The Reds suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions before securing an emphatic 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Reflecting on the preceding Premier League loss to Manchester United, Bradley admitted the results were hard for everyone at the club.

“We’re just trying to recover from it,” Bradley said.

“It was a tough setback for Arne Slot and the whole team, but with the group we have, we’re determined to bounce back.”

The young defender acknowledged the gravity of the four losses, stressing that the focus must now shift entirely to the upcoming away fixture against Brentford.

“I think the focus has to be on beating Brentford. We need to perform on the pitch, that’s the only way.”

“Losing four times in a row is never easy, especially for Liverpool – it’s emotional for everyone. But we just have to stick together and keep fighting.”

Bradley offered insight into the team’s current struggle, attributing it to collective performance issues.

“It’s hard to point fingers. It’s just been a tough period for us. We’re not creating enough chances and we’ve been conceding too many goals,” he explained. “It’s been a difficult spell, but I’m confident we’ll find our rhythm again soon.”

Having overcome his own injury setbacks during the pre-season, Bradley spoke about the challenge of finding consistent form.

“It’s never easy. When you’re ready to go and then get hit by an injury, it really disrupts your momentum. It’s frustrating, but I’m just trying to get as many games as possible under my belt and help the team wherever I can.”

The arrival of several new signings has also brought a period of adjustment to the squad, which Bradley believes requires patience.

“Yes, it will definitely take time. Building relationships doesn’t happen overnight, it takes weeks and months,” he said.

“But I think the new lads are settling in really well. They’re top players and great people too, so that helps a lot.”

He singled out one of the new arrivals, Florian Wirtz, as a player he has best connected with.

“Probably Florian Wirtz. We got to know each other when playing for our national teams against one another crazily enough.”

Addressing the frequent comparisons made between himself and fellow right back Jeremy Frimpong, Bradley welcomed the intensity.

“Competition is always healthy, it pushes you to be your best. Jeremy’s a great guy and a top player. He’s brought great energy from Germany, and I think that kind of challenge only makes us both stronger.”

Looking ahead, Bradley’s ambition is clear.

“For me, it would be about cementing my place in the team and helping Liverpool win trophies. Whether that’s the Champions League, Premier League, or FA Cup, any silverware would mean a lot. We just have to keep striving, and I believe we can go again even stronger next season.”

Issued by Showmax

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Sporting CP 4-1 Kairat

Sporting CP cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Kairat when a double from Trincao and goals from Alisson De Almeida Santos and Geovany Tcherno Quenda cancelled out Edmilson’s late goal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

Newcastle United 1-2 Barcelona

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in Newcastle.

Manchester City 2-0 Napoli

Manchester City got their campaign off to a winning start following their 2-0 victory over Napoli thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 Galatasaray AŞ

Eintracht Frankfurt produced a dominant display after they hammered Galatasaray 5-1 when goals from Can Uzun, Jonathan Burkardt, and Ansgar Knauff, and two own goals from Davinson Sánchez and Wilfried Stephane Singo cancelled out Yunus Akgün’s opening goal at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main.

FC Copenhagen 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen staged a comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against FC Copenhagen when a goal from Álex Grimaldo and an own goal from Pantelis Hatzidiakos cancelled out goals from Jordan Larsson and Robert Vinicius Rodrigues Silva at Telia Parken in Copenhagen.

Club Brugge 4-1 AS Monaco

Club Brugge claimed an impressive 4-1 victory over AS Monaco through goals from Nicolò Tresoldi, Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, and Mamadou Diakhon at the Jan Breydel Stadion in Brugge.

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The 23-year-old joins the club after successfully completing his medical and agreeing to personal terms with the Reds.

The Reds will pay an initial fee of £69m plus £10m in add-ons for the French striker.

Ekitike arrives at Liverpool after spending a season-and-a-half with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored 26 goals and grabbed 14 assists in 64 appearances in all competitions for the German side.

