UEFA Champions League
Havertz curler sends Chelsea into Champions League knockout stage
A fine strike from Kai Havertz earned Chelsea a battling 2-1 victory at Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday as they clinched a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as group winners.
Chelsea put on a dazzling display in the first half, taking the lead in the 23rd minute through Mateo Kovacic’s instinctive left-foot finish from 20 metres, but they wasted several chances to double their advantage before the interval.
The Premier League side were made to pay for their profligacy early in the second half as Junior Adamu prodded home the equaliser, only for Havertz to restore Chelsea’s lead with a superb curled strike into the top corner in the 64th minute.
Salzburg rallied late on but found keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in fine form, helping the Blues to see out the win that moves them three points clear of second-placed AC Milan, whose 4-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb meant Chelsea will finish top in Group E.
“It’s not easy to create chances against this team but we did, we created good chances from good play,” Chelsea coach Graham Potter said.
“We’ve had a lot of games and disruption in terms of key players missing but they (the team) have responded really well and to go through in the Champions League, it’s a fantastic effort. We will take steps, tonight was one of those.”
Despite Salzburg never having beaten English opposition in Europe, Chelsea’s task coming into the match looked formidable with the Austrians on a 40-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
However, Kovacic’s fine finish from the edge of the penalty area, after Havertz was dispossessed, settled the away team’s nerves.
Chelsea should have capitalised further on their first-half domination but two superb saves from goalkeeper Philipp Kohn to thwart Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, kept the hosts in the game.
Salzburg looked like a different team after the break, and levelled through Adamu three minutes into the second half, with the forward slotting home after a sweeping move.
The 2021 Champions League winners remained undeterred, with Jorginho’s header cleared off the line before Havertz picked up Christian Pulisic’s pass to settle the contest in style. It was his first goal from outside the penalty area for Chelsea.
Despite having to endure late Salzburg pressure, Chelsea deserved the win that continues their renaissance under new coach Potter.
The victory meant Potter became the second Englishman to go undefeated in his first nine games as Chelsea manager after William Lewis in 1906-07.
Salzburg are third in the group, and must beat Milan in Italy next week to reach the last 16.
“In the end the (team with) better quality have won,” Kohn told Sky Austria. “Such a goal he (Havertz) doesn’t score every day, I have to congratulate him for that. It’s a little bit annoying, we would have liked to get a point.”
-Reuters
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
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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!
- OBITUARY1 week ago
BREAKING: Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- WAFCON6 days ago
Nigeria, Tunisia Set for High-Stakes WAFCON 2024 Clash in Casablanca
- OBITUARY6 days ago
Peter Rufai and I, Ike Shorunmu, pays tribute to late mentor
- OBITUARY1 week ago
Peter Rufai looked lean when I last saw him, says mourning NFF President, Gusau
- WAFCON4 days ago
Banyana Banyana Begin WAFCON Title Defence with Commanding Win Over Ghana
- WAFCON1 week ago
With a new trophy, Morocco, the Kingdom of Light, ignites a new WAFCON era
- WAFCON5 days ago
WAFCON 2024: At last, Super Falcons break opening match losing streak