are on April 8-9 and return games are one week later.
England’s unexpected challenge
There’s only one former European champion from England left in the Champions League. Villa’s unbeaten home record has driven its run to the quarterfinal, with wins against Bayern, Bologna, Celtic and now Brugge.
Liverpool’s exit to PSG followed Manchester City being pushed out of the knockout playoffs last month by Real Madrid. Without the Champions League winners in 2019 and 2023, respectively, England’s challenge halved to just two.
Villa’s 1982 European Cup title is perhaps a less-remembered one in the competition’s 70-year history. Arsenal’s only time in the final was a loss to Barcelona in 2006.
Villa manager Unai Emery now goes back to Paris where his two seasons as coach there until 2018 seemed to be unsatisfactory for both parties.
Dortmund thrives in Europe
Just like last season, Borussia Dortmund is better in the Champions League than the German league.
The Bundesliga’s 10th-place team trailed Lille from the fifth minute to Canada forward Jonathan David’s shot, before rallying in the second half for a decisive 2-1 win. Dortmund leveled in the 54th from Emre Can’s penalty and Maximilian Beier sealed the victory nine minutes later with a rising shot.
Dortmund was the beaten finalist last June – losing 2-0 to Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium – and got into this Champions League only because Germany earned a bonus entry for fifth place in the Bundesliga.
Niko Kovač, the club’s third coach in the Champions League this season, now takes Dortmund to face former star forward Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona.
Top-5 leagues dominate
Expected exits for Brugge and PSV — after Benfica and Feyenoord were eliminated Tuesday — leaves only the five wealthiest leagues in Europe are now represented.
No team from outside England, Spain, Germany, Italy or France has reached the Champions League final since Porto coached by Jose Mourinho won in 2004.
UEFA will share almost 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) total prize money among the 36 Champions League teams this season and the 20 percent higher payouts this season figure to widen the wealth gap in European soccer. England and Spain also are in line for bonus fifth places in the Champions League next season, sending tens of millions more in prize money there.
Each quarterfinalist will get 12.5 million euros ($13.6 million). A place in the semifinals pays an extra 15 million euros ($16.3 million).
Dortmund fight back to beat Lille and reach Champions League quarters
- Jonathan David gave Lille an early lead on the night
- Dortmund will now face Barcelona in the quarter-finals next month
LILLE, France: Borussia Dortmund recovered from losing an early goal to fight back and beat Lille 2-1 in France in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
Jonathan David gave Lille an early lead on the night, putting the French club ahead in the tie after last week’s 1-1 first-leg draw.
However, Emre Can squared things by converting a penalty for Dortmund on 54 minutes, and Maximilian Beier then fired in a fine winner for last season’s runners-up.
Dortmund will now face Barcelona in the quarter-finals next month, having already lost 3-2 at home to the Catalans during the league phase in December.
The result is a huge boost for Dortmund and their recently-appointed coach Niko Kovac, coming as the club languishes in 10th place in the Bundesliga.
It is a massive disappointment for Lille, who were hoping to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in their history after an outstanding performance during the league phase.
They finished seventh out of 36 teams, beating both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on the way, while also holding Juventus and putting six past Feyenoord.
Lille appeared to be in a strong position after coming from behind to draw in Dortmund last week, and they went in front in the tie when Canada forward David scored in the fifth minute.
Ismaily’s low ball in from the left was swept toward goal by David, somehow going in through the legs of Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
It was David’s seventh goal in this season’s Champions League, but it seemed to galvanize the visitors.
They were denied an equalizer by a remarkable double save from Lille ‘keeper Lucas Chevalier in the midst of a goalmouth scramble on 20 minutes.
Dortmund applied pressure and were rewarded when they won a penalty shortly after half-time as Serhou Guirassy went down under contact from Thomas Meunier.
Can fired in the spot-kick, and Karim Adeyemi then hit the bar for Dortmund before they found what proved to be the winner on 65 minutes.
Guirassy, who has 10 goals in the Champions League this season, was the provider but Beier still had work to do as he controlled the ball in the box before firing a lethal shot high into the net.
Lille could not recover from that blow as they went out in the last 16, just like in their two previous appearances at this stage of the competition, in 2007 and 2022.
