Manchester City&nbsp;will take on Chelsea in the highly anticipated finale of the UEFA Champions League. However, fans of both clubs have clashed on the streets of Porto ahead of the match. Video footage emerged on Thursday and is being circulated around social media where fans from both sides can be seen fight against each other.&nbsp;

According to reports, Chelsea and City fans clashed with Porto police and each other in altercations that could lead to heightened security being deployed on the streets.&nbsp;

A local television channel in Porto showed videos of various incidents with Chelsea and Manchester City fans arriving ahead of Saturday night's huge game.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Man City and Chelsea fans clashing in Porto last night... 
 
For some reason it always ends up with chairs being lobbed about 🤔<a href="https://t.co/irFI4sY1Xp">pic.twitter.com/irFI4sY1Xp</a>
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootyAccums/status/1398201293785776129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

UEFA on Tuesday announced that up to 16,500 spectators will be allowed to attend the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea on Sunday in Porto. The ticket sales for the match opened on Tuesday.

The figure allowed by the Portuguese authorities stands at one-third of the capacity of the Estadio do Dragao, which took over the hosting after Istanbul was ruled out due to COVID-19 issues.

UEFA has already allocated as many as 6,000 tickets to each Chelsea and Man City.

To this will be added the traditional invitations, as well as "1,700 tickets reserved for the general public" which "will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis".

Tickets for the UCL final cost from 70 euros to 600 euros -- against a range of 40 to 130 euros for Wednesday's Europa League final in Gdansk between Manchester United and Villareal.

Spectators will “require proof of a negative Covid-19 test" to enter the stadium. Fans coming from abroad "will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force".

With Portugal being on the green list of the British government, players or fans won’t have to quarantine upon returning home.

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the highly anticipated finale of the UEFA Champions League. However, fans of both clubs have clashed on the streets of Porto ahead of the match.

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the highly anticipated finale of the UEFA Champions League. However, fans of both clubs have clashed on the streets of Porto ahead of the match. Video footage emerged on Thursday and is being circulated around social media where fans from both sides can be seen fight against each other. According to reports, Chelsea and City fans clashed with Porto police and each other in altercations that could lead to heightened security being deployed on the streets. A local television channel in Porto showed videos of various incidents with Chelsea and Manchester City fans arriving ahead of Saturday night's huge game. Man City and Chelsea fans clashing in Porto last night... For some reason it always ends up with chairs being lobbed about 🤔pic.twitter.com/irFI4sY1Xp — Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) May 28, 2021 × UEFA on Tuesday announced that up to 16,500 spectators will be allowed to attend the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea on Sunday in Porto. The ticket sales for the match opened on Tuesday. The figure allowed by the Portuguese authorities stands at one-third of the capacity of the Estadio do Dragao, which took over the hosting after Istanbul was ruled out due to COVID-19 issues. UEFA has already allocated as many as 6,000 tickets to each Chelsea and Man City. To this will be added the traditional invitations, as well as "1,700 tickets reserved for the general public" which "will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis". Tickets for the UCL final cost from 70 euros to 600 euros -- against a range of 40 to 130 euros for Wednesday's Europa League final in Gdansk between Manchester United and Villareal. Spectators will “require proof of a negative Covid-19 test" to enter the stadium. Fans coming from abroad "will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force". With Portugal being on the green list of the British government, players or fans won’t have to quarantine upon returning home.

Watch: Man City and Chelsea fans clash on streets of Porto ahead of UCL finals

Fleet-footed Norwegian winger Guro Reiten joined Chelsea to play in the biggest club games possible, and on Sunday her dream will come true as they take on Barcelona in the Champions League final in Gothenburg.&nbsp;

Reiten had already reached the top in Norway, winning three league titles with LSK and twice finishing as the league’s top scorer, but the move to London in 2019 to a club with Chelsea’s resources has been a big step up.&nbsp;

"What is similar is the desire to win, to sacrifice everything to win regardless, but the conditions here for winning are very different," Reiten told Reuters.&nbsp;

“It’s much more professional day-to-day at Chelsea, everything is perfectly set up so you can succeed. There is nothing we don’t have access to in terms of resources - you just have to show up and everything is ready for you, you only have to focus on what you are going to do on the pitch.”

The 26-year-old signed for Chelsea ahead of the 2019 World Cup in France, where Norway was knocked out by England at the quarter-final stage, and she was impressed by the attention to detail once she joined her new club.&nbsp;

“We have sleep experts, menstruation experts, psychologists... they keep an eye on everything, all the way. It’s very detailed,” she explained.

The facilities were not the only thing she had to get used to in England.&nbsp;

"The English league is high-tempo, a physically tough league, so I’ve learned to make decisions quicker, but with quality at the same time... in my first week in England I found myself lying in the grass after a tackle and (Chelsea center-back) Millie Bright just said ‘welcome to England’!”

Chelsea edged out Bayern Munich to make it to the Champions League final for the first time, and Reiten is one of a number of Nordic players in the Chelsea squad who has been looking forward to playing in Sweden.&nbsp;

“It’s funny that it’s in Sweden because we talked about it this season, that maybe it was meant to be since we’re a big group of Scandies here,” said Reiten, who is disappointed that there will be no fans in attendance due to Swedish COVID-19 restrictions. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

“Especially this game, it’s probably going to be one of the biggest games we’ll ever play, and not being able to have our family and friends there, it’s sad.”

Barcelona may be favorites with the bookmakers, but Chelsea go into the final full of self-belief due to the bonds created during the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We have so many great players with different qualities, we push each other every day. We have great coaches, great staff, but I would also say great people,” Reiten says. &nbsp;

“This year has been a struggle for all of us, not being able to go home and COVID and everything, so we’ve not only been each other’s team mates, we’ve been each other’s family, and that has made us a strong group.”&nbsp;

Fleet-footed Norwegian winger Guro Reiten joined Chelsea to play in the biggest club games possible, and on Sunday her dream will come true as they take on Barcelona in the Champions League final in Gothenburg.

Fleet-footed Norwegian winger Guro Reiten joined Chelsea to play in the biggest club games possible, and on Sunday her dream will come true as they take on Barcelona in the Champions League final in Gothenburg. Reiten had already reached the top in Norway, winning three league titles with LSK and twice finishing as the league’s top scorer, but the move to London in 2019 to a club with Chelsea’s resources has been a big step up. "What is similar is the desire to win, to sacrifice everything to win regardless, but the conditions here for winning are very different," Reiten told Reuters. “It’s much more professional day-to-day at Chelsea, everything is perfectly set up so you can succeed. There is nothing we don’t have access to in terms of resources - you just have to show up and everything is ready for you, you only have to focus on what you are going to do on the pitch.” The 26-year-old signed for Chelsea ahead of the 2019 World Cup in France, where Norway was knocked out by England at the quarter-final stage, and she was impressed by the attention to detail once she joined her new club. “We have sleep experts, menstruation experts, psychologists... they keep an eye on everything, all the way. It’s very detailed,” she explained. The facilities were not the only thing she had to get used to in England. "The English league is high-tempo, a physically tough league, so I’ve learned to make decisions quicker, but with quality at the same time... in my first week in England I found myself lying in the grass after a tackle and (Chelsea center-back) Millie Bright just said ‘welcome to England’!” Chelsea edged out Bayern Munich to make it to the Champions League final for the first time, and Reiten is one of a number of Nordic players in the Chelsea squad who has been looking forward to playing in Sweden. “It’s funny that it’s in Sweden because we talked about it this season, that maybe it was meant to be since we’re a big group of Scandies here,” said Reiten, who is disappointed that there will be no fans in attendance due to Swedish COVID-19 restrictions. “Especially this game, it’s probably going to be one of the biggest games we’ll ever play, and not being able to have our family and friends there, it’s sad.” Barcelona may be favorites with the bookmakers, but Chelsea go into the final full of self-belief due to the bonds created during the pandemic. “We have so many great players with different qualities, we push each other every day. We have great coaches, great staff, but I would also say great people,” Reiten says. “This year has been a struggle for all of us, not being able to go home and COVID and everything, so we’ve not only been each other’s team mates, we’ve been each other’s family, and that has made us a strong group.”

Guro Reiten ready for Champions League battle with Barcelona

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has apologised to the club's supporters for appearing to laugh with Chelsea players after his former club knocked the Spanish giants out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Chelsea beat Real 2-0 in their semi-final second leg for a 3-1 win on aggregate and Hazard, who joined Real from Chelsea in 2019 as their record signing, failed to impress in either game after recently returning from injury.

Shortly after the final whistle, television cameras showed the Belgian congratulating and laughing with Chelsea players Kurt Zouma and Edouard Mendy. The footage, shown on social media, drew criticism from Real fans and the Spanish media.

"I am sorry. I have read lots of opinions about me today and it was not my intention to offend any Real Madrid fans," Hazard posted on his Instagram story on Thursday.

Hazard's two seasons in Spain have been riddled with injuries that have prevented him from hitting top form.

"It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win," he added. "The season is not over and together we must battle for La Liga. Hala Madrid."

Real could still end the season winning the La Liga title. They are second in the table with 74 points from 34 games, two points behind local rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has apologised to the club's supporters for appearing to laugh with Chelsea players after his former club knocked the Spanish giants out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has apologised to the club's supporters for appearing to laugh with Chelsea players after his former club knocked the Spanish giants out of the Champions League on Wednesday. Chelsea beat Real 2-0 in their semi-final second leg for a 3-1 win on aggregate and Hazard, who joined Real from Chelsea in 2019 as their record signing, failed to impress in either game after recently returning from injury. Shortly after the final whistle, television cameras showed the Belgian congratulating and laughing with Chelsea players Kurt Zouma and Edouard Mendy. The footage, shown on social media, drew criticism from Real fans and the Spanish media. "I am sorry. I have read lots of opinions about me today and it was not my intention to offend any Real Madrid fans," Hazard posted on his Instagram story on Thursday. Hazard's two seasons in Spain have been riddled with injuries that have prevented him from hitting top form. "It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win," he added. "The season is not over and together we must battle for La Liga. Hala Madrid." Real could still end the season winning the La Liga title. They are second in the table with 74 points from 34 games, two points behind local rivals Atletico Madrid.

Eden Hazard apologises for laughing with Chelsea players after Real Madrid defeat

Manchester City reached their first Champions League final as Riyad Mahrez's double sealed a 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's semi-final second leg.

City, 4-1 winners on aggregate, will play Chelsea or Real Madrid in the final in Istanbul.

Here, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Etihad Stadium clash:

<h2>Guardiola makes his point</h2>

Criticised for meddling with Manchester City's tactics with disastrous results in last season's shock Champions League quarter-final defeat against Lyon, Pep Guardiola enjoyed a moment of sweet redemption as his astute game-plan laid the foundations for their historic victory.

With a 2-1 lead to defend from the first leg in Paris, Guardiola needed to come up with the right approach to ensure his team didn't let PSG back into the tie.

Some believed Guardiola's desire to prove he could win the Champions League without Lionel Messi had affected him in the latter stages of the competition in the past as he tinkered with team line-ups unnecessarily.

But this time he struck just the right note, with a counter-attacking approach that set City up to take advantage of PSG's need to chase the game.

It worked to perfection with Riyad Mahrez's opening goal coming after a long pass from Ederson exploited the gaps left by PSG at the back.

"We approach this game like any other game," Guardiola had said ahead of the second leg, but even he knew the 289th match of his City reign was unlike any that had come before.

Guardiola last won the Champions League when he lifted the trophy for the second time in his Barcelona reign in 2011.

He hadn't been to the final since then, with City's Champions League campaigns littered with agonising exits in the Guardiola era.

At last, Guardiola and City can put their chequered European history behind them as they chase a remarkable Premier League, Champions League and League Cup treble.

<h2>Rock-solid Dias leads the way</h2>

Ruben Dias has made a superb impact since arriving at Manchester City from Benfica last year and this was the Portugal centre-back's finest moment yet.

After initially failing to fill the void left by Vincent Kompany's exit in 2019, City have finally found a worthy successor for the inspirational Belgian.

Dias was rock solid as PSG fought to get back into the tie, making a series of brave blocks and well-timed interceptions.

Twice, he denied PSG by putting his body on the line without a second thought, but the 23-year-old's tour de force came in the 62nd minute.

Ander Herrera's volley was flying towards goal, but Dias flung himself in the way, taking the ball flush on the face to stop the shot testing City keeper Ederson.

Dias wasn't the only defensive hero for City and when Oleksandr Zinchenko made a last-ditch block to deny Neymar inside the City area, John Stones hugged the left-back with unbridled joy -- a celebration that set the stage for the party to come at the final whistle.

<h2>PSG blunted by Mbappe injury</h2>

The glum look on Kylian Mbappe's face as he sat huddled on the PSG bench encapsulated a miserable evening for the France star and his team.

Mbappe wasn't fit to start after suffering a calf injury and he remained an unused substitute as PSG's final hopes faded away.

Brazil star Neymar had shouldered the burden when Mbappe was absent in the past, with PSG winning all five of their previous games under Mauricio Pochettino without the 22-year-old.

But Neymar was hounded into submission by City's tenacious defence and Mauro Icardi, starting in Mbappe's place, was unable to replicate the threat posed by the World Cup-winning striker, who has 37 goals in 43 appearances this season.

PSG had scored three at Manchester United, four at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season.

But five of those 10 goals came from Mbappe and his absence made it impossible for PSG to overturn the first-leg deficit.

Manchester City reached their first Champions League final as Riyad Mahrez's double sealed a 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's semi-final second leg.

Manchester City reached their first Champions League final as Riyad Mahrez's double sealed a 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's semi-final second leg. City, 4-1 winners on aggregate, will play Chelsea or Real Madrid in the final in Istanbul. Here, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Etihad Stadium clash: Guardiola makes his point Criticised for meddling with Manchester City's tactics with disastrous results in last season's shock Champions League quarter-final defeat against Lyon, Pep Guardiola enjoyed a moment of sweet redemption as his astute game-plan laid the foundations for their historic victory. With a 2-1 lead to defend from the first leg in Paris, Guardiola needed to come up with the right approach to ensure his team didn't let PSG back into the tie. Some believed Guardiola's desire to prove he could win the Champions League without Lionel Messi had affected him in the latter stages of the competition in the past as he tinkered with team line-ups unnecessarily. But this time he struck just the right note, with a counter-attacking approach that set City up to take advantage of PSG's need to chase the game. It worked to perfection with Riyad Mahrez's opening goal coming after a long pass from Ederson exploited the gaps left by PSG at the back. "We approach this game like any other game," Guardiola had said ahead of the second leg, but even he knew the 289th match of his City reign was unlike any that had come before. Guardiola last won the Champions League when he lifted the trophy for the second time in his Barcelona reign in 2011. He hadn't been to the final since then, with City's Champions League campaigns littered with agonising exits in the Guardiola era. At last, Guardiola and City can put their chequered European history behind them as they chase a remarkable Premier League, Champions League and League Cup treble. Rock-solid Dias leads the way Ruben Dias has made a superb impact since arriving at Manchester City from Benfica last year and this was the Portugal centre-back's finest moment yet. After initially failing to fill the void left by Vincent Kompany's exit in 2019, City have finally found a worthy successor for the inspirational Belgian. Dias was rock solid as PSG fought to get back into the tie, making a series of brave blocks and well-timed interceptions. Twice, he denied PSG by putting his body on the line without a second thought, but the 23-year-old's tour de force came in the 62nd minute. Ander Herrera's volley was flying towards goal, but Dias flung himself in the way, taking the ball flush on the face to stop the shot testing City keeper Ederson. Dias wasn't the only defensive hero for City and when Oleksandr Zinchenko made a last-ditch block to deny Neymar inside the City area, John Stones hugged the left-back with unbridled joy -- a celebration that set the stage for the party to come at the final whistle. PSG blunted by Mbappe injury The glum look on Kylian Mbappe's face as he sat huddled on the PSG bench encapsulated a miserable evening for the France star and his team. Mbappe wasn't fit to start after suffering a calf injury and he remained an unused substitute as PSG's final hopes faded away. Brazil star Neymar had shouldered the burden when Mbappe was absent in the past, with PSG winning all five of their previous games under Mauricio Pochettino without the 22-year-old. But Neymar was hounded into submission by City's tenacious defence and Mauro Icardi, starting in Mbappe's place, was unable to replicate the threat posed by the World Cup-winning striker, who has 37 goals in 43 appearances this season. PSG had scored three at Manchester United, four at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season. But five of those 10 goals came from Mbappe and his absence made it impossible for PSG to overturn the first-leg deficit.

