Sport
Vinicius Jr Surpasses Lionel Messi in UCL Knockout Assists After Real Madrid’s 3-2 Victory Over Manchester City
Vinicius Jr Surpasses Lionel Messi
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has eclipsed Lionel Messi’s UEFA Champions League knockout stage assists record, achieving this milestone during a thrilling 3-2 win against Manchester City. The Brazilian forward provided a crucial assist for Jude Bellingham, marking his 13th knockout assist, one more than Messi’s 12.
Match Highlights
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City took an early lead at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring in the 19th minute. Real Madrid responded in the 60th minute through Kylian Mbappe, but Haaland struck again from the penalty spot in the 80th minute. Brahim Diaz equalised six minutes later, setting the stage for Vinicius’s decisive contribution.
The 24-year-old Brazilian broke through City’s defence, chipping the ball over goalkeeper Ederson, allowing Bellingham to tap into an empty net. This assist not only secured the win but also cemented Vinicius’s place in UCL history.
Vinicius’s Record-Breaking Feat
Vinicius reached 13 knockout assists in just 50 games, surpassing Messi’s record in fewer matches. However, the Real Madrid star still trails Messi’s overall UCL assist tally of 40. Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the all-time charts with 41 and 42 assists, respectively.
What’s Next for Manchester City?
Manchester City face an uphill battle in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu. Guardiola’s side will need a remarkable performance to overturn the deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
FAQs
What is Vinicius Junior’s current UCL knockout assist record?
Vinicius has 13 assists in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record of 12.
How many UCL assists does Lionel Messi have in total?
Messi has 40 assists in the UEFA Champions League, placing him third in the all-time rankings.
Who holds the record for the most UCL assists?
Cristiano Ronaldo leads with 42 assists, followed by Angel Di Maria with 41.
How did Real Madrid perform against Manchester City?
Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory in the first leg of their UCL playoff tie at the Etihad Stadium.
What does Manchester City need to do in the second leg?
Manchester City must win by at least two goals at Santiago Bernabeu to advance to the next round.
References
- UEFA Champions League Official Website
- Real Madrid Club Statistics
- Manchester City Match Reports
Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by news
News
UCL: Why Dortmund Beat Barcelona – Flick Breaks Down the Shocking Defeat

UCL: Why Dortmund Beat Barcelona – Flick Breaks Down the Shocking Defeat
Published on April 16, 2025 | pelumi
When it comes to UEFA Champions League drama, few matches deliver like a quarter-final clash. On Tuesday night, Barcelona suffered a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg, leaving many fans shocked—even though they still advanced to the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win. So, what really went wrong?
Let’s hear it straight from the source—Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick.
Barcelona vs Dortmund: What Went Down in the Second Leg
In case you missed it, Serhou Guirassy stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick that gave Dortmund a deserved win on their home turf.
But thanks to their 4-0 victory in the first leg at Camp Nou, Barcelona had just enough cushion to advance.
Hansi Flick’s Reaction: “We Didn’t Play Our Best”
After the match, Hansi Flick didn’t sugarcoat things. He admitted his team wasn’t at their usual high level and praised Dortmund for making life tough.
“We are in the semi-finals,” Flick told reporters. “Two games were judged on this and we deserve to be in the next round. They have a great team and made life very difficult for us.”
While clearly disappointed with the loss, Flick focused on the bigger picture—the fact that Barcelona is still alive in the tournament.
Credit Where It’s Due: Dortmund’s Strong Performance
Flick also made a point to highlight just how well Dortmund played.
“We didn’t play at our best today, but that was also down to Dortmund, who did really well,” he added.
It’s clear that the German coach respects the fight his former Bundesliga rivals brought to the pitch.
Barcelona Marches On: One Step Closer to the Final
Despite the setback, Flick remains confident in his squad’s trajectory.
“What the team has achieved in recent weeks is phenomenal,” he continued. “We are now one step further, but we are still a long way from the end.”
With a semi-final spot locked in, the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy is very much alive.
What’s Next for Barcelona in the Champions League?
With the Champions League semi-finals now on the horizon, Barcelona fans will be eager to see how the team bounces back. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this squad has what it takes to go all the way.
Key Takeaways:
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Barcelona lost 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the UCL quarter-finals.
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Despite the defeat, Barcelona advanced with a 5-3 aggregate win.
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Hansi Flick admitted his side wasn’t at their best but praised Dortmund’s performance.
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Flick is proud of the team’s recent form and is focused on the next challenge.
FAQs About Barcelona vs Dortmund in the UCL
What was the aggregate score between Barcelona and Dortmund?
Barcelona progressed with a 5-3 aggregate, despite losing the second leg 3-1.
Who scored a hat-trick for Dortmund?
Serhou Guirassy netted all three goals for Borussia Dortmund in the second leg.
What did Hansi Flick say after the match?
Flick acknowledged that Barcelona didn’t play well and credited Dortmund for their performance, while also expressing pride in advancing to the semi-finals.
Conclusion: All Eyes on the Semi-Finals
Barcelona may have stumbled in Dortmund, but they’re still standing tall. Flick’s honest reflection, coupled with a realistic view of the road ahead, shows a team that knows what it takes to go deep in Europe. The Champions League semi-finals are next—and you can bet Barcelona will be ready.
Stay tuned as we follow their journey every step of the way!
Reference Links:
Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by news
News
EPL: Maresca Confirms Injury Boost for Chelsea Ahead of Tottenham Clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that three key attackers will return to the squad for their Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
The Blues are locked in a tight battle for a Champions League spot this season, with Maresca’s side struggling in recent weeks. Chelsea has suffered three defeats in their last five league matches.
Aside from a 4-0 victory over relegation-bound Southampton, Chelsea has netted only six goals in their last eight games across all competitions. Injuries have forced Maresca to deploy winger Pedro Neto as a makeshift center-forward.
However, the international break has come at the perfect time for Chelsea, with the return of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson just in time for their crucial match against Tottenham.
“Cole is back, he’s okay. He’s better. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good,” Maresca said during his pre-match press conference.
Reference: DailyPostNg
Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by news
News
Turkey: Osimhen Faces Fitness Race for Galatasaray’s Clash with Besiktas

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is in a race against time to recover for Galatasaray’s upcoming Istanbul derby against Besiktas.
Osimhen was substituted during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on Tuesday after suffering a muscle injury. Galatasaray are set to face Besiktas at the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday.
The 26-year-old, currently on loan from Serie A side Napoli, has been in sensational form for Galatasaray, netting 20 goals in 22 league games this season. He’s been particularly prolific recently, scoring eight goals in his last five league outings for Okan Buruk’s team.
Galatasaray head into the match with momentum, having won their last three encounters against Besiktas. The Yellow and Reds lead the league table with 71 points from 27 matches, a commanding 27 points ahead of Besiktas, who sit in fourth place.
Reference: DailyPostNg
Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by news
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