The Nerazzurri struck in the second half through Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku for a 2-0 win in Benfica vs Inter in their Champions League quarterfinal, first leg on Tuesday.
This puts Inter on course for a first last-four appearance since they won the trophy in 2010.
The Italians were the better side in the first half, but had nothing to show for it with their Portuguese hosts holding strong at Estadio da Luz. However, Barella opened the scoring after just six minutes of the second 45 and Odysseas Vlachodimos was all that stood between Simone Inzaghi's men and a second goal.
Barella headed home firmly at the back post in the 51st minute, rising unchallenged to get on the end of a superb cross from centre back Alessandro Bastoni, who was storming up the left side and delivered a pin-point ball.
Substitute Lukaku then converted an 82nd minute penalty after VAR referred a handball by Benfica skipper Joao Mario for review by English referee Michael Oliver, who gave the spot kick after looking at the video monitor on the side of the pitch.
Inter continued to create chances, before Romelu Lukaku tucked home a late penalty after VAR adjudged Joao Mario to have handled a cross .
Andre Onana pulled off a fine last-gasp save from Goncalo Ramos to give them a 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg at the San Siro next week.
The two goals hand Inter a major advantage for the return leg at San Siro next Wednesday, where they will be heavily fancied to progress to an all-Italian semi-final against either neighbours AC Milan or Napoli.
For more Benfica vs Inter news, follow Sportz Point.
Title Race in Top Five European Leagues: What are the equations?
What are the equations in the title race for the top five European leagues? How many points do the leaders need to secure the title? Sportz Point explores this scenario.
European football has gifted us numerous memorable moments and matches this season, and we can expect more to come in the upcoming months.
The top five European Leagues β Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have different title chase scenarios as the leagues are entering the final lap, leading the clubs to their fate in the 2024-25 season.
England, Germany, and France have witnessed a one-sided battle for the league title this season, except for Spain and Italy, where the champions might be decided even in the closing matchday this season.
In this article, we will examine the league table scenarios, possible equations for the league leaders to secure the title, and the contention for the continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for next season.
Premier League
(Image Source | Givemesport)
Liverpool are currently atop the Premier League 2024-25 table, having bagged 73 points in 30 matches. The Reds are edging closer to the title as Arsenal, the second-placed side, dropped points against Everton in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday.
Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Fulham this evening, which will see them going 14 points ahead of the Gunners.
The Mikel Arteta-led side has earned 62 points in 31 games so far. As of now, Liverpool only need 11 points from their last eight games to secure the Premier League title for the 20th time in their history.
Liverpool are just four wins away from being crowned Premier League champions.
If it plays out like that, they could win the title at Anfield vs. Spurs then receive guard of honours from both Chelsea and Arsenal π€― pic.twitter.com/MVDmpDzRhi
Nottingham Forest have been a surprise entrant for a top-four finish in the Premier League, charging for a UEFA Champions League berth next season. The Forest are now third with 57 points in 31 games β five points clear of the fourth-placed Chelsea.
Fifth-placed Manchester City (51 points in 30 games) and Aston Villa (51 points in 31 games), now sixth, will throw a tough challenge for the Champions League and Europa League berth, whereas seventh-placed Newcastle United (50 points in 29 games) might surpass City and Villa in the race.
Barcelona are currently atop the table with 67 points in 30 matches, four points clear of Real Madrid with 63 points in the same number of games. The title race might go down to the last matchday as these two teams will meet in the fierce El Clasico, scheduled for May 11th, which could decide the potential champions.
Despite failing to take full advantage of Real Madridβs slip-up, Barcelona remain πππΌππ ππΌπππππππ to win the LALIGA title - according to @OptaAnalyst ππ pic.twitter.com/uUQ5lu6uir
Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao (53 points in 29 games) are already five points ahead of Real Betis, now fifth (48 points in 30 games) with one game in hand. Sixth-placed Villareal (47 points in 28 games) could pose a challenge for both of them for UCL and UEL qualification, with two games in hand to match Betis' tally.
