Strasbourg writes a beautiful page in its history
The challenge for Gary O’Neil’s men was daunting, but they responded. Beaten 2-0 in the first leg in Mainz, the Strasbourg players managed to reverse the trend by brilliantly winning 4-0 and will be at a European Cup semi-final for the first time in their history. “The Kif and the qualif”, according to L’Équipe from their side. Expected to deliver, the Alsacians started the match fiercely and had already caught up by halftime. Despite a penalty missed by substitute Emanuel Emegha in the second half, the Racingmen continued their efforts and were rewarded with two more goals sealing the fate of the match. They will face Rayo Vallecano in the semi-finals, who overcame AEK Athens for a place in the final. Valentin Barco received a yellow card last night and will miss the first leg in Spain.
Lionel Messi’s commitment to his new club
In Spain, it is Lionel Messi’s acquisition of the UE Cornella club that is making headlines in Sport. After Cristiano Ronaldo bought 25% of Almeria club in February, it is now the turn of the Argentine to become the owner of UE Cornella, a Catalan club playing in the fifth division. The Spanish club confirmed the news on its official website stating that the Pulga was the new owner of the institution. This initiative strengthens the close ties between Messi and Barcelona, as well as his commitment to the development of sports and local talents in Catalonia. This morning, Sport reveals the reasons behind this decision, with the first being geographical. UE Cornella is the most successful club near the seaside city of Castelldefels, where Messi will reside after retiring from professional football. His passion for training Catalan players and the club’s healthy and structured finances also motivated him to invest in the club, which represents one of the best academies in Catalonia.
The great ambitions of Bayern Munich
In Germany, Bild is dreaming of a Bayern Munich treble, as they lead the league, are in the semi-finals of the German Cup, and are still in the Champions League. “The 4 strengths of the treble”, as indicated by the newspaper detailing the reasons to believe in this possibility. For German observers, Michael Olise’s dazzling form and Harry Kane’s return from injury, scoring against Real Madrid, are motivating factors. Additionally, in addition to these two key players, the journal highlights the ultra-prolific and efficient attack of the Bavarians, as well as the perfect squad management and winners’ mentality imparted by Vincent Kompany to his team.