Champions League: Three things we learned from Man City vs Paris Saint-Germain

Pep Guardiola on Monday called on his Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

City came from behind with a stunning second-half performance in the French capital last week to take a giant step towards a goal they have been chasing ever since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008 transformed the club's fortunes.

Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a coach when in charge of Barcelona, but has failed to do so in the past 10 years as he has suffered numerous agonising exits from Europe's premier club competition as Barca, Bayern Munich and City boss.

City moved to the brink of sealing a third Premier League title in four years at the weekend and Guardiola urged his side to maintain the same focus they have all season to see off PSG on Tuesday.

“The second-leg of semi-final always the toughest game, more than the final. We have to control our emotions to do exactly what we have to do," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.

"You cannot play 90 minutes like we played in the second half (in Paris). I would love to but it won't happen.

“You have to understand it will be a big battle and we are going to suffer. They have to visualise that we are going to do it.

"What we have to do is not different to what we have done over the last seven months. Go out and play our game and win."

PSG are also dreaming of winning the Champions League for the first time, but if they are to progress to the final for a second consecutive season, they will need to score at least twice at the Etihad.

City have not conceded more than once in a Champions League game all season as the centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones has eradicated the sort of defensive lapses that have cost Guardiola's men in previous years in this competition.

Stones admitted the English champions-elect have to remain wary of the "world class" talents of PSG star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but said City are confident of finally getting to the final

"I think (we are) quietly confident, we have to be. It is a big occasion for us as players and as a club, a chance to get into a Champions League final," said Stones.

"We have got to go into it where we left off. We are really confident and excited for the challenge ahead."

Mbappe is an injury doubt after sitting out Saturday's 2-1 win over Lens due to a calf strain.

The French World Cup winner has travelled to Manchester with the rest of the PSG squad and Guardiola dismissed any suggestion he won't be available.

"He is going to play," added Guardiola. "I am looking forward to him playing, for the football and the game itself."

Pep Guardiola on Monday called on his Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Pep Guardiola on Monday called on his Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. City came from behind with a stunning second-half performance in the French capital last week to take a giant step towards a goal they have been chasing ever since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008 transformed the club's fortunes. Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a coach when in charge of Barcelona, but has failed to do so in the past 10 years as he has suffered numerous agonising exits from Europe's premier club competition as Barca, Bayern Munich and City boss. City moved to the brink of sealing a third Premier League title in four years at the weekend and Guardiola urged his side to maintain the same focus they have all season to see off PSG on Tuesday. “The second-leg of semi-final always the toughest game, more than the final. We have to control our emotions to do exactly what we have to do," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference. "You cannot play 90 minutes like we played in the second half (in Paris). I would love to but it won't happen. “You have to understand it will be a big battle and we are going to suffer. They have to visualise that we are going to do it. "What we have to do is not different to what we have done over the last seven months. Go out and play our game and win." PSG are also dreaming of winning the Champions League for the first time, but if they are to progress to the final for a second consecutive season, they will need to score at least twice at the Etihad. City have not conceded more than once in a Champions League game all season as the centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones has eradicated the sort of defensive lapses that have cost Guardiola's men in previous years in this competition. Stones admitted the English champions-elect have to remain wary of the "world class" talents of PSG star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but said City are confident of finally getting to the final "I think (we are) quietly confident, we have to be. It is a big occasion for us as players and as a club, a chance to get into a Champions League final," said Stones. "We have got to go into it where we left off. We are really confident and excited for the challenge ahead." Mbappe is an injury doubt after sitting out Saturday's 2-1 win over Lens due to a calf strain. The French World Cup winner has travelled to Manchester with the rest of the PSG squad and Guardiola dismissed any suggestion he won't be available. "He is going to play," added Guardiola. "I am looking forward to him playing, for the football and the game itself."

Guardiola calls for Man City cool heads to see off PSG

Raphael Varane is set to miss Real Madrid's crunch Champions League second leg against Chelsea on Wednesday after the club confirmed he has sustained an adductor injury.

Varane was taken off at half-time of Madrid's 2-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday and the French defender is now expected to sit out the game at Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Chelsea in last week's first leg at Valdebebas.

"After the tests carried out today on our player Raphael Varane by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he was diagnosed with an injury to the right adductor muscle," Real Madrid said in a statement on Monday.

Varane's injury is another major blow for Madrid, who are also in the heat of La Liga's title race, with a pivotal match at home to Sevilla coming up on Sunday.&nbsp;

Zinedine Zidane's side are two points behind Atletico Madrid, with four games left to play.

Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez will likely form the central defensive partnership against Chelsea after they excelled while Varane was recently absent due to a positive test for Covid-19.

Sergio Ramos is also nearing a return to fitness following a calf injury, but it would be a surprise if the 35-year-old was thrown back in against Chelsea, after more than a month out.

Raphael Varane is set to miss Real Madrid's crunch Champions League second leg against Chelsea on Wednesday after the club confirmed he has sustained an adductor injury.

Raphael Varane is set to miss Real Madrid's crunch Champions League second leg against Chelsea on Wednesday after the club confirmed he has sustained an adductor injury. Varane was taken off at half-time of Madrid's 2-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday and the French defender is now expected to sit out the game at Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Chelsea in last week's first leg at Valdebebas. "After the tests carried out today on our player Raphael Varane by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he was diagnosed with an injury to the right adductor muscle," Real Madrid said in a statement on Monday. Varane's injury is another major blow for Madrid, who are also in the heat of La Liga's title race, with a pivotal match at home to Sevilla coming up on Sunday. Zinedine Zidane's side are two points behind Atletico Madrid, with four games left to play. Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez will likely form the central defensive partnership against Chelsea after they excelled while Varane was recently absent due to a positive test for Covid-19. Sergio Ramos is also nearing a return to fitness following a calf injury, but it would be a surprise if the 35-year-old was thrown back in against Chelsea, after more than a month out.

Varane to miss Chelsea return after Real Madrid confirm injury

From the creation of the first continental club cups in the 1950s to the announcement of a private Super League, European football has been torn between its traditions and the big clubs' desire for more money.

<h2>1955: the launch as a private super league</h2>

While there had been cross-border club competitions, such as the pre-war Mitropa Cup, French newspaper L'Equipe kicked off modern European club competition when it suggested the creation of a Champion Clubs' Cup.

UEFA, the governing body of European football, initially wanted nothing to do with it and were prepared to let the clubs get on with it.

Global governing body&nbsp;FIFA, however, concerned that such a competition would flourish outside its official structures, pushed UEFA to jump on the bandwagon and give its approval.&nbsp;

The European Cup started in the 1955-56 season with clubs from 15 nations and the Saarland, a French protectorate in Germany. The entries did not include a club from England, which turned its nose up at the idea and refused to enter champions Chelsea.

Only seven of the 16 club were reigning national champions.&nbsp;

Some, such as Dutch champions Holland Sport and Scottish champions Aberdeen refused to take part and were replaced by other clubs from their leagues.&nbsp;

In some countries, the national champions were passed over in favour of more famous or better-connected clubs.

The following year, UEFA required each country to send its national champion.

The Champions Cup was quickly joined by the Intercity Fairs Cup, in which cities at first entered combined teams. It became the first European competition with more entries for the big countries as it evolved into the UEFA Cup and then the Europa League.

The Cup Winners Cup was founded in 1960 and lasted until 1999.

<h2>1991: More matches</h2>

The big clubs first got their way in the early 1990s.

For 1991-1992, UEFA agreed to introduce group stages to guarantee more matches.

In that season, after two knockout rounds, the last eight competed in two groups of four, with the winners, Barcelona and Sampdoria, qualifying for the final.

The following season, the competition was rebranded the Champions League.

From 1994-1995, the group stage was moved to the beginning of the tournament.

<h2>1997: More clubs</h2>

The big clubs scored a second victory in 1997 when runners up from nine of the biggest leagues were allowed to enter.

In 1999, up to four clubs were allowed from each country - in the first season Italy, Germany and Spain were the beneficiaries - and a second group phase was introduced for the round of 16.

That increased the number of matches and, therefore, revenue. It also reduced the risk of giant-killing upsets, but the predictability and meaningless matches late in the group stages also drained much of the drama.

The second group phase was abandoned in the 2002-2003 season but the first group phase was kept to weed out the real minnows&nbsp;while guaranteeing qualifiers at least six games.

<h2>2020: The 'Super' League</h2>

Despite the tremendous popularity of the competition, the big clubs forever want more.

Their solution is a closed or semi-closed European league, the 'Super League'.

The powerful European Club Association, dominated by the biggest clubs, was the first to brandish the threat.

That pressure prompted UEFA to come up with the proposed Champions League reform this week, with an initial phase of 36 clubs each playing 10 matches against different opponents.

While the majority of the ECA's 200 or so member and associate clubs are happy with the plan, 12, six from England and three each from Spain and Italy, have threatened to secede.

From the creation of the first continental club cups in the 1950s to the announcement of a private Super League, European football has been torn between its traditions and the big clubs' desire for more money.

From the creation of the first continental club cups in the 1950s to the announcement of a private Super League, European football has been torn between its traditions and the big clubs' desire for more money. 1955: the launch as a private super league While there had been cross-border club competitions, such as the pre-war Mitropa Cup, French newspaper L'Equipe kicked off modern European club competition when it suggested the creation of a Champion Clubs' Cup. UEFA, the governing body of European football, initially wanted nothing to do with it and were prepared to let the clubs get on with it. Global governing body FIFA, however, concerned that such a competition would flourish outside its official structures, pushed UEFA to jump on the bandwagon and give its approval. The European Cup started in the 1955-56 season with clubs from 15 nations and the Saarland, a French protectorate in Germany. The entries did not include a club from England, which turned its nose up at the idea and refused to enter champions Chelsea. Only seven of the 16 club were reigning national champions. Some, such as Dutch champions Holland Sport and Scottish champions Aberdeen refused to take part and were replaced by other clubs from their leagues. In some countries, the national champions were passed over in favour of more famous or better-connected clubs. The following year, UEFA required each country to send its national champion. The Champions Cup was quickly joined by the Intercity Fairs Cup, in which cities at first entered combined teams. It became the first European competition with more entries for the big countries as it evolved into the UEFA Cup and then the Europa League. The Cup Winners Cup was founded in 1960 and lasted until 1999. 1991: More matches The big clubs first got their way in the early 1990s. For 1991-1992, UEFA agreed to introduce group stages to guarantee more matches. In that season, after two knockout rounds, the last eight competed in two groups of four, with the winners, Barcelona and Sampdoria, qualifying for the final. The following season, the competition was rebranded the Champions League. From 1994-1995, the group stage was moved to the beginning of the tournament. 1997: More clubs The big clubs scored a second victory in 1997 when runners up from nine of the biggest leagues were allowed to enter. In 1999, up to four clubs were allowed from each country - in the first season Italy, Germany and Spain were the beneficiaries - and a second group phase was introduced for the round of 16. That increased the number of matches and, therefore, revenue. It also reduced the risk of giant-killing upsets, but the predictability and meaningless matches late in the group stages also drained much of the drama. The second group phase was abandoned in the 2002-2003 season but the first group phase was kept to weed out the real minnows while guaranteeing qualifiers at least six games. 2020: The 'Super' League Despite the tremendous popularity of the competition, the big clubs forever want more. Their solution is a closed or semi-closed European league, the 'Super League'. The powerful European Club Association, dominated by the biggest clubs, was the first to brandish the threat. That pressure prompted UEFA to come up with the proposed Champions League reform this week, with an initial phase of 36 clubs each playing 10 matches against different opponents. While the majority of the ECA's 200 or so member and associate clubs are happy with the plan, 12, six from England and three each from Spain and Italy, have threatened to secede.

In the Champions League, the elite have always battled the rest

Paris Saint-Germain's relationship with the Champions League over the last decade has been fraught with disappointment and littered with spectacular defeats, but an aggregate victory against holders Bayern Munich is the most significant of the Qatar era as they aim to finally get their hands on the trophy.

Against the team that Mauricio Pochettino kept insisting was the best in Europe, PSG exacted revenge for their 1-0 defeat in last season's final in Lisbon.

It was not achieved without suffering, as they followed their smash-and-grab 3-2 win in the first leg in the Munich snow last week with a 1-0 defeat in Tuesday's return, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scoring Bayern's goal against his old side.

But while in previous years PSG might have collapsed under the pressure, this time they held on to win their quarter-final tie on away goals and set up a semi-final against Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund.

Following the Qatar Sports Investments takeover of 2011, PSG spent a long time struggling to make an impact in Champions League knockout ties.

They threw away first-leg leads to lose on away goals to Chelsea in the 2014 quarter-finals and to Manchester United in the last 16 in 2019.

There was the humiliation of the "remontada" against Barcelona in 2017 too, when a 4-0 first-leg lead in the last 16 was obliterated in a 6-1 second-leg loss.

This time they held on, despite captain Marquinhos and playmaker Marco Verratti both missing the second leg, and despite Neymar missing a host of chances in the first half.

"This club has been growing every day, year on year," said Presnel Kimpembe, the skipper against Bayern whose late handball was responsible for their dramatic exit against United two years ago.

<h2>- 'No excuse' for Neymar, Mbappe to leave -</h2>

The success against the holders comes after they eliminated Barcelona in the last 16, winning 4-1 at the Camp Nou in the first leg.

That was also a case of exacting revenge, with the Catalans having beaten the French side in the knockout rounds three times in the previous decade.

In both of those ties PSG have shown a resilience that has been lacking before, and they have beaten two of the great traditional powerhouses of European football en route to the last four, having also beaten Manchester United away in the group phase.

"We have deserved to win these two ties, but I don't think that makes us favourites now," said coach Pochettino, and yet there is a significance to the teams they have knocked out.

