Chelsea suffered a humiliating 5-2 loss against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (Mar 11) in Champions League Round of 16 first leg match at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. The Chelsea players did not take the invitable loss very well in the dying moments of the match as Pedro Neto shoved a ball boy to get the ball. The behaviour sparked criticism and scolding from the PSG players on ground and later on, Pedro agreed to letting 'emotions' getting better of him. The loss has put Chelsea on brink of exit from the European supremacy tournament with little chance of overcoming the deficit in the second leg next week.<h2>Why Chelsea's Pedro shoved ball boy during Champions League R16 match?</h2>The ball went out of bounds in the last minutes of the game and Pedro tryied to get the ball in the quickly. In doing so, he overstepped his authority and shoved the ball boy to get the hold of the football. The ball boy was doing his job, picking up the ball and waiting for the player to come and collect, Pedro instead became physical to get it like a bullying kid playing on the street. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">O Pedro Neto empurrou o gandula pra pegar a bola 😳 <a href="https://t.co/FvJMRcMZ5S">pic.twitter.com/FvJMRcMZ5S</a>&mdash; DataFut (@DataFutebol) <a href="https://twitter.com/DataFutebol/status/2031865685425504648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-r16-real-madrid-trounce-man-city-psg-sink-chelsea-and-arsenal-draw-against-levekusen-1773278285948">Champions League R16 | Real Madrid trounce Man City, PSG sink Chelsea</a>The move triggred a righfully angered reaction from the PSG players who scolded the visiting footballer for his actions which sent the ball boy tumbling down towards the advertising boards.<h2>What did Pedro Neto say about shoving the ball boy?</h2>The Chelsea player, after the match, came to his senses and acknowledged his mistake. “I want to come out and apologize for what happened on the pitch,” Neto told TNT Sports after the game. “I’ve spoken with the ball boy. With the emotions of the game, we were losing, I wanted to pick up the ball. I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him and I am sorry, as I’m not like this."To make up for his mistake, the Chelsea player "gave him (ball boy) my shirt as well. He was happy that I gave him the shirt and said sorry like, 35 times."

Chelsea's Pedro Neto shoving the ball boy vs PSG in Champions League R16 match triggred a righfully angered reaction from the PSG players who scolded the visiting footballer for his actions which sent the ball boy tumbling down towards the advertising boards.

Chelsea suffered a humiliating 5-2 loss against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (Mar 11) in Champions League Round of 16 first leg match at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. The Chelsea players did not take the invitable loss very well in the dying moments of the match as Pedro Neto shoved a ball boy to get the ball. The behaviour sparked criticism and scolding from the PSG players on ground and later on, Pedro agreed to letting 'emotions' getting better of him. The loss has put Chelsea on brink of exit from the European supremacy tournament with little chance of overcoming the deficit in the second leg next week. Why Chelsea's Pedro shoved ball boy during Champions League R16 match? The ball went out of bounds in the last minutes of the game and Pedro tryied to get the ball in the quickly. In doing so, he overstepped his authority and shoved the ball boy to get the hold of the football. The ball boy was doing his job, picking up the ball and waiting for the player to come and collect, Pedro instead became physical to get it like a bullying kid playing on the street. Have a look at the video below:

Chelsea's Pedro Neto shoving the ball boy vs PSG in Champions League R16 match triggred a righfully angered reaction from the PSG players who scolded the visiting footballer for his actions which sent the ball boy tumbling down towards the advertising boards.

Champions League | WATCH - Chelsea's Pedro Neto shoves ball boy during humiliating loss vs PSG

Federico Valverde scored an unlikely hat-trick as Real Madrid trounced Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie Wednesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 5-2. Premier League leaders Arsenal snatched a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen to preserve their unbeaten record in Europe this season, while Bodo/Glimt continued their fairytale run with a 3-0 win over Sporting. Alvaro Arbeloa's record 15-time European champions avenged their loss to City in the league phase as Valverde struck three times in the first half to hand Madrid full control of the tie despite the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-will-replace-iran-at-fifa-world-cup-2026-after-sports-minister-cannot-participate-claim-iraq-uae-donald-trump-israel-us-war-west-asia-conflict-1773246224722">Who will replace Iran at FIFA World Cup after country’s sports minister’s ‘cannot participate’ claim?</a>"(It was) incredible, you dream of nights like this," Valverde told Movistar. "It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game like this."Valverde ran onto a long kick from Thibaut Courtois and dribbled past Gianluigi Donnarumma to slot home and give Madrid the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu against City as the teams met in a knockout tie for the fifth season running.The Uruguayan midfielder arrowed a low drive into the far corner to double Madrid's advantage and then completed his hat-trick with a sublime touch and finish after linking up with Brahim Diaz.City could have suffered an ever heavier defeat but Donnarumma saved a second-half penalty from Vinicius Junior after the City goalkeeper brought down the Brazilian."I had a feeling that we were better than the result said... but the result is here," City boss Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports, refusing to write off his team's chances next week."In football you never know. We will try."PSG have one foot in the quarter-finals after two late goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the Parc des Princes.Bradley Barcola fired PSG in front but Malo Gusto's scruffy effort skipped past Matfei Safonov to bring Chelsea level.Ousmane Dembele finished off a clinical counter to restore the lead for the hosts before half-time, only for Enzo Fernandez to reply once more for Chelsea after excellent work from Pedro Neto.A mistake from Filip Jorgensen saw Vitinha lob the Chelsea goalkeeper to put PSG on top for the third time, with Kvaratskhelia hammering in a superb fourth and then potentially applying the fatal blow for Luis Enrique's side in stoppage time."It is a special moment because we are maybe not quite as precise as usual..." said Luis Enrique, whose team have struggled to consistently replicate last season's form."There are all the comparisons with last year but it is impossible to be at that level... we are very resilient, I think that is a word which defines our team."Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior admitted his team paid the price for losing their composure late on."A very disappointing result in an evening where for so much of the game I was really happy. The last 15-20 minutes were crazy," he said."We need to be better with setbacks and we need to stay calm and we didn't."<h2>Arsenal leave it late</h2>Despite an unprecedented six English teams featuring in the last 16, not a single one won and only two avoided defeat in Europe this week.Arsenal needed an 89th-minute penalty from Kai Havertz against his former club to snatch a draw away to Bayer Leverkusen.Robert Andrich headed in a corner for Leverkusen moments into the second half to leave Arsenal, who won all eight of their league phase matches, staring at defeat in Germany.But Havertz came off the bench and converted from the spot after a foul on Noni Madueke to ensure Arsenal remain favourites to reach the quarter-finals."I know how hard it is to come here... and we knew what to expect," said Havertz."We didn't play our best today. But we're going home with a good result. We need to step on the gas next week."Bodo/Glimt enjoyed another remarkable Champions League night as they swept Portugal's Sporting aside 3-0 to register their fifth win in a row in the competition.Sondre Brunstad Fet put Bodo ahead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark and Ole Didrik Blomberg made it two in first-half injury time.Kasper Hogh scored his fifth goal in as many European games with 19 minutes remaining to spark wild celebrations for the Norwegian underdogs.

Arsenal snatched a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen to preserve their unbeaten record in Europe this season, while Bodo/Glimt continued their fairytale run with a 3-0 win over Sporting. Alvaro Arbeloa's record 15-time European champions avenged their loss to City in the league phase as Valverde struck three times in the first half to hand Madrid full control.

Federico Valverde scored an unlikely hat-trick as Real Madrid trounced Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie Wednesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 5-2. Premier League leaders Arsenal snatched a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen to preserve their unbeaten record in Europe this season, while Bodo/Glimt continued their fairytale run with a 3-0 win over Sporting. Alvaro Arbeloa's record 15-time European champions avenged their loss to City in the league phase as Valverde struck three times in the first half to hand Madrid full control of the tie despite the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe. Also Read - Who will replace Iran at FIFA World Cup after country’s sports minister’s ‘cannot participate’ claim? "(It was) incredible, you dream of nights like this," Valverde told Movistar. "It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game like this." Valverde ran onto a long kick from Thibaut Courtois and dribbled past Gianluigi Donnarumma to slot home and give Madrid the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu against City as the teams met in a knockout tie for the fifth season running. The Uruguayan midfielder arrowed a low drive into the far corner to double Madrid's advantage and then completed his hat-trick with a sublime touch and finish after linking up with Brahim Diaz. City could have suffered an ever heavier defeat but Donnarumma saved a second-half penalty from Vinicius Junior after the City goalkeeper brought down the Brazilian. "I had a feeling that we were better than the result said... but the result is here," City boss Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports, refusing to write off his team's chances next week. "In football you never know. We will try." PSG have one foot in the quarter-finals after two late goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the Parc des Princes. Bradley Barcola fired PSG in front but Malo Gusto's scruffy effort skipped past Matfei Safonov to bring Chelsea level. Ousmane Dembele finished off a clinical counter to restore the lead for the hosts before half-time, only for Enzo Fernandez to reply once more for Chelsea after excellent work from Pedro Neto. A mistake from Filip Jorgensen saw Vitinha lob the Chelsea goalkeeper to put PSG on top for the third time, with Kvaratskhelia hammering in a superb fourth and then potentially applying the fatal blow for Luis Enrique's side in stoppage time. "It is a special moment because we are maybe not quite as precise as usual..." said Luis Enrique, whose team have struggled to consistently replicate last season's form. "There are all the comparisons with last year but it is impossible to be at that level... we are very resilient, I think that is a word which defines our team." Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior admitted his team paid the price for losing their composure late on. "A very disappointing result in an evening where for so much of the game I was really happy. The last 15-20 minutes were crazy," he said. "We need to be better with setbacks and we need to stay calm and we didn't." Arsenal leave it late Despite an unprecedented six English teams featuring in the last 16, not a single one won and only two avoided defeat in Europe this week. Arsenal needed an 89th-minute penalty from Kai Havertz against his former club to snatch a draw away to Bayer Leverkusen. Robert Andrich headed in a corner for Leverkusen moments into the second half to leave Arsenal, who won all eight of their league phase matches, staring at defeat in Germany. But Havertz came off the bench and converted from the spot after a foul on Noni Madueke to ensure Arsenal remain favourites to reach the quarter-finals. "I know how hard it is to come here... and we knew what to expect," said Havertz. "We didn't play our best today. But we're going home with a good result. We need to step on the gas next week." Bodo/Glimt enjoyed another remarkable Champions League night as they swept Portugal's Sporting aside 3-0 to register their fifth win in a row in the competition. Sondre Brunstad Fet put Bodo ahead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark and Ole Didrik Blomberg made it two in first-half injury time. Kasper Hogh scored his fifth goal in as many European games with 19 minutes remaining to spark wild celebrations for the Norwegian underdogs.

Arsenal snatched a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen to preserve their unbeaten record in Europe this season, while Bodo/Glimt continued their fairytale run with a 3-0 win over Sporting. Alvaro Arbeloa's record 15-time European champions avenged their loss to City in the league phase as Valverde struck three times in the first half to hand Madrid full control.

Champions League R16 | Real Madrid trounce Man City, PSG sink Chelsea and Arsenal draw against Levekusen

Newcastle United were on the verge of a famous win against Barcelona in the Champions League R16 first leg match on Tuesday (Mar 10) at the St. James Park but teenager Lamine Yamal had different plans. There were no goals in the match till 86th minute when Harvey Barnes scored one for the home team, almost sealing a win. Yamal, the 18 and something superstar in making, however, came to the fore with a successful penalty kick of his own in the 96th minute to deny Newcastle a win. With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw, Barcelona will have the home advanatge in the second leg and the winner of the match will proceed to the next stage.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-fund-refunds-and-disciplinary-measures-what-happens-if-iran-pulls-out-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-1773118066659">What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026</a><h2>How Lamine Yamal saved Barcelona in historic UCL appearance</h2>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. Have a look at his penalty kick which saved Barcelona from embarrassment:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Hablemos de Lamine Yamal cojones de toro -18 años -Penalti al último minuto para empatarlo -Lo tira perfecto -Celebración histórica Jugador completamente histórico <a href="https://t.co/UCrP7yPA4p">pic.twitter.com/UCrP7yPA4p</a>&mdash; Jeff (@JeffFcb14) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffFcb14/status/2031489645398122633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Before Yamal, the youngest to play 30 UCL matches was Warren Zaire-Emery for Paris Saint-Germain who reached the milestone aged 19 years and 227 days. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was 20 years and 207 days when he played his 30th UEFA Champions League match.<h2>What's next for Barcelona and Newcastle</h2>Both the teams will play one fixture each before facing each other in the second leg of Round of 16 Champions League match. Newcastle will go to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday (Mar 14) before taking on Barcelona on Wednesday (Mar 18) at Camp Nou.As for Barca, the Spanis La Liga giants take on Sevilla on Sunday (Mar 15) at home before facing Newcastle United in hopes to make it to the last 8 of Champions League.

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 as Barcelona drew first leg of R16 Champions League match 1-1 vs Newcastle United.

Newcastle United were on the verge of a famous win against Barcelona in the Champions League R16 first leg match on Tuesday (Mar 10) at the St. James Park but teenager Lamine Yamal had different plans. There were no goals in the match till 86th minute when Harvey Barnes scored one for the home team, almost sealing a win. Yamal, the 18 and something superstar in making, however, came to the fore with a successful penalty kick of his own in the 96th minute to deny Newcastle a win. With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw, Barcelona will have the home advanatge in the second leg and the winner of the match will proceed to the next stage. Also Read - What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026 How Lamine Yamal saved Barcelona in historic UCL appearance 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. Have a look at his penalty kick which saved Barcelona from embarrassment:

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 as Barcelona drew first leg of R16 Champions League match 1-1 vs Newcastle United.

Champions League | WATCH - Lamine Yamal saves Barcelona vs Newcastle in historic UCL appearance

Lamine Yamal's last-gasp penalty earned Barcelona a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, while Liverpool lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul for the second time this season. Atletico Madrid piled more misery on Tottenham Hotspur by winning 5-2 on a nightmare evening for visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, while Bayern Munich are all but through to the quarter-finals after thrashing Atalanta 6-1 in Italy. At St James' Park, Newcastle were heading for a night to savour when Harvey Barnes broke the deadlock on 86 minutes as he turned in a Jacob Murphy cross for his sixth Champions League goal this season.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-fund-refunds-and-disciplinary-measures-what-happens-if-iran-pulls-out-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-1773118066659">What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026</a>However, Barcelona were awarded a penalty deep in injury time when Dani Olmo was tripped by Malick Thiaw and Yamal -- a peripheral figure throughout the game -- converted with the last kick of the match in the 96th minute.That will make Newcastle's task harder going to the Camp Nou for the return next Wednesday as they aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time."There's hope, of course there is. We believe in ourselves, we believe in our capabilities. I think we've shown that today," said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.The winners of that tie look likely to face Atletico in the last eight, after Diego Simeone's side tore apart Spurs at the Metropolitano, with Julian Alvarez scoring twice.It was a horrible night for struggling Tottenham and an especially dreadful one for their Czech goalkeeper Kinsky, whose two previous appearances this season had come in the League Cup.His slip when attempting to clear led to Marcos Llorente slotting in Atletico's sixth-minute opener, and Antoine Griezmann then took advantage of a Micky van de Ven slip to grab another for the hosts.The game was just 15 minutes old when Kinsky made a complete mess of an attempted first-time pass, gifting the ball to Alvarez for 3-0.The 22-year-old Kinsky's humiliation was compounded as he was then substituted by coach Igor Tudor, but replacement Guglielmo Vicario could not keep out Robin Le Normand's header to make it 4-0 midway through the first half.Pedro Porro pulled one back, but Alvarez ran half the length of the pitch following a superb Griezmann lay-off to get Atletico's fifth early in the second half.Dominic Solanke fired in on 76 minutes to make it 5-2, perhaps giving Spurs a glimmer of hope for the return.<h2>Brilliant Bayern hit six</h2>However, it is hard to see how they arrest a slump which has seen them lose all four games under new coach Tudor, and six on the bounce overall."Unfortunately, it happened in this big game, these mistakes. So we paid for this start of the game, it was too much for us," lamented Tudor, who said he needed to "preserve" the devastated Kinsky by taking him off."I've been coaching for 15 years, I've never done this. It was necessary to preserve the guy, preserve the team."Earlier, Liverpool lost by a single goal to Galatasaray, just as they had when the clubs met in Turkey in the league phase.Mario Lemina scored the only goal for the Turkish league leaders, heading in from close range after Victor Osinhen nodded down a corner.Osimhen had the ball in the net again in the second half, only for an offside decision to come to Liverpool's rescue.The Anfield side will need to do much better if they are to turn the tie around next week at home."It's already a difficult place to come to, but when you're 1-0 down it makes it even harder," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot.Bayern confirmed their status as one of the leading contenders to win the competition by crushing Atalanta in Bergamo, with Michael Olise in inspired form.Harry Kane played no part as Josip Stanisic tapped in an early opener and Olise applied a great finish to make it 2-0 midway through the first half.Olise set up Serge Gnabry to make it 3-0 before half-time, and the latter also hit the bar late in the first half.Nicolas Jackson got the fourth early in the second half, and the outstanding Olise curled in the fifth, his 15th of the season.Jamal Musiala netted the sixth, and there is surely no way back for Atalanta, even if Mario Pasalic got one back in stoppage time.

Atletico Madrid piled more misery on Tottenham Hotspur by winning 5-2 on a nightmare evening for visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, while Bayern Munich are all but through to the quarter-finals after thrashing Atalanta 6-1 in Italy

Lamine Yamal's last-gasp penalty earned Barcelona a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, while Liverpool lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul for the second time this season. Atletico Madrid piled more misery on Tottenham Hotspur by winning 5-2 on a nightmare evening for visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, while Bayern Munich are all but through to the quarter-finals after thrashing Atalanta 6-1 in Italy. At St James' Park, Newcastle were heading for a night to savour when Harvey Barnes broke the deadlock on 86 minutes as he turned in a Jacob Murphy cross for his sixth Champions League goal this season. Also Read - What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026 However, Barcelona were awarded a penalty deep in injury time when Dani Olmo was tripped by Malick Thiaw and Yamal -- a peripheral figure throughout the game -- converted with the last kick of the match in the 96th minute. That will make Newcastle's task harder going to the Camp Nou for the return next Wednesday as they aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time. "There's hope, of course there is. We believe in ourselves, we believe in our capabilities. I think we've shown that today," said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. The winners of that tie look likely to face Atletico in the last eight, after Diego Simeone's side tore apart Spurs at the Metropolitano, with Julian Alvarez scoring twice. It was a horrible night for struggling Tottenham and an especially dreadful one for their Czech goalkeeper Kinsky, whose two previous appearances this season had come in the League Cup. His slip when attempting to clear led to Marcos Llorente slotting in Atletico's sixth-minute opener, and Antoine Griezmann then took advantage of a Micky van de Ven slip to grab another for the hosts. The game was just 15 minutes old when Kinsky made a complete mess of an attempted first-time pass, gifting the ball to Alvarez for 3-0. The 22-year-old Kinsky's humiliation was compounded as he was then substituted by coach Igor Tudor, but replacement Guglielmo Vicario could not keep out Robin Le Normand's header to make it 4-0 midway through the first half. Pedro Porro pulled one back, but Alvarez ran half the length of the pitch following a superb Griezmann lay-off to get Atletico's fifth early in the second half. Dominic Solanke fired in on 76 minutes to make it 5-2, perhaps giving Spurs a glimmer of hope for the return. Brilliant Bayern hit six However, it is hard to see how they arrest a slump which has seen them lose all four games under new coach Tudor, and six on the bounce overall. "Unfortunately, it happened in this big game, these mistakes. So we paid for this start of the game, it was too much for us," lamented Tudor, who said he needed to "preserve" the devastated Kinsky by taking him off. "I've been coaching for 15 years, I've never done this. It was necessary to preserve the guy, preserve the team." Earlier, Liverpool lost by a single goal to Galatasaray, just as they had when the clubs met in Turkey in the league phase. Mario Lemina scored the only goal for the Turkish league leaders, heading in from close range after Victor Osinhen nodded down a corner. Osimhen had the ball in the net again in the second half, only for an offside decision to come to Liverpool's rescue. The Anfield side will need to do much better if they are to turn the tie around next week at home. "It's already a difficult place to come to, but when you're 1-0 down it makes it even harder," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot. Bayern confirmed their status as one of the leading contenders to win the competition by crushing Atalanta in Bergamo, with Michael Olise in inspired form. Harry Kane played no part as Josip Stanisic tapped in an early opener and Olise applied a great finish to make it 2-0 midway through the first half. Olise set up Serge Gnabry to make it 3-0 before half-time, and the latter also hit the bar late in the first half. Nicolas Jackson got the fourth early in the second half, and the outstanding Olise curled in the fifth, his 15th of the season. Jamal Musiala netted the sixth, and there is surely no way back for Atalanta, even if Mario Pasalic got one back in stoppage time.