He will now fly to Hong Kong to link up with his new teammates for their pre-season tour of Asia later this week.

“Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Asia later this week.

“Ekitike arrives at Liverpool after a season-and-a-half in Germany, having initially moved to Eintracht on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

“The attacker netted 26 goals in 64 appearances for Frankfurt and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024-25.

“Previously, the France U21 international, who began his professional journey at Stade de Reims, had turned out 33 times for PSG and claimed a Ligue 1 winner’s medal.

“Ekitike becomes the latest addition to Arne Slot’s squad this summer, following the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz.

“His squad number will be confirmed later this summer – and supporters can see more content, including a first interview, from Ekitike on Liverpoolfc.com and the club’s official social media channels soon.”

Image: Liverpool

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The 25-year-old arrives at the Etihad Stadium after putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract, which keeps him at the club until 2029.

We're delighted to announce the signing of @OmarMarmoush ✍️🩵 pic.twitter.com/ryY2jA1mdE

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 23, 2025

Marmoush impressed during his time with the Bundesliga outfit, having scored 37 goals and grabbed 20 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions in his two-year stay.

City's Egyptian Prince 🇪🇬👑 pic.twitter.com/IQU2OWr9ML

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 23, 2025

The Egyptian striker says he is excited at the prospect of working under manager Pep Guardiola and his squad.

“This is a day I will never forget,” Marmoush told his clubs official website.

“To sign for Manchester City – one of the best teams in the world – is an amazing feeling. I am delighted, my family are so proud, and we are all very happy to be here in Manchester.

“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to improve. That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.

“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture.

“I want to learn from the staff and my teammates, and I want to become a valued member of this winning team.

“I really am looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do,” he concluded.

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On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain will play Bayern Munich in a rematch of the 2020 final, which the German giants won.

City will play RB Leipzig and the winner of the 2021 Champions League. Borussia Dortmund, a German team, was also put in the same group as Chelsea.

Last week, Tottenham Hotspur won their group thanks to a last-second goal in a game away at Marseille. This week, they were paired against AC Milan, the Italian champions.

The Champions League final for this season will be held in Istanbul on 10 June next year.

The final was supposed to be held in a Turkish city in 2020 and again in 2021. However, each time, the game was moved to Portugal because of the pandemic.

Inter Milan will play Porto, Eintracht Frankfurt will play Napoli, and Benfica will play Club Brugge, a team that was not expected to do well in the tournament.

All of the first legs of the last 16 matches will happen in February, and the second legs will happen in March.

Here is the Champions League Last 16 draw in full:

RB Leipzig (GER) v Manchester City (ENG)

Club Brugge (BEL) v Benfica (POR)

Liverpool (ENG) v Real Madrid (ESP)

AC Milan (ITA) v Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) v Napoli (ITA)

Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Chelsea (ENG)

Inter Milan (ITA) v Porto (POR)

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Photo by EPA/YOAN VALAT

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Liverpool 2-0 Napoli

Liverpool ended Napoli’s five-game unbeaten run in the group stages after they secured a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez at Anfield.

Despite suffering their first defeat, the Italian outfit finished top of Group A – level on 15 points with the Reds, with a superior goal difference.

A goal is a goal, is a goal! No matter how it goes in 🔥

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/kShZfsrL4G

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by Backpagepix

Marseille 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 and book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners.

Spurs finished Group D sitting top of the standings with 11 points, while Eintracht Frankfurt finished second with a point less on 10 points.

SPURS ARE AT IT AGAIN! 😤

They score a last-minute goal to secure the top spot in the group 😲 pic.twitter.com/THE6Iu1Q6W

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

Viktoria Plzen 2-4 Barcelona

Barcelona ended their journey in the Champions League in style with a thrilling 4-2 victory at bottom club Viktoria Plzen.

The Spanish side will have to settle with being one of the favourites to win the Europa League after they finished in third place in Group C with seven points from six matches.

