Today’s back pages: Klopp’s Liverpool get a Spanish lesson from Atletico Madrid and Spurs are hit by Son injury setback
A round-up of the sport headlines from UK newspapers on 19 February
Spanish lesson
“Saul destroying” is the headline in i Sport with the paper reporting how sloppy defence at a corner meant Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
It’s a theme repeated across the back pages, from the Daily Star’s “Jurgen’s Liverpool crack at last” to The Guardian’s “Spanish lesson”.
Saul Niguez’s early goal will give Atletico a precious advantage in the return leg at Anfield next month but what really caught the Guardian’s eye was what it describes as the Spanish side’s “defensive nous” in shutting out their visitors.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Times captures the frustration of Jurgen Klopp’s side with a photo of an exasperated Mohamed Salah above the headline: “Liverpool finally show they’re human.”
In last night’s other games Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint Germain 2-1.
Tonight’s last-16 first legs see Tottenham Hotspur take on RB Leipzig (8pm, live on BT Sport 2) and Atalanta host Valencia (8pm, live on BT Sport 3).
Welcome to Anfield, Atletico: Klopp is excited for second leg despite defeat in Madrid
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Bad to worse
Most papers find room on their back pages to report the latest blow to befall Tottenham.
Having lost Harry Kane until April with a hamstring injury, Spurs are reeling from the news that Heung-min Son has broken his arm.
The South Korean striker has been in a rich vein of form recently and The Times says Spurs are in “shock” at the news.
Jose Mourinho fears Son could be out for many weeks, the Daily Mirror reports.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash against Leipzig, Mourinho admitted: “The situation couldn’t be worse. I was worried about not having attacking options on the bench, now I don’t have attacking options on the pitch.”
Front row change
Independent and The Guardian report on the withdrawal of Mako Vunipola from England’s Six Nations clash with Ireland on Sunday at Twickenham.
The Saracens loosehead prop has returned to Tonga for “personal reasons” and his place in the 33-man squad has been taken by Bath’s Beno Obano.
The Indy says that head coach Eddie Jones will probably name Joe Marler in his starting XV with super sub Ellis Genge - who scored the all-important try in the win against Scotland - kept on the bench until the second half.
Today’s sport headlines
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions League
In The Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published