Last year their run to the final, as impressive as it was, featured wins over Dortmund, Atalanta and RB Leipzig, none of whom were seen as contenders to win the trophy. The latter two victories came in one-off ties in the 'Final Eight' in Lisbon.

PSG's European run this season comes just as their hegemony at home is under threat -- after seven Ligue 1 titles in eight years, they are currently three points behind leaders Lille with six games remaining.

Nevertheless, the Champions League is really all that matters, and it is success in Europe's elite club competition that can convince superstar duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to sign contract extensions.

The two most expensive signings in football history when they arrived in Paris in 2017, Neymar and Mbappe are both out of contract at the end of next season. It remains Barcelona's dream to bring Neymar back, while Mbappe has long been linked to Real Madrid.

"Kylian and Neymar have no excuse for wanting to leave because we have everything in place here to win the Champions League," beaming PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi told RMC Sport.

"We are a top team now, with all respect for the other teams out there."

Paris Saint-Germain's relationship with the Champions League over the last decade has been fraught with disappointment and littered with spectacular defeats, but an aggregate victory against holders Bayern Munich is the most significant of the Qatar era as they aim to finally get their hands on the trophy.

Paris Saint-Germain's relationship with the Champions League over the last decade has been fraught with disappointment and littered with spectacular defeats, but an aggregate victory against holders Bayern Munich is the most significant of the Qatar era as they aim to finally get their hands on the trophy. Against the team that Mauricio Pochettino kept insisting was the best in Europe, PSG exacted revenge for their 1-0 defeat in last season's final in Lisbon. It was not achieved without suffering, as they followed their smash-and-grab 3-2 win in the first leg in the Munich snow last week with a 1-0 defeat in Tuesday's return, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scoring Bayern's goal against his old side. But while in previous years PSG might have collapsed under the pressure, this time they held on to win their quarter-final tie on away goals and set up a semi-final against Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund. Following the Qatar Sports Investments takeover of 2011, PSG spent a long time struggling to make an impact in Champions League knockout ties. They threw away first-leg leads to lose on away goals to Chelsea in the 2014 quarter-finals and to Manchester United in the last 16 in 2019. There was the humiliation of the "remontada" against Barcelona in 2017 too, when a 4-0 first-leg lead in the last 16 was obliterated in a 6-1 second-leg loss. This time they held on, despite captain Marquinhos and playmaker Marco Verratti both missing the second leg, and despite Neymar missing a host of chances in the first half. "This club has been growing every day, year on year," said Presnel Kimpembe, the skipper against Bayern whose late handball was responsible for their dramatic exit against United two years ago. - 'No excuse' for Neymar, Mbappe to leave - The success against the holders comes after they eliminated Barcelona in the last 16, winning 4-1 at the Camp Nou in the first leg. That was also a case of exacting revenge, with the Catalans having beaten the French side in the knockout rounds three times in the previous decade. In both of those ties PSG have shown a resilience that has been lacking before, and they have beaten two of the great traditional powerhouses of European football en route to the last four, having also beaten Manchester United away in the group phase. "We have deserved to win these two ties, but I don't think that makes us favourites now," said coach Pochettino, and yet there is a significance to the teams they have knocked out. Last year their run to the final, as impressive as it was, featured wins over Dortmund, Atalanta and RB Leipzig, none of whom were seen as contenders to win the trophy. The latter two victories came in one-off ties in the 'Final Eight' in Lisbon. PSG's European run this season comes just as their hegemony at home is under threat -- after seven Ligue 1 titles in eight years, they are currently three points behind leaders Lille with six games remaining. Nevertheless, the Champions League is really all that matters, and it is success in Europe's elite club competition that can convince superstar duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to sign contract extensions. The two most expensive signings in football history when they arrived in Paris in 2017, Neymar and Mbappe are both out of contract at the end of next season. It remains Barcelona's dream to bring Neymar back, while Mbappe has long been linked to Real Madrid. "Kylian and Neymar have no excuse for wanting to leave because we have everything in place here to win the Champions League," beaming PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi told RMC Sport. "We are a top team now, with all respect for the other teams out there."

PSG show their mettle with biggest Champions League scalp

Liverpool's last dance with Real Madrid ended in painful defeat, with Mohamed Salah's shoulder dislocated by Sergio Ramos dragging him to the ground and goalkeeper Loris Karius left apologising to his fans.

Yet Karius's two errors, which handed Madrid a 14th European triumph in the 2018 Champions League final, were also the start of a journey for Liverpool.&nbsp;

Karius was ruthlessly cast aside and Alisson Becker signed for a then world record fee for a goalkeeper.&nbsp;

A year later Liverpool were the ones hoisting the Champions League trophy after beating Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, before an even heavier burden was lifted when they were crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years.

But those highs have been followed by a fall from grace as Liverpool prepare to face Real again in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Madrid on Tuesday.

Fortress Anfield has turned into a visitors' dream with fans absent because of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

After nearly four years without a home league defeat, Liverpool have lost six in a row for the first time in the club's history.&nbsp;

Jurgen Klopp's men are in a scrap just to make it into next season's Champions League via a top-four finish in the Premier League.&nbsp;

Injuries have taken their toll. Captain Jordan Henderson and centre-backs Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip will all miss both legs of the Real tie and are unlikely to play again this season.&nbsp;

The signings of Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota last summer were designed to build from a position of strength, but both have also missed a large part of the campaign through injury.&nbsp;

However, there could yet be a happy ending to a difficult season. Saturday's comprehensive 3-0 win at Arsenal was Liverpool's most complete performance of 2021.&nbsp;

Jota is back fit and firing, scoring six times in his last four games for club and country. Thiago is also starting to find his rhythm, helped by the return of Fabinho to midfield after months of deputising as a makeshift centre-back.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Ramos reunion denied -</h2>

&nbsp;

Real Madrid might have taken more comfort from Liverpool's problems were they not confronting their own period of introspection.

Since winning a third consecutive Champions League three years ago, the team has stalled, a failure to update and refresh seeing them tumble down the European pecking order.&nbsp;

When Madrid and Liverpool were matched last month with Chelsea and Porto in the semi-finals, many thought Chelsea had a kind draw for the quarters, and the semis too.

Madrid have been unfortunate to see their one statement signing since 2018, Eden Hazard, succumb to injury. Hazard could have been the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and the catalyst for renewal but instead he has become an irrelevance.

If Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was too loyal to an ageing core, the club were also prevented from forcing change, the coronavirus pandemic slashing revenues and making significant signings impossible.

The rise of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Braut Haaland means Madrid could still make up for lost time in the transfer market this summer.

For now, Zidane will turn again to his tried and trusted for the first leg at Valdebebas, with Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema all three years older than the last time they played Liverpool, and arguably even more important.&nbsp;

Ramos will be denied a reunion with Salah because of a calf injury.

Madrid will also be buoyed by an upturn in form, the kind of late surge that has seen them deliver when it matters in the Champions League in many years gone by.

But Liverpool are showing signs of a resurgence too, their victory over Arsenal their third in a row and most convincing performance this year.

Crucially, both will believe winning this quarter-final puts them in sight of another European success, that from there they could defy recent trajectories by beating even the loftiest opponents in the competition.

In 2018, Real Madrid and Liverpool knew victory would secure them the trophy. This time they will hope it sparks a resurgence.

Liverpool's last dance with Real Madrid ended in painful defeat, with Mohamed Salah's shoulder dislocated by Sergio Ramos dragging him to the ground and goalkeeper Loris Karius left apologising to his fans.

Liverpool's last dance with Real Madrid ended in painful defeat, with Mohamed Salah's shoulder dislocated by Sergio Ramos dragging him to the ground and goalkeeper Loris Karius left apologising to his fans. Yet Karius's two errors, which handed Madrid a 14th European triumph in the 2018 Champions League final, were also the start of a journey for Liverpool. Karius was ruthlessly cast aside and Alisson Becker signed for a then world record fee for a goalkeeper. A year later Liverpool were the ones hoisting the Champions League trophy after beating Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, before an even heavier burden was lifted when they were crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years. But those highs have been followed by a fall from grace as Liverpool prepare to face Real again in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Madrid on Tuesday. Fortress Anfield has turned into a visitors' dream with fans absent because of the coronavirus pandemic. After nearly four years without a home league defeat, Liverpool have lost six in a row for the first time in the club's history. Jurgen Klopp's men are in a scrap just to make it into next season's Champions League via a top-four finish in the Premier League. Injuries have taken their toll. Captain Jordan Henderson and centre-backs Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip will all miss both legs of the Real tie and are unlikely to play again this season. The signings of Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota last summer were designed to build from a position of strength, but both have also missed a large part of the campaign through injury. However, there could yet be a happy ending to a difficult season. Saturday's comprehensive 3-0 win at Arsenal was Liverpool's most complete performance of 2021. Jota is back fit and firing, scoring six times in his last four games for club and country. Thiago is also starting to find his rhythm, helped by the return of Fabinho to midfield after months of deputising as a makeshift centre-back. - Ramos reunion denied - Real Madrid might have taken more comfort from Liverpool's problems were they not confronting their own period of introspection. Since winning a third consecutive Champions League three years ago, the team has stalled, a failure to update and refresh seeing them tumble down the European pecking order. When Madrid and Liverpool were matched last month with Chelsea and Porto in the semi-finals, many thought Chelsea had a kind draw for the quarters, and the semis too. Madrid have been unfortunate to see their one statement signing since 2018, Eden Hazard, succumb to injury. Hazard could have been the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and the catalyst for renewal but instead he has become an irrelevance. If Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was too loyal to an ageing core, the club were also prevented from forcing change, the coronavirus pandemic slashing revenues and making significant signings impossible. The rise of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Braut Haaland means Madrid could still make up for lost time in the transfer market this summer. For now, Zidane will turn again to his tried and trusted for the first leg at Valdebebas, with Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema all three years older than the last time they played Liverpool, and arguably even more important. Ramos will be denied a reunion with Salah because of a calf injury. Madrid will also be buoyed by an upturn in form, the kind of late surge that has seen them deliver when it matters in the Champions League in many years gone by. But Liverpool are showing signs of a resurgence too, their victory over Arsenal their third in a row and most convincing performance this year. Crucially, both will believe winning this quarter-final puts them in sight of another European success, that from there they could defy recent trajectories by beating even the loftiest opponents in the competition. In 2018, Real Madrid and Liverpool knew victory would secure them the trophy. This time they will hope it sparks a resurgence.

Fallen giants seek revival as Real Madrid, Liverpool battle again

Among the many eyebrow-raising comments made by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli recently was the suggestion that clubs involved in the Champions League would no longer be allowed to buy or sell players among themselves.

In his role as head of the European Club Association, Agnelli is at the forefront of plans to reshape the Champions League which include the likely expansion of the group stage to 36 teams, each playing 10 group games against 10 different opponents in a so-called 'Swiss system'.

The discussed reforms are widely seen as a compromise between European football's governing body UEFA and the continent's most powerful clubs, preventing the threat of a breakaway 'Super League' but entrenching the positions of the richest teams.

Agnelli's Juve are one of those, but they will be absent from Friday's quarter-final draw following their shock last-16 defeat by Porto.

Yet rather than the transfer of a player between two clubs, it is a coach who started the season in charge of one of Europe's elite before joining another who made the biggest impression in the Champions League this week.

Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in December despite winning a Champions League group also containing RB Leipzig and Manchester United.

In January he joined Chelsea and the impact the German has had in seven weeks has been remarkable. On Wednesday they saw off La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to win their last-16 tie 3-0 on aggregate.

Tuchel took over a side struggling for consistency under Frank Lampard and immediately turned them into a supremely disciplined unit that has conceded just two goals and remains unbeaten in his 13 games in charge.

They made Diego Simeone's Atletico look thoroughly ordinary in both legs and few teams will relish the prospect of facing Chelsea in the last eight.

"We feel that we deserve this. We are in the last eight which is already a big step. From there on we go, there is no need to be afraid, we will take what we get and will prepare in the best way possible," Tuchel said on Wednesday.

<h2>- Pressure on Man City? -</h2>

Chelsea's 2012 Champions League triumph came after they changed manager mid-season and Tuchel will be determined to go one better than last season, when PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the final.

A reunion with PSG in the next round would be fascinating, and not one the French club would likely welcome as they struggle to impress under Tuchel's successor Mauricio Pochettino, their 4-1 win in Barcelona aside.

There are six former winners in the last-eight draw, with a total of 29 European Cups between them.

Only Manchester City among the quarter-finalists have never reached the final, but they look formidable: Pep Guardiola's team have won 24 of their last 25 games and are chasing an unprecedented quadruple.

Perhaps the only thing counting against them is the growing pressure to win the trophy after quarter-final exits in the last three years.

"Since the first year I arrived they told me that you have to win the Champions League," Guardiola admitted after his side beat Borussia Moenchengladbach.

<h2>- Money talks -</h2>

With Liverpool also still alive, England have three representatives in the draw, yet Bayern -- with 18 wins and one draw in 19 Champions League games since the start of last season -- remain the team to beat.

Defeats for Juventus and Atalanta mean there is no Italian team in the last eight for the first time since 2016, and Porto, despite eliminating Juve, are surely the side most teams would prefer to face.

The Portuguese champions have lifted the trophy twice before and are regulars on Europe's biggest stage, but given how much money talks at this level it would be a huge surprise if they went any further.

Porto are way down the list of the continent's richest clubs and a recent KPMG Football Benchmark report put their income last year at 87.3 million euros ($104m), less than a quarter that of Dortmund, the club closest to them financially.

Among the many eyebrow-raising comments made by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli recently was the suggestion that clubs involved in the Champions League would no longer be allowed to buy or sell players among themselves.

Among the many eyebrow-raising comments made by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli recently was the suggestion that clubs involved in the Champions League would no longer be allowed to buy or sell players among themselves. In his role as head of the European Club Association, Agnelli is at the forefront of plans to reshape the Champions League which include the likely expansion of the group stage to 36 teams, each playing 10 group games against 10 different opponents in a so-called 'Swiss system'. The discussed reforms are widely seen as a compromise between European football's governing body UEFA and the continent's most powerful clubs, preventing the threat of a breakaway 'Super League' but entrenching the positions of the richest teams. Agnelli's Juve are one of those, but they will be absent from Friday's quarter-final draw following their shock last-16 defeat by Porto. Yet rather than the transfer of a player between two clubs, it is a coach who started the season in charge of one of Europe's elite before joining another who made the biggest impression in the Champions League this week. Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in December despite winning a Champions League group also containing RB Leipzig and Manchester United. In January he joined Chelsea and the impact the German has had in seven weeks has been remarkable. On Wednesday they saw off La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to win their last-16 tie 3-0 on aggregate. Tuchel took over a side struggling for consistency under Frank Lampard and immediately turned them into a supremely disciplined unit that has conceded just two goals and remains unbeaten in his 13 games in charge. They made Diego Simeone's Atletico look thoroughly ordinary in both legs and few teams will relish the prospect of facing Chelsea in the last eight. "We feel that we deserve this. We are in the last eight which is already a big step. From there on we go, there is no need to be afraid, we will take what we get and will prepare in the best way possible," Tuchel said on Wednesday. - Pressure on Man City? - Chelsea's 2012 Champions League triumph came after they changed manager mid-season and Tuchel will be determined to go one better than last season, when PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the final. A reunion with PSG in the next round would be fascinating, and not one the French club would likely welcome as they struggle to impress under Tuchel's successor Mauricio Pochettino, their 4-1 win in Barcelona aside. There are six former winners in the last-eight draw, with a total of 29 European Cups between them. Only Manchester City among the quarter-finalists have never reached the final, but they look formidable: Pep Guardiola's team have won 24 of their last 25 games and are chasing an unprecedented quadruple. Perhaps the only thing counting against them is the growing pressure to win the trophy after quarter-final exits in the last three years. "Since the first year I arrived they told me that you have to win the Champions League," Guardiola admitted after his side beat Borussia Moenchengladbach. - Money talks - With Liverpool also still alive, England have three representatives in the draw, yet Bayern -- with 18 wins and one draw in 19 Champions League games since the start of last season -- remain the team to beat. Defeats for Juventus and Atalanta mean there is no Italian team in the last eight for the first time since 2016, and Porto, despite eliminating Juve, are surely the side most teams would prefer to face. The Portuguese champions have lifted the trophy twice before and are regulars on Europe's biggest stage, but given how much money talks at this level it would be a huge surprise if they went any further. Porto are way down the list of the continent's richest clubs and a recent KPMG Football Benchmark report put their income last year at 87.3 million euros ($104m), less than a quarter that of Dortmund, the club closest to them financially.

