Dribble Diaries

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals with their backs against the wall. And they'll have to do so without Gabriel, arguably their finest defender. After picking up an injury in their 2-1 Premier League win over Fulham last time out, Gunners fans have received the news they feared. According to the club's official report, the Brazilian international has sustained a hamstring injury that will necessitate surgery. "Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season," the news release stated. "Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible." The club has already experienced numerous injuries this season, including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard, Ricardo Calaf...

When VfB Stuttgart visited RB Leipzig in a much-anticipated match, MHPArena was rocking. Thanks to an incredible thunderbolt from Angelo Stiller, the home team got off to a fantastic start. With only five minutes remaining, Stiller's one of the season's sweetest strikes sent the Stuttgart supporters into raptures as he met a cleared corner on the volley from 25 yards out. Ermedin Demirovic grabbed a ball from Nick Woltemade inside the six-yard box as Stuttgart continued to advance in the early going, but Maarten Vandevoort made a crucial save to preserve his team ahead. As RB Leipzig gained momentum, Lois Openda broke into the left side of the box in the fifteenth minute, giving them their first serious chance. Alexander Nübel, who was becoming a key player between the posts, stopped his hard effort with a strong right-hand save. A minute later, Openda was in once more, but Xavi Simons played him through this time. Nübel's outstretched leg expertly stopped his left-...

After defeating Diego Simeone's team 5-4 on aggregate, Barcelona continued their amazing 2025 form on Wednesday, defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 to guarantee their spot in the Copa del Rey final. Ferran Torres' goal in the first half proved to be the difference between the teams during their semi-final match thanks to the Catalans' tenacious performance. During his post-match press conference, Hansi Flick expressed his satisfaction with the performance his team performed (via Marca). "We performed really well and defended brilliantly. As coaches, we can all be proud of this team. Although Atletico is a fantastic team, we have made significant progress. It's difficult, particularly in this place. We have it under control, and every player is performing well. When Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal match, Hansi Flick was on the field. After this win over Atleti, Barcelona still has a chance to finish the...

James Tarkowski should have been sent out for a "obvious" red card challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, according to Liverpool manager Arne Slot. In the first half of the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, which Liverpool won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Diogo Jota, Tarkowski slid in to recover the ball but caught Mac Allister on the follow through with his studs. However, Slot was taken aback by the decision to allow Tarkowski to stay on the field. When questioned about Mac Allister's health, Slot responded, "He continued to play, so I assume he's okay." Because he is from South America, he is accustomed to something similar. However, I believe that everyone has mentioned it, so why should I add anything more? I don't need to say anything because it's so clear. "I would rather discuss Diogo's goal, Curtis Jones' performance, or something else than the incident, but everyone else did." Slot said, "It could ha...

After Sandro Tonali finished a strong performance with a spectacular winner to put Newcastle in the running for Champions League qualifying, Eddie Howe praised his shooting ability. The 24-year-old Italy international gave the Magpies a valuable 2-1 victory over Brentford at home in the 74th minute with a piledriver that beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken from an unlikely angle, capping an event-filled match. When asked about the goal later, Howe responded, "Let me say one thing about Sandro: he can hit a ball like no-one." Bees manager Thomas Frank later called Tonali's winning goal a "one in a million cross." I wouldn't rule out him meaning that since he can hit it so powerfully that I occasionally worry for our goalkeepers' wrists when he does. We needed it, therefore it was a significant point in the match. It's a significant point in our season since the game was still very much in the balance at that point. However, Tonali acknowledged that ...

Milan might record a historic first this evening if they defeat Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. This is the fourth edition of the Derby della Madonnina this season, after the teams met twice in Serie A and in the Supercoppa Italiana final. Milan have the chance to secure a historic hat-trick. That gives the Rossoneri a unique potential to make history by defeating Inter in three different tournaments in a single season. Milan has never accomplished this feat, although Inter did so in the 2022-23 season. The Nerazzurri won once in Serie A, once in the Supercoppa Italiana, and both Champions League games. Milan began the season with a 2-1 Serie A victory in September 2024, then rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and lift the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh on January 6. Sergio Conceicao was only in control for his second game after taking over for Paulo Fonseca. Meanwhile, Inter avoided a third straight defeat by scoring a stoppage-time equaliser in the return Serie A match...

La Liga has confirmed that Barcelona's salary ceiling has been cut once more following a finding that the €100 million sale of VIP tickets at the new Camp Nou was not completed on time. The two sides have been embroiled in a convoluted legal fight for the past six months, with Barcelona scrambling to prolong Dani Olmo and Pau Victor's registrations. While there was some controversy about whether the players' licenses could even be extended - Barcelona went over La Liga's head to gain an emergency arrangement with the government's High Sports Committee (CSD) - the Blaugrana also had to demonstrate that they had the funds to finish fresh registration. Barcelona's salary ceiling was boosted at the turn of the year after the club produced proof proving that their €100 million sale of VIP seats was completed on January 3, 2025. They were subsequently given the necessary financial freedom to register Olmo and Victor for the second half of the season. Barcelona re...

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stated that this season has been 'very excellent' for Los Rojiblancos thus far, but the last games of the season will determine how their year is regarded. Los Colchoneros enter their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona (4-4 on aggregate), with some believing it is their last chance to exceed expectations this year. So far, the confrontations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been fascinating, with 17 goals scored in three games and both teams winning. Los Rojiblancos suffered a 4-2 setback at the Metropolitano two games ago, but Simeone did not anticipate anything to change. "We'll go through various times. They will have a lot of possessions. We'll play the same games we've been presenting. I don't believe there will be many changes for them or us. "Each player will try to take it to where they can perform best," he told reporters. Simeone's primary selection issu...