Atletico Madrid piled more misery on Tottenham Hotspur by winning 5-2 on a nightmare evening for visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, while Bayern Munich are all but through to the quarter-finals after thrashing Atalanta 6-1 in Italy.

Champions League R16: Yamal saves Barca, Liverpool lose to Galatasaray and Atletico pile more misery on Spurs

English Premier League (PL) club Tottenham Hotspurs have been fined by the UEFA, European football governing body, for the Nazi salutes made by its fans against Eintracht Frankfurt during the Champions League fixture in January. Tottenham had won the match, played at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main on January 29, 2-0. During the match, the travelling fans had made the Nazi salutes gestures towards the home fans the the UEFA, after the investigation, had levied monetary charges on the Spurs along with being banned from selling tickets to away fans for one match in an UEFA fixture.<h2>UEFA fines Tottenham over fans' Nazi salute</h2>Announcing the repurcussion of its fans making the Nazi Saluet gestures, UEFA fined Hotspur €30,000 (£26,200/$35,100), to be paid to the European football's apex body. Along with it, a separate fine of €2,250 (£1,960/$2,630) was also levied for throwing of objects by fans.In addtion to the moetary charges,the apex organization also banned Hotspur from selling tickets to away fans for one UEFA fixture which will further hit their bank balance.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-world-cup-2026-to-be-sent-off-fifa-boss-infantino-on-players-covering-mouth-during-argument-in-tournament-1772513674075">Football World Cup 2026 | 'To be sent off': FIFA boss Infantino on players covering mouth during argument in tournament</a>Reacting to the incident, Hostpur said: "The club has cooperated fully with UEFA's investigation, as well as with German police on the night and, subsequently, the Met Police. We can confirm that all three individuals found to be making Nazi salutes towards Eintracht Frankfurt fans have been identified and have received indefinite bans under the Club's Sanctions and Banning Policy."<h2>Nazi Slautes becoming frequent in Champions League</h2>Apart from the Tottenham Hotspur match, Real Madrid vs Benfica second-leg match in Champions League knockout playoff also saw a fan doing the same gesture. Before the start of the second-leg match, the cameras panning on the spectators present in the stadium caught one of them gesturing a Nazi salute. The secutiy officials identified the person soon after the incident and the fan was subsequently ejected from the ground. The incident at the Santiago Bernabeu came after Real Madrid player Vinicus Jr was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first-leg match in Lisbon.

Tottenham had won the match, played at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main on January 29, 2-0. During the match, the travelling fans had made the Nazi salutes gestures towards the home fans the the UEFA, after the investigation, had levied monetary charges on the Spurs.

English Premier League (PL) club Tottenham Hotspurs have been fined by the UEFA, European football governing body, for the Nazi salutes made by its fans against Eintracht Frankfurt during the Champions League fixture in January. Tottenham had won the match, played at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main on January 29, 2-0. During the match, the travelling fans had made the Nazi salutes gestures towards the home fans the the UEFA, after the investigation, had levied monetary charges on the Spurs along with being banned from selling tickets to away fans for one match in an UEFA fixture. UEFA fines Tottenham over fans' Nazi salute Announcing the repurcussion of its fans making the Nazi Saluet gestures, UEFA fined Hotspur €30,000 (£26,200/$35,100), to be paid to the European football's apex body. Along with it, a separate fine of €2,250 (£1,960/$2,630) was also levied for throwing of objects by fans. In addtion to the moetary charges,the apex organization also banned Hotspur from selling tickets to away fans for one UEFA fixture which will further hit their bank balance. Also Read - Football World Cup 2026 | 'To be sent off': FIFA boss Infantino on players covering mouth during argument in tournament Reacting to the incident, Hostpur said: "The club has cooperated fully with UEFA's investigation, as well as with German police on the night and, subsequently, the Met Police. We can confirm that all three individuals found to be making Nazi salutes towards Eintracht Frankfurt fans have been identified and have received indefinite bans under the Club's Sanctions and Banning Policy." Nazi Slautes becoming frequent in Champions League Apart from the Tottenham Hotspur match, Real Madrid vs Benfica second-leg match in Champions League knockout playoff also saw a fan doing the same gesture. Before the start of the second-leg match, the cameras panning on the spectators present in the stadium caught one of them gesturing a Nazi salute. The secutiy officials identified the person soon after the incident and the fan was subsequently ejected from the ground. The incident at the Santiago Bernabeu came after Real Madrid player Vinicus Jr was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first-leg match in Lisbon.

Tottenham had won the match, played at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main on January 29, 2-0. During the match, the travelling fans had made the Nazi salutes gestures towards the home fans the the UEFA, after the investigation, had levied monetary charges on the Spurs.

Champions League | '$35k fine and banned from selling tickets': UEFA punishes Tottenham Hotspur for Nazi Salutes by fans

The Champions League Round of 16 has thrown up some interesting draws, as some heavyweights of the game are set to collide in the pre-quarterfinal stage. In the draws made on Friday (Feb 27), Man City have been drawn against Real Madrid, as the two rivals meet again, having also squared off in the league stage. In another tie, defending champions PSG face Chelsea in a repeat of the Club World Cup final. Spurs, on the other hand, have been paired off with Atletico Madrid as the two will meet for the first time in a competitive match since 1963.<h2>Real Madrid-Man City to face off again</h2>The Spanish giants, record 15-time European champions, will host City in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next month before travelling to England for the return the following week.&nbsp;The clubs have already played each other this season, with Pep Guardiola's City winning 2-1 in Madrid in December during the league phase, in which the Premier League club finished eighth and Real ninth.&nbsp;That allowed City, Champions League winners in 2023, to advance straight to the last 16 while Madrid had to come through the knockout phase play-offs, in which they beat Benfica 3-1 on aggregate.<h2>2025-26 Champions League round of 16: Full draw</h2>- PSG vs Chelsea- Galatasaray vs Liverpool- Real Madrid vs City- Atalanta vs Bayern Munich&nbsp;- Newcastle vs Barcelona- Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham- Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting- Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;PSG will be at home to Chelsea in the first leg after qualifying for this stage with a 5-4 aggregate win over Ligue 1 rivals Monaco in the play-offs. Chelsea progressed straight to the last 16 after finishing sixth in the league phase.&nbsp;There is a record total of six English clubs in the last 16. None will play each other in the last 16 but there are two potential all-English quarter-finals.&nbsp;Liverpool will have a last-16 rematch against Galatasaray, the Turkish giants having defeated the Anfield club 1-0 in September in the league phase.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Newcastle United will take on Barcelona with the first leg at St James' Park -- the Spanish side won 2-1 there during the league phase in September.&nbsp;Tottenham Hotspur were drawn to play Atletico Madrid, with the winners of that tie then facing Newcastle or Barcelona in the last eight.&nbsp;Arsenal, who finished first in the league phase, will come up against Bayer Leverkusen and if they win that would then be huge favourites in a quarter-final against Bodo/Glimt or Sporting of Portugal.

In the draws made on Friday (Feb 27), Man City have been drawn against Real Madrid, as the two rivals meet again, having also squared off in the league stage. In another tie, defending champions PSG face Chelsea in a repeat of the Club World Cup final. 

The Champions League Round of 16 has thrown up some interesting draws, as some heavyweights of the game are set to collide in the pre-quarterfinal stage. In the draws made on Friday (Feb 27), Man City have been drawn against Real Madrid, as the two rivals meet again, having also squared off in the league stage. In another tie, defending champions PSG face Chelsea in a repeat of the Club World Cup final. Spurs, on the other hand, have been paired off with Atletico Madrid as the two will meet for the first time in a competitive match since 1963. Real Madrid-Man City to face off again The Spanish giants, record 15-time European champions, will host City in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next month before travelling to England for the return the following week. The clubs have already played each other this season, with Pep Guardiola's City winning 2-1 in Madrid in December during the league phase, in which the Premier League club finished eighth and Real ninth. That allowed City, Champions League winners in 2023, to advance straight to the last 16 while Madrid had to come through the knockout phase play-offs, in which they beat Benfica 3-1 on aggregate. 2025-26 Champions League round of 16: Full draw - PSG vs Chelsea - Galatasaray vs Liverpool - Real Madrid vs City - Atalanta vs Bayern Munich - Newcastle vs Barcelona - Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham - Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting - Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds PSG will be at home to Chelsea in the first leg after qualifying for this stage with a 5-4 aggregate win over Ligue 1 rivals Monaco in the play-offs. Chelsea progressed straight to the last 16 after finishing sixth in the league phase. There is a record total of six English clubs in the last 16. None will play each other in the last 16 but there are two potential all-English quarter-finals. Liverpool will have a last-16 rematch against Galatasaray, the Turkish giants having defeated the Anfield club 1-0 in September in the league phase. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Meanwhile, Newcastle United will take on Barcelona with the first leg at St James' Park -- the Spanish side won 2-1 there during the league phase in September. Tottenham Hotspur were drawn to play Atletico Madrid, with the winners of that tie then facing Newcastle or Barcelona in the last eight. Arsenal, who finished first in the league phase, will come up against Bayer Leverkusen and if they win that would then be huge favourites in a quarter-final against Bodo/Glimt or Sporting of Portugal.

In the draws made on Friday (Feb 27), Man City have been drawn against Real Madrid, as the two rivals meet again, having also squared off in the league stage. In another tie, defending champions PSG face Chelsea in a repeat of the Club World Cup final.&nbsp;

Champions League: Man City-Real Madrid to square off in R16, PSG face Chelsea in high-voltage clash

The Real Madrid vs Benfica second-leg match in Champions League knockout playoff has eventually found something controversial to be associated with. The match, played at Santiago Bernabeu - home of Real Madrid, on Wednesday (Feb 25), saw one of the spectators raise a Nazi salute. The Spanish giants have launched a probe into the incident. In the first-leg of the playoff between the two teams, Real Madrid's Vinicus Jr was racially abused by Benfica player and the match was stopped good 10 minutes before restarting. As for the result Real Madrid won both the legs and advanced to the R16 with an aggregate score of 3-1.<h2>Another controversy hits Real Madrid vs Benfica</h2>Before the start of the second-leg match, the cameras panning on the spectators present in the stadium caught one of them gesturing a Nazi salute. The secutiy officials identified the person soon after the incident and the fan was subsequently ejected from the ground. The Spanish club issued a statement on the incident and informed asking the disciplinary committee "to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure" against the person concerned.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-how-round-of-16-draw-works-check-date-venue-and-all-possible-match-ups-1772091553761">Champions League - How round of 16 draw works? Check all possible match-ups</a>"Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society," the statement further read.<h2>Real Madrid vs Benfica first-leg controversy</h2>The incident at the Santiago Bernabeu came after Real Madrid player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-reveals-what-benfica-s-prestianni-said-to-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-in-alleged-racial-abuse-1771377432674">Vinicus Jr &nbsp;was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni</a> during the first-leg match in Lisbon. The match was stopped for 10 minutes before it started again and Vini ensured hsi team wins 1-0 before doing the same in Madrid on Feb 25.After the racism incident, UEFA provisonally banned Prestianni for one match pending a detailed investigation which could lead to futher punishment for the Benfica player, who denied racially abusing Vini Jr.<h2>Real Madrid in Champions League R16</h2>With the win in knockout playoffs, Real Madris will either face Sporting CP or Manchester City in the Round 16 which begins Mar 10. The draw for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-round-of-16-teams-bracket-draw-match-ups-and-knockout-playoff-results-1772080353341">Champions League R16</a> will be held on Friday (Feb 27) at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.&nbsp;

The match, played at Santiago Bernabeu - home of Real Madrid, on Wednesday (Feb 25), saw one of the spectators raise a Nazi salute. The Spanish giants have launched a probe into the incident. In the first-leg of the playoff between the two teams, Real Madrid's Vinicus Jr was racially abused.

The Real Madrid vs Benfica second-leg match in Champions League knockout playoff has eventually found something controversial to be associated with. The match, played at Santiago Bernabeu - home of Real Madrid, on Wednesday (Feb 25), saw one of the spectators raise a Nazi salute. The Spanish giants have launched a probe into the incident. In the first-leg of the playoff between the two teams, Real Madrid's Vinicus Jr was racially abused by Benfica player and the match was stopped good 10 minutes before restarting. As for the result Real Madrid won both the legs and advanced to the R16 with an aggregate score of 3-1. Another controversy hits Real Madrid vs Benfica Before the start of the second-leg match, the cameras panning on the spectators present in the stadium caught one of them gesturing a Nazi salute. The secutiy officials identified the person soon after the incident and the fan was subsequently ejected from the ground. The Spanish club issued a statement on the incident and informed asking the disciplinary committee "to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure" against the person concerned. Also Read - Champions League - How round of 16 draw works? Check all possible match-ups "Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society," the statement further read. Real Madrid vs Benfica first-leg controversy The incident at the Santiago Bernabeu came after Real Madrid player Vinicus Jr was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first-leg match in Lisbon. The match was stopped for 10 minutes before it started again and Vini ensured hsi team wins 1-0 before doing the same in Madrid on Feb 25. After the racism incident, UEFA provisonally banned Prestianni for one match pending a detailed investigation which could lead to futher punishment for the Benfica player, who denied racially abusing Vini Jr. Real Madrid in Champions League R16 With the win in knockout playoffs, Real Madris will either face Sporting CP or Manchester City in the Round 16 which begins Mar 10. The draw for Champions League R16 will be held on Friday (Feb 27) at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

The match, played at Santiago Bernabeu - home of Real Madrid, on Wednesday (Feb 25), saw one of the spectators raise a Nazi salute. The Spanish giants have launched a probe into the incident. In the first-leg of the playoff between the two teams, Real Madrid's Vinicus Jr was racially abused.

Champions League | 'Nazi salute after racism': Real Madrid vs Benfica second-leg also hit with controversy

Champions League <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-round-of-16-teams-bracket-draw-match-ups-and-knockout-playoff-results-1772080353341">knockout playoffs are done with eight teams qualifiying for the round of 16</a>. The 16 teams will now face each other in two-legged home and away fixtures format for a place in the quarterfinals. The draw for Champions League R16 will be held by UEFA on Friday (Feb 27) at the headquarter in Nyon, Siwtzerland. The eight teams qualified for R16 after knockout playoffs are: Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodo/Glimt, Atalanta, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Galatasaray. The top eight teams which qualified for R16 from the league phase are: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City.<h2>Champions League - How does round of 16 draw work?</h2>To determine the fixtures, top 8 seeded teams will be divided into four pairs of two teams each based on their seeding, i.e., 1 &amp; 2, 3 &amp; 4, 5 &amp; 6, and 7 &amp; 8. Each pair of two teams will be placed in the R16 against relevent winners of knockout playoffs, which are placed as per seeding from previous round to determine the playoff seeds.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jeremy-swayman-us-men-s-ice-hokcey-backup-goalie-calls-out-team-for-better-reaction-on-trump-s-remark-on-women-s-team-1772087072743">Jeremy Swayman, US men's ice hokcey backup goalie, calls out team's reaction on Trump's remark on women's team</a>The draw will then determine the side of bracket for each seeded team (1st game home or away), starting with the pair of 7 &amp; 8 seed teams and ending with 1 &amp; 2.One ball from each of four bowls of four pairs (in which top 8 seeded teams are divided) will be picked and the first team selected will then be placed on the reserved spot on silver side while the remaining team from the bowl of one pair will be placed on the blue side.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The road to Budapest 🛣️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/TzhBKnPqYR">pic.twitter.com/TzhBKnPqYR</a>&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/2026422882537001330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Champions League - Round of 16 match-ups</h2>Once the draw is done, following match-ups could take place in the R16 which starts March 10 before the QFs on April 7-8 (1st leg) and April 14-15 (2nd leg), semi-finals on April 28-29 (1st leg) and May 5-6 (2nd leg) and the final on May 30 at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Huagary.PSG vs. Barcelona or Chelsea Galatasaray vs. Liverpool or Tottenham Real Madrid vs. Sporting CP or Manchester City Atalanta vs. Arsenal or Bayern Munich Newcastle vs. Chelsea or Barcelona Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham or Liverpool Bodø-Glimt vs. Manchester City or Sporting CP Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich or Arsenal&nbsp;

The draw for Champions League R16 will be held on Friday (Feb 27) at the headquarter in Nyon, Siwtzerland. Once the draw is done, R16 starts Mar 10 before QFs on April 7-8 (1st leg) & April 14-15 (2nd leg), SFs on April 28-29 (1st leg) & May 5-6 (2nd leg) and the final on May 30.

Champions League knockout playoffs are done with eight teams qualifiying for the round of 16. The 16 teams will now face each other in two-legged home and away fixtures format for a place in the quarterfinals. The draw for Champions League R16 will be held by UEFA on Friday (Feb 27) at the headquarter in Nyon, Siwtzerland. The eight teams qualified for R16 after knockout playoffs are: Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodo/Glimt, Atalanta, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Galatasaray. The top eight teams which qualified for R16 from the league phase are: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City. Champions League - How does round of 16 draw work? To determine the fixtures, top 8 seeded teams will be divided into four pairs of two teams each based on their seeding, i.e., 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, and 7 & 8. Each pair of two teams will be placed in the R16 against relevent winners of knockout playoffs, which are placed as per seeding from previous round to determine the playoff seeds. Also Read - Jeremy Swayman, US men's ice hokcey backup goalie, calls out team's reaction on Trump's remark on women's team The draw will then determine the side of bracket for each seeded team (1st game home or away), starting with the pair of 7 & 8 seed teams and ending with 1 & 2. One ball from each of four bowls of four pairs (in which top 8 seeded teams are divided) will be picked and the first team selected will then be placed on the reserved spot on silver side while the remaining team from the bowl of one pair will be placed on the blue side.

The draw for Champions League R16 will be held on Friday (Feb 27) at the headquarter in Nyon, Siwtzerland. Once the draw is done, R16 starts Mar 10 before QFs on April 7-8 (1st leg) &amp; April 14-15 (2nd leg), SFs on April 28-29 (1st leg) &amp; May 5-6 (2nd leg) and the final on May 30.

