Published 2024-05-02 11.46
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Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher got to experience a Champions League night as a Dortmund supporter – which led to him, with eight beers in his body, interviewing Jadon Sancho.
Here is today’s Europa Calling.
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Snack ice: Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho – eight beers in
There are different types of match studios when it comes to Champions League broadcasts. And probably the one that American CBS Sports has for the broadcasts is the one that gets the most attention on social media. Not just because of the player profiles that sit on the panel, but perhaps mainly because of how lighthearted, jocular and relaxed it tends to be, with host Kate Abdo and football profiles Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.
In connection with Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 victory against PSG on Wednesday, however, the latter was broadcast instead of in a studio environment.
Sent to experience life as a Dortmund supporter on “the yellow wall” during a match day.
There is no doubt that the old Liverpool full-back enjoyed himself anyway:
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fullscreen Carragher drinks beer with Dormtmund supporters. Photo: X
Having said that, of course the spontaneous post-match interview with Jadon Sancho became what it became when an over-refreshed Carragher made his way down from the stands to the mixed zone. This with a cheeseburger in the stomach. The more units of beer.
– I have drunk eight beers. And I have found a new family and friends in the yellow wall, says Carragher in the broadcast, before spontaneously pulling Sancho in front of the camera for an interview.
– Week in and week out, it’s like that. When we hear them, we can’t wait to get started and play, says Sancho, when he is asked about the supporters’ support.
The England midfielder, who returned to Dortmund from Manchester United last winter, was one of the best players on the pitch in the 1-0 win against PSG. And was praised in unison by the experts.
– It’s not over. We still have to go to Paris and solve the job there. But I am happy about the tributes, says Sancho.
The decision: Germany gets a fifth CL place
Borussia Dortmund’s victory against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday not only gave the black and yellow a good result ahead of the return in France. It also cemented Germany’s second place in the UEFA league rankings this season. Which means that it is now all but certain that both the Italian Serie A (which tops the list) and the Bundesliga will get an extra, fifth place in the Champions League next season.
With Dortmund’s victory, the Premier League cannot catch up regardless of what happens in the remaining European matches during the season.
So who are fifth in the Bundesliga with three rounds remaining? Well, funnily enough, just Borussia Dortmund.
The promotion: Parma back in Serie A
A classic club is back in Serie A next season.
Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Bari means Parma are on course for promotion from Serie B with two games left in the season.
This after falling in the playoff game last season.
One of the first to congratulate Parma on their promotion was goalkeeping icon Gianluigi Buffon, who both started (1995) and ended (2023) his career at the club.
“Finally Serie A! So wonderful to see the joy on the faces of those with whom I shared the last years of my career”writes Buffon on social media.
“Dear friends, dear Parma fans, enjoy this feat, which we have been chasing and hoping for for a long time. We deserved it this season more than ever”.
Parma last played in Serie A in the 2020/2021 season.
The big meeting: Atalanta on the threshold of European cup history
Bergamo club Atalanta have exceeded all expectations in cup play this season, reaching the Coppa Italia final and Europa League semi-finals. Should they make it past the semi-finals, they will reach the club’s first ever European Cup final.
However, then a good result is required on Thursday night away against Olympique Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.
An arena known for its atmosphere and crowd pressure.
However, Atalanta are not worried that that mood will affect them in the match.
– I have played here with Monaco, I remember that the velodrome has a great atmosphere, but what matters for us is what we need to do on the pitch. We have to keep our minds off what is going on around us, says Atalanta Croatian Mario Pasalic at the press conference before the semi-final (according to Tuttomercatoweb).
In any case, he is aware that there is a very important semi-final coming up.
– I have played many big matches for the national team, but this is one of the most important matches I played with Atalanta. We know what we have to do.