Tuchel makes Chelsea Champions League contenders but Man City, Bayern the teams to beat

Lionel Messi put his arm around Ilaix Moriba, the 18-year-old born in the same year Messi made his Barcelona debut and who was now being given his own chance to play for the club's first team.

Ilaix had just set up the opening goal against Alaves on Saturday when he was congratulated by his 33-year-old captain, whose task it is on Tuesday to lead this youthful Barca to an unfancied victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.

From nurturing the next generation of Barcelona talents to confronting one of Europe's richest, most ambitious clubs, the fork in the road for Messi's future is becoming clear.

PSG may not be Messi's preferred choice this summer, especially if Manchester City decide the Argentinian is the final piece of the jigsaw for a team already ahead of the rest in the Premier League.

But the two clubs remain his most realistic destinations, both united in representing almost everything that staying put at Barcelona would not. Clubs ready, in theory, to win the biggest trophies immediately and able to spend whatever it takes to do it.

Meanwhile Messi's suspicions in August, when he sent the burofax requesting he depart for free, have arguably been confirmed. Barcelona appear neither ready to win the biggest trophies immediately nor able to spend what is needed to do it.

As it stands, Koeman's team sit third in La Liga, eight points behind Atletico Madrid. They were beaten by Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup and trail Sevilla 2-0 after the semi-final first leg of the Copa del Rey.

And yet while nobody knows what Messi will decide, perhaps not even Messi -- who told La Sexta in December he "wouldn't be right to say what I'm going to do because I don't know either" -- there is reason to think Barca's chances have not only survived the disappointments but been improved in spite of them.

<h2>- Barcelona stabilised -</h2>

When Messi explained to goal.com why he wanted to go last summer, he reiterated his desire for a "winning project" but also said he "wanted to live my last years in football happily". He admitted how hard it was to tell his family they were leaving.

For the first few weeks of the season, he seemed distracted, like a player giving his all while simultaneously wishing he was somewhere else.&nbsp;

Yet Barcelona stabilised under Koeman -- never perfect and always far from the finished article -- but with a renewed sense of purpose emerging.

Koeman has enabled struggling players to flourish and promising youngsters to shine.

Pedri, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has stood out, his eye for a pass chiming with Messi's quickness of thought.

"In Pedri, Messi has found a reason to enjoy the game again," wrote Diario Sport in January.

Ansu Fati sparkled before injury struck in November while&nbsp;in defence, the 21-year-old Ronald Araujo, who is also expected to miss the first leg with an ankle problem, emerged as Koeman's most reliable central defender.

Frenkie de Jong has excelled in recent weeks and Ousmane Dembele is enjoying his best spell at the club so far.&nbsp;Messi, like the team, has looked happy.

"He is focused, he is happy, he has found that ruthless streak again," said Koeman on Saturday.

Excitement may prove misplaced or, at least, premature given there are no guarantees Barcelona's depleted defence will not cave against PSG and Kylian Mbappe, even with Neymar absent.

Another humbling in Europe may not undo the good work Koeman has done but it would serve as a painful reminder to Messi of past failures and ground to make up.

A positive result could do the opposite, providing affirmation of steps already taken and evidence that a move even to the richest clubs would bring no guarantees.

Most importantly, there is an opportunity to rubberstamp what Koeman has started and to confirm the growing sense of a club slowly rebuilding again.

With presidential elections due next month, the reality is Koeman may not see this transition through but Messi can decide if his role in any revival will be fleeting or more fundamental.

"There is only one person who can choose his future and it is him," said Koeman. "I would like him to stay for many more years and I'm trying to make sure he is happy like he is now. But his future is in his hands."

Lionel Messi put his arm around Ilaix Moriba, the 18-year-old born in the same year Messi made his Barcelona debut and who was now being given his own chance to play for the club's first team.

Lionel Messi put his arm around Ilaix Moriba, the 18-year-old born in the same year Messi made his Barcelona debut and who was now being given his own chance to play for the club's first team. Ilaix had just set up the opening goal against Alaves on Saturday when he was congratulated by his 33-year-old captain, whose task it is on Tuesday to lead this youthful Barca to an unfancied victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16. From nurturing the next generation of Barcelona talents to confronting one of Europe's richest, most ambitious clubs, the fork in the road for Messi's future is becoming clear. PSG may not be Messi's preferred choice this summer, especially if Manchester City decide the Argentinian is the final piece of the jigsaw for a team already ahead of the rest in the Premier League. But the two clubs remain his most realistic destinations, both united in representing almost everything that staying put at Barcelona would not. Clubs ready, in theory, to win the biggest trophies immediately and able to spend whatever it takes to do it. Meanwhile Messi's suspicions in August, when he sent the burofax requesting he depart for free, have arguably been confirmed. Barcelona appear neither ready to win the biggest trophies immediately nor able to spend what is needed to do it. As it stands, Koeman's team sit third in La Liga, eight points behind Atletico Madrid. They were beaten by Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup and trail Sevilla 2-0 after the semi-final first leg of the Copa del Rey. And yet while nobody knows what Messi will decide, perhaps not even Messi -- who told La Sexta in December he "wouldn't be right to say what I'm going to do because I don't know either" -- there is reason to think Barca's chances have not only survived the disappointments but been improved in spite of them. - Barcelona stabilised - When Messi explained to goal.com why he wanted to go last summer, he reiterated his desire for a "winning project" but also said he "wanted to live my last years in football happily". He admitted how hard it was to tell his family they were leaving. For the first few weeks of the season, he seemed distracted, like a player giving his all while simultaneously wishing he was somewhere else. Yet Barcelona stabilised under Koeman -- never perfect and always far from the finished article -- but with a renewed sense of purpose emerging. Koeman has enabled struggling players to flourish and promising youngsters to shine. Pedri, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has stood out, his eye for a pass chiming with Messi's quickness of thought. "In Pedri, Messi has found a reason to enjoy the game again," wrote Diario Sport in January. Ansu Fati sparkled before injury struck in November while in defence, the 21-year-old Ronald Araujo, who is also expected to miss the first leg with an ankle problem, emerged as Koeman's most reliable central defender. Frenkie de Jong has excelled in recent weeks and Ousmane Dembele is enjoying his best spell at the club so far. Messi, like the team, has looked happy. "He is focused, he is happy, he has found that ruthless streak again," said Koeman on Saturday. Excitement may prove misplaced or, at least, premature given there are no guarantees Barcelona's depleted defence will not cave against PSG and Kylian Mbappe, even with Neymar absent. Another humbling in Europe may not undo the good work Koeman has done but it would serve as a painful reminder to Messi of past failures and ground to make up. A positive result could do the opposite, providing affirmation of steps already taken and evidence that a move even to the richest clubs would bring no guarantees. Most importantly, there is an opportunity to rubberstamp what Koeman has started and to confirm the growing sense of a club slowly rebuilding again. With presidential elections due next month, the reality is Koeman may not see this transition through but Messi can decide if his role in any revival will be fleeting or more fundamental. "There is only one person who can choose his future and it is him," said Koeman. "I would like him to stay for many more years and I'm trying to make sure he is happy like he is now. But his future is in his hands."

Messi 'happy' leading Barca revival but PSG a reminder of what could await

Marcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday as Barcelona put their off-field troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rashford's late goal earned United a 2-1 victory away to Paris Saint-Germain last week and at Old Trafford the England striker came on as a second-half substitute and scored three times from the 74th minute on in what was a fine win against last season's semi-finalists.

Paul Pogba released Mason Greenwood to open the scoring in the first half, before the youngster made way for Rashford after the break and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ran away with the game to make it two wins from two in Group H.

Anthony Martial also netted from the penalty spot as United ruthlessly exposed the side who currently top the German Bundesliga and went clear at the top of the section.

"We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward," said Rashford. "It was a real team performance."

Meanwhile PSG got their campaign up and running by beating Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 in Turkey, although they lost Neymar to an adductor injury in the first half.

Both PSG's goals were scored in the second half by Moise Kean, the on-loan Everton striker heading in Kylian Mbappe's corner in the 64th minute and then turning to fire in the second late on.

<h2>- Barca bounce back -</h2>

In Italy Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat in the Clasico against Real Madrid and shut out the boardroom crisis which led to president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigning on Tuesday.

Ronald Koeman's side had luck on their side as they took the lead through a deflected Ousmane Dembele strike and then saw Alvaro Morata have three goals disallowed for offside for the hosts.

The absence of Ronaldo because of a positive coronavirus test meant no chance to see him renew his on-field rivalry with Lionel Messi, but the Argentine got his name on the scoresheet late on, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal Barca's second victory in as many Group G outings.

"This was our best game all season," said Koeman.&nbsp;

"The team reacted well, despite the resignation of the president. We were focused on the football because all the other stuff is not our responsibility."

Juve had Turkish defender Merih Demirel sent off late on as their underwhelming start to the season under novice coach Andrea Pirlo continued.

Their next game is away at Ferencvaros, who came from behind to draw 2-2 with 10-man Dynamo Kiev in Budapest.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Ziyech impresses, Haaland on target -</h2>

&nbsp;

Viktor Tsygankov's penalty and a Carlos de Pena effort had the Ukrainians in control but they then had captain Sergiy Sydorchuk sent off and the hosts -- with a sizeable crowd behind them -- took full advantage.

Tokmac Nguen pulled one back and Ivorian Franck Boli scrambled in a stoppage-time leveller for the Hungarians.

In Group E Chelsea were comprehensive 4-0 winners away to Krasnodar in Russia, with Jorginho missing a penalty before Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring.

Timo Werner smashed in a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Chelsea's lead, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic adding late goals.

For Ziyech it was a first Chelsea goal on his first start since signing from Ajax for £37 million ($48 million).

"We brought him in to do a job, maybe people have forgotten a bit because we signed him in January and he missed the start of the season, but tonight he showed he is here," said Chelsea boss Frank Lampard of Ziyech, who has struggled with injury.

Sevilla beat Rennes 1-0 in the same section with Luuk de Jong scoring the only goal.

Borussia Dortmund claimed their first points in Group F with Jadon Sancho's 78th-minute penalty and Erling Braut Haaland's stoppage-time strike securing a 2-0 win over Zenit Saint-Petersburg.

The Germans are a point behind Lazio and Club Brugge, who drew 1-1 in Belgium with a Hans Vanaken penalty securing a draw for the hosts.

Lazio had travelled without a host of players due to coronavirus, including star striker Ciro Immobile, but had gone in front early on through Joaquin Correa.

Marcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday as Barcelona put their off-field troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Marcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday as Barcelona put their off-field troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo. Rashford's late goal earned United a 2-1 victory away to Paris Saint-Germain last week and at Old Trafford the England striker came on as a second-half substitute and scored three times from the 74th minute on in what was a fine win against last season's semi-finalists. Paul Pogba released Mason Greenwood to open the scoring in the first half, before the youngster made way for Rashford after the break and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ran away with the game to make it two wins from two in Group H. Anthony Martial also netted from the penalty spot as United ruthlessly exposed the side who currently top the German Bundesliga and went clear at the top of the section. "We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward," said Rashford. "It was a real team performance." Meanwhile PSG got their campaign up and running by beating Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 in Turkey, although they lost Neymar to an adductor injury in the first half. Both PSG's goals were scored in the second half by Moise Kean, the on-loan Everton striker heading in Kylian Mbappe's corner in the 64th minute and then turning to fire in the second late on. - Barca bounce back - In Italy Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat in the Clasico against Real Madrid and shut out the boardroom crisis which led to president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigning on Tuesday. Ronald Koeman's side had luck on their side as they took the lead through a deflected Ousmane Dembele strike and then saw Alvaro Morata have three goals disallowed for offside for the hosts. The absence of Ronaldo because of a positive coronavirus test meant no chance to see him renew his on-field rivalry with Lionel Messi, but the Argentine got his name on the scoresheet late on, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal Barca's second victory in as many Group G outings. "This was our best game all season," said Koeman. "The team reacted well, despite the resignation of the president. We were focused on the football because all the other stuff is not our responsibility." Juve had Turkish defender Merih Demirel sent off late on as their underwhelming start to the season under novice coach Andrea Pirlo continued. Their next game is away at Ferencvaros, who came from behind to draw 2-2 with 10-man Dynamo Kiev in Budapest. - Ziyech impresses, Haaland on target - Viktor Tsygankov's penalty and a Carlos de Pena effort had the Ukrainians in control but they then had captain Sergiy Sydorchuk sent off and the hosts -- with a sizeable crowd behind them -- took full advantage. Tokmac Nguen pulled one back and Ivorian Franck Boli scrambled in a stoppage-time leveller for the Hungarians. In Group E Chelsea were comprehensive 4-0 winners away to Krasnodar in Russia, with Jorginho missing a penalty before Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring. Timo Werner smashed in a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Chelsea's lead, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic adding late goals. For Ziyech it was a first Chelsea goal on his first start since signing from Ajax for £37 million ($48 million). "We brought him in to do a job, maybe people have forgotten a bit because we signed him in January and he missed the start of the season, but tonight he showed he is here," said Chelsea boss Frank Lampard of Ziyech, who has struggled with injury. Sevilla beat Rennes 1-0 in the same section with Luuk de Jong scoring the only goal. Borussia Dortmund claimed their first points in Group F with Jadon Sancho's 78th-minute penalty and Erling Braut Haaland's stoppage-time strike securing a 2-0 win over Zenit Saint-Petersburg. The Germans are a point behind Lazio and Club Brugge, who drew 1-1 in Belgium with a Hans Vanaken penalty securing a draw for the hosts. Lazio had travelled without a host of players due to coronavirus, including star striker Ciro Immobile, but had gone in front early on through Joaquin Correa.