Champions League - How round of 16 draw works? Check all possible match-ups

The UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs are done with eight teams finalized for a place in the last 16 along with eight directly qualified teams. Four spots were up for grabs on Wednesday (Feb 25) after Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, Leverkusen, and Bodo/Glimt qualifed on Tuesday (Feb 24). The remaining four spots went to Galatasary, Atalanta, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Real Madrid. All eight teams played two-legged playoffs for a place in the last 16 in home and away format. Now, the UEFS will hold a draw to determine the R16 fixtures- also played in two legs in home and away format with eight teams moving for the quarterfinals.<h2>Champions League - Which teams qualified for R16</h2>Eight teams were already in the R16 aftr finishing in top 8 of the league stage while eight teams played two-legged knockout playoffs for a place in final 16. Below are all the team which have qualifed for round of 16 Arsenal Bayern Munich Liverpool Tottenham Barcelona Chelsea Sporting CP Manchester City Atlético Madrid (won playoff vs. Club Brugge) Newcastle (won playoff vs. Qarabag) Bayer Leverkusen (won playoff vs. Olympiacos) Bodø/Glimt (won playoff vs. Inter) Atalanta (won playoff vs. Borussia Dortmund) Real Madrid (won playoff vs. Benfica) PSG (won playoff vs. Monaco) Galatasaray (won playoff vs. Juventus)Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-psg-advance-but-juventus-sent-packing-by-galatasaray-1772072168957">UCL: Real Madrid, PSG advance but Juventus sent packing by Galatasaray</a><h2>Champions League - Aggregate playoff scores of all teams</h2>16 teams played two-legged knockout playoffs in home and away format with eight coming out victorious. Below are the final aggregate scores of all the winning teams in knockout playoffs:Galatasaray 7, Juventus 5&nbsp; Real Madrid 3, Benfica 1 PSG 5, Monaco 4 Atalanta 4, Borussia Dortmund 3 Atlético Madrid 7, Club Brugge 4 Newcastle 9, Qarabag 3 Bodø/Glimt 5, Inter 2 Bayer Leverkusen 2, Olympiacos 0<h2>Champions League - Round of 16 match-ups</h2>The UEFA will hold a draw to determine the R16 fixtures which will also be played in two-legged home and away fixtures and the round begins on March 10. Below are the potential match-ups in the Round of 16:PSG vs. Barcelona or Chelsea Galatasaray vs. Liverpool or Tottenham Real Madrid vs. Sporting CP or Manchester City Atalanta vs. Arsenal or Bayern Munich Newcastle vs. Chelsea or Barcelona Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham or Liverpool Bodø-Glimt vs. Manchester City or Sporting CP Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich or Arsenal

<h2>Champions League - When is Round of 16 Draw</h2>The UEFA will hold Champions League R16 draw on Friday (Feb 27) at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland to determine the match-ups. Once the R16 matches are done, the QFs will be played on April 7-8 (1st leg) and April 14-15 (2nd leg).The semi-finals amonf top four will be played on April 28-29 (1st leg) and May 5-6 (2nd leg).<h2>Champions League - When and where is the final</h2>The Champions League final takes place at the Puskás Aréna on May 30 in Budapest, Huagary.&nbsp;

16 teams played two-legged knockout playoffs in home and away format with eight coming out victorious. The UEFA will hold Champions League R16 draw on Friday (Feb 27) at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland to determine the match-ups which start from March 10.

The UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs are done with eight teams finalized for a place in the last 16 along with eight directly qualified teams. Four spots were up for grabs on Wednesday (Feb 25) after Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, Leverkusen, and Bodo/Glimt qualifed on Tuesday (Feb 24). The remaining four spots went to Galatasary, Atalanta, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Real Madrid. All eight teams played two-legged playoffs for a place in the last 16 in home and away format. Now, the UEFS will hold a draw to determine the R16 fixtures- also played in two legs in home and away format with eight teams moving for the quarterfinals. Champions League - Which teams qualified for R16 Eight teams were already in the R16 aftr finishing in top 8 of the league stage while eight teams played two-legged knockout playoffs for a place in final 16. Below are all the team which have qualifed for round of 16 Arsenal Bayern Munich Liverpool Tottenham Barcelona Chelsea Sporting CP Manchester City Atlético Madrid (won playoff vs. Club Brugge) Newcastle (won playoff vs. Qarabag) Bayer Leverkusen (won playoff vs. Olympiacos) Bodø/Glimt (won playoff vs. Inter) Atalanta (won playoff vs. Borussia Dortmund) Real Madrid (won playoff vs. Benfica) PSG (won playoff vs. Monaco) Galatasaray (won playoff vs. Juventus) Also Read - UCL: Real Madrid, PSG advance but Juventus sent packing by Galatasaray Champions League - Aggregate playoff scores of all teams 16 teams played two-legged knockout playoffs in home and away format with eight coming out victorious. Below are the final aggregate scores of all the winning teams in knockout playoffs: Galatasaray 7, Juventus 5 Real Madrid 3, Benfica 1 PSG 5, Monaco 4 Atalanta 4, Borussia Dortmund 3 Atlético Madrid 7, Club Brugge 4 Newcastle 9, Qarabag 3 Bodø/Glimt 5, Inter 2 Bayer Leverkusen 2, Olympiacos 0 Champions League - Round of 16 match-ups The UEFA will hold a draw to determine the R16 fixtures which will also be played in two-legged home and away fixtures and the round begins on March 10. Below are the potential match-ups in the Round of 16: PSG vs. Barcelona or Chelsea Galatasaray vs. Liverpool or Tottenham Real Madrid vs. Sporting CP or Manchester City Atalanta vs. Arsenal or Bayern Munich Newcastle vs. Chelsea or Barcelona Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham or Liverpool Bodø-Glimt vs. Manchester City or Sporting CP Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich or Arsenal

16 teams played two-legged knockout playoffs in home and away format with eight coming out victorious. The UEFA will hold Champions League R16 draw on Friday (Feb 27) at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland to determine the match-ups which start from March 10.

Champions League - Which teams qualifed for R16? Check all playoff results and future schedule

Norway's Bodo/Glimt have written history after sending Italian giant Inter Milan crashing out of the ongoing Champions League. Bodo, playing their first Champions League season, did the unthinkable with 3-1 win at San Siro on Tuesday (Feb 24), ensuring an aggregate 5-2 victory against the last season's runners-up. Bodo are now the first Norwegian team to reach the last 16 of Champions League and first overall in the European Cup since Lillestrom did so in 1987-98. Bodo have been on giant-killing spree this season, beating Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in group stage before bringing out their best in the playoffs. For Bodo, Sondre Brunsted (20th minute), Jens Petter Hauge (61st minute), and Kasper Hogh (64th minute) scored a goal each in the second leg while Pio Esposito was the only one to score for three-time winners Inter in the 30th minute.<h2>Bodo's historic night at San Siro in Champions League playoffs</h2>"It is a historical moment for Bodo and I think also for Norwegian football," said team Kjetil Knutsen. For Bodo, Hauge has been effective throughout the season, scoring six goals so far - the most for a Norwegian player for a Norwegian club in a single edition of the European Cup/Champions League.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-lionel-messi-luis-suarez-antoine-griezmann-becomes-latest-la-liga-icon-to-eye-mls-move-orlando-city-1771935541442">After Messi, Griezmann becomes latest La Liga icon to eye MLS move – Report</a>"It sounds not true, but we are there, among the last teams in the competition," said Hauge on the victory at San Siro - &nbsp;his home while playing for AC Milan for two years. "It will be really exciting to see what the next two games bring."With the win, Bodo also became the first team outside top five European leagues to win four consecutive matches in European Cup/Champions League season against the teams from top five league - Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), Serie &nbsp;(Italy), Ligue 1 (France), Bundesliga (Germany).<h2>What next for Bodo/Glimt</h2>The players were ecstatic after the win and celebrated by thumping lockers in the locker room at San Siro to celebrate their sensational victory. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kjør da Champions League🤌 <a href="https://t.co/otRfzR0Qu4">pic.twitter.com/otRfzR0Qu4</a>&mdash; FK Bodø/Glimt (@Glimt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Glimt/status/2026421019448140218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bodo will now either face Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspurs in the next round of Champions League - hoping to create more history in their giant killing spree.

For Bodo, Sondre Brunsted (20th minute), Jens Petter Hauge (61st minute), and Kasper Hogh (64th minute) scored a goal each in the second leg on Tuesday (Feb 24) while Pio Esposito was the only one to score for three-time winners Inter in the 30th minute.

Norway's Bodo/Glimt have written history after sending Italian giant Inter Milan crashing out of the ongoing Champions League. Bodo, playing their first Champions League season, did the unthinkable with 3-1 win at San Siro on Tuesday (Feb 24), ensuring an aggregate 5-2 victory against the last season's runners-up. Bodo are now the first Norwegian team to reach the last 16 of Champions League and first overall in the European Cup since Lillestrom did so in 1987-98. Bodo have been on giant-killing spree this season, beating Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in group stage before bringing out their best in the playoffs. For Bodo, Sondre Brunsted (20th minute), Jens Petter Hauge (61st minute), and Kasper Hogh (64th minute) scored a goal each in the second leg while Pio Esposito was the only one to score for three-time winners Inter in the 30th minute. Bodo's historic night at San Siro in Champions League playoffs "It is a historical moment for Bodo and I think also for Norwegian football," said team Kjetil Knutsen. For Bodo, Hauge has been effective throughout the season, scoring six goals so far - the most for a Norwegian player for a Norwegian club in a single edition of the European Cup/Champions League. Also Read - After Messi, Griezmann becomes latest La Liga icon to eye MLS move – Report "It sounds not true, but we are there, among the last teams in the competition," said Hauge on the victory at San Siro - his home while playing for AC Milan for two years. "It will be really exciting to see what the next two games bring." With the win, Bodo also became the first team outside top five European leagues to win four consecutive matches in European Cup/Champions League season against the teams from top five league - Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), Serie (Italy), Ligue 1 (France), Bundesliga (Germany). What next for Bodo/Glimt The players were ecstatic after the win and celebrated by thumping lockers in the locker room at San Siro to celebrate their sensational victory. Have a look at the video below:

For Bodo, Sondre Brunsted (20th minute), Jens Petter Hauge (61st minute), and Kasper Hogh (64th minute) scored a goal each in the second leg on Tuesday (Feb 24) while Pio Esposito was the only one to score for three-time winners Inter in the 30th minute.

Champions League | 'Sounds not true': How Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt created history with win over Inter

Norway's Bodo/Glimt pulled off one of the most remarkable results in modern Champions League history on Tuesday, beating last season's runners-up Inter Milan 2-1 at San Siro to reach the last 16 with a 5-2 aggregate triumph, while Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen also went through. Bodo/Glimt, the modest outfit from north of the Arctic Circle, were looking to follow up their stunning 3-1 win last week in Norway in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off tie. Inter, the three-time European champions who are currently 10 points clear at the top of Serie A, were expected to pummel their visitors in an attempt to turn the tie around. But Bodo/Glimt survived at the back before finishing off the tie in the second half.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-lionel-messi-luis-suarez-antoine-griezmann-becomes-latest-la-liga-icon-to-eye-mls-move-orlando-city-1771935541442">After Messi, Griezmann becomes latest La Liga icon to eye MLS move – Report</a>Jens Petter Hauge, who played for AC Milan in 2020/21, gave his team the lead just before the hour mark after a mistake by Manuel Akanji had allowed Ole Blomberg in for an initial shot which was saved.Hakon Evjen made it 2-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate, leaving Inter with too much to do, even if Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back with a shot that just crossed the line.Bodo/Glimt, who had won four Norwegian Eliteserien titles in five years before finishing as runners-up last season to Viking Stavanger, are the first side from the country to go so far in Europe's elite club competition since Rosenborg reached the quarter-finals in 1997."For us it's been unbelievable. We knew it would be very hard against Inter who are a very strong team and played in the final last season," said Hauge.They will find out their last-16 opponents on Friday but already know it will either be Sporting of Portugal or Manchester City next -- they defeated City 3-1 at home last month during the league phase.What makes their success all the more striking is that Kjetil Knutsen's team are currently in their off-season, with the Norwegian league ending in late November and the new campaign not beginning until mid-March.For Inter, exiting at this stage is a bitter blow after they made the final last season only to suffer a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.<h2>Sorloth hat-trick</h2>Newcastle followed their 6-1 win away to Qarabag in Azerbaijan in last week's first leg with a 3-2 victory in the return at St James' Park, as Eddie Howe's team ensured there will be six English clubs in the next round.Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both scored inside the opening six minutes, leaving Qarabag facing another heavy defeat.However, Camilo Duran pulled one back early in the second half. Sven Botman headed in Newcastle's third, but Elvin Jafarguliyev made it 3-2 as he followed in to score after Marko Jankovic's penalty was saved.Newcastle can now look forward to a heavyweight tie in the next round against either Chelsea or Barcelona."I think if you look at the score over the two legs it's been fantastic from the players even though today feels like a bit of a hollow win for us," said Howe.Atletico had been held to a 3-3 draw by Club Brugge in Belgium last week but they ran out 4-1 winners in Tuesday's return in the Spanish capital to advance 7-4 on aggregate.Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth was the star of the show with a hat-trick, including the opener midway through the first half which came from a long kick downfield by goalkeeper Jan Oblak.Joel Ordonez headed the away side level before the break, but USA international Johnny Cardoso restored Atletico's lead just after the interval.Sorloth scored his second and Atletico's third on the night on 76 minutes after a brilliant one-two between Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann. Sorloth then completed his hat-trick to round out the scoring with his 15th of the season in all competitions.Diego Simeone's team will play either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool in the next round."I'm not thinking about Liverpool or Tottenham, I'm enjoying today's game and being in the last 16 for another season is very important," Simeone told broadcaster Movistar.Meanwhile, Leverkusen followed a 2-0 win away to Olympiacos in Greece last week with a 0-0 draw at home in the return.The 2024 German champions now face a huge test next against either Arsenal or Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

Inter, the three-time European champions who are currently 10 points clear at the top of Serie A, were expected to pummel their visitors in an attempt to turn the tie around. But Bodo/Glimt survived at the back before finishing off the tie in the second half.

Norway's Bodo/Glimt pulled off one of the most remarkable results in modern Champions League history on Tuesday, beating last season's runners-up Inter Milan 2-1 at San Siro to reach the last 16 with a 5-2 aggregate triumph, while Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen also went through. Bodo/Glimt, the modest outfit from north of the Arctic Circle, were looking to follow up their stunning 3-1 win last week in Norway in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off tie. Inter, the three-time European champions who are currently 10 points clear at the top of Serie A, were expected to pummel their visitors in an attempt to turn the tie around. But Bodo/Glimt survived at the back before finishing off the tie in the second half. Also Read - After Messi, Griezmann becomes latest La Liga icon to eye MLS move – Report Jens Petter Hauge, who played for AC Milan in 2020/21, gave his team the lead just before the hour mark after a mistake by Manuel Akanji had allowed Ole Blomberg in for an initial shot which was saved. Hakon Evjen made it 2-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate, leaving Inter with too much to do, even if Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back with a shot that just crossed the line. Bodo/Glimt, who had won four Norwegian Eliteserien titles in five years before finishing as runners-up last season to Viking Stavanger, are the first side from the country to go so far in Europe's elite club competition since Rosenborg reached the quarter-finals in 1997. "For us it's been unbelievable. We knew it would be very hard against Inter who are a very strong team and played in the final last season," said Hauge. They will find out their last-16 opponents on Friday but already know it will either be Sporting of Portugal or Manchester City next -- they defeated City 3-1 at home last month during the league phase. What makes their success all the more striking is that Kjetil Knutsen's team are currently in their off-season, with the Norwegian league ending in late November and the new campaign not beginning until mid-March. For Inter, exiting at this stage is a bitter blow after they made the final last season only to suffer a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Sorloth hat-trick Newcastle followed their 6-1 win away to Qarabag in Azerbaijan in last week's first leg with a 3-2 victory in the return at St James' Park, as Eddie Howe's team ensured there will be six English clubs in the next round. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both scored inside the opening six minutes, leaving Qarabag facing another heavy defeat. However, Camilo Duran pulled one back early in the second half. Sven Botman headed in Newcastle's third, but Elvin Jafarguliyev made it 3-2 as he followed in to score after Marko Jankovic's penalty was saved. Newcastle can now look forward to a heavyweight tie in the next round against either Chelsea or Barcelona. "I think if you look at the score over the two legs it's been fantastic from the players even though today feels like a bit of a hollow win for us," said Howe. Atletico had been held to a 3-3 draw by Club Brugge in Belgium last week but they ran out 4-1 winners in Tuesday's return in the Spanish capital to advance 7-4 on aggregate. Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth was the star of the show with a hat-trick, including the opener midway through the first half which came from a long kick downfield by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Joel Ordonez headed the away side level before the break, but USA international Johnny Cardoso restored Atletico's lead just after the interval. Sorloth scored his second and Atletico's third on the night on 76 minutes after a brilliant one-two between Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann. Sorloth then completed his hat-trick to round out the scoring with his 15th of the season in all competitions. Diego Simeone's team will play either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool in the next round. "I'm not thinking about Liverpool or Tottenham, I'm enjoying today's game and being in the last 16 for another season is very important," Simeone told broadcaster Movistar. Meanwhile, Leverkusen followed a 2-0 win away to Olympiacos in Greece last week with a 0-0 draw at home in the return. The 2024 German champions now face a huge test next against either Arsenal or Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

Inter, the three-time European champions who are currently 10 points clear at the top of Serie A, were expected to pummel their visitors in an attempt to turn the tie around. But Bodo/Glimt survived at the back before finishing off the tie in the second half.

Champions League play-offs: Bodo/Glimt show exit door to last season runners-up Inter Milan

Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to fire Manchester United up to fourth in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Everton to extend Michael Carrick's unbeaten start in charge of the Red Devils. Sesko is yet to start in Carrick's six games but has hit top form since Ruben Amorim was sacked in last month. The Slovenian, who scored just twice in his first 22 appearances after a £74 million ($100 million) move from RB Leipzig, has netted six goals in his last seven games.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/benfica-winger-gianluca-prestianni-handed-provisional-ban-by-uefa-over-alleged-racism-incident-towards-real-madrid-s-vinicius-1771858990111">Benfica winger Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over racism incident</a>Victory lifts United three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League, with only the top five set to qualify.The quality of the United move that led to the winner 19 minutes from time was out of character with an otherwise uninspired 90 minutes.Everton have now failed to win in seven home games as they struggle to adapt to life at their new 52,000 capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium.David Moyes' men missed the chance to move up to seventh as they remain on the fringes of the fight for a place in Europe next season.Everton won 1-0 when the sides last met at Old Trafford in November despite playing almost the entire match a man down.United have been transformed since former midfielder Carrick took the reins, but lacked rhythm as both sides played for the first time in 13 days.Jordan Pickford saved from Amad Diallo inside two minutes with the only notable chance of the first half.Bryan Mbeumo was preferred again ahead of Sesko in a centre forward role and missed his one opportunity early in the second period when he blasted over from a narrow angle.But Mbeumo did have a part to play in a brilliant team move to earn the visitors all three points.Sesko laid the ball off to Matheus Cunha deep inside his own half before sprinting downfield to slot in Mbeumo's perfectly-weighted pass.United had to see out a late Everton rally as Senne Lammens tipped over Michael Keane's piledriver from long range.But after keeping just two clean sheets all season prior to Amorim's departure, they have kept three in six under Carrick to close in on a return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons.

Victory lifts United three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League, with only the top five set to qualify.

Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to fire Manchester United up to fourth in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Everton to extend Michael Carrick's unbeaten start in charge of the Red Devils. Sesko is yet to start in Carrick's six games but has hit top form since Ruben Amorim was sacked in last month. The Slovenian, who scored just twice in his first 22 appearances after a £74 million ($100 million) move from RB Leipzig, has netted six goals in his last seven games. Also Read - Benfica winger Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over racism incident Victory lifts United three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League, with only the top five set to qualify. The quality of the United move that led to the winner 19 minutes from time was out of character with an otherwise uninspired 90 minutes. Everton have now failed to win in seven home games as they struggle to adapt to life at their new 52,000 capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium. David Moyes' men missed the chance to move up to seventh as they remain on the fringes of the fight for a place in Europe next season. Everton won 1-0 when the sides last met at Old Trafford in November despite playing almost the entire match a man down. United have been transformed since former midfielder Carrick took the reins, but lacked rhythm as both sides played for the first time in 13 days. Jordan Pickford saved from Amad Diallo inside two minutes with the only notable chance of the first half. Bryan Mbeumo was preferred again ahead of Sesko in a centre forward role and missed his one opportunity early in the second period when he blasted over from a narrow angle. But Mbeumo did have a part to play in a brilliant team move to earn the visitors all three points. Sesko laid the ball off to Matheus Cunha deep inside his own half before sprinting downfield to slot in Mbeumo's perfectly-weighted pass. United had to see out a late Everton rally as Senne Lammens tipped over Michael Keane's piledriver from long range. But after keeping just two clean sheets all season prior to Amorim's departure, they have kept three in six under Carrick to close in on a return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons.

