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April 12, 2022

April 12, 2022 IFMSPORTS

Atletico Madrid To Close Part Of Stadium For Man City Clash

Atletico Madrid must close part of their stadium for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City, Uefa has ruled.

The Spanish champions must close off at least 5,000 seats at the 68,456-capacity Wanda Metropolitano.

Uefa's punishment is for the "discriminatory behavior" of Atletico fans during last week's first-leg match in Manchester, where City 1-0.

Atletico will also have to display a Uefa banner reading "#NoToRacism".

Meanwhile, Uefa has provisionally suspended Roma goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos and Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen while they investigate an alleged altercation between the two in the aftermath of last Thursday's Europa Conference League game.

Bodo/Glimt claimed a 2-1 victory over Jose Mourinho's Roma side in the first leg of the quarter-final.

The Norwegian club released a statement which stated they had video evidence of head coach Knutsen being attacked by members of Roma's support staff, including Santos.

In response to Uefa's decision to suspend Knutsen, Bodo/Glimt released a statement saying: "We are surprised and shocked by Uefa's decision. We will appeal, and will work on it throughout the evening. Beyond that, we currently have no comments."

Benefica Defeat Ajax To Secure A UCL Quaterfinal Spot For The First Time Since 2016

Darwin Nunez claimed the decisive goal as Benfica defeated Ajax in Amsterdam to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

After an entertaining first leg ended 2-2 in Lisbon, the return leg was a far tighter affair and the visitors had done little to threaten before Nunez struck.

The Uruguayan beat Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to head in a whipped free-kick with 13 minutes left in regulation time.

Ajax dominated for most part of the game and Sebastien Haller had the ball in the net early on, but Dusan Tadic was offside in the build-up, leading to the goal being chalked off.

For all the home side's possession, they found it very difficult to break down a resolute Benfica defence that was well marshalled by veteran centre-backs Nicolas Otamendi and former Ajax and Spurs man Jan Vertonghen.

Belgian Vertonghen also headed wide from a rare chance for the visitors, who showed little ambition and looked most likely to threaten from a set-piece.

When it looked likely that the game might be forced into extra time, it was Nunez popping up with the decisive goal in the tie from Alex Grimaldo's superb delivery.

Antony had looked lively from the flank for the Dutch outfit and fired on target from distance before heading another effort over the crossbar - as what had been a buoyant atmosphere inside the Johan Cruyff Arena began to turn nervy.

In the end it was Benfica's vehement travelling fans who were left chanting as their players enjoyed celebrations on the pitch, with the Portuguese side reaching the last eight of the Champions League for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign.

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022 IFMSPORTS

PSG President And Sporting Director Investigated By UEFA

Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo are being investigated by Uefa after allegedly confronting officials in the aftermath of Wednesday’s last-16 defeat at Real Madrid.

Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo watched as PSG gave up a 2-0 aggregate lead in the second half of the second leg tie, losing 3-2 to exit competition.

The pair reportedly approached Dutch referee Danny Makkelie.

Uefa has now opened an investigation.

Referee Makkelie has reportedly written in his report that Al-Khelaifi and Leonardo “blocked the door” of his dressing room.

European football’s governing body will consider its “general principles of conduct” as well as “incorrect behaviour of players and officials”.

After the game, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said Real Madrid’s first goal – which came in the 61st minute with the French side 1-0 up on the night – created a feeling of “injustice”.

Pochettino felt goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was fouled in the build-up.

Karim Benzema applied the finish to get Madrid back into the tie and the French striker scored two further goals in the following 17 minutes to send his side through to the quarter-finals.

UEFA To Hold Disciplinary Hearing On Ero Finals Unrest

The Football Association is set to learn if England have to play any home games behind closed doors as a result of the unrest at Wembley Stadium during the European Championship final.

Uefa are due to hold their disciplinary hearing on Monday, with a verdict likely to be released within 24 hours of the tribunal concluding.

Fans fought with stewards and police as they attempted to break into Wembley for the event on 11 July.

England lost to Italy in the final.

European football's governing body, Uefa, opened disciplinary proceedings into security breaches two days after the game was played.

The English FA set up an independent review of their own a week later, saying it was determined to ensure the "disgraceful scenes" that marred the Euro 2020 final were "never able to be repeated".

Hundreds of fans got into Wembley for the showpiece without tickets after areas around the stadium became packed hours before the evening kick-off.

Many even sat in the area reserved for players' relatives.

Uefa are likely to focus on whether the FA's security measures for the game were adequate.

Photocredit: Getty Image.

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Benefica Defeat Ajax To Secure A UCL Quaterfinal Spot For The First Time Since 2016

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