New Name For National Stadium as SFA Announce Historic Deal
The Scottish FA have today announced that the Hampden Park has been renamed as ‘Barclays Hampden’. It is the first stadium name partnership in any version of the ground’s history, having been known simply as ‘Hampden’ since it was first built in 1873 on the grounds of what is now Hampden Bowling Club. The long-term deal agreed also sees Barclays become the title partner of the Barclays Next Gen Girls’ Performance Programme and official partner of both men and women Scottish Cup competitions. Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “We’re excited to have Barclays on board as Naming Partner of Barclays Hampden. “In the course of the conversations we’ve had over the past few months, to get to this point, their desire to support Scottish football, across the levels, has been clear. “It’s a commitment that will continue with Barclays Next Gen, the girls’ performance programme, and both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup competitions. “The impact of their investment will be felt within the walls of Barclays Hampden and far beyond, not least helping fuel the kind of programmes we run that harness the Power of Football and make an everyday impact in Scottish society. “We’re looking forward to developing the partnership in the weeks, months and years to come.” Barclays had already awarded over 300 grants to Scottish grassroots clubs through their Community Sport Fund in the last four years, as they affirm their commitment to the development of Scottish football. Brendan Napier, Commercial Director of Scottish Football Marketing, said: “We recognise that, as a treasured national asset, the National Stadium deserved the right partner, and in Barclays we know we have found just that. A world-renowned institution, committed to Scotland and Scottish football, at all levels. “We’re equally thrilled with Barclays’ passion for supporting the Barclays Next Gen Girls’ Performance Programme, which will help develop some of Scotland’s brightest young talents in addition to their new status as Official Partners of both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup competitions. “From the first conversation, we could not have been more excited about partnering with the team at Barclays. We look forward, with optimism, to many happy years working together.” Barclays Sponsorship Managing Director Tom Corbett added: “We are thrilled to be ending the year with the addition of the Scottish home of football to our partnership portfolio. “Hampden is a fantastic venue in a fantastic city, and this new partnership will enable us to further support the next generation of football fans and players.” The stadium will host its first match under the new tag on December 14th, when Celtic take on St. Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final, potentially under the stewardship of incoming boss Wilfried Nancy.
Kilmarnock 1-1 Dundee United: Scrappy Stalemate at Rugby Park
The points were shared at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park following a contentious penalty andgoal line clearance decision as Kilmarnock break six game losing streak, drawing 1-1 with Dundee United. Stuart Kettlewell made three changes to his Kilmarnock side which lost to Motherwell lastweek as Ethan Brown, Bradley Lyons and Marley Watkins were brought into the side. Meanwhile, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin made six changes to the side which wasblown away by Falkirk last Saturday. Dave Richards replaced Kucherenko following thelatter’s howler at Tannadice, whilst captain Ross Graham, Panutche Camara, Ryan Strain,and Max Watters all returned to the starting eleven. Following early pressure by both teams, the first key decision for referee MatthewMacDermid came 14 minutes into the match as, after a VAR check, Ethan Brown was judgedto have fouled Krisztian Keresztes in the box and Dundee United were awarded the penalty. Tobi Oluwayemi would emerge as the hero for Kilmarnock in this instance, as the Celticloanee would save Max Watters effort onto the post and deny the striker his fifth goal of theseason since joining the Dundee side in the summer. Kilmarnock would look to take advantage of Watters’ miss as 20 minutes later Keretzes’challenge on Marley Watkins would send the Englishmen onto the deck, and despite callsthat Watkins went down too easy Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty of their