
<p>The round of 16 in the 2022/23 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> concluded with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and Napoli seeing off <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> and Eintracht Frankfurt, respectively. Both of those teams won the away legs three weeks ago by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-shocks-liverpool-napoli-dominates-in-champions-league-20230221-WST-420769.html">comfortable margins</a>. Real Madrid dismantled Liverpool with a three-goal second half. Napoli continued its masterful form by dispatching Frankfurt after Randal Kolo Muani picked up a red card. </p>



<p>Both of those teams knew that, entering this game, all they had to do was contain their opponent. While Liverpool has a history of comebacks in the Champions League, it failed to exact one on Real Madrid. As a result, for the fourth time in the last six seasons, Los Blancos eliminate the Reds in the Champions League.</p>



<h2>Real Madrid and Napoli advance to quarterfinals of UCL</h2>



<h5>Real Madrid sees off Liverpool again</h5>



<p>Despite not <em>needing</em> to score, Real Madrid clearly wanted to hush out any chance of a Liverpool comeback. The highlights of Real’s barrage on the Liverpool net were a couple of fantastic saves from Alisson. On one occassion, the Brazilian robbed his compatriot Vinicius Jr. with a desperation clearance at the goal line. Not long after that, a lunging save tipped an Eduardo Camavinga shot onto the <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1636101330279477249" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crossbar</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thierry Henry&apos;s reaction to Carra and Micah’s puns. 💀 <a href="https://t.co/hHJVDDz9ES">pic.twitter.com/hHJVDDz9ES</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1636112313140011009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Liverpool had chances, too. Darwin Núñez forced two saves out of Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the first half, looking to jump start Liverpool. Diogo Jota also had a chance on the volley that he lashed wide of the frame. </p>



<p>In the second half, though, Real Madrid dominated. After a number of chances that the hosts failed to tuck away, Karim Benzema put the tie to bed. A perfect ball between Liverpool lines from Camavinga to Benzema allowed the recipient to turn. Despite Virgil van Dijk getting his body in the way, the ball fell to Vinicius, who fanned on a shot. Yet, the ball stayed at his feet, allowing him to fling a pass over to Benzema, who passed it into the net with Alisson challenging Vinicius.</p>



<p>Real Madrid is through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the third-straight year as it looks to defend its title.</p>



<h5>Napoli makes history of its own</h5>



<p>The same cannot be said about Napoli. Luciano Spalletti has Napoli breaking its own barriers. While the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/napoli-regain-18-point-lead-in-serie-a-with-victory-over-atalanta-20230311-WST-423095.html">18-point gap</a> in Serie A is one thing, this is Napoli’s first ever trip to the quarterfinals of the Champions League or European Cup. And, it is not that Napoli is beating up on the lower teams in the Champions League.</p>



<p>Yes, the club’s goal differential after eight games is +19 with seven wins and a loss. But, some of those major wins are against elite sides. Liverpool, Ajax and now last season’s Europa-league-winning Frankfurt side all felt the wrath of this Napoli team. </p>



<p>Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Frankfurt, coupled with a 2-0 scoreline in Germany, has Napoli breezing into the knockout stage. While Khvicha Kvaratskhelia&nbsp;did not feature on the scoreline in this game, his partner leading the line did, twice. Victor Osimhen, who is certainly poised for a move to one of Europe’s traditional giants, bagged a brace against Frankfurt.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An unstoppable Victor Osimhen header. <br><br>His 50th goal for Napoli. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/9z1FAacJRL">pic.twitter.com/9z1FAacJRL</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1636108212150865920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The first showed his athleticism, leaping up above the Frankfurt defense and heading a cross over a helpless Kevin Trapp. The second goal did leave some concerns, as he needed his wrist wrapped up after tapping home from the goal line. The Nigerian, fortunately, continued, perhaps showing the knock is not <em>too </em>serious.</p>



<p>Both Napoli and Real Madrid learn their foes for the Champions League quarterfinals during the draw on Friday morning at 7.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Lagencia</em></p>


Real Madrid and Napoli punched their tickets to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with a pair of shutout wins.

