MADRID (AP) â The last time Karim Benzema was in a Champions League final, it was in a supporting role to Cristiano Ronaldo. He was just another forward on a Real Madrid team in which Ronaldo attracted most of the attention. It will be a lot different when Benzema takes the field this weekend in the final against Liverpool in suburban Paris. Benzema has gone from one of Ronaldoâs sidekicks to Madridâs most important player, and on Saturday he could cap his best season ever with a fifth Champions
Meeting of the gameâs royalty draws parallels between the European Cupâs greatest eras â and why it might also be the future on a much more regular basis
LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) â Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick has signed a contract extension through 2027 with German club Bayer Leverkusen following speculation he could opt for a transfer to the Premier League. Schick scored 24 goals in 27 games as Leverkusen finished third in the Bundesliga this season. His existing contract was due to run until 2025. âI extended my contract until '27, so really happy that I can continue in Bayer,â Schick said in a video message on social media. Re-signing