Champions League — Quarter-Finals; 2nd Leg

Quite the comeback for Villa — surely dead and buried at 1-5 on aggregate after 30 minutes.

Now 4-5 on aggregate and another goal needed with 15 minutes left.

I didn't see it happening, Michael.

I still reckon they'll fall short.

I'm torn here. I should want Villa to do it and would be made up for them.

But the footballing purist in me likes this PSG team.

Amazing how far Villa have come, Danny.

What did they do that we didn't or couldn't?

Magnificent effort by Villa - brilliant game.

I've no idea Julian. Similar sized club, similar history. Similar support base.

Got relegated twice in my lifetime, but came back.

An example that anything is possible no matter how bad it gets.

Unlucky Villa. Gave it a real go. I'll go and console the inlaws.

So now I hope Arsenal win the Champions League.

Further contemplating that, win, lose or draw, all any supporter wants is for their team to compete and give it a go, even when the odds are stacked against.

Villa have done that over both legs against arguably the best team in Europe at the moment. No sitting back and hoping for the best. They went for it.

I still think it will be a PSG v Barcelona final, the dream final if you like. But then quite often, those type of matches fail to live up to the hype and expectation.

Football at its finest and although I would also describe myself as a purist Danny, I don’t see anything wrong with the way Aston Villa, currently play the beautiful game.

I remember being on holiday not long before covid, and Villa, who had just been promoted, turned Everton over two nil, by playing with the type of honest endeavour,that you expect from a newly promoted team.

They played with that same honest endeavour tonight but they have now added a lot of genuine quality and were actually very unlucky against arguably the most fluent team in the competition tonight.

I hope they win the FA Cup, and it actually wouldn’t surprise me to see them fighting for the premier league next season, if they can become a more consistent outfit.

Villa relegated 4 times in my lifetime, Danny!

The tricksy quiz question element is that not all those relegations were from top flight to second flight.

On the CBS Sports Champions League postgame, Miles the Everton fan was sparring with Carragher about the rumor of Paul McCartney singing at Goodison on the last day.

Is there really any reporting on that? Anybody?

Donnaruma, what a display.

I think John McGinn, a player I've always liked, epitomises what you say about Villa Tony.

Mike, I've heard the rumours about McCartney, but they are just that. Whatever the club has planned, they will need to confirm and announce soon.

I'm not so sure about McCartney or his Everton credentials. I did once read his dad used to go regularly and sit in the Upper Bullens.

I think Sir Paul and the rest of the Beatles were not really into football. He says he is Everton because of his family and that if it came down to it in a derby, he would have to side with Everton. Mmmm!!

We have options if the performer(s) have to be from Liverpool and have Evertonian connections. Atomic Kitten?!!!!! Or maybe 90s indie band the La's they have a least one in their ranks.

Here's an article from the Echo earlier this year. There are some surprises in there. John Travolta??

Link

Danny, Atomic Kitten, please. No chance of the La's, no chance. You're talking about Lee Mavers mate, diehard blue, ST. There's more chance of getting me, Sean Kearns, Paul Kossof, and Barry Rathbone in a room than the La's.

Two more possibilities mate. The lead singer of Yank band Future Islands is a massive blue but well clock the dancing and he sings like Dyche - minute 2.23 is magical. Pure 100 per cent Dyche-sing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upPl9mZW_zw

And, then, the name of the bassist in this Buggles wannabe group in beard and shades is Tony Hibbert. Best to go full screen for volume control. The keyboard player is the biggest twat in the history of TOTP

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=322584591975464

Atomic Kitten was tongue in cheek Paul when I saw them on the Echo's list. I do remember her being pictured in an Everton top.

That Future Islands track sounded good. Thanks for the introduction. That lead singer must be a blue. He is proper getting down with his bad self as if he's in the Winslow after watching Everton win!!

Is that bassist. Is his name Tony Hibbert or is it Tony Hibbert wearing a cunning disguise?!! He could cause a riot!!

Liz is a massive blue Danny from a massive blue family. She's often said family and Everton are the greatest loves of her life mate. Like you, in fact, plus your brothers in arms.

McGinn, doesn’t mind leaving it in Danny, just like a lot of players don’t mind feigning injury. I sometimes wonder what is worse, although I know what most people will say.

If McCartney is playing the last game then I can see the price of tickets going enormously through the roof, and although I’ve never heard a worse live performer, I’m certain Dylan, has got to be an Evertonian!

Atomic Kitten might not be a bad shout if they can make us whole again🤦‍♂️

Tony, even without Paul McCartney, or whoever else is in the pipeline to perform at Goodison, it seems like ticket prices are already going through the roof. Click on this link then click on seatpick for tickets against Southampton on 18th May. The prices will blow you away…………..

https://seatpick.com/everton-vs-southampton-tickets/event/305756?quantity=2

I couldn't open that link Rob, but I've seen tickets going for £900 on some sites.

Latest rumour doing the rounds is that Sir (cough) Kier Starmer will get 2 tickets for the Southampton match.