Real Madrid, Napoli breeze into Champions League quarterfinals


<p>Manchester United are reportedly set to target Randal Kolo Muani this summer. According to <em><a href="https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/eintracht-frankfurt/fuer-diesen-frankfurt-star-top-klub-bereitet-erstes-mega-angebot-vor-83207806.bild.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bild</a></em>, the Red Devils would be willing bid as high as $126 million for the Eintracht Frankfurt star. The 24-year-old Frenchman only just arrived to the German club on a free transfer last summer.</p>



<p>Kolo Muani has racked up an impressive 16 goals and 12 assists in 33 total matches so far this season. His combined 21 goals/assists during <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/">Bundesliga</a> play tops all players during the 2022/23 campaign. Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala is currently second in this category among German top flight players with 19 goals/assists.</p>



<h2>Kolo Muani is potential backup plan for United</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> would supposedly turn to Kolo Muani should they fail to sign Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen. Both of these superstar strikers would potentially cost more than the Frankfurt forward. The Red Devils would, however, also have competition for Kolo Muani. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> are also reportedly interested in the striker as well.</p>



<p>Kolo Muani currently has five international caps for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a>. He picked up three of these appearances during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The forward grabbed a goal and an assist in the trio of fixtures for France. The youngster was also the player that had a massive opportunity to win the World Cup for France. Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez, however, made a massive 1v1 save in the final moments of the match.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Argentina vs. France Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup Final" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mxkg3qLIPC8?start=249&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h5>Striker still thinks about huge World Cup opportunity </h5>



<p>The Frenchman told <em>beIN Sports</em> last month that he still relives the shot. “I still watch it. I know it off by heart,” <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11862895/Manchester-United-set-launch-club-record-105MILLION-bid-sign-Randal-Kolo-Muani.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Kolo Muani. “In my head, I said to myself, ‘Randal, you have to shoot now.’ I tried to shoot towards the near post but the goalkeeper made a very good save. But there were other options.”</p>



<p>“I could have lobbed him, or find Kylian Mbappe [who was free on the left]. But in the moment, I didn’t see him. It’s only when you watch back that you discover the other options. It’s too late. It still sticks in my throat and it’ll be there for life.”</p>



<p>Nevertheless, his successful season in Germany has helped catapult himself into a top-tier transfer target. Frankfurt will surely have to field some serious offers during this summer’s transfer window. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / HMB-Media</em></p>


Manchester United will reportedly target Randal Kolo Muani during the summer transfer window as the Red Devils hunt for a striker.

Man United target Frankfurt's Kolo Muani, says report - World Soccer Talk

Man United target Frankfurt's Kolo Muani, says report


<p>Tuesday’s round of 16 first legs in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> delivered no shortage of fireworks. In one game, last season’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> winners Eintracht Frankfurt took on the most in-form team in Europe. In the other, UEFA treated fans to a rematch of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/28/vinicius-strikes-as-real-madrid-beat-liverpool-in-champions-league-final/">last season’s Champions League Final</a> between Real Madrid and Liverpool.</p>



<p>The drama was unmatched. At Anfield, Liverpool jumped out to a two-goal lead inside the first quarter of an hour. However, a miraculously vicious comeback allowed the visitors to return to Spain with an advantage on the aggregate score.</p>



<p>Real Madrid certainly made a habit of that a season ago. It had dramatic comebacks in each of the knockout stages before defeating Liverpool in the Final. This one did not require a 90th minute prayer. Instead, it was level at halftime, and separated by the end of the game.</p>



<h5>Real Madrid emerge from a stunned Anfield</h5>



<p>For the first 15 minutes, though, it was Liverpool back at its brilliant best. Darwin Núñez scored a stunner with a flick between his legs. Thibaut Courtois did gift the hosts and Mohamed Salah a goal. Real Madrid matched the brilliance and botchery of Liverpool, though. Vinícius Júnior scored a stunner of his own. Then, with 35 minutes played, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson sent a clearing attempt off of the Brazilian and in. Two freak misplays by either goalie combined with sumptuous goals at either end. </p>