own. Dave Richards almost emulated Oluwayemi as he saved Bruce Anderson’s attempt with hisfeet, however the ball would roll back to Anderson to follow into the back of the net andgive Kilmarnock the lead. This was Anderson’s third goal in all competitions since the start ofthe season. Kilmarnock thought they had a quickfire second when Dundee United failed to deal withDominic Thompson’s freekick and Scott Tiffoney’s header was cleared off the line. Replays showed that the ball had in fact crossed the line, however the referee wouldinstead bring play back for a supposed foul against Dave Richards, much to the disapprovalof the home crowd, as Kilmarnock possessed the one goal advantage going into halftime. Dundee United needed a response for the second half, and less than 20 minutes into playthey would find it, as Ryan Strain and Luca Stephenson would link up well to find theonrushing Craig Sibbald, who would slot home his finish into the bottom corner to giveUnited their equaliser and get his third goal in five matches. In the final 30 minutes of the match, both teams would see spells of possession but a lack ofclear-cut chances and a busy MacDermid would blow his whistle for full time to see the finalscore as 1-1. This result would see Kilmarnock break their run of six straight losses and sit just above therelegation playoffs in tenth place. They face a midweek trip to the capital to play currentleague leaders Hearts, who are winless in their last three matches. Dundee United are four points off the top six with this result, and only one point aboveeighth placed Aberdeen. They host Rangers in their Wednesday night match, with thetravellers having won all four of their league games under new manager Danny Röhl. Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi, Deas, Mayo, Brown, Thompson, Lyons (c), Watson, Brown,Tiffoney, Watkins, AndersonSubs: Lowery, Kiltie, Thomson, John-Jules, Dackers Dundee United: Richards, Keresztes, Graham, Iovu, Ferry, Sibbald, Stephenson, Camara,Strain, Watters, SapsfordSubs: Fatah, Möller, Dolček Attendance: 4,263
Celtic Avoid Capital Punishment With Win Against Hibs
Celtic cut the gap on Hearts at the top of the table as they seen out a 2-1 win away to Hibernian at Easter Road. The champions survived periods of sustained pressure from a fired up Hibs side, who will leave feeling aggrieved that they haven’t taken at least a point from today’s game at a venue which has not been the happiest of hunting grounds in recent years for Celtic. The win makes it six wins from seven games for Martin O’Neill, who said pre-match that there is a possibility he remains in the dugout for Wednesday’s match at home to Dundee. A first-half double salvo from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels put Celtic ahead at the break, with Australian Martin Boyle converting a penalty to revive any Hibee hopes of a result in the second half. Hibs started the game as the better side but it was Celtic who created most. Daizen Maeda tapped the ball into an empty net 11 minutes in, but his provider Hyun-Jun Yang was offside in the build up. Just one minute later, the home side had a glaring opportunity to take the lead. Nicky Cadden whipped a daring cross in from the left, but Martin Boyle could only knock it wide of Kasper Schmeichel’s right post amid pressure from Marcelo Saracchi. Maeda would tap the ball into an empty net once again 27 minutes in, and this time it counted. A poor pass out from Hibees goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger to Miguel Chaiwa was pounced upon by Reo Hatate, and Celtic’s two Japanese internationals linked up to put the Hoops in the driving seat. Then only 93 seconds later, the visitors doubled their advantage. Yang dipped a ball in from left wing just outside the penalty area, and midfielder Arne Engels got his head on in to nod home and injured himself in the process. Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi almost made it three on the cusp of half-time. Maeda back heeled the ball into his path, but his effort cannoned off of the post. Hibs clawed one back ten minutes into the second period. Nick Walsh was called over to the VAR monitor and awarded the Edinburgh side a penalty for a Liam Scales handball. Captain Martin Boyle stepped up, and slotted the ball into the bottom right as Kasper Schmeichel stayed standing. There were calls for a Celtic penalty with 22 minutes left to play when winger Yang and Hibs’ Rocky Bushiri’s heads collided following a deflected Kieran Tierney cross, however these claims were quickly waved away from Walsh. A late chance for Hibs went begging with just five minutes of normal time to play. Kieron Bowie got the better of Auston Trusty and fired a low ball into the box. Chris Cadden done everything right to keep his effort goal bound, but Schmeichel’s extended leg denied the hosts an equaliser. Today’s result means that Celtic have cut the gap on league leaders Hearts to just two points with one game played less than the Jambos. Both sides meet next Sunday after midweek action on Wednesday with Celtic at home to Dundee, and Hearts hosting Kilmarnock As for Hibs, they return to Easter Road on Saturday to face Falkirk, after losing at home for only the second time in 19 league matches. HIBERNIAN: Sallinger 5, O’Hora 5, Bowie 6, Boyle 6 (Youan 79’ 1), C Cadden 5, Chaiwa 4(Newell 79’ 1), McGrath 6, N Cadden 2 (Iredale 38’ 5), Mulligan 5 (Barlaser 79’ 1), Obita 6 (Campbell 66’ 3), Bushiri 6 CELTIC: Schmeichel 7, Scales 5, Trusty 6, Yang 6, McCowan 5c(Nygren 63’ 3), Engels 5, Saracchi 5 (Tierney 63’ 3), Maeda 6, Hatate 6, McGregor 6, Donovan 3(Ralston 46’ 4)
Rangers 1-1 Braga: Martinez Goal Stops Rangers Getting First Europa League Win
A blustery night at Ibrox came to an end with both sides having to settle for a draw as Rangers and Braga played out a 1-1 draw at Ibrox. Rangers came into this one bottom of the Europa League League Phase with four losses from four, the latest being 0-2 at home against Roma. Braga were sitting 5th before kickoff with three wins and one loss in the competition, the last game being a 3-4 defeat at home to Belgian team Genk. Both teams made three changes from their last games, Max Aarons, Connor Barron and Youssef Chermiti replaced Jayden Meghoma, Thelo Aasgaard and Oliver Antman from Rangers’ win over Livingston. Lukas Hornicek, Bright Arri-Mbi and Rodrigo Zalazar were out for Alaa Bellaarouch, Victor Carvalho and Pau Victor for Braga from their last game, a 4-2 Portuguese cup win against Nacional. As the gusts of wind started to pick up around Ibrox, it was Braga who created the first real chance as Zalazar cut the ball back for Ricardo Horta who had his shot saved by Jack Butland. Horta is played through again but his touch lets him down and Butland can save Rangers again. Former Celtic player Gustaf Lagerbielke had a free header at the back post from a Horta cross but he couldn’t connect properly and it went wide. Rangers created their first real chance of the game ten minutes before half time as Mohammed Diomande did well to find space and play it to Danilo but his shot was poor and straight at the keeper Hornicek. Danny Rohl’s team started to build a bit more pressure as Barron played a long switch to Djeidi Gassama who had a shot saved and the rebound was put over the bar by James Tavernier. Rangers continued their purple patch of play as Sikou Niakate made a last ditch challenge on Gassama and even when the ball fell to Chermiti the Gers striker couldn’t quite squeeze it in. After a VAR check for a potential handball right on the stroke of half time after a Tavernier corner was met by the hand of Jean-Baptiste Gorby and a penalty was awarded to Rangers, Tavernier scored as he sent Hornicek the wrong way. As the second half started Rangers kept up their pressure from the end of the first, Diomande played the ball wide for Gassama but neither Chermiti or Danilo could score. An overhit corner was recycled by Aarons and Chermiti couldn’t hit the target from three yards out, the clearance was out to Gassama who forced a good save from Hornicek. After another VAR check Braga are reduced to 10 men as Zalazar is sent off for an off the ball headbutt on Nicolas Raskin. Braga got the equaliser just over 20 minutes from time as a hopeful cross was caught in the wind, then misjudged by Nasser Djiga and it fell to Gabri Martinez who slotted into the corner. Djiga almost made amends as he came close from only a few yards out but his header went wide after Fernandez won the ball from a deep corner. Good work continued from Rangers with Gassama crossing but Tavernier’s header was weak and easy to save. Yet another VAR check followed this time for a penalty to Braga after a potential handball against substitute Bojan Miovski but it’s not given. Rangers pushed to take the lead again with less than 10 minutes to play, good work from Miovski and Diomande but the latter’s shot