More clubs, no more groups

The updated version of the Champions League will see 36 clubs feature in the competition proper, an increase from 32 under the old format.

There is an extra place for the fifth-best European league according to UEFA’s ranking, which means France’s Ligue 1 now has three automatic qualifiers.

In addition, there is an extra berth for each of the two leagues with the highest coefficient ranking from last season in UEFA competition, which this year are Germany and Italy.

The remaining extra slot goes to a national champion to emerge from the qualifying rounds, which will be completed this midweek.

Since 2003, the Champions League featured 32 clubs split into eight groups of four, with the top two from each section advancing to the last 16.

That has now changed radically, and from this season the 36 clubs will be pooled together in one league, in a so-called ‘Swiss system’ more commonly associated with chess.

Lot more games

Before, participating teams played six games in the group stage, facing each opponent home and away. Now clubs will each have eight games.

The 36 teams will be split into four seeded pots of nine. Every club will play two teams from each pot, one at home and one away.

This “raises the prospect for fans of seeing the top teams go head to head more often and earlier in the competition,” UEFA say, a nod to the fact this format was introduced at a time when the spectre of a breakaway Super League hung over European football.

No team will come up against another club from the same domestic league as them, and every club can only face a maximum of two teams from any one country.

Whereas in past years the group stage ended in December, the expansion of the Champions League means the two extra matchdays will be staged in January.

The number of games is increasing from 96 in the old group stage, up to 144 in the new league phase.

Extra knockout round

The 36 clubs will be ranked together in the one league, with the top eight all progressing to the last 16 and the format of the competition from that point on remaining the same.

However, it will be seeded, taking into account positions in the league phase.

In addition, a playoff round will be introduced, with the teams finishing from ninth to 24th in the league phase going through to a two-legged knock-out tie to decide the remaining spots in the last 16. These playoff ties will be seeded.

The bottom 12 teams in the league phase will be eliminated, with no access to the second-tier Europa League, as was the case in the past.

Assuming you understand it, does the new Champions League format make sense?

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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The change of format comes as the tournament expands from a 32-team showpiece, swelling to 36 teams from next term.

“UEFA has clearly shown that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. 

“I am really pleased that it was a unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, with the European Club Association, European Leagues and national associations all agreeing with the proposal made.

“Another proof that European football is more united than ever.”

How will the UEFA Champions League format change?

Under the new Champions League format, teams will play eight matches in the new league phase, which replaces the former group stage. 

Teams in the Champions League will no longer play three opponents twice – home and away. 

Instead qualified teams face fixtures against eight different sides, playing half of those matches at home and half away across the eight matchdays. 

Will there still be a UEFA Champions League draw

There will still be a Champions League draw for the league phase.

Four seeding pots of nine teams will be settled by rankings. These rankings will be based on the current co-efficient system.

Each team will then be drawn to play two opponents from each of these pots. They will play one match against a team from each pot, home and away.

UEFA said: “This gives the opportunity for clubs to test themselves against a wider range of opponents and raises the prospect for fans of seeing the top teams go head to head more often and earlier in the competition. It will also result in more competitive matches for every club across the board.”

In effect this brings about the radical departure. The UEFA Champions League will take on a different look from next season.

How will teams reach the knockout phase?

The outcomes of each match will determine the overall standing in the new league, with three points for a victory and one for a draw remaining the points system in use.

The top eight clubs in the league will advance to the round of 16, while the teams ranking ninth to twenty-fourth will participate in an additional two-legged knockout phase play-off to clinch their spot in the competition’s final 16. 

Elimination faces teams who finish 25th or lower. They will not be eligible to compete in the UEFA Europa League.

UEFA claim: “The new format, with all the teams ranked together in a single league, will mean that there is more to play for all the way through to the final night of the league phase.”

The change of format comes as the tournament expands from a 32-team showpiece, swelling to 36 teams from next term.

Those aren’t the only changes with a radically different group stage also coming in.

“UEFA has clearly shown that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. 

“I am really pleased that it was a unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, with the European Club Association, European Leagues and national associations all agreeing with the proposal made.

“Another proof that European football is more united than ever.”

How will the UEFA Champions League format change?

Under the new Champions League format, teams will play eight matches in the new league phase, which replaces the former group stage. 

Teams in the Champions League will no longer play three opponents twice – home and away. 

Instead qualified teams face fixtures against eight different sides, playing half of those matches at home and half away across the eight matchdays. 

Will there still be a UEFA Champions League draw

There will still be a Champions League draw for the league phase.

Four seeding pots of nine teams will be settled by rankings. These rankings will be based on the current co-efficient system.

Each team will then be drawn to play two opponents from each of these pots. They will play one match against a team from each pot, home and away.

UEFA said: “This gives the opportunity for clubs to test themselves against a wider range of opponents and raises the prospect for fans of seeing the top teams go head to head more often and earlier in the competition. It will also result in more competitive matches for every club across the board.”

In effect this brings about the radical departure. The UEFA Champions League will take on a different look from next season.

How will teams reach the knockout phase?

The outcomes of each match will determine the overall standing in the new league, with three points for a victory and one for a draw remaining the points system in use.

The top eight clubs in the league will advance to the round of 16, while the teams ranking ninth to twenty-fourth will participate in an additional two-legged knockout phase play-off to clinch their spot in the competition’s final 16. 

Elimination faces teams who finish 25th or lower. They will not be eligible to compete in the UEFA Europa League.

UEFA claim: “The new format, with all the teams ranked together in a single league, will mean that there is more to play for all the way through to the final night of the league phase.”

Kroos has been passing teams to death for over a decade

You know what they say, midfields win matches. In the modern context, midfield destroyers have shifted that chat towards teams adopting more conservative approaches. Toni Kroos is old-school though, but with a modern twist. Since he was at Bayer Leverkusen and then Bayern Munich, Kroos has been a master at hogging possession of the football. These days, sometimes it’s better not to have the ball because counter-attacking football can be the most dangerous way to win matches. Don’t tell that to Toni Kroos. Since moving to Real Madrid in 2014, Kroos’ passing accuracy % hasn’t dipped below 92.2. That’s a ridiculous number for any type of player, no less a guy like Kroos who’s always looking for a more progressive option. His €25m move in 2014, almost a decade ago now, looks like the biggest bargain in European football history.

Real Madrid are European champions for the 15th time

There seems to be an inevitability about it when Madrid claim yet another Champions League crown. They struggled in the first half at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund and looked on the ropes for periods. However, Kroos and Real Madrid took the initiative back. Kroos, playing his final club match, provided the assist for Dani Carvajal’s opener against the run of play in the 74th minute. After Vini Jr’s second on 83 minutes, there was no way back for Dortmund.

A serious trophy cabinet

After glory at Wembley, 34-year-old Toni Kroos can look back upon his career and rightly regard himself as one of the greats. Six Champions League titles (five with Real Madrid and one with Bayern Munich in 2013), a World Cup crown in 2014 with Germany and several other cup wins. Kroos has 108 caps for Germany and will add to that in this summer’s Euro 2024 competition. As ever, the midfield metronome will be critical to his nation’s chances.

Is Toni Kroos the best passer of a football you’ve ever seen?

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Masilela was pure class

Whether he was scooping up accolades and silverware with Kaizer Chiefs or lining up for Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League, Tsepo Masilela was one of the most underrated left-backs around. Equally adept at defending his box or bombing forward into the final third, he was ahead of his time as a modern full-back. In 2014-15 with Chiefs, he was a pivotal piece of the puzzle, making 28 appearances in the league and supplying three assists. Let’s take a closer look at his playing career next.

Former Kaizer Chiefs star tasted the UEFA Champions League

It all started on the local scene at Hellenic in 2004 when Masilela moved to Richards Bay after earning his stripes in Cape Town. A switch to Thanda Royal Zulu followed before his first big break with Maccabi Haifa. Masilela made 127 appearances for the Israeli giants between 2007 and 2011. In 2009/10, he plundered an incredible 13 assists to steer them into the following season’s UEFA Champions League, where he made six appearances. The next stop on his journey was with Spanish LaLiga side Getafe where Masilela became a key figure despite only signing for the capital club on a season-long loan.

Back in South Africa

Tsepo returned home in 2012, just in time to be an integral member of title-winning Kaizer Chiefs teams in 2013 and 2015. After six years with Amakhosi, Masilela rounded out his playing days between 2019 and 2022 with AmaZulu. He has 46 caps to his name for Bafana Bafana.

World Cup 2010

Masilela featured in all three of Bafana’s group games at the historic 2010 World Cup hosted on home soil. He was a half-time substitute for Lucas Thwala in the 1-1 draw with Mexico and started the two subsequent games against France and Uruguay.

Where is Tsepo Masilela now?

Speaking to Robert Marawa in April 2023 and reflecting on his career, he said:

“I’m blessed and I thank God. I played in AFCON, the World Cup, Confed, the CAF Champions League and the UEFA Champions League. I’m happy with the career I had. Blessed.”

In case you didn’t know, he’s the older brother of Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela. Left-back talent is a family thing. According to reports, Masilela is now involved in the mining industry and mentioned in his chat with Mr Marawa that he’s taking his UEFA C coaching badges. He officially called time on his career in this interview, and what a career it’s been.

What are your most cherished Masilela memories?

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FCSB crowned champions

FCSB, formerly known as Steaua București, are no stranger to success. However, it’s been a while since they tasted Romanian Superlig glory and they’ve finally become reacquainted with that feeling. Siyabonga Ngezana’s team were confirmed as champions on Saturday for the first time since 2015. FCSB have won 27 domestic crowns in their storied history, but a nine-year drought wasn’t in the script. Ngezana, on a personal level, tastes his first piece of league silverware. He will also feature in the esteemed and prestigious UEFA Champions League next term.

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star is a mainstay

26-year-old Ngezana is a key figure for FCSB, playing all seven of their Championship Round matches to date and he featured in 23 league outings in the regular season. He wasn’t an automatic first choice initially, but when former Tottenham man Vlad Chiricheș went down with an injury early in the campaign, Ngezana took his opportunity to stake a claim. Overall he’s made 31 appearances for the club in all competitions and kept 15 clean sheets in those matches. 

Rumours continue to swirl

According to KickOff.com, the talented defender has attracted interest from the Turkish Superlig.

“The latest enquiries have come from Turkey, with one of the big clubs there is weighing the option of bringing him on board next season. On Tuesday, this website was tipped off about the option of Turkey. Questions about his personal terms were mentioned along with what his club will demand. The Turks have thrown microscopic eyes across the Black Sea in following what Ngezana is doing to detail,” wrote the website.

Amakhosi still keen on a payday?

Ngezana, once a youth product at Chiefs, moved to Romania for €600k (roughly R12 million). Amakhosi could earn another massive chunk of cash if he makes another lucrative move. FCSB owner Gigi Becali has insisted that he won’t sell Ngezana for less than €6m. That’s roughly, R122 Million, with rumoured interest from France’s Ligue 1 in January and now interest from Turkey. With a reported 10% sell-on clause inserted into his FCSB contract, Chiefs could earn north of R12 million more should Ngezana move anywhere for that alleged fee. That’s some smart business.

Are you happy for Ngezana?

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UEFA Champions League within reach for ex-Kaizer Chiefs man

FCSB finished the regular Romanian season atop the standings with 64 points, nine points ahead of Rapid Bucuresti. In Romania’s SuperLiga, things then get resolved in a Championship Round. The top six from the regular season slug it out in a ‘mini-league’ playing each other twice to settle the destination of the title. Ngezana’s team have one hand on the trophy after a flawless start in the championship round, winning four matches out of four. Ngezana has featured in all four at the business end. His side have conceded only once so far.

FCSB meet strugglers Rapid Bucuresti next on 20 April, knowing a win will take them to within three points of the title. Winning the SuperLiga in Romania guarantees UEFA Champions League qualification. What an incentive for head coach Elias Charalambous, Ngezana and the rest of the group!

NGEZANA IS FEELING AT HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Siyabonga Ngezana has become a mainstay in the FCSB defence. Head coach Elias Charalambous has played an integral role in his settling in Bucharest. The Cypriot manager was born in South Africa and has a South African father.

“Yes I know [he is South African], I was amazed, he was the first guy who tried to make me feel at home, he shared some stories about South Africa – his father is from the Eastern Cape,” Ngezana told iDiski Times.

“No [he doesn’t speak Afrikaans], only English but some Xhosa also, he would talk to me in Xhosa and I would understand him, he was the only guy I understood much better because of his South African roots. He made me feel comfortable when he spoke Xhosa.”

Since arriving at the club less than a year ago, Siyabonga Ngezana has become a mainstay in the heart of the FCSB defence. He wasn’t an automatic first choice, but when former Tottenham man Vlad Chiricheș went down with an injury early in the campaign, Ngezana took his opportunity to stake a claim. Overall, he has 28 appearances for the club in all competitions and made a key contribution of 15 clean sheets.

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Champions League draw: Quarter-final blockbusters in store

• Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
• Atlético Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
• Real Madrid vs Manchester City
• PSG vs Barcelona

ARSENAL SAW OFF PORTO TO STAMP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL TICKET

The Gunners needed a penalty shootout to eventually see off Sergio Conceicão’s Porto team at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Arsenal won the second leg 1-0 after extra time which meant the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. Spanish goalkeeper David Raya was the hero, saving two of Porto’s spot-kicks in the shootout. It’s the first time Arsenal have reached the last eight of this competition since 2010. Ironically, it was also Porto they eliminated at this stage 14 years ago.