Rashford stars again for Man Utd in Champions League as Barcelona beat Juventus

UEFA Champions League is coming back with a lot of action as the group stage of the European Championship will kick-off on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Fixtures and timings of UEFA Champions League Matchday 1:&nbsp;</h2>

Tuesday, October 20: Zenit vs Club Brugge - 10:25 PM IST

Tuesday, October 20:&nbsp;Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus&nbsp;- 10:25 PM IST

Wednesday, October 21: Rennes vs Krasnodar - 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Chelsea vs Sevilla&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Barcelona vs Ferencváros&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;PSG vs Manchester United&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21: RB Leipzig vs İstanbul Başakşehir - 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21: RB Salzburg vs Lokomotiv Moskva - 10:25 PM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk&nbsp;- 10:25 PM IST

Thursday, October 22&nbsp;Bayern: Munich vs Atlético de Madrid&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22: Inter Milan vs Borussia Mönchengladbach - 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22: Olympiacos vs Marseille - 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22:&nbsp;Manchester City vs FC Porto&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22:&nbsp;Ajax vs Liverpool&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22: Midtjylland vs Atalanta - 12:30 AM IST

<h2>Where can you watch these matches?</h2>

Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster of of the UEFA Champions League. Fans can watch the group stage of the European Championship on the Sony TEN1 and Sony TEN2 both on SD and HD. Live matches can be streamed on the Sony LIV app for mobile users.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

UEFA Champions League is coming back with a lot of action as the group stage of the European Championship will kick-off on Tuesday. Fixtures and timings of UEFA Champions League Matchday 1: Tuesday, October 20: Zenit vs Club Brugge - 10:25 PM IST Tuesday, October 20: Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Rennes vs Krasnodar - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Chelsea vs Sevilla - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Barcelona vs Ferencváros - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: PSG vs Manchester United - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Leipzig vs İstanbul Başakşehir - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Salzburg vs Lokomotiv Moskva - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk - 10:25 PM IST Thursday, October 22 Bayern: Munich vs Atlético de Madrid - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Inter Milan vs Borussia Mönchengladbach - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Olympiacos vs Marseille - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Manchester City vs FC Porto - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Ajax vs Liverpool - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Midtjylland vs Atalanta - 12:30 AM IST Where can you watch these matches?

UEFA Champions League is coming back with a lot of action as the group stage of the European Championship will kick-off on Tuesday. Fixtures and timings of UEFA Champions League Matchday 1: Tuesday, October 20: Zenit vs Club Brugge - 10:25 PM IST Tuesday, October 20: Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Rennes vs Krasnodar - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Chelsea vs Sevilla - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Barcelona vs Ferencváros - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: PSG vs Manchester United - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Leipzig vs İstanbul Başakşehir - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Salzburg vs Lokomotiv Moskva - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk - 10:25 PM IST Thursday, October 22 Bayern: Munich vs Atlético de Madrid - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Inter Milan vs Borussia Mönchengladbach - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Olympiacos vs Marseille - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Manchester City vs FC Porto - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Ajax vs Liverpool - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Midtjylland vs Atalanta - 12:30 AM IST Where can you watch these matches? Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster of of the UEFA Champions League. Fans can watch the group stage of the European Championship on the Sony TEN1 and Sony TEN2 both on SD and HD. Live matches can be streamed on the Sony LIV app for mobile users.

UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Fixtures, timings, and live streaming

Football fans are overjoyed as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch after almost two years after Barcelona and Juventus were drawn into the Champions League 2020-21 Group G.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-says-he-wants-to-put-an-end-to-barcelona-feuding-331415" hreflang="en">Messi says he wants to 'put an end' to Barcelona feuding</a>

This is the first time Cristiano and Lionel will play each other in the group stage of the Champions League. .

Netizens took to Twitter to share their excitement for the match between the two legends.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
For the last time I would get to watch Messi vs C.Ronaldo play against each other one more time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/imBHSE4P15">pic.twitter.com/imBHSE4P15</a>
— Farouk Abimbola Abdulsalam (@Akanopeacemaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Akanopeacemaker/status/1311699057019158532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ronaldo and Messi both in Group G 
 
G for GOAT.. And you tell me this wasn’t planned ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cb7lihqZXF">pic.twitter.com/Cb7lihqZXF</a>
— Omo Grandma (@oluwaseyii01) <a href="https://twitter.com/oluwaseyii01/status/1311699036538368023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ronaldo and Messi in group G 
 
G for goat 
I see what you did there <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0UG8EJI5D">pic.twitter.com/O0UG8EJI5D</a>
— Alabi_Blacknd 🌚 (@temidayo_XO) <a href="https://twitter.com/temidayo_XO/status/1311698714310905857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Messi and Ronaldo to Dynamo Kiev goalkeeper <a href="https://t.co/jONwTfqaCV">pic.twitter.com/jONwTfqaCV</a>
— 🎥ernst (@ERNESTHDGAMERX) <a href="https://twitter.com/ERNESTHDGAMERX/status/1311699109078851589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The grand old men of football will face each other in the Champions League group stage for the first time. <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juventusfcen</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a>. Ronaldo v Messi. 👌🏻
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1311695761910964227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ronaldo and Messi in group 'G' because they are 'GOATS' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Wa7zhPL5G">pic.twitter.com/6Wa7zhPL5G</a>
— Unwanted Friend😒🌚 (@holardamolar) <a href="https://twitter.com/holardamolar/status/1311723394719780864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
When Messi and Ronaldo are drawn in the same Champions League group 🕺 <a href="https://t.co/cccZkOj8vp">pic.twitter.com/cccZkOj8vp</a>
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNUK/status/1311712993793769473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Barcelona and Juventus are drawn along with Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencvaros.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have faced each other several times in La Liga's prestigious El Clasico clash. However, the Real Madrid star left the club after Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus in 2018.

Football fans are overjoyed as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch after almost two years after Barcelona and Juventus were drawn into the Champions League 2020-21 Group G.

Football fans are overjoyed as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch after almost two years after Barcelona and Juventus were drawn into the Champions League 2020-21 Group G. Also read: Messi says he wants to 'put an end' to Barcelona feuding This is the first time Cristiano and Lionel will play each other in the group stage of the Champions League. . Netizens took to Twitter to share their excitement for the match between the two legends. For the last time I would get to watch Messi vs C.Ronaldo play against each other one more time #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/imBHSE4P15 — Farouk Abimbola Abdulsalam (@Akanopeacemaker) October 1, 2020 × Ronaldo and Messi both in Group G G for GOAT.. And you tell me this wasn’t planned ? #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Cb7lihqZXF — Omo Grandma (@oluwaseyii01) October 1, 2020 × Ronaldo and Messi in group G G for goat I see what you did there #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/O0UG8EJI5D — Alabi_Blacknd 🌚 (@temidayo_XO) October 1, 2020 × Messi and Ronaldo to Dynamo Kiev goalkeeper pic.twitter.com/jONwTfqaCV — 🎥ernst (@ERNESTHDGAMERX) October 1, 2020 × The grand old men of football will face each other in the Champions League group stage for the first time. @juventusfcen v @FCBarcelona. Ronaldo v Messi. 👌🏻 — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 1, 2020 × Ronaldo and Messi in group 'G' because they are 'GOATS' #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/6Wa7zhPL5G — Unwanted Friend😒🌚 (@holardamolar) October 1, 2020 × When Messi and Ronaldo are drawn in the same Champions League group 🕺 pic.twitter.com/cccZkOj8vp — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 1, 2020 × Barcelona and Juventus are drawn along with Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencvaros. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have faced each other several times in La Liga's prestigious El Clasico clash. However, the Real Madrid star left the club after Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus in 2018.

'G for Goat': Netizens react to Messi vs Ronaldo in Champions League

Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running.

Kumagai scored after Eugenie Le Sommer had handed the French outfit the lead in San Sebastian, giving Lyon a 2-0 half-time advantage and leaving Wolfsburg with too much to do even if Alexandra Popp did pull one back for the Germans in the second half.

Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir's late effort made sure of the victory for Lyon, whose fifth consecutive Champions League crown is also their seventh overall, comfortably a record.

A fifth straight title sees them equal the feat achieved by the Real Madrid men's team between 1956 and 1960, in the early days of the European Cup.

All of Lyon's seven titles have come in the last decade and this latest triumph confirms their status as the finest club team around even as rivals around Europe step up their investment in the women's game.

Jean-Luc Vasseur's team edged out Bayern Munich 2-1 in the quarter-finals at the 'Final Eight' in Spain's Basque Country, played out behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They then claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the semi-finals over domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain, the team they beat to claim a 14th successive French title earlier this year and defeated on penalties in the French Cup final.

This victory, against a Wolfsburg side who themselves claimed a German domestic double and were unbeaten in 40 games coming into the final, showcased the depth of their all-star squad.

Lyon were missing four of their biggest stars, with France duo Griedge Mbock and Amandine Henry injured and Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg -- the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner -- not fully fit. England forward Nikita Parris was suspended.

But Lyon's long-serving president Jean-Michel Aulas continues to be rewarded for his heavy investment in a women's team, despite the prize money for winning the Champions League being a mere 450,000 euros ($535,000), a tiny fraction of that on offer in the men's competition.

Here, despite the absences, Lyon were still able to call upon a host of French internationals and foreign stars like Kumagai, Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan and England right-back Lucy Bronze.

<h2>- Unbeaten in 65 games -</h2>

They are now unbeaten in 65 matches stretching back more than two years, and this is also the third time in five editions in which Lyon have beaten Wolfsburg in the final, leaving the Germans still searching for a third Champions League crown to go with their titles in 2013 and 2014.

They defeated OL in 2013, but the French side have now overcome the Germans en route to winning each of their five straight titles.

Previous finals between these sides have always been close affairs, although on this occasion the holders started strongly and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 25th minute.

Without Hegerberg or Parris, it was Le Sommer who led the attack. And when a move down the right ended with Delphine Cascarino cutting the ball back for Le Sommer, she pounced to convert the rebound after her first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Friederike Abt.

The second goal came in the 44th minute. Ingrid Engen stopped Amel Majri shooting but only succeeded in setting up Kumagai, who let fly with a terrific left-foot strike from 23 yards.

There was hope for Wolfsburg when they pulled one back just before the hour, Ewa Pajor setting up Popp to head in from close range.

But they could not find an equaliser and instead Lyon scored again in the 88th minute.

When a corner was not properly cleared, Le Sommer went for goal and her wayward shot was deflected in by Gunnarsdottir, who was on the losing side with Wolfsburg in 2018 but is this time a Champions League winner.

Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running.

Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running. Kumagai scored after Eugenie Le Sommer had handed the French outfit the lead in San Sebastian, giving Lyon a 2-0 half-time advantage and leaving Wolfsburg with too much to do even if Alexandra Popp did pull one back for the Germans in the second half. Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir's late effort made sure of the victory for Lyon, whose fifth consecutive Champions League crown is also their seventh overall, comfortably a record. A fifth straight title sees them equal the feat achieved by the Real Madrid men's team between 1956 and 1960, in the early days of the European Cup. All of Lyon's seven titles have come in the last decade and this latest triumph confirms their status as the finest club team around even as rivals around Europe step up their investment in the women's game. Jean-Luc Vasseur's team edged out Bayern Munich 2-1 in the quarter-finals at the 'Final Eight' in Spain's Basque Country, played out behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. They then claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the semi-finals over domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain, the team they beat to claim a 14th successive French title earlier this year and defeated on penalties in the French Cup final. This victory, against a Wolfsburg side who themselves claimed a German domestic double and were unbeaten in 40 games coming into the final, showcased the depth of their all-star squad. Lyon were missing four of their biggest stars, with France duo Griedge Mbock and Amandine Henry injured and Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg -- the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner -- not fully fit. England forward Nikita Parris was suspended. But Lyon's long-serving president Jean-Michel Aulas continues to be rewarded for his heavy investment in a women's team, despite the prize money for winning the Champions League being a mere 450,000 euros ($535,000), a tiny fraction of that on offer in the men's competition. Here, despite the absences, Lyon were still able to call upon a host of French internationals and foreign stars like Kumagai, Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan and England right-back Lucy Bronze. - Unbeaten in 65 games - They are now unbeaten in 65 matches stretching back more than two years, and this is also the third time in five editions in which Lyon have beaten Wolfsburg in the final, leaving the Germans still searching for a third Champions League crown to go with their titles in 2013 and 2014. They defeated OL in 2013, but the French side have now overcome the Germans en route to winning each of their five straight titles. Previous finals between these sides have always been close affairs, although on this occasion the holders started strongly and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 25th minute. Without Hegerberg or Parris, it was Le Sommer who led the attack. And when a move down the right ended with Delphine Cascarino cutting the ball back for Le Sommer, she pounced to convert the rebound after her first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Friederike Abt. The second goal came in the 44th minute. Ingrid Engen stopped Amel Majri shooting but only succeeded in setting up Kumagai, who let fly with a terrific left-foot strike from 23 yards. There was hope for Wolfsburg when they pulled one back just before the hour, Ewa Pajor setting up Popp to head in from close range. But they could not find an equaliser and instead Lyon scored again in the 88th minute. When a corner was not properly cleared, Le Sommer went for goal and her wayward shot was deflected in by Gunnarsdottir, who was on the losing side with Wolfsburg in 2018 but is this time a Champions League winner.

Dominant Lyon beat Wolfsburg to claim fifth straight Women's Champions League title

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has raised his concerns about his side having to travel to Spain for their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> clash versus Barcelona amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

UEFA, earlier this month, confirmed that the remaining second-leg matches of Champions League round of 16 matches would be played in stadiums of the home team before the ‘Final-8’ of the elite competition is played in Lisbon, Portugal. The Europa League will be shifted to Germany.&nbsp;

Laurentiis said that while fear is coming from Spain, authorities in the football body is acting like nothing is wrong while adding he really doesn’t see why football should be played in a city that is in critical situation.

"I hear a lot of perplexity and fear coming from Spain and they're acting like nothing is wrong. What does it take to say, 'Don't go to Barcelona but rather go to Portugal, Germany or Geneva?" the Guardian quoted De Laurentiis as saying.

"If they've decided to play the Champions League in Portugal and the Europa League in Germany, I think we can go to Portugal or Germany for the last 16. I don't understand why it should stay in a city that has a really critical situation."

Napoli’s last-16 match with Barcelona is hanging in balance at 1-1 ahead of second leg at the iconic Camp Nou on August 8.&nbsp;

There has been a surge in COVID-19 positives in Spain with thousands of new cases reported on a daily basis, taking the country's total tally to over 303,000 cases.

Players from Sevilla, Real Madrid and Almeria tested positive for the virus this week. 
&nbsp;

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has raised his concerns about his side having to travel to Spain for their UEFA Champions League clash versus Barcelona amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has raised his concerns about his side having to travel to Spain for their UEFA Champions League clash versus Barcelona amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. UEFA, earlier this month, confirmed that the remaining second-leg matches of Champions League round of 16 matches would be played in stadiums of the home team before the ‘Final-8’ of the elite competition is played in Lisbon, Portugal. The Europa League will be shifted to Germany. Laurentiis said that while fear is coming from Spain, authorities in the football body is acting like nothing is wrong while adding he really doesn’t see why football should be played in a city that is in critical situation. "I hear a lot of perplexity and fear coming from Spain and they're acting like nothing is wrong. What does it take to say, 'Don't go to Barcelona but rather go to Portugal, Germany or Geneva?" the Guardian quoted De Laurentiis as saying. "If they've decided to play the Champions League in Portugal and the Europa League in Germany, I think we can go to Portugal or Germany for the last 16. I don't understand why it should stay in a city that has a really critical situation." Napoli’s last-16 match with Barcelona is hanging in balance at 1-1 ahead of second leg at the iconic Camp Nou on August 8. There has been a surge in COVID-19 positives in Spain with thousands of new cases reported on a daily basis, taking the country's total tally to over 303,000 cases. Players from Sevilla, Real Madrid and Almeria tested positive for the virus this week.

