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• Paul Pogba’s Monaco salary revelation shows it wasn’t about the money

  Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba is reportedly earning less than £44,000 per week at Monaco, having prioritized a competitive return to French football over more lucrative offers following his doping ban. ​Paul Pogba has reportedly accepted a significant pay cut to revive his career with Monaco, earning under €200,000 monthly. After an 18-month hiatus due to a doping suspension, the 33-year-old signed a two-year deal in 2025. Despite his pedigree, he does not rank among the club’s top ten earners. A source claimed: “For Paul, it wasn’t about the money.” ​The midfielder has struggled for consistency, appearing only thrice as a substitute in Ligue 1 due to ongoing fitness issues. However, he recently showed glimpses of his former self, scoring a “stunner” during a friendly against Brentford’s B team. Reflecting on his choice to join the Monégasque side, Pogba stated: “The family, the history of the club… It was perfect.”

• Steven Gerrard names his Champions League dark horse, its not Liverpool

  Steven Gerrard has identified Bayern Munich as the primary “dark horse” to clinch the Champions League title following their dominant aggregate victory over Atalanta.

  ​Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes Bayern Munich are significantly “better equipped” to secure the Champions League trophy this season.

  Following their 10-2 aggregate dismantling of Atalanta, Gerrard highlighted the German side’s tactical organization under Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane’s prolific scoring form.

  While acknowledging Real Madrid’s historical pedigree, the former England captain suggested the Bundesliga giants possess the necessary depth to challenge the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.

  ​Reflecting on their prospects, Gerrard noted: “Bayern could be the dark horses this year. They’ve got everyone back fit now, Harry Kane’s in form, [Vincent] Kompany has got them well drilled.”

  Despite his praise for Munich, Gerrard maintained that defending champions Paris Saint-Germain remain his overall favorites to retain the title, setting the stage for a highly competitive quarter-final round across the European continent

• Player Ratings: Below par performance saw TAA get 4 but Real Madrid overcome Celta Vigo

  Federico Valverde’s late, heavily deflected strike secured a vital 2-1 victory for Real Madrid over Celta Vigo, masking a lackluster performance and defensive lapses from Los Blancos.  

  ​Thibaut Courtois – 6/10: The Belgian goalkeeper experienced a relatively quiet evening at the Balaidos. He dealt comfortably with three routine saves throughout the match and was left entirely exposed for Celta’s equalizer, giving him little chance to maintain a clean sheet.

  ​Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4/10: It was a night to forget for the Englishman, whose defensive hesitation allowed Williot Swedberg to create the leveler. He struggled to exert his usual influence on the ball and has yet to find his stride in the iconic white shirt since his move.

  ​Raul Asencio – 5/10: The youngster had a mixed outing, notably failing to track Borja Iglesias on the goal that brought Celta level. His performance was further hindered by a series of reckless challenges that put the backline under unnecessary pressure.

  ​Antonio Rudiger – 6/10: While he wasn’t forced into many high-stakes defensive actions, the German international was uncharacteristically slow in moving the ball from the back. He provided a stable presence but lacked his usual progressive impact on the game.

  ​Ferland Mendy – 6/10: Returning from a significant injury layoff, the Frenchman looked solid and provided essential cover on the left flank. He made a crucial late-game intervention that prevented Celta from taking the lead during a dangerous counter-attack.

  ​Aurelien Tchouameni – 7/10: The standout performer in the Madrid engine room, Tchouameni opened the scoring with a brilliant curled effort from distance. He anchored the midfield with a commanding presence and was unlucky not to add a second shortly after.

  ​Federico Valverde – 6/10: The Uruguayan’s relentless work rate was on full display as he covered every blade of grass. While his winning goal in the 95th minute owed a great deal to a massive deflection, his willingness to shoot ultimately secured the three points.

  ​Thiago Pitarch – 6/10: Pitarch provided a functional presence in the midfield but failed to truly influence the tempo or creativity of the side. He played a safe game, acting more as a tactical placeholder than a dynamic playmaker during his time on the pitch.

  ​Vinicius Jr – 7/10: Playing in a more centralized role, the Brazilian was a constant thorn in Celta’s side, hitting the woodwork early on. Though he lacked the final clinical touch on this occasion, his dribbling and movement remained the team’s primary offensive threat.

  ​Arda Guler – 6/10: Deployed in an unfamiliar false nine role, the Turkish starlet struggled to impose himself on the game. He saw very little of the ball in congested areas and was eventually replaced after 65 minutes of mixed success.

  ​Brahim Diaz – 6/10: Starting on the right wing, Diaz worked hard to link the play and created a handful of half-chances for his teammates. It was a disciplined and solid shift, even if he didn’t manage to produce a game-breaking moment.

• Liverpool’s Champions League Last 16 Draw: Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray on the Horizon

  Liverpool are set for a knockout stage reunion with Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray as the Champions League path to the final is finalized following controversial play-off results.

  Liverpool will face either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 following a dramatic night of play-off action.

  Arne Slot’s side previously beat Atletico 3-2 but lost 1-0 to the Turkish champions during the league phase.

  Galatasaray advanced 7-5 on aggregate despite a 3-2 extra-time loss to Juventus, who saw former Reds target Lloyd Kelly controversially sent off after a VAR check.

  ​The draw in Nyon this Friday will also map out Liverpool’s potential path to the Budapest final on May 30.

  Should they progress, the Reds could meet heavyweights like Chelsea, Barcelona, or Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.

  With the first leg expected on March 10, Liverpool must now prepare for a high-stakes reunion as they navigate a challenging knockout bracket featuring Real Madrid and Arsenal.

• Why Barcelona have asked UEFA to move Champions League clash

  FC Barcelona has requested that UEFA delay their Champions League round-of-16 second leg by 24 hours to prevent a logistical conflict with the club’s presidential elections scheduled for March 15th.

  ​FC Barcelona has asked UEFA to move their Champions League knockout tie from March 17th to March 18th.

  The club aims to avoid a narrow two-day turnaround following its presidential elections on March 15th.

  While Joan Laporta remains the favorite, officials worry the administrative intensity of the vote could disrupt match preparations. A seeding advantage ensures the crucial second leg remains at the Camp Nou.

  ​The draw looms with PSG and Newcastle United identified as likely opponents following dominant play-off performances.

  A home fixture against Sevilla is also scheduled for election day, though La Liga may intervene. Club leadership remains focused on the road to the Budapest final on May 30th.

  Regarding past transfer interest, Laporta noted the club’s resolve, stating, “People thought we were crazy” for rejecting massive bids.