ROUND OF 16 RECAP

Barcelona saw off defending Italian champions Napoli 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-1 win at the Nou Camp. Real Madrid made heavy weather of their tie with German side RB Leipzig, eventually prevailing 2-1 on aggregate. Defending champions Manchester City were far too strong for Danish outfit FC Copenhagen, winning both legs 3-1. Harry Kane bagged a double for Bayern Munich as the Bavarian giants overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to see off Lazio 3-1 on aggregate. French giants PSG off LaLiga’s Real Sociedad 4-1 over two legs. Kylian Mbappe, who else, scored three of their four goals in the tie. The fantastic Frenchman is reportedly off to Real Madrid next season. Dortmund were 3-1 aggregate winners over Dutch giants PSV, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid needed a penalty shootout to eventually see off last season’s losing finalists Inter.

Which of these ties are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section below.

CLICK TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY FOOTBALL FANATIC JAMES FREEMANTLE.

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ARSENAL SEE OFF PORTO TO STAMP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL TICKET

The Gunners needed a penalty shootout to eventually see off Sergio Conceicao’s Porto team at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Arsenal won the second leg 1-0 after extra time which meant the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. Spanish goalkeeper David Raya was the hero, saving two of Porto’s spot-kicks in the shootout. It’s the first time Arsenal have reached the last eight of this competition since 2010. Ironically, it was also Porto they eliminated at this stage 14 years ago.

ALL THE USUAL SUSPECTS QUALIFY, BUT WHEN IS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW?

Arsenal, Man City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Borussia Dortmund complete the QF lineup. The draw takes place on Friday 15 March from Nyon, Switzerland starting at 13:00 RSA time. Benni’s former club Porto, with whom he won the Champions League in 2004, were eliminated by Arsenal on penalties on Tuesday night.

ROUND OF 16 RECAP

Barcelona saw off defending Italian champions Napoli 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-1 win at the Nou Camp. Real Madrid made heavy weather of their tie with German side RB Leipzig, eventually prevailing 2-1 on aggregate. Defending champions Manchester City were far too strong for Danish outfit FC Copenhagen, winning both legs 3-1. Harry Kane bagged a double for Bayern Munich as the Bavarian giants overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to see off Lazio 3-1 on aggregate. French giants PSG off LaLiga’s Real Sociedad 4-1 over two legs. Kylian Mbappe, who else, scored three of their four goals in the tie. The fantastic Frenchman is reportedly off to Real Madrid next season. Dortmund were 3-1 aggregate winners over Dutch giants PSV, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid needed a penalty shootout to eventually see off last season’s losing finalists Inter.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

CAF Champions League quarter-final draw

• Simba vs Al Ahly
• TP Mazembe vs Petro Luanda
• Esperance vs ASEC Mimosas
• Young Africans vs Mamelodi Sundowns

The first legs are to be played on March 29th and March 30th, and the second legs are to be played on April 5th and 6th. In the semi-finals, Esperance/ASEC will face Young Africans/Sundowns. TP Mazembe/Petro Luanda will face Simba/Al Ahly. That means the only time Percy Tau can face his former side, Sundowns, is in the final, should Masandawana and Al Ahly reach the showpiece match.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW DETAILS

In another elite club competition, Europe’s finest are slugging it out in the Champions League. We’ll know the identity of all eight of this season’s quarter-finalists at the end of Wednesday’s matches. Defending champions Man City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG will also contest this season’s quarterfinals. Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan (0-1 aggregate) and Borussia Dortmund vs PSV Eindhoven (1-1 aggregate) are Wednesday’s two Round of 16 clashes, after which the QF lineup will be complete. The draw takes place on Friday, 15 March, from Nyon, Switzerland, starting at 13:00 RSA time.

ROUND OF 16 RECAP

Barcelona saw off defending Italian champions Napoli 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-1 win at the Nou Camp. Real Madrid made heavy weather of their tie with German side RB Leipzig, eventually prevailing 2-1 on aggregate. Defending champs Manchester City were far too strong for Danish outfit FC Copenhagen, winning both legs 3-1. Harry Kane bagged a double for Bayern Munich as the Bavarian giants overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to see off Lazio 3-1 on aggregate. French giants PSG saw off LaLiga’s Real Sociedad 4-1 over two legs. Kylian Mbappe, who else, scored three of their four goals in the tie. The fantastic Frenchman is reportedly off to Real Madrid next season.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

Arsenal see off Porto to stamp Champions League quarter-final ticket

The Gunners needed a penalty shootout to eventually see off Sergio Conceicao’s Porto team at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Arsenal won the second leg 1-0 after extra time which meant the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. Spanish goalkeeper David Raya was the hero, saving two of Porto’s spot-kicks in the shootout. It’s the first time Arsenal have reached the last eight of this competition since 2010. Ironically, it was also Porto they eliminated at this stage 14 years ago.

All the usual suspects qualify, but when is the Champion League quarter-final draw?

Defending champions Man City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG will also contest this season’s quarterfinals. Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan (0-1 aggregate) and Borussia Dortmund vs PSV Eindhoven (1-1 aggregate) are Wednesday’s two Round of 16 clashes, after which the QF lineup will be complete. The draw takes place on Friday 15 March from Nyon, Switzerland starting at 13:00 RSA time.

Round of 16 recap

Barcelona saw off defending Italian champions Napoli 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-1 win at the Nou Camp. Real Madrid made heavy weather of their tie with German side RB Leipzig, eventually prevailing 2-1 on aggregate. Defending champions Manchester City were far too strong for Danish outfit FC Copenhagen, winning both legs 3-1. Harry Kane bagged a double for Bayern Munich as the Bavarian giants overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to see off Lazio 3-1 on aggregate. French giants PSG off LaLiga’s Real Sociedad 4-1 over two legs. Kylian Mbappe, who else, scored three of their four goals in the tie. The fantastic Frenchman is reportedly off to Real Madrid next season.

The UEFA Champions League draw will look a little different next season

A new expanded Champions League format from next season means computers will be used to make the draw. Clubs will be drawn manually and then the computer will take over and select their eight group opponents. That’s an issue for 2024/25 though.

Who is your Champions League team and will they go all the way this season? Let us know in the comments.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

Arsenal class of 2010 thumped Porto to reach Champions League quarters

On March 9th 2010, almost exactly 14 years ago, Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 6-3 aggregate win over Porto. The Gunners lost the first leg in Portugal 2-1, but a resounding 5-0 win at Emirates Stadium sent Arsene Wenger’s men through. Indeed, that was the last time Arsenal reached the final eight of the competition. Nicklas ‘Lord’ Bendtner bagged a hat-trick, Samir Nasri scored a solo wonder goal and Ivorian substitute Emmanuel Eboue was also on the scoresheet.

Starting XI vs Porto in epic 2010 Champions League comeback

Manuel Almunia; Bacary Sagna, Sol Campbell, Thomas Vermaelen, Gaël Clichy; Alexandre Song, Abou Diaby; Tomáš Rosický, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin; Nicklas Bendtner.

Arteta’s Gunners have work to do in London

Arsenal went down 1-0 in Porto three weeks ago. Now they have to win the second leg to advance to the quarters of the Champions League for the first time in 14 years. Mikel Arteta’s side welcomed defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurien Timber back to full training this week but neither will be fit enough to start. Gabriel Martinelli has a deep cut on his leg and won’t play any part. Therefore, Leandro Trossard should keep his place in the side on the left-hand side of the attack.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Porto:

David Raya; Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Jorginho; Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard; Kai Havertz.

ITALIAN SERIE A OUTFIT LECCE SACK MANAGER FOR HEADBUTTING

Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano always has his ear close to the ground. On Sunday 10 March, Lecce lost 1-0 at home to Hellas Verona and their manager Roberto d’Aversa couldn’t contain his anger at the final whistle. The 48-year-old took matters into his own hands, head-butting Verona player Thomas Henry. There have been serious repercussions.

“After the events that took place at the end of the Lecce – Verona match, US Lecce announces that it has relieved coach Roberto D’Aversa of his duties,” the club said in a statement. Lecce lie in 15th place and just a single point above the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

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Benni McCarthy collected big transfer fees

Also, remember that these fees would be significantly higher if corrected for inflation and aligned with current numbers. €6m back in 1999 was an awful lot of money and is closer to €7.7m in today’s terms. That was the value of his switch from Ajax to Celta Vigo. He also made other big moves including Celta Vigo to Porto, Porto to Blackburn and Blackburn to West Ham. The total of all those moves, corrected for inflation, is €21.7m or R450 Million. Benni’s glittering career certainly reflected the investment in him by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

BENNI THE BAFANA BAFANA LEGEND

• First and only South African UEFA Champions League; winner with Porto in 2004.
• Two-time Primeira Liga winner with Porto.
• Dutch Eredivisie champion with Ajax Amsterdam in 1998.
• All-time leading scorer for Bafana Bafana with 31 goals from 80 caps.
• Until 2023 when Lyle Foster made the switch to Burnley, Benni was the most expensive South African footballer of all time. He moved from Ajax to Celta Vigo for €6m in 1999. That’s a lot of cash for the 20th century!
• Benni Scored 18 goals in 36 Premier League appearances in the 2006-07 season.
• Champion of South Africa with Orlando Pirates in 2011-12.
• Nedbank Cup and MTN8 winner in 2011, also with Pirates.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

BENNI MCCARTHY THE PLAYER

• First and only South African UEFA Champions League; winner with Porto in 2004.
• Two-time Primeira Liga winner with Porto.
• Dutch Eredivisie champion with Ajax Amsterdam in 1998.
• All-time leading scorer for Bafana Bafana with 31 goals from 80 caps.
• Until 2023 when Lyle Foster made the switch to Burnley, Benni was the most expensive South African footballer of all time. He moved from Ajax to Celta Vigo for €6m in 1999. That’s a lot of cash for the 20th century!
• Benni Scored 18 goals in 36 Premier League appearances in the 2006-07 season.
• Champion of South Africa with Orlando Pirates in 2011-12.
• Nedbank Cup and MTN8 winner in 2011, also with Pirates.

BENNI IS PROVING HIS MANAGERIAL METTLE

As a head coach, McCarthy led Cape Town City to MTN8 glory in 2019. He also steered AmaZulu into the CAF Champions League. He’s also tasted success with Man United as their first team coach, winning the EFL Cup in 2023. If he can get a head coach role of his own in Europe, he’ll add another impressive layer to his achievements in the game. Perhaps it’s time to head out of Old Trafford?

DISMAL DOLLY: Overpaid and underperforming at Kaizer Chiefs

PERCY TAU’S MASSIVE AL AHLY SALARY

A current Bafana star isn’t doing too badly for himself either. As things stand, Percy Tau will pocket R23.2m annually in the first year of his new deal with Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Monthly, that’s roughly R1.93m a month. The annual figure could rise to R1m in the third year.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

Kylian Mbappe, thought to be a Ballon d’Or winner in the making, is set for Real Madrid. What will the French World Cup winner be earning with Los Blancos?

MBAPPE: Five stats that define a World Cup great

MBAPPE FINALLY GETS HIS REAL MADRID DREAM

This move has been in the post for some time. Mbappe signed a recent extension with PSG to make him one of the world’s richest and most powerful players, but there were always suspicions that his heart was set on Real Madrid in the long term. According to today’s reports, Mbappe will move to the Spanish capital on a five-year deal worth €15m a year. Over and above that €75m salary figure throughout the contract, the 25-year-old will also land a signing-on bonus of €150m. All in all, Madrid will shell out €225m to get their man.

ICYMI: How Kaizer Chiefs can cut monthly costs by a massive R2 Million

KYLIAN MBAPPE LOTTIN IS NO STRANGER TO THE BIG STAGE

Kylian Mbappe scored in the 2018 World Cup final, becoming the first teenager to do so since Brazilian icon Pele. He memorably scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final but ended up on the losing side in one of football’s greatest-ever contests. The UEFA Champions League still eludes Mbappe, and winning Europe’s greatest club prize is one if his primary motivations for swapping Paris and Madrid.

WC FINAL: Lionel Messi is the GOAT and here’s proof

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.

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MBAPPE: Five stats that define a World Cup great

Mbappe finally gets his Real Madrid dream

This move has been in the post for some time. Mbappe signed a recent extension with PSG to make him one of the world’s richest and most powerful players, but there were always suspicions that his heart was set on Real Madrid in the long term. According to today’s reports, Mbappe will move to the Spanish capital on a five-year deal worth €15m a year. Over and above that €75m salary figure throughout the contract, the 25-year-old will also land a signing-on bonus of €150m. All in all, Madrid will shell out €225m to get their man.

ICYMI: How Kaizer Chiefs can cut monthly costs by a massive R2 Million

Mbappe is no stranger to the big stage

Kylian Mbappe scored in the 2018 World Cup final, becoming the first teenager to do so since Brazilian icon Pele. He memorably scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final but ended up on the losing side in one of football’s greatest-ever contests. The UEFA Champions League still eludes Mbappe, and winning Europe’s greatest club prize is one if his primary motivations for swapping Paris and Madrid.