Napoli president raises concerns about Champions League tie vs Barcelona in Camp Nou

Four months on from the last match in this season's Champions League, the draw for the final eight will be held on Friday amid ongoing uncertainty about how safe it will be to play out the competition in Lisbon as planned, and with four last-16 ties still to be completed.

It was on March 11 that Paris Saint-Germain beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 behind closed doors to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in four years and their players celebrated wildly with jubilant supporters who had gathered outside the Parc des Princes.

The same night, holders Liverpool were knocked out by Atletico Madrid in front of 52,000 fans at Anfield, a mass gathering which British scientists later said had aided the acceleration of the coronavirus pandemic.

Within days football across Europe was suspended and it was only in mid-June that UEFA was able to unveil a way of finishing its flagship tournament, the main economic driver for European football's governing body -- before the pandemic, it estimated gross commercial revenue from its competitions this season would be 3.25 billion euros ($3.69bn).

And so the plan is to go to the Portuguese capital for a unique "final eight" straight knockout tournament from the quarter-finals onwards, starting on August 12 and finishing with the final at Benfica's Estadio da Luz on August 23.

It will share the quarter-final and semi-final matches with the Estadio Jose Alvalade, Sporting's home just along Lisbon's Segunda Circular ring road.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Games behind closed doors? -</h2>

&nbsp;

Benfica's home staged the Champions League final in 2014 when Real Madrid beat Atletico. Then it was filled to its 65,000 capacity, but this time it is expected all matches will be played behind closed doors due to fears an influx of supporters from around Europe could spark a new wave of COVID-19.

Indeed, the biggest concern right now is Lisbon itself.

Last week lockdown restrictions were reimposed on 19 neighbourhoods across the northern periphery of Lisbon, worryingly close to both venues. The restrictions concern some 700,000 people and will remain in place for at least a fortnight.

Portugal, a country of 10 million, is currently registering over 300 cases of coronavirus a day. Three-quarters of the 443 new cases registered on Wednesday came in the Lisbon area.

&nbsp;

<h2>- No Plan B -</h2>

&nbsp;

That raises questions about whether the final eight will happen as planned, although UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has remained outwardly bullish.

"I am confident that with the continued and constant collaboration between all stakeholders, we will conclude the season in a positive way in Lisbon. There is no need for a Plan B," Ceferin said last week.

UEFA plans to complete the Europa League with an identical format, a final eight in Germany, with the final due to go ahead in Cologne on August 21.

The draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of both competitions will be held on Friday, from 1000 GMT. However, before getting that far in either competition, there are a host of last-16 ties to be completed.

In the Europa League last 16, only six of the eight first-leg matches were played in March.

In the Champions League, Atalanta and RB Leipzig are through to the last eight along with PSG and Atletico. The remaining last 16, second legs will see Juventus face Lyon, Manchester City take on Madrid, Bayern Munich face Chelsea and Barcelona meet Napoli.

UEFA has kept open the idea of also moving those games to Portugal if necessary, to the northern cities of Porto and Guimaraes.

While some of the continent's behemoths still hope to book their spots in Portugal, Atletico and PSG might see the unique format as an ideal opportunity for European glory.

"We are capable of winning this competition, just like the other seven teams will be. I am convinced that we will be a strong proposition," said the PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.

Underdogs Atalanta, from the northern Italian city of Bergamo devastated by the pandemic, are dreaming of going all the way.

The same can be said of RB Leipzig, although they will have to do without star striker Timo Werner after he was sold to Chelsea.

Four months on from the last match in this season's Champions League, the draw for the final eight will be held on Friday amid ongoing uncertainty about how safe it will be to play out the competition in Lisbon as planned, and with four last-16 ties still to be completed.

Four months on from the last match in this season's Champions League, the draw for the final eight will be held on Friday amid ongoing uncertainty about how safe it will be to play out the competition in Lisbon as planned, and with four last-16 ties still to be completed. It was on March 11 that Paris Saint-Germain beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 behind closed doors to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in four years and their players celebrated wildly with jubilant supporters who had gathered outside the Parc des Princes. The same night, holders Liverpool were knocked out by Atletico Madrid in front of 52,000 fans at Anfield, a mass gathering which British scientists later said had aided the acceleration of the coronavirus pandemic. Within days football across Europe was suspended and it was only in mid-June that UEFA was able to unveil a way of finishing its flagship tournament, the main economic driver for European football's governing body -- before the pandemic, it estimated gross commercial revenue from its competitions this season would be 3.25 billion euros ($3.69bn). And so the plan is to go to the Portuguese capital for a unique "final eight" straight knockout tournament from the quarter-finals onwards, starting on August 12 and finishing with the final at Benfica's Estadio da Luz on August 23. It will share the quarter-final and semi-final matches with the Estadio Jose Alvalade, Sporting's home just along Lisbon's Segunda Circular ring road. - Games behind closed doors? - Benfica's home staged the Champions League final in 2014 when Real Madrid beat Atletico. Then it was filled to its 65,000 capacity, but this time it is expected all matches will be played behind closed doors due to fears an influx of supporters from around Europe could spark a new wave of COVID-19. Indeed, the biggest concern right now is Lisbon itself. Last week lockdown restrictions were reimposed on 19 neighbourhoods across the northern periphery of Lisbon, worryingly close to both venues. The restrictions concern some 700,000 people and will remain in place for at least a fortnight. Portugal, a country of 10 million, is currently registering over 300 cases of coronavirus a day. Three-quarters of the 443 new cases registered on Wednesday came in the Lisbon area. - No Plan B - That raises questions about whether the final eight will happen as planned, although UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has remained outwardly bullish. "I am confident that with the continued and constant collaboration between all stakeholders, we will conclude the season in a positive way in Lisbon. There is no need for a Plan B," Ceferin said last week. UEFA plans to complete the Europa League with an identical format, a final eight in Germany, with the final due to go ahead in Cologne on August 21. The draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of both competitions will be held on Friday, from 1000 GMT. However, before getting that far in either competition, there are a host of last-16 ties to be completed. In the Europa League last 16, only six of the eight first-leg matches were played in March. In the Champions League, Atalanta and RB Leipzig are through to the last eight along with PSG and Atletico. The remaining last 16, second legs will see Juventus face Lyon, Manchester City take on Madrid, Bayern Munich face Chelsea and Barcelona meet Napoli. UEFA has kept open the idea of also moving those games to Portugal if necessary, to the northern cities of Porto and Guimaraes. While some of the continent's behemoths still hope to book their spots in Portugal, Atletico and PSG might see the unique format as an ideal opportunity for European glory. "We are capable of winning this competition, just like the other seven teams will be. I am convinced that we will be a strong proposition," said the PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. Underdogs Atalanta, from the northern Italian city of Bergamo devastated by the pandemic, are dreaming of going all the way. The same can be said of RB Leipzig, although they will have to do without star striker Timo Werner after he was sold to Chelsea.

Champions League draw comes with UEFA hoping virus doesn't ruin plans for Lisbon finale

Lionel Messi turns 33: Here are some of his records that are unlikely to be broken!

With European football coming back to life, UEFA on Wednesday took a historic decision with the Champions League 2019-20 now set to be completed in Lisbon in August. The quarter-final of UEFA Champions League will be one-legged affairs, scrapping the traditional two-legged ties, and will commence in Lisbon on August 12 with the final of the elite competition set for August 23.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-vs-napoli-coppa-italia-final-preview-a-feisty-face-off-expected-in-rome-306540" hreflang="en">Juventus vs Napoli, Coppa Italia Final, Preview: A feisty face-off expected in Rome</a>

<h2>UEFA Champions League – fixtures:</h2>

Quarter-finals: 12-15 August

Semi-finals: 18-19 August

Final: 23 August

Similarly, the UEFA Europa League will be completed with a final eight across four German cities with the showdown set for August 21. Whereas the closing stages of the women’s Champions League will be played in Bilbao and San Sebastian in August end.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-ceo-richard-masters-supports-black-lives-matter-on-team-jerseys-306487" hreflang="en">Premier League CEO Richard Masters supports 'Black Lives Matter' on team jerseys</a>

The four last-16, second leg matches which still have to be played — Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs Chelsea, Juventus vs Olympique Lyonnais and Barcelona vs Napoli — will take place on Aug. 7/8, either at the originally scheduled venues or in Portugal with UEFA yet to comment on the venue of the remaining second-legged matches from the incomplete round.&nbsp;

Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta and RB Leipzig have already qualified for the quarter-finals. A draw to decide the fixtures will take place on 10 July.

As a result of the tweaking, the venues for the upcoming continental finals will be pushed forward by a year to compensate for losing out on the 2019-20 season. The 2021 UCL final will be played in Istanbul, the original host of the 2020 UCL final, whereas St Petersburg will host in 2022, Munich 2023 and Wembley 2024. 
&nbsp;

With European football coming back to life, UEFA on Wednesday took a historic decision with the Champions League 2019-20 now set to be completed in Lisbon in August.

With European football coming back to life, UEFA on Wednesday took a historic decision with the Champions League 2019-20 now set to be completed in Lisbon in August. The quarter-final of UEFA Champions League will be one-legged affairs, scrapping the traditional two-legged ties, and will commence in Lisbon on August 12 with the final of the elite competition set for August 23. ALSO READ: Juventus vs Napoli, Coppa Italia Final, Preview: A feisty face-off expected in Rome UEFA Champions League – fixtures: Quarter-finals: 12-15 August Semi-finals: 18-19 August Final: 23 August Similarly, the UEFA Europa League will be completed with a final eight across four German cities with the showdown set for August 21. Whereas the closing stages of the women’s Champions League will be played in Bilbao and San Sebastian in August end. ALSO READ: Premier League CEO Richard Masters supports 'Black Lives Matter' on team jerseys The four last-16, second leg matches which still have to be played — Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs Chelsea, Juventus vs Olympique Lyonnais and Barcelona vs Napoli — will take place on Aug. 7/8, either at the originally scheduled venues or in Portugal with UEFA yet to comment on the venue of the remaining second-legged matches from the incomplete round. Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta and RB Leipzig have already qualified for the quarter-finals. A draw to decide the fixtures will take place on 10 July. As a result of the tweaking, the venues for the upcoming continental finals will be pushed forward by a year to compensate for losing out on the 2019-20 season. The 2021 UCL final will be played in Istanbul, the original host of the 2020 UCL final, whereas St Petersburg will host in 2022, Munich 2023 and Wembley 2024.

UEFA Champions League 'Final 8' to be played in Lisbon; summit clash on August 23

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held.

The semi-final of UEFA Champions League is proposed to be held on August 18-19 and 21-22 before the summit clash in Istanbul. The current proposal could lead to the group stage matches of 2020/21 season of the Champions League to be postponed to October 20.&nbsp;

However, with UEFA mulling to make clubs play Champions League matches in every three days, there could be a sense of worry from clubs in regards to their fixtures in their respective domestic leagues.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-super-league-to-start-by-july-club-chairman-293517" hreflang="en">Chinese Super League to start by July: Club chairman</a>

The UEFA Champions League final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 30 in Istanbul. However, the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus led to the postponement of the tournament with reverse fixtures of the Round of 16 matches left to be played. Only Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Leipzig and Atalanta have qualified to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Earlier, there was a sense of confusion in relation to the date of the final with some reports quoting UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as saying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-leagues-transfer-market-bubble-set-to-burst-293512" hreflang="en">Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst</a>

“Champions League must finish by August 3”. However, UEFA completely denied the reports.&nbsp;

"It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true," said a statement from European soccer's governing body.

"The President was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season." 
&nbsp;

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held.

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held. The semi-final of UEFA Champions League is proposed to be held on August 18-19 and 21-22 before the summit clash in Istanbul. The current proposal could lead to the group stage matches of 2020/21 season of the Champions League to be postponed to October 20. However, with UEFA mulling to make clubs play Champions League matches in every three days, there could be a sense of worry from clubs in regards to their fixtures in their respective domestic leagues. ALSO READ: Chinese Super League to start by July: Club chairman The UEFA Champions League final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 30 in Istanbul. However, the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus led to the postponement of the tournament with reverse fixtures of the Round of 16 matches left to be played. Only Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Leipzig and Atalanta have qualified to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Earlier, there was a sense of confusion in relation to the date of the final with some reports quoting UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as saying. ALSO READ: Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst “Champions League must finish by August 3”. However, UEFA completely denied the reports. "It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true," said a statement from European soccer's governing body. "The President was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season."

Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports

UEFA and Europe's top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely.

In a joint letter released late on Thursday, UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA), and the European Leagues body representing nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, said that they were working on the possibility of playing on into July and August if need be.

The Champions League and Europa League -- both of which are currently frozen in the last-16 stage -- could be completed once the domestic seasons are finished, and "stopping competitions should really be the last resort after acknowledging that no calendar alternative would allow to conclude the season."

The joint response came after the Belgian Pro League announced on Thursday that it recommended declaring the current season over already with the present table accepted as final.

It is the first European league to take such a measure, although more could follow.

That means Club Brugge would in theory go straight into the next Champions League group stage, but UEFA, the ECA and the European Leagues indicated that they may be barred from continental competition if the Belgian league decision is finalised.

"It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results," the joint letter said.

<h2>- Not justified -</h2>

"We are confident that football can restart in the months to come –- with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities -- and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified.

"Since participation in UEFA club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition."

The letter concluded: "UEFA reserves the right to assess the entitlement of clubs to be admitted to the 2020/21 UEFA club competitions."

UEFA has set up two working groups to devise a way for European football to get out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

One is tasked with looking at the legal and financial consequences of the crisis, while the other is devising a new match calendar. UEFA and the clubs have set themselves a mid-May target for deciding on the most viable option for completing the season.

There have been calls in other countries for this season to be declared null and void, but any option which rules out completing this season could have serious consequences for leagues reliant on huge television deals and who could find themselves having to reimburse broadcasters if remaining matches are not played.

Justifying its decision, the Belgian Pro League said it was "very unlikely" to be able to hold matches in front of crowds before June 30 and that it had "unanimously decided that it was not desirable...to continue the competition" after that date.

The decision still needs to be formally validated at a General Assembly on April 15.

UEFA and Europe's top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely.