Serie A 2024-25 might witness one of the greatest showdowns in the title charge in the league's history, as league leaders Inter Milan dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Parma last night.
Defending champions Inter Milan are currently topping the table with 68 points across 31 games, having played one game more than second-placed Napoli, who have accumulated 64 points in 30 games. If Napoli ends this week with a win, the gap between these two teams will be just one, leading the teams to walk the wire in the final matchdays.
π¨ After Interβs draw vs Parma today, the Serie A title race is wide open!
Napoli and Inter are neck and neck β and with only a few games left, neither side can afford to drop points.
The pressure to finish in the top four have also intensified in Italy. With Inter and Napoli confirmed to finish in the top four, third-placed Atalanta (58 points in 30 games), fourth-placed Bologna (56 points in 30 games), fifth-placed Juventus (55 points in 30 games), and sixth-placed AS Roma (52 points in 30 games) will battle it out for the last two UCL berths.
Serie A 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Inter
31
20
8
3
69
30
39
68
2
Napoli
30
19
7
4
47
24
23
64
3
Atalanta
30
17
7
6
63
29
34
58
4
Bologna
30
15
11
4
50
34
16
56
5
Juventus
30
14
13
3
46
28
18
55
6
Roma
30
15
7
8
45
30
15
52
7
Lazio
30
15
7
8
51
42
9
52
8
Fiorentina
31
15
7
9
49
32
17
52
9
Milan
31
13
9
9
47
37
10
48
10
Udinese
31
11
7
13
36
42
-6
40
11
Torino
30
9
12
9
35
35
0
39
12
Genoa
31
9
11
11
29
38
-9
38
13
Como
31
8
9
14
39
48
-9
33
14
Verona
30
9
3
18
29
58
-29
30
15
Cagliari
30
7
8
15
31
44
-13
29
16
Parma
31
5
12
14
37
51
-14
27
17
Lecce
31
6
8
17
21
49
-28
26
18
Empoli
30
4
11
15
24
47
-23
23
19
Venezia
31
3
12
16
23
43
-20
21
20
Monza
31
2
9
20
25
55
-30
15
Bundesliga
(Image Credit | Getty)
As of now, only six points separate league leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern might attain the Bundesliga 2024-25 title and a first trophy for Harry Kane βif they manage to accumulate 13 from the 18 points available.
Bayern Munich are now ahead with 68 points in 28 games, whereas reigning Champions Bayer Leverkusen have managed 62 in the same number of matches, practically confirming their participation in next season's Champions League.
Bayern are leading in the Bundesliga title race. (Image Credit | ESPN)
However, the race for two other UCL berths will draw Eintracht Frankfurt (third, 48 points in 28 games), FSV Mainz (fourth, 46 points in 28 games), RB Leipzig (fifth, 45 points in 28 games), and Borussia Monchengladbach (sixth, 43 points in 27 games) into a battle, looking for places in continental competitions.
Bundesliga 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Bayern
28
21
5
2
81
27
54
68
2
Leverkusen
28
18
8
2
63
34
29
62
3
Eintracht Frankfurt
28
14
6
8
55
42
13
48
4
Mainz
28
13
7
8
46
32
14
46
5
RB Leipzig
28
12
9
7
44
35
9
45
6
MΓΆnchengladbach
27
13
4
10
44
40
4
43
7
SC Freiburg
28
12
6
10
38
44
-6
42
8
Dortmund
28
12
5
11
52
43
9
41
9
VfB Stuttgart
28
11
7
10
51
44
7
40
10
Werder
28
11
6
11
45
53
-8
39
11
Augsburg
28
10
9
9
31
39
-8
39
12
Wolfsburg
27
10
8
9
49
41
8
38
13
Union Berlin
27
8
6
13
25
40
-15
30
14
Hoffenheim
28
6
9
13
34
52
-18
27
15
FC St. Pauli
27
7
4
16
22
33
-11
25
16
Heidenheim
28
6
4
18
32
53
-21
22
17
VfL Bochum
28
5
5
18
28
59
-31
20
18
Holstein Kiel
28
4
6
18
39
68
-29
18
Ligue 1
The redesigned Ligue 1 trophy. (Image Source | X)
Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title after beating Angers 1-0 last night, ensuring their fourth successive title with 74 points in 28 games. The Luis Enrique-managed side have been crowned champions with six matches remaining and are now 24 points ahead of the second-placed AS Monaco (50 points in 28 matches).