WC FINAL: Lionel Messi is the GOAT and here’s proof

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.

OPINION: Why Benni McCarthy should get the Bafana Bafana job one day

BENNI MCCARTHY: ROAD TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY

Let’s wander down memory lane and check out Benni’s scintillating and unforgettable Champions League triumph in 2004. It included a double against Man United.

THROWBACK: Remember when Benni McCarthy tried a rabbit food diet?

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BENNI WAS A GOAL-SCORER SUPREME

The 18-yard area was exactly where Benni thrived, hence the nickname, with vast experience and know-how and that natural ability to find the back of the net. Speaking of the 18-yard area, Benni’s crucial involvements for Porto in their glorious run to Champions League success in 2004 are there for all to see.

RUMOURS: Sundowns make sensational deadline day offer for Orlando Pirates star

ICYMI: Full AFCON R16 draw including daunting test for Bafana Bafana

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates

Pep Guardiola’s City, who are looking to retain the title they won in Istanbul last June, will be expected to comfortably get the better of the Danish side, who qualified from their group at the expense of Manchester United after beating the Red Devils 4-3 at home.

ALSO READ: Erling Haaland criticises ref after Man City draw

City to defend their tittle

The clubs met in the group stage of last season’s Champions League, with City winning 5-0 at home before being held to a 0-0 draw away at the Parken Stadium.

Inter, the Serie A leaders, were one of the teams to avoid after finishing second in their group and their meeting with Atletico will see Diego Simeone, the coach of the Spanish club, come up against a team with whom he spent two years as a player in the late 1990s.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have gone out in the last 16 in each of the last two seasons and in five of the last seven campaigns, were also braced for a tough draw having come second in their group behind Borussia Dortmund.

ALSO READ: Guardiola says Man City will still win the league despite poor form

They will therefore be relieved at being handed a tie against Real Sociedad, who topped their section above Inter but are appearing in the Champions League last 16 for the first time since 2003/04, when they were knocked out by Lyon.

Barcelona’s meeting with Italian champions Napoli is another standout tie, while Premier League leaders Arsenal will be expected to get the better of Porto and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

“We want to try and go as far as possible, but we are very much concentrating on playing well, performing well and playing the best football we can, and then we’ll see how far we go,” Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, told the club’s website.

Sergio Conceicao’s Porto finished level on points with Barcelona in their group but were ranked in second place after losing both meetings with the Catalans.

Real Madrid vs Leipzig

ALSO READ: Aston Villa climb above Man City in a 1-0 win

Real Madrid will be heavily fancied against RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich will be strong favourites against Lazio, a team they beat 6-2 on aggregate at the same stage of the competition in 2020/21.

“We’ve had positive experiences with Lazio before,” said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.

“We’ll go into the games as favourite but we won’t allow ourselves to underestimate them.”

The other tie sees Dortmund come up against PSV Eindhoven, who are coached by former Borussia manager Peter Bosz and are through to the last 16 for the first time in eight years.

ALSO READ: ‘Struggling’ Man City leave Guardiola with title headache

The first legs will take place in mid-February with the return matches in March.

This season’s Champions League final will be staged at Wembley in London on June 1.

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UEFA DRAW

FC Porto (POR) v Arsenal (ENG)

ALSO READ: UEFA: Dortmund seeks redemption against Newcastle

Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP)

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Real Sociedad (ESP)

Inter Milan (ITA) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)

PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Lazio (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER)

FC Copenhagen (DEN) v Manchester City (ENG)

RB Leipzig (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP)

First legs to be played on February 13/14/20/21; second legs to be played on March 5/6/12/13

ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid pins UEFA hopes on in-form Griezmann

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A 2-1 home defeat by AC Milan sealed the Magpies’ fate as they even missed out on dropping into the Europa League next year.

ALSO READ: Tired Newcastle must come out fighting says Howe

Newcastle’s first experience

Newcastle’s first experience of Europe’s elite club competition for 20 years got off to a flying start as they beat Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at home and drew 0-0 away to Milan.

But they took just one point from their final four games in a devilishly difficult Group F as an injury crisis took its toll.

Victory at St James’ Park was not enough for last season’s semi-finalists Milan to progress to the last 16 as PSG and Borussia Dortmund reached the knockout stage.

ALSO READ: Manchester United beaten at Newcastle; Maguire reacts

Backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Newcastle did not splash out as much as expected in the summer transfer window.

And Howe said having depth is the lesson he has learned from a bruising campaign.

Howe

“The value of the squad, that’s what exposed us,” Howe told TNT Sports.

“We haven’t had the ability to utilise the squad we created, that’s been a big frustration for us.

“We’ve gone into games with almost one hand behind our back, very limited, and that hasn’t helped our situation.”

Howe had been forced to name the same 10 outfield players for each of Newcastle’s previous five games in all competitions due to a series of injuries and Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for betting offences.

ALSO READ: Mbappe’s 98th-minute penalty rescues PSG against Newcastle

He made just one change to his starting line-up against Milan, but had to withdraw two of his star performers this season in Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon after the break as they tired.

Joelinton had fired Newcastle into a first-half lead, but goals from Rafael Leao and Samuel Chukwueze condemned Howe’s men to a third consecutive defeat.

“We’ve got a very stretched squad, those players have gone again and again and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve given me physically and mentally,” added Howe.

“We’ve left it all out on the pitch. I don’t think we can have any regrets, but of course we will learn from it and absorb everything to take it into our Premier League form.”

ALSO READ: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe slams controversial penalty decision

Fatigue has also been a factor as Newcastle’s form has faltered of late in the Premier League.

They sit seventh in the table, seven points adrift of the top four.

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PSG need to win in Germany to guarantee progress to the knockout stages and avoid falling into the Europa League for the first time since the club was taken over by Qatari investors in 2011.

ALSO READ: Newcastle faces uphill battle against PSG

Enrique

Luis Enrique, who won the Champions League as manager of Barcelona in 2015, dismissed suggestions his position could be under threat.

“Be positive my friend,” the Spanish coach said on Tuesday, explaining “if you don’t want the pressure, you shouldn’t sign for a big club as a player or a coach”.

“I have no problem with the attention or the pressure – I’m just here to enjoy the show.

“We have to treat it like a final and play well against a very good team that is already qualified.”

Dortmund have secured their place in the knockouts but need to avoid defeat in order to finish as group winners and ensure a more favourable last-16 draw.

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe eyes redemption as Newcastle faces PSG

If PSG draw or lose, the French champions will need Newcastle and Milan to share the points in their match to avoid an early elimination.

PSG are top of Ligue 1 after winning their past eight matches, but Luis Enrique’s side have lost both away fixtures in the Champions League this season.

“Our fate is in our hands. We are capable of winning the game tomorrow — now we need to show that on the pitch,” added the Spaniard.

PSG will have to do without former Dortmund forward Ousmane Dembele, while Goncalo Ramos is also a doubt for the match.

Defender Marquinhos, who has been at PSG for a decade after joining as a teenager, backed his side to make the knockouts.

ALSO READ: Mbappe’s 98th-minute penalty rescues PSG against Newcastle

“If I didn’t think the team had the character to do it, I would have stayed at home.

“These moments are what you want in football. This is how you make history.”

‘Brave’ BVB

Dortmund coach Edin Terzic said his team would be “brave” against the under-pressure French champions.

“They know they need a win, but they know we also want the win,” Terzic told reporters on Tuesday.

The coach said his side would need to defend PSG’s “world-class Kylian Mbappe” as a team.

“It doesn’t matter which player plays one-on-one against Kylian Mbappe, it will always be difficult.”

Mbappe scored as PSG won 2-0 in Paris in September, Dortmund’s only loss in the Champions League this season.

Dortmund are only fifth in the Bundesliga after just one win in their past six games but have impressed in Europe, qualifying from a tough group with a match to spare.

Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck said simply qualifying for the knockouts was not enough.

“If you finish first, you might have an easier opponent,” he said.

PSG eliminated Dortmund in the competition in 2020 but Terzic insisted that in itself was not motivation.

ALSO READ: PSG faces Champions League crossroads against Dortmund

“I find revenge to be the wrong word in sport,” he said.

“What motivates me is to win games and to walk off the pitch as victors.

“We want to show the fans a great game.”

Dortmund go into the fixture without a number of players including captain Emre Can, who is suspended.

Marcel Sabitzer and Marius Wolf are fitness doubts, while Felix Nmecha, Youssoufa Moukoko and Julian Ryerson will not play again in 2023 due to injury.

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Madrid came into the match guaranteed of first place in their group but fell behind just before half-time, Union striker Kevin Volland scoring on the counter after Luca Modric had a penalty saved.

ALSO READ: Injury blow for Real Madrid as star right-back faces calf injury

Already eliminated from the Champions League, Union needed to win to keep their Europa League hopes alive but conceded two Joselu goals in ten minutes, silencing the Berlin Olympic Stadium crowd.

Alex Kral gave the home side hope late, scoring Union’s second just after coming on, but Real regained the lead moments later, Dani Ceballos’ deflected shot dribbling into the net late on.

Madrid

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the “slightly unusual match” saying his side had the game “well controlled for 40 minutes and then two mad minutes made it complicated for us.”

Home coach Nenad Bjelica said “Real Madrid make you run a lot, until you’re running on empty — but that also happens to better teams than Union Berlin.”

ALSO READ: Real Madrid tops group with a fantastic win against Napoli

As they did in Madrid and in Berlin against Braga, Union conceded a late goal to drop points. Bjelica said “there’s been a lot of bad luck there.”

“We’ll try and learn from that and do better.”

The loss means Union’s first Champions League campaign, in just their fourth season in the top division, comes to an end with two draws and four defeats.

Modric misses penalty

Bjelica, in the Union dugout for just the fourth time, praised Jude Bellingham before the match, but said countryman Modric was “still the best in the world.”

ALSO READ: Dynamic Rodrygo propels Real Madrid to the top at Cadiz

Bellingham, who at 20 is almost half the age of the 38-year-old Croatian veteran, shone early, forcing a save from Frederik Ronnow and shooting just wide of the post moments later.

The 14-time Champions League winners were a class above the debutants in the opening stages, bossing possession and field position despite coach Carlo Ancelotti making five pre-match changes.

Union held on until a clumsy handball from Diego Leite brought Modric to the spot in the shadows of half-time.

Diving to his right, Ronnow got a boot to the low strike, his third penalty save from five attempts in all competitions this season.

The Denmark ‘keeper lofted the ball forward, Kevin Behrens finding his namesake Volland, who put Union in front after a mistake from David Alaba.

Madrid’s experience showed, the visitors remaining calm and continuing to dominate possession, Joselu heading in a perfect Rodrygo cross 15 minutes into the second-half.

The Madrid striker doubled up ten minutes later, again scoring with his head from an even tighter angle to snatch the lead.

“We had more width in the second-half” said Madrid boss Ancelotti, “when you have a player like Joselu, who is excellent in the air, you have to use that strength.”

ALSO READ: Real Madrid’s Camavinga faces knee ligament injury blow

The Germany-born Joselu, who made his debut for Spain in March at the age of 33, now has eight goals in 21 matches since moving to Madrid on loan from Espanyol in the summer.

Kral’s late strike gave Union hope of keeping their unbeaten record alive under Bjelica, but Bellingham found Ceballos to score on the break.

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United were toothless as Harry Kane and his Bayern teammates only needed one penetrating move to create Kingsley Coman’s winning goal.

Manchester United finish last

They finish bottom of Group A as FC Copenhagen took the second qualifying spot behind Bayern following their 1-0 win over Galatasaray in front of a delirious Danish crowd.

ALSO READ: Laduma! Viral soccer goals: Manchester United’s Garnacho [VIDEO]

The defeat is sure to heap more pressure on United manager Erik ten Hag, but the damage to his side was done earlier in the season when they failed to win three of their four games against Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

“We didn’t lose the campaign today. We had some good performances and also we made mistakes and individual errors from players,” Ten Hag said.

“Today the performance was good, we didn’t deserve to lose but we lost the game. The players gave everything.”

Kane meanwhile said he believes Bayern can make a strong run as they seek a seventh European crown in his first season in Germany.

“We have the ability to go far in this competition,” the England captain said.

“We have to keep improving. I feel we have another level we can achieve. That is the ambition, to go and win the Champions League.”

Danish joy

In contrast to the gloom in Manchester, there was joy in the Danish capital as FC Copenhagen qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League for just the second time in their history.

ALSO READ: Watch: Benni McCarthy’s training skills shock Manchester United players

Lukas Lerager’s 58th minute goal was enough to see off Galatasaray as the Danish side overcame the odds in a group few pundits had expected them to progress from.

“I think it is an extraordinary achievement that a Danish team can advance. The group was so strong and full of so many world stars,” Copenhagen coach Jacob Neestrup said.

Reigning Italian champions Napoli secured their place in the knockout phase by beating Sporting Braga 2-0 at home, with newly crowned African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen completing the job after Serdar Saatci’s own goal.

Napoli finished second behind Group C winners Real Madrid, who had already won the group even before they beat Union Berlin 3-2 in the German capital.

ALSO READ: Manchester United beaten at Newcastle; Maguire reacts

Kevin Volland put Union ahead, but Joselu scored twice for Real and although Alex Kral equalised, Dani Ceballos notched the winner for the 14-time European champions in the 89th minute.

