Israel’s metropolis Tel Aviv was ready for the last day of the Judo Grand Slam. And the spectators were in for another spectacleChampions League clash: Liverpool challenge Real Madrid
The next round of 16 matches in the UEFA Champions League are scheduled for tonight. There will be a real treat in store: Liverpool FC will meet Real Madrid. The match is also a rematch of the last final at the Stade de France in Paris. The Reds narrowly lost 1-0 in May 2022 after a convincing performance.
Vinícius Júnior last time out against Liverpool ⚽️@vinijr || UCL pic. twitter.com/59v4EcJnwG
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 20, 2023
Also in 2018, then in Kiev, the English lost against the “White Ballet”, 1:3 was the final score. In between, Liverpool also won the cup, in 2019 against Tottenham Hotspur. But coach Jürgen Klopp’s team still has unfinished business against Real and wants revenge.
But Klopp pays the Madrilenians the utmost respect. “To be honest, we have to play two super games to get further. But I have no problem with that. Because, if you don’t play your best, you don’t stand a chance,” said the 55-year-old. Real Madrid don’t have to play perfectly at all and still have a chance, that’s the difference, he said. “It’s already enormous. I can’t wait,” Klopp enthused.
Eintracht Frankfurt against favourites SSC Napoli
Real Madrid will have to do without Toni Kroos at Anfield Road. The midfielder has not been called up to the squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti. According to media reports, Kroos has not yet recovered from a stomach flu. The Primera Division runners-up are favourites for the match – also because Liverpool have had a mixed season so far.
In the other match, Eintracht Frankfurt will face Serie A leaders SSC Napoli. Coach Oliver Glasner’s team will be looking to lay the foundations for progress. Napoli, however, conceded only one defeat in 23 games in the current football season and have a 15-point lead over Inter Milan. In the group stage of the top flight, the Neapolitans beat Ajax Amsterdam, Liverpool FC and Glasgow Rangers.
❤️ We are more than ready….
… for @sscnapoli!
… for the round of 16! ✨
… for another magical night! SGEuropa | SGENapoli | UCL pic.twitter.com/yrEmiwInHe– Eintracht Frankfurt (@Eintracht) February 20, 2023
The Bundesliga sixth-placed team proved to be a successful host in the European Cup recently, losing only one of nine games. Eintracht captain Sebastian Rode returns to the squad after overcoming the flu. For the Hessians, it is the first knockout match in the top flight since the club was founded.
In the 78 kg weight category, Raz Hershko put on a real show in the preliminary round. Having never won gold on home soil before, today was her day – finally first place. Afterwards, Hershko celebrated together with the upcoming generation of Israeli judoka.
“It’s amazing, I love fighting at home, with all these great spectators, it’s insane,” Hershko rejoiced. “From the beginning to the end they cheer you on, it’s fantastic. “
In the 90 kg category, friends and rivals Beka Gviniashvili and Krisztian Toth faced each other. Gviniashvili eventually won gold – but the mutual respect for each other remained.
In the 78 kg weight category, world champion Alice Bellandi of Italy took gold again – her fourth top finish at the World Judo Tour in just a few months.
In the weight category up to 100 kg it came to the fight between Zelym Kotsoiev and the Grand Slam winner from Paris a fortnight ago, Michael Korrel. The Azerbaijani kept the upper hand in the end.
“I love fighting here in Israel,” Kotsoiev declared afterwards. “It’s a great atmosphere with so many kids cheering me on. People here love judo, it’s really invigorating. “
In the over 100kg weight category, Tsetsen-tsengel Odkhuu of Mongolia took gold with a hard-fought victory over Ushangi Kokauri of Azerbaijan – his third Grand Slam success overall.
The audience enjoyed a memorable day and cheered on their heroes from start to finish. Local hero Peter Paltchik brought the crowd to its feet in a great fight. He did not win a medal, but the 31-year-old embodies energy and enthusiasm for the Israeli sport of judo. Tel Aviv showed its best side.