Match Details

Related News

• Bayern Munich’s DFB-Pokal tie in real jeopardy of being delayed

  A planned public transport strike in Munich has placed Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal quarterfinal between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig at risk of postponement due to fan safety and travel concerns. Bayern Munich’s DFB-Pokal quarterfinal against RB Leipzig, scheduled for Wednesday, is in significant doubt due to a looming public transport strike in Munich. The planned walkout by the Ver.di union is expected to paralyze the U-Bahn and bus networks, which serve as the primary transport for the 75,000 fans expected at the sold-out Allianz Arena. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed that emergency meetings with transport authorities and police have taken place to assess the logistics of fan arrival and departure. Dreesen noted: “We will provide information tomorrow on how we will deal with this. On Wednesday we have a special situation due to the announced strike.” If no viable transit solution is found, the high-stakes match could be rescheduled.

• UCL: Premier League clubs learn potential round 16 opponents

  Five English teams have earned automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16, underscoring the Premier League’s dominance in the competition’s revamped league phase.

  ​Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City have successfully secured top-eight finishes, bypassing the congested play-off round.

  This direct progression allows the English giants to avoid two additional fixtures in February’s busy schedule.

  Newcastle United could join them as the sixth Premier League representative if they overcome either Monaco or Qarabag in their upcoming two-legged play-off tie.

  ​The draw for the knockout stages has already outlined potential paths for the English qualifiers. Arsenal could face the winner of Borussia Dortmund versus Atalanta, while Manchester City may meet either Real Madrid or Inter Milan.

  Reflecting on the difficult route ahead for play-off teams, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said he was “content to go down play-off path” following their draw in Paris.

• Suspension tightrope for Man City stars in Galatasaray clash

  Manchester City enters their final Champions League league match with five players facing potential suspensions for the knockout stages if they receive another yellow card.

  Manchester City faces a disciplinary dilemma tonight at the Etihad as they conclude their Champions League league phase against Galatasaray.

  Five key players—Matheus Nunes, Phil Foden, Nico O’Reilly, Josko Gvardiol, and Ruben Dias—are currently one yellow card away from a mandatory one-match ban.

  Under UEFA’s “Three-Card Rule,” another booking would see these stars sidelined for the upcoming knockout round fixtures.

  Pep Guardiola’s selection is already complicated by Rodri’s red-card suspension and a growing injury list. Furthermore, recent signings Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo are ineligible, leaving the squad depleted.

  While yellow cards are wiped after the quarter-finals, the current carryover rule means any caution tonight carries significant weight.

  Guardiola must balance the need for a result with the risk of losing his core defensive and creative assets.

• Player Ratings: Wilson Odobert 8, inspired Spurs to another home win in UCL vs. 10-man Dortmund

  Thomas Frank breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday night as Tottenham Hotspur secured a vital 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.

  Amidst swirling rumors of a potential departure and the possible return of Ange Postecoglou, Frank’s squad delivered a much-needed result at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

  An early breakthrough assisted by Julian Brandt’s misfortune followed by a Dominic Solanke strike ensured that the pressure on the Danish manager eased—at least for now.

  Guglielmo Vicario – 5

  It was a relatively quiet but shaky night for the Italian shot-stopper. While Dortmund didn’t pepper his goal with shots, he failed to inspire total confidence when called upon and looked fortunate that the visitors lacked a clinical edge.

  Pedro Porro – 6

  The Spaniard provided his usual energy down the right flank. He was solid enough defensively and tried to support the attack, though his final delivery wasn’t quite at its usual pinpoint standard.

  Kevin Danso – 5

  A difficult evening for the center-back, who struggled with the movement of the Dortmund front line. He looked a step off the pace at times and was perhaps the weakest link in a defensive unit that benefited from Dortmund going down to ten men.

  Cristian Romero – 6

  The Argentine was credited with the opening goal and brought his trademark aggression to the backline. While he led the defense through the clean sheet, there were still moments of rashness that kept the home fans on edge.

  Destiny Udogie – 5

  Udogie had a surprisingly subdued game. Known for his marauding runs, he was largely pinned back or ineffective in transition, failing to make the impact on the left wing that supporters have come to expect.

  Lucas Bergvall – 6

  The youngster showed glimpses of his immense technical talent. He kept the ball moving well in tight spaces and showed maturity in a high-stakes European environment, helping Spurs control the middle of the park.

  Archie Gray – 5

  A learning experience for the versatile teenager. Gray found it difficult to impose himself on the game and was occasionally bypassed by the Dortmund midfield during their better spells in the match.

  Xavi Simons – 6

  Simons had a tale of two halves. While he was industrious defensively—winning six duels and making three tackles—his attacking output was frustrating. He failed to create a single chance and saw only one of his five shots hit the target.

  Djed Spence – 6

  Deployed in a more advanced role, Spence used his athleticism to stretch the Dortmund defense. He provided a decent outlet for the team, though he lacked the clinical final ball to truly punish the Bundesliga side.

  Wilson Odobert – 8

  The undisputed man of the match. Odobert was electric, providing both assists and completing four successful dribbles. With a 95% pass accuracy and eight duels won, he single-handedly drove the Tottenham attack and may have saved his manager’s job.

  Dominic Solanke – 7

  The striker did exactly what was asked of him by finding the back of the net to double the lead. His hold-up play was vital in allowing Odobert and Simons to join the attack, and he worked tirelessly to harass the Dortmund defenders.

  Substitutions

  Junai Byfield – 5

  Introduced to help see out the game, but he struggled to get into the rhythm of the match and didn’t offer much in the way of ball retention or defensive cover.

  Randal Kolo Muani – N/A

  A late introduction that didn’t provide enough time on the pitch for a fair numerical rating.

• No Lamine Yamal as Barcelona train for Espanyol clash

  Lamine Yamal missed Barcelona’s first training session of the year due to minor discomfort, but he is expected to be fit for Saturday’s derby against Espanyol alongside the returning Pedri and Dani Olmo.

  Barcelona’s preparations for Saturday’s derby against Espanyol were disrupted when star winger Lamine Yamal missed group training on Thursday.

  The 18-year-old forward reported to the Ciutat Esportiva but left shortly after due to “general discomfort.”

  Despite the early exit, club officials remain calm regarding his availability for the upcoming clash at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat. Yamal is expected to return to the final session today to finalize Hansi Flick’s tactical plans.

  While Yamal’s status drew focus, Flick received significant boosts elsewhere in the squad.

  Pedri continues to train at a high level and is pushing for a competitive return, while Dani Olmo is making steady progress and is likely to be included on the bench.

  In a further positive development for the Blaugrana defense, Ronald Araujo has completed another full session with the group, though his inclusion in the matchday squad has not yet been confirmed.

  The Catalan giants are using these final sessions to fine-tune an approach for their first major test of 2026.

  With key players like Pedri and Olmo nearing full fitness, Barcelona enters the derby with growing momentum.

  The medical staff will monitor Yamal closely today, but there is a strong sense within the camp that their most influential attacker will be fit to lead the line in one of La Liga’s most demanding away fixtures.