UEFA and Europe's top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely. In a joint letter released late on Thursday, UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA), and the European Leagues body representing nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, said that they were working on the possibility of playing on into July and August if need be. The Champions League and Europa League -- both of which are currently frozen in the last-16 stage -- could be completed once the domestic seasons are finished, and "stopping competitions should really be the last resort after acknowledging that no calendar alternative would allow to conclude the season." The joint response came after the Belgian Pro League announced on Thursday that it recommended declaring the current season over already with the present table accepted as final. It is the first European league to take such a measure, although more could follow. That means Club Brugge would in theory go straight into the next Champions League group stage, but UEFA, the ECA and the European Leagues indicated that they may be barred from continental competition if the Belgian league decision is finalised. "It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results," the joint letter said. - Not justified - "We are confident that football can restart in the months to come –- with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities -- and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified. "Since participation in UEFA club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition." The letter concluded: "UEFA reserves the right to assess the entitlement of clubs to be admitted to the 2020/21 UEFA club competitions." UEFA has set up two working groups to devise a way for European football to get out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. One is tasked with looking at the legal and financial consequences of the crisis, while the other is devising a new match calendar. UEFA and the clubs have set themselves a mid-May target for deciding on the most viable option for completing the season. There have been calls in other countries for this season to be declared null and void, but any option which rules out completing this season could have serious consequences for leagues reliant on huge television deals and who could find themselves having to reimburse broadcasters if remaining matches are not played. Justifying its decision, the Belgian Pro League said it was "very unlikely" to be able to hold matches in front of crowds before June 30 and that it had "unanimously decided that it was not desirable...to continue the competition" after that date. The decision still needs to be formally validated at a General Assembly on April 15.

UEFA warn clubs risk Champions League exclusion if seasons are not completed

Liverpool's reign as European champions ended after Diego Simeone's Atletico came from behind to score three goals in the injury time beat Jurgen Klopp's side 3-2 (Aggregate score 4-2) at Anfield to progress into quarterfinals.

Jurgen Klopp, the man who led Liverpool into Champions League finals in the previous two seasons said that Atletico did not play "proper football".

Klopp criticised the Spanish team's playing style, he said: "I don't understand with the quality they have the football they play. They could play proper football but they stand deep and have counter-attacks.

"We accept it, of course, but it doesn't feel right tonight. I realise I am a really bad loser, especially when the boys put such an effort in against world-class players on the other side who defend with two rows of four.

"We know in the past two years we had some lucky moments in the Champions League - you have to reach two finals - but today everything was against us in the decisive moments."

Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 against Atletico and were eyeing an overturn in the reverse fixture. Liverpool started well after Georginio Wijnaldum equalising the aggregate score in the 43rd minute. Robert Firminho 's extra-time goal (94th minute) helped Liverpool lead in the aggregate scores.

But Atletico's Marcos Llorente scored a brace in the 97th minute and 105+1 minutes taking the Spanish side forward.

Alvaro Morata's final time goal sealed an emphatic win over Liverpool and the defending champions were knocked out of the game.

Liverpool's reign as European champions ended after Diego Simeone's Atletico came from behind to score three goals in the injury time beat Jurgen Klopp's side 3-2 (Aggregate score 4-2) at Anfield to progress into quarterfinals.

Liverpool's reign as European champions ended after Diego Simeone's Atletico came from behind to score three goals in the injury time beat Jurgen Klopp's side 3-2 (Aggregate score 4-2) at Anfield to progress into quarterfinals. Jurgen Klopp, the man who led Liverpool into Champions League finals in the previous two seasons said that Atletico did not play "proper football". Klopp criticised the Spanish team's playing style, he said: "I don't understand with the quality they have the football they play. They could play proper football but they stand deep and have counter-attacks. "We accept it, of course, but it doesn't feel right tonight. I realise I am a really bad loser, especially when the boys put such an effort in against world-class players on the other side who defend with two rows of four. "We know in the past two years we had some lucky moments in the Champions League - you have to reach two finals - but today everything was against us in the decisive moments." Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 against Atletico and were eyeing an overturn in the reverse fixture. Liverpool started well after Georginio Wijnaldum equalising the aggregate score in the 43rd minute. Robert Firminho 's extra-time goal (94th minute) helped Liverpool lead in the aggregate scores. But Atletico's Marcos Llorente scored a brace in the 97th minute and 105+1 minutes taking the Spanish side forward. Alvaro Morata's final time goal sealed an emphatic win over Liverpool and the defending champions were knocked out of the game.

Champions League: Atletico Madrid come from behind to knock-out Liverpool from Round of 16

In a shocker, Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) manage to beat Italian giants Juventus in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon beat Juventus 1-0.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-guardiolas-masterclass-ensures-man-city-comeback-against-real-madrid-282976" hreflang="en">Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid</a>

The hosts (Lyon) currently are seventh in the Ligue 1 table whereas Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus lead the Serie A table. Juventus was predicted to win the match as they seemed the stronger side.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lyon playmaker <a href="https://twitter.com/HoussemAouar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HoussemAouar</a> - who claimed an assist for the winner - secures <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLMOTM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLMOTM</a> award! 🥇 
 
Houssem Aouar will be one of four candidates you can vote for to win Player of the Week! 🔝 <a href="https://t.co/YvqjQV9WFs">pic.twitter.com/YvqjQV9WFs</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1232789746079928323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lyon's Lucas Tousart struck the only goal of the match in the 31st minute. French team's defenders defended their way past the game and the Biancori side failed to score even a single goal.

Despite having 14 shots in the match, Juventus failed to hit even a single strike on target, whereas, Lyon had 12 shots out of which two were on target.

Juventus dominated the possession on the ground with 64 per cent, whereas, Lyon had 36 per cent.

Lyon has managed to beat Juventus for the very first time in European Competition (they had four encounters in the past where Lyon lost 3 and drew 1).

Last time Lyon won a knockout match in UEFA Champions League was back in 2012 (1-0 vs APOEL Nicosia).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔴🆚 Barcelona, round of 16, 2019 = ⚽️ 
🔵🆚 Juventus, round of 16, 2020 = ⚽️ 
 
👍 Lucas Tousart<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/SMXrskoe9b">pic.twitter.com/SMXrskoe9b</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1232772796637417472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lyon remains unbeaten at home in the UEFA Champions League for nine consecutive matches (Won 2 Draw 7). This is their longest run since December 2006 (18 matches streak).

Matthijs de Ligt was struck by a nasty head cut after he tripped while attempting a header in the opposition goal box. He was forced to leave after blood pours due to the cut. He has stud marks as Sandro landed on him.

The defender came back on to the field sporting a unique bandage and was able to complete the 90 minutes. &nbsp;

Juventus will look forward to overturning the scoreline at their home fixture in the second leg.

In a shocker, Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) manage to beat Italian giants Juventus in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon beat Juventus 1-0.

In a shocker, Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) manage to beat Italian giants Juventus in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon beat Juventus 1-0. Also read: Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid The hosts (Lyon) currently are seventh in the Ligue 1 table whereas Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus lead the Serie A table. Juventus was predicted to win the match as they seemed the stronger side. Lyon playmaker @HoussemAouar - who claimed an assist for the winner - secures #UCLMOTM award! 🥇 Houssem Aouar will be one of four candidates you can vote for to win Player of the Week! 🔝 pic.twitter.com/YvqjQV9WFs — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 26, 2020 × Lyon's Lucas Tousart struck the only goal of the match in the 31st minute. French team's defenders defended their way past the game and the Biancori side failed to score even a single goal. Despite having 14 shots in the match, Juventus failed to hit even a single strike on target, whereas, Lyon had 12 shots out of which two were on target. Juventus dominated the possession on the ground with 64 per cent, whereas, Lyon had 36 per cent. Lyon has managed to beat Juventus for the very first time in European Competition (they had four encounters in the past where Lyon lost 3 and drew 1). Last time Lyon won a knockout match in UEFA Champions League was back in 2012 (1-0 vs APOEL Nicosia). 🔴🆚 Barcelona, round of 16, 2019 = ⚽️ 🔵🆚 Juventus, round of 16, 2020 = ⚽️ 👍 Lucas Tousart#UCL pic.twitter.com/SMXrskoe9b — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 26, 2020 × Lyon remains unbeaten at home in the UEFA Champions League for nine consecutive matches (Won 2 Draw 7). This is their longest run since December 2006 (18 matches streak). Matthijs de Ligt was struck by a nasty head cut after he tripped while attempting a header in the opposition goal box. He was forced to leave after blood pours due to the cut. He has stud marks as Sandro landed on him. The defender came back on to the field sporting a unique bandage and was able to complete the 90 minutes. Juventus will look forward to overturning the scoreline at their home fixture in the second leg.

Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture

Pep Guardiola's masterclass on Spanish grounds ensures Manchester City's emphatic victory over Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-lyon-stun-cristiano-ronaldos-juventus-in-the-first-leg-fixture-282987" hreflang="en">Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture</a>

Kevin De Bruyne's penalty sealed off a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

Manchester City was the better team on pitch during the match and missed a big chance in the 21st minute after Kevin De Bruyne, and Jesus failed to go past Courtois but conceded a goal struck by Isco in the 60th Minute.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔵 Manchester City have beaten Real Madrid for the first time in their history 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/cw0eVart0E">pic.twitter.com/cw0eVart0E</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1232807221022593024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gabriel Jesus scored an equaliser in the 78th minute after hitting the ball from 12 yards after Carvajal brought down substitute Raheem Sterling.

Kevin De Bruyne's 83rd-minute penalty sealed a comeback win for Manchester City.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔵 Comeback! Gabriel Jesus &amp; Kevin De Bruyne inspire turnaround in Madrid ⚽️⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/0AFdGk9dxv">pic.twitter.com/0AFdGk9dxv</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1232784084100960261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Manchester City is probably playing their final European Cup before being banned for two years and they are making the most of it.

Guardiola, with just one year remaining on his contract, will look forward to winning the Champions League with the English side.

Real Madrid was on the back foot right from the beginning. They hit 9 shots (3 on target), whereas, Man City struck 16 shots out of which they had 8 on target.

Manchester held 52 per cent of the possession whereas 48 was held by Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos was sent off after a desperate attempt on Gabriel by the Madrid captain to avoid another goal.

Sergio Ramos' red card has Real Madrid worried for the reverse fixture.

&nbsp;

Pep Guardiola's masterclass on Spanish grounds ensures Manchester City's emphatic victory over Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu. Also read: Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture Kevin De Bruyne's penalty sealed off a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola's masterclass on Spanish grounds ensures Manchester City's emphatic victory over Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu. Also read: Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture Kevin De Bruyne's penalty sealed off a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Manchester City was the better team on pitch during the match and missed a big chance in the 21st minute after Kevin De Bruyne, and Jesus failed to go past Courtois but conceded a goal struck by Isco in the 60th Minute. 🔵 Manchester City have beaten Real Madrid for the first time in their history 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/cw0eVart0E — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 26, 2020 × Gabriel Jesus scored an equaliser in the 78th minute after hitting the ball from 12 yards after Carvajal brought down substitute Raheem Sterling. Kevin De Bruyne's 83rd-minute penalty sealed a comeback win for Manchester City. 🔵 Comeback! Gabriel Jesus & Kevin De Bruyne inspire turnaround in Madrid ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0AFdGk9dxv — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 26, 2020 × Manchester City is probably playing their final European Cup before being banned for two years and they are making the most of it. Guardiola, with just one year remaining on his contract, will look forward to winning the Champions League with the English side. Real Madrid was on the back foot right from the beginning. They hit 9 shots (3 on target), whereas, Man City struck 16 shots out of which they had 8 on target. Manchester held 52 per cent of the possession whereas 48 was held by Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos was sent off after a desperate attempt on Gabriel by the Madrid captain to avoid another goal. Sergio Ramos' red card has Real Madrid worried for the reverse fixture.

Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid

RB Leipzig marked their first appearance in the&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;knockout round with a deserved 1-0 victory at last season's runners-up Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday as their impressive campaign continued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-atalanta-thrash-valencia-on-night-to-remember-forever-281692" hreflang="en">Champions League: Atalanta thrash Valencia on night to 'remember forever'</a>

Timo Werner's 58th-minute penalty after a foul by Ben Davies on Konrad Laimer was enough for Julian Nagelsmann's Bundesliga high-flyers to take a narrow lead into the second leg on March 10, although they might rue not putting the last-16 tie to bed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-champions-league-ucl-teen-sensation-haalands-brace-down-neymars-psg-in-1st-leg-of-round-of-16-281462" hreflang="en">Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles</a>

Tottenham, without injured strikers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, were largely outplayed and will need the sort of heroics they produced at Manchester City and Ajax Amsterdam last season to keep their European quest alive.

But for inspired keeper Hugo Lloris and wayward finishing from Leipzig, they would be facing an even tougher task in the return leg.

"Leipzig is a very, very good team with a lot of energy. We had some situations that we could have managed better," Lloris said. "We're not really happy with the result, but we did it last season -- let's hope we try to create another story."

Tottenham did rally late on as Leipzig appeared to settle for a narrow win and the hosts came close to equalising with the impressive Giovani Lo Celso curling a free-kick against the post and Lucas Moura heading over.

But Leipzig were worthy winners and their meteoric rise since being formed 10 years ago should see them gatecrash their way into the quarter-finals of Europe's elite tournament.

"The first 10 minutes were very noisy, very loud. In the end, it was a pleasure to be part of this game," Nagelsmann, in his first season in charge, told reporters.

"We proved we could win in their stadium and we believe we can win in ours."

The first German club to play at Tottenham's magnificent new stadium was Bayern Munich in October and they marked their visit with a 7-2 humiliation of their hosts.

Leipzig, one point behind leaders Bayern in the Bundesliga, attacked the Tottenham defence with similar relish and could have scored three times in the opening three minutes.

Patrik Schick fired wide before Angelino's shot was deflected against the post by Lloris who seconds later blocked Werner's shot from a tight angle.

It was pretty much the pattern of a first half in which Tottenham's defence was stretched by the pace and incisive passing of Leipzig. Schick headed another chance wide and Lloris again denied the dangerous Werner.

Steven Bergwijn forced a fine save by Peter Gulacsi in a rare Tottenham attack while Dele Alli, later substituted, failed to connect with a header but the hosts' attacks were rare.

Leipzig finally got their noses in front when Davies clumsily took out Laimer, giving Werner the chance to net his seventh goal in the competition this season, all away from home.

"We had a good game. We had Spurs in our hands, just the goals were lacking," Werner said.

Lloris was making his first&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;appearance since the drubbing by Bayern, shortly after which he suffered a serious elbow injury.

Thankfully he looks back to his best as he showed with a superb save to deny Schick after Werner's clever dummy.

RB Leipzig marked their first appearance in the Champions League knockout round with a deserved 1-0 victory at last season's runners-up Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday as their impressive campaign continued.

