Bayern Munich sent out an emphatic and ominous message to their Champions League rivals with an absolute demolition of fellow European heavyweights Barcelona 8-2 in a gloriously chaotic and utterly one-sided quarter-final tie in Lisbon. The high-pressing, energetic and ruthless German champions were on a different level to their Spanish rivals, as they have been for pretty much every opponent they have faced in Europe this season and in every competition since football restarted in June.
Arsenal have signed Brazil midfielder Willian on a three-year deal after the 32-year-old’s contract with Chelsea expired. The Blues had offered the player a new deal but were unwilling to match what the Gunners had on the table. “I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil says he will stay with the club “through to the last day” of his contract in June 2021. The former Germany international, 31, has not played since the Premier League resumed in June, with manager Mikel Arteta citing “pure football reasons”. But Ozil dismissed reports the club were looking to pay up the last year of his £350,000-a-week deal.
RB Leipzig overcame a typically cautious Atletico Madrid to reach their first Champions League semi-final just 11 years after their formation. After a poor first half, Dani Olmo headed the German side ahead but Atleti substitute Joao Felix levelled the tie from the penalty spot after he had been fouled in the box.
Defending champion Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn from this year’s US Open because the coronavirus pandemic has hampered her return from injury. The Canadian, 20, has not played since sustaining a knee injury at the WTA Finals in October. The US Open will be held behind closed doors in New York from 31 August.
Naija Sports Crib 