Tag: UEFA Champions League

Christian Pulisic stunned the soccer world with an ‘Olimpico’ goal from a corner in the UEFA Champions League

He scored straight from a CORNER.

Ever since making the move from Chelsea to AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A, Christian Pulisic has enjoyed a much-needed career renaissance. And his unbelievable 2024-25 season has managed to get even better.

Pulisic — now with 10 goal contributions in 11 matches for Milan — had the start in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Belgian side Club Brugge. And though Milan struggled to put pressure on attack for much of the first half, Pulisic broke open the scoring in the most unexpected way.

Literally. He scored a goal straight from a corner kick with a 0.00 xG (expected goals). Even Pulisic was stunned that he pulled off the elusive “Olimpico” goal.

Just wow. You know things are going your way when that finds the back of the net.

Initially, it looked like that the ball may have nicked Matteo Gabbia, but Pulisic was given the goal (his seventh of the season) on the field. And Gabbia’s reaction — going straight to Pulisic — suggested that he didn’t touch the ball.

Understandably, the Olimpico had the soccer world in awe.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

https://twitter.com/rainy_steve/status/1848781444753092980

https://twitter.com/sportsbrain/status/1848779757359665298

https://twitter.com/Nicocantor1/status/1848780481225003191

https://twitter.com/TheBolivianYank/status/1848781635417710624

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The perfect Champions League parlay on day 2, including a Liverpool loss to Napoli

A Liverpool loss would sweeten the odds by a lot.

Chelsea’s upset loss to Dinamo Zagreb on the first day of Champions League group stage action Tuesday likely wrecked a few parlays. But hey, it happens.

For those ready to get back on that horse, I put together a brand new parlay of winners for the second day of group stage play.

Wednesday’s matches kick off with afternoon games between Ajax Amsterdam and Rangers, and Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting CP, followed by six more games at 3 p.m. ET. And while some include have heavy favorites, like Barcelona against Viktoria Plzen, others are much harder to predict.

No worries. I did the work for you to put together the best parlay from these games with odds from Tipico Sportsbook.

Inter Milan vs. Liverpool live stream, TV channel, time, how to watch UEFA Champions League

Inter Milan will welcome Liverpool to San Siro on Wednesday as they battle it out for the first leg of the last-16 in the Champions League.

Inter Milan will welcome Liverpool to San Siro on Wednesday as they battle it out for the first leg of the last-16 in Champions League action.

Inter Milan will look to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in their last Champions League match while Liverpool happened to be one of only three teams in this competition to finish the group stage with a 100% record.

This should be a fun match to watch this afternoon, here is everything you need to know to watch and stream the UEFA action.

Inter Milan vs. Liverpool

  • Date: Wednesday, February 16
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: CBS, TUDN, Univision

Champions League Starting Lineups

Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Vidal, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Martinez, Dzeko

Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane

Champions League Odds and betting lines

Champions League odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds last updated Tuesday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Inter Milan (+250) vs. Liverpool (+105)

Draw: +250

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Salzburg vs. Bayern live stream, TV channel, time, how to watch UEFA Champions League

Salzburg will host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last-16 of Champions League action on Wednesday.

Salzburg will host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last-16 of Champions League action on Wednesday.  Salzburg comes into the round of 16 as big-time underdogs but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a shot at Bayern, especially after Bayern lost to VfL Bochum in Bundesliga action last week.

This should be a fun match to watch this afternoon, here is everything you need to know to watch and stream the UEFA action.

Salzburg vs. Bayern

  • Date: Wednesday, February 16
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: Paramount+

Champions League Starting Lineups

Red Bull Salzburg possible starting lineup:
Kohn; Kristensen, Onguene, Wober, Ulmer; Sucic, Camara, Siewald; Aaronson; Adeyemi, Okafor

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Ulreich; Pavard, Sule, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kimmich, Tolisso; Gnabry, Muller, Sane; Lewandowski

Champions League Odds and betting lines

Champions League odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds last updated Tuesday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Red Bull Salzburg (+625) vs. Bayern Munich (-275)

Draw: +475

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Moldovan club Sheriff shocked Real Madrid with a stunning late goal and fans couldn’t believe it

New Sheriff in town.

By every predictive measure, La Liga giants Real Madrid were supposed to easily handle Moldovan club Sheriff Tiraspol (a team founded in 1997 with a bonkers story) in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Group D match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Instead, the soccer world was treated to one of the biggest upsets in recent Champions League history.

Sheriff — the first Moldovan club to ever reach the UCL group stages — jumped out in front early when Jasrubek Yakhshiboev headed home a cross in the 25th minute against a lackadaisical defensive effort from Real Madrid. But once Karim Benzema equalized off his penalty in the second half, it at least looked like Real Madrid would escape with a point — a disappointing point, at that. After all, Real Madrid had 29 shot attempts and dominated possession.

