Hello – it is Stuart Appleby giving you a bitesize look at what’s going on this morning.
TOP STORY
World-class performance: Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool‘s giant step towards a first Champions League final for 13 years was marred by a likely season-ending injury to midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain that could also rule the England international out of the upcoming World Cup.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 24, had to be stretchered off after just 18 minutes of Liverpool’s 5-2 semi-final, first leg victory over Roma at Anfield on Tuesday.
“The biggest blow for the mood in the dressing room is the injury to Ox,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp’s men looked certain for the final in Kiev on May 26 when doubles from the outstanding Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino either side of Sadio Mane’s strike saw the hosts race into a 5-0 lead.
However, late goals from Edin Dzeko and Diego Perotti allied to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury soured Klopp’s mood.
“It looks like this unfortunately,” added Klopp when asked if the player’s season was over.
“That’s the reason I’m not flying mood wise. We lost a fantastic player tonight.”
Read more reaction from Klopp, HERE.
We also bring you expert post-match analysis from our team of writers, with player ratings, an in-depth look at Salah and a more general take on the game, meaning we have every base covered from an eventful night at Anfield.
Stretched off: Liverpool and England star Oxlade-Chamberlain.
FOOTBALL
The build up to tonight’s mouthwatering first leg clash between European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Real Madrid continues on Sport360.com.
Zinedine Zidane insists James Rodriguez has nothing to prove to him when the Colombian faces Los Blancos with Bayern in their Champions League semi-final.
James has shone at Bayern since Zidane let him leave Real on a two-year loan deal last July at the end of three often difficult seasons in Madrid.
In other news ahead of the Allianz Arena match-up, read our in-depth player comparison guide and tactical focus on the challenges facing Zidane and Jupp Heynckes.
Meanwhile, midfield great Xabi Alonso – who of course turned out for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern – discusses his split loyalties over who he wants to win this year’s competition. Watch the video, HERE.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa is set to be fit to face Arsenal in their Europa League semi-final first leg at the Emirates on Thursday evening while we reveal the highest-earning players in Ligue 1.
CRICKET
In the IPL last night, the Mumbai Indians’ hopes of reaching the play-offs appear in tatters after a humbling 31-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, in which they returned their lowest-ever total – 87 – with the bat.
Our man Alex Broun followed the encounter and brings you all you need to know, HERE.
In other news – and in case it escaped your attention – it was Sachin Tendulkar’s 45th birthday yesterday! But how did the Indian icon celebrate? Read more about the Little Master’s celebrations!
Meanwhile, two of England’s biggest names have had their say on controversial plans for a new 100-ball limited-overs competition.
Test captain Joe Root believes the England and Wales Cricket Board’s proposal could actually help attract a new audience to Test cricket while the nation’s all-time leading run-scorer Alastair Cook said he fears for the long-term future of five-day Tests if the new format gets the green light for 2020.
REGIONAL
The Champions League is of course dominating the headlines – and rightly so – but there’s some big football action tonight in the UAE.
Al Ain, fresh from capturing the Arabian Gulf League title on Saturday after a thumping 4-0 triumph away at Al Nasr, now continue their pursuit of an unprecedented treble.
The Boss have the President’s Cup on their mind as they go up against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club in the semi-final of the competition.
As ever, our reporter Matt Jones has everything you need to know ahead of the match in Abu Dhabi and spoke to rising talent Rayan Yaslam. Read more, HERE.
In other news, Zahoor Khan and Fahad Nawaz were among the bowlers who impressed with the ball as the UAE made it four wins out of four and qualified for the second round of the World Twenty20 qualifying campaign.
Their 43-run victory against minnows Maldives on Tuesday maintained their 100 per cent record in the ICC Asia Regional qualifiers in Kuwait and are assured of a place in the next stage of the competition.
FEATURE OF THE DAY
Our reporter Matt Jones has been a busy man – and nothing escaped his attention at Anfield last night!
Like Mohamed Salah, he covered every blade of grass following the Egyptian’s fortunes during Liverpool’s success – and he brings you analysis from the Kop star’s latest world-beating display.
Mohamed Salah netted a brace.
SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP
Twitter went into Champions League overdrive last night! Read our full round-up HERE and check out some of the Tweets below.
Two goals. Two assists. One @carlsberg Man of the Match award.@mosalah 👏 pic.twitter.com/B9DVqxcHGD
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2018
🎶 Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing 🇪🇬👑#UCL @mosalah pic.twitter.com/wxyveDQC67
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 24, 2018
Liverpool Football Club statement: https://t.co/ntWP6a8SLCpic.twitter.com/xFn64wKVoJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2018
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Football: Bayern Munich v Real Madrid – 22:45
Cricket: Royal Challengers v Super Kings – 18:30
Tennis: Barcelona Open – from 13:00
