Manchester United celebrated their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 thrashing of Sabah on Thursday, as Cesc Fabregas's Como impressed on their debut in Europe's premier club competition. Harry Kane and Michael Olise, with a brace, both scored in the week that they were nominated for the Ballon d'Or as Bayern Munich were made to work before Bodo/Glimt's second-half collapse in a 5-0 rout.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-announce-26-member-squad-for-friendlies-including-against-india-1789015050304">Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India</a>Matheus Cunha scored his first goal of the season while captain Bruno Fernandes, forward Benjamin Sesko and centre-back Lisandro Martinez were also on the scoresheet on a comfortable night for the Red Devils at Old Trafford."I think it was perfect for everyone, especially our fans," Sesko told TNT Sports."It means a lot to them, especially when they see so many goals. I think it was great for us in general to give us more motivation for the upcoming games."There was one moment of concern after Cunha had given Michael Carrick's team a 27th-minute lead from Patrick Dorgu's cross, as United's defensive frailties almost came back to haunt them.But Joy-Lance Mickels headed wide for the Champions League debutants when free at the back post from less than five yards out.The Azerbaijanis wilted at the end of the first period as Youri Tielemans teed up Fernandes and then Sesko ran onto Bryan Mbeumo's through ball before rounding goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov before sliding the ball home.Midway through the second half, Martinez pounced on a bobbling ball that ricocheted off Pokatilov and a defender from substitute Joshua Zirkzee's backheel as United went into cruise control.Carrick even had the luxury of bringing on youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey for their Champions League bows as he sought to rest legs ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby."I think the confidence boost is definitely big. It's important to recover good and focus on the derby," added Sesko.<h2>Eight in a row for Kane</h2>Goals from Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina, Greece forward Tasos Douvikas and Senegal's Assane Diao put Como in control against RB Leipzig.Serbia midfielder Andrija Maksimovic pulled a goal back for Leipzig before Maximo Perrone sealed a 4-1 victory late on a dream night in northern Italy.Kane scored for the eighth Champions League game in a row as he powered home a header from Olise's free-kick, with Bayern eventually overcoming a spirited Bodo/Glimt.Jamal Musiala had given them the lead shortly after a goalless first half and after Kane's goal, Alphonso Davies shot into the bottom corner when Olise's corner was only half cleared.It was Musiala's first goal since he collapsed on the pitch during pre-season due to a neurological condition."Scoring a goal -- pure happiness," Musiala told DAZN."I just want to perform well again... I just want to get back to my level step by step, playing with a sense of ease, joy, and fun on the pitch."Olise got in on the act with a sumptuous finish seven minutes from time before Odin Bjortuft was dismissed for the Norwegians.Olise then completed the rout with his second.Lens twice came from behind to beat 10-man Slavia Prague 3-2 with injury-time goals from Florian Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar.Danijel Sturm had twice given Slavia the lead, firstly just after Mikulas Konecny was dismissed and then with just two minutes remaining, but the Czechs were unable to hold on.Earlier on, there were 1-1 draws between Fenerbahce and Roma, and between PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk.Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal quit after the match in Istanbul, during which he was targeted by a bottle thrown from the crowd.But his president Aziz Yildirim said he had rejected the resignation.

Matheus Cunha scored his first goal of the season while captain Bruno Fernandes, forward Benjamin Sesko and centre-back Lisandro Martinez were also on the scoresheet on a comfortable night for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Manchester United celebrated their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 thrashing of Sabah on Thursday, as Cesc Fabregas's Como impressed on their debut in Europe's premier club competition. Harry Kane and Michael Olise, with a brace, both scored in the week that they were nominated for the Ballon d'Or as Bayern Munich were made to work before Bodo/Glimt's second-half collapse in a 5-0 rout. Also Read - Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India Matheus Cunha scored his first goal of the season while captain Bruno Fernandes, forward Benjamin Sesko and centre-back Lisandro Martinez were also on the scoresheet on a comfortable night for the Red Devils at Old Trafford. "I think it was perfect for everyone, especially our fans," Sesko told TNT Sports. "It means a lot to them, especially when they see so many goals. I think it was great for us in general to give us more motivation for the upcoming games." There was one moment of concern after Cunha had given Michael Carrick's team a 27th-minute lead from Patrick Dorgu's cross, as United's defensive frailties almost came back to haunt them. But Joy-Lance Mickels headed wide for the Champions League debutants when free at the back post from less than five yards out. The Azerbaijanis wilted at the end of the first period as Youri Tielemans teed up Fernandes and then Sesko ran onto Bryan Mbeumo's through ball before rounding goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov before sliding the ball home. Midway through the second half, Martinez pounced on a bobbling ball that ricocheted off Pokatilov and a defender from substitute Joshua Zirkzee's backheel as United went into cruise control. Carrick even had the luxury of bringing on youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey for their Champions League bows as he sought to rest legs ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby. "I think the confidence boost is definitely big. It's important to recover good and focus on the derby," added Sesko. Eight in a row for Kane Goals from Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina, Greece forward Tasos Douvikas and Senegal's Assane Diao put Como in control against RB Leipzig. Serbia midfielder Andrija Maksimovic pulled a goal back for Leipzig before Maximo Perrone sealed a 4-1 victory late on a dream night in northern Italy. Kane scored for the eighth Champions League game in a row as he powered home a header from Olise's free-kick, with Bayern eventually overcoming a spirited Bodo/Glimt. Jamal Musiala had given them the lead shortly after a goalless first half and after Kane's goal, Alphonso Davies shot into the bottom corner when Olise's corner was only half cleared. It was Musiala's first goal since he collapsed on the pitch during pre-season due to a neurological condition. "Scoring a goal -- pure happiness," Musiala told DAZN. "I just want to perform well again... I just want to get back to my level step by step, playing with a sense of ease, joy, and fun on the pitch." Olise got in on the act with a sumptuous finish seven minutes from time before Odin Bjortuft was dismissed for the Norwegians. Olise then completed the rout with his second. Lens twice came from behind to beat 10-man Slavia Prague 3-2 with injury-time goals from Florian Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar. Danijel Sturm had twice given Slavia the lead, firstly just after Mikulas Konecny was dismissed and then with just two minutes remaining, but the Czechs were unable to hold on. Earlier on, there were 1-1 draws between Fenerbahce and Roma, and between PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk. Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal quit after the match in Istanbul, during which he was targeted by a bottle thrown from the crowd. But his president Aziz Yildirim said he had rejected the resignation.

Matheus Cunha scored his first goal of the season while captain Bruno Fernandes, forward Benjamin Sesko and centre-back Lisandro Martinez were also on the scoresheet on a comfortable night for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Champions League: Manchester United make winning return; Bayern win vs Bodo

Holders Paris Saint-Germain made a smooth start to their bid for a third consecutive Champions League title as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona kicked off their campaign by scoring five goals against Feyenoord, while Arsenal impressed with a 1-0 win at Napoli. PSG, who are hoping to become only the fourth club to win three European Cups in a row, visit Manchester City and host Barca in their next two European games.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ballon-dor-2026-nominees-messi-ferran-torres-shortlist-1788965614180">Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees: World Cup finalists Messi, Ferran Torres shortlisted</a>"It is the Champions League, we always play against tough teams, but we have to be focused first in Ligue 1 because we didn't start in the right way," said Torres, with PSG yet to win a domestic game this season.But they wasted little time in picking apart Yaya Toure's Slovan at the Parc des Princes.Ousmane Dembele hammered in a rebound and then nodded in a deflected cross to put Luis Enrique's men two goals ahead inside 22 minutes.Torres tapped home Dembele's cross just after the half-hour mark and drilled in his second less than two minutes after the restart.Spain's World Cup final hero completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, shanking a shot with his knee that spun into the bottom corner.Suleiman Camara crashed in a consolation for Slovan, but Fabian Ruiz had the final say for PSG when he pounced on a mishit clearance.Liverpool made it successive victories after winning at Ipswich in the Premier League last week by beating Atletico 2-1 at Anfield.Atletico grabbed a 17th-minute lead as Julian Alvarez, starting for the first time this season after failing to force a move away from the club, played in Marcos Llorente to dink the ball over Alisson in the Liverpool goal.Llorente has now scored five times in three visits to Anfield, after netting a double at Liverpool last season and in Atletico's dramatic last-16 victory in 2020.Liverpool hit back five minutes before the break through Dominik Szoboszlai, courtesy of a clever backheeled pass from Ronald Araujo.Alexis Mac Allister then hammered the hosts in front five minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike from outside the box, and Atletico could not find a response."I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it," said Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola after his Champions League coaching debut.<h2>Odegaard sinks Napoli</h2>Arsenal missed several first-half chances at the Stadio Armando Diego Maradona, with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret making an excellent save to keep out Mikel Merino's header.Piero Hincapie fired over a golden chance from just three yards out as the English champions continued to push after half-time, but last season's runners-up finally forged ahead with 15 minutes left.Martin Odegaard, who scored the winner against Chelsea at the weekend, played a clever one-two with Christos Tzolis on the edge of the area and crashed a shot in off the far post.Barcelona made an excellent start to their latest bid to end a 12-year wait to lift the trophy, as Raphinha continued his superb form by scoring twice in a 5-1 thumping of Feyenoord.Hansi Flick's men, who lost to Atletico in the quarter-finals last season, have won all five of their matches in all competitions so far this season, scoring five goals in four of them."We controlled the game, we are dominant and this is fantastic to see. This is our style and how we want to play," said Flick.Raphinha put Barca into a third-minute lead before a brilliant long-range strike from summer signing Karim Adeyemi.Brazilian Raphinha, playing up front this season after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Torres, made it eight goals already for the campaign in the second half.Lamine Yamal netted a free-kick which crept through the wall, and although Sem Steijn pulled one back for Feyenoord, Gabriel Jesus came off the bench and then headed in his first Barca goal.Ermedin Demirovic scored a first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart eased to a 3-1 home win over Norwegian champions Viking, playing in the competition for the first time in 34 years.Sporting, quarter-finalists last season for the first time since 1983, fought back to see off Galatasaray 3-1 in Lisbon.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain rout Slovan Bratislava, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona scored five goals against Feyenoord and Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain made a smooth start to their bid for a third consecutive Champions League title as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona kicked off their campaign by scoring five goals against Feyenoord, while Arsenal impressed with a 1-0 win at Napoli. PSG, who are hoping to become only the fourth club to win three European Cups in a row, visit Manchester City and host Barca in their next two European games. Also Read - Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees: World Cup finalists Messi, Ferran Torres shortlisted "It is the Champions League, we always play against tough teams, but we have to be focused first in Ligue 1 because we didn't start in the right way," said Torres, with PSG yet to win a domestic game this season. But they wasted little time in picking apart Yaya Toure's Slovan at the Parc des Princes. Ousmane Dembele hammered in a rebound and then nodded in a deflected cross to put Luis Enrique's men two goals ahead inside 22 minutes. Torres tapped home Dembele's cross just after the half-hour mark and drilled in his second less than two minutes after the restart. Spain's World Cup final hero completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, shanking a shot with his knee that spun into the bottom corner. Suleiman Camara crashed in a consolation for Slovan, but Fabian Ruiz had the final say for PSG when he pounced on a mishit clearance. Liverpool made it successive victories after winning at Ipswich in the Premier League last week by beating Atletico 2-1 at Anfield. Atletico grabbed a 17th-minute lead as Julian Alvarez, starting for the first time this season after failing to force a move away from the club, played in Marcos Llorente to dink the ball over Alisson in the Liverpool goal. Llorente has now scored five times in three visits to Anfield, after netting a double at Liverpool last season and in Atletico's dramatic last-16 victory in 2020. Liverpool hit back five minutes before the break through Dominik Szoboszlai, courtesy of a clever backheeled pass from Ronald Araujo. Alexis Mac Allister then hammered the hosts in front five minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike from outside the box, and Atletico could not find a response. "I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it," said Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola after his Champions League coaching debut. Odegaard sinks Napoli Arsenal missed several first-half chances at the Stadio Armando Diego Maradona, with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret making an excellent save to keep out Mikel Merino's header. Piero Hincapie fired over a golden chance from just three yards out as the English champions continued to push after half-time, but last season's runners-up finally forged ahead with 15 minutes left. Martin Odegaard, who scored the winner against Chelsea at the weekend, played a clever one-two with Christos Tzolis on the edge of the area and crashed a shot in off the far post. Barcelona made an excellent start to their latest bid to end a 12-year wait to lift the trophy, as Raphinha continued his superb form by scoring twice in a 5-1 thumping of Feyenoord. Hansi Flick's men, who lost to Atletico in the quarter-finals last season, have won all five of their matches in all competitions so far this season, scoring five goals in four of them. "We controlled the game, we are dominant and this is fantastic to see. This is our style and how we want to play," said Flick. Raphinha put Barca into a third-minute lead before a brilliant long-range strike from summer signing Karim Adeyemi. Brazilian Raphinha, playing up front this season after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Torres, made it eight goals already for the campaign in the second half. Lamine Yamal netted a free-kick which crept through the wall, and although Sem Steijn pulled one back for Feyenoord, Gabriel Jesus came off the bench and then headed in his first Barca goal. Ermedin Demirovic scored a first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart eased to a 3-1 home win over Norwegian champions Viking, playing in the competition for the first time in 34 years. Sporting, quarter-finalists last season for the first time since 1983, fought back to see off Galatasaray 3-1 in Lisbon.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain rout Slovan Bratislava, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona scored five goals against Feyenoord and Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0.

Champions League: PSG start title defence with rout of Slovan; Liverpool, Barca, Arsenal win

Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start on his return to the Champions League with Real Madrid on Tuesday as the Spanish giants beat Inter Milan 2-1, while Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's victory at Porto. There were also wins for Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund on the first night of action in this season's league phase, as the opening matchday spreads across three nights.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lamine-yamal-ballon-dor-comments-mbappe-dembele-barcelona-1788879907390">Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims</a>Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.Madrid were two goals ahead midway through the first half at the Bernabeu thanks to two gifts from the Inter defence, with Yann Bisseck at fault as Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on his 99th appearance in the competition.Mbappe has now scored 71 Champions League goals, equalling the tally of Real legend Raul.The home side doubled their lead when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez tried to turn away from Fede Valverde inside his own six-yard box only for the Uruguayan to tackle him and score.Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter, but Real held on for the victory."It was a crazy game," Mourinho told broadcaster Movistar. "A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems."Enzo Maresca's City won 2-0 away to Portuguese champions Porto thanks to a second-half brace by Haaland, the first coming two minutes after the restart when he headed in Enzo Fernandez's cross.Haaland sealed the points in stoppage time and has now scored an astonishing 59 goals in 59 appearances in the Champions League."Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I'm going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists," Fernandez told Amazon Prime.It was a fourth straight victory in all competitions for City, Champions League winners in 2023, whose next European game will be at home to title-holders Paris Saint-Germain.<h2>Welcome win for Villa</h2>Villa, last season's Europa League winners, put their poor start to this campaign behind them to beat Belgian champions Club Brugge 3-2 away.John McGinn curled into the far corner to open the scoring for Unai Emery's side, who have not yet scored a goal three games into the Premier League season.Hugo Vetlesen equalised for the hosts, but Emiliano Buendia quickly restored Villa's lead and then Nicolas Jackson made it 3-1 two minutes before the break.The summer signing ran through to score his first Villa goal after home goalkeeper Yann Sommer came flying out of his box and failed to get to the ball.Nicolo Tresoldi pulled another one back just after the hour mark following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The same player hit the post soon after, but Villa claimed a welcome victory."We took one step forward today and it was very, very important for our confidence and stability," said Emery.Serhou Guirassy was the chief protagonist as Dortmund, runners-up in 2024, started their campaign with a 3-2 home win against Villarreal.Renato Veiga's own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino headed in the equaliser for the Spanish side.However, Guirassy put the Germans back in front with 10 minutes left, then converted a penalty for his second and his team's third. He rounded things off with an own goal when a Gregor Kobel save ricocheted back off Guirassy's face and went in.<h2>UEFA Champions League</h2>Troy Parrott was the hero for Real Betis for the second time in five days as the Spaniards came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Lille in France.Marc Bartra equalised twice for Betis, cancelling out goals by Japan's Ayase Ueda and Brazil defender Alexsandro for Davide Ancelotti's Lille.Irish striker Parrott, who scored his new club's winner against Madrid at the weekend, then struck the decisive goal on 53 minutes as Betis claimed a victory on their return to the Champions League after a 21-year absence.Lille finished with 10 men as Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Kylian, was sent off.In the night's other game, Greek champions AEK Athens beat Austrian title winners LASK 1-0 thanks to a stunning Razvan Marin free-kick.

Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.

Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start on his return to the Champions League with Real Madrid on Tuesday as the Spanish giants beat Inter Milan 2-1, while Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's victory at Porto. There were also wins for Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund on the first night of action in this season's league phase, as the opening matchday spreads across three nights. Also Read - Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010. Madrid were two goals ahead midway through the first half at the Bernabeu thanks to two gifts from the Inter defence, with Yann Bisseck at fault as Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on his 99th appearance in the competition. Mbappe has now scored 71 Champions League goals, equalling the tally of Real legend Raul. The home side doubled their lead when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez tried to turn away from Fede Valverde inside his own six-yard box only for the Uruguayan to tackle him and score. Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter, but Real held on for the victory. "It was a crazy game," Mourinho told broadcaster Movistar. "A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems." Enzo Maresca's City won 2-0 away to Portuguese champions Porto thanks to a second-half brace by Haaland, the first coming two minutes after the restart when he headed in Enzo Fernandez's cross. Haaland sealed the points in stoppage time and has now scored an astonishing 59 goals in 59 appearances in the Champions League. "Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I'm going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists," Fernandez told Amazon Prime. It was a fourth straight victory in all competitions for City, Champions League winners in 2023, whose next European game will be at home to title-holders Paris Saint-Germain. Welcome win for Villa Villa, last season's Europa League winners, put their poor start to this campaign behind them to beat Belgian champions Club Brugge 3-2 away. John McGinn curled into the far corner to open the scoring for Unai Emery's side, who have not yet scored a goal three games into the Premier League season. Hugo Vetlesen equalised for the hosts, but Emiliano Buendia quickly restored Villa's lead and then Nicolas Jackson made it 3-1 two minutes before the break. The summer signing ran through to score his first Villa goal after home goalkeeper Yann Sommer came flying out of his box and failed to get to the ball. Nicolo Tresoldi pulled another one back just after the hour mark following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The same player hit the post soon after, but Villa claimed a welcome victory. "We took one step forward today and it was very, very important for our confidence and stability," said Emery. Serhou Guirassy was the chief protagonist as Dortmund, runners-up in 2024, started their campaign with a 3-2 home win against Villarreal. Renato Veiga's own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino headed in the equaliser for the Spanish side. However, Guirassy put the Germans back in front with 10 minutes left, then converted a penalty for his second and his team's third. He rounded things off with an own goal when a Gregor Kobel save ricocheted back off Guirassy's face and went in. UEFA Champions League Troy Parrott was the hero for Real Betis for the second time in five days as the Spaniards came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Lille in France. Marc Bartra equalised twice for Betis, cancelling out goals by Japan's Ayase Ueda and Brazil defender Alexsandro for Davide Ancelotti's Lille. Irish striker Parrott, who scored his new club's winner against Madrid at the weekend, then struck the decisive goal on 53 minutes as Betis claimed a victory on their return to the Champions League after a 21-year absence. Lille finished with 10 men as Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Kylian, was sent off. In the night's other game, Greek champions AEK Athens beat Austrian title winners LASK 1-0 thanks to a stunning Razvan Marin free-kick.

Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.

Champions League: Mourinho makes winning comeback as Real Madrid beat Inter Milan

The UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league-phase draw has set up several exciting matches. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona and Manchester City, while 15-time winners Real Madrid will take on Inter Milan and Arsenal. The draw took place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Thursday I(Aug 27). This is the third season of the new format, which has replaced the traditional group stage.&nbsp;PSG enter the tournament as back-to-back champions after beating Arsenal on penalties in last season’s final. Luis Enrique’s team will now aim to become only the fourth club to win the European Cup/Champions League three years in a row, following Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Ajax.<h3>PSG face Manchester City, Barcelona</h3>PSG received one of the toughest draws, as they will host Barcelona and Roma, while their away games include Manchester City and Aston Villa.&nbsp;Their other opponents are Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan Bratislava and Como.&nbsp;&nbsp;PSG’s eight opponents<ul><li>Barcelona - Home</li><li>Manchester City - Away</li><li>Roma - Home</li><li>Aston Villa - Away</li><li>Galatasaray - Home</li><li>Villarreal - Away</li><li>Slovan Bratislava - Home</li><li>Como - Away</li></ul><h3>Real Madrid handed Arsenal Test</h3>Real Madrid will start their Champions League campaign under returning manager Jose Mourinho. They will host Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, LASK and their away matches are against Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and AEK Athens.&nbsp;The Inter Milan game will have an added storyline, as Mourinho guided Inter to the Champions League title in 2010 before joining Real Madrid. He has now returned to Madrid on a contract running until 2029.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fih-women-s-hockey-world-cup-2026-india-secure-fifth-place-with-3-1-win-over-germany-1787845102086">A Moment to Cherish! India defeat Germany 3-1 to finish fifth at FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, best in 52 years</a>&nbsp;Real Madrid’s eight opponents<ul><li>Inter Milan - Home</li><li>Arsenal - Away</li><li>PSV Eindhoven - Home</li><li>Roma - Away</li><li>RB Leipzig - Home</li><li>Shakhtar Donetsk - Away</li><li>LASK - Home</li><li>AEK Athens - Away</li></ul><h3>Bayern renew rivalry with Manchester United</h3>Bayern Munich will host Arsenal, Real Betis, Bodo/Glimt and Slavia Prague and their away fixtures are against Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Lille and Viking.&nbsp;Bayern Munich’s eight opponents<ul><li>Arsenal - Home</li><li>Atletico Madrid - Away</li><li>Real Betis - Home</li><li>Manchester United - Away</li><li>Bodo/Glimt - Home</li><li>&nbsp;Lille - Away</li><li>Slavia Prague - Home</li><li>Viking - Away</li></ul><h3>Manchester United to face Atletico</h3>Manchester United will welcome Bayern Munich, Roma, RB Leipzig and Sabah at home. Their away games will be against Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Villarreal and Como.&nbsp;Manchester United’s eight opponents<ul><li>Bayern Munich - Home</li><li>Atletico Madrid - Away</li><li>Roma - Home</li><li>Sporting CP - Away</li><li>RB Leipzig - Home</li><li>&nbsp;Villarreal - Away</li><li>Sabah - Home</li><li>Como - Away</li></ul><h3>Other major draws</h3>Barcelona<ul><li>Manchester City - Home</li><li>Aston Villa - Home</li><li>Feyenoord - Home</li><li>Como - Home</li><li>PSG - Away</li><li>Sporting Lisbon - Away</li><li>Galatasaray - Away</li><li>Sabah - Away</li></ul>Arsenal<ul><li>Real Madrid - Home</li><li>Bayern Munich - Away</li><li>Borussia Dortmund - Home</li><li>Real Betis - Away</li><li>Lille - Home</li><li>Napoli - Away</li><li>Sabah - Home</li><li>Slavia Prague - Away</li></ul>Manchester City<ul><li>PSG - Home</li><li>Barcelona - Away</li><li>Sporting CP - Home</li><li>Porto - Away</li><li>Napoli - Home</li><li>RB Leipzig - Away</li><li>AEK Athens - Home</li><li>Lens - Away</li></ul>Liverpool<ul><li>Atletico Madrid - Home</li><li>Inter Milan - Away</li><li>Porto - Home</li><li>Club Brugge - Away</li><li>Villarreal - Home</li><li>Fenerbahce - Away</li><li>Lens - Home</li><li>LASK - Away</li></ul>Aston Villa<ul><li>PSG - Home</li><li>Barcelona - Away</li><li>Borussia Dortmund - Home</li><li>Club Brugge - Away</li><li>Fenerbahce - Home</li><li>Galatasaray - Away</li><li>Viking - Home</li><li>Slavia Prague - Away</li></ul><h3>New Champions League format</h3>The 2026-27 Champions League has 36 teams competing in a single league table. Every club will play eight different opponents, with two opponents coming from each of the four pots.&nbsp;Each team will play four matches at home and four away.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-did-everything-we-could-shubman-gill-reacts-after-sri-lanka-hold-india-to-draw-in-second-test-1787843646557">'We did everything we could': Gill reacts after SL hold IND to draw in 2nd Test</a>&nbsp;The top eight teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams finishing from ninth to 24th will enter the knockout play-offs, while clubs finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated from European competition.&nbsp;Champions League important dates<ul><li>Matchday 1: 8-10 Sept, 2026</li><li>&nbsp;Matchday 2: Oct 13-14</li><li>Matchday 3: Oct 20-21</li><li>Matchday 4: Nov 3-4</li><li>Matchday 5: Nov 24-25</li><li>Matchday 6: Dec 8-9</li><li>Matchday 7: 19-20 Jan, 2027</li><li>Matchday 8: Jan 27</li><li>Knockout play-offs: Feb 16-17 and 23-24</li><li>Round of 16: Mar 9-10 and 16-17</li><li>Quarter-finals: Apr 6-7 and 13-14</li><li>Semi-finals: Apr 27-28 and May 4-5</li><li>Final: 5 Jun, 2027, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid</li></ul>

PSG and Real Madrid have been handed blockbuster clashes in the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. The defending champions will face Barcelona and Manchester City, while 15-time winners Real Madrid take on Arsenal and Inter Milan.

The UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league-phase draw has set up several exciting matches. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona and Manchester City, while 15-time winners Real Madrid will take on Inter Milan and Arsenal. The draw took place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Thursday I(Aug 27). This is the third season of the new format, which has replaced the traditional group stage. PSG enter the tournament as back-to-back champions after beating Arsenal on penalties in last season’s final. Luis Enrique’s team will now aim to become only the fourth club to win the European Cup/Champions League three years in a row, following Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Ajax. PSG face Manchester City, Barcelona PSG received one of the toughest draws, as they will host Barcelona and Roma, while their away games include Manchester City and Aston Villa. Their other opponents are Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan Bratislava and Como. PSG’s eight opponents Barcelona - Home Manchester City - Away Roma - Home Aston Villa - Away Galatasaray - Home Villarreal - Away Slovan Bratislava - Home Como - Away Real Madrid handed Arsenal Test Real Madrid will start their Champions League campaign under returning manager Jose Mourinho. They will host Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, LASK and their away matches are against Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and AEK Athens. The Inter Milan game will have an added storyline, as Mourinho guided Inter to the Champions League title in 2010 before joining Real Madrid. He has now returned to Madrid on a contract running until 2029. Also Read - A Moment to Cherish! India defeat Germany 3-1 to finish fifth at FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, best in 52 years Real Madrid’s eight opponents Inter Milan - Home Arsenal - Away PSV Eindhoven - Home Roma - Away RB Leipzig - Home Shakhtar Donetsk - Away LASK - Home AEK Athens - Away Bayern renew rivalry with Manchester United Bayern Munich will host Arsenal, Real Betis, Bodo/Glimt and Slavia Prague and their away fixtures are against Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Lille and Viking. Bayern Munich’s eight opponents Arsenal - Home Atletico Madrid - Away Real Betis - Home Manchester United - Away Bodo/Glimt - Home Lille - Away Slavia Prague - Home Viking - Away Manchester United to face Atletico Manchester United will welcome Bayern Munich, Roma, RB Leipzig and Sabah at home. Their away games will be against Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Villarreal and Como. Manchester United’s eight opponents Bayern Munich - Home Atletico Madrid - Away Roma - Home Sporting CP - Away RB Leipzig - Home Villarreal - Away Sabah - Home Como - Away Other major draws Barcelona Manchester City - Home Aston Villa - Home Feyenoord - Home Como - Home PSG - Away Sporting Lisbon - Away Galatasaray - Away Sabah - Away Arsenal Real Madrid - Home Bayern Munich - Away Borussia Dortmund - Home Real Betis - Away Lille - Home Napoli - Away Sabah - Home Slavia Prague - Away Manchester City PSG - Home Barcelona - Away Sporting CP - Home Porto - Away Napoli - Home RB Leipzig - Away AEK Athens - Home Lens - Away Liverpool Atletico Madrid - Home Inter Milan - Away Porto - Home Club Brugge - Away Villarreal - Home Fenerbahce - Away Lens - Home LASK - Away Aston Villa PSG - Home Barcelona - Away Borussia Dortmund - Home Club Brugge - Away Fenerbahce - Home Galatasaray - Away Viking - Home Slavia Prague - Away New Champions League format The 2026-27 Champions League has 36 teams competing in a single league table. Every club will play eight different opponents, with two opponents coming from each of the four pots. Each team will play four matches at home and four away. Also Read - 'We did everything we could': Gill reacts after SL hold IND to draw in 2nd Test The top eight teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams finishing from ninth to 24th will enter the knockout play-offs, while clubs finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated from European competition. Champions League important dates Matchday 1: 8-10 Sept, 2026 Matchday 2: Oct 13-14 Matchday 3: Oct 20-21 Matchday 4: Nov 3-4 Matchday 5: Nov 24-25 Matchday 6: Dec 8-9 Matchday 7: 19-20 Jan, 2027 Matchday 8: Jan 27 Knockout play-offs: Feb 16-17 and 23-24 Round of 16: Mar 9-10 and 16-17 Quarter-finals: Apr 6-7 and 13-14 Semi-finals: Apr 27-28 and May 4-5 Final: 5 Jun, 2027, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid

PSG and Real Madrid have been handed blockbuster clashes in the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. The defending champions will face Barcelona and Manchester City, while 15-time winners Real Madrid take on Arsenal and Inter Milan.

Champions League 2026-27 draw: PSG, Barcelona set for blockbuster clash, Man Utd face Bayern

The Champions League play-off between French club Lyon and Turkish club Fenerbahce on Wednesday (Aug 26) turned violent, with Fenerbahce's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi at the center. The Turkish club won 2-1 on Wednesday at Lyon, securing their first Champions League main stage spot since 2008/09 with a 3-2 aggregate victory. After the win, a scuffle broke out between the players and staff of both sides on the pitch and in the tunnel.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-2026-27-draw-full-list-of-36-qualified-teams-format-dates-broadcast-details-1787814223777">Champions League 2026/27 Draw: Full List of 36 qualified teams, format, dates &amp; broadcast details</a><h2>What led to the Lyon vs Fenerbahce scuffle in the Champions League play-off?</h2>As soon as the final whistle blew, Guendouzi—who had already been in a heated exchange with the home fans—rushed toward the corner where the visiting Fenerbahce fans were gathered. He then got into another argument with Antonio Ferreira, Lyon's goalkeeping coach, which escalated into a full-scale fight involving players and staff from both teams on the pitch and leading into the tunnel.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">guendouzi DOVUş <a href="https://t.co/soFe3aqZ8K">pic.twitter.com/soFe3aqZ8K</a>&mdash; memō🇧🇦🇹🇷 (@edin9makina) <a href="https://x.com/edin9makina/status/2092719101248417960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What each side said after the brawl:</h2>Guendouzi, who played for Lyon's arch-rivals Marseille from 2021 to 2024, blamed abuse from the Lyon supporters for his reaction and said after the match as reported:"As you know, when 60,000 people insult your family, your mother, your children, even before the match, and no one from the officiating team asks the fans to keep quiet... because I know that in France, when this kind of thing happens, they reach a point where they talk to the fans and the match can be stopped.For 90 minutes, and even more during the warm-up, they insulted my family. It is something that affects you deeply... They insulted my mother and my family, which I consider disrespectful. In addition, if we are no longer able to celebrate the way we want, I think that is regrettable."Corentin Tolisso, Guendouzi's former international teammate and current Lyon midfielder, offered a different perspective on the incident:"I simply told him to celebrate with his team and to stay humble after the win. Leave the Lyon fans alone, they are frustrated enough. I find this behavior irresponsible. I hope he learns from it."&nbsp;

Fenerbahce beat Lyon 2-1 (3-2 agg) to reach the Champions League. Post-match scenes turned violent as ex-Marseille midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi sparked a brawl with home fans and Lyon staff.

