Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala scored twice in their 5-2 win over Darmstadt 98 and set up another goal, earning praise from Darmstadt coach Torsten Lieberknecht who said the 21-year-old could lead Germany to the Euro 2024 title on home soil.
The Germany international has 10 league goals along with six assists this season but it is his creative attacking play that is equally important for his team.
“If you are not directly involved as a player or coach then it is an extreme pleasure to watch him play,” said Lieberknecht.
“The German national team can count itself lucky to have such a player to lead them to the Euros and even maybe win the title.”
Germany, who host the tournament starting on June 14, take on France and Netherlands in friendlies later in March.
ITALY
JUVE COLLAPSING
A lot has happened to Juventus since the start of the year when they were neck and neck with Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side now finds itself in a rut and were booed off the pitch by their fans following a goalless draw with Genoa at home on Sunday, leaving them with only one win in their last eight league matches.
While Juve are comfortably positioned in third, with a five-point lead over Bologna in fourth, Allegri’s side cannot afford to prolong their poor run for much longer.
“We have an objective to be achieved, to get back into the Champions League, and we need to get it,” Allegri said.
“We are struggling at this moment and must avoid creating further confusion.”
SPAIN
BARCA HOPE TO MUSCLE INTO TITLE RACE
Barcelona inflicted a first home defeat since January 2023 on Atletico Madrid and are now on an eight-match unbeaten run in the league.
They seem to have found their best form at a key point in the season and will be looking to cut the eight-point gap on LaLiga leaders Real Madrid and progress further in the Champions League after drawing Paris St Germain in the quarter-finals.
“The last few weeks we have changed our training a bit, with more intensity. We want to take a step forward,” said striker Robert Lewandowski.
“The most important thing is where we want to get to. La Liga, Champions League… we will play the same or better than today. That’s the objective. We know how we can play, we have great potential, with great players and young players.”
FRANCE
Mbappe hat-trick propels PSG to 6-2 win at Montpellier
Kylian Mbappe scored his second hat-trick in Ligue 1 this season as leaders Paris St Germain won 6-2 at Montpellier on Sunday, securing their first league win in four matches.
PSG, with 59 points from 26 matches, extended their lead at the top over Brest to 12 points while Montpellier, with 26 points, remain one point above the relegation playoff spot. Brest were earlier held 1-1 at home by Lille.
Mbappe achieved his 250th goal for the club in all competitions that took his league tally in the campaign to 24 from 24 appearances.
The France international, who is set to leave PSG in the close-season, has scored 38 goals in all competitions this campaign from 37 appearances.
Nuno Mendes wrapped up the scoring for PSG when his left-footed effort from outside the box found the net in the 89th minute.
“I’m a lucky guy,” manager Luis Enrique told Prime Video. “Because I have unbelievable players with enormous quality and the spirit… to fight for every single game.
“We want to win the championship as quickly as possible.”