<p>In the second half, it was all Real Madrid. Eder Militao put <em>Los Blancos </em>ahead off a set piece header. Then, Karim Benzema sent a shot off Joe Gomez that sputtered past Alisson. In a flash, it was 4-2, a seemingly insurmountable mountain for the Reds. Karim Benzema added another on the counter attack to make it five.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: Extended Highlights | UCL Round of 16 - Leg 1 | CBS Sports Golazo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qCm0uKgQxvc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>Jürgen Klopp will have to summit that mountain in another patented Liverpool comeback in a few weeks time.</p>



<h2>Napoli continues unbeatable form to match Real Madrid’s display</h2>



<p>In the other game, Napoli showed why it is lighting up <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> and doing the same in the UEFA Champions League. Despite Kvicha Kvaratskhelia missing a penalty in the first half, his forward partner in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/dominance-of-victor-osimhen-taking-napoli-to-new-heights-20230221-WST-419166.html">Victor Osimhen</a> made the difference. The Nigerian striker continued to put the ball in the net with his 10th goal in his last nine games in all competitions.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Napoli: Extended Highlights | UCL Round of 16 - Leg 1 | CBS Sports Golazo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fw_YjQjoBzs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The second half was not as dominant as Real Madrid’s, but it served its purpose for the Italians. A second goal for some security arrived from Giovanni di Lorenzo. Then, Randal Kolo Muani, one of Eintracht Frankfurt’s top talents up top, picked up a red card. Kolo Muani is Frankfurt’s top scorer on the season, but will miss out on the return leg at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.</p>



<p>That game at Napoli, and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">second leg of the Real Madrid-Liverpool tie</a>, are March 15.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images</em></p>


Real Madrid and Napoli looked near unstoppable on Tuesday as both picked up wins on the road in the UEFA Champions League

Real shocks Liverpool, Napoli dominates in Champions League

destacadas


<p>Bayern Munich stumbled to a third consecutive draw in the Bundesliga as they were held at home by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/stvs_team/eintracht-frankfurt/">Eintracht Frankfurt </a>on Saturday evening. </p>



<p>The result meant that the Allianz Arena side are only one point clear of Union Berlin at the top of the table. It was billed to be a routine win for the hosts despite Frankfurt being unbeaten in five league games.</p>



<h5>Gnabry dropped to bench</h5>



<p>Much of the pre-game talk revolved around<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21144047/serge-gnabry-gucci-for-paris-fashion-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Serge Gnabry </a>who had attended the Paris Fashion Show in midweek. </p>



<p>Despite the German midfielder being dropped to the bench, Bayern took the lead in the 34<sup>th</sup> minute when Leroy Sane slotted home Thomas Muller’s cross from the right flank. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leroy Sané with a quick finish to give Bayern the lead ⚡ <a href="https://t.co/sTANeHNHOJ">pic.twitter.com/sTANeHNHOJ</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1619400366394572800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Two minutes later Dayot Upamecano could have doubled the lead, but the defender missed his header from just six yards from Kingsley Coman’s cross following a corner.</p>



<p>The away side hardly offered anything in the first half but soon got into their stride after the restart. They limited Bayern’s midfield who could hardly carve out any openings in the final third. &nbsp;</p>



<h5>Equalizer for Eintracht Frankfurt</h5>



<p>Randal Kolo Muani then equalized in the 69<sup>th</sup> minute after Daichi Kamada’s brilliant hold up play. The Japanese forward did his best to keep possession and drag the Bayern defenders out of position before feeding Muani. The Frenchman held off Upamecano before smashing into the far corner from a tight angle to restore parity on the night.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">KOLO MUANI EQUALIZES AGAINST BAYERN 😱<br><br>Kamada with the no-look assist 👏 <a href="https://t.co/J6QNtPEUMO">pic.twitter.com/J6QNtPEUMO</a></p>— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus/status/1619414230993625091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Both sides ringed on the changes from the bench in search of a winner and it Muller whose header from the center of the box was well saved by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. Joshua Kimmich then fired wide from just outside the box before Frankfurt got a late corner as the game ended all square at the final whistle.</p>