The Champions League play-off between French club Lyon and Turkish club Fenerbahce on Wednesday (Aug 26) turned violent, with Fenerbahce's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi at the center. The Turkish club won 2-1 on Wednesday at Lyon, securing their first Champions League main stage spot since 2008/09 with a 3-2 aggregate victory. After the win, a scuffle broke out between the players and staff of both sides on the pitch and in the tunnel. Also Read - Champions League 2026/27 Draw: Full List of 36 qualified teams, format, dates & broadcast details What led to the Lyon vs Fenerbahce scuffle in the Champions League play-off? As soon as the final whistle blew, Guendouzi—who had already been in a heated exchange with the home fans—rushed toward the corner where the visiting Fenerbahce fans were gathered. He then got into another argument with Antonio Ferreira, Lyon's goalkeeping coach, which escalated into a full-scale fight involving players and staff from both teams on the pitch and leading into the tunnel.

Fenerbahce beat Lyon 2-1 (3-2 agg) to reach the Champions League. Post-match scenes turned violent as ex-Marseille midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi sparked a brawl with home fans and Lyon staff.

Matteo Guendouzi at centre of brawl after Fenerbahce seal Champions League return at Lyon

The Champions League 2026/27 draw is set to be announced on Thursday (Aug 27). The tournament, which determines the best football team in all of Europe, will have 36 teams competing in the revamped format which became effective last season. The first round, or the league phase, will see each team playing against eight others in a four home and four away format. Below are all the details for the upcoming Champions League season:<h2>Which teams are playing in the Champions League 2026/27 season?</h2>A total of <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a8-2171a88881a0-c70193b972c6-1000--meet-the-2026-27-champions-league-league-phase-teams/">36 teams across all of Europe</a> are going to participate in the Champions League 2026/27. Below are all the teams in the competition by country:Premier League (England): Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester UnitedLa Liga (Spain): Barcelona, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Atlético de MadridBundesliga (Germany): Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, and StuttgartSerie A (Italy): Como, Inter Milan, Napoli, and RomaLigue 1 (France): Lens, Lille, and Paris Saint-GermainEredivisie (Netherlands): Feyenoord and PSVEliteserien (Norway): Bodo/Glimt and VikingPrimeira Liga (Portugal): Porto and Sporting CPSüper Lig (Turkey): Fenerbahçe and GalatasarayPro League (Belgium): Club BruggePremier League (Azerbaijan): SabahPremier League (Ukraine): Shakhtar DonetskFirst League (Czech Republic): Slavia PrahaSuper Liga (Slovakia): Slovan BratislavaFootball Bundesliga (Austria): LaskSuper League (Greece): AEK Athens<h2>What is the Champions League 2026/27 format?</h2>The Champions League 2026/27 is going to be played under the revamped format among 36 teams. In the first phase, which is called the league phase, all 36 teams will be placed in a single group from 1-36. Each team will play eight different opponents in the league phase in a four home and four away format. After the league phase, the top 24 teams will advance while 12 teams will crash out.The teams finishing in the top 8 of the league phase will get a bye to the round of 16, while the next 16 teams (ranked 9–24) will compete in the knockout phase play-offs. Teams finishing from 9–16 will be seeded against teams finishing 17–24 in the league phase.<h2>How are league phase fixtures determined?</h2>For the league phase fixtures, all 36 teams will be divided into four pots of nine teams each. Each team will face two opponents from each of the pots, making it eight fixtures per team.

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Pot 1</td><td>Pot 2</td><td>Pot 3</td><td>Pot 4</td></tr><tr><td>Arsenal</td><td>Aston Villa</td><td>Feyenoord</td><td>Stuttgart</td></tr><tr><td>Manchester City</td><td>Sporting CP</td><td>Napoli</td><td>Como</td></tr><tr><td>Bayern Munich</td><td>Porto</td><td>Leipzig</td><td>Lens</td></tr><tr><td>Paris Saint-Germain (defending champions)</td><td>Borussia Dortmund</td><td>Villarreal</td><td>Sabah</td></tr><tr><td>Liverpool</td><td>AS Roma</td><td>Bodo/Glimt</td><td>Lask</td></tr><tr><td>Inter Milan</td><td>Manchester United</td><td>Lille</td><td>Slavia Prague</td></tr><tr><td>Real Madrid</td><td>Club Brugge</td><td>Shakhtar Donetsk</td><td>AEK Athens</td></tr><tr><td>Barcelona</td><td>Real Betis</td><td>Galatasaray</td><td>Viking</td></tr><tr><td>Atletico Madrid</td><td>PSV</td><td>Fenerbahce</td><td>Slovan Bratislava</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2>When is the Champions League 2026/27 draw?</h2>The Champions League 2026/27 draw will take place on Thursday (Aug 27) at 5:00 PM BST (9:30 PM IST) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.<h2>Where to watch the Champions League 2026/27 draw live in India and the world?</h2>The Champions League 2026/27 draw can be watched live in India and around the world on UEFA's official <a href="https://www.uefa.tv/live/310786">free live stream</a>.<h2>What is the Champions League 2026/27 schedule?</h2>The league phase of the Champions League 2026/27 starts September 8 and finishes on January 27, 2027. The knockout phase will start on February 16, culminating in the final on June 5 in Madrid, Spain.Matchday 1: Sept. 8–10Matchday 2: Oct. 13–14Matchday 3: Oct. 20–21Matchday 4: Nov. 3–4Matchday 5: Nov. 24–25Matchday 6: Dec. 8–9Matchday 7: Jan. 19–20Matchday 8: Jan. 27Knockout play-off round: Feb. 16–17 &amp; Feb. 23–24Round of 16: March 9–10 &amp; March 16–17Quarterfinals: April 6–7 &amp; April 13–14Semifinals: April 27–28 &amp; May 4–5Final: June 5 (Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid)

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League draw takes place Aug 27 in Monaco. Featuring 36 teams in a single league phase, the tournament runs Sept 8 to Jan 27, ending with the June 5 final in Madrid.

The Champions League 2026/27 draw is set to be announced on Thursday (Aug 27). The tournament, which determines the best football team in all of Europe, will have 36 teams competing in the revamped format which became effective last season. The first round, or the league phase, will see each team playing against eight others in a four home and four away format. Below are all the details for the upcoming Champions League season: Which teams are playing in the Champions League 2026/27 season? A total of 36 teams across all of Europe are going to participate in the Champions League 2026/27. Below are all the teams in the competition by country: Premier League (England): Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United La Liga (Spain): Barcelona, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Atlético de Madrid Bundesliga (Germany): Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, and Stuttgart Serie A (Italy): Como, Inter Milan, Napoli, and Roma Ligue 1 (France): Lens, Lille, and Paris Saint-Germain Eredivisie (Netherlands): Feyenoord and PSV Eliteserien (Norway): Bodo/Glimt and Viking Primeira Liga (Portugal): Porto and Sporting CP Süper Lig (Turkey): Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray Pro League (Belgium): Club Brugge Premier League (Azerbaijan): Sabah Premier League (Ukraine): Shakhtar Donetsk First League (Czech Republic): Slavia Praha Super Liga (Slovakia): Slovan Bratislava Football Bundesliga (Austria): Lask Super League (Greece): AEK Athens What is the Champions League 2026/27 format? The Champions League 2026/27 is going to be played under the revamped format among 36 teams. In the first phase, which is called the league phase, all 36 teams will be placed in a single group from 1-36. Each team will play eight different opponents in the league phase in a four home and four away format. After the league phase, the top 24 teams will advance while 12 teams will crash out. The teams finishing in the top 8 of the league phase will get a bye to the round of 16, while the next 16 teams (ranked 9–24) will compete in the knockout phase play-offs. Teams finishing from 9–16 will be seeded against teams finishing 17–24 in the league phase. How are league phase fixtures determined? For the league phase fixtures, all 36 teams will be divided into four pots of nine teams each. Each team will face two opponents from each of the pots, making it eight fixtures per team.

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League draw takes place Aug 27 in Monaco. Featuring 36 teams in a single league phase, the tournament runs Sept 8 to Jan 27, ending with the June 5 final in Madrid.

Champions League 2026/27 Draw: Full List of 36 qualified teams, format, dates & broadcast details

Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European football's governing body expected to drop a threatened boycott of global competitions. UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-watch-roger-federer-makes-winning-return-to-arthur-ashe-stadium-1787737438311">US Open 2026: Roger Federer makes winning return to Arthur Ashe Stadium</a>UEFA, under president Aleksander Ceferin, had described the proposal in scathing terms, labelling it a "shady, opaque backroom deal"."No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," said the European governing body in a strong statement widely credited as being pivotal in the controversial plan being quickly shelved.However, with UEFA executives and European member associations meeting in the glitzy surrounds of Monaco on Thursday just before the Champions League draw, sources told AFP the threat to boycott FIFA tournaments would "likely" be withdrawn.UEFA had demanded that the plan be ditched, but also sought assurances "that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again".One source on Wednesday told AFP that they were satisfied that second condition had now been met.The immediate result of that will be that UEFA does not risk undermining its united front in wanting Infantino to step down, which would be the case if not all of its members backed a boycott.The Under-20 Women's World Cup takes place in Poland next month and European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is still ongoing.<h2>PSG target three in a row</h2>Meanwhile, in the men's game, the focus reverts back to the cream of club football in the aftermath of the World Cup in North America.With the leading leagues in Europe getting going again, the continent's elite will discover later Thursday who they will face in the league phase of this season's Champions League.Paris Saint-Germain will begin their quest to win a third consecutive title after retaining the European Cup at the end of last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest.The Real Madrid team of 2016 to 2018 are the only side in the last 50 years to have been European champions three years running."We have won the last two, which means we can win a third. It will be very hard, but that is our ambition," PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters earlier this month.This is the third season since the introduction of a new format for the Champions League, with 36 teams now all pooled together in one giant league and each playing games against eight different opponents.Elite European club football is becoming increasingly polarised, and the continent's richest teams will again feature prominently and take away the majority of the riches on offer.Half the competing clubs will come from the leading domestic leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. The Premier League has five representatives in Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Spain also has five clubs including Real Betis who return to the Champions League after two decades away.Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, will feature for the first time after upsetting the traditional order in Italy.There will also be a Champions League debut for upstarts Sabah of Azerbaijan, who started out in the first qualifying round and have won four ties to reach this point.LASK of Austria also make their debut in the Champions League proper after a stunning comeback to beat Celtic in the play-offs.The first round of matches in this season's competition will take place between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10.The league phase will conclude in late January, while this season's final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European football's governing body expected to drop a threatened boycott of global competitions. UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. Also Read - US Open 2026: Roger Federer makes winning return to Arthur Ashe Stadium UEFA, under president Aleksander Ceferin, had described the proposal in scathing terms, labelling it a "shady, opaque backroom deal". "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," said the European governing body in a strong statement widely credited as being pivotal in the controversial plan being quickly shelved. However, with UEFA executives and European member associations meeting in the glitzy surrounds of Monaco on Thursday just before the Champions League draw, sources told AFP the threat to boycott FIFA tournaments would "likely" be withdrawn. UEFA had demanded that the plan be ditched, but also sought assurances "that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again". One source on Wednesday told AFP that they were satisfied that second condition had now been met. The immediate result of that will be that UEFA does not risk undermining its united front in wanting Infantino to step down, which would be the case if not all of its members backed a boycott. The Under-20 Women's World Cup takes place in Poland next month and European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is still ongoing. PSG target three in a row Meanwhile, in the men's game, the focus reverts back to the cream of club football in the aftermath of the World Cup in North America. With the leading leagues in Europe getting going again, the continent's elite will discover later Thursday who they will face in the league phase of this season's Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain will begin their quest to win a third consecutive title after retaining the European Cup at the end of last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest. The Real Madrid team of 2016 to 2018 are the only side in the last 50 years to have been European champions three years running. "We have won the last two, which means we can win a third. It will be very hard, but that is our ambition," PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters earlier this month. This is the third season since the introduction of a new format for the Champions League, with 36 teams now all pooled together in one giant league and each playing games against eight different opponents. Elite European club football is becoming increasingly polarised, and the continent's richest teams will again feature prominently and take away the majority of the riches on offer. Half the competing clubs will come from the leading domestic leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. The Premier League has five representatives in Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Spain also has five clubs including Real Betis who return to the Champions League after two decades away. Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, will feature for the first time after upsetting the traditional order in Italy. There will also be a Champions League debut for upstarts Sabah of Azerbaijan, who started out in the first qualifying round and have won four ties to reach this point. LASK of Austria also make their debut in the Champions League proper after a stunning comeback to beat Celtic in the play-offs. The first round of matches in this season's competition will take place between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10. The league phase will conclude in late January, while this season's final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

UEFA to withdraw boycott threat against FIFA ahead of Champions League draw

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the UEFA Champions League crown, becoming just the second team in the competition’s history to successfully defend the title after edging Arsenal 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the final at the Puskas Arena. The French giants held their nerve in the shootout, with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes smashing the decisive penalty over the bar, sealing a historic consecutive Champions League triumph for PSG. For Arsenal, despite ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League this season, but the search for a first-ever European title remains unfinished.&nbsp;The Premier League champions made a bright start and struck first, echoing their only previous Champions League final appearance two decades ago. Marquinhos' attempted clearance ricocheted off Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard and fell into the path of Kai Havertz, who moved forward from near the halfway line before firing home from a tight angle to put Arsenal ahead.&nbsp;PSG responded after the break in the second half, as Arsenal had frustrated the holders for almost an hour, but their defence was finally breached when Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the penalty area.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a VAR review and an extended stoppage, Ousmane Dembele kept his composure from the spot, sending David Raya the wrong way to level the score.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/singapore-open-2026-satwiksairaj-rankireddy-and-chirag-shetty-stun-world-champions-to-reach-men-s-doubles-final-1780151076552">Singapore Open 2026: Satwik-Chirag stun world champions to reach final</a>&nbsp;Despite PSG controlled possession for much of the match, they could not find a decisive goal in either normal time or extra time. According to Opta, Arsenal finished with only 26 per cent possession, the lowest share recorded by a team in a Champions League final since data collection began in 2004.&nbsp;The penalty shootout remained tense after Eberechi Eze missed from the spot, while Raya kept Arsenal's hopes alive with a save from Nuno Mendes.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/violence-erupts-as-psg-celebrates-champions-league-win-against-arsenal-416-people-arrested-1780203004687">Violence erupts in Paris as PSG celebrates Champions League win against Arsenal; 416 people arrested</a> Lucas Beraldo successfully converted PSG's final penalty, leaving Gabriel needing to score to extend the shootout into sudden death. The Brazilian defender, however, sent his effort over the bar, sparking jubilant celebrations among PSG players and supporters. With the triumph, PSG joined 15-time champions Real Madrid as the only clubs to retain the Champions League title since the competition was rebranded in 1992. Madrid achieved the feat by winning three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018. The final also marked the first Champions League title match to be decided by a penalty shootout since Real Madrid's victory over Atletico Madrid in 2016. Overall, PSG became the 10th club in European Cup history, dating back to 1955, to win consecutive continental titles. The victory further enhanced the legacy of PSG head coach Luis Enrique. Having previously guided Barcelona to Champions League glory in the 2014-15 season, the Spaniard secured his third European Cup triumph as a coach. Luis Enrique joined an elite group of managers with three or more European Cup titles, alongside Carlo Ancelotti, who has won five; and Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola, who have each lifted the trophy three times.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Arsenal were on the brink of securing their maiden Champions League title, but Paris Saint-Germain held their nerve in the penalty shootout to defend their crown and deny the Gunners a historic triumph.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the UEFA Champions League crown, becoming just the second team in the competition’s history to successfully defend the title after edging Arsenal 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the final at the Puskas Arena. The French giants held their nerve in the shootout, with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes smashing the decisive penalty over the bar, sealing a historic consecutive Champions League triumph for PSG. For Arsenal, despite ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League this season, but the search for a first-ever European title remains unfinished. The Premier League champions made a bright start and struck first, echoing their only previous Champions League final appearance two decades ago. Marquinhos' attempted clearance ricocheted off Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard and fell into the path of Kai Havertz, who moved forward from near the halfway line before firing home from a tight angle to put Arsenal ahead. PSG responded after the break in the second half, as Arsenal had frustrated the holders for almost an hour, but their defence was finally breached when Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the penalty area. After a VAR review and an extended stoppage, Ousmane Dembele kept his composure from the spot, sending David Raya the wrong way to level the score. Also Read - Singapore Open 2026: Satwik-Chirag stun world champions to reach final Despite PSG controlled possession for much of the match, they could not find a decisive goal in either normal time or extra time. According to Opta, Arsenal finished with only 26 per cent possession, the lowest share recorded by a team in a Champions League final since data collection began in 2004. The penalty shootout remained tense after Eberechi Eze missed from the spot, while Raya kept Arsenal's hopes alive with a save from Nuno Mendes. Also Read - Violence erupts in Paris as PSG celebrates Champions League win against Arsenal; 416 people arrested Lucas Beraldo successfully converted PSG's final penalty, leaving Gabriel needing to score to extend the shootout into sudden death. The Brazilian defender, however, sent his effort over the bar, sparking jubilant celebrations among PSG players and supporters. With the triumph, PSG joined 15-time champions Real Madrid as the only clubs to retain the Champions League title since the competition was rebranded in 1992. Madrid achieved the feat by winning three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018. The final also marked the first Champions League title match to be decided by a penalty shootout since Real Madrid's victory over Atletico Madrid in 2016. Overall, PSG became the 10th club in European Cup history, dating back to 1955, to win consecutive continental titles. The victory further enhanced the legacy of PSG head coach Luis Enrique. Having previously guided Barcelona to Champions League glory in the 2014-15 season, the Spaniard secured his third European Cup triumph as a coach. Luis Enrique joined an elite group of managers with three or more European Cup titles, alongside Carlo Ancelotti, who has won five; and Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola, who have each lifted the trophy three times. With inputs from agencies

