UEFA Champions League
NEYMAR SAYS ANKLE INJURY ‘COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE’, PSG HOPE HE CAN FACE BARCA

Brazilian star Neymar gave fans a reassuring message on Monday (Dec 14) after undergoing tests on the ankle he injured in Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 Ligue 1 defeat by Lyon at the weekend.
He left the field on a stretcher in apparent agony on Sunday but on Instagram he said: “It could have been worse.”
PSG had earlier said “the clinical opinion following a left ankle sprain sustained last night, is reassuring”.
“These tears, it’s the pain, the fear, the worry, the surgeries, the crutches and other bad memories,” Neymar wrote on his Instagram story alongside a picture of him in tears clutching his ankle.
It was a reference to previous injuries he has suffered – notably twice breaking his foot – since joining the French champions in 2017.
“It could have been worse, but once again, God saved me from something serious,” added Neymar. “I’m going to recover and return as soon as possible.”
The announcement is positive news for PSG after a bad night on Sunday in which they lost top spot in Ligue 1 to Lille following a 1-0 home defeat by Lyon, who also leapfrogged the capital club into second place.
Lyon’s Brazilian midfielder Thiago Mendes, who was sent off for the foul that resulted in Neymar’s injury, apologised on Instagram.
“Mistakes happen. But I’m here to sincerely apologise to Neymar. Like all Brazil’s footballing public, I admire his football and I hope it’s nothing serious.”
Qatar-backed PSG will feel confident Neymar will be back in time for their Champions League last-16 clash in February against troubled Barcelona.
It will be another chance for the French side to avenge their soul-destroying “Remontada” defeat by Barca in 2017.
Having beaten the Catalans 4-0 in the French capital, PSG crashed to a 6-1 defeat at the Camp Nou orchestrated by Neymar, who joined PSG in a €222 million (S$359.5 million) world-record move weeks later.
On Sunday night, the star’s father hit out at the treatment he claims the 28-year-old is subjected to by opponents, calling for more yellow cards.
PSG have been ravaged by a series of injuries, suspensions and coronavirus cases this season, which has left coach Thomas Tuchel’s position in the balance.
Despite heavy investment since Qatar Sports Investments bought the club in 2011, PSG are yet to claim Europe’s biggest prize despite dominating in Ligue 1 with the likes of Neymar and France star Kylian Mbappe.
They reached the final last season but were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich, thanks to a goal from PSG’s own youth product Kingsley Coman.
-AFP
UEFA Champions League
TikTokers spend 27 hours in stadium toilet to watch Champions League final for free

A pair of Belgian TikTokers say they spent 27 hours in an Allianz Arena toilet last weekend before watching Paris St Germain beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final for free.
Neal Remmerie and Senne Haverbeke told VRT News they managed to get into the Munich stadium the day before the match and hid in a toilet cubicle.
After sticking a homemade “Out of Order” sign on the door, the pair waited in silence for more than a day as stadium staff used the facility.
“We had a backpack with snacks and we played around on our phones to kill time,” Remmerie told the Belgian public broadcaster.
“The lights were on all the time and the sitting position was uncomfortable, so sleeping was almost impossible. That made it physically and mentally difficult.”
Once they heard fans starting to use the toilets on matchday, the pair left their bolthole and made their way past ticket inspectors to join the 86,600 crowd in the stands.
“We looked carefully at which security guard was paying the least attention. While on the phone and with food in our hands, we just walked on, and suddenly we were inside,” Remmerie added.
“PSG won 5-0 and we were also in the supporters’ section of the winning team. It was the most beautiful football match we have ever seen.”
The Allianz Arena and UEFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Those fans who made their way into the match more conventionally had to pay anywhere from 90 to 950 euros ($100-$1,100) for their tickets.
-Reuters
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UEFA Champions League
How Heineken Scored a Five-Star UEFA Champions League Experience for Nigerian Fans

Indeed, it was an evening where football merged with lifestyle. Nigerian music stars Fido and Wande Coal brought their A-game, performing crowd favourites that had fans singing along and dancing well into the night.
Their live performances added vibrant colour to an already electrifying evening, keeping the energy alive after the final whistle.
Hard core fans cut across gender, as displayed by the ladies during the Heineken Watch Party in at the Lagos Continental Hotel last Saturday
Adding star power to the experience was ex-Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa, who mingled freely with guests, posed for pictures, and shared expert insight on the game, delighting fans with his presence and personal touch.
“This year’s UEFA Champions League final is not just a match—it’s a cultural moment,” said Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries. “We’re blending world-class football with unforgettable lifestyle experiences. Through our activities, we’re celebrating the real hardcore fans—the ones who make the game magical from wherever they are.”
Shadeko added that Heineken’s goal is to ensure Nigerian fans feel seen and celebrated. “They may not be in Munich, but they’re just as important to the spirit of the game. That’s why we go all out—every year—to make this night one to remember.”
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UEFA Champions League
PEPSI GOALFEST 2025: Record-Breaking UCL Final, Unforgettable Fan Experience!

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of every shot, and the ultimate victory! Last Saturday night, Pepsi brought the UEFA Champions League 2025 final to life at the Pepsi GoalFest 2025, where PSG dominated Inter Milan in a stunning 5-0 victory, setting a new record for goals in a final.
The Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos was completely transformed into an electrifying arena, with a dominant wave of the iconic Pepsi blue.
Football fanatics experienced passion like never before. Inside and around the venue, fans engaged in thrilling football-themed games, moved to the beats of electrifying music, and stayed refreshed with Pepsi.
The energy soared as Dj Yk Mule, Mayorkun, and Do2tun delivered show-stopping performances, all powered by Pepsi.
It wasn’t just a game; it was an immersive celebration of football, an unforgettable night where every cheer, every goal, and every moment was refreshed by Pepsi!








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