<p>Frankfurt would feel they deserved the draw over the course of the game and the result sees them trail Bayern in fifth place with only 5 points behind. The Bundesliga title seems to be close this season as only three points separate the top four teams. </p>



<p>It’s back to the drawing board for Julian Nagelsmann as the German manager must sort out his best starting eleven as they travel to Wolfsburg next weekend before the round of 16 clash against Mainz in the DFB Pokal in midweek.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Eibner</p>


Bayern Munich stumbled to a third consecutive draw in the Bundesliga as they were held at home by Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening.

Bayern held at home by Eintracht Frankfurt - World Soccer Talk

Bayern held at home by Eintracht Frankfurt

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<p>As the lead commentator for ESPN’s coverage and a long-time world feed broadcaster of the German top flight, few have Derek Rae’s knowledge of the Bundesliga.</p>
<p>World Soccer Talk had the chance to have a phone call with Rae to break down his predictions for the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign. While not an official table, Rae did offer some insights into what the season may hold.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Derek Rae previews the 2022/23 Bundesliga season" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VCKxg8dpddY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<h3>Derek Rae talks 2022/23 Bundesliga season</h3>
<p>The conversation touches on a variety of topics within the league. At the top of the table, Derek Rae does not see the monopoly of domination from Bayern Munich changing. Despite losing its talisman in Robert Lewandowski, the depth is simply too much to match as of now. Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, is already facing some poor luck. Sebastian Haller, the new striker replacing Erling Haaland at the top of the line, is set to miss time <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/07/19/dortmunds-haller-vows-to-come-back-stronger-after-testicular-tumour-diagnosis/">after the discovery of a tumor</a>.</p>
<p>The common focus of the Bundesliga is on Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. However, in Derek Rae’s Bundesliga chat, he talks about the battle at the bottom of the table, as well.</p>
<p>Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen make a return to the Bundesliga. Yet, safety is far from guaranteed. Derek Rae predicts that a number of teams could be under the microscope as they look to stay alive in the Bundesliga this season.</p>
<h5>ESPN coverage of the Bundesliga</h5>
<p>The interview above also touches on ESPN’s continued coverage of the Bundesliga.</p>
<p>Rae is the voice behind ESPN’s major weekend with the Bundesliga. Now in its third year of broadcasting the league, ESPN welcomes back the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in a big way. With pitch-side coverage from Frankfurt and Dortmund on Friday and Saturday, respectively, the Bundesliga is officially back.</p>
<p>On both Friday and Saturday, Derek Rae is on the call. For Friday’s fixture, Bayern Munich, the “Rekordmeister” of the Bundesliga, takes on the 2021/22 Europa League champions, Eintracht Frankfurt. Coverage of Friday’s game is on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN+</a> and ESPN Deportes, exclusively.</p>
<p>Then, on Saturday, ABC is the channel of Derek Rae. He calls Borussia Dortmund’s battle hosting Bayer Leverkusen. The game on ABC is also available on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.</p>


Derek Rae, ESPN's lead voice for its Bundesliga coverage, joins World Soccer Talk to break down his takes for the upcoming campaign.