Victory lifts United three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League, with only the top five set to qualify.

Premier League: Win over Everton puts Man Utd ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea in race for Champions League spot

Newcastle's Anthony Gordon rewrote history on Wednesday (Feb 18) against Qarabag in Champions League play-off leg 1 match in Baku. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout Champions League match. Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round, barring an unlikely miracle from Qarabag next week at the home of Magpies. With four goals in the match, Gordon also took his goal tally in the ongoing Champions League season to 10 - second only to Harry Kane. Gordon has already Alan Shearer (6) for most goals by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League season.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-round-up-norway-s-bodo-glimt-stun-inter-milan-atletico-held-to-draw-1771463007266">UCL round-up: Norway's Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, Atletico held to draw</a><h2>Gordon creates history for Newcastle vs Qarabag</h2>Gordon scored his first goal in the third minute of the match which was followed by &nbsp;Malick Thiaw's goal five minutes later. With Magpies leading 2-0 in less than 10 minutes into the match, Gordon scored on a penalty in the 32nd minute and scored another goal in the next minute to complete his hattrick. He's only the third Newcastle player to score a hattrick in a Champions League match and the first one to do in a knockout round. Gordon completed his dream half with a goal on another penalty in the stoppage time as his side led 5-0 going into the half-time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ A fantastic four for <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonygordon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anthonygordon</a>! ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/vzdq9QtsOc">pic.twitter.com/vzdq9QtsOc</a>&mdash; Newcastle United (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/2024227169556451508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the second half, Elvin Cafarguliyev scored the only goal for Qarabag int he 54th minute while Jacob Murphy added the sixth one for Newcastle in the 72nd minute.<h2>Gordon speaks on making Champions League history</h2>"The records are nice, of course, but football is about the team," Gordon told UEFA.com after the win. "Individual moments only matter if the team succeeds and tonight, that was the most important thing."I'm very proud, not just of myself, but of everyone involved. It's never easy to come here, so I'm really happy for the whole group," he added.

Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout match.

Newcastle's Anthony Gordon rewrote history on Wednesday (Feb 18) against Qarabag in Champions League play-off leg 1 match in Baku. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout Champions League match. Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round, barring an unlikely miracle from Qarabag next week at the home of Magpies. With four goals in the match, Gordon also took his goal tally in the ongoing Champions League season to 10 - second only to Harry Kane. Gordon has already Alan Shearer (6) for most goals by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League season. Also Read - UCL round-up: Norway's Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, Atletico held to draw Gordon creates history for Newcastle vs Qarabag Gordon scored his first goal in the third minute of the match which was followed by Malick Thiaw's goal five minutes later. With Magpies leading 2-0 in less than 10 minutes into the match, Gordon scored on a penalty in the 32nd minute and scored another goal in the next minute to complete his hattrick. He's only the third Newcastle player to score a hattrick in a Champions League match and the first one to do in a knockout round. Gordon completed his dream half with a goal on another penalty in the stoppage time as his side led 5-0 going into the half-time.

Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout match.

Champions League | 'Fantastic Four night': Gordon creates history in Newcastle vs Qarabag with 33-minute hattrick

Ginaluca Prestianni has refuted all allegations of hurling racial abuse at Vinicius Jr. in Benfica vs Real Madrid in Champions League play-off leg 1 match on Tuesday (Feb 17) at Estadio da Luz. Benfica has also released a video of the exact moment Vini Jr ran to referee Francois Letexier to complain. In the video shared by Benfica, who lost the match 0-1, the club says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Vini Jr's teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-reveals-what-benfica-s-prestianni-said-to-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-in-alleged-racial-abuse-1771377432674">Kylian Mbappe, however, has said that he heard Argentine Prestianni abuse Brazilian Vini</a> and called for banning the Benfica player from Champions League. Real Madrid, meanwhile, won the match 1-0 with Vini Jr. scoring the goal.<h2>Benfica releases video of alleged racial abuse moment in Champions League match vs Real Madrid</h2>The incident happened shortly after Vini scored the goal in the 50th minute. He can been being congratulated by his teammates and then immediately looks in direction of Prestianni, who is standing at a distance with t-shirt over is mouth. Vini and Prestianni exchange words and then the Real Madrid player runs to referee who makes a cross-arm gesture to indicate racism. Watch the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Como demonstram as imagens, dada a distância, os jogadores do Real Madrid não podem ter ouvido o que andam a dizer que ouviram. <a href="https://t.co/7JF9AVuhEM">pic.twitter.com/7JF9AVuhEM</a>&mdash; SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLBenfica/status/2023943527906844839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-how-psg-s-subsitute-doue-flipped-script-on-monaco-after-folarin-balogun-s-historic-brace-1771380180428">UCL: How PSG's Doue flipped script on Monaco after Balogun's historic brace</a>After the match, Vinicius called out the abuse faced by him and called the racists 'cowards'. Prestianni, three hours later, offered a statement on social media and wrote: "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone."<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-benfica-coach-mourinho-tries-to-justify-alleged-racial-abuse-vs-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-1771384511397">Mourinho blames Vini's goal celebration</a></h2>"There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always," said Mourinho at after-match press conference. The Benfica coac also said that Vinicus incited the crowd with his 'disrespectful celebration' after the goal."Yes. I believe so," Mourinho responded when asked if thought Vinicius incited the crowd with his goal celebration. Both, Vinicius and Mourinho were seen talking to each other during the incident which halted the match for 10 minutes.

Benfica says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Prestianni, in a statement on social media, denied charges and wrote: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius.”

Ginaluca Prestianni has refuted all allegations of hurling racial abuse at Vinicius Jr. in Benfica vs Real Madrid in Champions League play-off leg 1 match on Tuesday (Feb 17) at Estadio da Luz. Benfica has also released a video of the exact moment Vini Jr ran to referee Francois Letexier to complain. In the video shared by Benfica, who lost the match 0-1, the club says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Vini Jr's teammate Kylian Mbappe, however, has said that he heard Argentine Prestianni abuse Brazilian Vini and called for banning the Benfica player from Champions League. Real Madrid, meanwhile, won the match 1-0 with Vini Jr. scoring the goal. Benfica releases video of alleged racial abuse moment in Champions League match vs Real Madrid The incident happened shortly after Vini scored the goal in the 50th minute. He can been being congratulated by his teammates and then immediately looks in direction of Prestianni, who is standing at a distance with t-shirt over is mouth. Vini and Prestianni exchange words and then the Real Madrid player runs to referee who makes a cross-arm gesture to indicate racism. Watch the video below:

Benfica says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Prestianni, in a statement on social media, denied charges and wrote: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius.”

Champions League | 'Never been racist': Prestianni on racism claims against Vinicius Jr as Benfica releases video in support

The Champions League defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had their hearts in mouth on play-off leg 1 match against Monaco on Tuesday (Feb 17). PSG were 0-2 down, thanks to a historic brace by Folarin Balogun, but managed to turn around things and eventually won 3-2 in the away match. For PSG, substitute Desire Doue scored twice - in 29th and the match-winner in 67th minute while Achraf Hakimi's goal in the 41st minute ensure that his team doesn't go into the half time with a deficit. The PSG's win meant Balogun, who became the first American to score a brace in a Champions League, did so in a losing cause.<h2>PSG substitue flips script on Monaco</h2>Monaco, the Ligue 1 rivals of PSG, had a dream start when Balogun scored a goal in the first minute of the match. He took Monaco to 2-0 with another goal in the 18th minute and PSG were left in disbelief. PSG coach Luis Enrique then did something which turned out to be match-winning. Enrique's PSG called in Desire Doue in place of Ousmane Dembele in the 27th minute and voila - two minutes later the subsitute scored the first goal for PSG. With nearly four minutes of regulation time left in the first half, Hakimi joined the party and scored the equalizer for PSG, ensuring the scores stay level going into the half-time.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-bash-league-set-for-india-debut-in-chennai-cricket-australia-exploring-move-report-1771337677785">BBL set for India debut in Chennai? Cricket Australia exploring move: Report</a>The second half started just opposite of first half for Monaco. In the 48th minute, Aleksandr Golovin was sent off the field after getting a red-card for a poor tackle on Vitinha. Against a 10-man Monaco, PSG took full advantage as Doue scored his second goal in the 67th minute take the team ahead. PSG didn't allow the lead the slip in the remaining time and ensured a stunning comeback win was theirs when the final whistle blew.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-reveals-what-benfica-s-prestianni-said-to-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-in-alleged-racial-abuse-1771377432674">Racism allegations hit Real Madrid vs Benfica</a></h2>Real Madrid's Vinicius alleged that 20-year-old Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni used racial taunts and went to referee Francois Letexier who made the cross arm gesture to indicate racial abuse has happened in the match. Real, however, won the match 1-0, thanks to the 50th minute goal by Vinicius Jr.

Against a 10-man Monaco, PSG took full advantage as Doue scored his second goal in the 67th minute take the team ahead. PSG didn't allow the lead the slip in the remaining time and ensured a stunning comeback win was theirs when the final whistle blew.

The Champions League defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had their hearts in mouth on play-off leg 1 match against Monaco on Tuesday (Feb 17). PSG were 0-2 down, thanks to a historic brace by Folarin Balogun, but managed to turn around things and eventually won 3-2 in the away match. For PSG, substitute Desire Doue scored twice - in 29th and the match-winner in 67th minute while Achraf Hakimi's goal in the 41st minute ensure that his team doesn't go into the half time with a deficit. The PSG's win meant Balogun, who became the first American to score a brace in a Champions League, did so in a losing cause. PSG substitue flips script on Monaco Monaco, the Ligue 1 rivals of PSG, had a dream start when Balogun scored a goal in the first minute of the match. He took Monaco to 2-0 with another goal in the 18th minute and PSG were left in disbelief. PSG coach Luis Enrique then did something which turned out to be match-winning. Enrique's PSG called in Desire Doue in place of Ousmane Dembele in the 27th minute and voila - two minutes later the subsitute scored the first goal for PSG. With nearly four minutes of regulation time left in the first half, Hakimi joined the party and scored the equalizer for PSG, ensuring the scores stay level going into the half-time. Also Read - BBL set for India debut in Chennai? Cricket Australia exploring move: Report The second half started just opposite of first half for Monaco. In the 48th minute, Aleksandr Golovin was sent off the field after getting a red-card for a poor tackle on Vitinha. Against a 10-man Monaco, PSG took full advantage as Doue scored his second goal in the 67th minute take the team ahead. PSG didn't allow the lead the slip in the remaining time and ensured a stunning comeback win was theirs when the final whistle blew. Racism allegations hit Real Madrid vs Benfica Real Madrid's Vinicius alleged that 20-year-old Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni used racial taunts and went to referee Francois Letexier who made the cross arm gesture to indicate racial abuse has happened in the match. Real, however, won the match 1-0, thanks to the 50th minute goal by Vinicius Jr.

Against a 10-man Monaco, PSG took full advantage as Doue scored his second goal in the 67th minute take the team ahead. PSG didn't allow the lead the slip in the remaining time and ensured a stunning comeback win was theirs when the final whistle blew.

Champions League: How PSG's substitute Doue flipped script on Monaco after Folarin Balogun's historic brace

The Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League play-off leg 1 match turned ugly on Tuesday (Feb 17) at Estadio da Luz after Real's Vinicius Jr. was allegedly abuses with racial taunts by an opposition player. The Real Madrid players, along with Kylian Mbappe, showed solidarity with Vini and left the field as well. The match was halted for 10 minutes just after Vinicius scored the only goal of the match across both sides. Vinicius alleged that 20-year-old Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni used racial taunts and went to referee Francois Letexier who made the cross arm gesture to indicate racial abuse has happened in the match. Real, however, won the match 1-0, thanks to the 50th minute goal by Vinicius Jr.<h2>What did Prestianni say to Vinicus Jr.?</h2>After the match, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe hit out at Prestianni for the racial abuse against Vinicius Jr. Calling for a permanent ban on him, Mbappe revealed: "The Benfica player wearing no.25 (Prestianni), I won't say his name because he doesn't deserve it.... he puts his shirt over his mouth to say, 'Vini is a monkey' five times. I heard it... this player does not deserve to play in the Champions League."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-play-off-leg-1-results-today-real-madrid-beat-benfica-psg-beat-monaco-dortmund-beat-atalanta-galatasaray-stun-juventus-1771374795215">Champions League Play-off Leg 1: Real Madrid, PSG and Dortmund win, Galatasaray stun Juventus</a>Vinicius Jr. also called out the racism, a repeated thing against him, and wrote on Instagram: "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them," read a part of the post. Have a look at the video of aftermath of incident:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨🛑 Vinicius Jr tells the referee and then José Mourinho that Gianluca Prestianni has racially abused him. Vini said Prestianni racially insulted while covering his mouth with the shirt.<a href="https://twitter.com/JosePadi_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JosePadi_</a> 🎥 <a href="https://t.co/ffhgLgWB1P">pic.twitter.com/ffhgLgWB1P</a>&mdash; Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2023873593504133199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is the punishment of racism in UEFA Champions League matches?</h2>As per UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations, Article 14 on racism and other discriminatory conduct, player found guilty of racist behavior - such as insulting the human dignity of a person or group on grounds including race, skin color, ethnic origin, etc.- incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the match, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe hit out at Prestianni for the racial abuse against Vinicius Jr. Calling for a permanent ban on him. Vinicius Jr. also called out the racism, a repeated thing against him, and wrote on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”

The Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League play-off leg 1 match turned ugly on Tuesday (Feb 17) at Estadio da Luz after Real's Vinicius Jr. was allegedly abuses with racial taunts by an opposition player. The Real Madrid players, along with Kylian Mbappe, showed solidarity with Vini and left the field as well. The match was halted for 10 minutes just after Vinicius scored the only goal of the match across both sides. Vinicius alleged that 20-year-old Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni used racial taunts and went to referee Francois Letexier who made the cross arm gesture to indicate racial abuse has happened in the match. Real, however, won the match 1-0, thanks to the 50th minute goal by Vinicius Jr. What did Prestianni say to Vinicus Jr.? After the match, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe hit out at Prestianni for the racial abuse against Vinicius Jr. Calling for a permanent ban on him, Mbappe revealed: "The Benfica player wearing no.25 (Prestianni), I won't say his name because he doesn't deserve it.... he puts his shirt over his mouth to say, 'Vini is a monkey' five times. I heard it... this player does not deserve to play in the Champions League." Also Read - Champions League Play-off Leg 1: Real Madrid, PSG and Dortmund win, Galatasaray stun Juventus Vinicius Jr. also called out the racism, a repeated thing against him, and wrote on Instagram: "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them," read a part of the post. Have a look at the video of aftermath of incident:

After the match, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe hit out at Prestianni for the racial abuse against Vinicius Jr. Calling for a permanent ban on him. Vinicius Jr. also called out the racism, a repeated thing against him, and wrote on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”

Champions League: Real Madrid players leave field after Vinicius Jr. faces alleged racial abuse by Benfica's Prestianni

Vinicius Junior scored and then alleged he had been racially abused during Real Madrid's 1-0 win away to Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, while Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to beat Monaco 3-2. Elsewhere, Galatasaray stunned Juventus, beating the Italians 5-2 in Istanbul, and Borussia Dortmund seized the upper hand in their tie against Atalanta with a 2-0 first-leg victory.Madrid headed to Lisbon to play Benfica less than three weeks after a dramatic 4-2 defeat away to the same opponents, when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning late goal to take the Portuguese side through to the knock-out stages and force Real to drop into the play-offs.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-knocked-out-of-t20-world-cup-2026-as-zimbabwe-qualify-from-group-b-1771329953409">Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Zimbabwe qualify from Group B</a>Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was hoping to again inspire his current side to victory against the club he coached from 2010 to 2013, but the night was instead overshadowed by the alleged racist abuse reported by Vinicius.The Brazilian scored a superb goal early in the second half, arrowing his shot into the top corner. His moment of brilliance, though, quickly became controversial when he was booked for his dancing celebration in front of the crowd.That booking sparked an exchange with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who pulled his shirt over his mouth before appearing to say something to Vinicius.The Real forward then ran over to referee Francois Letexier and, pointing at Prestianni, seemed to claim he had been called "mono", the Spanish word for monkey.That led to a hold-up of several minutes before the game resumed, with Vinicius then being jeered by the home fans.Mourinho was then sent off in the final stages of a spiky game for complaining too vociferously as he appealed for a second yellow card for Vinicius, meaning he will not be on the touchline for the second leg at the Bernabeu next week.The long stoppage led to 12 minutes of added-on time, but Benfica could not use them to find an equaliser, and face an uphill struggle in the Spanish capital next week."(What happened) is something that nobody likes, you have to ask the Benfica player what he said," Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa told broadcaster Movistar."(Racism) is something we have to eradicate from the world of football and if the players don't fix it then this is very complicated."<h2>Galatasaray stun Juventus</h2>In Monaco, reigning European champions PSG recovered from a shambolic start as Desire Doue inspired a comeback from two goals down to beat the principality side.United States star Folarin Balogun opened the scoring after just 55 seconds and found the net again on 18 minutes to put Monaco in control.Vitinha then missed a chance for PSG to reduce the deficit when he had a penalty saved and last year's Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele came off injured before the half-hour mark, but his replacement Doue was the hero.He pulled one back within two minutes of coming on, and then helped set up Achraf Hakimi for the equaliser just before the break.Monaco then had Aleksandr Golovin sent off right at the start of the second half for a challenge on Vitinha before Doue got the winner on 67 minutes."He is an incredible player and a different player. I am very pleased for him because he deserved it," PSG coach Luis Enrique told broadcaster Canal Plus of Doue.Earlier Galatasaray produced a rousing performance to beat Juventus 5-2 in a pulsating contest in Turkey, with Noa Lang scoring twice for the hosts.Gabriel Sara put the home team in front but Teun Koopmeiners scored twice to put Juventus ahead at the break.However, Lang made it 2-2 just after half-time and Davinson Sanchez put Galatasaray back in the lead before Juventus had Juan Cabal sent off.Lang got his second and substitute Sacha Boey sealed the win to leave two-time champions Juventus facing an uphill struggle in next week's return.Dortmund, beaten finalists in 2024, are on course to eliminate another Italian team after beating Atalanta 2-0 with Serhou Guirassy opening the scoring early on.His 16th goal of the season was followed by a Maximilian Beier strike just before the break.

Champions League Play-off Leg 1: Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0, PSG beat Monaco 3-2, Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta 2-0 while Galatasaray stun Juventus 5-2.