PSG have clinched another milestone, winning the league title without losing a single game so far, and with six matches remaining, they will look to embrace the 'invincible' tag by ending the season without a single defeat.
PSG have won the 2024-25 Ligue 1. (Image Credit | Getty Images)
If Les Parisiens complete an unbeaten league season, they will join a special group of clubs from Europe's top five leagues that have achieved this feat. This group includes Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Juventus in 2012, Arsenal in 2004, AC Milan in 1992, Perugia in 1979, and Preston North End in 1889.
However, the race to qualify for next season's UCL will go down to the wire between six teams who are differentiated by only four points β AS Monaco (50), Olympique de Marseille (49), Olympique Lyonnais (48), OGC Nice (47), Lille OSC (47), and RC Strasbourg (46).
Ligue 1 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
PSG
28
23
5
0
80
26
54
74
2
Monaco
28
15
5
8
54
35
19
50
3
Marseille
27
15
4
8
54
36
18
49
4
Lyon
28
14
6
8
54
38
16
48
5
Nice
28
13
8
7
52
35
17
47
6
LOSC
28
13
8
7
42
30
12
47
7
Strasbourg
27
13
7
7
45
35
10
46
8
Brest
28
13
4
11
44
43
1
43
9
Lens
27
11
6
10
31
30
1
39
10
Auxerre
27
9
8
10
38
39
-1
35
11
Toulouse
27
9
7
11
35
33
2
34
12
Rennes
27
10
2
15
38
37
1
32
13
Nantes
28
7
9
12
33
47
-14
30
14
Angers
28
7
6
15
26
46
-20
27
15
Reims
27
6
8
13
29
41
-12
26
16
Le Havre
27
7
3
17
29
57
-28
24
17
St-Γtienne
27
6
5
16
28
63
-35
23
18
Montpellier
27
4
3
20
21
62
-41
15
(*all stats are accurate as of the time of publishing this article.)
Real Madrid stars could be banned before their intense clash against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Antoine Rudiger could reportedly be banned for their UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal. Read the full story in this article from Sportz Point.
One of the incidents being examined is a gesture of Antonio Rudiger's cut-throat celebrations towards the Atletico Madrid's fan base. Meanwhile, some video footage is circulating on social media, showing that Mbappe is making a gesture of groin-squeezing during the triumph celebrations. If the investigations lead to charges and a guilty sentence, the players could face disciplinary actions in the form of suspension, fines, or both.
Real Madrid will eagerly await UEFA's final statement, as a ban for Vinicius, Rudiger, Ceballos, and Mbappe could significantly impact their preparations for the tie against Arteta. They will face the Gunners on April 8 in the Emirates Stadium, with the return fixture a week later in Santiago Bernabeu.
Previous Incidents:
Image Credit": News.com
An example of similar behavior in the past led to financial fines and suspensions, setting an example that could influence UEFAβs decision on the current case. Last summer, during Euro 2024, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined 30,000 euros and handed a one-match suspended ban for a groin-squeezing gesture after scoring a late equalizer in Englandβs 2-1 win over Slovakia in the tournamentβs Round of 16.
Another example occurred in 2019 when Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone received a 20,000 euro fine for a similar act after his team scored against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Let us know your thoughts via our Twitter, moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.
Bayern Munich's Left Back Alphonso Davies sidelined for six months with ACL Injury
Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich faced a big blow as Alphonso Davies was sidelined for six months with an ACL injury. Read how it happened and when it happened.