Derek Rae previews the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign - World Soccer Talk

Derek Rae previews the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign

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<p>Rangers’ qualification to the Europa League Final represents one of the historic sides practicing something of a renaissance.</p>
<p>This season, the <em>Kings of Scotland</em> emerged as a nightmare to face in Europe. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men continue to remind the world about Rangers Football Club and their belonging amongst Europe’s elite. Following last season’s end to a ten year title drought, the 55-times champions of Scotland catch eyes and ears ahead of the side’s first European final since 2008.</p>
<p>With a historical semi-final comeback win in Glasgow, the Rangers advanced to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">2021/22 Europa League final</a> following a 3-2 aggregate win over RB-Leipzig.<br>
Like their previous elimination ties this season, the <em>Gers</em> refused to back down. In Germany, Rangers lost 1-0 in the first leg. Coming back to Ibrox, the boys from Glasgow needed a two-goal victory to advance without extra time.</p>
<p>An amazing start to the match saw Rangers up 2-0 within the first half hour. Of course, this left plenty of time for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku to draw his side level. However, it developed into one of Rangers’ great nights in Europe. The Ibrox faithful grew enamored with John Lundstram after the clubs new darling grabbed the game-winner. His 81st-minute strike allowed Rangers supporters to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/05/rangers-roar-into-europa-league-final/">erupt in their renowned unity</a>.</p>
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<p>Now with redemption at a European cup final, Rangers eyes another German opponent. Eintracht Frankfurt awaits at the Estadio R. Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville, on May 18.</p>
<h3>Rangers set for Europa League Final</h3>
<p>Right-back James Tavernier is now the Europa League’s top goal scorer with 7 goals to his name. The 30 year-old Rangers captain has been a massive factor in the teams arrival to the final. What is more remarkable is how he earned the top spot among the Europa League’s goal-scorers. Tavernier scored each of his seven goals in Rangers’ eight knockout stage games.</p>
<p>The club’s two leaders up front, Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe, missed extended periods of time this season. Rangers players responded brilliantly with dividing up the responsibility in-front of goal. Morelos, a Colombian international, is indisputably <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12582974/alfredo-morelos-rangers-striker-to-miss-rest-of-season-after-undergoing-surgery-on-thigh-injury">out for the rest of the season</a> with a thigh injury. However, Roofe and Aaron Ramsey could well appear in the final. This would be a massive boost for Rangers against a strong Eintracht side.</p>
<h5>Return to prominence</h5>
<p>Throughout this journey to the final, Rangers forced the soccer world to take the Scottish side more seriously. Rangers knocked out Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, SC Braga and now RB-Leipzig in the knockout stage. This exemplifies the growth in confidence of the Ibrox club. Having now knocked out two major Bundesliga sides, Van Bronckhorst’s men surely understand what awaits them.</p>
<p>The club last appeared in the final of this competition back in the 2007/08 campaign. That year, Zenit St. Petersburg defeated the Scottish side at the City of Manchester Stadium, 2-0. Rangers has the opportunity to restore the respect of Scottish soccer in Europe. A victory would automatically bring the Rangers back into the UEFA Champions League, which last hosted Rangers in 2010/11. Plus, it would be Rangers’ biggest European trophy in its storied history.</p>
<p>Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s club also has an upcoming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/scottish-cup-tv-schedule/">Scottish Cup Final</a> against Hearts on May 21. If anything, that accentuates the rediscovered sense of belief and ambition in the Rangers camp.</p>
<p>Current Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard revived the excitement back into this football club. He led them back to a Scottish Premiership a season ago. Giovanni van Bronckhorst picked up right where he left off with the club. Rangers’ brilliant attacking play keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Rangers should have that on full display in the Europa League Final.</p>
<p><em>Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images</em></p>


Rangers earned a spot in the Europa League Final for later in May. It is the resurgence of one of the most dominant sides in Europe domestically.