Last year’s beaten finalists Inter Milan finished second after a goalless draw with Group D winners Real Sociedad.

In the early matches, a much-changed Arsenal were held 1-1 at Dutch league leaders PSV Eindhoven but still top Group B.

Eddie Nketiah fired a low shot into the corner to put Arsenal ahead, but Yorbe Vertessen curled in an equaliser.

Sevilla finished bottom of that group after Lens scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory in northern France.

ALSO READ: Manchester United close to Champions League exit

It means the Spanish side won’t even have the chance to add to their seven Europa League titles, with Lens grabbing third place in the group and a Europa League place.

Benfica also secured a late ticket to the Europa League after they beat Salzburg 3-1 in Austria to clinch third place in Group D.

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In Group F, the one that had all eyes on it when the draw was made, things could not be tighter as PSG, Newcastle and AC Milan all still have the chance to join already-qualified Dortmund in the knockout stages.

ALSO READ: Mbappe’s 98th-minute penalty rescues PSG against Newcastle

PSG to top the group?

A win for PSG would ensure them of not only qualifying but of topping the group as they currently sit second with seven points, three behind Dortmund and two ahead of Newcastle and Milan.

“The most important thing is to focus on ourselves,” said Paris coach Luis Enrique.

“If we win, we’re going to finish first, but even if we lose, we could go through to the next phase. It’s so complicated, but I hope we can make it easier by winning.”

In the return fixture on matchday one, PSG’s campaign got off to a flyer when Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi goals ensured a 2-0 win, giving them a better head-to-head record with the Germans should both sides finish the group level on points.

Since then, they have been up-and-down and a humiliating 4-1 away defeat to Newcastle and a 2-1 loss at Milan were backed up by a 1-1 draw on matchday five against the English outfit.

Although already assured of their place, the onus is still on Dortmund to avoid defeat if they wish to ensure top spot and a better draw for the next round.

“We want to get first spot and avoid the crazy good teams. We don’t want to go out in the round of 16,” said Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

In the group’s other game, Newcastle’s first Champions League appearance in 20 years could end early when they host seven-times winners Milan, with both sides on five points and needing victory to have any hope of qualifying.

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe eyes redemption as Newcastle faces PSG

Knockouts or bust

Fail to win and PSG will seriously risk bowing out of Europe’s premier competition at the first hurdle, that is what is immediately at stake for coach Luis Enrique and his team.

Since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) took over PSG in 2011, the club has never failed to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League, reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and the final the year before.

Back-to-back exits in the round of 16 the last two campaigns, in part, cost coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Christophe Galtier their jobs.

And an even earlier exit this term could be enough to convince PSG’s hierarchy that 2015 Champions League-winning coach Luis Enrique is surplus to requirements at the Parc des Princes, after a mixed start to life in Paris for the Spaniard.

It is a love/hate relationship that PSG have with the Champions League. The club desires it above all other titles and, so far, it is the only one to elude them since QSI’s takeover.

ALSO READ: Newcastle faces uphill battle against PSG

Star signings, both on the pitch and in the dugout, such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel, were brought in for a sole objective that ultimately remains unfulfilled.

And painful defeats against Barcelona in 2017, Manchester United in 2019, Real Madrid in 2022 and in the final against Bayern Munich have traumatised the club and its fans.

The end of the Mbappe saga?

It is the worst kept secret in football that Real Madrid want the France captain, though so far PSG have managed to hold onto their star asset. Another Champions League heartbreak could change this.

At the start of the season, Mbappe was initially frozen out of the first team as he refused to extend his contract, before an agreement was eventually found between the two parties.

Since then, he has been in sensational form in Ligue 1, scoring 15 goals, and notching three strikes in Europe.

However, since winning everything else possible with the club he joined in 2018, the striker may seek finally to put an end to the endless rumours regarding his future as he searches for European glory.

On a more positive note for PSG, breakout starlet Warren Zaire-Emery is back in contention after recovering from injury.

ALSO READ: ‘Pls give us PSG’: Orlando Pirates fans over the moon after Sekhukhune win

His performances have been one of the consistent good points of the French champions’ European campaign, especially in October’s 3-0 home win against Milan.

With their season potentially hanging in the balance in midweek, PSG will need all their stars to align if they are to progress.

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Bellingham is returning to Germany for the first time since leaving Borussia Dortmund for the Spanish capital in the summer, having emerged as one of the biggest stars in world football

ALSO READ: Bellingham excluded from England’s Euro 2024 qualifying matches

Bellingham

The Englishman, still just 20, is La Liga’s top scorer this season with 12 goals, but the Croatian coach was well aware of all of Real’s midfield threats.

“He’s one of the best players in the world right now. He’s playing at the absolute top level” Bjelica said of Bellingham.

“We respect him and we respect every player from Real Madrid. But for me as a Croatian, Luka Modric is still the best in the world.

“Bellingham is one of the biggest, he’s in top form, he scores goals, he’s a difference maker and is difficult to defend. It’ll be a big job for us to keep him under control tomorrow.”

ALSO READ: Real Madrid’s Bellingham in doubt for Champions League clash

Real winger Lucas Vazquez praised his teammate’s impact but said it was “too early to compare him” with some of the greats to pull on the famous white shirt.

ALSO READ: Jude Bellingham gains over 1.5 million new followers after unbelievable week

“What a player… His start is impressive. We want to help him continue on that path for many years.

“Hopefully he can come close to what Karim (Benzema) and Cristiano (Ronaldo) did.”

Carlo Ancelotti

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said Bellingham could still get better, telling reporters “can improve his quality when he doesn’t have the ball”.

Bjelica, a former midfielder, played nine games for Croatia in a career which took him to Spain, Germany and Austria.

The 52-year-old started his coaching career in 2008 and became manager of Union Berlin in November.

On Saturday, Union won beat Borussia Moenchengladbach at home 3-1, their first win in any competition since August.

ALSO READ: Watch: Bongi Mbonambi silences haters with a Jude Bellingham celebration

Bjelica said Union “have a chance” against the 14-time Champions League winners, but need to “deliver a perfect game”.

Ancelotti praised Bjelica, saying “Union have changed their coach and system. Now they’re more offensive and it will be an even match.”

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Napoli’s defeat stopped them from following in second place, with the Italians facing Braga in the final group match to decide who progresses.

ALSO READ: Dynamic Rodrygo propels Real Madrid to the top at Cadiz

Real Madrid journey for the top spot

Record 14-time champions Madrid were already through but secured the top spot with an entertaining win over the visiting Italian champions.

Giovanni Simeone put Napoli ahead early on, with Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham quickly netting to turn the game around.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid’s Camavinga faces knee ligament injury blow

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa levelled for the visitors just after half-time, but Madrid youngster Nico Paz smashed his team in front after 84 minutes, and Joselu wrapped up the win in stoppage time.

“I’m so happy, this is a dream … for a moment, I couldn’t believe it,” Paz told Movistar after helping Madrid continue their 100 per cent record — five wins from five games.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid cruises to the Champions League last 16

“(My team-mates) were maybe even more happy than me, and I’m grateful to them for their support.”

Napoli, with Walter Mazzarri freshly reinstalled at the helm, started with Giovanni Simeone — the son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone — up front, and he quickly pounced.

ALSO READ: Champions League last 16: Real Madrid, Bayern qualify swiftly

Andriy Lunin claws his effort out

The Argentine forward turned home from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s cut-back, and although Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin clawed his effort out, the ball had crossed the line.

However, Madrid equalised almost instantly, with Brahim Diaz breaking and Rodrygo brilliantly finding the top corner.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid’s Bellingham in doubt for Champions League clash

The Brazilian netted twice at the weekend for Madrid and has hit a rich vein of form, with six goals in his last four games across all competitions. Without Vinicius Junior, one of many Madrid stars out injured, his compatriot has raised his game.

Madrid took the lead through Bellingham after 22 minutes, planting a superb header across Alex Meret and in after David Alaba found him with a fine searching cross.

Bellingham now has four Champions League goals in four games for Madrid and a total of 15 in 16 appearances this season, making him the club’s leading scorer.

“Nobody could imagine him adapting like this here in this football, in this new club; he’s surprising everybody,” Ancelotti told Movistar. “He’s spectacular at arriving in the box; he’s like a motorbike arriving in the area.”

Diaz almost adds the third goal

Diaz came close to adding a third for Madrid but fired off-target when he might have looked for Bellingham or Rodrygo instead.

England international Bellingham had his ankle looked at before the break but emerged to keep pulling the strings for Madrid in the second half.

Napoli quickly pulled level again, with Zambo Anguissa blasting home across Lunin after his attempted cross was blocked back into his path.

Madrid had the edge on the Italian champions after that, and Joselu and Rodrygo both came close to putting Ancelotti’s side ahead again.

A fantastic save from Meret

Meret made a superb save to deny Bellingham as he ran into the box and another to keep out Antonio Rudiger’s header.

At the other end, Napoli substitute Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside.

Eventually, Madrid found their third goal when substitute Paz hammered a low effort into the bottom corner from long range to delight the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 19-year-old midfielder is tipped as a star of the future and made quite the impression on his second Champions League appearance.

“He’s a talent, a youngster from the youth academy who’s working with us; he scored an important goal, for him and for us,” added Ancelotti.

Joselu, who had missed some presentable opportunities, made amends in stoppage time with a close-range finish to put the cherry on the cake.

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Bayern, who scored two late goals to come from behind and win 2-1 in Denmark in October, looked to turn the game late again when the referee pointed to the spot in added time for a handball against Frans Kraetzig.

ALSO READ: Bayern Munich held to goalless draw by Copenhagen: VAR

VAR denies Bayern Munich a penalty

After a VAR review showed contact with the upper arm and shoulder, referee Stephanie Frappart withdrew the penalty despite the protests of striker Harry Kane and home manager Thomas Tuchel.

Bayern veteran Thomas Mueller told DAZN the decision was inconsistent with the controversial handball decisions given against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund in Tuesday’s fixtures.

ALSO READ: Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel slams hectic fixture list

“I’m no friend of the rule, but when you compare it to yesterday, it’s pretty weird. “I think the rule makers want to try and make handball calls objective, but you can’t do that.”

Despite Bayern dropping points in the Champions League group stages at home for the first time since 2018, the German champions qualify for the last 16 in first place.

ALSO READ: Bayern Munich secures Australian wonderkid Nestory Irankunda

Tuchel hopes for better performance

Tuchel said his side “can do better, and we’ve done better recently, but we can check that box and move past it”. “We weren’t fluid enough, and we didn’t take enough risks.”

The result, combined with Manchester United’s 3-3 draw at Galatasaray, means Copenhagen sit second in the group with a match remaining. The Danish side can qualify for the last 16 for just the second time in their history by avoiding defeat at home to Galatasaray in December.

ALSO READ: Champions League last 16: Real Madrid, Bayern qualify swiftly

After making no substitutions in the weekend’s win over Cologne despite complaints about player strain, Tuchel shuffled his deck, benching Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry but keeping Kane up front with first place secured.

A hip complaint ruled Kim Min-Jae out, pushing midfield stalwart Leon Goretzka into central defence, while Mueller was given the first Champions League start of the campaign. Despite 22 goals in 17 matches for Bayern before kick-off, Kane was quiet early on.

The home side, however, had several early chances through Mueller and Mathys Tel, the French teenager 16 years the Bayern veteran’s junior, building a budding partnership up front.

Early chance for Tel

Mueller created an early chance for Tel, only for the teenager to blast over, scuffing his shot with his shin.

Tel then found Mueller directly in front of goal, but the 2014 World Cup winner’s attempt was kept out by a desperation save from Kamil Grabara.

Grabara was on the spot again midway through the second stanza, keeping a Kane shot out of goal with his fist.

Mueller, playing 90 minutes for just the second time this season in all competitions, went down in the box late under the attention of the visiting defence, but the referee waived his claims of a penalty away.

“From the images, it doesn’t look so wild… it’s a small push but an obvious one at the right moment. You can give it,” Mueller said.

Through to the knockouts for the 16th straight year, Bayern will travel to Manchester in December, with the hosts sitting last in the group.

Despite the draw, which ended Bayern’s run of 17 straight group stage wins, the home side continued their unbeaten run in the group stage to a record 39 games.

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Three-time European champions United needed a win in Turkey against opponents who beat them at Old Trafford last month in order to keep qualification for the knockout rounds in their hands.

ALSO READ: Laduma! Viral soccer goals: Manchester United’s Garnacho [VIDEO]

Manchester United struggles for victory in vain

Erik ten Hag’s side appeared in control when Alejandro Garnacho’s early opener was followed by a stunning strike by Bruno Fernandes on 18 minutes. Hakim Ziyech pulled one back with a free-kick, only for Scott McTominay to restore the visitors’ two-goal advantage early in the second half.

Yet Galatasaray were again given hope when another Ziyech free-kick was fumbled into the net by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and the hosts equalised thanks to a brilliant 71st-minute strike by Kerem Akturkoglu.

ALSO READ: Luke Shaw returns to boost Manchester United’s defensive lineup

United have now conceded 14 goals in five European matches, and this result, combined with FC Copenhagen’s 0-0 draw away to already-qualified Bayern Munich, leaves the Premier League side bottom of Group A with one game remaining.

