Ronaldo Nets Brace As Portugal Thrash Poland To Win UEFA Nations League Group

Published

1 year ago

November 15, 2024

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Ronaldo Nets Brace As Portugal Thrash Poland To Win UEFA Nations League Group—-Portugal scored second-half five goals as they thumped Poland in Porto to qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Nations League.

It was a disappointing opening period for Roberto Martinez’s side but goals from Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo, after the break ensured they will finish top of Group A1.

Milan forward Rafael Leao opened the scoring for the hosts as he headed home from a Nuno Mendes cross after starting the move with a superb run from inside his own area into the Polish half.

Ronaldo doubled their lead via a penalty before Fernandes added a third with a superb strike from the edge of the area that crashed off the underside of the crossbar.

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto made it four with a smart finish inside the area before skipper Ronaldo completed the five-star second-half display with a wonderfully-executed bicycle kick from close range.

Dominik Marczuk got one back for the visitors with a well-taken finish from the edge of the box but with two minutes left on the clock it was nothing more than a consolation.

Portugal knew that a win would be enough to secure qualification to the quarter-finals, but with Scotland beating Croatia in the other game of the group, the victory ensures top spot for Martinez’s men.

As for Poland, they are now level on points with Steve Clarke’s Scotland at the foot of the group and the two nations will go head-to-head on Monday in a battle to avoid automatic relegation.

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL—-Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, sealing a dominant 4-0 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The French forward proved decisive on the night, scoring twice to end Liverpool’s European campaign and send the defending champions into the last four for a third consecutive season.

Liverpool’s night was further marred by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a severe leg issue, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.

Manager Arne Slot made bold selection calls, leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially, though the forward was introduced early following Ekitiké’s injury and nearly made an instant impact.

Despite flashes of pressure from Liverpool, PSG remained composed and dangerous on the counter. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the second half with a fine curling effort before adding a second in stoppage time from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were also dashed when a penalty awarded for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned following a VAR review.

The defeat confirms a disappointing end to Liverpool’s European campaign, while PSG continue their title defence and will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals—-Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Barcelona made a blistering start at the Metropolitano, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring early before Ferran Torres doubled their lead inside 24 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

However, Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman, whose crucial strike restored his side’s aggregate advantage following their 2-0 first-leg win.

Diego Simeone’s men then held firm under intense pressure, with Barcelona’s hopes taking a major hit when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.

Despite late attacking changes from coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona were unable to find the third goal needed to force extra time, as Atlético battled through a tense finish.

The result sees Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, keeping alive their dream of winning the competition for the first time in their history.

They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

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