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Aston Villa’s Champions League Journey Hinges on Final Match After Monaco Defeat

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Aston Villa's Champions League Journey Hinges on Final Match After Monaco Defeat
Wilfried Singo, Scorer.

Aston Villa’s hopes of securing a place in the Champions League last 16 will come down to their final league phase match after a narrow 1-0 loss to Monaco.

Unai Emery’s side entered the match knowing a victory could have significantly boosted their chances, but an early goal from Wilfried Singo proved decisive. Despite their efforts, Villa couldn’t find an equalizer, leaving their fate hanging on next week’s high-stakes clash against Celtic.

The loss, only their second in seven games during an impressive debut campaign, means Villa must likely win the ‘Battle of Britain’ to finish in the top eight and secure direct qualification to the last 16.

Villa had opportunities to draw level but struggled to convert. Striker Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers both came close, but Monaco’s defense and goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki held firm, even under the watchful eye of the Prince of Wales in attendance.

Monaco, who had already defeated Barcelona at the Stade Louis II earlier in the league phase, presented a formidable challenge.

Game Highlights

They struck early, capitalizing on a set-piece in the eighth minute. Thilo Kehrer’s header from Lamine Camara’s corner was parried by Emiliano Martinez, but Singo was on hand to head the rebound into an empty net.

The home side nearly doubled their lead minutes later, with Maghnes Akliouche testing Martinez, who made a crucial stretching save.

Villa began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed. Morgan Rogers sent a first-time effort over the bar, and Lucas Digne’s curling free-kick forced a save from Majecki.

In the 37th minute, Emiliano Buendia’s incisive pass set up Leon Bailey, but the Jamaican’s shot lacked precision, allowing Majecki to make an impressive stop. The Monaco goalkeeper was again at his best in first-half stoppage time, denying Watkins’ powerful strike after another clever assist from Buendia.

Monaco had a chance to extend their lead before the break, but Akliouche squandered an opportunity, sending his effort over the bar.

The second half saw an open contest, with Rogers narrowly missing the target and Akliouche having a goal disallowed for offside. Matty Cash created a promising chance with a dangerous cross, while Tyrone Mings made a critical block to deny Aleksandr Golovin.

Despite their dominance in stretches, Villa couldn’t create any more clear-cut opportunities and ultimately suffered a frustrating defeat. However, the team is guaranteed a play-off spot, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.

The focus now shifts to their final league-phase fixture against Celtic, where victory could be their ticket to the knockout stages.

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Man Utd star set to exit Old Trafford this summer snubs two transfer options

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Man Utd star set to exit Old Trafford this summer snubs two transfer options

Christian Eriksen’s time at Manchester United is winding down, and the Danish midfielder’s already crossing off a couple of destinations for his next chapter.

With his contract up this summer, he’s confirmed he’s leaving Old Trafford and Major League Soccer or a Danish homecoming aren’t in the cards.

The United brass, under Ruben Amorim’s new vision, won’t extend Eriksen’s deal. At 33, he’s still got fire in his legs and isn’t ready to slow down overseas or coast back home.

So, what’s next? “I don’t know yet. I haven’t made any firm decisions,” Eriksen told Danish outlet Tipsbladet.dk. “Before my cardiac arrest, I played in England for years, moved to Inter, and thought I’d never return. Two years later, I was back in England, and now I’ve been here for almost four years.”

He’s learned plans can flip fast. “Careers don’t always follow a set plan. I don’t have a checklist of things I need to do—I’ll see what comes and what’s best for me and my family,” he said.

Eriksen’s Next Stop: Not MLS or Denmark

One thing’s clear: no stateside stint or Danish Superliga swan song. “We won’t travel that far,” he said of MLS. “Not yet. It’s too early. I still feel like I have good years left abroad. In Denmark, players often return to focus on family and end their careers that way, but I don’t feel like I’m there yet.”

He’s keeping it about the game. “It’s purely about football and where my career stands now. Honestly, I’ve spent more time abroad than in Denmark during my career, so moving home would almost feel like moving to a new country. But we’re not there yet.”

What about old haunts like Ajax, who sniffed around last summer, or Brentford? “I’m not closing the door on anything. I’ll see what opportunities arise and whether they fit,” he said of Amsterdam. “That was last summer we’ll see where they stand this summer. It’s not just up to me; there has to be interest from their side too.”

Brentford’s a maybe too. “Whether it’s Brentford or not, I can’t say. But my intention isn’t to stay in England,” he noted. This isn’t like post-cardiac arrest days, proving he could still play. “Now, it’s just about waiting for the right opportunity and not making hasty decisions. If something feels right, I’ll take it.”

The ex-Spurs and Inter star’s got options and he’s playing it cool ‘til summer hits.

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Lionel Messi Sidelined for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers: What’s Going On?

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Lionel Messi Sidelined for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers: What’s Going On?

Argentina’s football squad is gearing up to face Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but they’ll be missing their iconic captain, Lionel Messi.

The superstar’s fitness woes have struck again, keeping him out of the lineup for these crucial matches.

Messi’s latest setback came after Inter Miami’s clash with Atlanta United on Sunday. He played the full 90 minutes and even scored, but reports from Argentina say he felt muscle discomfort afterward.

That’s enough to rule him out for the qualifiers, adding to a season already peppered with absences.

This year alone, Messi sat out three Inter Miami games in early March due to a pulled muscle.

He only returned last Thursday, coming off the bench to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. Now, this fresh injury has Argentina playing it safe.

Why Argentina’s Rolling Without Messi

Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina’s not sweating it too much. They’re topping the South American qualifying group with 25 points from 12 games five ahead of second-placed Uruguay.

The top six from CONMEBOL punch their ticket straight to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and the 2022 champs could lock it up in these next two.

They’ll take on Uruguay in Montevideo this Friday, then host Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.

Messi’s six goals make him the qualifying round’s leading scorer, so his boots will be missed but Argentina’s depth has them covered.

Elsewhere, Argentina’s also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate’s Paulo Montiel. Brazil, sitting fifth with 18 points, won’t have Neymar either—he’s nursing a thigh injury.

The squad still looks stacked, though Emiliano Martinez in goal, Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi anchoring the back, and firepower up top with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Messi might be out, but Argentina’s still gunning for that World Cup spot.

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Dougie Freedman quits role as Crystal Palace sporting director

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Dougie Freedman quits role as Crystal Palace sporting director

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is leaving the club after seven years in the role and is expected to take up a position in Saudi Arabia.

The 50-year-old, who previously played for and managed the Eagles, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and building a sustainable scouting structure.

Freedman’s Legacy at Crystal Palace

During his tenure, Freedman played a key role in identifying and signing talented players such as Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze.

His work has helped establish a strong foundation for the club’s future success. While his next destination hasn’t been officially confirmed, reports suggest he has been offered a role with the Diriyah Company, which owns Saudi second-tier side Al-Diriyah.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish praised Freedman’s contributions, stating, “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player. I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future.”

Freedman’s Farewell Message

In a heartfelt statement, Freedman expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters. “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners, and to all the staff, managers, and players who have been at the club during my time here. It’s been an honour to represent the club, and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done in growing the football club into its current position.”

He also highlighted the promising future of the squad, saying, “To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.” Freedman thanked the fans for their unwavering support, adding, “Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart.”

Freedman is expected to stay with Crystal Palace on a short-term basis to assist with the transition and succession planning.

Long-term consultant Iain Moody may see his responsibilities expanded as the club looks to maintain the momentum built under Freedman’s leadership.

Freedman’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Crystal Palace, but his legacy of talent identification and squad development ensures the club is well-positioned for continued growth.

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