Vinicius Junior scored and then alleged he had been racially abused during Real Madrid's 1-0 win away to Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, while Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to beat Monaco 3-2. Elsewhere, Galatasaray stunned Juventus, beating the Italians 5-2 in Istanbul, and Borussia Dortmund seized the upper hand in their tie against Atalanta with a 2-0 first-leg victory. Madrid headed to Lisbon to play Benfica less than three weeks after a dramatic 4-2 defeat away to the same opponents, when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning late goal to take the Portuguese side through to the knock-out stages and force Real to drop into the play-offs. Also Read - Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Zimbabwe qualify from Group B Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was hoping to again inspire his current side to victory against the club he coached from 2010 to 2013, but the night was instead overshadowed by the alleged racist abuse reported by Vinicius. The Brazilian scored a superb goal early in the second half, arrowing his shot into the top corner. His moment of brilliance, though, quickly became controversial when he was booked for his dancing celebration in front of the crowd. That booking sparked an exchange with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who pulled his shirt over his mouth before appearing to say something to Vinicius. The Real forward then ran over to referee Francois Letexier and, pointing at Prestianni, seemed to claim he had been called "mono", the Spanish word for monkey. That led to a hold-up of several minutes before the game resumed, with Vinicius then being jeered by the home fans. Mourinho was then sent off in the final stages of a spiky game for complaining too vociferously as he appealed for a second yellow card for Vinicius, meaning he will not be on the touchline for the second leg at the Bernabeu next week. The long stoppage led to 12 minutes of added-on time, but Benfica could not use them to find an equaliser, and face an uphill struggle in the Spanish capital next week. "(What happened) is something that nobody likes, you have to ask the Benfica player what he said," Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa told broadcaster Movistar. "(Racism) is something we have to eradicate from the world of football and if the players don't fix it then this is very complicated." Galatasaray stun Juventus In Monaco, reigning European champions PSG recovered from a shambolic start as Desire Doue inspired a comeback from two goals down to beat the principality side. United States star Folarin Balogun opened the scoring after just 55 seconds and found the net again on 18 minutes to put Monaco in control. Vitinha then missed a chance for PSG to reduce the deficit when he had a penalty saved and last year's Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele came off injured before the half-hour mark, but his replacement Doue was the hero. He pulled one back within two minutes of coming on, and then helped set up Achraf Hakimi for the equaliser just before the break. Monaco then had Aleksandr Golovin sent off right at the start of the second half for a challenge on Vitinha before Doue got the winner on 67 minutes. "He is an incredible player and a different player. I am very pleased for him because he deserved it," PSG coach Luis Enrique told broadcaster Canal Plus of Doue. Earlier Galatasaray produced a rousing performance to beat Juventus 5-2 in a pulsating contest in Turkey, with Noa Lang scoring twice for the hosts. Gabriel Sara put the home team in front but Teun Koopmeiners scored twice to put Juventus ahead at the break. However, Lang made it 2-2 just after half-time and Davinson Sanchez put Galatasaray back in the lead before Juventus had Juan Cabal sent off. Lang got his second and substitute Sacha Boey sealed the win to leave two-time champions Juventus facing an uphill struggle in next week's return. Dortmund, beaten finalists in 2024, are on course to eliminate another Italian team after beating Atalanta 2-0 with Serhou Guirassy opening the scoring early on. His 16th goal of the season was followed by a Maximilian Beier strike just before the break.

Champions League Play-off Leg 1: Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0, PSG beat Monaco 3-2, Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta 2-0 while Galatasaray stun Juventus 5-2.

Champions League Play-off Leg 1: Real Madrid, PSG and Dortmund win, Galatasaray stun Juventus

Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona booked last-16 places in the Champions League on Wednesday, as holders Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid missed out on the top eight. Premier League champions Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 in the eighth and final round of league-phase matches at Anfield to finish third in the 36-team table behind already-qualified Arsenal and Bayern Munich. They were joined in the last 16 by Tottenham, Barca, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and Man City.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-as-we-build-towards-2027-odi-wc-stokes-joins-england-lions-coaching-staff-1769613773362">'As we build towards 2027 ODI WC': Stokes joins England Lions coaching staff</a>But holders PSG will have to go through the knockout play-off round, as they did en route to glory last season, after a 1-1 home draw with Newcastle.Record 15-time winners Real Madrid also missed out on direct last-16 qualification in a dramatic 4-2 loss at former coach Jose Mourinho's Benfica, who snatched the final play-off spot thanks to a 98th-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.Liverpool forged ahead against Qarabag with a scrappy goal from Alexis Mac Allister before Florian Wirtz slotted in a second.Mohamed Salah curled in from the edge of the box after Dominik Szoboszlai laid off a free-kick early in the second half and Hugo Ekitike raced clear to make it four.Mac Allister completed a brace and substitute Federico Chiesa rounded off the rout."Hopefully (we can reach) the final," Mac Allister told uefa.com. "We know what we're capable of."Man City, Champions League winners in 2023, saw off Galatasaray 2-0 at the Etihad to grab eighth place with goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.Barcelona, semi-finalists last season, came from behind to beat FC Copenhagen 4-1 at the Camp Nou, finishing fifth in the table.Barca were stunned by a fourth-minute goal from 17-year-old Viktor Dadason, but Robert Lewandowski levelled shortly after half-time.Lamine Yamal put Barca ahead with a shot that took a big deflection, before Raphinha's 69th-minute penalty and a late free-kick from Marcus Rashford secured the Spanish champions a last-16 berth.Tottenham beat already-eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in Germany to take fourth, courtesy of goals from strikers Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke.Chelsea made it five English teams straight through to the last 16, knocking Serie A title holders Napoli out of the competition with a 3-2 win.Enzo Fernandez put Chelsea in front from the penalty spot but Antonio Vergara scored his first goal for Napoli to revive his team's hopes of reaching the knock-out phase.Hosts Napoli completed the first-half turnaround when Rasmus Hojlund crashed in a close-range shot.But they were knocked out of the top 24 by Joao Pedro's second-half double, a thumping strike followed by a cool finish on the counter.Sporting Lisbon were the surprise top-eight finishers as they twice fought back to win 3-2 at Athletic Bilbao.<h2>Real face play-offs after 'keeper drama</h2>Real Madrid took the lead against Benfica when Kylian Mbappe headed home his 12th Champions League goal of the season.But Benfica hit back before the break through Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis's penalty.Schjelderup drilled in his second early in the second period, although Real pulled one back through Mbappe, leaving Benfica needing to score again to pip Marseille to the last play-off spot.Both Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off to leave Real down to nine men in injury time, and Trubin sensationally headed home a free-kick with the last touch of the game.Real will face either a rematch with Benfica or a tie with Bodo/Glimt, who won 2-1 at Atletico Madrid, in the next round."I think we were far from the level we need to show," said new Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa.Newcastle and PSG will both go into the play-offs, against either Qarabag or Monaco, after a stalemate at the Parc des Princes.Nick Pope made an excellent save to keep out Ousmane Dembele's spot-kick, but PSG soon took the lead through Vitinha's low strike from the edge of the box.Newcastle managed to stay in the game and equalised in first-half added time, as Joe Willock arrived late in the box to head in a Dan Burn flick-on."It's always difficult when you have expectations to be in the top eight," PSG coach Luis Enrique told TNT Sports."Newcastle is a very good side... But we need to improve."<h2>Inter, Juve miss top eight</h2>Inter Milan failed to seal a top-eight berth despite a 2-0 success over Borussia Dortmund, as did Juventus after their goalless draw at Monaco.Atletico, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge and Galatasaray are the other sides into the play-off round.Arsenal made it eight wins from eight to wrap up top spot with a 4-1 victory over Kairat Almaty, while Bayern saw off PSV Eindhoven 2-1 with a winner from Harry Kane, knocking their Dutch opponents out of the competition.

Record 15-time winners Real Madrid also missed out on direct last-16 qualification in a dramatic 4-2 loss at former coach Jose Mourinho's Benfica, who snatched the final play-off spot thanks to a 98th-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona booked last-16 places in the Champions League on Wednesday, as holders Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid missed out on the top eight. Premier League champions Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 in the eighth and final round of league-phase matches at Anfield to finish third in the 36-team table behind already-qualified Arsenal and Bayern Munich. They were joined in the last 16 by Tottenham, Barca, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and Man City. Also Read: 'As we build towards 2027 ODI WC': Stokes joins England Lions coaching staff But holders PSG will have to go through the knockout play-off round, as they did en route to glory last season, after a 1-1 home draw with Newcastle. Record 15-time winners Real Madrid also missed out on direct last-16 qualification in a dramatic 4-2 loss at former coach Jose Mourinho's Benfica, who snatched the final play-off spot thanks to a 98th-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Liverpool forged ahead against Qarabag with a scrappy goal from Alexis Mac Allister before Florian Wirtz slotted in a second. Mohamed Salah curled in from the edge of the box after Dominik Szoboszlai laid off a free-kick early in the second half and Hugo Ekitike raced clear to make it four. Mac Allister completed a brace and substitute Federico Chiesa rounded off the rout. "Hopefully (we can reach) the final," Mac Allister told uefa.com. "We know what we're capable of." Man City, Champions League winners in 2023, saw off Galatasaray 2-0 at the Etihad to grab eighth place with goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. Barcelona, semi-finalists last season, came from behind to beat FC Copenhagen 4-1 at the Camp Nou, finishing fifth in the table. Barca were stunned by a fourth-minute goal from 17-year-old Viktor Dadason, but Robert Lewandowski levelled shortly after half-time. Lamine Yamal put Barca ahead with a shot that took a big deflection, before Raphinha's 69th-minute penalty and a late free-kick from Marcus Rashford secured the Spanish champions a last-16 berth. Tottenham beat already-eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in Germany to take fourth, courtesy of goals from strikers Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke. Chelsea made it five English teams straight through to the last 16, knocking Serie A title holders Napoli out of the competition with a 3-2 win. Enzo Fernandez put Chelsea in front from the penalty spot but Antonio Vergara scored his first goal for Napoli to revive his team's hopes of reaching the knock-out phase. Hosts Napoli completed the first-half turnaround when Rasmus Hojlund crashed in a close-range shot. But they were knocked out of the top 24 by Joao Pedro's second-half double, a thumping strike followed by a cool finish on the counter. Sporting Lisbon were the surprise top-eight finishers as they twice fought back to win 3-2 at Athletic Bilbao. Real face play-offs after 'keeper drama Real Madrid took the lead against Benfica when Kylian Mbappe headed home his 12th Champions League goal of the season. But Benfica hit back before the break through Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis's penalty. Schjelderup drilled in his second early in the second period, although Real pulled one back through Mbappe, leaving Benfica needing to score again to pip Marseille to the last play-off spot. Both Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off to leave Real down to nine men in injury time, and Trubin sensationally headed home a free-kick with the last touch of the game. Real will face either a rematch with Benfica or a tie with Bodo/Glimt, who won 2-1 at Atletico Madrid, in the next round. "I think we were far from the level we need to show," said new Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Newcastle and PSG will both go into the play-offs, against either Qarabag or Monaco, after a stalemate at the Parc des Princes. Nick Pope made an excellent save to keep out Ousmane Dembele's spot-kick, but PSG soon took the lead through Vitinha's low strike from the edge of the box. Newcastle managed to stay in the game and equalised in first-half added time, as Joe Willock arrived late in the box to head in a Dan Burn flick-on. "It's always difficult when you have expectations to be in the top eight," PSG coach Luis Enrique told TNT Sports. "Newcastle is a very good side... But we need to improve." Inter, Juve miss top eight Inter Milan failed to seal a top-eight berth despite a 2-0 success over Borussia Dortmund, as did Juventus after their goalless draw at Monaco. Atletico, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge and Galatasaray are the other sides into the play-off round. Arsenal made it eight wins from eight to wrap up top spot with a 4-1 victory over Kairat Almaty, while Bayern saw off PSV Eindhoven 2-1 with a winner from Harry Kane, knocking their Dutch opponents out of the competition.

Record 15-time winners Real Madrid also missed out on direct last-16 qualification in a dramatic 4-2 loss at former coach Jose Mourinho's Benfica, who snatched the final play-off spot thanks to a 98th-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

UEFA Champions League: Liverpool, Man City, Barcelona in last 16, PSG & Real Madrid miss top 8 berth

The Champions League group stage is set for a crucial run-in ahead of the final matchday in the league phase, with all 36 teams set to be in action at the same time. The final matchday will be played on Wednesday (Jan 28) as teams across the continent are set to learn their fate. So ahead of the final day of the league phase of the Champions League, here’s all you need to know, including teams qualified for R16, teams seeking a playoff berth and teams already out of the race.<h2>Who is playing in the R16?</h2>As things stand on Friday (Jan 23), only two teams have booked their place in the R16, as table-toppers Arsenal and Bayern Munich are already through. According to the Champions League format, only the top eight teams directly qualify for the Round of 16, while teams ranking 9 to 24 play in the Playoff round. This means six spots in the direct R16 qualification will be decided on the final matchday, with Arsenal and Bayern already in the pot.<h2>Who can join Arsenal, Bayern?</h2>Currently, Real Madrid (15 points), Liverpool (15 points), Tottenham Hotspur (14 points), Paris Saint-Germain (13 points), Newcastle United (13 points) and Chelsea (13 points) are in pole position to reach the R16. However, since PSG and Newcastle are meeting in a head-to-head contest, Barcelona (13 points) can also book their place in the R16 with a win and doesn’t have to depend on other results to reach the phase.&nbsp;However, results on the final matchday could see 18th placed Qarabag also finish in the top eight as very little margin separates teams in the mid-table. In fact teams ranked fifth to 13th are only separated by goal difference.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>Team already qualified for R16</h2>Arsenal, Bayern Munich<h2>Teams that can directly qualify for R16</h2>Real Madrid, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, Man City, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, Qarabag.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a><h2>Teams that can only qualify for the Playoffs</h2>Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, PSV, Athletic Bilbao, Olympiacos, Napoli, Copenhagen, Club Burgge, Bodo/Glimt, Benfica, Pafos, Union Saint-Gilloise, Ajax<h2>Teams knocked out</h2>Eintracht Frankfurt, Salvia Praha, Villareal, FC Kairat

According to the Champions League format, only the top eight teams directly qualify for the Round of 16, while teams ranking 9 to 24 play in the Playoff round.

The Champions League group stage is set for a crucial run-in ahead of the final matchday in the league phase, with all 36 teams set to be in action at the same time. The final matchday will be played on Wednesday (Jan 28) as teams across the continent are set to learn their fate. So ahead of the final day of the league phase of the Champions League, here’s all you need to know, including teams qualified for R16, teams seeking a playoff berth and teams already out of the race. Who is playing in the R16? As things stand on Friday (Jan 23), only two teams have booked their place in the R16, as table-toppers Arsenal and Bayern Munich are already through. According to the Champions League format, only the top eight teams directly qualify for the Round of 16, while teams ranking 9 to 24 play in the Playoff round. This means six spots in the direct R16 qualification will be decided on the final matchday, with Arsenal and Bayern already in the pot. Who can join Arsenal, Bayern? Currently, Real Madrid (15 points), Liverpool (15 points), Tottenham Hotspur (14 points), Paris Saint-Germain (13 points), Newcastle United (13 points) and Chelsea (13 points) are in pole position to reach the R16. However, since PSG and Newcastle are meeting in a head-to-head contest, Barcelona (13 points) can also book their place in the R16 with a win and doesn’t have to depend on other results to reach the phase. However, results on the final matchday could see 18th placed Qarabag also finish in the top eight as very little margin separates teams in the mid-table. In fact teams ranked fifth to 13th are only separated by goal difference. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Team already qualified for R16 Arsenal, Bayern Munich Teams that can directly qualify for R16 Real Madrid, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, Man City, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, Qarabag. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Teams that can only qualify for the Playoffs Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, PSV, Athletic Bilbao, Olympiacos, Napoli, Copenhagen, Club Burgge, Bodo/Glimt, Benfica, Pafos, Union Saint-Gilloise, Ajax Teams knocked out Eintracht Frankfurt, Salvia Praha, Villareal, FC Kairat

According to the Champions League format, only the top eight teams directly qualify for the Round of 16, while teams ranking 9 to 24 play in the Playoff round.

Champions League: Here's all you need to know about R16, Playoff qualifications

Barcelona stay afloat for a top-eight finish in the Champions League phase following their crucial away win at Slavia Prague on Wednesday (Jan 21). Fermin Lopez’s first-half brace and one goal each by Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski in the second half helped the Catalans win 4-2. This win, however, propels them up to the ninth position, with 13 points from seven contested matches, tying them with three teams ahead of them in the standings. Barcelona will next face Copenhagen at home in their final league phase next week.&nbsp;"I'm happy that we came back and the team played really good and I also think at the end we deserved the points," Barca coach Hansi Flick told reporters. "We didn't start well in this Champions League, but at the end we still have the chance to reach the (top) eight and this is what we want, because then we'll have two games less," he added.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-round-up-liverpool-cruise-as-bayern-munich-enter-last-16-caicedo-guides-chelsea-home-1769052487375">Champions League round-up: Liverpool cruise as Bayern Munich enter last 16; Caicedo guides Chelsea home</a>&nbsp;The La Liga champions returned to winning ways on a freezing night in Prague after Sunday's La Liga loss at Real Sociedad ended a run of 11 successive victories.&nbsp;Reigning Czech champions Slavia, returning from a winter break, had previously only managed three draws and two goals in the Champions League this season. But they took the lead on 10 minutes as striker Vasil Kusej forced the ball across the goal line at the far post after Tomas Holes's glancing header from a corner.&nbsp;Lopez pulled Barca level in the 34th minute following a pass from skipper Frenkie de Jong that found him unmarked in the box. He then gave the Catalans the lead eight minutes later with a low shot that caught Slavia goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek unprepared. But Slavia drew level just before half-time as Lewandowski deflected a corner into Joan Garcia's net.&nbsp;Olmo spared Barca blushes as he blasted superbly into the top corner in the 63rd minute, three minutes after replacing Pedri who had limped off the pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch Olmo's goal -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Special Olmo strike 😍 Clever Szoboszlai free-kick 🧠 Lovely Fermin finish 👏 Clinical Serrano volley 🎯 Favourite goal? 🤔<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/SeT56FCahl">pic.twitter.com/SeT56FCahl</a>&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/2014115930020675616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And Lewandowski found the right net on 71 minutes when he slotted home from close range from a Marcus Rashford pass.&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Placed ninth on the Champions League standings, former champions Barcelona has one game left in the league phase to push for a top-eight finish.

Barcelona stay afloat for a top-eight finish in the Champions League phase following their crucial away win at Slavia Prague on Wednesday (Jan 21). Fermin Lopez’s first-half brace and one goal each by Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski in the second half helped the Catalans win 4-2. This win, however, propels them up to the ninth position, with 13 points from seven contested matches, tying them with three teams ahead of them in the standings. Barcelona will next face Copenhagen at home in their final league phase next week. "I'm happy that we came back and the team played really good and I also think at the end we deserved the points," Barca coach Hansi Flick told reporters. "We didn't start well in this Champions League, but at the end we still have the chance to reach the (top) eight and this is what we want, because then we'll have two games less," he added. Also read | Champions League round-up: Liverpool cruise as Bayern Munich enter last 16; Caicedo guides Chelsea home The La Liga champions returned to winning ways on a freezing night in Prague after Sunday's La Liga loss at Real Sociedad ended a run of 11 successive victories. Reigning Czech champions Slavia, returning from a winter break, had previously only managed three draws and two goals in the Champions League this season. But they took the lead on 10 minutes as striker Vasil Kusej forced the ball across the goal line at the far post after Tomas Holes's glancing header from a corner. Lopez pulled Barca level in the 34th minute following a pass from skipper Frenkie de Jong that found him unmarked in the box. He then gave the Catalans the lead eight minutes later with a low shot that caught Slavia goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek unprepared. But Slavia drew level just before half-time as Lewandowski deflected a corner into Joan Garcia's net. Olmo spared Barca blushes as he blasted superbly into the top corner in the 63rd minute, three minutes after replacing Pedri who had limped off the pitch. Watch Olmo's goal -

Placed ninth on the Champions League standings, former champions Barcelona has one game left in the league phase to push for a top-eight finish.