I seriously hope that is click bait and I can't find anything credible to support it other than the Rt Honourable Steve Brown OBE putting it up on X. That's if that account is really him.

Linkin Park announced for the pregame concert at the CL final next month.

Linkin Park? Really?

Looking forward to tonights matches. Both should be intriguing. Inter v Bayern hanging in the balance. Don't put it past Real to do the unthinkable.

Linkin Park? Maybe Green Day would be a better option Mike. Just don't sing American Idiot or Donald might have them deported to El Salvador.

Danny, I'd bet half the players on that pitch will be too young to have ever heard of Linkin Park. They haven't toured since Obama was president.

Danny the highest ticket price for one seat (non-VIP) on Rob's link is £2678 (top balcony, I think), the highest price for a Lower Bullens ticket is £2651

I can see real scoring in the first 10 minutes, and Arsenal going out. Hope I'm wrong.

PH, if Arsenal bollix this up, Arteta's reputation will never recover.

Ffs Paul you must empty a lot of rooms at parties!

Some stadium now us the Bernadau

Danny, just Google Everton v Southampton tickets and it will take you straight there. Just look for pickseat.

Ok, I'm going 4-0 Real.

Paul Hewitt
7 Posted 15/04/2025 at 22:03:57
Flag this comment So now I hope Arsenal win the Champions League.

Make your mind up!

I do hope they win it. But can't see it

PH. You shoulda stopped at "going."

some good tunes there BW, get rocking, get modern

If Arsenal score they will go through.

My forecast. 2-1 Madrid Arsenal go through.

Bit off-topic, but just seen Eze take one of the worst penalties I've ever seen v the Barcodes. Switched over to the Arsenal match now.

Gunners started well here

Never a pen

What a bloody idiot

Definitely a penalty but you're right about Saka being an idiot.

When what's at stake is at stake you don't fuck about like that and try'n make it about the style of the penalty you just fucking smack it.

Penalty all day long, Paul. Once the ball is in play and a defender drags an attacker down in the penalty area it’s a nailed on penalty.

Awful pen from Saka but Eze's was exponentially worse!

Jeez, the skunks are hammering Palace. 3-0 before half time

Have to say though, VAR in use as it should be.

Didn't realise that we'd only lost 1 game more than Newcastle. To many draws this season has done us.

Thing is, if they gave a pen for grabbing and pulling every time, 90% of corners would result in a pen

Fecking triple captained Isak Big Rob - 7 skunks goals and he hasn't scored one of them.

Make that 8

Never a pen

NOW you're right. Had to happen some time. 🤣

Come on FFS that's a dive

Who's checking this. Stevie wonder

Can't help but think back to Ashley Young v Manure "did the contact cause him to go down in the way that he did"?

There's gonna be a lot of time added on here

I have to say this ref has been outstanding so far. Let some early challenges go, didn't give in to Madrid's theatrics and has the courage to make the right call.

Was thinking exactly the same myself Brian.

Real have lost there heads here.

Brilliant mind-games from Arsenal/'teta.

The name of the Arsenal 'team dog' that hangs around the dressing room is "Win".

Anyone know what ours is called?

Ours is called "Weevad."

See if you get that PF. 😉

"We every every match value a draw" Brian?

hang on that don't work 'We Everton ecstatically value a draw'?

"Weevad some good times."

As spoken by our ex chairman. 😱

Ok, arsenal ain't going out to tonight. Real not been good so far

nice one -

I thought it was going to be 4-0 PH and that Saka's pen was not a pen?

Isak, at fecking long last

Looking good for Arsenal.

Meanwhile back in the Premier League, Newcastle 5-0 against Palace.

We could feasibly catch the Eagles if they have their flip flops and beach towels ready.

Eddie Howe gaining me some points as assistant manager. 👍👍

Much ridicule for Saka amongst the CBS crew.

Watching both games at my cricket club.
May be sacrilege on here but I’m an admirer of Newcastles football.
Their fans are knobs but they play good football.
Meanwhile, two pens tonight - Palace and Arsenal - should signal the end of this stuttering run up shite!
Why didn’t Declan Rice just step up and thump Arsenals pen?

You could hit the top twenty Rob!

I hate that stuttering run up shite Mark. There are some gems on Youtube

This is going to be some finish if Real get through as PH predicted

Just drive it into the corner. Not that hard.

Both pens were awful!

Didn't rate rice at west ham. But he's got better at Arsenal.

Bellingham with a Hibbert-quality cross there.

And.... that'll do it. Bye Real.

fantastic run by Saka, brilliantly timed

What was Raya doing.

Love seeing Thomas on the back of an Arsenal shirt, what sweet memories

Erm, what the fuck was Saliba doing?

Bayern still breathing, Dier scores a header from an impossible angle to get them back within a goal

True PF, but why did Raya put him in that position.

Fair PH

Saliba’s fault all day long. He shouldn’t have turned back towards goal, or laid it straight back to Raya without controlling the ball first.

Could be Carlos last CL game if the rumours he's going to be the Brazil manager after this season.

