Welcome back to The 90-Minute Breakdown!
Players
Barcelona is reaping the rewards of La Masia once again. In their win over Real Sociedad, two of the four goals were assisted and scored by academy graduates. Dani Olmo provided two assists, while Gerard Martín and Marc Casadó netted their first-ever Barcelona goals. Instead of flashy celebrations, the team opted for a full-squad embrace — pure joy.
Now, let’s talk about someone who isn’t a player but deserves a mention — Rúben Amorim. Manchester United’s nightmare season continues. Sitting 14th in the Premier League, their latest disaster was a penalty shootout loss to Fulham, knocking them out of the FA Cup. Whether it’s the squad, injuries or Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 system, things look bleak. Their only hope for silverware this season is in the Europa League.
My MVP of the week? Marco Asensio. Hopefully, Villa fans aren’t too attached — he’s only on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The Spaniard delivered a brace against Cardiff City, sending Aston Villa to the FA Cup quarter finals. Watching new players thrive in different systems is always exciting, and Asensio seems to be settling in well.
Matches
The Copa del Rey semifinals delivered. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid played one of the season’s most intense matches, ending in a thrilling 4–4 draw. Simeone’s side struck early with two goals, but Barca responded within around 20 minutes, with 18-year-old Pau Cubarsí scoring his first goal. Barca then took control, adding two more — until Atlético, in classic fashion, clawed back with two late goals. The second leg at the Metropolitano will be decisive.
Real Madrid handled Real Sociedad in their first-leg match and should see out the tie comfortably.
However, in La Liga, Madrid stumbled, dropping points in a fiery clash with Real Betis. Powered by Antony and former Madridista Isco, Betis secured a 2–1 win. Isco, once a Bernabéu favorite, celebrated his goal — a move that didn’t sit well with some Madrid fans. Football amnesia is a real thing.
Opinion
In the FA Cup fifth-round match between Crystal Palace and Millwall, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts — how do I put this lightly — ninja-kicked Jean-Philippe Mateta in the face. The challenge was mistimed at best, reckless and dangerous at worst. The aftermath? A gruesome injury that left Mateta needing 25 stitches to a severe laceration on his left ear.
Crystal Palace released a statement confirming he had been discharged from St. George’s Hospital, but the incident raises a pressing question: Should Roberts face higher punishment than a red card?
My answer? Absolutely.
Football is a physical sport, but there are limits — players train for controlled contact, not for life-threatening tackles. Goalkeepers are specifically taught how to jump in aerial duels, leading with their knees to protect themselves, not launching feet-first with studs up. This wasn’t just a mistake; it was reckless, unnecessary and could have had devastating consequences.
Footballers are professionals. They should treat each other as such and protect the integrity of the game. What Roberts did wasn’t just poor football — it was dangerous, dirty and inexcusable.