was poor on the turn. Braga had a great chance to win it in added time as the wind again picked up the ball and nearly blew a corner straight in, when it came out to Gorby his shot was powerful from just inside the area but Butland punched the ball away. The teams were then levelled to 10 men each after Diomande was sent off for a second bookable offence after a poor challenge. The game ended 1-1 with both teams down to 10 men as Rangers pick up their first point in the Europa League for the season. This result lifted Rangers up to 33rd in the League Phase as Braga dropped to 7th in a game that Rangers will feel they should have got all three points from. RangersButland, Tavernier, Djiga, Fernandez, Aarons (Meghoma 89’), Raskin, Diomande sent off 90+5’, Barron (Miovski 77’), Danilo (Aasgaard 72’), Gassama, Chermiti (Antman 89’) Tavernier 45+3’ pen BragaHornicek, Gomez, Lagerbielke, Niakite, Arri-Mbi, Gorby (Moscardo 90+3’), Moutinho (Grillitsch 66’), Zalazar sent off 61’, Horta, Martinez (Carvalho 82’), Navarro (El Ouazzani 46’) Martinez 69’
UEFA Champions League Review: Matchday Five
It was a week to remember in the Champions League for Chelsea and Arsenal, but not so for the rest of the English representatives with all four falling to defeats. Chelsea rocked Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, cruising to a 3-0 lead on Wednesday night. Jules Kounde’s own goal and a Ronald Araujo red card in the first half provided the Blues with all the impetus to take the game to the Spanish giants. Goals from 18 year-old Estevao and forward Liam Delap put the Catalans to the sword and made it 4 consecutive European matches in a row without a defeat for the World Champions. Also on Wednesday, Manchester City and Newcastle United lost out. Pep Guardiola made a brash decision to play a second-string side at home to Bayer Leverkusen, a decision he would be made to regret thanks to goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick either side of half time. Newcastle took the lead in Marseille thanks to a goal from potential Scotland international Harvey Barnes, but two goals inside the first five minutes of the second half from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the Ligue 1 side all three points. In the early kick-offs, Ajax continued their pointless start as Benfica beat them 2-0 with Samuel Dahl and Leandro Barreiro getting on the scoresheet and Union SG, who Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom also invests in, ran out 1-0 winners away to the cauldron of Galatasaray. Canadian Promise David netted the only goal 57 minutes in. Kjetil Knutsen’s Bodo/Glimt ran Juventus close in the Arctic Circle, eventually falling to a 3-2 defeat when Jonathan David’s injury time winner secured victory amid unconfirmed reports of the Norwegian manager being ruled out of the Celtic running. Rasmus Hojlund missed a penalty in Napoli’s hosting of Qarabag after scoring one in Denmark’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland, but Hampden hero Scott McTominay replicated his overhead kick with a less-spectacular acrobatic effort to give the Napoleons the lead. He also got the last touch before an own goal for the second in a 2-0 victory. Borussia Dortmund defeated Villareal 4-0 at Signal Iduna Park and Slavia Prague and Athletic Bilbao played out a 0-0 stalemate in Czechia to round off Tuesday’s fixtures. Liverpool were in the back pages for all the wrong reasons after losing 4-1 at Anfield to Eredevisie outfit PSV Eindhoven. Dominik Szoboslai cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s early opener just 15 minutes in, but second half goals from Guus Til and a double from Couhaib Driouech completed the rout as pressure grows on Arne Slot. It is the ninth defeat in 12 games for the Premier League champions. Arsenal boosted their credentials as a European powerhouse after they beat Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates. Jurrien Timber gave the Gunners the lead before 17 year-old Lennart Karl levelled things before half time. Two second half goals eight minutes apart from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli created a historic night for Arsenal as they lead both the Premier League and Champions League table. The same success could not be managed by the other side of North London, despite their best efforts. Spurs took the lead twice away to PSG with goals from Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani but both were responded to by former Wolves loanee Vitinha. Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho gave the competition holders breathing room before Kolo Muani haunted his former employers again. Vitinha would reaffirm PSG’s two goal lead with a penalty in the 76th minute to complete his hat-trick, however. In the early Wednesday kick-offs, Celtic’s old foes Kairat Almaty conceded to a goal from Hoops legend Henrik Larsson’s son, Jordan, scoring in a 3-2 home win that saw Almaty score twice late on. Cypriot side Pafos, who used to be managed by Dundee gaffer Steven Pressley, drew 2-2 at home to Monaco in a game which seen David Luiz become the second oldest scorer in the competition’s history. Olympiacos took the lead against Real Madrid but four goals from Kylian Mbappe got Los Blancos over the line in a 4-3 epic, whilst city rivals Atletico scored a last minute winner courtesy of Jose Gimenez to dispatch last season’s runner-ups Inter Milan 2-1. Sporting Lisbon beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Portuguese capital and Atalanta won by the scoreline away to Eintracht Frankfurt to bring this week’s Champions League action to a close. The Champions League is back Tuesday 9th December for the last time this calendar year, and the editor’s choice of clashes to look out for are Inter vs Liverpool on Tuesday, and Real Madrid vs Manchester City on Wednesday.
Scottish Cup Third Round Preview
The Scottish Cup third round returns as some mouth-watering ties away in this round with the potential of some Scottish Cup shocks. Linlithgow Rose v Queens Park Lowland League outfit Linlithgow Rose welcome Championship side Queens Park on Friday night. The hosts sit fourth, just five point off league leaders, Clydebank. The lowland league side bowed out of the third round last season, losing 4-0 at home to Championship side Raith Rovers. The Spiders made it all the way to the final eight last season, losing out to Aberdeen after a 4-1 defeat at Pittodrie. Queens Park created history last season, knocking out giants, Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox, yet sit 8th this season, two points off bottom placed Airdrieonians. Raith Rovers v Alloa Athletic. Raith Rovers host League One side Alloa in which will be Dougie Imrie’s first match in charge at Stark’s Park since arriving from Morton. Alloa last campaign failed to make it past round two following a 3-2 defeat at Dumbarton. Raith however, they were knocked out in round five following a 5-0 defeat away to Celtic. Alloa sit third in League One as they hunt for a return to the Championship. Raith are currently sixth, four points out of the promotion spots. Stenhousemuir v Clachnachuddin Stenny welcome Highland League outfit Clachnachuddin. The League One side sit second just four points off leaders, Inverness as they aim for promotion to the second division for the first time in their history. The Clach sit second, just two points behind Brechin City and have been unbelievable as they look to create history. Clachnachuddin were defeated by Linlithgow Rose 3-0 last season to knock the Inverness based side out early doors. The hosts on Saturday were defeated in Round four with a 3-0 defeat against Dunfermline Athletic. Airdrieonians v Hamilton Championship side Airdrie welcome League One strugglers Hamilton. Both sides are facing their own battles as Airdrie sit bottom in their league as Accies face issues financially. Hamilton themselves sit fifth, just one point behind East Fife in League One. Last season, Airdrie dropped out in the fifth round after a 4-0 defeat at Dundee. Hamilton were defeated in the same round, losing out 1-0 at St Johnstone. Annan v Buckie Thistle Annan of League Two meet Buckie in the third round. Annan sit eighth in their league after a dire start to their campaign. Buckie are seventh in the Highland League after a shaky start to their season. Buckie were dumped out first round to Clydebank after losing 2-0 despite being on nine-men. Annan were defeated by Fraserburgh 2-0 in the same round as Buckie dream on pulling off another shock over Annan. Ayr United v Turriff United The first ever meeting between the Championship and Highland league sides. Ayr are third in the Championship as the Honest Men continue their battles for the title. Turriff have struggled in the Highland League this season as they sit 14th in the Breedon Highland League as they will need to be at their best if they’re to