Champions League: Barcelona inch closer to last-8 finish with comfortable win at Prague

European giants Liverpool and Bayern Munich advanced into the Champions League last 16 after their latest wins late on Wednesday (Jan 21). While the Premier League team won 3-0 in Marseille, Harry Kane’s brace earned Munich a comfortable 2-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Arne Slot’s Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches across all competitions since a 1-4 hammering at home (against PSV in Champions League) in November last year. Club legend Mohamed Salah also made his first appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, but failed to make any goal contributions. However, it was Dominik Szoboszlai who got the breakthrough just before half-time with a clever free-kick that went under the wall.&nbsp;"I did my homework and got told that if no one is lying down, then I can hit it under the wall. I tried it and it worked out," the Hungarian said.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-man-city-players-to-refund-fans-after-bodo-glimt-debacle-1769016931860">Champions League: Man City players to refund fans after Bodo/Glimt debacle</a>&nbsp;Hugo Ekitike hit the bar before the second goal arrived on 72 minutes when Jeremie Frimpong's ball into the middle went in off goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.&nbsp;Substitute Cody Gakpo wrapped up the win at the death, leaving Liverpool fourth in the 36-team standings, and in a position to clinch a last-16 place by beating Qarabag next week.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Bayern joined table-toppers Arsenal in guaranteeing a top-eight finish with a game to spare, and therefore a last-16 spot, as they saw off the Belgian champions at the Allianz Arena. Kane headed in to open the scoring early in the second half, then won and converted a penalty on 55 minutes. Kim Min-jae was sent off for the home side before Kane squandered the chance to score a hat-trick by sending another penalty off the woodwork -- he nevertheless has seven goals in seven Champions League games this season, and 34 in all competitions.&nbsp;"We scored at the right times, were a bit unlucky with the red card but even after that when we went down to 10 men we controlled the game well and earned the three points," Kane told DAZN.<h3>Newcastle, Chelsea win'</h3>On the other hand, Newcastle United were too strong for PSV at St James' Park, running out 3-0 winners after Yoane Wissa got an early opener and Anthony Gordon made it two on the half-hour.&nbsp;Harvey Barnes then fired in the third on 65 minutes, and Newcastle are in the top eight before completing the league phase away to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain next week.&nbsp;Chelsea are eighth after edging out Cypriot minnows Pafos 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Moises Caicedo header in the 78th minute -- as new coach Liam Rosenior enjoyed a win in his first Champions League game.&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are in first and second place, respectively, with Real Madrid following in third in the Champions League standings. 

European giants Liverpool and Bayern Munich advanced into the Champions League last 16 after their latest wins late on Wednesday (Jan 21). While the Premier League team won 3-0 in Marseille, Harry Kane’s brace earned Munich a comfortable 2-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise. Arne Slot’s Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches across all competitions since a 1-4 hammering at home (against PSV in Champions League) in November last year. Club legend Mohamed Salah also made his first appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, but failed to make any goal contributions. However, it was Dominik Szoboszlai who got the breakthrough just before half-time with a clever free-kick that went under the wall. "I did my homework and got told that if no one is lying down, then I can hit it under the wall. I tried it and it worked out," the Hungarian said. Also read | Champions League: Man City players to refund fans after Bodo/Glimt debacle Hugo Ekitike hit the bar before the second goal arrived on 72 minutes when Jeremie Frimpong's ball into the middle went in off goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Substitute Cody Gakpo wrapped up the win at the death, leaving Liverpool fourth in the 36-team standings, and in a position to clinch a last-16 place by beating Qarabag next week. Meanwhile, Bayern joined table-toppers Arsenal in guaranteeing a top-eight finish with a game to spare, and therefore a last-16 spot, as they saw off the Belgian champions at the Allianz Arena. Kane headed in to open the scoring early in the second half, then won and converted a penalty on 55 minutes. Kim Min-jae was sent off for the home side before Kane squandered the chance to score a hat-trick by sending another penalty off the woodwork -- he nevertheless has seven goals in seven Champions League games this season, and 34 in all competitions. "We scored at the right times, were a bit unlucky with the red card but even after that when we went down to 10 men we controlled the game well and earned the three points," Kane told DAZN. Newcastle, Chelsea win' On the other hand, Newcastle United were too strong for PSV at St James' Park, running out 3-0 winners after Yoane Wissa got an early opener and Anthony Gordon made it two on the half-hour. Harvey Barnes then fired in the third on 65 minutes, and Newcastle are in the top eight before completing the league phase away to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain next week. Chelsea are eighth after edging out Cypriot minnows Pafos 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Moises Caicedo header in the 78th minute -- as new coach Liam Rosenior enjoyed a win in his first Champions League game. (With inputs from AFP)

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are in first and second place, respectively, with Real Madrid following in third in the Champions League standings.&nbsp;

Champions League round-up: Liverpool cruise as Bayern Munich enter last 16; Caicedo guides Chelsea home

Manchester City's players will refund ticket costs for fans who flew all the way to the Arctic Circle only to witness a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.&nbsp;City suffered one of the most chastening results in their history on Tuesday as the Norwegian minnows claimed their first Champions League group-stage victory.&nbsp;The entire 55,000 population of Bodo could nearly fit into City's Etihad Stadium, while the financial gulf between the clubs is huge.&nbsp;City's players have agreed to reimburse the cost of tickets for the 374 supporters who made the trip.&nbsp;Tickets for the tie at the tiny Aspmyra Stadion cost around £25 ($33) each.&nbsp;A statement on Wednesday from City's group of captains, comprising Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland, said: "Our supporters mean everything to us.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;"We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away and we will never take it for granted. They are the best fans in the world.&nbsp;"We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch.&nbsp;"Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do."&nbsp;City's only wins in their past seven games have come in the FA Cup third round against third-tier Exeter and in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle.&nbsp;They have not won a Premier League match this year and last weekend's limp 2-0 loss at Manchester United left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;The refund gesture was welcomed by Kevin Parker, a representative of City's official supporters club.&nbsp;"Manchester City fans will travel to the ends of the earth to support our team, and last night was no different in the Arctic Circle," Parker said.&nbsp;"Bodo is not an easy place to get to, and the sub-zero temperatures made it a challenging evening on a number of levels for our fans.&nbsp;"The City support has an incredible connection with the players on a match day, and this gesture is yet another reminder of that relationship -- it means a lot to us."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Manchester City suffered one of the most chastening results in their history on Tuesday as the Norwegian minnows claimed their first Champions League group-stage victory.

Manchester City's players will refund ticket costs for fans who flew all the way to the Arctic Circle only to witness a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. City suffered one of the most chastening results in their history on Tuesday as the Norwegian minnows claimed their first Champions League group-stage victory. The entire 55,000 population of Bodo could nearly fit into City's Etihad Stadium, while the financial gulf between the clubs is huge. City's players have agreed to reimburse the cost of tickets for the 374 supporters who made the trip. Tickets for the tie at the tiny Aspmyra Stadion cost around £25 ($33) each. A statement on Wednesday from City's group of captains, comprising Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland, said: "Our supporters mean everything to us. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli "We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away and we will never take it for granted. They are the best fans in the world. "We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch. "Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do." City's only wins in their past seven games have come in the FA Cup third round against third-tier Exeter and in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle. They have not won a Premier League match this year and last weekend's limp 2-0 loss at Manchester United left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds The refund gesture was welcomed by Kevin Parker, a representative of City's official supporters club. "Manchester City fans will travel to the ends of the earth to support our team, and last night was no different in the Arctic Circle," Parker said. "Bodo is not an easy place to get to, and the sub-zero temperatures made it a challenging evening on a number of levels for our fans. "The City support has an incredible connection with the players on a match day, and this gesture is yet another reminder of that relationship -- it means a lot to us." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Manchester City suffered one of the most chastening results in their history on Tuesday as the Norwegian minnows claimed their first Champions League group-stage victory.

Champions League: Man City players to refund fans after Bodo/Glimt debacle

Manchester City were on the wrong side of one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history on Tuesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain also stumbled but Gabriel Jesus helped keep Arsenal perfect. Pep Guardiola's Man City arrived in chilly Norway for their seventh and penultimate league-phase match against modest Bodo/Glimt as hot favourites. But they came unstuck in the freezing conditions at the stadium 200km north of the Arctic Circle, losing 3-1.&nbsp;Meanwhile, PSG have work to do to ensure direct qualification to the last 16 next week after being caught out late in Portugal. Luis Suarez struck twice for Sporting Lisbon in the second half, sealing victory with a 90th-minute header after substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had equalised for PSG after 79 minutes. The French club dropped to fifth with a home date against Newcastle in their last group stage fixture.&nbsp;While the top eight secure direct entry to the last 16, teams placed ninth to 24th must navigate an additional two-legged play-off to join them.&nbsp;Next week the league phase comes to a dramatic denouement with all 18 matches kicking off at the same time.&nbsp;Real, under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, produced a dazzling attacking display to help fans forget recent disappointments.&nbsp;Kylian Mbappe struck twice against his former side and Vinicius Junior -- jeered by his own fans during a home win over Levante last weekend --scored a brilliant goal to lift the record 15-time European champions from seventh to second behind unstoppable Arsenal.&nbsp;Jesus was on cloud nine after two close-range finishes in the first half to help guarantee the Gunners a top eight finish.&nbsp;"It's a dream night," said the 28-year-old. "I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched when I was a kid. I watched a lot of Serie A, so to be here in this stadium and score here is tears in my eyes because I always dreamed of being here."&nbsp;Arsenal's joy in Italy contrasted with despondency in Norway for Premier League heavyweights Man City.&nbsp;Kasper Hogh's first half-brace and a second half strike from Jens Petter Hauge at the ecstatic Aspmyra Stadion triggered a seismic upset. Rayan Cherki replied after Hauge's goal, but Rodri's dismissal for two bookings left City in tatters and facing a long trip home. While the pitch may have been artificial there was nothing false about the result, Bodo/Glimt's first group stage win which gave them hope of making the play-offs.&nbsp;"Everything has started to be, since the new year, against us in many, many things," said Guardiola. "I know how good a team Bodo are. I didn't underestimate them. There is not much I know but they reached the semi-final last season of the Europa League and they were fresh in mind.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

While the top eight secure direct entry to the last 16, teams placed ninth to 24th must navigate an additional two-legged play-off to join them.

Manchester City were on the wrong side of one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history on Tuesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain also stumbled but Gabriel Jesus helped keep Arsenal perfect. Pep Guardiola's Man City arrived in chilly Norway for their seventh and penultimate league-phase match against modest Bodo/Glimt as hot favourites. But they came unstuck in the freezing conditions at the stadium 200km north of the Arctic Circle, losing 3-1. Meanwhile, PSG have work to do to ensure direct qualification to the last 16 next week after being caught out late in Portugal. Luis Suarez struck twice for Sporting Lisbon in the second half, sealing victory with a 90th-minute header after substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had equalised for PSG after 79 minutes. The French club dropped to fifth with a home date against Newcastle in their last group stage fixture. While the top eight secure direct entry to the last 16, teams placed ninth to 24th must navigate an additional two-legged play-off to join them. Next week the league phase comes to a dramatic denouement with all 18 matches kicking off at the same time. Real, under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, produced a dazzling attacking display to help fans forget recent disappointments. Kylian Mbappe struck twice against his former side and Vinicius Junior -- jeered by his own fans during a home win over Levante last weekend --scored a brilliant goal to lift the record 15-time European champions from seventh to second behind unstoppable Arsenal. Jesus was on cloud nine after two close-range finishes in the first half to help guarantee the Gunners a top eight finish. "It's a dream night," said the 28-year-old. "I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched when I was a kid. I watched a lot of Serie A, so to be here in this stadium and score here is tears in my eyes because I always dreamed of being here." Arsenal's joy in Italy contrasted with despondency in Norway for Premier League heavyweights Man City. Kasper Hogh's first half-brace and a second half strike from Jens Petter Hauge at the ecstatic Aspmyra Stadion triggered a seismic upset. Rayan Cherki replied after Hauge's goal, but Rodri's dismissal for two bookings left City in tatters and facing a long trip home. While the pitch may have been artificial there was nothing false about the result, Bodo/Glimt's first group stage win which gave them hope of making the play-offs. "Everything has started to be, since the new year, against us in many, many things," said Guardiola. "I know how good a team Bodo are. I didn't underestimate them. There is not much I know but they reached the semi-final last season of the Europa League and they were fresh in mind. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

While the top eight secure direct entry to the last 16, teams placed ninth to 24th must navigate an additional two-legged play-off to join them.

Champions League round-up: Man City humbled, PSG stumbled, Arsenal on winning spree

Erling Haaland scored his 34th goal for club and country this season to give Manchester City a 2-1 win at Real Madrid on Wednesday as Arsenal maintained their perfect group stage record with a 3-0 victory at Club Brugge.&nbsp;It was a second successive home defeat for Real following their 2-0 reverse against Celta Vigo at the weekend and heaped more pressure on coach Xabi Alonso, whose side have won just two of their last eight in all competitions.&nbsp;For Haaland, though, this was a 21st goal in 21 City games this season and a 51st in 50 Champions League starts, while Nico O'Reilly scored his first goal in the competition.&nbsp;"(The) game was a bit chaotic, we couldn't really control it. We get the win in the end, super happy," Haaland told TNT Sports, pointing to how important it was to bounce back from their home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last time out.&nbsp;"Two more games left. We need to finish strong and hopefully we can be in the first eight because then we're through."&nbsp;Rodrygo gave Real, who were missing Kylian Mbappe, the lead just before the half-hour mark with a crisp shot across Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner.&nbsp;But academy product O'Reilly equalised just seven minutes later, reacting quickest to prod home the loose ball from inside the six-yard box after Thibaut Courtois had saved Josko Gvardiol's header.&nbsp;And Haaland was able to fire City in front from the penalty spot on 43 minutes after VAR intervened to punish Antonio Rudiger for wrestling the Norwegian forward to the ground to prevent him reaching a cross.&nbsp;It could have been worse for Real but Courtois redeemed himself somewhat for flapping at Gvardiol's header with a crucial double save to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki in quick succession as the half drew to a close.&nbsp;It was a breathless end-to-end second half and Jude Bellingham could have done better than chip over the bar with only Donnarumma to beat, while Courtois made a fingertip save to deny Jeremy Doku.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Vinicius Jr. had a late chance to equalise but skied his volley after Donnarumma had come for and missed an inswinging corner.&nbsp;Substitute Endrick also clipped the top of the bar with a header as Real pushed for a late equaliser.&nbsp;"It's a difficult moment for us and for (Alonso) as well. Things aren't going well... we wanted to show people we're together with the coach," said Rodrygo, who hugged his under-fire boss on the side of the pitch after the match.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Arsenal on brink of last 16</h2>Noni Madueke's double helped Arsenal win a sixth straight Champions League match this season and close in on the last 16.&nbsp;The Premier League leaders already have more points (18) than was needed last season to secure a top eight spot and direct qualification for the last 16, and they have two matches still to come.&nbsp;"We're fighting on all fronts. I feel like we can win this competition and win the league, that has to be the aim," Madueke told TNT Sports.&nbsp;Madueke's two goals could not have been more different.&nbsp;The first was a wonder goal in which he beat two players and thrashed in a long-range strike.&nbsp;For the second he was teed up by Martin Zubimendi for a simple finish.&nbsp;Brugge had put the Gunners under fierce first-half pressure but they crumbled after the second goal as Gabriel Martinelli added to their misery, bending the ball around the goalkeeper from outside the box.&nbsp;Elsewhere, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao but stayed third, behind only Arsenal and Bayern Munich, with City fourth.&nbsp;Weston McKennie and Jonathan David scored the goals as Juventus overcame Pafos 2-0, while Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle shared a 2-2 draw, as did Borussia Dortmund and Bodo/Glimt.&nbsp;Goals from Richard Rios and Leandro Barreiro gave Jose Mourinho's Benfica a 2-0 win over Antonio Conte's Napoli in a battle of the former Chelsea bosses.&nbsp;Oscar Gloukh scored a brace as Ajax hit three late goals to claim a 4-2 win at Qarabag to finally open their account in the competition this season.&nbsp;Victory took them off the bottom of the table and kept alive their slim hopes of making the play-offs, while Villarreal slumped to last position after a 3-2 home defeat to FC Copenhagen.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

It was a second successive home defeat for Real following their 2-0 reverse against Celta Vigo at the weekend and heaped more pressure on coach Xabi Alonso, whose side have won just two of their last eight in all competitions.

Erling Haaland scored his 34th goal for club and country this season to give Manchester City a 2-1 win at Real Madrid on Wednesday as Arsenal maintained their perfect group stage record with a 3-0 victory at Club Brugge. It was a second successive home defeat for Real following their 2-0 reverse against Celta Vigo at the weekend and heaped more pressure on coach Xabi Alonso, whose side have won just two of their last eight in all competitions. For Haaland, though, this was a 21st goal in 21 City games this season and a 51st in 50 Champions League starts, while Nico O'Reilly scored his first goal in the competition. "(The) game was a bit chaotic, we couldn't really control it. We get the win in the end, super happy," Haaland told TNT Sports, pointing to how important it was to bounce back from their home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last time out. "Two more games left. We need to finish strong and hopefully we can be in the first eight because then we're through." Rodrygo gave Real, who were missing Kylian Mbappe, the lead just before the half-hour mark with a crisp shot across Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner. But academy product O'Reilly equalised just seven minutes later, reacting quickest to prod home the loose ball from inside the six-yard box after Thibaut Courtois had saved Josko Gvardiol's header. And Haaland was able to fire City in front from the penalty spot on 43 minutes after VAR intervened to punish Antonio Rudiger for wrestling the Norwegian forward to the ground to prevent him reaching a cross. It could have been worse for Real but Courtois redeemed himself somewhat for flapping at Gvardiol's header with a crucial double save to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki in quick succession as the half drew to a close. It was a breathless end-to-end second half and Jude Bellingham could have done better than chip over the bar with only Donnarumma to beat, while Courtois made a fingertip save to deny Jeremy Doku. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Vinicius Jr. had a late chance to equalise but skied his volley after Donnarumma had come for and missed an inswinging corner. Substitute Endrick also clipped the top of the bar with a header as Real pushed for a late equaliser. "It's a difficult moment for us and for (Alonso) as well. Things aren't going well... we wanted to show people we're together with the coach," said Rodrygo, who hugged his under-fire boss on the side of the pitch after the match. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Arsenal on brink of last 16 Noni Madueke's double helped Arsenal win a sixth straight Champions League match this season and close in on the last 16. The Premier League leaders already have more points (18) than was needed last season to secure a top eight spot and direct qualification for the last 16, and they have two matches still to come. "We're fighting on all fronts. I feel like we can win this competition and win the league, that has to be the aim," Madueke told TNT Sports. Madueke's two goals could not have been more different. The first was a wonder goal in which he beat two players and thrashed in a long-range strike. For the second he was teed up by Martin Zubimendi for a simple finish. Brugge had put the Gunners under fierce first-half pressure but they crumbled after the second goal as Gabriel Martinelli added to their misery, bending the ball around the goalkeeper from outside the box. Elsewhere, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao but stayed third, behind only Arsenal and Bayern Munich, with City fourth. Weston McKennie and Jonathan David scored the goals as Juventus overcame Pafos 2-0, while Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle shared a 2-2 draw, as did Borussia Dortmund and Bodo/Glimt. Goals from Richard Rios and Leandro Barreiro gave Jose Mourinho's Benfica a 2-0 win over Antonio Conte's Napoli in a battle of the former Chelsea bosses. Oscar Gloukh scored a brace as Ajax hit three late goals to claim a 4-2 win at Qarabag to finally open their account in the competition this season. Victory took them off the bottom of the table and kept alive their slim hopes of making the play-offs, while Villarreal slumped to last position after a 3-2 home defeat to FC Copenhagen. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

It was a second successive home defeat for Real following their 2-0 reverse against Celta Vigo at the weekend and heaped more pressure on coach Xabi Alonso, whose side have won just two of their last eight in all competitions.

