As the transfer season begins to take shape, theScore is handing out grades to the teams involved in the biggest dealings of the summer. The lowdown Eden Hazard finally got his “dream” move. After flirting with Real Madrid for multiple seasons, the Belgian winger’s switch to Spain was completed Friday, with Chelsea reportedly receiving an…
Footy Power Rankings: Who were Europe's 10 best teams this season?
And just like that, another season of European club football is in the books. In the wake of Liverpool’s triumph in the Champions League final, we’re compiling a list of the 10 best sides on the continent in 2018-19. Just missed out: Atletico Madrid 10. Chelsea Shaun Botterill / Getty Images Sport / Getty Final…
4 most surprising aspects of Liverpool's unlikely triumph
The stage wasn’t set for a comeback. The powers seemed to conspire against Liverpool, who had to score four goals against Barcelona without Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. It was hardly a recipe for success. But they did it anyway. Liverpool invoked their inner Istanbul to pull off an improbable 4-3 win on aggregate in…
Can Barca study Manchester City's blueprint to find Liverpool's flaws?
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Clubs will scout forthcoming opponents by examining past results, probing tactical approaches that have proved successful in order to determine an advantageous game plan. Barcelona welcome Liverpool to the Camp Nou on Wednesday, and for the recently crowned La Liga champions, a glance at the Reds’ failings this…
Liverpool did almost everything right – and then Messi took over
Lionel Messi is a true force of nature. No matter how many precautions you take and how much you prepare, he is inevitable. Liverpool tried to stop Messi and almost pulled it off. For large parts of Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg, the forward was surrounded by four or five players at a time,…
Why each semifinalist will, and won't, win the Champions League
Ahead of the Champions League semifinals, we’re analyzing the title credentials of the four remaining sides, looking into why each team will – and won’t – capture European football’s most coveted club trophy. Barcelona Why they will: Lionel Messi. Seriously, that’s it. The game’s ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card has carried an oft-laborious side this season, pulling…
Can Atletico Madrid survive a mass exodus this summer?
MADRID – There isn’t much around the Wanda Metropolitano. Skeletons of buildings that are under construction loom near the stadium, but there are no workers to be seen. The Wanda’s lavish west exterior overlooks a wide plot of dusty soil. The huge, modern metro station that services the area is deserted at 2:30 p.m. Few…
Why Monchi snubbed Arsenal for a return to rudderless Sevilla
SEVILLE – If Roma miss out on Serie A’s top three for the first time in five years, Monchi will be apportioned most of the blame. Giallorossi owner James Pallotta accused the sporting director of lacking a plan B this season and therefore leaving the club hamstrung by injuries and the supposedly ineffectual coaching of…
How Real Betis overcame turmoil to challenge cup-hoarding rivals Sevilla
SEVILLE – In the modern era, fans tend to view splurges in the transfer market as proof of their club’s ambition. Real Betis haven’t shied from such investments since Lorenzo Serra Ferrer took over as sporting director in 2017 and, in the aftermath of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Gran Derbi rivals Sevilla, it was no…