progress. Turriff were knocked out by 10-man Fraserburgh last campaign after a 3-1 defeat. A Round five defeat to Hibernian confirmed the fate of Ayr United last campaign. Banks O’Dee v Ross County Banks O’Dee welcome the Highlanders to Spain Park in the Scottish Cup. Banks O’Dee are sixth in the Highland League, 10 points off top spot with two games in hand. County have had a difficult return to the Championship as the Staggies sit 8th as they continue to struggle. Banks O’Dee were knocked out by Hamilton last season in a game they’d say they were very unlucky to lose. The Aberdeen side also shocked East Fife 1-0 in the process. The Staggies were put out instantly by Livingston, a 3-2 defeat in Dingwall. Benburb v Montrose Montrose travel to face junior side Benburb in the Scottish Cup. Benburb are the lowest ranked side remaining as they sit 12th in the West of Scotland first division. Montrose sit 8th in League One, just 6 points off of 10th placed, Kelty Hearts. The side from Govan didn’t appear to play in last year’s Scottish Cup, their last time in the Scottish Cup was 2022, losing out 2-0 to Wick Academy. Queens Park deflated the hope of Montrose, knocking out the Links Park side 3-2. Bonnyrigg Rose v The Spartans Lowland League title challengers, Bonnyrigg welcome League Two leaders The Spartans. Bonnyrigg Rose were relegated from League Two last season as they look to fight back to return. The Spartans are also having a great season so far, topping their league. Bonnyrigg were knocked out right away with a 3-1 defeat away to East Kilbride at K-Park. Spartans were also put out at the same time, a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Lowland League outfit, Cowdenbeath. Camelon Juniors v Edinburgh City Junior side, Camelon Junior sit fourth in the East Of Scotland Premier division as they go up against bottom of League Two, Edinburgh City despite the Cityzens point deductions earlier this season. Camelon Juniors were beaten at first attempt after a 1-0 defeat to Highland League opponents, Keith. Championship, Dunfermline were at the driving seat as they knocked out the League Two side following a 2-1 win last season. Dumbarton v Auchinleck Talbot The junior side who have made a big name for themselves in recent times make the trip to Dumbarton on Saturday. Auchinleck sit second in the Premier Division, five points off Troon who sit top despite three games in hand. The Sons’ sit 7th in League Two following relegation last season. Broxburn were the side which saw Auchinleck bow out last season as they hope for a better result this time around. Dumbarton had a slight run last campaign but Airdrie had other ideas and ended their Scottish Cup hopes. Dunfermline v Queen Of The South The Pars’ sit fifth in the Championship after an alright start to the season. The visitors sit 6th in the third division
PSG 5-3 Tottenham: Incredible Game Ends in a Win for Champions League Holders
An eight goal thriller in Paris saw PSG beat Tottenham 5-3 in an instant classic Champions League game tonight. The Champions League holders come into this game in 7th place in the League Phase with three wins and one loss after their last European game, losing 2-1 against Bayern Munich. Spurs are 12th in the League Phase with eight points with two wins and two draws after their last Champions League outing, a convincing 4-0 victory against Copenhagen. PSG made six changes to the team that won 4-0 against La Havre in Ligue 1. Marquinhos, William Pancho, Fabian Ruiz, Bradley Barcola, Quentin Ndjantou and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all replace Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu, Lee Kang-In, Gonçalo Ramos and Ibrahim Mbaye. Tottenham made five changes to the North London Derby loss against Arsenal. Archie Gray, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Randal Kolo Muani all come in for Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Palhinha, Mohammed Kudas and Wilson Odobert. As the referee blew the whistle in the French capital it was the hosts who started the strongest as Joao Neves cut inside and Fabian Ruiz hit a powerful shot that went just wide. A few minutes later Spurs managed to break up the pitch with Bergvall but he didn’t connect with his cross properly and the ball went into the arms of PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. PSG had the upper hand in the early stages and came close again when Ndjantou played a quick 1-2 pass with