In order to go through, they must now beat Bayern at home next month and hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw.

ALSO READ: Manchester United CEO Arnold departs from the club

Ten Hag is hopeful for a brighter future

“We are going in the right direction, so I know we will be successful in the long term, but if you want to stay in the Champions League, you need to win these games,” said Ten Hag.

Arsenal’s form in Europe this season has been in stark contrast to that of United, and the Gunners romped into the last 16 with a 6-0 demolition of Lens in London.

ALSO READ: Manchester United on brink of Champions League exit

Mikel Arteta’s side was five goals up at the break, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all netting.

Jorginho completed the scoring from a late penalty as Arsenal gained revenge for their 2-1 defeat by Lens in France last month. “Today was the day to get it done. We did it in a beautiful way,” Arteta told broadcaster TNT Sports.

ALSO READ: Rashford returns for Manchester United’s Champions League clash

Arsenal scores 12 goals so far

Arsenal have scored 12 goals without reply in winning their three home matches in Group B and have now wrapped up top spot ahead of PSV, who are also through.

The Dutch side, European Cup winners in 1988, produced a superb comeback to triumph 3-2 away to Sevilla and put themselves out of sight in second place.

Goals by Sergio Ramos and Youssef En-Nesyri had Sevilla 2-0 up, but Lucas Ocampos was sent off for the hosts just before substitute Ismael Saibari, the Spanish-born Moroccan international, pulled one back for PSV.

They equalised through Nemanja Gudelj’s own goal and won it in stoppage time through United States forward Ricardo Pepi. Sevilla now have to win at Lens next month to salvage a place in the Europa League, the competition they won last season.

Real Madrid were already through to the last 16 before hosting Napoli, and they clinched top spot in Group C with a 4-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Giovanni Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego, gave Napoli an early lead, but Rodrygo equalised immediately, continuing his fine form with a superb strike for his seventh goal in his last seven games.

Jude Bellingham keeps shinning

Jude Bellingham put the hosts ahead with his 15th goal of the season in all competitions, only for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to get Napoli back level just after the restart.

However, teenage substitute Nico Paz made it 3-2 for Real with a long-range strike that evaded the goalkeeper’s grasp, and Bellingham set up Joselu to wrap up the win late on.

That result prevented Napoli from clinching qualification as they could still be caught by Braga, who drew 1-1 at home to Union Berlin in Portugal despite having Sikou Niakate sent off in the first half.

Robin Gosens fired Union in front, but Alvaro Djalo levelled for the hosts after the break. Real Sociedad and Inter Milan were both already through Group D, and their meeting next month will decide who tops the section.

On Wednesday, a much-changed Inter side recovered from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Benfica in Portugal after Joao Mario scored a first-half hat-trick against his old club.

Marko Arnautovic and Davide Frattesi pulled goals back for Inter before Alexis Sanchez levelled from the penalty spot, and Benfica were reduced to 10 men late on when Antonio Silva was sent off. Real Sociedad drew 0-0 with Red Bull Salzburg.

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The Red Devils appeared to be crusing to a win at one point but the Turkish giants managed to get back into the game and force a draw.

ALSO READ: Liverpool hold Man City to a draw; ends Etihad winning streak

Bruno Fernandes stunner gave Man United a 2-0 after Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring.

Man United held and could face Champions League exit

Hakim Ziyech squeezed a free-kick past Andre Onana before Scott McTominay restored the Red Devils’ two-goal lead.

A mistake by Onana allowed Galatasaray back in the game once again and with 20 minutes left on the clock, Muhammed Kerem Akturkogl scored the equalizing goal.

Following the draw, Man United found themselves bottom of Group A.

Erik ten Hag’s side host Bayern Munich in the final group game knowing that anything less than victory will see them eliminated from the competition. Even if Man United somehow beat the Bavarians, they need to hope that Copenhagen vs Galatasaray match ends in a draw.

ALSO READ: NO EXCUSE!! Bafana should still beat Benin and Rwanda even with injuries

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The German champions had already qualified for the last 16 but the stalemate at Allianz Arena helped keep alive Copenhagen’s hopes of joining them.

ALSO READ: Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel slams hectic fixture list

Coupled with Manchester United drawing 3-3 at Galatasaray, the Danes sit second in Group A with a match remaining and will have their fate in their own hands when they host the Turkish side in a fortnight.

Bayern

Copenhagen had a major let-off in stoppage time at the end of the game when referee Stephanie Frappart awarded Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern a penalty for handball against Peter Ankersen.

But VAR showed contact with the upper arm and shoulder and Frappart withdrew the penalty after consulting the pitch-side monitor, to protests from striker Harry Kane and Tuchel.

It came a night after Paris Saint-Germain salvaged a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle United thanks to a late Kylian Mbappe penalty, awarded for a dubious handball against Tino Livramento after VAR intervened.

Bayern veteran Thomas Mueller said the decision against his side laid bare VAR’s inconsistencies.

ALSO READ: Bayern Munich secures Australian wonderkid Nestory Irankunda

“I’m no friend of the rule, but when you compare it to yesterday, it’s pretty weird,” he told DAZN.

“I think the rule-makers want to try and make handball calls objective, but you can’t do that.”

Despite Bayern dropping points in the Champions League group stages at home for the first time since 2018, the German champions qualify for the last 16 in first place.

It is the 16th straight year that they have reached the knockouts.

Tuchel said his side “can do better and we’ve done better recently, but we can check that box and move past it”.

“We weren’t fluid enough and we didn’t take enough risks.”

Quiet Kane

After making no substitutions in the weekend’s win over Cologne despite complaints about player strain, Tuchel shuffled his deck, benching Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry, but keeping Kane up front.

A hip complaint ruled out defender Kim Min-jae, pushing midfield stalwart Leon Goretzka into central defence, while Mueller was given a first Champions League start of the campaign.

ALSO READ: Bayern Munich and Leverkusen clash for Bundesliga supremacy

Despite 22 goals in 17 matches for Bayern before kick-off, England skipper Kane was quiet.

The home side however had several early chances through veteran Mueller and French teenager Mathys Tel.

Mueller created an early chance for Tel only for the 18-year-old to blast over, scuffing his shot with his shin.

Tel then found Mueller directly in front of goal, but the 2014 World Cup winner’s attempt was kept out by a desperate save from Kamil Grabara in the Copenhagen goal.

Grabara was on the spot again midway through the second half, keeping a Kane shot out of goal with his fist.

Mueller, playing 90 minutes for just the second time this season in all competitions, went down in the box late under attention of the visiting defence but Frappart ignored his claims of a penalty.

ALSO READ: Champions League last 16: Real Madrid, Bayern qualify swiftly

“From the images it doesn’t look so wild… it’s a small push but an obvious one at the right moment. You can give it,” Mueller said.

Bayern travel to Manchester in mid-December with the hosts sitting last in the group and in grave danger of an early exit.

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The English giants are on the brink of elimination at the group stage after winning just one of their opening five matches.

ALSO READ: Liverpool set to challenge Manchester City’s dominance

Fernandes expresses disappointment

United must beat German champions Bayern Munich at home in their final Group A game and hope other results go their way to reach the last 16.

But the whole campaign has been a tale of missed opportunities for the Red Devils.

ALSO READ: Laduma! Viral soccer goals: Manchester United’s Garnacho [VIDEO]

Twice they led Galatasaray at home before losing 3-2 in October, while they let a two-goal lead slip in a 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen earlier this month.

Fernandes’ stunning strike put United 2-0 up in Istanbul within 20 minutes and they also led 3-1 after an hour.

ALSO READ: Manchester City is set to face Liverpool in a crucial summit meeting

However, two costly errors from goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Hakim Ziyech free-kicks to reduce Galatasaray’s deficit and they earned a point through Kerem Akturkoglu.

ALSO READ: Luke Shaw returns to boost Manchester United’s defensive lineup

‘Not enough’

“It’s too bad to be honest,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. “What we have been doing in the Champions League is not enough, we have to control our games.

“It’s not the first time, even Copenhagen, I understand we had one player less, but we score the 3-2 and we have to secure the result.

“We have to understand these type of games, these stages, you have to be smart enough and manage the game better.

“Everyone has to step up and take responsibility of their own mistakes.”

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Manchester City bounced back from 2-0 down to beat RB Leipzig with both teams already qualified, while Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle drew 1-1 and both need a result on matchday six to go through.

ALSO READ: Erling Haaland sets record with 40th Champions League goal

Champions League last 16

Atletico Madrid booked their place with a sumptuous volley from defender Mario Hermoso and two own goals firing them to a thrilling 3-1 win over Dutch champions Feyenoord.

“I am very happy for the players. Today, we knew how difficult our opponent would be,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone to Movistar.

That left Atletico with 11 points in Group E ahead of 10-point Lazio, who had a tense wait after playing earlier and needing a Feyenoord defeat to confirm their place.

Veteran Italian striker Ciro Immobile shot the Italian side into the last-16 in a 2-0 win over eliminated Celtic in Rome, leaving Feyenoord to join the Europa League.

In Group H, Barcelona came from behind to beat Porto 2-1 as Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both netted to turn the game on its head after Brazilian winger Pepe opened for Porto.

ALSO READ: Mikel Arteta acknowledges Champions League challenge

“It was a final and we won it … we’ve put the club in the last-16, which is where it deserves to be,” Cancelo told Movistar.

The Spanish champions now have 12 points while Porto are locked on nine alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, who beat Antwerp 1-0 in Hamburg.

Newcastle pay the penalty

Borussia Dortmund secured their spot in the last-16 with a 3-1 win at AC Milan, who are staring early elimination in the face.

ALSO READ: Ronaldo tells ref to overturn penalty in AFC Champions League

Marco Reus’ early penalty and second-half strikes from English teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi secured passage into the next round with a match to spare for Dortmund.

There was late drama at the Parc des Princes when a 98th-minute Kylian Mbappe penalty earned Paris Saint-Germain a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

It looked as though Newcastle — who won 4-1 when the sides met at St James’ Park last month — were going to leave Paris with all three points in the Group F encounter thanks to Alexander Isak’s 24th-minute opener.

PSG had run out of ideas by the time they were gifted an opportunity to salvage a draw in injury time when the VAR decided a Tino Livramento handball in the box was worthy of a penalty.

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Mbappe made no mistake from the spot, and PSG hold onto second place in the group behind Borussia Dortmund.

“I’m feeling very flat, but very proud of the players and their commitment levels,” said Newcastle coach Eddie Howe to TNT Sports.

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It looked as though Newcastle — who won 4-1 when the sides met at St James’ Park last month — were going to leave Paris with all three points in the Group F encounter thanks to Alexander Isak’s 25th-minute opener.

PSG

PSG had run out of ideas by the time they were gifted an opportunity to salvage a draw in injury time when the VAR decided a Tino Livramento handball in the box was worthy of a penalty.

ALSO READ: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe slams controversial penalty decision

Mbappe made no mistake, and PSG hold onto second place in the group behind Borussia Dortmund, who won 3-1 away to AC Milan and are through to the last 16.

The French champions will join them with a win in Dortmund in their final group game, while Newcastle now have to win at home to Milan and hope PSG slip up.

“I feel it is a poor decision,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of the penalty.

“It is hugely frustrating for us because at that moment you know how little time there is left in the game, but there is nothing we can do about it now.”

Howe’s side would have been out with a defeat, so at least they remain in contention, while avoiding a third defeat in five group games allows PSG to hold off the threat of a first elimination from the Champions League before the last 16 in the Qatar era.

“We should have won, without a doubt. I think it was a very complete performance from us,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique.

“We were better than Newcastle but that’s football,” he added before claiming he had not seen the crucial penalty incident.

“I don’t dedicate myself to looking at VAR decisions. I am only dedicated to improving my team.”

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe eyes redemption as Newcastle faces PSG

PSG have regularly struggled to impress in the Champions League in the last decade, but never as much as this season, and Mbappe’s late goal — his 17th of the season — got them out of jail.

Mbappe, wearing the captain’s armband with Marquinhos missing, often struggled to impact the game as he found himself squashed in between Newcastle defenders Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles.

The visitors set up to thwart the hosts and the tactic mostly worked, at least after PSG almost went in front inside nine minutes.

Achraf Hakimi linked up with Randal Kolo Muani down the Paris right before driving into the box and delivering a low centre for Mbappe, whose backheeled attempt was saved by Nick Pope.

Isak opens scoring

PSG were not helped by another shaky performance from their Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, which has become a worrying trend.

ALSO READ: Newcastle faces uphill battle against PSG

It was his poor pass out which led to Hakimi losing possession in the 12th minute, allowing Miguel Almiron to cross for Isak to fire over in a first warning.

The Premier League side then went in front when Livramento ran unchallenged across the edge of the box to set up Almiron for a shot that Donnarumma could only parry out to the feet of the grateful Isak.

Newcastle then served a reminder of why they boasted the joint-best defence in England last season alongside champions Manchester City, as they sat back and denied Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Kolo Muani the space they crave.

But PSG also squandered chances, with Mbappe setting up Dembele for a shot that was blocked in first-half stoppage time, while the latter was denied by Pope diving at his feet shortly after the restart.

Pope made a superb stop in the 66th minute to deny substitute Bradley Barcola after he was set up by Mbappe.