Four of Real Madrid's top stars face potential UEFA suspensions for "indecent conduct" ahead of their Champions League match against Arsenal on April 8. A UEFA investigation into the post-match conduct of four of Real Madrid's most prominent players has hampered the club's preparations for the first leg of its Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal. Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos are all facing disciplinary action following the events surrounding their last-16 shootout victory over Atlético Madrid on March 12. Last Thursday, UEFA stated that its Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector had opened an investigation into allegations of "indecent conduct" by the four, all of whom face potential bans that would knock them out of the match at the Emirates on April 8. Multiple outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport and Le Figaro, have accused the four players of indulging in inappropriate celebrations near the Metrop...

Holders Bayer Leverkusen are knocked out as third-tier Arminia Bielefeld reach the DFB Cup final. Bayer Leverkusen were the latest victims of Arminia Bielefeld's giant-killing DFB Cup campaign, with the third-tier club coming from behind to win 2-1 and go to the final. Bielefeld had defeated Bundesliga teams Union Berlin (2-0), Freiburg (3-1) and Werder Bremen (2-1) in previous rounds to go to the final four, but there was a general belief that Xabi Alonso's defending cup holders would be too much for them. So, when Jonathan Tah volleyed home an early goal from Amine Adli's flick-on at a corner, the game appeared to be going as planned. Bielefeld quickly equalized after Marius Wörl took advantage of a loose ball inside the Leverkusen penalty area and curled a shot past Lukáš Hrádecký. Bielefeld's home crowd cheered them on, and they nearly scored again when Noah Sarenren Bazee went one-on-one with Hrádecký. However, the goalie made an incredible save. On the strok...

Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus may be on his way out of Serie A, and Newcastle United is showing growing interest. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic's entourage and Juventus have decided to part ways amicably in the summer. Juve believes that the terms of a new deal are financially unsustainable, and Vlahovic has refused to lower his wage expectations. The Serbian also had a falling out with Thiago Motta, and he is now considering moving to England. Arsenal are intrigued, just as they were when the striker departed Fiorentina. They were also interested in a January transfer, which never materialized. However, Newcastle United is also interested in Vlahovic, and if Alexander Isak leaves, they may approach him. Manchester United may also become an option. Juve is currently seeking a sum of €40 million to €45 million to sell the player, who is not keen on transferring to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.

Thomas Muller's future at Bayern Munich has been a hot topic in Germany over the weekend. The seasoned German forward hopes to conclude his brilliant career in Munich at the end of the season. During the international break, Muller allegedly spoke with Bayern executives twice. The club hierarchy has always claimed that Muller is an important element of the squad, but they have opted not to grant him a new contract. Muller is set to leave Munich on a free transfer in the summer. According to Christian Falk (via iMiaSanMia), Muller was astonished by Bayern's decision not to give him a new contract. The German forward wanted to stay with the club for another season, but it appears that the club's executives have made up their minds, which is a significant departure from their earlier stance of offering Muller a new contract as long as he wanted to play in Bavaria. Wages could be a determining factor in Bayern's choice. Muller is one of Bayern's top earners. ...

Nico Schlotterbeck has been the top performance for Borussia Dortmund this season, which comes as no surprise to BVB fans. Despite Nico's steady presence in the backline, the BVB number four has contributed in all parts of the play, including two assists from corners taken during the 3-1 victory over Mainz. However, his career at the club may be jeopardized if the club does not provide him with opportunities to compete at a top level, especially given BVB's poor domestic performance this season. With talks about a new contract already underway, Schlotterbeck finally spoke out on the subject following yesterday's victory at Westfalenstadion: "I'm very glad to be here, and I understand what it takes to play for the club. BVB remains my primary point of contact." Nico Schlotterbeck Nico was certified to reassure fans about negotiations for a new deal with the Black-and-Yellows, as the young center-back claims to have a stronger bond with the club. Howeve...

Mikel Arteta has revealed that he expects a "big summer" as Arsenal seeks to bolster its transfer strategy. The Gunners are on track for their third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League. They have come close to winning their first league title in almost two decades, but summer transfer market signings will be critical if Arsenal are to improve on their runners-up record next season. This summer will be Arteta's sixth as manager of the club. The Spaniard reflected: "The way we planned the first five summers, they were all going to be quite large, with various goals. "Because of the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows, they were going to be different." Regarding the forthcoming window, he stated: "First and foremost, we need to strengthen the depth of the team, but we also want to increase particular qualities and skills that we require to move forward. "It's going to be a big one, and we're extrem...

Manchester City, the current Premier League champions, will once again lose outstanding player Erling Haaland. The club issued an official statement confirming the prognosis for the 21-goal man's injury to his left ankle. "The Norwegian striker sustained the injury during Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final victory away at AFC Bournemouth." "Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury." "The assessment is still ongoing to provide a comprehensive prognosis. Erling is expected to recover in time to play in the balance of this season, including this summer's FIFA Club World Cup." "Everyone at the Club wishes Erling a speedy recovery." For the time being, Haaland is out of contention for Wednesday's home game against Leicester. With further details to come, the former Borussia Dortmund wonderkid could be sidelined for a few we...

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been adamant about his future since coming to the club three years ago: he will not leave unless he is fired. However, recent reports from the Spanish capital suggest that he may be reconsidering his attitude. Following a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina last week, Brazil opted to fire manager Dorival Junior on Saturday, reigniting their interest in Ancelotti until 2023. According to The Athletic, Ancelotti is CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues' 'dream' signing, with Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus the other key option. Brazil wants their next manager to take over before their next South American qualifiers, which means that any manager will most likely have to step down before the Club World Cup in June, which Jesus is happy to do. On the other hand, Ancelotti is rumored to be questioning his entire commitment to Real Madrid. Earlier this season, the Italian declared that he hoped to complete Florentino Perez's mandate with hi...