Arsenal were on the brink of securing their maiden Champions League title, but Paris Saint-Germain held their nerve in the penalty shootout to defend their crown and deny the Gunners a historic triumph.

PSG retain Champions League crown after crushing Arsenal’s hopes

Arsenal lifted the 2025-26 Premier League title, while England's top clubs secured Champions League qualification. Erling Haaland finished as the league's top scorer, Bruno Fernandes led the assists chart, and Virgil van Dijk recorded the most passes.

Arsenal lifted the 2025-26 Premier League title, while England's top clubs secured Champions League qualification. Erling Haaland finished as the league's top scorer, Bruno Fernandes led the assists chart, and Virgil van Dijk recorded the most passes.

Premier League 2025-26 Review | Who scored most goals, assists and passes and teams which qualified for Champions League

PSG beat Bayern Munich in the semis, Liverpool in the quarter-finals, Chelsea in the Round of 16 and Monaco in the knockout phase to enter their second consecutive Champions League final.

PSG beat Bayern Munich in the semis, Liverpool in the quarter-finals, Chelsea in the Round of 16 and Monaco in the knockout phase to enter their second consecutive Champions League final.

Champions League | Defending champions PSG's road to final

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has called refereeing ridiculous after being ousted from Champions Trophy on Wednesday (May 6). Bayern's journey ended after playing a 1-1 draw in semi-final second leg against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) who advanced to their second consecutive final on 6-5 aggregate score. Kompany called out two calls made by referee during the game - Nuno Mendes handball in the first half and Joao Neves handlball later on. In the Mendes incident, PSG got the free kick instead of what they think should have been second yellow card for the PSG player.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-invites-iran-to-headquarters-by-may-20-to-prepare-for-world-cup-north-america-usa-donald-trump-israel-1777987807215">FIFA invites Iran to headquarters by May 20 ‘to prepare for World Cup’</a><h2>Why referee did not give Mendes handball?</h2>At nearly the half-hour mark, Bayern's Konrad Laimer pushed the ball ahead which struck on Mendes' arm. The referee, however, had already whistled against Laimer who had appeared to have handled the ball himself. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The ball straight into the arms of Nuno Mendes in the penalty box but no penalty given. At this point, I don’t know how much PSG paid, but it must sure be a lot! <a href="https://t.co/li3QJOJwFQ">pic.twitter.com/li3QJOJwFQ</a>&mdash; nebuchadnezzar (@chrismyka015) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismyka015/status/2052117802773852615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The second incident happened when PSG's Vitinha's clearance kick hit his teammate Joao Neves on his hand inside the box but no penalty given. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BAYERN ARE APPEALING FOR A PENALTY AS JOÃO NEVES HANDLES THE BALL IN THE BOX AFTER VITINHA’S CLEARANCE!!! 😱 <a href="https://t.co/bJB1ivILkM">pic.twitter.com/bJB1ivILkM</a>&mdash; Dribble TV (@Dribble_TV1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dribble_TV1/status/2052111400886055376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kompany wasn't happy about either of the decisions and it may have played a role in 1-1 game which saw German giants bow out of the Champions League.<h2>What did Kompany say about refereeing?</h2>"We have to look at some of the phases that were decided by the officials across the two games which … it’s never an excuse for everything but it matters," he said. "If we look at both legs probably too much went against us. The guys gave everything and we tried against a fantastic PSG team."[João Neves’s] hand is in the air, it hits it. Because it’s from his own teammate it’s not a penalty. But if you look at both [situations], a ­little bit of common sense and it’s just ridiculous. Whatever needs to happen but it’s ridiculous. It doesn’t tell the whole game but it’s a one-goal game in the end."PSG now play against English Premier League giants Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest, Hungary for their second consecutive European title.

Kompany called out two handballs not given by referee in semi-final second leg vs PSG - against Mendes and Neves - in a game which ended in 1-1 draw and PSG advanced to UCL final on 6-5 aggregate.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has called refereeing ridiculous after being ousted from Champions Trophy on Wednesday (May 6). Bayern's journey ended after playing a 1-1 draw in semi-final second leg against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) who advanced to their second consecutive final on 6-5 aggregate score. Kompany called out two calls made by referee during the game - Nuno Mendes handball in the first half and Joao Neves handlball later on. In the Mendes incident, PSG got the free kick instead of what they think should have been second yellow card for the PSG player. Also Read - FIFA invites Iran to headquarters by May 20 ‘to prepare for World Cup’ Why referee did not give Mendes handball? At nearly the half-hour mark, Bayern's Konrad Laimer pushed the ball ahead which struck on Mendes' arm. The referee, however, had already whistled against Laimer who had appeared to have handled the ball himself. Have a look at the video below:

Kompany called out two handballs not given by referee in semi-final second leg vs PSG - against Mendes and Neves - in a game which ended in 1-1 draw and PSG advanced to UCL final on 6-5 aggregate.

Champions League | 'Just ridiculous': Bayern coach Kompany decries refereeing calls vs PSG - WATCH

Holders Paris Saint-Germain set up a Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 second-leg draw at Bayern Munich secured a 6-5 aggregate victory on Wednesday. PSG exploded on the counter less than three minutes in and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele put Luis Enrique's visitors ahead on the night and two goals up in the tie. PSG largely succeeded in subduing Bayern's attacking threat, despite Harry Kane's stoppage-time goal.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-real-madrid-fans-want-mbappe-to-be-sold-french-footballer-speaks-up-after-criticism-over-weekend-trip-with-girlfriend-1778043923888">Mbappe speaks up after criticism for trip with girlfriend amid injury recovery</a>"It was an exceptional match, another magical night in Munich against a great team," PSG forward Desire Doue told Canal Plus."These are the kinds of matches we've dreamt of playing since we were little. Now, we're going to enjoy this as a team."On their return to Munich's Allianz Arena, the scene of their greatest triumph against Inter Milan in last year's final, PSG once again emphasised their excellence in a competition they coveted without success for so long.The French giants will be favourites to lift the trophy for a second successive season when they face Premier League leaders Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest.They are hoping to become only the second back-to-back winners since 1990, after Real Madrid.Bayern were angered by some first-half refereeing decisions but lacked the potency they showed in their 5-4 first-leg loss in Paris.The six-time European champions have still not reached the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon."I don't have the ability to be disappointed for long," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. "Of course, in the end we lost two very, very tight games against a very good opponent."Both sides were playing their 52nd match of the season in all competitions -- not even counting last summer's Club World Cup -- but only the hosts looked weary.So dangerous in the first leg, Bayern were surprisingly stodgy, with Michael Olise in particular having an off night.In the midst of a record-breaking season, Bayern's fourth defeat in all competitions will sting for a club set to wonder what might have been.<h2>Dembele strikes early</h2>With Bayern already Bundesliga champions and PSG also on track for the Ligue 1 title, both sides heavily rotated their line-ups in the weekend's league fixtures.But both teams only made one change to their starting XIs compared to last week's spectacle in Paris. Only PSG's was forced, with Fabian Ruiz in for the injured Achraf Hakimi.The high-octane first leg was widely lauded as among the best matches in the competition's history and Wednesday's game offered more of the same early.Ruiz, starting his first European match since January, set Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left flank with an excellent through ball.The Georgian latched onto the pass, blazed past his marker before cutting back for the perfectly placed Dembele to slam home.Bayern conceded after just 36 seconds against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and fought back to win but seemed stunned by the early goal this time around.Olise, Kane and Joshua Kimmich all mislaid passes in the opening half-hour, ending promising attacks.Bayern surrounded referee Joao Pinheiro claiming a penalty on the half-hour mark when Vitinha's clearance hit Joao Neves's outstretched arm in the box, but their appeals were waved away.The home players had already been left incensed when PSG full-back Nuno Mendes was not shown a second yellow card for handball.PSG went inches from scoring a second but Manuel Neuer tipped a close-range Neves header just wide of the post.The home team rediscovered their rhythm just before the break, with Jamal Musiala forcing an excellent low save from PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov and blasting over the bar.PSG showed a more measured side to their game in the second half, sitting back to absorb Bayern pressure while never losing their own threat on the counter.Neuer made fine saves from Kvaratskhelia and Doue to keep Bayern in the tie.The Bavarians dominated possession and territory but could not break through until Kane scored for a seventh straight Champions League match in stoppage time.There was time for the restart, but it was too little, too late for the hosts.

The French giants will be favourites to lift the trophy for a second successive season when they face Premier League leaders Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain set up a Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 second-leg draw at Bayern Munich secured a 6-5 aggregate victory on Wednesday. PSG exploded on the counter less than three minutes in and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele put Luis Enrique's visitors ahead on the night and two goals up in the tie. PSG largely succeeded in subduing Bayern's attacking threat, despite Harry Kane's stoppage-time goal. Also Read - Mbappe speaks up after criticism for trip with girlfriend amid injury recovery "It was an exceptional match, another magical night in Munich against a great team," PSG forward Desire Doue told Canal Plus. "These are the kinds of matches we've dreamt of playing since we were little. Now, we're going to enjoy this as a team." On their return to Munich's Allianz Arena, the scene of their greatest triumph against Inter Milan in last year's final, PSG once again emphasised their excellence in a competition they coveted without success for so long. The French giants will be favourites to lift the trophy for a second successive season when they face Premier League leaders Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest. They are hoping to become only the second back-to-back winners since 1990, after Real Madrid. Bayern were angered by some first-half refereeing decisions but lacked the potency they showed in their 5-4 first-leg loss in Paris. The six-time European champions have still not reached the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon. "I don't have the ability to be disappointed for long," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. "Of course, in the end we lost two very, very tight games against a very good opponent." Both sides were playing their 52nd match of the season in all competitions -- not even counting last summer's Club World Cup -- but only the hosts looked weary. So dangerous in the first leg, Bayern were surprisingly stodgy, with Michael Olise in particular having an off night. In the midst of a record-breaking season, Bayern's fourth defeat in all competitions will sting for a club set to wonder what might have been. Dembele strikes early With Bayern already Bundesliga champions and PSG also on track for the Ligue 1 title, both sides heavily rotated their line-ups in the weekend's league fixtures. But both teams only made one change to their starting XIs compared to last week's spectacle in Paris. Only PSG's was forced, with Fabian Ruiz in for the injured Achraf Hakimi. The high-octane first leg was widely lauded as among the best matches in the competition's history and Wednesday's game offered more of the same early. Ruiz, starting his first European match since January, set Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left flank with an excellent through ball. The Georgian latched onto the pass, blazed past his marker before cutting back for the perfectly placed Dembele to slam home. Bayern conceded after just 36 seconds against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and fought back to win but seemed stunned by the early goal this time around. Olise, Kane and Joshua Kimmich all mislaid passes in the opening half-hour, ending promising attacks. Bayern surrounded referee Joao Pinheiro claiming a penalty on the half-hour mark when Vitinha's clearance hit Joao Neves's outstretched arm in the box, but their appeals were waved away. The home players had already been left incensed when PSG full-back Nuno Mendes was not shown a second yellow card for handball. PSG went inches from scoring a second but Manuel Neuer tipped a close-range Neves header just wide of the post. The home team rediscovered their rhythm just before the break, with Jamal Musiala forcing an excellent low save from PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov and blasting over the bar. PSG showed a more measured side to their game in the second half, sitting back to absorb Bayern pressure while never losing their own threat on the counter. Neuer made fine saves from Kvaratskhelia and Doue to keep Bayern in the tie. The Bavarians dominated possession and territory but could not break through until Kane scored for a seventh straight Champions League match in stoppage time. There was time for the restart, but it was too little, too late for the hosts.

The French giants will be favourites to lift the trophy for a second successive season when they face Premier League leaders Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest.

Champions League | Defending champions PSG edge past Bayern to set up final vs Arsenal

Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years as Bukayo Saka sealed a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta's side settled the semi-final second leg with Saka's strike late in the first half at an ecstatic Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who drew 1-1 in the first leg in Madrid last week, held firm after Saka's goal to go through 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30.Holders PSG, who beat Arsenal in the semi-finals last year, have a 5-4 lead ahead of the second leg in Munich on Wednesday.It was a cathartic night for Arsenal, who are back in the Champions League final for the first time since losing 2-1 to Barcelona in their only previous appearance in the showpiece in 2006.Arsenal have never won the Champions League, with their two major European trophies coming in the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup and the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.Their last continental final ended in a 4-1 defeat against Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League.It is shaping up to be Arsenal's greatest ever season as they chase a Premier League and Champions League double.Even Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' -- who won the club's last English title in an unbeaten top-flight campaign in 2004 -- might have to bow to the current generation if they finish the job.Fittingly, it was Saka -- the homegrown symbol of the Arteta era -- who proved Arsenal's match-winner.Now just four games from immortality, Premier League leaders Arsenal were given a huge boost in the title race when second-placed Manchester City drew at Everton on Monday.The Gunners will be crowned champions if they win their last three games against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace.Once the title is decided, Arsenal will head to Hungary with a maiden Champions League crown in their sights.Arsenal endured jibes about their perceived lack of mental strength after a run of four defeats in six games in all competitions sparked painful memories of previous failures to end their six-year wait for silverware.But the 'nearly-men' and 'serial choker' labels applied only weeks ago are on the verge of being banished forever.<h2>Jubilant Arteta</h2>Thousands of Arsenal supporters massed outside the stadium before kick-off to greet their team with flares and flags, a vociferous display of affection underlining Arsenal's desperation to make history.It was the kind of evening in north London, when nothing was beyond the realm of possibility as Arsenal moved closer to casting off the shackles of two decades of underachievement.After some tense performances during the Premier League run-in, Saturday's 3-0 rout of Fulham had showed Arsenal at their flowing best in a riposte to the critics who claim they only win ugly.This was a more prosaic display but no-one with an affinity to Arsenal was bothered in the slightest.Arsenal were nearly caught on the counter in a frenetic start when Julian Alvarez shot just wide before Giuliano Simeone's close-range effort deflected past the post.But Arsenal recovered from those anxious moments to deliver a dominant spell that brought their 44th minute goal.Viktor Gyokeres' clever run unhinged the Atletico defence and his cross reached Leandro Trossard inside the area.Trossard wriggled into just enough space for a low drive that Jan Oblak weakly pushed out to Saka, who reacted quicker than his flat-footed markers to slot home from four yards.Arteta jubilantly punched the air as all around him the Emirates erupted into a roiling red sea of celebration.Atletico tried to ruin the party in the second half, but Gabriel Magalhaes made a last-ditch tackle on Simeone to avert a certain goal before David Raya repelled Antoine Griezmann's blast.Arteta recently revealed he visualised Arsenal conquering the Champions League even in the difficult early days of his reign.The Spaniard now is just one win away from seeing that daydream become a glorious reality.