Kvaratskhelia whose curling shot bounced just on the wrong side of the post. Another chance for the Parisian’s as Vitinha plays a dinked pass to Warren Zaire-Emery whose control lets him down allowing for Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario to punch the ball away. Spurs have a few minutes of pressure themselves winning a corner but it’s punched away by Chevalier and the chance is gone. Tottenham open the scoring against the run of play in the 35th minute a good run by Gray down the left, he received the ball from Djed Spence and he played a dinked cross to the back post that’s headed back across goal by Muani for Richarlison who tapped the ball in with his head. PSG got the equaliser right on the 45th minute, a short corner was played to Ndjantou who passed the ball square across the area to Vitinha who rifled the ball into the Spurs net. Tottenham took the lead again in the 50th minute a corner was sent to the back post headed back across by Richarlison, hit on the turn by Gray but his shot hit the bar and bounced back to Muani who hit the volley hard into the net. PSG tried to draw level again as Zaire-Emery’s cross was headed just over by Barcola. Just three minutes after Spurs went in front they were pegged back again Kvaratskhelia finds a bit of space on the edge of the box and finds Vitinha who curls in his second of the game. The Parisians got in front for the first time just before the hour mark as high pressure from sub Lucas Hernandez won the ball back and a flick from Neves played through Ruiz to slot home to make it 3-2. PSG got their 2 goal cushion a little over five minutes later from a corner whipped in by sub Kang-In and bobbles around the front post area as it falls to Pancho who side foots it in for 4-2. Spurs weren’t finished yet as they pulled one back when Vitinha lost the control of the ball to Rodrigo Bentancur who played in Muani for his second and Tottenham’s third. PSG were then awarded a penalty for handball as Vitinha had a shot blocked by the raised hand of the sliding Cristian Romero and the penalty was expertly converted by Vitinha for his first senior hat-trick. Just as the game was coming to an end it was finished with a sending off for PSG as Hernandez was given a straight red for a blatant elbow to the face of Spurs substitute Xavi Simons. This crazy game finally comes to an end with the score PSG 5-3 Tottenham, definitively one of the most entertaining Champions League games of all time. PSG Chervalier, Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pancho, Mendes (Hernandez 46’ sent off 90+3’), Neves, Vitinha (Zabarnyi 90’), Ruiz, Barcola (Kang-In 56’), Kvaratskhelia (Dembele 79’), Ndjantou (Ramos 79’) Vitinha (45’, 53’, 76’ pen) Ruiz (59’) Pancho (65’) Tottenham Vicario, Porro, Gray (Palhinha 76’), van de Ven, Romero, Spence (Udogie 84’), Sarr (Odobert 84’), Bergvall (Kudas 76’), Bentancur, Muani (Simon’s 84’), Richarlison Richarlison (35’) Muani (50’, 73’)
“It Would Be So Lovely to Leave on a Good Note” – Martin O’Neill Second Celtic Chapter Set to Close
Interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is set to hand over the reins at Celtic Park to incoming replacement Wilfried Nancy after the Parkhead club’s next two matches against Feyenoord and Hibernian. The Northern Irishman took over after countryman Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic departure, and has steadied the ship amid turbulent off-field circumstances, which included an abandoned AGM. The 73 year-old has won three of his four matches so far, losing only to FC Midtjylland of Denmark in Europa League, in which they face Dutch side Feyenoord tonight. “Listen, I have no doubt that there is difficulty ahead of us, but it would be nice to do that.” O’Neill responded in a press conference ahead of tonight’s game when asked about leaving on a high. “We have this game [vs Feyenoord] and then the Hibs game at the weekend and seemingly, although I have not been told officially, from what I have heard, that will be it. “There are still things at the other end that have to be sorted out yet, but I think I am definitely here for this one and then Hibs. “So it would be lovely to leave on a good note. It seems like 10 points would be enough to see us through, so that means winning another two games. This will not be easy.” Celtic have picked up four points from as many games in the Europa League this season, with Wilfried Nancy’s European competition debut expected