Marcos Alonso starts and ends off the move to put Barcelona ahead 💥

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/Kd3EPW2gEz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

It’s all happening for Barcelona tonight 👏

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/bR5d86fXYG

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Back in it again as Viktoria Plzen score to reduce the deficit to one!

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/1EUibsAk00

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK

Bayern Munich 2-0 Internazionale

Bayern Munich finished the group stages with a perfect record of six wins in six games after they handed Inter Milan a 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena through goals from Benjamin Pavard and Eric Choupo-Moting.

The win saw the German champions finish top of Group C with a maximum of 18 points from six matches, while Inter ended the group stages sitting in second place, eight points less than Bayern with 10 points.

Pavard puts Bayern ahead!

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/Kj11FHF3Gb

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by EPA/RONALD WITTEK

The post UCL wrap: Liverpool exact revenge, Spurs book last spot appeared first on SportsClub.

Liverpool 2-0 Napoli

Liverpool ended Napoli’s five-game unbeaten run in the group stages after they secured a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez at Anfield.

Despite suffering their first defeat, the Italian outfit finished top of Group A – level on 15 points with the Reds, with a superior goal difference.

A goal is a goal, is a goal! No matter how it goes in 🔥

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/kShZfsrL4G

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by Backpagepix

Marseille 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 and book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners.

Spurs finished Group D sitting top of the standings with 11 points, while Eintracht Frankfurt finished second with a point less on 10 points.

SPURS ARE AT IT AGAIN! 😤

They score a last-minute goal to secure the top spot in the group 😲 pic.twitter.com/THE6Iu1Q6W

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

Viktoria Plzen 2-4 Barcelona

Barcelona ended their journey in the Champions League in style with a thrilling 4-2 victory at bottom club Viktoria Plzen.

The Spanish side will have to settle with being one of the favourites to win the Europa League after they finished in third place in Group C with seven points from six matches.

Marcos Alonso starts and ends off the move to put Barcelona ahead 💥

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/Kd3EPW2gEz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

It’s all happening for Barcelona tonight 👏

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/bR5d86fXYG

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Back in it again as Viktoria Plzen score to reduce the deficit to one!

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/1EUibsAk00

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK

Bayern Munich 2-0 Internazionale

Bayern Munich finished the group stages with a perfect record of six wins in six games after they handed Inter Milan a 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena through goals from Benjamin Pavard and Eric Choupo-Moting.

The win saw the German champions finish top of Group C with a maximum of 18 points from six matches, while Inter ended the group stages sitting in second place, eight points less than Bayern with 10 points.

Pavard puts Bayern ahead!

📺 Stream #UCL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD pic.twitter.com/Kj11FHF3Gb

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 1, 2022

Photo by EPA/RONALD WITTEK

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The post Watch: Real Madrid crowned 2022 Uefa Super Cup champions appeared first on SportsClub.

While Frankfurt were dangerous, particularly in the first half, Madrid’s experience and individual quality saw them through, as it did so often in their victorious 2021-22 Champions League campaign.

Frankfurt had the best of the early stages, with Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois forced into a stunning anticipation save when one-on-one with Daichi Kamada in the 14th minute.

Madrid almost got their first, when Benzema released Vinicius to curl past Kevin Trapp in the penalty box, only for Tuta to clear the ball off the line.

With Madrid dominating possession, Frankfurt mounted several counter-attacks until Madrid launched a counter of their own in the 37th minute.

A diving Trapp got his fingertips to a goal-bound shot by Vinicius, pushing the ball out for a corner.

From the ensuing play, Benzema linked with Casemiro just next to the right post.

The Brazilian sucked in several Frankfurt defenders and a diving Trapp, before heading back to an unmarked Alaba who scored from close range.

After the goal, Madrid stepped it up a gear and should have gone 2-0 up, with Benzema uncharacteristically dragging the ball wide with the goal begging in the 41st minute.