Then, Sebastien Thill scored the goal of his life.

Paris Saint-Germain at Club Brugge odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Paris Saint-Germain at Club Brugge odds and lines, with UEFA Champions League picks and predictions.

On the second day of the first round of group stage action in the EUFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain visits Club Brugge at Jan Breydel Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Club Brugge odds and lines, and make our best UEFA Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Both sides are coming in atop their separate league table. Club Brugge has four wins, two ties, and a loss in the Belgian league. It’s one point above the second-place Union SG.

Brugge is led by an attacking trio of M Hans Vanaken, F Noa Lang and F Charles De Ketelaere, each with 3 goals on the season.

PSG is undefeated with five wins, scoring 16 goals so far in the season. Led by F Neymar, F Kylian Mbappe, and F Lionel Messi, PSG has the best attacking trio in the world.

It has been questioned defensively but has typically responded well, not yet succumbing to a draw. With a talented side like this, it enters as a heavy favorite.

Paris Saint-Germain at Club Brugge: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Paris Saint-Germain -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
    Club Brugge +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Draw +500
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

PSG 3, Club Brugge 1

Money line (ML)

PASS on the money line as returning less than a third of your investment for PSG to win is just not wise.

While PSG is the favorite, as we saw yesterday with Manchester United, it’s not always an absolute guarantee it will come out on top. Betting $340 to win $100 on the PSG money line is not the way to go.

However, betting for both sides to score is a much better play. PSG has the best attack in the world and Club Brugge should be able to get on the board. Brugge has 15 goals through 7 games in the Belgian top league.

PSG has given up 5 goals through five games in Ligue 1 play. Given its defensive struggles, betting that BOTH TEAMS WILL SCORE (-127) has much better value for bettors.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 3.5 (+112) as PSG has enough scoring power to cover the Over on its own.

Whenever you combine arguably three of the top five forwards in the world, you’re going to have a powerful, unstoppable offense. That’s what PSG did and it also has M Georginio Wijnaldum and other talents in the midfield.

Among the top-two favorites to win the Champions League, PSG should have a crushing victory, and given its defensive form in Ligue 1, it wouldn’t be shocking if it gives up at least one as well.

Regardless, I’d bet on Messi, Neymar and Mbappe to break through multiple times rather than the other way around.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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RB Leipzig at Manchester City odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s RB Leipzig at Manchester City odds and lines, with UEFA Champions League picks and predictions.

On the second day of the first round of UEFA Champions League group stage action, RB Leipzig will travel to take on Manchester City. The match will be held at Etihad Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City odds and lines, and make our best UEFA Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

Manchester City is coming in having hit its stride in English Premier League play. M Jack Grealish, who was recently acquired, has been phenomenal for the home side.

While City has yet to have a true nine step up, it has still managed 11 goals through four games and has given up just one. Defense, led by D Kyle Walker and company, has stepped up big time.

Unfortunately, the opposite can be said of RB Leipzig, who has largely disappointed in the Bundesliga. Leipzig has one win and three losses. It was held scoreless in two of its four matches.

RB Leipzig at Manchester City: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: RB Leipzig +770 (bet $100 to win $770) | Manchester City -290 (bet $290 to win $100) | Draw +430
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -155 | U: +122)

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

Manchester City 3, RB Leipzig 0

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to MANCHESTER CITY (-300) as it’s the far superior side; however, I’d also hesitate to bet at this price no matter who is taking the pitch.

There is a better value, and that’s for RB LEIPZIG TO NOT SCORE at (-105). You can get one team not to score for -135, but given Man City’s midfield presence, it’s going to get on the board.

RB, as noted, has been held scoreless twice. Man City has given up just one goal.

When these two meet, I expect a dominant Man City performance, one that could result in a clean sheet for GK Ederson, who already has three clean sheets through four matches in EPL play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 2.5 (-155) as the Man City midfield should prove to overpower M Tyler Adams and RB Leipzig.

Combining M Kevin de Bruyne, Grealish, and M İlkay Gündoğan, who is coming off the best season of his career, Man City has lethal control in the middle of the field.

It lost only to Tottenham due to sloppy defending on a counterattack and its opponent stuffing eight in the box at almost all times.

Other than that, City has been flawless as a unit. Given Leipzig’s struggles, I could easily see Man City putting 3 or 4 goals on Leipzig. It scored at least 4 goals in two of its four EPL matches.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona odds and lines, with Champions League picks and predictions.