to be against Serie A leaders AS Roma on 11th December. O’Neill said that he is prepared to give the Columbus Crew manager advice, should the Frenchman want it. “I think one of the unfortunate things for the length of time I’ve been in is that I’ve not got to known all the players. “He has to win and he has to win right from the off. You’ve got to win. “Winning gives you a bit of respite, and then it gives you the chance to build a team in your manner, whatever that manner may be.” An official announcement from Celtic is expected over the weekend confirming the hire of Nancy and his assistant Kwame Ampadu from MLS side Columbus Crew. For Martin O’Neill, he faces Robin Van Persie’s Feyenoord at De Kuip before a potential last game at Easter Road to visit Hibernian. Wilfried Nancy could be in the dugout for Wednesday’s hosting of Dundee, kicking off a first full month in charge that would include a visit from league leaders Hearts, a cup final against St.Mirren and a derby clash against Rangers.
Ex-Rangers Manager Accepts Norwich City Job
Former Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been appointed as the new Norwich City manager. He pens a deal until 2029, and will be joined by Stephan Van Der Heyden, who was his right hand man in Glasgow as well. Former Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson was ruled out of the running yesterday and fellow sacked Rangers boss Russell Martin, who spent the majority of his playing career at Carrow Road, had also been linked with taking the job. “I’m really excited by this story and opportunity. I’ve known this club for a long time and, whilst we are not in a good moment at this time, we are excited to work together with the players and staff to turn things around.” Clement told Norwich’s official website. “Meeting with the owners and hearing some of their ambitions for the club, it really convinced me that this is the best move. They have big plans for the future, but of course, our job in the short term is to turn around the current situation and get everyone believing again. “I also see the potential in the club and the group of players, and feel totally ready for the challenge ahead.” Clement has yet to return to management since he was dismissed at Ibrox, in a tenure which seen him win the Premier Sports Cup just months into the job, but failed to back this up with further silverware. He spent time as a player in England with Coventry City in the Premier League, but embarks on his first management role in English football. His Rangers side only lost 16 of the 86 games during his spell in Glasgow’s Southside, but was unable to survive being so far behind Celtic and a poor run of form before his departure, which included a catastrophic 1-0 defeat at home to Queen’s Park. The Belgian won league titles in his homeland with Genk and Club Brugge, and has also worked in Ligue 1 with AS Monaco. The 51 year-old has emerged as a shock candidate and would be replacing Liam Manning who was sacked after 17 games in charge. Norwich have failed to pick up any points at home this season so far, and find themselves second from bottom in the Championship, four points from safety. Clement’s first match in charge will be away to Birmingham City, where he may come up against an old foe in Kyogo Furuhashi.
Wilfried Nancy Set to be Named Next Celtic Boss
Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the front runner for the vacant position at Celtic. It is understood that he is the number one target at Parkhead, and can now enter talks with the club’s hierarchy after Columbus Crew granted Celtic permission to speak to the Frenchman. The Crew’s season came to a close after a loss in the MLS playoffs to state rivals Cincinnati, allowing Celtic to move their approach into another gear for the 48 year-old. Nancy was assistant to Thierry Henry at CF Montreal before taking the reins himself in 2021, where he managed current Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston. He left Canada to head south to Columbus Crew in late 2022, and would deliver success in the MLS Cup in 2023. Nancy was awarded MLS Coach of the year in 2024. It is believed that Nancy has faced competition from the likes of Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen for the role whilst former boss Martin O’Neill has taken interim charge. Celtic are back in action a week on Saturday, travelling to St. Mirren in what could be Nancy’s first match as Celtic manager.