Madrid’s quality became more obvious in the second half, with Trapp saving a deflected Vinicius shot in the 54th minute and Casemiro hitting the crossbar with 61 minutes gone.

Borussia Dortmund loanee Ansgar Knauff had a chance saved just minutes later, before Vinicius and Benzema combined to put Madrid 2-0 up.

Vinicius skated down the left before slicing the ball back seemingly unsighted for the Frenchman to hammer home from the edge of the box.

Frankfurt fought hard in the closing stages but Madrid were able to dominate the game to win their fifth Super Cup from eight attempts.

First trophy as captain?
First trophy as captain. ✅
🏆©️ #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/4Kti2BWc0v

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 10, 2022

The clash, in Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium, was the first time these two sides had met in a European decider since 1960, when Madrid dismantled Frankfurt 7-3 through four goals to Ferenc Puskas and three to Alfredo di Stefano in the European Cup final.

The match also highlighted the growing gap between the Champions League and Europa League competitions, with Madrid being the ninth Champions League team to win the competition in the past 10 years.

Only city rivals Atletico Madrid have won the Super Cup when qualifying via a Europa League win in the past decade, having done so by beating Real in the 2018 edition.

The post Real Madrid defeat Eintracht Frankfurt to win fifth UEFA Super Cup appeared first on SportsClub.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is the only manager to win the Champions League four times, said his side’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in last season’s final made him “feel like no one should ever take your place”.

“And that’s a pretty strong motivation to keep winning,” he said in an interview with UEFA.com.

Ancelotti returned for a second spell in charge of Real ahead of last season and led them to their 35th Spanish title.

However, it was in Europe where Real really impressed, pulling off comeback victories over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City before beating the heavily favoured Reds in the final.

“All the comebacks we made were achieved in our stadium, thanks to that boost which came from the stands. Always believe, never give up. After all, we played against very strong teams. It was inevitable that we would suffer,” he said.

The Italian coach said he saw echoes of Real’s fighting spirit in their underdog opponents Frankfurt, and was aware not to take last season’s Europa League winners lightly.

“Last year, Eintracht achieved something special because they weren’t among the favourites,” added Ancelotti, whose side recently returned from a pre-season tour to the United States.

Wednesday’s game will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, where Frankfurt will make their Super Cup debut in their first competitive meeting with Madrid since the legendary 1960 European Cup final which the Spanish giants won 7-3.

Real will be making their eighth Super Cup appearance, having lifted the trophy four times.

Ancelotti himself is unbeaten in Super Cup finals. He won two with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007, as well as with Real in 2014.

🙌 IT’S #SUPERCUP DAY! pic.twitter.com/yaaGABluN0

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 10, 2022

– ‘More disadvantages’ for Real –

While Real will take on a side which qualified for the final on the back of winning their first European trophy in 42 years, Ancelotti said Frankfurt had the advantage going into Wednesday’s clash in Helsinki.

“We have a few more disadvantages than Eintracht, who start their season earlier, but we’ll play to win,” he said.

Although Madrid’s La Liga campaign will not start until Sunday when they take on newly-promoted Almeria, Frankfurt fans may question how much of an advantage they have in the wake of Friday’s 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in their Bundesliga season opener.

Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp said his side would not be overawed against Madrid and were relishing the experience ahead of what will be their maiden Champions League campaign this year.

They knocked out Barcelona on the way to winning last season’s Europa League, defeating Rangers on penalties in the final in Seville.

“We want to be a team who are awkward to play against, who fight and never give up. Of course we have respect, but not fear,” the former PSG goalkeeper told the Eintracht Frankfurt website in an interview published Sunday.

Trapp, who alongside former Bayern and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Goetze is one of only a handful of players with Champions League experience in the Eintracht ranks, said his side deserved their place in the season-opening showpiece.

“Playing in the Super Cup means you’ve been successful, earned it and done a good job. To have the opportunity at this stage of the season to win a trophy against this club (Madrid) –- it doesn’t get better.”

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