The Gunners, who drew 1-1 in the first leg in Madrid last week, held firm after Saka's goal to go through 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30.

Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years as Bukayo Saka sealed a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta's side settled the semi-final second leg with Saka's strike late in the first half at an ecstatic Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who drew 1-1 in the first leg in Madrid last week, held firm after Saka's goal to go through 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30. Holders PSG, who beat Arsenal in the semi-finals last year, have a 5-4 lead ahead of the second leg in Munich on Wednesday. It was a cathartic night for Arsenal, who are back in the Champions League final for the first time since losing 2-1 to Barcelona in their only previous appearance in the showpiece in 2006. Arsenal have never won the Champions League, with their two major European trophies coming in the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup and the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Their last continental final ended in a 4-1 defeat against Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League. It is shaping up to be Arsenal's greatest ever season as they chase a Premier League and Champions League double. Even Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' -- who won the club's last English title in an unbeaten top-flight campaign in 2004 -- might have to bow to the current generation if they finish the job. Fittingly, it was Saka -- the homegrown symbol of the Arteta era -- who proved Arsenal's match-winner. Now just four games from immortality, Premier League leaders Arsenal were given a huge boost in the title race when second-placed Manchester City drew at Everton on Monday. The Gunners will be crowned champions if they win their last three games against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace. Once the title is decided, Arsenal will head to Hungary with a maiden Champions League crown in their sights. Arsenal endured jibes about their perceived lack of mental strength after a run of four defeats in six games in all competitions sparked painful memories of previous failures to end their six-year wait for silverware. But the 'nearly-men' and 'serial choker' labels applied only weeks ago are on the verge of being banished forever. Jubilant Arteta Thousands of Arsenal supporters massed outside the stadium before kick-off to greet their team with flares and flags, a vociferous display of affection underlining Arsenal's desperation to make history. It was the kind of evening in north London, when nothing was beyond the realm of possibility as Arsenal moved closer to casting off the shackles of two decades of underachievement. After some tense performances during the Premier League run-in, Saturday's 3-0 rout of Fulham had showed Arsenal at their flowing best in a riposte to the critics who claim they only win ugly. This was a more prosaic display but no-one with an affinity to Arsenal was bothered in the slightest. Arsenal were nearly caught on the counter in a frenetic start when Julian Alvarez shot just wide before Giuliano Simeone's close-range effort deflected past the post. But Arsenal recovered from those anxious moments to deliver a dominant spell that brought their 44th minute goal. Viktor Gyokeres' clever run unhinged the Atletico defence and his cross reached Leandro Trossard inside the area. Trossard wriggled into just enough space for a low drive that Jan Oblak weakly pushed out to Saka, who reacted quicker than his flat-footed markers to slot home from four yards. Arteta jubilantly punched the air as all around him the Emirates erupted into a roiling red sea of celebration. Atletico tried to ruin the party in the second half, but Gabriel Magalhaes made a last-ditch tackle on Simeone to avert a certain goal before David Raya repelled Antoine Griezmann's blast. Arteta recently revealed he visualised Arsenal conquering the Champions League even in the difficult early days of his reign. The Spaniard now is just one win away from seeing that daydream become a glorious reality.

The Gunners, who drew 1-1 in the first leg in Madrid last week, held firm after Saka's goal to go through 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30.

Champions League | Arsenal beat Atletico to enter first final in 20 years

With just three matches left in the season, Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, which is out of the tournament, is leading the golden boot race with 15 goals. Bayern's Harry Kane is second with 13 goals and can surpass Mbappe.

With just three matches left in the season, Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, which is out of the tournament, is leading the golden boot race with 15 goals. Bayern's Harry Kane is second with 13 goals and can surpass Mbappe.

Champions League | Who is leading the golden boot race in ongoing season? check list

The Champions League 2025-26 is in semi-final stage the final four round couldn't have began any better with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beating German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in an epic thriller. PSG came out on top in the nine-goal semi-final first leg epic at home ground Parc des Prince in Paris on Tuesday (Apr 28), making the second leg game an absolute must watch a week later. The 90-minute game saw nine goals being scored by both teams combined, that is one goal every 10 minutes - making it an instant classic. Bayern did try their best to cut down the deficit in the second half but were held by PSG defenders one short in 5-4 scoreline.<h2>How PSG triumphed Bayern in Champions League classic?</h2>The game began with Bayern's English player Harry Kane scoring the opening goal on a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG then replied back seven minutes later as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the equalizer for PSG in the 24th minute. Upbeat at home ground, Joao Neves gave PSG lead in the 33rd minute but Bayern's Michael Olise took only eight minutes to bring the scores back to parity. PSG, however, went into the half time with a one-goal lead, thanks to Ousmane Dembele's goal in injury time of the first half on a penalty.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/john-stones-to-leave-manchester-city-at-season-end-after-10-dreamy-years-bernardo-silva-free-agent-2026-fc-barcelona-transfer-news-1777384810890">John Stones to leave Manchester City at season end after 10 ‘dreamy’ years</a>The second half started more frantically then the first one with Kvaratskhelia scoring in the 56th minute to double PSG's lead and Dembele, two minutes later, added another goal to pile on Bayern's misery. The Germans, however, rallied back with Dayot Upamecano and Lusi Diaz scoring in 65th and 68th minute to cut their deficit to one goal. Have a look at the best goals of the night below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">One game, four amazing contenders for Goal of the Day 😍 Kvara, Olise, Luis Díaz or Dembélé... which was your favourite? ⚽<a href="https://twitter.com/Heineken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Heineken</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLGOTD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLGOTD</a> <a href="https://t.co/ycEkqqWtqp">pic.twitter.com/ycEkqqWtqp</a>&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/2049249887749919058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PSG, however, held Bayern for the remaining 22 minutes of the game to secure a one goal lead going into the second leg.<h2>PSG manager Luis Enrique calls it 'best game coached'</h2>Ecstatic with his team's performance, defending champs PSG's manager Luis Enrique called the match best game he's ever coached and said: "It was amazing. It had amazing rhythm, trying to play offensive football, trying to show their quality. I think everybody had fun watching the match. I’m happy because we won."The two sides will now meet a week later at Bayern's home for the second leg of the semi-final and the German giants will be hoping to ride on home support to not only erase the one goal deficit but came out triumphant for a place in the final in Budapest, Hungary on May 30.

The 90-minute game saw nine goals being scored by both teams combined, that is one goal every 10 minutes - making it an instant classic. Bayern did try their best to cut down the deficit in the second half but were held by PSG defenders one short in 5-4 scoreline.

The Champions League 2025-26 is in semi-final stage the final four round couldn't have began any better with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beating German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in an epic thriller. PSG came out on top in the nine-goal semi-final first leg epic at home ground Parc des Prince in Paris on Tuesday (Apr 28), making the second leg game an absolute must watch a week later. The 90-minute game saw nine goals being scored by both teams combined, that is one goal every 10 minutes - making it an instant classic. Bayern did try their best to cut down the deficit in the second half but were held by PSG defenders one short in 5-4 scoreline. How PSG triumphed Bayern in Champions League classic? The game began with Bayern's English player Harry Kane scoring the opening goal on a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG then replied back seven minutes later as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the equalizer for PSG in the 24th minute. Upbeat at home ground, Joao Neves gave PSG lead in the 33rd minute but Bayern's Michael Olise took only eight minutes to bring the scores back to parity. PSG, however, went into the half time with a one-goal lead, thanks to Ousmane Dembele's goal in injury time of the first half on a penalty. Also Read - John Stones to leave Manchester City at season end after 10 ‘dreamy’ years The second half started more frantically then the first one with Kvaratskhelia scoring in the 56th minute to double PSG's lead and Dembele, two minutes later, added another goal to pile on Bayern's misery. The Germans, however, rallied back with Dayot Upamecano and Lusi Diaz scoring in 65th and 68th minute to cut their deficit to one goal. Have a look at the best goals of the night below:

The 90-minute game saw nine goals being scored by both teams combined, that is one goal every 10 minutes - making it an instant classic. Bayern did try their best to cut down the deficit in the second half but were held by PSG defenders one short in 5-4 scoreline.

Champions League, semi-final | '1 goal every 10 minutes': How PSG won nine-goal epic vs Bayern Munich

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele scored twice each as Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in an epic first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday -- an extraordinary encounter that was the highest-scoring match ever at this stage of the competition. The first half alone was crazy, with Harry Kane giving Bayern the lead from a penalty, only for Kvaratskhelia to equalise before Joao Neves headed the hosts in front at an enthralled Parc des Princes. Michael Olise made it 2-2, but a Dembele penalty in first-half stoppage time had the reigning champions back ahead at the interval.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/open-golf-championship-2026-set-to-impose-two-shot-penalty-for-misconduct-how-will-it-impact-players-1777357231295">Open Championship set to impose two-shot penalty for misconduct</a>Kvaratskhelia, surely the standout player in this season's Champions League, and Dembele both then scored again to have hosts PSG seemingly out of sight, only for Dayot Upamecano to pull one back before Luis Diaz made it 5-4.An unforgettable game -- perhaps better even than last season's semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona -- leaves the tie between the continent's two best teams of the moment wonderfully poised for next Wednesday's return at the Allianz Arena, with a place in the final in Budapest on May 30 on the line."I'm sure everyone who loves football really enjoyed watching that. It was a real pleasure to play in that game, the kind of game we dream of playing in as kids," PSG captain Marquinhos told broadcaster Canal Plus.His team will be returning to Munich -- scene of their 5-0 win over Inter in last year's final -- with the advantage, but Bayern will be confident they can overturn the narrow deficit at home."We fought and we clawed and we're back in the tie," Kane told Amazon Prime. "I thought there was amazing defending even though there were nine goals."The French champions are seeking to become just the second side in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy, while the German champions are hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2020, when they defeated PSG to lift the trophy for the sixth time.<h2>Instant classic</h2>Vincent Kompany's team arrived in Paris having scored 167 goals this season, led by the remarkable Kane and his 53 goals in 45 appearances.This tie had a lot to live up to, after Bayern's spectacular win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, but it was an instant classic as both teams showcased their devastating firepower.Bayern went ahead in the 17th minute as Willian Pacho chopped down Diaz and Kane converted the resulting penalty for his 54th of the campaign.The visitors won 2-1 here in November in the league phase thanks to a Diaz double and they were the better team early on this time.But their front-foot approach made them vulnerable to the counter-attack, and PSG's leveller came just after the midway point in the first half.The brilliant Kvaratskhelia broke clear of Josip Stanisic down the left before cutting inside and firing into the far corner.A classic Kvaratskhelia goal was followed by Neves heading in Dembele's corner on 33 minutes.The action was only just getting started, however, as French international Olise drove towards the PSG box before smashing in for 2-2.PSG then won a penalty at the end of the first half when a Dembele cross struck the arm of Alphonso Davies, the Canadian making his first start in the Champions League this season after injury.It was given by the Swiss referee after a VAR check, and Dembele beat Manuel Neuer to make it 3-2 at half-time -- a lead which PSG added to after the restart, leaving Bayern stunned.Achraf Hakimi's assist was swept in by Kvaratskhelia for 4-2 on 56 minutes, the Georgian getting his seventh goal in seven games in the knockout phase.Bayern were not able to reset before Dembele surprised Neuer with a shot in off the near post to make it 5-2 with his second of the night.But Bayern were not done, as Upamecano headed in Joshua Kimmich's free-kick to take Kompany's side to 170 for their season tally.Diaz, who was sent off in the November meeting, then dribbled past Marquinhos before slotting in for the night's final goal, making it 5-4.Kompany, watching from the stands due to suspension, would have been delighted with his team's response -- even if they were relieved to see Senny Mayulu's late strike for PSG come back off Neuer's crossbar.

An unforgettable game -- perhaps better even than last season's semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona -- leaves the tie between the continent's two best teams wonderfully poised for next Wednesday's return at the Allianz Arena, with a place in the final on May 30 on the line.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele scored twice each as Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in an epic first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday -- an extraordinary encounter that was the highest-scoring match ever at this stage of the competition. The first half alone was crazy, with Harry Kane giving Bayern the lead from a penalty, only for Kvaratskhelia to equalise before Joao Neves headed the hosts in front at an enthralled Parc des Princes. Michael Olise made it 2-2, but a Dembele penalty in first-half stoppage time had the reigning champions back ahead at the interval. Also Read - Open Championship set to impose two-shot penalty for misconduct Kvaratskhelia, surely the standout player in this season's Champions League, and Dembele both then scored again to have hosts PSG seemingly out of sight, only for Dayot Upamecano to pull one back before Luis Diaz made it 5-4. An unforgettable game -- perhaps better even than last season's semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona -- leaves the tie between the continent's two best teams of the moment wonderfully poised for next Wednesday's return at the Allianz Arena, with a place in the final in Budapest on May 30 on the line. "I'm sure everyone who loves football really enjoyed watching that. It was a real pleasure to play in that game, the kind of game we dream of playing in as kids," PSG captain Marquinhos told broadcaster Canal Plus. His team will be returning to Munich -- scene of their 5-0 win over Inter in last year's final -- with the advantage, but Bayern will be confident they can overturn the narrow deficit at home. "We fought and we clawed and we're back in the tie," Kane told Amazon Prime. "I thought there was amazing defending even though there were nine goals." The French champions are seeking to become just the second side in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy, while the German champions are hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2020, when they defeated PSG to lift the trophy for the sixth time. Instant classic Vincent Kompany's team arrived in Paris having scored 167 goals this season, led by the remarkable Kane and his 53 goals in 45 appearances. This tie had a lot to live up to, after Bayern's spectacular win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, but it was an instant classic as both teams showcased their devastating firepower. Bayern went ahead in the 17th minute as Willian Pacho chopped down Diaz and Kane converted the resulting penalty for his 54th of the campaign. The visitors won 2-1 here in November in the league phase thanks to a Diaz double and they were the better team early on this time. But their front-foot approach made them vulnerable to the counter-attack, and PSG's leveller came just after the midway point in the first half. The brilliant Kvaratskhelia broke clear of Josip Stanisic down the left before cutting inside and firing into the far corner. A classic Kvaratskhelia goal was followed by Neves heading in Dembele's corner on 33 minutes. The action was only just getting started, however, as French international Olise drove towards the PSG box before smashing in for 2-2. PSG then won a penalty at the end of the first half when a Dembele cross struck the arm of Alphonso Davies, the Canadian making his first start in the Champions League this season after injury. It was given by the Swiss referee after a VAR check, and Dembele beat Manuel Neuer to make it 3-2 at half-time -- a lead which PSG added to after the restart, leaving Bayern stunned. Achraf Hakimi's assist was swept in by Kvaratskhelia for 4-2 on 56 minutes, the Georgian getting his seventh goal in seven games in the knockout phase. Bayern were not able to reset before Dembele surprised Neuer with a shot in off the near post to make it 5-2 with his second of the night. But Bayern were not done, as Upamecano headed in Joshua Kimmich's free-kick to take Kompany's side to 170 for their season tally. Diaz, who was sent off in the November meeting, then dribbled past Marquinhos before slotting in for the night's final goal, making it 5-4. Kompany, watching from the stands due to suspension, would have been delighted with his team's response -- even if they were relieved to see Senny Mayulu's late strike for PSG come back off Neuer's crossbar.