Rangers takes aim at redemption in Europa League Final - World Soccer Talk

Rangers takes aim at redemption in Europa League Final

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<p>Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi seemed to reach a head in early April.</p>
<p>Barcelona defeated second-place Sevilla courtesy of a magnificent Pedri strike in the 72nd minute. The squad trotted around the field applauding fans. At the time, Barcelona shot itself into second in the LaLiga table, a far cry from where it was just six months prior. The win also came on the back of the club’s biggest result of the year.</p>
<p>Two weeks earlier, just before the March international break, Barcelona went to Madrid and dismantled its biggest rivals. As Piqué, one of Barcelona’s leaders, put it, “<a href="https://twitter.com/3gerardpique/status/1505664571138351105">we are back</a>.”</p>
<p>It was Barcelona’s first win over Real Madrid since 2019. The confidence and emotion on the pitch heavily contrasted just months prior. <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/barcelona-news-antoine-griezmann-messi-24888792">Lionel Messi and Griezmann left</a>, <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/12413637/ronald-koeman-sacked-by-barcelona">Barcelona sacked Ronald Koeman</a>. Now, Barcelona was on top of the world Barcelona was on top of the world, at least based on form and potential.</p>
<p>It would not be possible without the person at the helm. Xavi’s innovative tactics and calculated transfers revolutionized an awry Barcelona club. In just a couple months, he appeared to return the Catalan side to one of the better clubs in Europe.</p>
<p>However, what makes the extraordinary story even more unbelievable was what came before it. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/18/barcelonas-1-5-billion-debt-how-a-mega-club-fell-into-a-financial-black-hole-and-lost-its-star/">Billions of dollars in debt</a>, a self-inflicted storm nearly destroyed Barcelona.</p>
<h5>Koeman and chaos</h5>
<p>As a player, Ronald Koeman scored the game-winning goal for Barcelona’s first European Cup in 1992. Like other clubs in Europe, Barcelona sought to revitalize the squad’s energy with a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/17/gauging-the-success-of-former-players-as-managers/">former player as manager</a>. Understanding the history of the Blaugrana, Koeman had successful stints at Ajax and PSV in the Eredivisie.</p>
<p>Koeman started off poorly, as Barcelona looked like a shadow of its old self. Barca finished third, its worst finish in LaLiga since 2008, in 2020/21. In the Champions League, a 5-2 aggregate loss against PSG sent the club packing in the round of 16. Despite the struggles, Koeman maintained some hope by leading Barcelona to a Copa del Rey title.</p>
<p>Then, Koeman oversaw relative disaster at the club. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann departed in the summer, much as a result of the Barcelona board’s irresponsible finances. Using a rag-tag squad of unproven players, Barcelona only brought in Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia to replace the outgoing stars.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, Barcelona floundered. It fell to an eye-opening ninth when Barcelona sacked Koeman.</p>
<p>They failed not only in Spain, but they did in Europe as well. They found themselves frequently <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2021/9/29/22700768/benfica-barcelona-champions-league-final-score-match-report-recap-reactions">outclassed by Benfica and Bayern</a>. Despite two wins against Dynamo Kyiv, it suffered relegation to the Europa League.</p>
<p>Koeman walked into the Camp Nou as a storied Barca star who had both Messi, Griezmann and more stars at his disposal. Following a string of mediocrity, disappointment, and heartbreak, Koeman left Barcelona as a frail shell of itself.</p>
<h3>Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi</h3>
<p>Despite Koeman’s messy reign as Barcelona manager, Barca rebounded like no other. Appointing club hero Xavi provided glimpses of the Barcelona identity that players and managers like Johan Cruyff or Pep Guardiola helped to build. From matchday 18, Barcelona kept an unbeaten streak in league play spanning around four months.</p>
<p>Their recent results are thanks to the <a href="https://themastermindsite.com/2022/01/09/xavi-hernandez-fc-barcelona-tactical-analysis/">penetrative off-ball movements</a> and the <em>tiki-taka</em> playstyle Xavi perfected in his playing days. Instead of the quick, rapid-fire counter-attacks favored in modern-day football, Xavi, like prior iterations of Barcelona, elects for a possession-based offense complete with flashy wing play. His reliance on wingers and full-backs helps overwhelm opposing defense and get the ever-common goals Barca desperately needs.</p>
