Sports
PSV 0-1 Rangers (Agg: 2-3): Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side book return to Champions League group stage
Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst says his side are ready to compete with the best teams in Europe after they reached the Champions League group stage for the first time in more than a decade after securing a 1-0 victory (3-2 on aggregate) against PSV Eindhoven.
Antonio Colak’s strike in the 60th minute proved decisive as Van Bronckhorst’s side booked their place in the competition proper for the first time since 2010, and the Rangers boss said the moment came close to being the best of his career.
“A very proud moment because I know what it means for everyone involved to be playing at the highest level against the best teams,” he said.
“We’re here to compete. We want to compete with the best teams in Europe. It will be difficult but it’s an experience I will love.”
Much of the build-up to the second leg was dominated by the omission of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, who was left in Glasgow because of concerns o
How Rangers returned to the Champions League…
Van Bronckhorst revealed a request for the kick-off to be put back after PSV fans had surrounded Rangers’ team bus and delayed them getting into the ground was rebuffed, and it was the raucous home fans that enjoyed the early stages as the Dutch side took control early in the game.
However, Rangers steadied and Ryan Kent had a drive saved by keeper PSV keeper Walter Benitez, while Tillman set up midfielder John Lundstram who fired just wide.
PSV came back to life, however, and captain Luuk de Jong just missed a cross from Jordan Teze 10 yards from goal before the unmarked Ibrahim Sangare head a Cody Gakpo corner over the bar.
er his fitness levels and attitude, but it was Rangers’ new forward – scorer of the goals for Malmo that ended the Scots’ Champions League hopes last season – who grabbed the headlines.
Colak’s fifth goal of the season, created by Malik Tillman’s pressing, sealed their passage into Thursday’s draw, where they will join Celtic.
Meanwhile, PSV’s defeat sees them drop into the Europa League.
Rangers were hanging on heading towards the interval. Three minutes from the break De Jong got away from defender Connor Goldson but his close-range effort was well saved by Jon McLaughlin and just moments later Gakpo fired over the bar from 16 yards with the keeper well off his line.
Xavi Simons replaced the injured De Jong for the start of the second half and the home side resumed control.
Rangers struggled to break free but when they did in the 55th minute Tom Lawrence cracked the crossbar with a thunderous 20-yard drive and Rangers came again moments later with even greater effect.
When Tillman robbed the dithering Andre Ramalho inside the PSV box after the defender had taken a risky pass from keeper Benitez, he had the easiest of tasks to roll the ball to Colak to knock into an empty net.
PSV roared back with increasing desperation but after a Rangers break Benitez was forced into a good save from Tillman’s drive.
Rangers had to defend for their lives in the final stages and Philipp Max missed the target with a drive while McLaughlin made a brilliant save from Gakpo to help the visitors see out the nervy ending and get back among the big boys of European football.
“It comes really close to being the best moment [of my career] because of where Rangers have come from. Ten years ago, we were at our lowest point and it has taken a lot of work, energy and time from a lot of people to build the club back to this level.
“Seville [last season’s Europa League final] was a proud moment to compete for the second European trophy in Rangers’ history and today we have the same moment to be in the draw for the Champions League.
“We’re here to compete. We want to compete with the best teams in Europe. It will be difficult but it’s an experience I will love.”
Colak: ‘It’s an amazing journey; I was in tears’
Rangers goal scorer Antonio Colak:
“It’s difficult to describe in words it was a great team performance. It’s an amazing journey we’ll have this year and I’m so proud of all of these guys.
“I was in tears on the pitch, it was just a moment of joy. As a kid I always wanted to compete at this level and to be here is amazing.”
“The scenes at the side of the pitch at the final whistle from Van Bronckhorst and his staff, they know how big this is. It is huge for Rangers Football Club.
“It was a fantastic performance Antonio Colak – the man who knocked them out 12 months ago scored the goal that has seen Rangers return to the Champions League.
Kris Boyd celebrates after Rangers made it through to the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years after beating PSV Eindhoven
“We’ll have two Scottish sides in the Champions League for the first time since 2007.
“This is an unbelievable result for Rangers in the Netherlands. The jubilant scenes will continue and the disappointment of dropping points at Hibs at the weekend will be well and truly forgotten about.
