Champions League: Koundé double boosts Barcelona, Greenwood lifts Marseille

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, has faced significant criticism following a disastrous second half in a recent match, leading to calls from fans for accountability on platforms like YouTube. This downturn in performance has raised concerns about the team's direction and management strategies.

Rafael Marquez, a legendary defender for Barcelona, is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Mexican national team and is eyeing a coaching opportunity at Barcelona following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed optimism following his team's 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, acknowledging the challenge posed by a strong defensive setup. Despite some frustrations, he highlighted the team's resilience and ability to secure a win in a tough match.

Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League, despite the absence of star forward Mohamed Salah, who has been embroiled in controversy regarding his future at the club. Chelsea faced a setback, losing to Atalanta, while Barcelona managed to defeat Eintracht Frankfurt, marking a mixed night for European football's elite.

Chelsea's hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the Champions League were severely impacted by a late defeat to Atalanta, where Charles De Ketelaere scored a decisive goal. This loss highlighted Chelsea's ongoing struggle with consistency and resilience, particularly in high-stakes matches.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concerns that the team's pursuit of trophies this season may be jeopardized by a troubling cycle of injuries, exacerbated by a demanding fixture schedule. Key players, including Declan Rice, who is sidelined due to illness, and others like Leandro Trossard and William Saliba, are unavailable for upcoming matches, including the Champions League clash against Club Brugge.

Everton ended Chelsea's remarkable unbeaten streak in the Women's Super League (WSL) with a 1-0 victory at Kingsmeadow, thanks to a decisive goal from Honoka Hayashi. This defeat marks Chelsea's first league loss since May 2024 and Sonia Bompastor's first as manager after an impressive tenure. The match was discussed in the Women’s Football Weekly podcast featuring Faye Carruthers, Suzy Wrack, Marva Kreel, and Rich Laverty.

Arsenal has officially registered Gabriel Jesus for their Champions League squad following an injury to Max Dowman, making him eligible to play against Club Brugge. This decision comes after earlier reports suggested otherwise, highlighting the club's proactive approach in managing their roster amid injury challenges.