PSG then appealed furiously for a penalty when Hakimi was knocked off balance by Anthony Gordon, but a VAR check concluded there was nothing worth a spot-kick, and a claim for handball against teenager Lewis Miley moments later was also dismissed.

ALSO READ: Chelsea remain 10th after 4-1 defeat at Newcastle

Pope saved again from Mbappe in the 87th minute, but Newcastle’s resistance was finally undone when the Polish VAR official called referee Szymon Marciniak across to the monitor to review a possible handball by Livramento.

The award was harsh, but Mbappe snapped up the chance to equalise.

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The Premier League side were leading 1-0 at the Parc des Princes thanks to Alexander Isak’s 25th-minute goal, until Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded PSG a penalty deep in injury time following a VAR check for a handball by Tino Livramento.

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe eyes redemption as Newcastle faces PSG

Kylian Mbappe earns PSG a draw

The award appeared harsh, and Kylian Mbappe converted the spot-kick to earn PSG a 1-1 draw that changes the outlook for both clubs going into the final round of matches in Group F.

“In my opinion, it wasn’t the right decision,” insisted Howe as he spoke to reporters after the game.

“It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down looks totally different to the live event.

“It hits his hand, but I don’t think his hand is in an unnatural position. I feel it is a poor decision.

“It is hugely frustrating for us because at that moment you know how little time there is left in the game, but there is nothing we can do about it now.”

ALSO READ: Newcastle faces uphill battle against PSG

A win would have taken Newcastle into their final group game at home to AC Milan next month with their fate in their own hands in terms of securing qualification for the last 16.

Instead, the draw leaves them in third place, and PSG will join the already-qualified Borussia Dortmund in going through if they win their last game in Germany.

Newcastle must beat Milan at St James’ Park and also hope for a slip-up by PSG on the final matchday.

ALSO READ: Chelsea remain 10th after 4-1 defeat at Newcastle

“I just feel for the players after what they have given and for how they have performed in very difficult circumstances, and what that decision does to the group because now the destiny is not with us,” Howe added.

“That is tough to take after being so close to being in that position.”

Newcastle

Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign in two decades has so far been a story of ups and downs, with a 4-1 win at home to PSG last month being followed by consecutive losses against Dortmund before Tuesday’s game.

“You have to look at what the players have given and I can’t be deflated by what they have given tonight,” said Howe, who was hoping to mark his 46th birthday on Wednesday with a victory.

Asked about his team’s European campaign so far he added: “We have been thrown in at the deep end with the group, with high-class opposition, great stadiums and brilliant atmospheres.

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe refuses to use injuries as excuse for Newcastle’s loss

“We are desperate to stay in the competition and show a better version of ourselves because I don’t think people have seen that yet.”

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Brazilian winger Pepe sent Porto ahead but Barcelona’s Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both netted to turn the game on its head.

ALSO READ: Lewandowski goals save Barcelona as Atletico triumphs over Villarreal

The former Benfica pair pounced against their old club’s rivals to ensure Xavi Hernandez’s team would not face a humiliating group stage exit as they did in both of the last two seasons.

Xavi on Barcelona’s performance

“Today we are very happy, it’s an important step in the project, it’s very positive for the club,” Xavi told reporters.

“It’s important, the team has grown, we beat a really good team, it’s a day to be very content and satisfied.”

Defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg in their previous European match made Barca nervous, with poor performances domestically adding to their jitters.

Despite conceding first, Cancelo quickly levelled and he set up Felix in the second half for the winner to delight Barca’s fans at the Olympic Stadium on the city’s Montjuic hill.

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“It was a final and we won it … we’ve put the club in the last 16, which is where it deserves to be,” Cancelo told Movistar.

“When results don’t come, your confidence is not the same.”

Xavi shook up his side with Cancelo switching to left-back and Oriol Romeu dropped for Ilkay Gundogan after Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, the latest in a string of sub-par displays.

Inaki Pena kept his place in goal for the Catalans while first choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out with back pain and made several saves as both sides racked up good chances.

Porto’s Pepe, whistled by Barca fans because of his Real Madrid past, became the fifth oldest player in Champions League history at 40 years and 275 days.

The veteran Portuguese centre-back was in the right place at the right time to block Felix’s early effort, after Raphinha tested Diogo Costa with a low drive.

Porto’s Mehdi Taremi beat Pena after 25 minutes but the goal was ruled out for offside against the Iranian striker.

The goalkeeper made a solid save to deny Galeno after he burst into life and squeezed a shot off, with pressure mounting on the Spanish champions.

ALSO READ: Struggling Barcelona confront Rayo following Gavi’s injury

Porto made the breakthrough after 30 minutes, with Brazilian winger Pepe slamming home the rebound after Pena denied Evanilson.

Before Barcelona allowed fear to set in, Cancelo dragged them back level with a fine individual goal.

The former Benfica defender, on loan from Manchester City, cut in from the left to bypass a defender and beat Costa with a confident strike.

High octane

Raphinha flashed a shot tantalisingly wide when Costa gave the ball away on the edge of his own box to Pedri, and Pena thwarted Alan Varela at the other end as the game lurched from one side to the other.

The second half began at the same frantic pace, with Felix cracking a strike off the top of the crossbar.

Ten minutes later the 24-year-old had his goal, exchanging passes with the rampaging Cancelo and carefully slotting home, his first for Barcelona since mid-September.

“The two of them had a great game today, I am very happy with them,” said Xavi.

Raphinha came close twice in quick succession as the Catalans sought to stretch their lead, but although they could not, this time around they still managed to get the job done.

Barca defender Ronald Araujo’s huge fist pump at full-time showed it was with more nerves than it should have been.

Cancelo went off before the end but said it was precautionary, and that he would be fit for the clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Barcelona’s fate hangs in the balance as they face Porto

“I am sure I will be there against Atletico Madrid,” he added.

“Now we have to recover and win on Sunday.”

Defeat leaves Porto second, tied with Shakhtar, third, on nine points — they face each other in the final group game on December 13 in Portugal.

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The defending champions were on course for their first European defeat at the Etihad since 2018 when Lois Openda took advantage of shambolic defending to score twice in the first half.

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Haaland

Haaland reduced City’s arrears before goals from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez secured top spot in Group G.

“The first half was the worst I’ve seen us,” admitted Foden.

“Came out second half, played a lot better and changed the game. This team has got a great mentality for that.”

City have now won 27 of their last 29 Champions League home games since they last tasted defeat.

Leipzig have been regular victims during that run and were humbled 7-0 on their last trip to the Etihad in March.

But Guardiola headed down the tunnel at half-time shaking his head at what he had seen from the European champions.

City dominated possession and territory but were undone by two moments of carelessness from the normally reliable Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias.

ALSO READ: Haaland leads Man City to Champions League knockout stages

The in-form Openda showed his poise after Akanji let the Belgian latch onto a long ball from Leipzig goalkeeper Janis Blaswich to finish past Stefan Ortega.

Haaland uncharacteristically snatched at a great chance to equalise as the Norwegian blasted over and Rico Lewis was also wayward with a clear sight of goal.

But as City camped in the Leipzig half, one more long ball caught out Guardiola’s men as Dias dived in and Openda galloped clear to score his 13th goal of the season.

“We conceded too much defenseively. You have to win your duels,” said Guardiola.

“We reacted really well second half and yeah we are first in the group so very satisfied with the reaction.”

Guardiola responded at the break as Nathan Ake replaced Dias.

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But it was not until two more changes with the introduction of Jeremy Doku and Alvarez that the comeback commenced.

Alvarez

Alvarez played a part in City’s first goal as he fed Foden, who played in Haaland to net his 40th Champions League goal in just 35 appearances on 54 minutes.

Foden then stroked home Josep Gvardiol’s pass from the edge of the box 20 minutes from time.

Leipzig thought they had retaken the lead when Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho slotted into the far corner, only to be flagged offside.

And City had the final say when Doku found Foden at the by-line and his low cross was controlled and finished by Alvarez for his fourth goal in as many Champions League appearances this season.

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“Jeremy changed the ryhthm of our game and Julian close the box is a speical player,” added Guardiola.

“Phil, Julian and Erling have an incredible sense of (how to score a) goal.”

Leipzig had already secured their place in the last 16 but now risk facing the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid in the knockout stages.

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Arteta’s side will qualify for the last 16 if Sevilla beat PSV Eindhoven in Wednesday’s early kick-off or if the Gunners avoid defeat against Lens later in the evening at the Emirates Stadium.

ALSO READ: Arsenal easily handle Sevilla as Trossard, Saka shine brighter

Arteta

That would be a significant moment for Arteta, who established himself as a Premier League force last season by leading Arsenal to a second place finish but is competing in the Champions League as a manager for the first time.

Arsenal are back in Europe’s elite club competition after a seven-year absence, with Arteta unable to win the Europa League in three attempts during his tenure with the north Londoners.

ALSO READ: Sevilla’s Alonso urges redemption against Arsenal

Asked on Tuesday if he has something to prove in Europe, Arteta said: “For sure. We had to come back into Europe being the club we want to be, have that presence and the results that tell them we are back in a strong way.

“We haven’t done that yet and it needs to be done.”

Arsenal have won three of their four Group B matches, beating Sevilla twice and PSV, with their lone defeat coming at Lens.

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Arteta’s men would seal top spot in the group with a revenge victory on Wednesday, an achievement the Spaniard would not take for granted.

“100 per cent not. You have to sweat, dig in a lot and play well in games to deserve to win them. We are playing against really tough opponents,” he said.

“Tomorrow is going to be a really difficult game but hopefully we can be better than them.

“I am enjoying it, it’s a great feeling. It makes you proud, it makes you feel that it is the level the club should be at and we are competing really well so let’s continue to do so.”

Fabio Vieira

Arteta revealed Fabio Vieira has had an operation on a groin injury that will sideline the midfielder until the end of the year.

ALSO READ: Manchester United, Arsenal slump out of League Cup

“Yes, we’ve got a problem with him,” he said. “He’s been having some discomfort. We tried to have some conservative treatment with him.

“It wasn’t improving so we sent him to see a specialist and the advice was to have an operation in his groin.

“We expect him to be out for weeks now. We don’t expect him to (be back before January).”

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United are bottom of Group A and will be eliminated if they lose in Turkey in their penultimate group fixture on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Rashford returns for Manchester United’s Champions League clash

Ten Hag

Even if they beat Galatasaray and defeat group winners Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in their final game, two wins for Copenhagen would send the Danish side through instead of Ten Hag’s team.

United, three-time European champions, have never won at Galatasaray — drawing twice and losing once.

They were famously greeted by Turkish fans in 1993 holding a banner that read “Welcome to Hell”, while others threw missiles and menacingly drew their fingers across their throats.

That game finished in a 0-0 draw, which sent United crashing out of Europe on the away goals rule after a 3-3 draw in the first leg.

ALSO READ: Manchester United CEO Arnold departs from the club

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Ten Hag insisted his men would travel with confidence despite their predicament and the hostile reception awaiting them in Istanbul.

“We know how to deal with it and I’m sure tomorrow it will be a confident team on the pitch,” said the Dutch manager.

“You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional. You need emotion but you have to control it. Don’t give them anything, or the referee as well.

“You have to stay away from such moments. We know how to deal with it. You have to play confident and you have to make it your game so it’s not that important how the opponent is playing, it’s important how we are playing.”

Ten Hag said United had improved since their shock 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray at Old Trafford early last month despite their inconsistent results this season.

ALSO READ: Luke Shaw returns to boost Manchester United’s defensive lineup

Everton defeat

They beat Everton 3-0 on Sunday to record their fifth Premier League win in six games.

“It’s good progress,” he said. “We are stepping up, we are more stable, we are winning games, so definitely there is a big difference from the first time we played them.”

• ‘Intense’ atmosphere –
  United captain Bruno Fernandes said he was looking forward to playing in Galatasaray’s “intense” atmosphere.

“The atmosphere will be intense but I think everyone, as a kid, you enjoy and you want to be in these big stadiums with a big atmosphere so you just have to enjoy the challenge,” he said.

Well aware of the prestige that comes from playing in Europe’s elite club competition, Fernandes acknowledged the importance of United avoiding elimination on Wednesday.

“It’s really important to be in the competition, we want to be in the middle of the best clubs in Europe,” the Portugal midfielder said.

“It’s disappointing if we don’t go through but I’m not thinking about that at the moment.

“I’m just focused on the game against Galatasaray because the only way we can go through is winning against Galatasaray and going to the last game with a chance to go through.”

ALSO READ: Laduma! Viral soccer goals: Manchester United’s Garnacho [VIDEO]

Rasmus Hojlund and Antony are in the squad after recovering from injuries, providing attacking options for a United side that will be without Marcus Rashford due to suspension.

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Erik ten Hag’s side appear unlikely to reach the knockout stages after defeats in three of their four Group A matches left them rooted at the bottom of the table.

ALSO READ: Manchester United on brink of Champions League exit

The three-time European champions have lost away to Bayern Munich and Copenhagen and at home to Galatasaray, meaning another defeat in Istanbul on Wednesday would end their Champions League dreams with a match to spare.

Fernandes

But United captain Fernandes said the players were confident they could turn things around, with Wednesday’s match at Galatasaray followed by a home game against already-qualified Bayern.