“Everything coming into this game was about Alfredo Morelos. He’s been forgotten about and the man who is in charge of that central role for Rangers is the man who got the goal to get the club back in the Champions League.”
It will take place from 5pm (BST) on Thursday, August 25 and is being held in Istanbul, Turkey.
AS Roma join Manchester City and Galatasaray in the race to sign Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, whose contract ends in six months
Serie A giants AS Roma have expressed interest in signing Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, joining a growing list of clubs targeting the in-form Nigeria international.
According to Italian outlet *La Gazzetta dello Sport*, the Italian side has already initiated contact with Aina’s representatives.
The full-back, who has just six months remaining on his contract with Nottingham Forest, has also attracted attention from Premier League champions Manchester City and Turkish club Galatasaray.
Aina has been pivotal to Nottingham Forest’s campaign this season, playing in all 20 of their Premier League matches.
His performances have earned widespread acclaim, including being named the Reds’ Player of the Month for December. Additionally, Aina secured the Goal of the Month award for December, underlining his impact on the pitch.
AS Roma’s interest could reignite the 27-year-old’s ties with Italian football, as he previously played in Serie A with Torino.
The lure of reuniting with the league might prove tempting, particularly with Roma looking to strengthen their defensive options.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s reported interest signals the high regard in which Aina is held, with Pep Guardiola potentially seeking to add depth to his squad. Galatasaray’s pursuit also highlights the defender’s appeal across European leagues.
With his contract nearing its conclusion, Aina will be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs. Nottingham Forest may face a tough decision in January: sell the player to secure a transfer fee or risk losing him on a free transfer in the summer.
West Ham United has sacked Head Coach Julen Lopetegui following disappointing results in the 2024/25 season, initiating a search for a new manager.
West Ham United has confirmed the dismissal of Head Coach Julen Lopetegui after a difficult beginning to the 2024/25 season.
The club issued a statement earlier today, revealing that the results in the opening months of the campaign had failed to meet the ambitious expectations set by the Board, prompting an immediate managerial change.
Alongside Lopetegui, several key members of his coaching staff have also been relieved of their duties. Assistant Head Coach Pablo Sanz, Head of Performance Oscar Caro, Head Analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, Fitness Coach Borja De Alba, and Technical Coach Edu Rubio will all depart from the club, effective immediately.
This unexpected shake-up has sent shockwaves through the West Ham community, particularly as the Hammers had hoped for a revival under the Spanish manager’s leadership.
Despite Lopetegui’s impressive track record, including a successful stint at Sevilla, he was unable to replicate that form at West Ham, with inconsistent results leading to his departure.
The Board expressed gratitude for Lopetegui and his team’s dedication, acknowledging the difficulties they faced but reiterating the club’s commitment to achieving its long-term objectives.
“We thank Julen and his staff for their hard work and wish them the best of success moving forward,” the statement read.
With the managerial vacancy now open, West Ham confirmed that the process of appointing a new head coach is already underway.
The club will be looking for a leader who can guide them back into contention and restore hope to fans who have been disappointed by the season’s early struggles.
West Ham supporters will now be eagerly anticipating the announcement of their new manager as the search for a fresh approach to reviving the club’s fortunes begins.
Yewande Balogun, Super Falcons goalkeeper, announces her retirement from football, expressing gratitude for her journey and support along the way.
Yewande Balogun, the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, has officially announced her retirement from professional football.
The 35-year-old made the announcement on social media, reflecting on her illustrious career and expressing her gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey.
In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram, Balogun shared her decision with her fans and followers:
“My body is telling me it’s time to close this chapter and hang up the boots, but I thank God for every step of this journey.
I’m forever grateful to the beautiful game and all it has given me, so here’s to continuing to find ways to give right back. Thank you for all of the love and support along the way,” she wrote.
Balogun’s career saw her playing for several clubs, with her most recent stint at French D1 Arkema club Saint-Étienne.
She was also part of the Super Falcons squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where she made one appearance for the nine-time African champions.
Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Nigerian goalkeeper, who made significant contributions to her national team. Balogun’s legacy is one of perseverance, dedication, and passion for the game.
Fans and colleagues in the football community have since paid tribute to her outstanding career, with many expressing their admiration for her skill and sportsmanship.
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