Champions League: Erling Haaland stuns Real Madrid as Arsenal remain perfect in Brugge

Liverpool’s legendary forward, Mohamed Salah, might have already played his last game for the club as his relationship with manager Arne Slot gets from bad to worse. Salah, who ranted against Slot in an open interview after a 3-3 draw against Sunderland over the weekend, was dropped from Liverpool’s traveling contingent in their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan. But what exactly is the situation and has the Egyptian forward played his last game for the club?<h2>What is the current situation?</h2>Towards the backend of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winning season, Salah signed a contract extension which will see him stay at the club until 2027. His new two-year deal would have been the start of a new chapter in the twilight of his career, but his current situation could see him leave the club early and if not in the January transfer window. While nothing is official yet, there will be space for both Liverpool and Salah to rethink their decision as the forward will soon leave for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;If peace is made between the player and the club, which could also require the former to issue an apology, Salah could be expected to stay at the club beyond the winter window. However, if no apology is followed and the player continues to rant against the manager and the management, he might well have played his final game for the club.&nbsp;As things stand, the 33-year-old will be leaving for the AFCON on Monday, meaning he is available for the weekend’s fixture against Brighton at Anfield. However, if he is not part of the squad for the home fixture, things could head in another direction, meaning the forward could be on his way out.&nbsp;At the time of writing, he is still training with the first team and is very much part of the plans until a decision is taken.&nbsp;However, in case he is not involved in the match against Brighton and is consequently sold, the Sunderland fixture could well be the last time he donned the Liverpool colours.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>What was the explosive interview?</h2>After dropping points at home against newly promoted Sunderland, Liverpool fans have shown frustration against the players and the manager. However, Salah took the next time and publicly ranted about the management and manager Slot. He said his relationship with the manager is not good and is constantly thrown under the bus.&nbsp;"I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship.&nbsp;"I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club.&nbsp;"It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah added in his explosive interview.

Mohamed Salah, who ranted against Arne Slot in an open interview after a 3-3 draw against Sunderland over the weekend, was dropped from Liverpool’s traveling contingent in their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.

Liverpool’s legendary forward, Mohamed Salah, might have already played his last game for the club as his relationship with manager Arne Slot gets from bad to worse. Salah, who ranted against Slot in an open interview after a 3-3 draw against Sunderland over the weekend, was dropped from Liverpool’s traveling contingent in their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan. But what exactly is the situation and has the Egyptian forward played his last game for the club? What is the current situation? Towards the backend of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winning season, Salah signed a contract extension which will see him stay at the club until 2027. His new two-year deal would have been the start of a new chapter in the twilight of his career, but his current situation could see him leave the club early and if not in the January transfer window. While nothing is official yet, there will be space for both Liverpool and Salah to rethink their decision as the forward will soon leave for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes If peace is made between the player and the club, which could also require the former to issue an apology, Salah could be expected to stay at the club beyond the winter window. However, if no apology is followed and the player continues to rant against the manager and the management, he might well have played his final game for the club. As things stand, the 33-year-old will be leaving for the AFCON on Monday, meaning he is available for the weekend’s fixture against Brighton at Anfield. However, if he is not part of the squad for the home fixture, things could head in another direction, meaning the forward could be on his way out. At the time of writing, he is still training with the first team and is very much part of the plans until a decision is taken. However, in case he is not involved in the match against Brighton and is consequently sold, the Sunderland fixture could well be the last time he donned the Liverpool colours. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes What was the explosive interview? After dropping points at home against newly promoted Sunderland, Liverpool fans have shown frustration against the players and the manager. However, Salah took the next time and publicly ranted about the management and manager Slot. He said his relationship with the manager is not good and is constantly thrown under the bus. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. "I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah added in his explosive interview.

Mohamed Salah, who ranted against Arne Slot in an open interview after a 3-3 draw against Sunderland over the weekend, was dropped from Liverpool’s traveling contingent in their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.

Has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? Here's what we know so far

Unlikely goalscoring hero Jules Kounde bagged two headers to help Barcelona beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on Tuesday in the Champions League and bolster the club's chances of a top-eight league phase finish. Ansgar Knauff sent the visitors into a surprise lead but French defender Kounde's brace early in the second half put last season's semi-finalists in control. In the club's first Champions League match back at Camp Nou since 2022, they gained revenge against a Frankfurt side who humiliated them in the Europa League in that same year.&nbsp;The Bundesliga team packed the Camp Nou with their own fans and knocked Barca out of that competition at one of their lowest ebbs under Xavi Hernandez.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentine-football-association-raided-by-police-in-money-laundering-investigation-1765302178496">Argentine Football Association raided by police in money laundering investigation</a>&nbsp;With a domestic treble and a run to the final four of the Champions League, Xavi's successor Hansi Flick has changed the mood around Barca, but this season the team have struggled at times. Defeats by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain left Barca in a difficult position in Europe, but by beating Frankfurt they are still hopeful of avoiding the play-off round.&nbsp;"I wasn't surprised (it was hard), the Champions League is different... I am very proud," Flick told reporters.&nbsp;The coach said making the comeback "shows a lot about our attitude", but accepted it would be "a better situation" to take the lead in games.&nbsp;Barcelona made tickets harder for Frankfurt fans to obtain this time around by delaying their sale, and beyond a small number of visiting supporters who appeared to be ejected from home areas, there was little trouble.&nbsp;Barcelona controlled the opening period, pinning the visitors, who lost 6-0 against RB Leipzig on Saturday in the Bundesliga, back in their own territory.&nbsp;Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski put the ball in the net but it was ruled out for an offside earlier in the move.&nbsp;Despite their dominant start, the Catalans fell behind after 21 minutes, caught out by a rapid Frankfurt counter-attack.&nbsp;Lamine Yamal dribbled into trouble and Nathaniel Brown surged forward from the back before dropping a ball in behind Barca's high defensive line for Knauff to charge on to.&nbsp;Gerard Martin tried and failed to intercept it with a flick of the leg and the German striker held off Alejandro Balde before finishing neatly.&nbsp;Frankfurt defenders scrambled to block a Fermin Lopez effort, as Barca struggled to create clear openings.&nbsp;Teenage star Yamal could not find a way past Brown in one of his more erratic outings for Barca.&nbsp;Ellyes Skhiri slammed a shot just over the bar as Frankfurt missed a good chance to extend their lead before half-time, and it came to cost them.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The coach said making the comeback "shows a lot about our attitude", but accepted it would be "a better situation" to take the lead in games.

Unlikely goalscoring hero Jules Kounde bagged two headers to help Barcelona beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on Tuesday in the Champions League and bolster the club's chances of a top-eight league phase finish. Ansgar Knauff sent the visitors into a surprise lead but French defender Kounde's brace early in the second half put last season's semi-finalists in control. In the club's first Champions League match back at Camp Nou since 2022, they gained revenge against a Frankfurt side who humiliated them in the Europa League in that same year. The Bundesliga team packed the Camp Nou with their own fans and knocked Barca out of that competition at one of their lowest ebbs under Xavi Hernandez. Also read | Argentine Football Association raided by police in money laundering investigation With a domestic treble and a run to the final four of the Champions League, Xavi's successor Hansi Flick has changed the mood around Barca, but this season the team have struggled at times. Defeats by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain left Barca in a difficult position in Europe, but by beating Frankfurt they are still hopeful of avoiding the play-off round. "I wasn't surprised (it was hard), the Champions League is different... I am very proud," Flick told reporters. The coach said making the comeback "shows a lot about our attitude", but accepted it would be "a better situation" to take the lead in games. Barcelona made tickets harder for Frankfurt fans to obtain this time around by delaying their sale, and beyond a small number of visiting supporters who appeared to be ejected from home areas, there was little trouble. Barcelona controlled the opening period, pinning the visitors, who lost 6-0 against RB Leipzig on Saturday in the Bundesliga, back in their own territory. Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski put the ball in the net but it was ruled out for an offside earlier in the move. Despite their dominant start, the Catalans fell behind after 21 minutes, caught out by a rapid Frankfurt counter-attack. Lamine Yamal dribbled into trouble and Nathaniel Brown surged forward from the back before dropping a ball in behind Barca's high defensive line for Knauff to charge on to. Gerard Martin tried and failed to intercept it with a flick of the leg and the German striker held off Alejandro Balde before finishing neatly. Frankfurt defenders scrambled to block a Fermin Lopez effort, as Barca struggled to create clear openings. Teenage star Yamal could not find a way past Brown in one of his more erratic outings for Barca. Ellyes Skhiri slammed a shot just over the bar as Frankfurt missed a good chance to extend their lead before half-time, and it came to cost them. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The coach said making the comeback "shows a lot about our attitude", but accepted it would be "a better situation" to take the lead in games.

Champions League: Barcelona rock Frankfurt in comeback win to bolster top eight finish

Mohamed Salah has been dropped from Liverpool's squad for their Champions League tie at Inter Milan after the Egypt star's extraordinary criticism of his treatment by boss Arne Slot. Salah was not included in the squad announced by Liverpool on Monday despite being seen smiling when he trained with the first team earlier in the day. Salah said on Saturday he felt like he had been&nbsp;"thrown under the bus"&nbsp;by Liverpool and that he no longer had a relationship with Slot after he was left on the bench for the third consecutive game in a 3-3 draw against Leeds.&nbsp;In the midst of a dismal season by his high standards, the 33-year-old was not even used as a substitute at Elland Road.&nbsp;"I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship," Salah told reporters at the weekend in response to being left on the bench again."I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club.&nbsp;"It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."&nbsp;It was reported that Salah's removal from the squad for the trip to Italy was taken with the full support of Slot, but it is believed no formal disciplinary action has been taken against him by the club.&nbsp;Salah's exile is said to be in the best interests of all parties involved, with a brief period away from selection seen as the correct response given the nature and timing of his comments.&nbsp;Salah's incendiary blast has sparked speculation that Liverpool will consider selling him in the January transfer window.&nbsp;The forward has repeatedly been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League over the last two years.After next weekend's home match against Brighton in the Premier League, Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.<h2>Shadow of his former self&nbsp;</h2>Salah, who signed from Roma in 2017, is Liverpool's third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 420 appearances for the club.&nbsp;He is the club's highest-paid player in history, having signed a new contract in April, and played a key role in Liverpool's two Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph during his iconic spell on Merseyside.&nbsp;But Salah has been a shadow of his former self during Liverpool's struggles this season -- the Premier League champions are now ninth in the table -- with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances.&nbsp;He was dropped from the starting line-up for Champions League games against Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this season in the first indication that Slot was growing frustrated with his poor form and lack of defensive effort.&nbsp;Salah's last Liverpool start was in a 4-1 defeat by PSV Eindhoven on November 26, while he is without a goal since netting against Aston Villa at the start of November.&nbsp;His astonishing outburst risked undermining Slot's authority at a time when he is trying to drag the team out of a slump which has seen them win just four of the last 15 matches.&nbsp;Salah's absence also adds to Slot's problems on the pitch as Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have also not travelled due to fitness issues.&nbsp;As a result, Slot was only able to take a reduced 19-man squad on the flight to Milan.&nbsp;Slot and Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker are due to attend a press conference at the San Siro ahead of Tuesday's showdown with Inter.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WIONaudience.

It was reported that Salah's removal from the squad for the trip to Italy was taken with the full support of Slot, but it is believed no formal disciplinary action has been taken against him by the club.

Mohamed Salah has been dropped from Liverpool's squad for their Champions League tie at Inter Milan after the Egypt star's extraordinary criticism of his treatment by boss Arne Slot. Salah was not included in the squad announced by Liverpool on Monday despite being seen smiling when he trained with the first team earlier in the day. Salah said on Saturday he felt like he had been "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and that he no longer had a relationship with Slot after he was left on the bench for the third consecutive game in a 3-3 draw against Leeds. In the midst of a dismal season by his high standards, the 33-year-old was not even used as a substitute at Elland Road. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship," Salah told reporters at the weekend in response to being left on the bench again. "I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame." It was reported that Salah's removal from the squad for the trip to Italy was taken with the full support of Slot, but it is believed no formal disciplinary action has been taken against him by the club. Salah's exile is said to be in the best interests of all parties involved, with a brief period away from selection seen as the correct response given the nature and timing of his comments. Salah's incendiary blast has sparked speculation that Liverpool will consider selling him in the January transfer window. The forward has repeatedly been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League over the last two years. After next weekend's home match against Brighton in the Premier League, Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. Shadow of his former self Salah, who signed from Roma in 2017, is Liverpool's third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 420 appearances for the club. He is the club's highest-paid player in history, having signed a new contract in April, and played a key role in Liverpool's two Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph during his iconic spell on Merseyside. But Salah has been a shadow of his former self during Liverpool's struggles this season -- the Premier League champions are now ninth in the table -- with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances. He was dropped from the starting line-up for Champions League games against Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this season in the first indication that Slot was growing frustrated with his poor form and lack of defensive effort. Salah's last Liverpool start was in a 4-1 defeat by PSV Eindhoven on November 26, while he is without a goal since netting against Aston Villa at the start of November. His astonishing outburst risked undermining Slot's authority at a time when he is trying to drag the team out of a slump which has seen them win just four of the last 15 matches. Salah's absence also adds to Slot's problems on the pitch as Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have also not travelled due to fitness issues. As a result, Slot was only able to take a reduced 19-man squad on the flight to Milan. Slot and Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker are due to attend a press conference at the San Siro ahead of Tuesday's showdown with Inter. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WIONaudience.

It was reported that Salah's removal from the squad for the trip to Italy was taken with the full support of Slot, but it is believed no formal disciplinary action has been taken against him by the club.

UEFA Champions League: Mohamed Salah left out by Liverpool for Inter Milan clash after outburst with coach Arne Slot

Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic late winner to grab Liverpool a 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their title defence by thrashing Atalanta on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich downed Club World Cup winners Chelsea 3-1 as Pafos and Bodo/Glimt marked their Champions League debuts with hard-earned draws. Liverpool, with club-record signing Alexander Isak on debut, raced into a two-goal lead inside the first six minutes as Atletico struggled to get out of their own half on Merseyside.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-united-post-sixth-straight-annual-loss-despite-record-revenues-1758132389339">Manchester United post sixth straight annual loss despite record revenues</a>A Mohamed Salah free-kick flew in off Andy Robertson for a fortuitous fourth-minute opener, before the Egyptian forward collected Ryan Gravenberch's pass and slotted into the bottom corner.But Atletico eased themselves into the game and halved the deficit in first-half injury time.Marcos Llorente, who scored twice in Atletico's famous last-16 win at Anfield five years ago, stabbed the ball beyond a diving Alisson Becker from the edge of the box.Liverpool missed several chances to restore their advantage, including a glaring miss from Salah when he struck the post, and Llorente made them pay with a deflected late volley to draw Diego Simeone's men level.But Arne Slot's English champions have won all four of their opening Premier League games of the season with winners inside the last 10 minutes.This time it was skipper Van Dijk who produced the big moment with an excellent header from Dominik Szoboszlai's corner in the 92nd minute."We found a way again... Glad we got the win," Van Dijk told TNT Sports. "Today I was the lucky one with the winner and we move on."Atletico coach Simeone was shown a red card after a confrontation with Liverpool fans following Van Dijk's goal.<h2>PSG cruise past Atalanta</h2>PSG got their first Champions League campaign as reigning European champions off to a flying start with a 4-0 win over Atalanta in Paris.Captain Marquinhos tapped into an empty net in the third minute, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was an injury doubt in the build-up, crashed home a fine second for Luis Enrique's men six minutes before half-time.It could have been even better for the hosts at the Parc des Princes if not for Bradley Barcola's tame 44th-minute penalty which was comfortably held by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.Atalanta never looked likely to stage a comeback, though, and Nuno Mendes added a third not long after the restart.Substitute Goncalo Ramos rounded off an excellent night for PSG with a dinked finish in stoppage time."It was perfect, but obviously the most important thing was the team winning. We played a great game," Kvaratskhelia told uefa.com.<h2>Kane downs Chelsea</h2>Bayern gave themselves an early two-goal lead in a repeat of the 2012 Champions League final against Chelsea at the Allianz Arena.Trevoh Chalobah's own goal and a Harry Kane spot-kick put the six-time champions in control, although Cole Palmer lashed a shot into the top corner to pull one back for Chelsea just before the half-hour mark.But Bayern ensured Chelsea's first match in the competition since 2023 would end in defeat.Chelsea wing-back Malo Gusto inadvertently played the ball to Kane who gleefully accepted the gift with a cool finish to effectively kill off Chelsea in the 63rd minute."A great result," Kane told DAZN. "It was a strong performance against a very good opponent."Inter Milan, who were humbled 5-0 in last season's final by PSG, started their league-phase campaign with a 2-0 away win against Ajax.Marcus Thuram put the visitors ahead in Amsterdam by heading Hakan Calhanoglu's corner past Vitezslav Jaros.The second goal was almost a carbon copy, Thuram meeting another Calhanoglu corner less than two minutes into the second half.Earlier, Bodo/Glimt marked their debut in the Champions League proper by coming back from two goals down late on to draw 2-2 at Slavia Prague.Youssoupha Mbodji's first goals for Slavia had the Czechs set for victory with less than 15 minutes remaining.But Daniel Bassi got Norwegians Bodo/Glimt back into the game before Sondre Brunstad Fet crashed in a magnificent 90th-minute volley.Cypriot club Pafos, playing in the tournament for the first time just 11 years since being founded, claimed a goalless draw at Olympiakos despite seeing wing-back Bruno sent off and veteran centre-half David Luiz hobble off injured in the first half.

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich downed Club World Cup winners Chelsea 3-1 as Pafos and Bodo/Glimt marked their Champions League debuts with hard-earned draws. Liverpool, with club-record signing Alexander Isak on debut, raced into a two-goal lead inside the first six minutes.

Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic late winner to grab Liverpool a 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their title defence by thrashing Atalanta on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich downed Club World Cup winners Chelsea 3-1 as Pafos and Bodo/Glimt marked their Champions League debuts with hard-earned draws. Liverpool, with club-record signing Alexander Isak on debut, raced into a two-goal lead inside the first six minutes as Atletico struggled to get out of their own half on Merseyside. Also Read - Manchester United post sixth straight annual loss despite record revenues A Mohamed Salah free-kick flew in off Andy Robertson for a fortuitous fourth-minute opener, before the Egyptian forward collected Ryan Gravenberch's pass and slotted into the bottom corner. But Atletico eased themselves into the game and halved the deficit in first-half injury time. Marcos Llorente, who scored twice in Atletico's famous last-16 win at Anfield five years ago, stabbed the ball beyond a diving Alisson Becker from the edge of the box. Liverpool missed several chances to restore their advantage, including a glaring miss from Salah when he struck the post, and Llorente made them pay with a deflected late volley to draw Diego Simeone's men level. But Arne Slot's English champions have won all four of their opening Premier League games of the season with winners inside the last 10 minutes. This time it was skipper Van Dijk who produced the big moment with an excellent header from Dominik Szoboszlai's corner in the 92nd minute. "We found a way again... Glad we got the win," Van Dijk told TNT Sports. "Today I was the lucky one with the winner and we move on." Atletico coach Simeone was shown a red card after a confrontation with Liverpool fans following Van Dijk's goal. PSG cruise past Atalanta PSG got their first Champions League campaign as reigning European champions off to a flying start with a 4-0 win over Atalanta in Paris. Captain Marquinhos tapped into an empty net in the third minute, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was an injury doubt in the build-up, crashed home a fine second for Luis Enrique's men six minutes before half-time. It could have been even better for the hosts at the Parc des Princes if not for Bradley Barcola's tame 44th-minute penalty which was comfortably held by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. Atalanta never looked likely to stage a comeback, though, and Nuno Mendes added a third not long after the restart. Substitute Goncalo Ramos rounded off an excellent night for PSG with a dinked finish in stoppage time. "It was perfect, but obviously the most important thing was the team winning. We played a great game," Kvaratskhelia told uefa.com. Kane downs Chelsea Bayern gave themselves an early two-goal lead in a repeat of the 2012 Champions League final against Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. Trevoh Chalobah's own goal and a Harry Kane spot-kick put the six-time champions in control, although Cole Palmer lashed a shot into the top corner to pull one back for Chelsea just before the half-hour mark. But Bayern ensured Chelsea's first match in the competition since 2023 would end in defeat. Chelsea wing-back Malo Gusto inadvertently played the ball to Kane who gleefully accepted the gift with a cool finish to effectively kill off Chelsea in the 63rd minute. "A great result," Kane told DAZN. "It was a strong performance against a very good opponent." Inter Milan, who were humbled 5-0 in last season's final by PSG, started their league-phase campaign with a 2-0 away win against Ajax. Marcus Thuram put the visitors ahead in Amsterdam by heading Hakan Calhanoglu's corner past Vitezslav Jaros. The second goal was almost a carbon copy, Thuram meeting another Calhanoglu corner less than two minutes into the second half. Earlier, Bodo/Glimt marked their debut in the Champions League proper by coming back from two goals down late on to draw 2-2 at Slavia Prague. Youssoupha Mbodji's first goals for Slavia had the Czechs set for victory with less than 15 minutes remaining. But Daniel Bassi got Norwegians Bodo/Glimt back into the game before Sondre Brunstad Fet crashed in a magnificent 90th-minute volley. Cypriot club Pafos, playing in the tournament for the first time just 11 years since being founded, claimed a goalless draw at Olympiakos despite seeing wing-back Bruno sent off and veteran centre-half David Luiz hobble off injured in the first half.