Bayern Munich's Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies will miss six months due to a torn ACL, ending his season. The left-back suffered the injury during Canada's 2-1 victory over the United States of America last weekend. As a result, he was replaced after just 12 minutes. Even though the players and coaching staff seemed initially upbeat. It appears that the problem is more serious than previously.
Bayern Munich's Left Back Alphonso Davies sidelined for six months with ACL Injury | Image Credit: Sporting News
The Club revealed that Davies will now be sidelined for at least six months due to a tear in his right knee's cruciate ligament. This conclusion was made after tests on the issue were conducted in Munich on Wednesday. He is scheduled for surgery, on Wednesday.
Dayot Upamecano will be out for an extended period.
Bayern Munich, who continue to be in the running for the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season were depressed by the news. The team will also need to address Dayot Upamecano's absence for several weeks due to left knee soreness. So, Alphonso Davies' news is not the only issue for the Bavarians from the international break.
π¨ Bayern confirm Alphonso Davies has suffered ACL injury and he will be out for 6 months.
Dayot Upamecano will also be sidelined for several weeks with loose joints in his left knee. pic.twitter.com/Iai9gdgs9X
Alphonso Davies has been a consistent member of the Bayern Munich team, this season. In 30 games across all the competitions, he contributed three goals including two assists. With eight games remaining in the Bundesliga title race, Bayern Munich led Bayer Leverkusen by six points. Next Month, the German giant will play Inter Milan in a crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match.
Sporting Director Max Eberl on the injuries to Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano. π¬
The Bavarians have been hit with a massive setback as they will miss Alphonso Davies for the remainder season, which means Vincent Kompany will have to play his alternative. Alphonso Davies has been impressive for the Bavarians under Vincent Kompany. His presence was significant for the team in the matches, helping them maintain their lead at the top of the table and keeping their UEFA Champions League aspiring alive.
Explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.
There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.
In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.
What will be the ranking factors?
Trophies they conquered
Recent success
Longevity in this sport
Performance compared to expectations
10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:
RANK
MANAGERS
NATIONALITY
CURRENT CLUB
1.
Pep Guardiola
Spanish
Manchester City
2.
Carlo Ancelotti
Italian
Real Madrid
3.
Arne Slot
Dutch
Liverpool FC
4.
Simone Inzaghi
Italian
Inter Milan
5.
Xabi Alonso
Spanish
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
6.
Mikel Arteta
Spanish
Arsenal FC
7.
Diego Simeone
Argentine
Atletico Madrid
8.
Jurgen Klopp
German
Currently unattached with any clubs
9.
Hansi Flick
German
FC Barcelona
10.
Unai Emery
Spanish
Aston Villa
10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:
Image Credit: The Times
Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas.
Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:
4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:
Image Credit: Barca Universal
While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.
Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:
1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)
8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:
Image Credit: BBC
Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.
The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.
Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:
1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)
7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:
Image Credit: Atletico Madrid
One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again.
The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title.
Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:
2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)
6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:
Image Credit: CNN
Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.
If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.
Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:
2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.
5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:
Image Credit: GOAL
The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.
Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.
Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:
1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:
Image Credit: BBC
To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.
He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.
Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:
1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
-5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach
3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:
Image Credit: The NY Times
After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.
Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.
Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:
1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)
2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:
Image Credit: The Guardian
As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelottiwill leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.
The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.
Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:
5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)
1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:
Image Credit: Manchester City FC
Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.
Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.
Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:
3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)
What would you rather choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League
In this special article, Sport Point examines the advantages and disadvantages of either crashing out in the Champions League semifinals or winning the Europa League.
UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are the two pinnacles of European club tournaments, awarding the coveted continental silverware to the top clubs in Europe.
Borth tournaments are prestigious for clubs competing in these, and hold different merits and various aspects of prizes that come with these silverware.
However, if you are a fan of a top club that crashed out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, you would definitely be disheartened. But, on the other end, if your club clinches the Europa League, would you celebrate it in the same manner when your club reached the UCL semis?
This may be a tough choice for fans who naturally covet the utmost success for their beloved clubs. But this question may always arise in every football fan's mind, which one is better to choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League?
