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EspañolA dazzling Maghnes Akliouche is MVP of the second leg against PSG
Having delivered a stellar performance and opening the scoring at the Parc des Princes against Paris (2-2), the French playmaker was named MVP of the Champions League play-off second leg.
It was a 24th birthday celebrated in style. A free spirit in the heart of Monaco’s play in the Champions League play-off second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Maghnes Akliouche had a great game and even opened the scoring at the Parc des Princes. His influence on the pitch, however, was unfortunately not enough to prevent a draw, which meant elemination against the holders (2-2).
I think he was ready to help the team. We know these kinds of matches suit him, and he's eager to show it and be decisive! He was today; he worked well off the ball, put in a very good performance, so I'm happy with his overall play. I'm also proud of a very young midfielder who was aggressive and courageous both with and without the ball.
Maghnes, breaking the deadlock ⚡️
However, the French international started this match strongly and made an ideal run to find Mamadou Coulibaly in the Parisian penalty area, but his shot grazed the crossbar (9′). Very active, Sébastien Pocognoli’s playmaker then went on to play in Folarin Balogun, whose lob was deflected for a corner by Matvei Safonov (38′). Driven by the idea of playing forward, he was also the Monaco player who made the most passes in the opposition third (12), according to our statistics provider Opta.
Clinical in front of goal 🎯
And Maghnes Akliouche, seemingly everywhere at once, would also prove decisive. Just before halftime, he got on the end of a superb pass from Mamadou Coulibaly with his left foot, and with the help of the Parisian post, the ball nestled into the back of the net (0-1, 45′)! This opening goal rewarded a very strong first half from the Monaco players and allowed him to score his first goal in this edition of the Champions League, on his 24th birthday.
A battling display in midfield 💪
This goal was this a virtual birthday present, thus imitating in some ways Dado Pršo, who scored four goals against Deportivo La Coruña while wearing the Monaco jersey, on his 29th birthday. But beyond his attacking activity, Maghnes also helped his teammates in his own half of the pitch by taking part in 11 duels, winning 100% of them in the air, and making one interception.
I had quite a bit of freedom in this match, I think that showed. I was pretty close to Balo' but I could also drift out of position. That's always more comfortable for me. You always expect the key players of a team to step up in these kinds of matches.
It’s no surprise, then, to see him receive a score of 7 from the sports daily L’Équipe and, in the process, take the title of MVP for the Rouge et Blanc with 84% of the votes on the AS Monaco App for the eighth time this season, ahead of Lamine Camara and Philipp Köhn. Bravo Maghnes! 👏
Liverpool fixture ranked No.1 in Britain after nationwide rivalry study
Liverpool supporters now have statistical backing for something most of us have long believed, with a new nationwide study ranking our meetings with Manchester United as the fiercest rivalry in British football.
According to gambling portal British Gambler, the North-West Derby has been crowned the most intense fixture in the UK after analysis across a range of measurable factors.
The report states: “Liverpool’s showdown with Manchester United has been named the UK’s fiercest football derby for 2026.”
The research compared 12 rivalries and evaluated each using discipline records, fan arrests, competitiveness, scoring frequency, rarity of meetings and crossover players.
Why Liverpool vs Manchester United ranked first
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The numbers themselves help explain why the fixture remains unique within English football.
The study explained that the game scored 55 points out of 72 (76%), boosted by high-scoring encounters and persistent on-pitch aggression.
Across the last ten meetings there have been 50 yellow cards and three red cards, while nine of the previous 20 fixtures produced over 3.5 goals.
The study also highlighted limited crossover between clubs as a key factor.
The spokesperson said: “Our analysis shows that Liverpool vs Manchester United consistently delivers more drama both on and off the pitch, with the fixture crowned our Fiercest UK Derby for 2026.”
Historically that separation matters, because players crossing the divide are extremely rare.
Despite more than two centuries of combined history, only 17 players have represented both clubs.
The overall head-to-head record further underlines how competitive the rivalry is.
That balance was another scoring metric in the index, as evenly matched rivalries rate higher for intensity.
A rivalry built on history, not proximity
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Interestingly, the Merseyside derby ranked far lower in the same list despite geographic closeness.
The report suggested that fewer disciplinary incidents and a historically unbalanced record reduced its intensity score.
Meanwhile, Glasgow’s Old Firm finished second and the Tyne-Wear Derby third.
The analysis added: “Historic competitiveness and disciplinary intensity are crucial markers of a derby’s fierceness.”
Recent crossover stories show just how unusual any connection remains.
Jonathan Woodgate’s journey from working as a Liverpool scout to joining Manchester United’s coaching staff under Michael Carrick is one of the rare modern links between the clubs.
Transfer speculation also still triggers reactions, with remarkable rumours linking Alexis Mac Allister with a move to Old Trafford being quickly dismissed.
What it means for Liverpool supporters
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The ranking simply formalises what decades of matches have shown.
This fixture has never depended purely on geography but on sporting dominance, historical success and national relevance.
With both clubs again competing near each other in the Premier League table, the competitive edge remains firmly intact.
The study’s conclusion is effectively what supporters already know: this isn’t just a big game, it’s the defining rivalry in English football.
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