“We know that’s going to be tough, it’s going to be difficult but we have to think that we can do it because we have done it in the past in difficult situations,” he said.

“We get through some difficult periods, so we just have to do it again.”

ALSO READ: Laduma! Viral soccer goals: Manchester United’s Garnacho [VIDEO]

United beat Everton 3-0 on Sunday for their fifth league victory in six games, leaving them sixth in the table despite a poor start to the season.

“Obviously sometimes you don’t get the results you want but we feel confident because we have confidence in the team we have, in the players we have, in the process we are (going) through,” said Fernandes.

“We know that it’s already the second year with this manager, so some of the things have to be better and we have to improve that on the road to win games.”

ALSO READ: Luke Shaw returns to boost Manchester United’s defensive lineup

United lost 3-2 to Galatasaray in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford last month and now face one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Europe — something Fernandes believes will help him rather than hinder him.

“We prepare for that,” said the Portugal international. “I think when you are a kid you want to play in this kind of atmosphere.

“You know that Galatasaray away is going to be great, is going to be an amazing atmosphere.

“I think me, as a player, I love playing (in these) kinds of stadiums because it’s a big boost for you.”

Rashford suspended

Ten Hag’s side will be without the suspended Marcus Rashford and a number of other first-team players in Istanbul.

ALSO READ: Manchester United CEO Arnold departs from the club

“The other ones have to step (up),” Fernandes said. “They have to step like Kobbie (Mainoo) did (at Everton). Everyone else that gets the chance, they have to make a big step and make a statement to be in the squad.”

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Newcastle stunned PSG 4-1 in the first meeting at St James’ Park but have slid from top to bottom in the standings after successive defeats to Borussia Dortmund and would be unable to reach the last 16 if they lose to PSG.

ALSO READ: Newcastle faces uphill battle against PSG

Newcastle vs PSG

“This is the defining moment of our Champions League campaign and we’ll give everything,” Howe told a pre-match press conference in Paris on Monday.

“It’s difficult to talk about Paris’ players. They have quality everywhere,” he said.

“They’ve been scoring goals for fun. But our structure and resilience has been good, and we’re going to need to be as good as we know we can be.”

Howe’s side have been boosted by a Premier League win over Chelsea at the weekend.

ALSO READ: Chelsea remain 10th after 4-1 defeat at Newcastle

“The mood of the group is good,” he said.

“It was a pivotal moment (the Chelsea win) – it would have been very easy to feel sorry for ourselves.

“The lads did well to play at such a high level. But we are not in the position we want to be in in the Champions League, and it is imperative we do not lose tomorrow.”

PSG are second, a point behind leaders Borussia Dortmund in a tight Group F, with AC Milan and Newcastle also targeting the knockout rounds with just three points separating the four teams.

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe refuses to use injuries as excuse for Newcastle’s loss

“We were ruthless against Paris in the first game, and we don’t want any excuses this time,” Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope said.

“It’s a tough game but a good challenge. We’ve spoken as a group about what we’d have given to be here when we were chasing Champions League football.”

PSG coach on encounter

PSG coach Luis Enrique said his team were “far” from meeting his expectations and had “a lot of room for improvement” but he was convinced they could use their home advantage.

ALSO READ: UEFA: Dortmund seeks redemption against Newcastle

“The Parc des Princes is a cauldron which lifts us,” said the Spaniard.

“Newcastle know how to exert pressure very well, they need a victory because they are bottom of the group.

“If you watch Newcastle’s game against Chelsea, their physicality is important.

“They went to press with up to six players and they are capable of maintaining a very quick pace. I expect that same intensity against us, but we will be prepared.”

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The Catalans missed the chance to qualify from Group H with two games to spare when they suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg at the start of November.

ALSO READ: Struggling Barcelona confront Rayo following Gavi’s injury

A must win for Barcelona

However, a victory over second-placed Porto at home will send Barcelona through to the knockout phase and lift some of the tension after a stuttering run of form over the past month.

“It’s a very important match, it’s vital. If we win we would be assured of finishing in the top two, after two years without being able to qualify for the last 16,” Xavi said at Monday’s pre-match news conference.

Barcelona won the last of their five European titles in 2015 in Xavi’s final season as a player at Camp Nou.

ALSO READ: Barcelona’s Gavi set for surgery following severe knee injury

They failed to make it past the group stage each of the last two seasons, dropping into the Europa League on both occasions, and there is renewed concern following the club’s worrying run of underwhelming performances.

A 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday left Barcelona four points adrift of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, while also trailing Girona and Atletico Madrid.

“Lately, things have not been going the way we want but we are on the right path. We believe in what we are doing,” said Xavi, who has faced heavy criticism in Spain for the nature of his team’s displays.

“We need to be very demanding of our ourselves and be self-critical, because we’re no longer at the same level we were a month and a half or two months ago.

“Tomorrow is a great opportunity. We can confirm our place in the round of 16 after five matches. It could be a turning point.”

ALSO READ: Lewandowski goals save Barcelona as Atletico triumphs over Villarreal

Barcelona are without teenage midfielder Gavi for the rest of the season after he sustained a devastating cruciate ligament injury while on Spain duty.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is also a doubt for the Porto game after he hurt his back while away with Germany.

ALSO READ: Barcelona commence Champions League title defence this week

“Ter Stegen will be tested tomorrow to see how much he’s suffering and if he’s ready for the match. He’s virtually not trained with the group but he’s always there to bring something extra to the team,” said Xavi.

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Damaging back-to-back defeats to Borussia Dortmund have left Eddie Howe’s men sitting bottom of a devilishly difficult Group F, also featuring last season’s semi-finalists AC Milan.

ALSO READ: Will Newcastle make it to the top 16 in the Champions League?

Newcastle

Newcastle must avoid defeat in the French capital to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

Qualification looked well within the grasp of Howe’s side when they hunbled PSG 4-1 on Tyneside in October.

But things have since unravelled for Newcastle as an injury crisis has taken its toll despite the club being backed by the riches of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

Contrary to expectations, Newcastle did not splash their newfound wealth extravagantly in the transfer window by the standards of top Premier League sides.

The club’s one marquee summer signing, Sandro Tonali, has been slapped with a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules during his time with Milan.

Harvey Barnes has spent most of the campaign out injured since his switch from Leicester, while young full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have only been pressed into action in recent weeks due to injuries to others.

ALSO READ: Chelsea remain 10th after 4-1 defeat at Newcastle

The decision to be more conservative in the transfer market is now coming back to bite, even if Newcastle showed remarkable resolve to thrash Chelsea 4-1 on Saturday without 13 first-team players.

Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are among the other key players likely to miss out again at the Parc des Princes.

“You look at the players who were missing and that was a giant performance from the players we have fit,” said Howe after Chelsea were swept aside at St. James’ Park.

However, the fear for Howe is that his depleted squad have already emptied the tank ahead of facing a PSG side led by Kylian Mbappe with revenge and a place in the last 16 in their sights.

Howe needed to name three goalkeepers and a number of teenagers just to fill his bench at the weekend.

The demolition of the French champions in their first home Champions League match for two decades appeared a statement of intent from a coming power of European football.

ALSO READ: Eddie Howe refuses to use injuries as excuse for Newcastle’s loss

Growing pains

Newcastle are aiming to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City as a state-backed project that can go onto dominate English football and conquer Europe.

But Howe is not yet working with a squad filled with superstars built to compete with the Champions League elite.

The likes of captain Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Longstaff, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron were part of a side fighting relegation when Howe took over just two years ago.

City had to go through plenty of growing pains on the Champions League stage before finally lifting the trophy in June in their 12th consecutive season in the competition.

Newcastle’s rise into the Premier League’s top four last season came quicker than expected and they were then handed by a distance the toughest Champions League group in this season’s draw.

ALSO READ: UEFA: Dortmund seeks redemption against Newcastle

A return to facing Europe’s best may have come as a reality check for a depleted squad, but they are still in the fight for the last 16 if they can repeat the feat of keeping Mbappe quiet as they did in October and deliver another bloody nose to PSG.

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After finishing bottom of their group last season Atletico are desperate to progress and know they face a fierce battle at De Kuip in the Netherlands, with the hosts fighting to avoid elimination.

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Atletico lead Group E on eight points, one ahead of Lazio and two up on third-placed Feyenoord, and a win would send them through.

Griezmann

Griezmann, who scored a fine header against Mallorca to take Atletico third in La Liga on Saturday, is in superlative form.

The French forward has nine goals in the Spanish top flight, only trailing the division’s top goalscorer, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, and has netted four in four Champions League matches thus far.

He has eight goals and two assists in his last seven games for the club, across all competitions.

Griezmann played the full 90 minutes against Mallorca with coach Diego Simeone unable to rest the forward as his team had to fight until the end to take the three points.

“It’s difficult to think about taking him off,” said Simeone.

“He’s so important to us, it’s a shame that he always, or almost always, plays 90 minutes.”

The Argentine coach has made Griezmann a central figure in the Atletico team, sometimes literally, deploying the 32-year-old in midfield on occasion.

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Griezmann scored twice against Celtic while playing there in Atletico’s 6-0 win earlier in November at the Metropolitano.

It allows Griezmann to put his imprint on the game more, without losing sight of his goalscoring duties.

‘Living history’

His goal against Mallorca was his 170th for the club, trailing all-time top Atletico goalscorer Luis Aragones by only three.

“(Griezmann) will be living history at Atletico Madrid, he will surpass Luis Aragones,” said midfielder Koke.

“We’re so happy when he’s on the pitch — I hope he’s as fresh as possible (for Feyenoord), but he looks good to us.”

Feyenoord have a strong record at home, with seven consecutive victories across all competitions, while Atletico have won just two in their last six away from home.

Griezmann’s defensive work-rate will be key if Atletico are to shackle the hosts and impose themselves in the iconic stadium.

“(Griezmann) always has something different that can appear,” continued Simeone. “He manages himself very well, he brings into the match what he needs to from his game.”

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The forward has also developed a knack for being the player to open the scoring, as he did against Mallorca.

Griezmann has done so on nine occasions this year and will hope to make it 10 against Feyenoord.

Beyond this week, the player has said he wants to follow Simeone in committing his future to the club.

“I’m very happy for him — now it’s my turn,” said Griezmann earlier in November, after the coach signed on until 2027.

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The forward signed on until 2026 after returning from his disappointing stint at Barcelona, and after winning over supporters again, has returned to his position as Atletico’s key figure.

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Striker Signe Bruun had opened the scoring early on for the Spaniards before midfielder Rosa Kafaji equalised for the Swedish side just before the hour.

ALSO READ: Lyon secures their second win in the Women’s Champions League

Tough Women’s Champions League campaign

With less than a quarter of an hour to play, Finland defender Kosola claimed the winner in Gothenburg to continue Hacken’s unbeaten start to the campaign after two games.

“We were very humble before the task we had, which was to win against Real Madrid,” Hacken coach Mak Lind said. “We lifted ourselves in the second half, and I’m very, very happy,” he added.

ALSO READ: Women’s Ballon d’Or goes to Spain’s star Patri Guijarro Bonmati

Elsewhere in the group, Australia’s Sam Kerr scored a superb hat-trick for Chelsea as they easily overcame Paris FC 4-1.

Kerr’s third effort was a sublime lob, capping off a fine display from the Blues’ captain before Wales defender Sophie Ingle scored her side’s fourth goal in injury time.

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The game was played at Chelsea men’s home ground of Stamford Bridge in front of just 5,000 people and 35,000 empty seats. It was moved from the women’s side’s Kingsmeadow home as it failed to meet UEFA standards.

Roma thrashes Ajax in Italy

Roma lead Group C after beating Ajax 3-0 in Italy thanks to Valentina Giacinti’s double inside the opening quarter of an hour. Midfielder Manuela Giugliano made sure of three points just after the break for the Italians.

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In the other game in the pool, Sweden defender Magdalena Eriksson scored as German champions Bayern Munich edged Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the French capital.

Home fans carried out a pre-match protest against the early kick-off in the French capital, unfurling a banner reading “Prestigious game, amateur timing, welcome to UEFA.” On Wednesday, Salma Paralluelo netted twice as holders Barcelona beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 to remain at the top of Group A.

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The eight-time Champions League winners Lyon won their opening game 9-0 at Slavia Prague, and Wednesday, there were 6,000 fans at a chilly Groupama stadium to see Danielle Van de Donk open the scores with a header after just four minutes.

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Dutch player on the Champions League match

“It was a good cross, so I didn’t have to jump or anything. It just landed on my head –- it was a tap-in really, very easy,” said the Dutch player.

An own goal from Leonarda Balog just after the restart made it 2-0 for Lyon, who take on Brann of Norway in December for a double-header on the 13th and 21st.

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Brann also have six points after they edged Slavia Prague 1-0 Wednesday following a 2-1 win over St Poelten in their opener.

In Group A, Laura Freigang headed Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 ahead of champions Barcelona, who stormed back with a double from 20-year-old Salma Paralluelo either side of a thundering Mariona Caldentay shot to claim a 3-1 away win.

ALSO READ: Women’s Ballon d’Or goes to Spain’s star Patri Guijarro Bonmati

Barcelona tops the group

After a 5-0 win over Benfica in their opening group game, Barcelona now tops Group A with six points.