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich downed Club World Cup winners Chelsea 3-1 as Pafos and Bodo/Glimt marked their Champions League debuts with hard-earned draws. Liverpool, with club-record signing Alexander Isak on debut, raced into a two-goal lead inside the first six minutes.

Champions League round-up: Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid, PSG crush Atalanta and Bayern sink Chelsea

The much-awaited UEFA Champions League Draw has been announced for all 36 teams divided in four pots. The upcoming season will have 'League Phase' in which each team will play eight games - four away and four at home. Once the games are over, teams ranking in positions from 25 to 36 will be eliminated. Among the rest of the teams, top eight will qualify for the the next stage - round of 16. The teams ranked 9 to 24 will be divided into two groups of eight teams each and will play the knock out play offs to qualify for the next round. Teams ranked from 9 to 16 will be seeded while teams ranked from 17 to 24 will be unseeded for the knock out play offs round.<h2>Here's the UEFA Champions League draw for each team</h2>Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)&nbsp; Home: Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United&nbsp; Away: Barcelona, Leverkusen, Sporting CP, Athletic ClubReal Madrid Home: Manchester City, Juventus, Marseille Monaco Away: Liverpool, Benfica, Olympiacos, Kairat AlmatyManchester City Home: Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, Napoli, Galatasaray Away: Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, MonacoBayern Munich Home: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Sporting CP, Union SG Away: PSG, Arsenal, PSV, PafosLiverpool Home: Real Madrid, Atleti, PSV, Qarabag Away: Inter Milan, Frankfurt, Marseille, GalatasarayInter Milan Home: Liverpool, Arsenal, Slavia Praha, Kairat Almaty Away: Borussia Dortmund, Atleti, Ajax, Union SGChelsea Home: Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax, Pafos Away: Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Napoli, QarabagBorussia Dortmund Home: Inter Milan, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, Athletic Club Away: Man City, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, CopenhagenBarcelona Home: PSG, Frankfurt, Olympiacos, Copenhagen Away: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, NewcastleArsenal Home: Bayern Munich, Atleti, Olympiacos, Kairat Almaty Away: Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, Athletic ClubLeverkusen Home: PSG, Villarreal, PSV, Newcastle Away: Man City, Benfica, Olympiacos, CopenhagenAtleti Home: Inter Milan, Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG Away: Liverpool, Arsenal, PSV, GalatasarayBenfica Home: Real Madrid, Leverkusen, Napoli, Qarabag Away: Chelsea, Juventus, Ajax, NewcastleAtalanta Home: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, Athletic Club Away: PSG, Frankfurt, Marseille, Union SGVillarreal Home: Man City, Juventus, Ajax, Copenhagen Away: Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, PafosJuventus Home: Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Sporting CP, Pafos Away: Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, MonacoFrankfurt Home: Liverpool, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Galatasaray Away: Barcelona, Atleti, Napoli, QarabagClub Brugge Home: Barcelona, Arsenal, Marseille, Monaco Away: Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Sporting CP, Kairat AlmatyTottenham Hotspur Home: Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Slavia Praha, Copenhagen Away: PSG, Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt, MonacoPSV Home: Bayern Munich, Atleti, Napoli, Union SG Away: Liverpool, Leverkusen, Olympiacos, NewcastleAjax Home: Inter Milan, Benfica, Olympiacos, Galatasaray Away: Chelsea, Villarreal, Marseille, QarabagNapoli Home: Chelsea, Frankfurt, Sporting CP, Qarabag Away: Man City, Benfica, PSV, CopenhagenSporting CP Home: PSG, Club Brugge, Marseille, Kairat Almaty Away: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Napoli, Athletic ClubOlympiacos Home: Real Madrid, Leverkusen, PSV, Pafos Away: Barcelona, Arsenal, Ajax, Kairat AlmatySlavia Praha Home: Barcelona, Arsenal, Bodo/Glimt, Athletic Club Away: Inter Milan, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, PafosBodo/Glimt Home: Man City, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Monaco Away: Borussia Dortmund, Atleti, Slavia Praha, GalatasarayMarseille Home: Liverpool, Atalanta, Ajax, Newcastle Away: Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Sporting CP, Union SGCopenhagen Home: Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, Napoli, Kairat Almaty Away: Barcelona, Villarreal, Tottenham Hotspur, QarabagMonaco Home: Man City, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Galatasaray Away: Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Bodo/Glimt, PafosGalatasaray Home: Liverpool, Atleti, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG Away: Man City, Frankfurt, Ajax, MonacoUnion SG Home: Inter Milan, Atalanta, Marseille, Newcastle Away: Bayern Munich, Atleti, PSV, GalatasarayQarabag Home: Chelsea, Frankfurt, Ajax, Copenhagen Away: Liverpool, Benfica, Napoli, Athletic ClubAthletic Club Home: PSG, Arsenal, Sporting CP, Qarabag Away: Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Slavia Praha, NewcastleNewcastle Home: Barcelona, Benfica, PSV, Athletic Club Away: PSG, Leverkusen, Marseille, Union SGPafos Home: Bayern Munich, Villarreal, Slavia Praha, Monaco Away: Chelsea, Juventus, Olympiacos, Kairat AlmatyKairat Almaty Home: Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Olympiacos, Pafos Away: Inter Milan, Arsenal, Sporting CP, Copenhagen

UEFA Champions League announced the draw for 36 teams for the next season. Each team will play four home and four away fixtures in the latest format. Check all the home and away fixtures for all 36 teams.

The much-awaited UEFA Champions League Draw has been announced for all 36 teams divided in four pots. The upcoming season will have 'League Phase' in which each team will play eight games - four away and four at home. Once the games are over, teams ranking in positions from 25 to 36 will be eliminated. Among the rest of the teams, top eight will qualify for the the next stage - round of 16. The teams ranked 9 to 24 will be divided into two groups of eight teams each and will play the knock out play offs to qualify for the next round. Teams ranked from 9 to 16 will be seeded while teams ranked from 17 to 24 will be unseeded for the knock out play offs round. Here's the UEFA Champions League draw for each team Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Home: Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United Away: Barcelona, Leverkusen, Sporting CP, Athletic Club Real Madrid Home: Manchester City, Juventus, Marseille Monaco Away: Liverpool, Benfica, Olympiacos, Kairat Almaty Manchester City Home: Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, Napoli, Galatasaray Away: Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, Monaco Bayern Munich Home: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Sporting CP, Union SG Away: PSG, Arsenal, PSV, Pafos Liverpool Home: Real Madrid, Atleti, PSV, Qarabag Away: Inter Milan, Frankfurt, Marseille, Galatasaray Inter Milan Home: Liverpool, Arsenal, Slavia Praha, Kairat Almaty Away: Borussia Dortmund, Atleti, Ajax, Union SG Chelsea Home: Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax, Pafos Away: Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Napoli, Qarabag Borussia Dortmund Home: Inter Milan, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, Athletic Club Away: Man City, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Copenhagen Barcelona Home: PSG, Frankfurt, Olympiacos, Copenhagen Away: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, Newcastle Arsenal Home: Bayern Munich, Atleti, Olympiacos, Kairat Almaty Away: Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, Athletic Club Leverkusen Home: PSG, Villarreal, PSV, Newcastle Away: Man City, Benfica, Olympiacos, Copenhagen Atleti Home: Inter Milan, Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG Away: Liverpool, Arsenal, PSV, Galatasaray Benfica Home: Real Madrid, Leverkusen, Napoli, Qarabag Away: Chelsea, Juventus, Ajax, Newcastle Atalanta Home: Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, Athletic Club Away: PSG, Frankfurt, Marseille, Union SG Villarreal Home: Man City, Juventus, Ajax, Copenhagen Away: Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Pafos Juventus Home: Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Sporting CP, Pafos Away: Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, Monaco Frankfurt Home: Liverpool, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Galatasaray Away: Barcelona, Atleti, Napoli, Qarabag Club Brugge Home: Barcelona, Arsenal, Marseille, Monaco Away: Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Sporting CP, Kairat Almaty Tottenham Hotspur Home: Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Slavia Praha, Copenhagen Away: PSG, Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt, Monaco PSV Home: Bayern Munich, Atleti, Napoli, Union SG Away: Liverpool, Leverkusen, Olympiacos, Newcastle Ajax Home: Inter Milan, Benfica, Olympiacos, Galatasaray Away: Chelsea, Villarreal, Marseille, Qarabag Napoli Home: Chelsea, Frankfurt, Sporting CP, Qarabag Away: Man City, Benfica, PSV, Copenhagen Sporting CP Home: PSG, Club Brugge, Marseille, Kairat Almaty Away: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Napoli, Athletic Club Olympiacos Home: Real Madrid, Leverkusen, PSV, Pafos Away: Barcelona, Arsenal, Ajax, Kairat Almaty Slavia Praha Home: Barcelona, Arsenal, Bodo/Glimt, Athletic Club Away: Inter Milan, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Pafos Bodo/Glimt Home: Man City, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Monaco Away: Borussia Dortmund, Atleti, Slavia Praha, Galatasaray Marseille Home: Liverpool, Atalanta, Ajax, Newcastle Away: Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Sporting CP, Union SG Copenhagen Home: Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, Napoli, Kairat Almaty Away: Barcelona, Villarreal, Tottenham Hotspur, Qarabag Monaco Home: Man City, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Galatasaray Away: Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Bodo/Glimt, Pafos Galatasaray Home: Liverpool, Atleti, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG Away: Man City, Frankfurt, Ajax, Monaco Union SG Home: Inter Milan, Atalanta, Marseille, Newcastle Away: Bayern Munich, Atleti, PSV, Galatasaray Qarabag Home: Chelsea, Frankfurt, Ajax, Copenhagen Away: Liverpool, Benfica, Napoli, Athletic Club Athletic Club Home: PSG, Arsenal, Sporting CP, Qarabag Away: Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Slavia Praha, Newcastle Newcastle Home: Barcelona, Benfica, PSV, Athletic Club Away: PSG, Leverkusen, Marseille, Union SG Pafos Home: Bayern Munich, Villarreal, Slavia Praha, Monaco Away: Chelsea, Juventus, Olympiacos, Kairat Almaty Kairat Almaty Home: Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Olympiacos, Pafos Away: Inter Milan, Arsenal, Sporting CP, Copenhagen

UEFA Champions League announced the draw for 36 teams for the next season. Each team will play four home and four away fixtures in the latest format. Check all the home and away fixtures for all 36 teams.

UEFA Champions League Draw: Check all home and away matches for each team

At the time of writing, Kairat Almaty may be an unknown football club for the majority of fans, but if you haven’t heard of them before, you are about to hear now. Ranked 311 in Europe as of Tuesday (Aug 27), Kairat Almaty will be playing in the 2025-26 Champions League season and will be facing the likes of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu or Liverpool at Anfield or they could host Bayern Munich in their near-24,000 capacity stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan. These all dreams came true for the Kazakhstan Premier League side on Tuesday when they beat Celtic 3-2 in a Champions League Playoff match.<h2>Kairat Almaty script history</h2>Based in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, Kairat have enjoyed a huge success in recent history. Founded in 1954 as Lokomotiv Alma-Ata, they became Urozhay in 1955 and Kairat in 1956. Kairat was the leading Kazakh club during the Soviet period and the only representative of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Top League. Since the club’s existence dates back to Soviet Union days, it is a widely celebrated club in the nation.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;Kairat Almaty won Soviet First League titles twice, in 1976 and 1983 and were a household name before the Soviet Union was divided into different countries. Being based in the country’s then-capital, Kairat had a huge fan base and developed a rivalry with Astana FC. One of the reasons for the strong rivalry is the shift of capital when Astana was made Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997. In modern history, Kairat won four league titles, eight Kazakhstan Cups and two Kazakhstan Super Cups.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>Kairat’s path to the Champions League league phase</h2>Having won the most recent Kazakhstan Premier League title, Kairat qualified for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League first round. Kairat defeated Olimpija Ljubljana 3-1 on aggregate in the first qualifier round. Kairat won the second round against Kuopion Palloseura 3-2 on aggregate and reached the final round after defeating Slovan Bratislava on penalties.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;However, the club’s greatest achievement came on Tuesday when they qualified for the Champions League league phase for the first time in their history, defeating Celtic in the playoffs 3–2 on penalties after both legs ended goalless.&nbsp;While British clubs would have made history with not less than eight participants in the Champions League, Kairat deserve every piece of the cake for their historic achievement.

Being based in the country’s then-capital, Kairat Almaty  had a huge fan base and developed a rivalry with Astana FC. One of the reasons for the strong rivalry is the shift of capital when Astana was made Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997.

At the time of writing, Kairat Almaty may be an unknown football club for the majority of fans, but if you haven’t heard of them before, you are about to hear now. Ranked 311 in Europe as of Tuesday (Aug 27), Kairat Almaty will be playing in the 2025-26 Champions League season and will be facing the likes of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu or Liverpool at Anfield or they could host Bayern Munich in their near-24,000 capacity stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan. These all dreams came true for the Kazakhstan Premier League side on Tuesday when they beat Celtic 3-2 in a Champions League Playoff match. Kairat Almaty script history Based in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, Kairat have enjoyed a huge success in recent history. Founded in 1954 as Lokomotiv Alma-Ata, they became Urozhay in 1955 and Kairat in 1956. Kairat was the leading Kazakh club during the Soviet period and the only representative of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Top League. Since the club’s existence dates back to Soviet Union days, it is a widely celebrated club in the nation. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Kairat Almaty won Soviet First League titles twice, in 1976 and 1983 and were a household name before the Soviet Union was divided into different countries. Being based in the country’s then-capital, Kairat had a huge fan base and developed a rivalry with Astana FC. One of the reasons for the strong rivalry is the shift of capital when Astana was made Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997. In modern history, Kairat won four league titles, eight Kazakhstan Cups and two Kazakhstan Super Cups. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Kairat’s path to the Champions League league phase Having won the most recent Kazakhstan Premier League title, Kairat qualified for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League first round. Kairat defeated Olimpija Ljubljana 3-1 on aggregate in the first qualifier round. Kairat won the second round against Kuopion Palloseura 3-2 on aggregate and reached the final round after defeating Slovan Bratislava on penalties. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details However, the club’s greatest achievement came on Tuesday when they qualified for the Champions League league phase for the first time in their history, defeating Celtic in the playoffs 3–2 on penalties after both legs ended goalless. While British clubs would have made history with not less than eight participants in the Champions League, Kairat deserve every piece of the cake for their historic achievement.

Being based in the country’s then-capital, Kairat Almaty &nbsp;had a huge fan base and developed a rivalry with Astana FC. One of the reasons for the strong rivalry is the shift of capital when Astana was made Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997.

Who are Kairat Almaty, ranked 311 in Europe, now set for UCL debut after historic Playoffs win? Details here

The draws for the 2025-26 Champions League league phase will take centre stage in the upcoming week, as the final draft of 36 teams will proceed to compete for the world's biggest club competition. With the first leg of the playoffs concluded, the upcoming season will be the second edition of the expanded version of the Champions League, with 36 teams set to compete for the top honour. So ahead of the Champions League draw for the 2025-26 league phase, here are all details, including date, start time, teams qualified and live streaming details.<h2>When is the Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw?</h2>The draw will be held in Monaco on Thursday (August 28)&nbsp;and begins at 10:30 PM IST (6:00 PM BST).<h2>How to watch the live Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw on TV?</h2>The Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw will be shown live on the Sony Sports network, which is the official broadcaster in India.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>How to watch the live Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw live streaming?</h2>The Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app, which is the official partner in India. The draw can also be viewed on the Uefa.com, which will offer a live stream on their website and YouTube channel.<h2>How does the Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw work?</h2>The league phase has 36 teams, with every team handed eight games. The 36 teams are split into four pots of eight teams based on their UEFA coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software. The opponents then come from each pot, with two teams selected from each, one home and one away.&nbsp;Teams cannot play another team from the same country and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country. Those finishing inside the top eight go straight into the last 16, then the next 16 teams advance to the play-off stage, with eight of those 16 teams progressing to the last 16.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a><h2>Who has qualified for the Champions League 2025-26 league phase?</h2>Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, BarcelonaPot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht FrankfurtPot 2/3: TottenhamPot 3: PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, MarseillePot 3/4: MonacoPot 4: Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Athletic Bilbao, Newcastle&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>What is unique in the 2025-26 Champions League league phase?</h2>The 2025-26 Champions League season will be the first time an association will have six participants in the league phase. England will have six representatives after four teams qualified directly for the competition, while Newcastle United were rewarded for the additional berth secured through performance coefficient. On the other hand, Tottenham’s win over Manchester United in the Europa League saw them become the sixth team to qualify for the Champions League.&nbsp;Also, if both Celtic and Rangers (currently in the playoff round) make it to the league phase, there will be eight British teams that will play in the Champions League league phase.

England will have six representatives after four teams qualified directly for the competition, while Newcastle United were rewarded for the additional berth secured through performance coefficient.

The draws for the 2025-26 Champions League league phase will take centre stage in the upcoming week, as the final draft of 36 teams will proceed to compete for the world's biggest club competition. With the first leg of the playoffs concluded, the upcoming season will be the second edition of the expanded version of the Champions League, with 36 teams set to compete for the top honour. So ahead of the Champions League draw for the 2025-26 league phase, here are all details, including date, start time, teams qualified and live streaming details. When is the Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw? The draw will be held in Monaco on Thursday (August 28) and begins at 10:30 PM IST (6:00 PM BST). How to watch the live Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw on TV? The Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw will be shown live on the Sony Sports network, which is the official broadcaster in India. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details How to watch the live Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw live streaming? The Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app, which is the official partner in India. The draw can also be viewed on the Uefa.com, which will offer a live stream on their website and YouTube channel. How does the Champions League 2025-26 league phase draw work? The league phase has 36 teams, with every team handed eight games. The 36 teams are split into four pots of eight teams based on their UEFA coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software. The opponents then come from each pot, with two teams selected from each, one home and one away. Teams cannot play another team from the same country and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country. Those finishing inside the top eight go straight into the last 16, then the next 16 teams advance to the play-off stage, with eight of those 16 teams progressing to the last 16. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Who has qualified for the Champions League 2025-26 league phase? Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona Pot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt Pot 2/3: Tottenham Pot 3: PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Marseille Pot 3/4: Monaco Pot 4: Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Athletic Bilbao, Newcastle ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) What is unique in the 2025-26 Champions League league phase? The 2025-26 Champions League season will be the first time an association will have six participants in the league phase. England will have six representatives after four teams qualified directly for the competition, while Newcastle United were rewarded for the additional berth secured through performance coefficient. On the other hand, Tottenham’s win over Manchester United in the Europa League saw them become the sixth team to qualify for the Champions League. Also, if both Celtic and Rangers (currently in the playoff round) make it to the league phase, there will be eight British teams that will play in the Champions League league phase.

England will have six representatives after four teams qualified directly for the competition, while Newcastle United were rewarded for the additional berth secured through performance coefficient.

Champions League 2025-26 draw: When is the league phase draw? Date, start time, teams qualified and other key details

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