<p>Big wins over the two Madrid clubs accented Barcelona’s return to the upper echelon of Spanish football. In early February, Barcelona trounced Atletico Madrid 4-2 with the help of their explosive attack. Jordi Alba, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Dani Alves all found the net as Barcelona rocketed up the table.</p>
<p>In late March, Xavi and his squad headed to the Santiago Bernabeu looking to close a seemingly impossible gap with Real Madrid. While the league may have been out of reach, El Clásico is always a game to play for. Pride was also at stake, as Barca had previously dropped the last four games against Real in LaLiga play.</p>
<p>Barca showed they were a new team, reformed under the leadership of Xavi. Aubameyang’s brace, complemented by goals from Araujo and Torres, helped show Barcelona was nothing like what the world laughed at in November.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-356558" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220425_WST_381411_Xavi-Unveiling.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="Former Players as managers" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Xavi-Unveiling.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Xavi-Unveiling-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Xavi-Unveiling-600x400.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Xavi-Unveiling-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Xavi-Unveiling-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div>
<h5>Stumble near the end</h5>
<p>Barcelona’s rampant form hit an unpredictable and screeching halt in mid-April.</p>
<p>Eintracht Frankfurt, a mid-table side in the Bundesliga, beat Barcelona at Camp Nou in the Europa League. the German side advanced 4-3 on aggregate. Even more disheartening for Barcelona fans was the number of Frankfurt fans in the stands. White shirts stood out among the red and blue supporters.</p>
<p>Following this loss, two losses over Barca’s next three games transpired. Rather than losing to a club like Sevilla, Real Sociedad or another strong team, these losses came at the hands of teams in the bottom half of the LaLiga table. Cádiz and Ray Vallecano both won in Barcelona in monumental victories for those clubs.</p>
<p>It is more than likely that Barcelona gets back to the Champions League next season. That being said, there is still reason to compete in the league. Seeding in the Champions League is one thing, but qualification to the Supercopa de España provides financial support. Clearly, that is something Barcelona desperately needs.</p>
<p>Plus, the Catalans still must prove they can hoist the world’s biggest trophies without Lionel Messi. That starts in LaLiga.</p>
<p>Under this manager, it is achievable. Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi will be under the microscope with slim margins and narratives at play.</p>
<h5>Fire in the market</h5>
<p>For a side that got crashes out of Europe, remains millions of dollars in debt, has an unproven manager in European soccer and plays a very particular style under said manager, Barcelona acquires interest from notable players.</p>
<p>This season alone, Xavi managed to acquire Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore from Premier League clubs for a combined $60 million. Of course, Aubameyang and Traore came on free transfers.</p>
<p>The three of them have had ups and downs with Barcelona, contributing important moments along the way. Aubameyang has been especially impactful. Nine goals in 12 league games is a strong return.</p>
<p>The Gabonese attacker and legendary player rapidly fell out with Arsenal fans and Gunners gaffer Mikel Arteta. Disciplinary issues and a row with Arteta surrounding Auba’s messy exit from the Emirates.</p>
<blockquote><p>“My last few months at Arsenal were complicated, that’s football sometimes. For my part, I never wanted to do anything wrong. My problem was only with Arteta. I can’t say much more, I wasn’t happy. It was just him and he made that decision. He wasn’t happy, I can’t tell you more. He wasn’t very happy, I was very calm,” Aubameyang claimed.</p></blockquote>
<p>Journalists like <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1508556777201229828">Fabrizio Romano report</a> that Barcelona’s shopping in the transfer market is not over yet. AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen are set to play in the blue and red of Barcelona in the coming summer, and club president Joan Laporta says there could be more signings to come. That is notwithstanding the financial obstacles Laporta and company must overcome.</p>
<p>It is an encouraging sign for fans. Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi comes as a result of pulling consistency out of what was a mediocre side. Now, it looks to form one of the most solid squads in LaLiga to rival Real.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images</em></p>


Barcelona's resurgence under Xavi took a hit over recent struggles. However, the squad is in a comfortable spot to learn from this.

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