Benfica beat Sweden’s Rosengard 1-0 thanks to Francisca Nazareth’s low shot into the corner in 55 minutes, leaving the Portuguese on three points along with Frankfurt.

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On Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich while Chelsea hosts another French side, Paris FC, Hacken of Sweden take on Real Madrid, and Roma plays Ajax.

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ALSO READ: Manchester United on brink of Champions League exit

United

Despite Hojlund’s five goals in four Champions League appearances for the club, United are on the brink of elimination ahead of their visit to Istanbul on November 29.

United are hoping the 20-year-old will return before the end of the month after suffering a muscle strain late on in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Luton.

Eriksen had to be replaced early on in the same game and will be sidelined for longer due to a knee problem.

ALSO READ: Rashford returns for Manchester United’s Champions League clash

Both players have withdrawn from Denmark’s squad for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovenia and Northern Ireland.

Semi-finalists at Euro 2020, the Danes need a maximum of two points to secure qualification for Germany next year.

“Christian has a knee injury that is set to keep him out for around a month, while striker Rasmus suffered a muscle strain. It is hoped he will return before the end of November,” United said in a statement on Monday.

Erik ten Hag has pointed to a huge list of injuries as mitigation for United’s poor performances this season.

ALSO READ: Manchester United strive for Champions League as pressure rise

Casemiro

Defenders Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have missed most of the season, while influential midfielder Casemiro is also currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.

United are sixth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

But they are in an even more precarious position in the Champions League after three defeats in four games in Group A.

ALSO READ: Manchester United, Arsenal slump out of League Cup

Defeat to Galatasaray would seal their exit, while a draw would leave Ten Hag’s men having to beat Bayern Munich in their final match to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

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Led by Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmati and two-time winner Alexia Putellas, as well as other World Cup conquering stars, Barcelona are tasked with refining perfection.

ALSO READ: Shakhtar stuns Barcelona with 1-0 Champions League victory

Second Champions League win

Jonatan Giraldez’s side came from two goals behind to beat Wolfsburg in June in Eindhoven, clinching their second Champions League win. They have reached four of the last five finals, winning twice, and can dream of extending their dominance in Bilbao next May.

Only traditional giants Lyon and Wolfsburg, as well as Sweden’s Umea, have won the Champions League in consecutive years.

ALSO READ: Barcelona draws with Granada despite incredible comeback

Barcelona lifted a treble last season — Spain’s Liga F, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup — but was disqualified from the Copa de la Reina.

Coach Giraldez wants the team to go one better this season and win everything, starting with their opener against Benfica on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Barcelona maintains incredible performance in Champions League

“There’s no need to look at where the ceiling is (for this team), but instead to get up every day to work and improve,” he said last week.

“It is very difficult to match and surpass last year’s performance, but we have to work for it. “We won three of four titles, so there is still room for improvement, and we have to work for that.”

ALSO READ: Barcelona’s Lewandowski in doubt for first El Clasico of the season

Barcelona face familiar opponents

Barcelona face familiar opponents in the group, in Swedish champions Rosengard and Portuguese champions Benfica, both of whom were also in their group last season, and German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

“They are a team that we know because we played against Benfica and Rosengard last season in the group stage,” said Giraldez in October.

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“Eintracht, meanwhile, are a very strong side — I had the chance to watch them live last season against Wolfsburg before the Champions League final.” Barcelona’s squad looks as strong as ever, with Salma Paralluelo starting the season in spectacular form.

The Spanish forward, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or, smashed in four goals against Sevilla earlier in November as she began her campaign to win the trophy currently held by Bonmati.

ALSO READ: Barcelona visits Porto for UEFA, marking Xavi’s 100th game

The playmaker showed supporters the golden ball before the Sevilla match and also paraded it before Barcelona’s men’s team beat Alaves in La Liga on Sunday.

There was no debate over the women’s Ballon d’Or — Bonmati was the outstanding candidate. Bonmati’s sublime midfield performances ease pressure on Putellas, who is still looking for her top level after a long-term knee injury.

“The surgeon told me I won’t get cleared to play and (be able to) perform straight away, but that it’s a process,” said Putellas in October.

Who will take a false nine role?

“They told me a year and a half, and that’s in December.” Barcelona do not have a clear, outstanding option for centre-forward, and Putellas may end up taking on the role as a false nine.

Those three Spanish players are key elements of Giraldez’s side, but the supporting cast is remarkably strong with explosive winger Caroline Graham Hansen to England duo Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze, and Swedish dynamo Fridolina Rolfo.

Patri Guijarro, who netted twice in the win over Wolfsburg, and Mapi Leon are two other key pillars who missed Spain’s World Cup triumph in the fight over improving conditions for the team.

If there is one significant doubt about the Catalans, it is their track record against record eight-time winners Lyon. The two sides have met four times, with Lyon triumphing on every occasion, scoring ten goals to Barcelona’s three.

The French side beat Barca in the 2022 and 2019 finals, as they won five titles in a row between 2016 and 2020.

Barcelona should fly through the group stage — they scored 15 against Benfica in two games last season and ten against Rosengard — and will be keeping a close eye on the French giants after that.

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Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes were on target for the Spanish giants, who sealed progress from Group C even without rested top goalscorer Jude Bellingham.

ALSO READ: Champions League last 16: Real Madrid, Bayern qualify swiftly

Brazilian wingers Vinicius and Rodrygo have been criticised for their lack of goals this season and both responded with classy finishes to help send their team through after Diaz opened the scoring.

Madrid

Madrid have four wins from four games, leading the group on 12 points ahead of Napoli, second on seven after a 1-1 draw with bottom team Union Berlin.

Madrid have now reached the knock-out phase in 26 consecutive editions of the tournament.

“It tells me that Real Madrid have done better than others in this competition, because getting through the group is not always that simple,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.

“We are very happy to reach the last 16, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to switch off in the last two games because for us, all Champions League games are there to show our best level in.”

ALSO READ: Real Madrid’s Bellingham in doubt for Champions League clash

Los Blancos goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered an injury in the warm-up, with Andriy Lunin stepping in to replace him.

The Ukrainian was immediately called into action, diving to his right to palm away Alvaro Djalo’s penalty in the sixth minute.

Lucas Vazquez had pulled Cristian Borja down in the area, but the Portuguese side could not take advantage from the spot.

At the other end Diaz had a goal ruled out for a foul by Vinicius, but the former Manchester City midfielder did not have to wait too long for another, this time valid.

Sent through on the left side of the area, Rodrygo cut the ball back to Diaz who fired into the roof of the net from close range to break the deadlock.

Diaz’s goal

The 24-year-old broke out into sarcastic celebration, drawing a VAR screen as if to dare the officials to try and disallow this strike.

Diaz, operating in Bellingham’s usual attacking midfield role, did well on a rare start and was involved in most of Madrid’s forward moves.

Bellingham, who has netted 13 times in 14 games since his summer switch, watched on from the bench as Ancelotti let him recover from a shoulder problem he suffered in the Rayo draw.

Diaz should have struck again but was denied by a superb double save from Benfica goalkeeper Matheus early in the second half.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid race for the Championship almost fades after a draw

“I’m doing my thing and showing that I can perform, and help the coach,” Diaz told reporters.

“There are very good players here but I’m showing that I can handle more minutes — bit by bit, everything comes.”

Brazilian double act

Vinicius netted the second before the hour mark, with some clever movement and footwork in the box and then a smooth low finish.

It was his fourth goal of the season across all competitions in 12 games, low by his own standards, but Ancelotti has predicted he and Rodrygo will outscore Bellingham by the end of the campaign.

Rodrygo netted Madrid’s third with an exquisite chipped finish after his compatriot Vinicius played him in, and embraced Ancelotti on the sideline in celebration.

The coach had advocated patience for his dynamic duo up front and both paid him back with goals that delighted the Santiago Bernabeu.

“(The hug) was to thank him,” Rodrygo explained. “We have to judge people when we’re not in a good moment, then you see who they really are.

“I wasn’t in a good moment, the coach was always with me, always supporting me, saying good things — I was obliged to score and to go and thank him.”

ALSO READ: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti remains calm after draw with Rayo

Lunin thwarted former Barcelona striker Abel Ruiz in stoppage time with an excellent save to keep out his header and preserve Madrid’s clean sheet, ensuring it was a near-perfect night at both ends.

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United led 2-0 inside half an hour in the Danish capital after Rasmus Hojlund struck twice against his former club.

ALSO READ: Manchester United on brink of Champions League exit

United’s red card

But a red card for Marcus Rashford after a VAR review on 42 minutes changed the course of the game.

Copenhagen made the most of 13 added minutes at the end of the first half to level through Mohamed Elyounoussi and a Diogo Goncalves penalty.

Bruno Fernandes restored United’s lead from the penalty spot, but the Danish champions struck twice in the final 10 minutes through Lukas Lerager and 17-year-old Roony Bardghji to secure their first Champions League win since 2016.

A third defeat in four games leaves United bottom of Group A.

But Ten Hag was unhappy at the award of both Copenhagen’s first two goals and Rashford’s dismissal.

The former Ajax boss believed Elyounoussi’s strike should have been ruled out for offside and that the decision to penalise Harry Maguire for handball inside the area was harsh.

ALSO READ: Manchester United strive for Champions League as pressure rise

“We played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then we concede two goals that should never count,” said Ten Hag.

“Not only tonight. In this moment, we are in a season where we have to deal with many decisions against us.

“That’s how it is. I’m sure it will turn. A season is long and at one point it will turn in our favour.”

A ninth defeat in 17 games this season ramps up the pressure on Ten Hag’s position.

However, the Dutchman believes there are positives to take from his side’s performance before Rashford’s harsh dismissal.

There appeared to be no intent from the England international when his studs caught Elias Jelert on the ankle as he tried to protect the ball.

United had produced arguably their best first 30 minutes of the season so far as two predatory finishes from Hojlund took his tally to five Champions League goals in four games.

ALSO READ: Manchester United undergo a shameful defeat against Man City

Ten Hag

“I have seen a lot of positives from this game but at the end we lose possibly some focus,” added Ten Hag.

“Also, with 10 (men) we were still controlling the game.

“(The players are) very disappointed of course. We fought so hard, played so good and still we don’t have one point.”

United can still reach the last 16 as they sit one point behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the battle to join Bayern Munich in the knockout stages.

ALSO READ: Rashford returns for Manchester United’s Champions League clash

Ten Hag’s men travel to Galatasaray in three weeks before hosting Bayern at Old Trafford on December 12.

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Manchester United’s dreams shattered

Rasmus Hojlund looked to have come back to haunt his former club by scoring twice inside half an hour.

But Rashford’s sending-off swung the destiny of the match and possibly sealed United’s fate with a third defeat in four games in Group A.

Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves levelled for Copenhagen before half-time.

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Bruno Fernandes’ penalty briefly put United back in front, but two goals in the final seven minutes from Lukas Lerager and 17-year-old Roony Bardghji handed Copenhagen their first Champions League win since 2016.

United sink to the bottom of the group, one point behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen, with two games left to play.

The Red Devils travel to Galatasaray in three weeks’ time before hosting runaway group winners Bayern Munich.

Defeat will again ramp up the pressure on United boss Erik ten Hag after nine defeats in 17 games this season.

But the Dutchman will reflect on what might have been but for Rashford’s dismissal after an excellent opening half an hour.

Ten Hag blames red card

“We played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game,” said Ten Hag.
“It is harsh decision. He was going for the ball.”

“It is harsh decision. He was going for the ball.”

Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup claimed United would be met with an atmosphere “100 times” more intense than his side faced at Old Trafford two weeks ago.

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But the locals were quickly quieted by one of their own inside three minutes.

Hojlund is still to score his first Premier League goal since a £64 million ($78 million) move from Atalanta but is now the joint top scorer in the Champions League this season with five in four games.

He could not miss after being picked out by Scott McTominay at the back post for a tap in after a fine team move to open the scoring.

Hojlund was again in the right place for a simple finish to make it 2-0 after Kamil Grabara parried Alejandro Garnacho’s initial effort.

Momentum swing

However, the momentum completely swung when Rashford’s difficult season took another turn for the worse.

There appeared no malice from the England international, but his studs caught Elias Jelert on the ankle as he tried to protect the ball and, after a VAR review, he was shown red.

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The 10 men failed to immediately settle and were punished as Elyounoussi turned in Goncalves’ clever ball back across goal.

Thirteen minutes were added at the end of the first half due to an earlier delay caused by a medical emergency in the stands and United’s lead did not survive until the break.

Andre Onana saved Jordan Larsson’s penalty in the last action of the game in United’s 1-0 win when the sides last met.

Goncalves had been withdrawn by that stage a fortnight ago, but he took responsibility from the spot and coolly sent Onana the wrong way.

The roles were reversed as VAR came to United’s rescue in the second half to penalise a handball by Denis Vavro and Fernandes emphatically smashed home the resulting penalty.

The visitors, though, failed to hold out for a vital three points.

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Diogo Dalot was caught napping as Lerager stole in at the far post to bundle the ball past Onana to give Copenhagen fresh hope.

Teenage substitute Bardghji then produced a fairytale finish for the hosts as he smashed a volley into the ground and beyond Onana after Harry Maguire failed to clear a cross into the box.

© Agence France-Presse