Sportz Point delves into this interesting discussion through this article.
Crashing out of UEFA Champions League Semis: Pros and Cons
(Image Credit | Al Jazeera)
Advantages
Playing in the UEFA Champions League is already competing at the highest level, and reaching the semifinals is a very significant achievement.
If a mid-table club in the top five European leagues manages, or a club that belongs to a league other than the lower coefficients in the UEFA European leagues ranking, reaching this level can also provide valuable experience for the team and contribute to their reputation.
Reaching the semifinals demonstrates a lot about the team. It means they were able to overcome the best clubs in Europe and reach the knockout stage.
If looked at from a monetary point of view, the UCL semifinalists receive a prize money of β¬15 million that helps the teams to look forward to their future. The Champions League also draws more marketing or TV ratings.
UEFA prize money distribution (as of 31 Jan):
7β£3β£% to UCL clubs (β¬2.14 billion) 1β£8β£% to UEL clubs (β¬528 million) 9β£% to UECL clubs (β¬265 million) pic.twitter.com/anllbpFPQK
Losing at this stage can be disappointing, especially if the team had induced high hopes of winning the tournament. For example, Ajax in the 2018-19 UCL claimed attention in the best possible way, beating defending champions Real Madrid on the way, but crashed out of the semi-finals.
If a team loses in the semifinals without winning anything in the domestic league, it will be considered a disastrous trophyless season. Very few people would be impressed by a club simply for reaching the semifinals.
On the contrary, a semi-final defeat can disrupt a team's momentum, potentially affecting their performance in domestic competitions.
This also may lead to a massive exodus of players from the club, especially if the club is not an European powerhouse already. The top European players will go after the players who performed well for the team, leading to the dismantling of the core group, making it harder to repeat the feat in the future continental competitions.
Winning the UEFA Europa League: Pros and Cons
(Image Credit | Getty Images)
Advantages
For most of the clubs, winning a silverware is a huge achievement. Winning the Europa League has its own advantages, considering that most of the mid-table or apparently mediocre clubs compete in this tournament.
Winning the Europa League guarantees a continental silverware, which is always better than a trophy-less season. It also ensures a direct qualification in the next season's Champions League.
The winners of the Europa League also meet the Champions League winners in a season-end competition, called the UEFA Super Cup, which presents another opportunity to clinch another silverware.
Winning a major European trophy significantly enhances a club's global status and reputation. This success can attract sponsors, and elite players as well.
Disadvantages
The biggest drawback of taking part in the Europa League, particularly of winning it, is the scheduling of midweek games. This may lead to a congested fixture, resulting in fatigue among the players as well as higher injury risks. Consequently, this affects the players' performance within domestic leagues or other tournaments. The Thursday-Sunday format of the Europa League puts more pressure on players than the Tuesday-Wednesday format of the Champions League.
Although it is a big silverware, the Europa League is usually less prestigious than the Champions League, and therefore makes it less attractive than the clubs competing in the UCL.
Comparing to the Champions League, the Europa League offers lower prize money. This will be a downer for the clubs that are reliant on their European competition-generated revenue, more so those operating outside the major five European clubs.
The difference in prize money between 108 clubs playing UCL, UEL and UECL visualized. pic.twitter.com/T5IZwmOhsC
To be honest, it is subjective and depends on different contexts.
For a world-class team that can contest the Champions League, playing in the Europa League could be a disappointment or a consolation for the team, the management and mostly, for the supporters.
However, if a team has no practical hope of winning the Champions League but can contest the title for the Europa League, it would be preferable to lift the trophy instead of qualifying to the semi-finals.
In conclusion, the Champions League semi-final defeat is an indicator of greater competition and ability, while the Europa League win is a concrete victory. So, we can say that there is no definite 'better' result between these two.
Follow Us/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/35201b7914edaea555fdea63dd6d1dfc8dc1c34719b14c211d1220411c846bd1.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72310870/1413627360.0.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73778914/2188651654.0.jpg)