An unforgettable game -- perhaps better even than last season's semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona -- leaves the tie between the continent's two best teams wonderfully poised for next Wednesday's return at the Allianz Arena, with a place in the final on May 30 on the line.

Champions League, semi-final | Defending champions PSG edge past Bayern in nine-goal leg one thriller

The four teams remaining in the tournament are - defending champions PSG, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal. The semi-final, Atletico vs Arsenal & PSG vs Bayern Munich, will be played in two-leg home-away format with first leg on April 28-29 and second leg on May 6-7.

The four teams remaining in the tournament are - defending champions PSG, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal. The semi-final, Atletico vs Arsenal &amp; PSG vs Bayern Munich, will be played in two-leg home-away format with first leg on April 28-29 and second leg on May 6-7.

Champions League | Only 4 teams remain - Meet semi-finalists, match details, dates and more

A place in the Champions League semifinal will be up for grabs as 15-time champions Real Madrid face Bayern Munich in the second leg on Wednesday (April 15). Down 1-2 from the first leg, Real Madrid will face an uphill task when they face Bayern in their backyard at the Allianz Arena, knowing anything less than a win will see them miss out on a spot in the semis. So ahead of the all-important second leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, here is all you need to know.&nbsp;What is the head-to-head record for the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in Champions League history?Not much separates both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in overall head-to-head records, with the hosts of Wednesday’s match winning 13 while Madrid have won 12 in 29 previous meetings. Four matches have ended in draws between the sides.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;What is the venue for the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League?The Allianz Arena in Munich will be the venue for the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg.&nbsp;When will the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League start?The Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Champions League clash starts at 12:30 a.m. IST and 8:00 p.m. GMT.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Which channel will broadcast the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League?The Sony Sports Network will broadcast the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League in India.&nbsp;Which platform will live-stream the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League?Sony Live will live-stream the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League in India.

Down 1-2 from the first leg, Real Madrid will face an uphill task when they face Bayern Munich in their backyard at the Allianz Arena, knowing anything less than a win will see them miss out on a spot in the semis. 

A place in the Champions League semifinal will be up for grabs as 15-time champions Real Madrid face Bayern Munich in the second leg on Wednesday (April 15). Down 1-2 from the first leg, Real Madrid will face an uphill task when they face Bayern in their backyard at the Allianz Arena, knowing anything less than a win will see them miss out on a spot in the semis. So ahead of the all-important second leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, here is all you need to know. What is the head-to-head record for the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in Champions League history? Not much separates both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in overall head-to-head records, with the hosts of Wednesday’s match winning 13 while Madrid have won 12 in 29 previous meetings. Four matches have ended in draws between the sides. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions What is the venue for the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League? The Allianz Arena in Munich will be the venue for the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg. When will the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League start? The Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Champions League clash starts at 12:30 a.m. IST and 8:00 p.m. GMT. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Which channel will broadcast the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League? The Sony Sports Network will broadcast the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League in India. Which platform will live-stream the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League? Sony Live will live-stream the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in the Champions League in India.

Down 1-2 from the first leg, Real Madrid will face an uphill task when they face Bayern Munich in their backyard at the Allianz Arena, knowing anything less than a win will see them miss out on a spot in the semis.&nbsp;

Champions League: All you need to know about Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash

Liverpool's French star Hugo Ekitike suffered a crushing injury upon his return to the XI against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday (Apr 14) at Anfield. Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Ekitike's injury has definitely put a dent in his plans as Liverpool crashed out of the European supremacy tournament, losing 4-0 aggregate after 2-0 loss on Tuesday at home.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-red-cards-denied-appeal-boot-to-face-how-barcelona-s-season-came-to-an-end-1776231475222">UCL | 'Red cards, denied appeal &amp; boot to face': How Barca's season came to end</a><h2>What happened to Hugo Ekitike?</h2>Ekitike went down on the field visibly suffering with a suspected Achilles. Liverpool medical staff came rushing to help the player but he couldn't get up. Ekitike was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher - the worst nightmare for a player. Have a loo at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Looks bad for Ekitike for Liverpool. Could be Achilles injury that might see him out for the rest of the season. Just been stretchered off 😮‍💨. Just before the World Cup too! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ekitike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ekitike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/liverpool?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#liverpool</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/uc4nHJzlk6">pic.twitter.com/uc4nHJzlk6</a>&mdash; XRPatiently Waiting (@thepatientbloke) <a href="https://twitter.com/thepatientbloke/status/2044142819128844302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking on the injury, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said after the game: "Hugo looks really bad but it is difficult to say how bad. Let’s see. It doesn’t look good, that is clear. I didn’t see him at half-time and after the game he was already home. I have not spoken to him yet."<h2>Dembele crushes Liverpool then says 'you have suffer'</h2>Ousmane Dembele was the only goal scorer in the matches, netting the ball in 72nd and well as 90+1 minute to ensure PSG win 2-0. After the game, Dembele admitted he was happy with the result that there are no easy games in Champions League."There are no easy matches in the Champions League. You have to suffer to go all the way in this competition. In the first half, we had chances, we were pretty much in control. In the second half, it was more complicated but that's normal. It's the Champions League, there are only good teams. We come out away from this two-legged tie with two victories, which is very good," he told Canal+.<h2>Konate blames denied penalty for Liverpool's loss</h2>Ibrahima Konate blamed the penalty overturn after VAR intervention as the reason for Liverpool's exit from the Champions League. The English Premier League side were given a penalty in the second half with scores at 0-0 but VAR interjection overruled referee Maurizio Mariani's decision and the penalty was denied.For me it was a clear penalty and was just behind the referee but he did not blow the whistle and we have to deal with that," Konate said after Liverpool's 4-0 aggregate loss. "If we got the penalty and score it would be completely different."

Liverpool's Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Liverpool's French star Hugo Ekitike suffered a crushing injury upon his return to the XI against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday (Apr 14) at Anfield. Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Ekitike's injury has definitely put a dent in his plans as Liverpool crashed out of the European supremacy tournament, losing 4-0 aggregate after 2-0 loss on Tuesday at home. Also Read - UCL | 'Red cards, denied appeal & boot to face': How Barca's season came to end What happened to Hugo Ekitike? Ekitike went down on the field visibly suffering with a suspected Achilles. Liverpool medical staff came rushing to help the player but he couldn't get up. Ekitike was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher - the worst nightmare for a player. Have a loo at the video below:

Liverpool's Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Champions League | Frenchman Ekitike doubtful for World Cup after 'bad injury' in Liverpool's loss vs PSG

Barcelona's Champions League run ended with 2-1 loss against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of quarter-final on Tuesday (Apr 14). The Spanish giants lost the two-legged round of 8 with 3-2 aggregate loss, having lost the first leg 2-0 last week at home, Camp Nou. Both the matches saw one Barca player getting a red card, making them play with 10-man team. On Tuesday (Apr 14), Eric Garcia was handed the red card in the 79th minute - a controversial decision - which injured Barca player Raphina described at stealing by the referees. To add to the insult, Fermin Lopez suffered a horrific injury in the game as well.<h2>Why Garcia was given red card in Barcelona vs Atletico?</h2>In the 79th minute of the game, Garcia was found guilty of pulling down Atletico's Alexander Sorloth. Referee Clement Turpin checked the VAR review before sending centre-back out of the pitch. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pedri lost the ball due to his careless spinning which led to Eric Garcia’s red and the tie being over. Will anybody talk about this tho? Probably not! <a href="https://t.co/iqgW4UAJ0k">pic.twitter.com/iqgW4UAJ0k</a>&mdash; َ (@Asensii20) <a href="https://twitter.com/Asensii20/status/2044167765758464415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Holding nothing back, Raphina came out all guns blazing against Turpin and said to reporters after the game: "As far as I’m concerned, it was ‌a robbery, not just this match but the other one (the first leg) as well. I ‌think ⁠the refereeing is going really badly; the decisions ⁠he (Turpin) makes are unbelievable ... I really want to understand why they’re so afraid that Barcelona will come and win."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-dembele-brace-ensures-psg-brush-aside-liverpool-to-enter-last-4-1776220190057">Champions League | Dembele brace helps PSG brush past Liverpool to enter last 4</a><h2>Barcelona lose appeal against first-leg red card as well</h2>Before the second leg, Barcelona suffered another jolt when they lost the appeal for an incident from the first leg. Atletico's Marc Pubill had handled the ball and Barcelona appealed to UEFA against not getting a penalty. The European football body, however, rejected the appeal and deemed it inadmissible."Following the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg between Barcelona and Atlético, Barcelona filed a protest relating to a referee decision," read a short statement by UEFA on Tuesday. "The UEFA Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body has declared the protest to be inadmissible."<h2>Lopez injury adds salt out wounds</h2>Fermin Lopez tried to score the third goal for his team but instead got the boot, literally. He dived in the opposition box for a header but Atletico goalkeeper's boot found his face after the header went wide. The impact left Lopez gushing blood as the game stopped, allowing him to get medical attention and recover.

In the 79th minute of the game, Garcia was found guilty of pulling down Atletico's Alexander Sorloth. Referee Clement Turpin checked the VAR review before sending centre-back out of the pitch. 

Barcelona's Champions League run ended with 2-1 loss against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of quarter-final on Tuesday (Apr 14). The Spanish giants lost the two-legged round of 8 with 3-2 aggregate loss, having lost the first leg 2-0 last week at home, Camp Nou. Both the matches saw one Barca player getting a red card, making them play with 10-man team. On Tuesday (Apr 14), Eric Garcia was handed the red card in the 79th minute - a controversial decision - which injured Barca player Raphina described at stealing by the referees. To add to the insult, Fermin Lopez suffered a horrific injury in the game as well. Why Garcia was given red card in Barcelona vs Atletico? In the 79th minute of the game, Garcia was found guilty of pulling down Atletico's Alexander Sorloth. Referee Clement Turpin checked the VAR review before sending centre-back out of the pitch. Have a look at the video below:

In the 79th minute of the game, Garcia was found guilty of pulling down Atletico's Alexander Sorloth. Referee Clement Turpin checked the VAR review before sending centre-back out of the pitch.&nbsp;

Champions League | 'Red cards, denied appeal & boot to face': How Barcelona's season came to an end

Ousmane Dembele's double guided Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate win for the holders. To compound the English champions' woes, Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious-looking injury that could end his season and hinder Liverpool's chances of being back among Europe's elite next season. Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final. Defeat means there will be no glorious goodbye for Mohamed Salah after nine memorable years on Merseyside.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-atletico-madrid-hold-barcelona-at-bay-to-enter-semis-1776219691249">Champions League | Atletico Madrid hold Barcelona at bay to enter semis</a>Slot showed little sentiment as he dropped the Egyptian to the bench on his final Champions League appearance in red.Alexander Isak was preferred up front as the most expensive player in Premier League history started for the first time since breaking his leg in December.However, Salah was forced into action after just half an hour as Ekitike suffered a nasty-looking injury that could ruin his World Cup hopes with France.The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles.Salah nearly made an immediate impact as from his cross Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Milos Kerkez before Marquinhos produced a remarkable block to deny Virgil van Dijk the opening goal.PSG had plenty of chances to have put the tie to bed in the Parc des Princes last week and were profligate once more in the first half.Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambled back towards his line to punch away Dembele's attempted chip before the Ballon d'Or winner blazed over from close range with just the Georgian to beat.Slot admitted before kick-off that Isak could only last for 45 minutes due to a lack of match practice and the Swede made way for Cody Gakpo at half-time in a further blow to Liverpool's firepower up front.<h2>Dembele kills tie off</h2>Kerkez had the best chance to set up a grandstand finale when he sliced wide another inviting Salah delivery.Liverpool thought they had been gifted a lifeline when Alexis Mac Allister was awarded a very generous penalty for minimal contact by Willian Pacho, but VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision.But as Liverpool poured forward in desperation, they became a sitting duck for the rapid PSG counter-attack.Dembele finally killed the tie off 18 minutes from time when he cut onto his left foot and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box.The French international then inflicted the final blow with a cool finish from Bradley Barcola's cross in stoppage time.PSG will face a tougher test against the in-form Bayern Munich or 15-time winners Real Madrid in the last four.But after ending the Qatari-backed French champions' long wait to conquer Europe last season, Luis Enrique's men remain on course to become the only side other than Madrid to retain the competition in the Champions League era.

Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final.

Ousmane Dembele's double guided Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate win for the holders. To compound the English champions' woes, Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious-looking injury that could end his season and hinder Liverpool's chances of being back among Europe's elite next season. Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final. Defeat means there will be no glorious goodbye for Mohamed Salah after nine memorable years on Merseyside. Also Read - Champions League | Atletico Madrid hold Barcelona at bay to enter semis Slot showed little sentiment as he dropped the Egyptian to the bench on his final Champions League appearance in red. Alexander Isak was preferred up front as the most expensive player in Premier League history started for the first time since breaking his leg in December. However, Salah was forced into action after just half an hour as Ekitike suffered a nasty-looking injury that could ruin his World Cup hopes with France. The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles. Salah nearly made an immediate impact as from his cross Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Milos Kerkez before Marquinhos produced a remarkable block to deny Virgil van Dijk the opening goal. PSG had plenty of chances to have put the tie to bed in the Parc des Princes last week and were profligate once more in the first half. Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambled back towards his line to punch away Dembele's attempted chip before the Ballon d'Or winner blazed over from close range with just the Georgian to beat. Slot admitted before kick-off that Isak could only last for 45 minutes due to a lack of match practice and the Swede made way for Cody Gakpo at half-time in a further blow to Liverpool's firepower up front. Dembele kills tie off Kerkez had the best chance to set up a grandstand finale when he sliced wide another inviting Salah delivery. Liverpool thought they had been gifted a lifeline when Alexis Mac Allister was awarded a very generous penalty for minimal contact by Willian Pacho, but VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision. But as Liverpool poured forward in desperation, they became a sitting duck for the rapid PSG counter-attack. Dembele finally killed the tie off 18 minutes from time when he cut onto his left foot and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box. The French international then inflicted the final blow with a cool finish from Bradley Barcola's cross in stoppage time. PSG will face a tougher test against the in-form Bayern Munich or 15-time winners Real Madrid in the last four. But after ending the Qatari-backed French champions' long wait to conquer Europe last season, Luis Enrique's men remain on course to become the only side other than Madrid to retain the competition in the Champions League era.

Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final.

Champions League | Dembele brace ensures PSG brush aside Liverpool to enter last 4

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday's 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes but Ademola Lookman's strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg. Diego Simeone's side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle. Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-watch-man-utd-s-martinez-gets-red-card-3-match-suspension-for-pulling-hair-of-leeds-calvert-lewin-1776144279636">Man Utd's Martinez gets red card &amp; 3-match suspension for pulling hair</a>Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals."(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar.Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination."I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman."I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year."Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season.Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium.The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away.Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid.Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate.Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night.Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner.Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face.Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time.Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert.<h2>Another red card</h2>Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside.Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed.Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night.Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising.The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg.Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals.

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday's 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes but Ademola Lookman's strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg. Diego Simeone's side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle. Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time. Also Watch - Man Utd's Martinez gets red card & 3-match suspension for pulling hair Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals. "(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar. Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination. "I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman. "I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year." Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season. Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium. The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away. Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid. Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate. Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night. Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner. Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face. Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time. Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert. Another red card Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside. Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed. Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night. Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising. The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg. Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals.