To commence their UEFA Champions League play, Barcelona will take on Bayern Munich Tuesday. The Group E match is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET and will be held at Barcelona’s home stadium of Camp Nou. Below, we preview the Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona odds and lines, and make our best UEFA Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

In the first of three knockout stage matches, fans will get a great show as two of the European powerhouses take the pitch.

While Barcelona, for the first time, won’t have superstar F Lionel Messi on the field, it has transitioned as well as expected with F Memphis Depay getting a ton of action in the early season.

Led by D Gerard Piqué, the Barcelona defense is also a force; however, the same can be said for Germany’s best side, Bayern Munich.

Bayern is led by Polish F Robert Lewandowski. F Leroy Sane should also make his presence felt and GK Manuel Neuer is arguably the best in the world.

Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bayern Munich +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Barcelona +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Draw +300
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3, Barcelona 2

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to BAYERN MUNICH (+102) as it is just so talented on so many levels.

While Lewandowski leads the pack, it’s a roster full of talent in every area. Barcelona is up there with some world-class players, but Bayern is even more skilled.

Munich also has a unit that’s played consistently together. Thomas Muller, Neuer, and Lewandowski have been through high-level play before.

Last Group Stage they went a clean 3-0, destroying Athletico Madrid, the other side that advanced in the group. With Messi no longer on the roster, it’ll be a learning experience for Barcelona to play a team of this caliber.

I expect Barcelona to struggle. The odds are justified as Bayern is on the road; however, it’s still the more put-together side and one that should come out on top.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 3.5 (+100) as Bayern Munich is an elite attacking side. As noted, it put four on Athletico last season, with 4 goals in the first knockout round then combined for 5 with PSG.

It’s tough to gauge how Barcelona could play given how much it’ll have to adjust to life without Messi, but it has played well in La Liga so far.

Neuer thinks Barcelona will be unpredictable and iIf he’s right, Barcelona could manage a couple of goals and this will be a goal-heavy match.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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See the staggeringly beautiful moment when Christian Pulisic realized he won Champions League

What a moment.

Christian Pulisic became the first American-born man to feature in — and then win — a Champions League final on Saturday.

Born and primarily raised in Hershey, Pa., the 22-year-old Pulisic came on in the 66th minute of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester City. He had a great scoring chance but slipped a shot wide. Still, Chelsea held on against a fevered attack.

As the final whistle blew, Pulisic fell to his knees in celebration. The United States soccer prodigy has struggled through injury this season and was considered by some a disappointment in his second year with the London-based club.

Yet he fought through. Here’s the moment he realized his team had won:

It really is an astonishing feat. As somebody who grew up not far from Hershey, Pa., traveling to some of the same fields (often alongside Amish buggies) where Pulisic played, I can say this: It’s a long, long, long way from the Champions League.

Pulisic’s father, Mark, played professional indoor soccer in Harrisburg and later coached the Harrisburg City Islanders, who played their home matches, yes, on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Pulisic himself would eventually train with the squad.

It’s not exactly a well-worn path to the pinnacle of the sport.

Mark Pulisic, by the way, might have the greatest Dad Energy of all time here.

As Pulisic and his teammates celebrated, he slipped on a United States soccer sweatshirt with the intention of motivation future American players.

Jovan Kirovski was technically the first American to win a Champions League title, as he was on the Borussia Dortmund team that won in 1997, but he did not appear in the final.

Considering that the USMNT’s top goalkeeper, Zack Steffen was also involved in this game (as Manchester City’s backup), there’s certainly reason for optimism about American soccer moving forward.

Look at this touch and the resulting run.

Just brilliant.

What a moment.

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Chelsea vs. Real Madrid live stream, UEFA Champions League Semifinals, TV channel, lineups, how to watch

Chelsea will welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the Champions League Semifinals on Wednesday.

Chelsea will welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the Champions League Semifinals on Wednesday.

In last week’s first leg, it was a defensive battle until the end and both teams were able to score one goal apiece, which ended up in a 1-1 draw. Could we be in for a Champions League tie or will one club be able to pull away and get that goal that they need to advance and take on Manchester City, only time will tell this afternoon?

This should be a fantastic match to watch, here is everything you need to know to stream the Champions League action today!

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid

  • When: Wednesday, May 5
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: CBSSN, TUDN, Univision
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
  • Live Stream: via Paramount+ (stream for free)

UEFA Champions League Starting Lineups

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Silva, Rudiger, Christensen; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Pulisic; Havertz

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Champions League Odds and Betting Lines

UEFA Champions League odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds last updated Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Chelsea (+130) vs. Real Madrid (+225) 

Want some action on the UEFA Champions League?  Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ, and WV at BetMGM. 

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.