Kane just missed a solid gold chance to square things.

Merino is a wool!

Not often you see Bayern and Real go out on the same evening.

Love to see an Inter v Arsenal final

what a performance by Arsenal/'teta

Full credit to Mikie and his guys. They whupped 'em home and away.

Never doubted Arsenal

STFU PH. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Well played Arsenal. Totally professional performance and outplayed Real over two legs in very different ways. Deserved and never looked threatened in surrendering the lead they took into tonight.

I still fancy PSG, but who can really predict football?

What a beuatiful chipped / dinked finish by Saka.

He’s been a great manager Carlo, and it must have been a pleasure to play for a manager that seems to give his players a lot more Carte-Blanche, than most top level managers, but sometimes a team need a few more ideas, than Madrid produced tonight.

Sometimes I think the total opposite with regards Arteta, when I watch Arsenal, and feel that they could be a lot more productive if he would just loosen the reins a little bit, but not tonight because they were exceptional with regards their defensive shape and discipline, and this gave the platform for a richly deserved victory👏👏

Had to ask the lad what that ment Brian. I do wish people would right proper.

I wish people could spell proper!😂😂😂

I was gutted when that fat fucking theatre parasite William “one lying bastard” Kenwright sold Arteta to Arsenal. The c**t

Madrid were so despicably average tonight it’s almost like they were playing the shite. Hopefully for Arsenal - a team I’ve always respected - that’s a positive sign.

That was an observation of Rice when we recently played Arsenal. He was playing in a very reserved position, whereas he offers a lot when given freedom to drive forward.

I admit to having my doubts about Arteta when he took the plunge to take up the Arsenal job as his first step into management. But he served a good apprenticeship under Guardiola and I'm sure he learned a lot from Wenger.

Much talk of PSG, Barcelona and Arsenal. Inter leading Serie A with Napoli the closest to them (3 points). I haven't seen them play, but Italians are usually made for competitions like this and the World Cup, characterised by defensive masterclasses.

Well done Arsenal, I never liked them much (well they aren't Everton are they?) but since Mikel went there who is my all time favourite player, I always look out for them. I am actually drinking coffee from my Arteta Everton mug right now as I type this, bit faded now.

They are perennial chokers in the PL but they have surprised me in the Champions League this season. That 2nd half against Real in the first leg was one of the finest 45mins of footie I have seen in many years, superb. Rice is an absolute baller.

They are reportedly looking at Williams of Bilbao in the summer along with Gyokeres or Jonathan David. If they can pull off both of those signings they might actually win the PL next season.

Steve, if you don't mind, you must be in your thirties if Arteta is your favourite player ever.

Lucky you. My thirties was my favourite decade.

I don't mind Arsenal. They have always been a very well run club and handle themselves with class.

Mine would be my teens Paul, for obvious reasons.

More European football this evening. Tottenham and Manchester United's Europa League ties hanging in the balance. There are two managers who may well not be in their respective driving seats come next season.

Chelsea look nailed on to progress to the Europa Conference semi-final.

Agree about Arsenal Danny. It was the 1971 final when they earned mucho respect and gratitude from me.

And they are also not Spurs.

Next season Danny? I think one of them in particular might not be there next week mate.

Come on rangers, united and Spurs.🤞

Come on Lyon, Frankfurt, and especially Athletic.

Why do these Salford knobs sing that country home song?

Difficult to know which game to watch

Lyon, Frankfurt and Rangers!

Chavs 0-1

That should be a Spurs penalty

Given after a VAR check, and scored by Solanke.

Man Utd 3-2 (5-4 overall) down vs 10 men Lyon after being 2-0 up after 70 minutes. Good times.

Make that 4-2 for Lyon!! 4 unanswered goals, last 2 with 10 men. This is great 🤣

no way is that a pen

Fuck. Was celebrating too early here

fecking hell

Unfuckingbelievable

thats fucking witchcraft

I'd look at signing Maguire as a forward. Old-fashioned tactics!

Get in united.

One of the best games of football I've ever seen.

Like it Ian. Maguire, Keane, Chermiti. Better than Beto, Broja, Chermiti

Pen on Casimiro was a joke, should have got a yellow for simulation, instead got a pen, a goal, and momentum.
Bent.

Bodø Glimt is through against Lazio on penalties. The Vikings is up against Spurs in the Semi

So that’s Spurs in the final then.

WTF is Bodø Glimt ?

Chelsea into the semi of the conference league after getting beat at home, this is success? After spending 500 million in 2 years?
I suppose we’d take it in a couple of years, but Chelsea? After what they have spent?its a bit embarrassing tbh

Spurs are terrible at the moment so I wouldent be surprised if they loose against B/G

PF it’s a team that have done very well in the Europa league this season, something we should aspire to, apparently not that difficult as Utd have just qualified for the semi’s.

They won 6-1 against Roma in Conference League a few years ago so its not going to be a walk in the park for Spurs

SRJ I really hope they dump Spuds out in the next round 🙏🙏🙏

That would be great Jeff👍🙏