Champions League | Atletico Madrid hold Barcelona at bay to enter semis

Liverpool coach Arne Slot has asked the Anfield faithful to show up in next week's Champions League in quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The statement comes after Slot's Liverpool were thrashed 2-0 on Wednesday (Apr 8) in first leg at PSG's home Parc des Princes. Slot was upbeat about the comeback and said that the PSG kept Liverpool alive by not scoring on open chances. For PSG, Desire Doue scored in 11th minute while Kavicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead in 65th minute. Liverpool could just never get going and are in 'survival mode' as said by Slot.<h2>Slot thanks PSG for 'keeping Liverpool alive'</h2>"PSG was the better team but we didn’t give up and that’s why we have a chance now still in this tie. They kept us alive by not scoring a few open chances. And now we can bring the tie back to Anfield," said Slot after the match. "You try to find ways to make sure their qualities are not seen that much but that’s really hard against this team. Last season we were in survival mode as well [in the first leg in Paris]."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-thank-you-germany-barca-coach-flick-furious-after-atletico-s-pubill-not-given-red-card-despite-handling-ball-watch-1775703675750">'Thank you Germany' Barca coach Flick furious after Atletico's Pubill not given red card despite handling ball</a>Slot has also asked the fans to show up at Anfield next week as they try to advance in the tournament. "Football has shown so many times that everything is possible," Slot said. "Red cards, incidents, penalties yes or no, and don’t forget that Anfield can do a lot. Our fans do make a big difference for us. But that’s also needed because I think it was completely clear today that we need our fans more than ever if we face this Paris Saint-Germain team."<h2>Atletico Madrid almost outs Barcelona</h2>In the other match of the night, Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at Camp Nou. Both the goals against the Spanish giants came after Pau Cubrasi was given a red card in the 44th minute. Taking advantage of the situation, Julian Alvarez put Atletico Madrid 1-0 ahead in the 45th minute before Alexander Sorloth doubled the lead in 70th minute.

Slot was upbeat about the comeback and said that the PSG kept Liverpool alive by not scoring on open chances. For PSG, Desire Doue scored in 11th minute while Kavicha Kvaratskhelia doubled lead in 65th minute. Liverpool could just never get going and are in 'survival mode' as said by Slot.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot has asked the Anfield faithful to show up in next week's Champions League in quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The statement comes after Slot's Liverpool were thrashed 2-0 on Wednesday (Apr 8) in first leg at PSG's home Parc des Princes. Slot was upbeat about the comeback and said that the PSG kept Liverpool alive by not scoring on open chances. For PSG, Desire Doue scored in 11th minute while Kavicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead in 65th minute. Liverpool could just never get going and are in 'survival mode' as said by Slot. Slot thanks PSG for 'keeping Liverpool alive' "PSG was the better team but we didn’t give up and that’s why we have a chance now still in this tie. They kept us alive by not scoring a few open chances. And now we can bring the tie back to Anfield," said Slot after the match. "You try to find ways to make sure their qualities are not seen that much but that’s really hard against this team. Last season we were in survival mode as well [in the first leg in Paris]." Also Read - 'Thank you Germany' Barca coach Flick furious after Atletico's Pubill not given red card despite handling ball Slot has also asked the fans to show up at Anfield next week as they try to advance in the tournament. "Football has shown so many times that everything is possible," Slot said. "Red cards, incidents, penalties yes or no, and don’t forget that Anfield can do a lot. Our fans do make a big difference for us. But that’s also needed because I think it was completely clear today that we need our fans more than ever if we face this Paris Saint-Germain team." Atletico Madrid almost outs Barcelona In the other match of the night, Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at Camp Nou. Both the goals against the Spanish giants came after Pau Cubrasi was given a red card in the 44th minute. Taking advantage of the situation, Julian Alvarez put Atletico Madrid 1-0 ahead in the 45th minute before Alexander Sorloth doubled the lead in 70th minute.

Slot was upbeat about the comeback and said that the PSG kept Liverpool alive by not scoring on open chances. For PSG, Desire Doue scored in 11th minute while Kavicha Kvaratskhelia doubled lead in 65th minute. Liverpool could just never get going and are in 'survival mode' as said by Slot.

Champions League | Slot says PSG kept Liverpool alive 'by not scoring on open chances'

Barcelona are hanging by a thread in the Champions League after losing 0-2 to Atletico Madrid in quarter-final first leg on Wednesday (Apr 8) at Camp Nou. Both the goals against the Spanish giants came after Pau Cubrasi was given a red card in the 44th minute. Taking advantage of the situation, Julian Alvarez put Atletico Madrid 1-0 ahead in the 45th minute before Alexander Sorloth doubled the lead in 70th minute. Barca would have to do a lot next week, that too in an away game, if they are to advance in the competition. Barca coach Hansi Flick, meanwhile, has called out the VAR referee for not acknowledging an Atletico player touching the ball with hand after a goal kick in the match.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-world-cup-2026-agents-don-t-execute-search-warrants-or-carry-weapons-in-canada-says-us-ice-ahead-of-fifa-event-1775640377035">FIFA WC 2026 | 'ICE agents don't carry weapons in Canada,' says US agency</a><h2>Hansi Flick doesn't hold back against VAR referee</h2>The incident happened when Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid decided to handle the ball but no referee or VAR intervened. The ball came to Pubill after goal kick inside the box but instead of continuing with the game, he decided to grab it and give it back to the keeper. Flick was not at all amused by it. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Que poco se habló de esto, no? Musso apoya la pelota y la pone en juego con el pie, pero Marc Pubill (amonestado) la agarra con la mano y saca de nuevo. El árbitro y el VAR no quisieron comprarse un problema. En mis libros, penalazo no cobrado a Barcelona. <a href="https://t.co/LALqzB98P3">pic.twitter.com/LALqzB98P3</a>&mdash; Santi Feldman (@SantiFeldman) <a href="https://twitter.com/SantiFeldman/status/2041984389060440360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I don’t know about Cubarsí’s sending off, it could be red or it couldn’t be. I’m not sure if he touches him enough. The ball was behind them. But the situation in which they touch the ball with their hand in the area and I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t come in. It’s normal to make mistakes, but this type of situation, why do we have VAR? It should be a penalty and a second yellow, red," Hansi Flick was quoted as saying by football Espana."The VAR has been quite favoured towards Atletico… he was a German (referee). Thank you Germany. I don’t know what happens in a situation in which a goalkeeper starts to play and the defender stops it with his hand, for me it’s a second yellow and also a penalty. Let’s see if they can explain it to us," Flick added.

The incident happened when Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid decided to handle the ball but no referee or VAR intervened. The ball came to Pubill after goal kick inside the box but instead of continuing with the game, he decided to grab it and give it back to the keeper.

Barcelona are hanging by a thread in the Champions League after losing 0-2 to Atletico Madrid in quarter-final first leg on Wednesday (Apr 8) at Camp Nou. Both the goals against the Spanish giants came after Pau Cubrasi was given a red card in the 44th minute. Taking advantage of the situation, Julian Alvarez put Atletico Madrid 1-0 ahead in the 45th minute before Alexander Sorloth doubled the lead in 70th minute. Barca would have to do a lot next week, that too in an away game, if they are to advance in the competition. Barca coach Hansi Flick, meanwhile, has called out the VAR referee for not acknowledging an Atletico player touching the ball with hand after a goal kick in the match. Also Read - FIFA WC 2026 | 'ICE agents don't carry weapons in Canada,' says US agency Hansi Flick doesn't hold back against VAR referee The incident happened when Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid decided to handle the ball but no referee or VAR intervened. The ball came to Pubill after goal kick inside the box but instead of continuing with the game, he decided to grab it and give it back to the keeper. Flick was not at all amused by it. Have a look at the video below:

The incident happened when Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid decided to handle the ball but no referee or VAR intervened. The ball came to Pubill after goal kick inside the box but instead of continuing with the game, he decided to grab it and give it back to the keeper.

Champions League | 'Thank you Germany' Barca coach Flick furious after Atletico's Pubill not given red card despite handling ball - WATCH

Six-time European champions Liverpool face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final clash. Despite a major boost with Alexander Isak returning to the squad, confidence among Liverpool fans appears to be at an all-time low. With recent performances raising serious doubts, many fear a heavy defeat against PSG. Has Arne Slot lost the trust of the fans or can Liverpool rise once again on a big European night?


UCL: Liverpool Get Isak Boost, But Fans Fear PSG Thrashing

Champions League | Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 while Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of quarter-final on Tuesday (Apr 7). The sides will face off in the second leg a week later.

Champions League | Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 while Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of quarter-final on Tuesday (Apr 7). The sides will face off in the second leg a week later.

Champions League | Arsenal vs Sporting & Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid - check full result

When Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool last met in the Champions League a year ago, the Anfield outfit were marching towards the Premier League title and were described as "an almost perfect team" by the French club's coach Luis Enrique. Fast forward to this season and a formidable PSG appear clear favourites as the sides clash again in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paris on Wednesday. PSG's triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first ever Champions League title.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-hope-for-champions-league-luck-to-come-back-against-bayern-munich-1775443208566">Real Madrid hope for Champions League luck to come back against Bayern Munich</a>They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.Arne Slot's side somewhat ran out of steam after that, albeit having done more than enough to get over the line in the Premier League.This season has been a huge disappointment, however, and they return to Paris in especially downbeat mood after a chastening 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.<h2>‘So tough’</h2>That had Slot saying his team lacked fighting spirit, while captain Virgil van Dijk suggested they had given up and admitted it would be "very difficult" for Liverpool to lift themselves against PSG."But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games," he said, with the Champions League tie taking place either side of an awkward clash with Fulham."The matter of fact is now, PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again. So we have to be ready mentally as soon as possible," Van Dijk added.Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats in this campaign.Securing a return to Europe's top table for next season has to be the main aim now for a team currently lying fifth in the Premier League.PSG, in contrast, have had a tricky season at times due to injuries but look like they might be returning to their very best form at the right time.A 3-1 win over Toulouse last Friday, featuring one marvellous goal from reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, helped them extend their lead atop Ligue 1 to four points from nearest challengers Lens, with a game in hand.But the Champions League is what really matters -- the French league even accepted their request to postpone this Saturday's key trip to Lens to allow them to concentrate fully on Liverpool."I think we have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve," warned Luis Enrique.Dembele is fully fit and firing, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration in the last round, when PSG destroyed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate -- Wednesday's game will be their 14th against Premier League opposition since January 2025.<h2>Ekitike back in Paris</h2>There is one obvious weakness in PSG's ranks, however -- they have not successfully replaced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hero in last season's shoot-out against Liverpool who is now at Manchester City.Lucas Chevalier was signed as the Italian's successor but has lost his place to Matvey Safonov, the Russian who made two glaring mistakes to cost his side a goal at the weekend."A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that's normal in football," said Luis Enrique.The key for the visitors, meanwhile, could be Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 17 goals, who comes up against the club where he failed to make an impact earlier in his career.Ekitike, 23, joined PSG from Reims in 2022 but scored just four goals in 18 months before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt.He struggled to break into an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar but returns to his homeland as a genuine contender to start for France at the World Cup."Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won't be against us," said PSG's Dembele, his international teammate.

PSG had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated last season before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.

When Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool last met in the Champions League a year ago, the Anfield outfit were marching towards the Premier League title and were described as "an almost perfect team" by the French club's coach Luis Enrique. Fast forward to this season and a formidable PSG appear clear favourites as the sides clash again in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paris on Wednesday. PSG's triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first ever Champions League title. Also Read - Real Madrid hope for Champions League luck to come back against Bayern Munich They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since. Arne Slot's side somewhat ran out of steam after that, albeit having done more than enough to get over the line in the Premier League. This season has been a huge disappointment, however, and they return to Paris in especially downbeat mood after a chastening 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals. ‘So tough’ That had Slot saying his team lacked fighting spirit, while captain Virgil van Dijk suggested they had given up and admitted it would be "very difficult" for Liverpool to lift themselves against PSG. "But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games," he said, with the Champions League tie taking place either side of an awkward clash with Fulham. "The matter of fact is now, PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again. So we have to be ready mentally as soon as possible," Van Dijk added. Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats in this campaign. Securing a return to Europe's top table for next season has to be the main aim now for a team currently lying fifth in the Premier League. PSG, in contrast, have had a tricky season at times due to injuries but look like they might be returning to their very best form at the right time. A 3-1 win over Toulouse last Friday, featuring one marvellous goal from reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, helped them extend their lead atop Ligue 1 to four points from nearest challengers Lens, with a game in hand. But the Champions League is what really matters -- the French league even accepted their request to postpone this Saturday's key trip to Lens to allow them to concentrate fully on Liverpool. "I think we have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve," warned Luis Enrique. Dembele is fully fit and firing, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration in the last round, when PSG destroyed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate -- Wednesday's game will be their 14th against Premier League opposition since January 2025. Ekitike back in Paris There is one obvious weakness in PSG's ranks, however -- they have not successfully replaced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hero in last season's shoot-out against Liverpool who is now at Manchester City. Lucas Chevalier was signed as the Italian's successor but has lost his place to Matvey Safonov, the Russian who made two glaring mistakes to cost his side a goal at the weekend. "A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that's normal in football," said Luis Enrique. The key for the visitors, meanwhile, could be Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 17 goals, who comes up against the club where he failed to make an impact earlier in his career. Ekitike, 23, joined PSG from Reims in 2022 but scored just four goals in 18 months before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt. He struggled to break into an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar but returns to his homeland as a genuine contender to start for France at the World Cup. "Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won't be against us," said PSG's Dembele, his international teammate.

PSG had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated last season before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.

Champions League | PSG aim to continue good form against struggling Liverpool

Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich visit Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals high on confidence and looking like Europe's most complete side, bolstered by the likely return of superstar striker Harry Kane. Record 15-time winners Madrid have endured a difficult season, plagued by inconsistency, but have made a habit of pulling off the unexpected in this competition. Just as it seemed their well of Champions League magic was running dry, Madrid produced their best performance of the season to crush Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the last 16.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/erling-haaland-hat-trick-helps-man-city-thrash-liverpool-to-reach-fa-cup-semis-1775315949507">Erling Haaland hat-trick helps Man City thrash Liverpool to reach FA Cup semis</a>Despite Madrid's prestige and troupe of attacking stars -- Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde -- Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy."It would be presumptuous to assume that we'll definitely advance," said honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeness. "But we haven't had such great chances in terms of the playing quality as we have this year in a long time."Kane, who has scored 48 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, missed Bayern's battling 3-2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg on Saturday with an ankle issue."He'd play in a wheelchair," said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich, while Kompany added that he had "a feeling" that the England striker would be ready.With Michael Olise and Luis Diaz joining Kane in attack, Kompany's side play an aggressive, high-pressing style which helped them demolish Atalanta in the last 16, 10-2 on aggregate.Bayern came from two goals down to beat Freiburg and match-winner Lennart Karl said that fighting spirit was crucial heading into the Madrid clash."It gives us a lot of confidence. It was very important -- we actually feel unbeatable at the moment," he said, with Bayern's last defeat coming in January, 14 matches ago.In that same period Madrid have lost four times, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa struggling to find the right balance when all his superstars are fit, just like Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti before him."They're not playing the best football, but they're outstanding in terms of experience," noted Hoeness.<h2>Bernabeu factor</h2>Madrid fell to a disappointing defeat at Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday, leaving them seven points behind rivals Barcelona in the Spanish title race.Arbeloa brushed off the loss and said it would have no bearing on his team's performance against Bayern, in the club's favoured competition."I know what my players are capable of, I know they understand the importance of Tuesday's game," Arbeloa told reporters."The demand on the team will be maximum and I know the support that Madrid fans will offer us -- with them, everything is easier."Bayern are well aware of the impact of Madrid's supporters on big European nights at the Bernabeu, which, along with the weight of history and sublime individual quality, helps Los Blancos pull off remarkable results even when the odds are against them."It's the stadium and the fans who, together with the team, transform into a hurricane that sweeps over the opponent," said Bayern powerbroker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge."You need nerves of steel, you have to stay calm, and you have to be mentally prepared... it's not just an ordinary game. It will be the toughest test."Two Bayern players who understand that more than most are goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich, who have both cracked in the Bernabeu pressure cooker before.In the 2018 semi-final Ulreich went to pick up a back pass before suddenly realising his mistake and let it run past him, with Karim Benzema tapping into the empty net.Madrid went on to win that tie, as they have on all of the last four knockouts against Bayern. In each of those years, they went on to lift the trophy.In the 2024 semi-finals former Stoke City striker Joselu struck twice in the dying embers of the second leg, the first after a Neuer handling error, to send Bayern crashing out.No teams have faced each other more in the competition, with Tuesday's match the 29th occasion Madrid will meet Bayern.The German giants last eliminated Los Blancos in 2012 but believe they finally have the quality this year to rewrite the narrative of the last decade.

