There have been some real ups and downs in this year’s UEFA Champions League. Many of the sides turned around the results in their favour and many of them were the unexpected one.
Talking shortly, Real Madrid’s defeat in Germany; many spectators around the globe thought that, this is it! Madrid are out of the competition but, the team turned the result in their favour in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu and all the credit goes to their magician Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the hattrick for the team. (3-2 aggregate)
The most entertaining game was between the two Arab’s money where Manchester City was scheduled to face the wrath (as everyone said) of PSG. The first leg was quite interesting where Ibrahimovic dropped many chances in the game to give his side the lead. But, eventually, it was City who took the lead at Paris through Kevin De Bruyne. Paris responded quickly and the game finished 2-2. The second leg was the decisive one and majority of the crowd were sure that PSG would clinch the lead but surprisingly, it was City again who score the opener and the game finished 1-0. City through to the Semi-Finals (3-2 aggregate)
Benfica Vs Bayern Munich; every one of us thought that Bayern would win the game in the first leg but, Benfica conceded just one goal at Allianz Arena. The second half was the dramatic one, Benfica scored the opener and brought a ray of hope but Munich’s side was tough against them. The game finished 2-2 that night and Bayern Munich gets through to the Semi-Finals (3-2 on aggregate).
The most controversial game of all; Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona. The first leg was at Camp Nou where Torres opened the scoring for the Red and Whites and was sent off in the first half. Barcelona took the advantage of it and won the game by 2 goals to one. Manager Diego Simeone and Fernando Torres accused referees for their poor decisions. The second leg was something like a do or die situation for Madrid but they kept their composure and won the game by 2 goals to nil. Atletico through to the next round. (3-2 on aggregate).
According to the results and player’s form, we will be listing a combined XI of the Champions League’s final four teams.
Formation- 4-2-3-1
Joe Hart-
Not a surprising candidate for this position. Manuel Neuer was poor in the second leg against Benfica and was nowhere near his best. Hart, on the other hand, saved his side in the competition by making some crucial saves including Ibrahimovic’s penalty that could have changed the course of the game. He may not have many clean sheets in the competitions but his saves were the crucial one.
Juanfran-
No one can argue over him in this position. As we all know, most of the Barcelona’s attacks comes from Neymar and Juanfran was assigned to keep him quiet on the flanks and my god what a wonderful defending he did. He was solid in defence and left no space for Barcelona’s Winger. He has won 13 tackles this season with a success rate of 57% in the competition.
Diego Godin-
One of the best defender the world has witnessed this season. The Uruguayan was as tough as a rock and didn’t let anyone to get past through him. Had some controversies with his fellow countrymen Luis Suarez but he kept his composure and played a very important role in his team’s qualification and won 20 tackles this season with a success rate of 63% in this season’s Champions League.
Sergio Ramos-
A top quality defender is what he is. Ramos is a leader of the defence and he has kept eight clean sheets in 10 games so far. Didn’t had a great season but even in his average season, he can make it into the top XI. He has won 13 tackles this season with a success rate of 52%. He has made 18 interceptions, 34 clearances and eight blocks too. After a poor performance in the first half against Wolfsburg, he did a great job to stabilize Real’s defence in the second leg.
Filipe Luis-
Well, it was a tough call because David Alaba is also a contender for the position. Talking defensively, Luis won 15 tackles this season with a success rate of 52%. He has made 16 interceptions, 15 clearances and two blocks whereas, Alba won three tackles this season with a success rate of 33%. He has made 12 interceptions, 16 clearances and two blocks. But if we looked offensively then, Alaba had the passing accuracy of 93% in the competition and Luis had 81%.
We all witnessed the amount of pressure Atletico Madrid had to cope with while defending against Barcelona and looking at that, Philipe Luis is on our list.
Arturo Vidal-
Arturo is one of the best midfielders in the world. This Chilean can play anywhere in the midfield. Scored in the first leg against Benfica and most importantly, he gave his side a breather through that crucial away goal in the second leg. He has an average passing accuracy of 92% in the competition and also has 2 assists to his name. He drives the team forward and also has an ability to tackle with precision.
Luka Modric-
The midfield maestro for the Los Blancos. The Croatian magician has scored 1 goal in the competition and has created 10 chances for the club. With Barcelona out of the competition, he takes the position to command the midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo-
Best in the world for a reason. He has scored 16 goals in just 10 appearances for the club in the competition. Not to forget, he was the one who scored the hat trick against Wolfsburg and helped his team to qualified for the Semi-Finals. A six-time man of the match in the competition, he also has 4 assists to his name. At 31, he is now the top scorer in the competition and is showing no signs of slowing things down.
Kevin De Bruyne-
Undoubtedly, the best player for Manchester City this season, We have witnessed how the team’s form declined when he was injured. He made it to the quarter-finals of the competition and just because of him, his team will be playing their first ever Semi-Final in the competition. Till now, he has scored 3 goals in the competition and has created 20 chances for the team.
Antoine Griezmann-
Naturally a winger or an attacking midfielder but, played up front under Simeone and showed what he is capable of. Griezmann has an eye for goal and has the talent to score few screamers. Played very well in the first leg against Barcelona but after the red card, he was to forced to track back and help the defence.. Scored 2 goals in the second leg and showed his talent and his work-rate. He has scored 6 goals in the competition so far and has 1 assist to his name.
Thomas Muller-
It was also a tough call as Lewandowski is an another contender for the position. But, we chose Muller due to his recent performances. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best strikers in the world. He has scored 8 goals in 10 games in the competition and also has 2 assists to his name.
The 26-year-old-German has all the required abilities of a striker that makes him one of the best. He can find spaces between the opponent’s defence easily and can exploit their weaknesses.
That completes our list of the best Combine XI of the Champions League’s final four teams
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”