Despite Madrid's prestige and troupe of attacking stars -- Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde -- Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy.

Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich visit Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals high on confidence and looking like Europe's most complete side, bolstered by the likely return of superstar striker Harry Kane. Record 15-time winners Madrid have endured a difficult season, plagued by inconsistency, but have made a habit of pulling off the unexpected in this competition. Just as it seemed their well of Champions League magic was running dry, Madrid produced their best performance of the season to crush Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the last 16. Also Read - Erling Haaland hat-trick helps Man City thrash Liverpool to reach FA Cup semis Despite Madrid's prestige and troupe of attacking stars -- Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde -- Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy. "It would be presumptuous to assume that we'll definitely advance," said honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeness. "But we haven't had such great chances in terms of the playing quality as we have this year in a long time." Kane, who has scored 48 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, missed Bayern's battling 3-2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg on Saturday with an ankle issue. "He'd play in a wheelchair," said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich, while Kompany added that he had "a feeling" that the England striker would be ready. With Michael Olise and Luis Diaz joining Kane in attack, Kompany's side play an aggressive, high-pressing style which helped them demolish Atalanta in the last 16, 10-2 on aggregate. Bayern came from two goals down to beat Freiburg and match-winner Lennart Karl said that fighting spirit was crucial heading into the Madrid clash. "It gives us a lot of confidence. It was very important -- we actually feel unbeatable at the moment," he said, with Bayern's last defeat coming in January, 14 matches ago. In that same period Madrid have lost four times, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa struggling to find the right balance when all his superstars are fit, just like Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti before him. "They're not playing the best football, but they're outstanding in terms of experience," noted Hoeness. Bernabeu factor Madrid fell to a disappointing defeat at Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday, leaving them seven points behind rivals Barcelona in the Spanish title race. Arbeloa brushed off the loss and said it would have no bearing on his team's performance against Bayern, in the club's favoured competition. "I know what my players are capable of, I know they understand the importance of Tuesday's game," Arbeloa told reporters. "The demand on the team will be maximum and I know the support that Madrid fans will offer us -- with them, everything is easier." Bayern are well aware of the impact of Madrid's supporters on big European nights at the Bernabeu, which, along with the weight of history and sublime individual quality, helps Los Blancos pull off remarkable results even when the odds are against them. "It's the stadium and the fans who, together with the team, transform into a hurricane that sweeps over the opponent," said Bayern powerbroker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "You need nerves of steel, you have to stay calm, and you have to be mentally prepared... it's not just an ordinary game. It will be the toughest test." Two Bayern players who understand that more than most are goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich, who have both cracked in the Bernabeu pressure cooker before. In the 2018 semi-final Ulreich went to pick up a back pass before suddenly realising his mistake and let it run past him, with Karim Benzema tapping into the empty net. Madrid went on to win that tie, as they have on all of the last four knockouts against Bayern. In each of those years, they went on to lift the trophy. In the 2024 semi-finals former Stoke City striker Joselu struck twice in the dying embers of the second leg, the first after a Neuer handling error, to send Bayern crashing out. No teams have faced each other more in the competition, with Tuesday's match the 29th occasion Madrid will meet Bayern. The German giants last eliminated Los Blancos in 2012 but believe they finally have the quality this year to rewrite the narrative of the last decade.

Despite Madrid's prestige and troupe of attacking stars -- Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde -- Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy.

Real Madrid hope for Champions League luck to come back against Bayern Munich

The QFs will be also be played in two legs in home and away format with first leg set to be played on April 7-8. The second leg will be played a week after on April 14-15. The eight teams are: PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Sporting, and Arsenal.

The QFs will be also be played in two legs in home and away format with first leg set to be played on April 7-8. The second leg will be played a week after on April 14-15. The eight teams are: PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Sporting, and Arsenal.

Champions League | Who's in and who's out? - Check all teams in quarter-finals and last 8 match-ups

Holders Paris Saint-Germain, record 15-time winners Real Madrid and Arsenal surged into the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday, while Sporting produced a brilliant comeback in Portugal to end Bodo/Glimt's remarkable run. PSG appear to be coming back into the form which saw them win the Champions League for the first time in their history last season, as the French club crushed Chelsea 3-0 in London to claim a comprehensive 8-2 aggregate victory in their last-16 tie. Chelsea had been left with a mountain to climb after a late collapse in last week's first leg, and PSG quickly snuffed out any chance the English club had.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-ready-to-host-iran-football-world-cup-matches-if-fifa-approves-mexico-president-us-donald-trump-1773770109017">'We are ready to host Iran’s World Cup games if FIFA approves': Mexico President</a>Khvicha Kvaratskhelia followed his first-leg double by opening the scoring on six minutes at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr misjudging a long ball on his Champions League debut and then being outmuscled by the Georgian who applied the finish.Bradley Barcola fired in a brilliant second goal from an Achraf Hakimi assist, and the home fans were streaming for the exits when substitute Senny Mayulu swept in PSG's third on the night just after the hour."We clearly dominated, we are very happy to be in the quarter-finals and I think it is well deserved," PSG coach Luis Enrique told Canal Plus.PSG's fourth victory against English opposition in a two-legged knockout tie since the start of last year sets up a last-eight tie against Liverpool or Galatasaray, who meet on Wednesday at Anfield with the Turkish side leading 1-0 from the first leg.Two-time European champions Chelsea were not the only English club to be eliminated on Tuesday, with Manchester City losing 2-1 at home to Real as they went out 5-1 on aggregate.Real led 3-0 from the first leg in Spain, where Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick, and their qualification was never in doubt after City's Bernardo Silva was sent off on 20 minutes for stopping a goalbound Vinicius Junior shot on the line with his arm.Vinicius converted the penalty, and Pep Guardiola's side had too much to do, even if Erling Haaland levelled the scores on the night before half-time with his 30th goal this season.<h2>Sporting comeback sinks Bodo/Glimt</h2>Real replaced Thibaut Courtois with Andriy Lunin in goal at half-time, and the tie was over long before Vinicius scored again in stoppage time to seal the win on the night."All of us players know that the good games are coming and when Madrid play in this competition, everything changes," said Vinicius, as Real knocked City out for the third season running.Real are almost certain to face Bayern Munich in a heavyweight quarter-final, with the Germans 6-1 up against Atalanta before Wednesday's return match.Premier League leaders Arsenal's dream of a quadruple remains alive after they beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium for a 3-1 aggregate success.They had needed a late penalty to draw in Germany last week, and finished the tie off in the return with goals either side of half-time from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice.Eze broke the deadlock with a long-range rocket late in the first half and Rice's composed finish killed off Leverkusen."We had four or five situations where we should have scored a third but overall we fully deserved to win and be into the quarter-finals," said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.His team now face Manchester City in the English League Cup final on Sunday, and will play Sporting in the quarter-finals.The Portuguese champions produced a superb fightback, overturning a 3-0 deficit from last week's first leg against Bodo/Glimt by beating the Norwegians 5-0 after extra time in Lisbon.Goncalo Inacio and Pedro Goncalves scored before a Luis Suarez penalty on 78 minutes forced extra time.Uruguayan full-back Maxi Araujo gave Sporting the lead in the tie for the first time in the 92nd minute, and Rafael Nel made sure of their progress with the fifth right at the end.Bodo/Glimt's fantastic run comes to an end as Sporting reach the quarters of Europe's elite club competition for the first time since 1983.

Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Sporting enter last 8 of Champions League. Two-time European champions Chelsea were not the only English club to be eliminated on Tuesday, with Manchester City losing 2-1 at home to Real as they went out 5-1 on aggregate.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain, record 15-time winners Real Madrid and Arsenal surged into the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday, while Sporting produced a brilliant comeback in Portugal to end Bodo/Glimt's remarkable run. PSG appear to be coming back into the form which saw them win the Champions League for the first time in their history last season, as the French club crushed Chelsea 3-0 in London to claim a comprehensive 8-2 aggregate victory in their last-16 tie. Chelsea had been left with a mountain to climb after a late collapse in last week's first leg, and PSG quickly snuffed out any chance the English club had. Also Read - 'We are ready to host Iran’s World Cup games if FIFA approves': Mexico President Khvicha Kvaratskhelia followed his first-leg double by opening the scoring on six minutes at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr misjudging a long ball on his Champions League debut and then being outmuscled by the Georgian who applied the finish. Bradley Barcola fired in a brilliant second goal from an Achraf Hakimi assist, and the home fans were streaming for the exits when substitute Senny Mayulu swept in PSG's third on the night just after the hour. "We clearly dominated, we are very happy to be in the quarter-finals and I think it is well deserved," PSG coach Luis Enrique told Canal Plus. PSG's fourth victory against English opposition in a two-legged knockout tie since the start of last year sets up a last-eight tie against Liverpool or Galatasaray, who meet on Wednesday at Anfield with the Turkish side leading 1-0 from the first leg. Two-time European champions Chelsea were not the only English club to be eliminated on Tuesday, with Manchester City losing 2-1 at home to Real as they went out 5-1 on aggregate. Real led 3-0 from the first leg in Spain, where Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick, and their qualification was never in doubt after City's Bernardo Silva was sent off on 20 minutes for stopping a goalbound Vinicius Junior shot on the line with his arm. Vinicius converted the penalty, and Pep Guardiola's side had too much to do, even if Erling Haaland levelled the scores on the night before half-time with his 30th goal this season. Sporting comeback sinks Bodo/Glimt Real replaced Thibaut Courtois with Andriy Lunin in goal at half-time, and the tie was over long before Vinicius scored again in stoppage time to seal the win on the night. "All of us players know that the good games are coming and when Madrid play in this competition, everything changes," said Vinicius, as Real knocked City out for the third season running. Real are almost certain to face Bayern Munich in a heavyweight quarter-final, with the Germans 6-1 up against Atalanta before Wednesday's return match. Premier League leaders Arsenal's dream of a quadruple remains alive after they beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium for a 3-1 aggregate success. They had needed a late penalty to draw in Germany last week, and finished the tie off in the return with goals either side of half-time from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice. Eze broke the deadlock with a long-range rocket late in the first half and Rice's composed finish killed off Leverkusen. "We had four or five situations where we should have scored a third but overall we fully deserved to win and be into the quarter-finals," said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. His team now face Manchester City in the English League Cup final on Sunday, and will play Sporting in the quarter-finals. The Portuguese champions produced a superb fightback, overturning a 3-0 deficit from last week's first leg against Bodo/Glimt by beating the Norwegians 5-0 after extra time in Lisbon. Goncalo Inacio and Pedro Goncalves scored before a Luis Suarez penalty on 78 minutes forced extra time. Uruguayan full-back Maxi Araujo gave Sporting the lead in the tie for the first time in the 92nd minute, and Rafael Nel made sure of their progress with the fifth right at the end. Bodo/Glimt's fantastic run comes to an end as Sporting reach the quarters of Europe's elite club competition for the first time since 1983.

Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Sporting enter last 8 of Champions League. Two-time European champions Chelsea were not the only English club to be eliminated on Tuesday, with Manchester City losing 2-1 at home to Real as they went out 5-1 on aggregate.

Champions League | PSG, Real Madrid, Arsenal through last 8; Bodo/Glimt's fairy tale run ends

Barcelona snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat against Newcastle in Champions League R16 first match on Tuesday (Mar 10) at St James' Park but a Barca fan was left gutted. The Spanish fan, who had decided to travel from London to saw his team play, ended up 366 miles (590 km approx) away from the venue but still at St James Park. The stadium where he ended up going was Exeter City football club home ground - also called St James Park. The confusion arose from the same name of venues but as well as navigation skills of the fan. He, nonetheless, ended up watching a football match - Exeter vs Lincoln City - after the League One team's venue officials saw the confusion and tried to cheer up the sad fan.<h2>How did Barcelona fan end up going 366 miles away from venue of Newcastle Champions League match?</h2>Adam Spencer, Exeter’s supporter experience officer, explained the situation as reported by the Guradian and said: "My guess is he’d put St James Park in his phone and then just followed the directions from there. He was pretty gutted and a bit embarrassed. So we sorted him out a ticket and he got to watch a game at the real St James Park. He’d be welcome back any time."Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-watch-chelsea-s-pedro-neto-shoves-ball-boy-during-humiliating-loss-vs-psg-1773281509463">Champions League | Chelsea's Pedro Neto shoves ball boy during humiliating loss vs PSG</a>“One of our volunteers came to the office to let us know that this guy had turned up expecting to see FC ­Barcelona. His English wasn’t great, but from what we could gather, he’d come from London," Spencer also informed.<h2>What happened in the match?</h2>Newcastle United were on the verge of a famous win against Barcelona but teenager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-watch-lamine-yamal-saves-barcelona-vs-newcastle-in-historic-ucl-appearance-1773192698176">Lamine Yamal had different plans</a>. Yamal, the 18 and something superstar in making, came to the fore with a successful penalty kick of his own in the 96th minute to deny Newcastle a win. The Spanish player, aged only 18 years and 240 days, is now the youngest to play 30 UEFA Champions League matches and he celebrated it with a brilliant injury-time rescue act for his team.

 The confusion arose from the same name of venues but as well as navigation skills of the fan. He, nonetheless, ended up watching a football match - Exeter vs Lincold City - after the League One team's venue officials saw the confusion and tried to cheer up the sad Barcelona fan.

Barcelona snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat against Newcastle in Champions League R16 first match on Tuesday (Mar 10) at St James' Park but a Barca fan was left gutted. The Spanish fan, who had decided to travel from London to saw his team play, ended up 366 miles (590 km approx) away from the venue but still at St James Park. The stadium where he ended up going was Exeter City football club home ground - also called St James Park. The confusion arose from the same name of venues but as well as navigation skills of the fan. He, nonetheless, ended up watching a football match - Exeter vs Lincoln City - after the League One team's venue officials saw the confusion and tried to cheer up the sad fan. How did Barcelona fan end up going 366 miles away from venue of Newcastle Champions League match? Adam Spencer, Exeter’s supporter experience officer, explained the situation as reported by the Guradian and said: "My guess is he’d put St James Park in his phone and then just followed the directions from there. He was pretty gutted and a bit embarrassed. So we sorted him out a ticket and he got to watch a game at the real St James Park. He’d be welcome back any time." Also Watch - Champions League | Chelsea's Pedro Neto shoves ball boy during humiliating loss vs PSG “One of our volunteers came to the office to let us know that this guy had turned up expecting to see FC Barcelona. His English wasn’t great, but from what we could gather, he’d come from London," Spencer also informed. What happened in the match? Newcastle United were on the verge of a famous win against Barcelona but teenager Lamine Yamal had different plans. Yamal, the 18 and something superstar in making, came to the fore with a successful penalty kick of his own in the 96th minute to deny Newcastle a win. The Spanish player, aged only 18 years and 240 days, is now the youngest to play 30 UEFA Champions League matches and he celebrated it with a brilliant injury-time rescue act for his team.

&nbsp;The confusion arose from the same name of venues but as well as navigation skills of the fan. He, nonetheless, ended up watching a football match - Exeter vs Lincoln City - after the League One team's venue officials saw the confusion and tried to cheer up the sad Barcelona fan.

Champions League | A fan thought he was at St James' Park to watch Barcelona vs Newcastle. He was off 600 km

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