RB Leipzig marked their first appearance in the Champions League knockout round with a deserved 1-0 victory at last season's runners-up Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday as their impressive campaign continued. Also read: Champions League: Atalanta thrash Valencia on night to 'remember forever' Timo Werner's 58th-minute penalty after a foul by Ben Davies on Konrad Laimer was enough for Julian Nagelsmann's Bundesliga high-flyers to take a narrow lead into the second leg on March 10, although they might rue not putting the last-16 tie to bed. Also read: Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles Tottenham, without injured strikers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, were largely outplayed and will need the sort of heroics they produced at Manchester City and Ajax Amsterdam last season to keep their European quest alive. But for inspired keeper Hugo Lloris and wayward finishing from Leipzig, they would be facing an even tougher task in the return leg. "Leipzig is a very, very good team with a lot of energy. We had some situations that we could have managed better," Lloris said. "We're not really happy with the result, but we did it last season -- let's hope we try to create another story." Tottenham did rally late on as Leipzig appeared to settle for a narrow win and the hosts came close to equalising with the impressive Giovani Lo Celso curling a free-kick against the post and Lucas Moura heading over. But Leipzig were worthy winners and their meteoric rise since being formed 10 years ago should see them gatecrash their way into the quarter-finals of Europe's elite tournament. "The first 10 minutes were very noisy, very loud. In the end, it was a pleasure to be part of this game," Nagelsmann, in his first season in charge, told reporters. "We proved we could win in their stadium and we believe we can win in ours." The first German club to play at Tottenham's magnificent new stadium was Bayern Munich in October and they marked their visit with a 7-2 humiliation of their hosts. Leipzig, one point behind leaders Bayern in the Bundesliga, attacked the Tottenham defence with similar relish and could have scored three times in the opening three minutes. Patrik Schick fired wide before Angelino's shot was deflected against the post by Lloris who seconds later blocked Werner's shot from a tight angle. It was pretty much the pattern of a first half in which Tottenham's defence was stretched by the pace and incisive passing of Leipzig. Schick headed another chance wide and Lloris again denied the dangerous Werner. Steven Bergwijn forced a fine save by Peter Gulacsi in a rare Tottenham attack while Dele Alli, later substituted, failed to connect with a header but the hosts' attacks were rare. Leipzig finally got their noses in front when Davies clumsily took out Laimer, giving Werner the chance to net his seventh goal in the competition this season, all away from home. "We had a good game. We had Spurs in our hands, just the goals were lacking," Werner said. Lloris was making his first Champions League appearance since the drubbing by Bayern, shortly after which he suffered a serious elbow injury. Thankfully he looks back to his best as he showed with a superb save to deny Schick after Werner's clever dummy.

Champions League: Werner's penalty gives RB Leipzig win at Spurs

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed a performance his club will "remember forever" after the Italian side crushed Valencia 4-1 on Wednesday to take a giant step closer to reaching the&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;quarter-finals for the first time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-simeones-atletico-stun-mighty-liverpool-in-1st-leg-of-round-of-16-281473" hreflang="en">Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16</a>

Dutch wing-back Hans Hateboer scored twice on 16 and 62 minutes, sandwiching goals from Josip Ilicic and Remo Freuler.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-champions-league-ucl-teen-sensation-haalands-brace-down-neymars-psg-in-1st-leg-of-round-of-16-281462" hreflang="en">Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles</a>

"This is an evening that we'll remember forever," said Gasperini. "It's an amazing result, full of emotion."

It was an extraordinary night for the side from Bergamo who travelled to the San Siro with over 40,000 of their fans as their home stadium 55km away does not meet&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;regulations.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This guy's on 🔥 right now! 
 
Well played, Josip Iličić 👏👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Mastercard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mastercard</a> <a href="https://t.co/wdyPJdhXTz">pic.twitter.com/wdyPJdhXTz</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1230267272868114434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Denis Cheryshev pulled one back for Valencia in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the San Siro, the same stadium where the Spanish side lost 2001 final to Bayern Munich on penalties.

Valencia, seventh in La Liga, had finished top of their group after away wins over Ajax and Chelsea but were missing several key players through injury and suspension.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two-goal Atalanta hero Hans Hateboer wins <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLMOTM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLMOTM</a>! 👏👏👏 
 
👉 He'll be one of four players in tonight's vote where you crown Player of the Week 👑 <a href="https://t.co/WTn8BtoMhD">pic.twitter.com/WTn8BtoMhD</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1230251909472231425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It certainly complicates things a bit, it's a pretty overwhelming result, this 4-1," said Valencia coach Albert Celades.&nbsp;

"In the end, it doesn't reflect much what we saw on the pitch."

Atalanta's run comes despite losing their opening three&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;group games, before finishing second behind Manchester City.

"Three goals ahead is a nice reward," added Gasperini. "But there were a lot of dangerous situations, these are things we'll need to improve in Valencia.

"We are satisfied with this victory and above all with this advantage.

"Yesterday I would have signed to go to Valencia in the return game with a three-goal lead."

The tournament debutants dominated the first half with Mario Pasalic having their first chance on eight minutes, but Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech pushed the ball over the bar at full stretch.

Hateboer opened the scoring just after the quarter of an hour, though, meeting a low Gomez cross to poke past Domenech for his first goal of the season.

Ferran Torres struck the post for Valencia on the half-hour mark, before Eliaquim Mangala missed a chance to connect with Goncalo Guedes' shot across the face of goal.

Marten de Roon and Gomez both fired over before Ilicic collected Pasalic's pass and drilled a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner three minutes before half-time.

Gasperini's side put the result on the night beyond any doubt 12 minutes after the break as Freuler curled in a magnificent third from the edge of the box.

Hateboer completed his brace five minutes later, ensuring that Atalanta's 12 goals in their first&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;campaign have been scored by 10 different players.

Maxi Gomez had a golden chance to pull a goal back on the hour mark for the visitors but his weak effort was brilliantly saved by Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal.

Cheryshev came off the bench and immediately scored in the 66th minute, pouncing on a poor Jose Luis Palomino pass to give Valencia an away goal and a glimmer of hope to take into the second leg on March 10 at the Mestalla.

"We had opportunities and we didn't finish them," said Celades.

"The result is clear enough today, but it's not impossible (to turn around). Let's see what happens at Mestalla, let's play well in our stadium."

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed a performance his club will "remember forever" after the Italian side crushed Valencia 4-1 on Wednesday to take a giant step closer to reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed a performance his club will "remember forever" after the Italian side crushed Valencia 4-1 on Wednesday to take a giant step closer to reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time. Also read: Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16 Dutch wing-back Hans Hateboer scored twice on 16 and 62 minutes, sandwiching goals from Josip Ilicic and Remo Freuler. Also read: Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles "This is an evening that we'll remember forever," said Gasperini. "It's an amazing result, full of emotion." It was an extraordinary night for the side from Bergamo who travelled to the San Siro with over 40,000 of their fans as their home stadium 55km away does not meet UEFA regulations. This guy's on 🔥 right now! Well played, Josip Iličić 👏👏👏#UCL | @Mastercard pic.twitter.com/wdyPJdhXTz — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 19, 2020 × Denis Cheryshev pulled one back for Valencia in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the San Siro, the same stadium where the Spanish side lost 2001 final to Bayern Munich on penalties. Valencia, seventh in La Liga, had finished top of their group after away wins over Ajax and Chelsea but were missing several key players through injury and suspension. Two-goal Atalanta hero Hans Hateboer wins #UCLMOTM! 👏👏👏 👉 He'll be one of four players in tonight's vote where you crown Player of the Week 👑 pic.twitter.com/WTn8BtoMhD — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 19, 2020 × "It certainly complicates things a bit, it's a pretty overwhelming result, this 4-1," said Valencia coach Albert Celades. "In the end, it doesn't reflect much what we saw on the pitch." Atalanta's run comes despite losing their opening three Champions League group games, before finishing second behind Manchester City. "Three goals ahead is a nice reward," added Gasperini. "But there were a lot of dangerous situations, these are things we'll need to improve in Valencia. "We are satisfied with this victory and above all with this advantage. "Yesterday I would have signed to go to Valencia in the return game with a three-goal lead." The tournament debutants dominated the first half with Mario Pasalic having their first chance on eight minutes, but Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech pushed the ball over the bar at full stretch. Hateboer opened the scoring just after the quarter of an hour, though, meeting a low Gomez cross to poke past Domenech for his first goal of the season. Ferran Torres struck the post for Valencia on the half-hour mark, before Eliaquim Mangala missed a chance to connect with Goncalo Guedes' shot across the face of goal. Marten de Roon and Gomez both fired over before Ilicic collected Pasalic's pass and drilled a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner three minutes before half-time. Gasperini's side put the result on the night beyond any doubt 12 minutes after the break as Freuler curled in a magnificent third from the edge of the box. Hateboer completed his brace five minutes later, ensuring that Atalanta's 12 goals in their first Champions League campaign have been scored by 10 different players. Maxi Gomez had a golden chance to pull a goal back on the hour mark for the visitors but his weak effort was brilliantly saved by Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal. Cheryshev came off the bench and immediately scored in the 66th minute, pouncing on a poor Jose Luis Palomino pass to give Valencia an away goal and a glimmer of hope to take into the second leg on March 10 at the Mestalla. "We had opportunities and we didn't finish them," said Celades. "The result is clear enough today, but it's not impossible (to turn around). Let's see what happens at Mestalla, let's play well in our stadium."

Champions League: Atalanta thrash Valencia on night to 'remember forever'

Jurgen Klopp says&nbsp;Liverpool have not changed their defensive approach despite their record of only one clean sheet in their eight games so far this season.

The European champions are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after five straight wins but the backline has been breached in four of those matches.

And two late goals conceded in Naples in midweek meant their Champions League campaign started in disappointing fashion.

Klopp's men started last season's league campaign with three clean sheets and conceded just 22 Premier League goals all season, missing out on their first top-flight title since 1990 by a single point.

But Klopp said at his pre-Chelsea press conference on Friday that the change was down to circumstances rather than system.

"No, there is no difference," he said at Liverpool's training ground. "We didn't focus more on offensive things and forget the defensive things.

"The goals happened completely strangely. There would have been a second clean sheet against Southampton if we don't concede that goal, there could have been different clean sheets in other games.

"Of course it's not exactly what we wanted but we don't collect clean sheets. We want to win football games and we are still early in the season."

Klopp, whose side travel to Frank Lampard's Chelsea on Sunday, was asked about the importance of Virgil van Dijk and whether he had concerns about any potential injuries ruling the Dutchman out for a period of time.

"That's the reason why we have four centre-halves," he said.

"It's not easy for the 'in the moment number four', not playing and sometimes not involved in the squad, but in the moment if something happens, like it was last year, not only one thing happens, a couple of things happen and then you end up with one centre-half and a defensive midfielder, which we did against Bayern."

"We all need luck to be really successful, injury-wise first and foremost," he added.&nbsp;

"I can imagine something like that is not easy but the other guys, I have said it a lot of times, from my point of view we have four world-class centre-halves. They can play together in each partnership and hopefully that will be enough for a season, to be honest."

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have not changed their defensive approach despite their record of only one clean sheet in their eight games so far this season. The European champions are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after five straight wins but the backline has been breached in four of those matches.

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have not changed their defensive approach despite their record of only one clean sheet in their eight games so far this season. The European champions are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after five straight wins but the backline has been breached in four of those matches. And two late goals conceded in Naples in midweek meant their Champions League campaign started in disappointing fashion. Klopp's men started last season's league campaign with three clean sheets and conceded just 22 Premier League goals all season, missing out on their first top-flight title since 1990 by a single point. But Klopp said at his pre-Chelsea press conference on Friday that the change was down to circumstances rather than system. "No, there is no difference," he said at Liverpool's training ground. "We didn't focus more on offensive things and forget the defensive things. "The goals happened completely strangely. There would have been a second clean sheet against Southampton if we don't concede that goal, there could have been different clean sheets in other games. "Of course it's not exactly what we wanted but we don't collect clean sheets. We want to win football games and we are still early in the season." Klopp, whose side travel to Frank Lampard's Chelsea on Sunday, was asked about the importance of Virgil van Dijk and whether he had concerns about any potential injuries ruling the Dutchman out for a period of time. "That's the reason why we have four centre-halves," he said. "It's not easy for the 'in the moment number four', not playing and sometimes not involved in the squad, but in the moment if something happens, like it was last year, not only one thing happens, a couple of things happen and then you end up with one centre-half and a defensive midfielder, which we did against Bayern." "We all need luck to be really successful, injury-wise first and foremost," he added. "I can imagine something like that is not easy but the other guys, I have said it a lot of times, from my point of view we have four world-class centre-halves. They can play together in each partnership and hopefully that will be enough for a season, to be honest."

Jurgen Klopp unfazed by Liverpool's defensive lapses

Forwards Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have been ruled out for Paris St Germain's opening Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, the French Ligue 1 champions said.

Mbappe picked up a hamstring injury and was forced off against Toulouse last month and has not featured since for PSG, while Cavani is out of action with a hip problem.

PSG confirmed on Monday that the two strikers will resume training by the end of the week.

Thomas Tuchel's side will also be without Neymar, with the Brazilian forward serving a three-match Champions League ban for insulting match officials following PSG's defeat by Manchester United in the round of 16 last season.

Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani netted 11 of PSG's 20 goals in their Champions League campaign last season, and the trio will be crucial again in 2019-20 as the club look to go deep in Europe's elite competition.

Forwards Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have been ruled out for Paris St Germain's opening Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, the French Ligue 1 champions said.

Forwards Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have been ruled out for Paris St Germain's opening Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, the French Ligue 1 champions said. Mbappe picked up a hamstring injury and was forced off against Toulouse last month and has not featured since for PSG, while Cavani is out of action with a hip problem. PSG confirmed on Monday that the two strikers will resume training by the end of the week. Thomas Tuchel's side will also be without Neymar, with the Brazilian forward serving a three-match Champions League ban for insulting match officials following PSG's defeat by Manchester United in the round of 16 last season. Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani netted 11 of PSG's 20 goals in their Champions League campaign last season, and the trio will be crucial again in 2019-20 as the club look to go deep in Europe's elite competition.

PSG forwards Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani ruled out of Real Madrid clash

Holders Liverpool take on Napoli in Group E, Lionel Messi & Barcelona travel to Borussia Dortmund in the 'Group of Death' and Frank Lampard's Chelsea takes on Valencia in a tricky group also containing Ajax and Lille. Former Welsh footballer and coach Matt Holland sets up the opening night of the new UEFA Champions League season.

Matt Holland previews new champions league season

Germany's Bayern Munich want to kick off their Champions League campaign against Red Star Belgrade with a win on Wednesday as they set their sights on at least the quarter-finals, coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday.

The Bavarians, who have won the last seven league titles in Germany, last lifted Europe's top club trophy in 2013.

Last season they suffered an unusually early exit, eliminated by eventual winners Liverpool in the Round of 16.

"We have a new season, and we have new luck so our first aim is to go past the group stage and then as a second aim to go further than last season," Kovac told a news conference.

Bayern have not enjoyed a dominant start to their season, losing the German Super Cup to Borussia Dortmund and lying in fourth place in the Bundesliga after four matches, two points off the top.

Kovac, in his second season at Bayern, said everyone was "100 per cent fit and ready" apart from fullback David Alaba, who was injured during warmup ahead of their 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig on Saturday and is expected to be out for three weeks.

"We have analysed Red Star. We know that at home in Belgrade they are a different team with different potential with such amazing crowd support."

Group B also includes Olympiakos and Tottenham Hotspur.

"Tomorrow we have the task of playing our game. In Leipzig we showed we can do it," he said.

Bayern played a scintillating first half against Leipzig, taking the lead and having 73 per cent possession and a bagful of scoring chances.

"If we bring the same form tomorrow then we can win it," Kovac said.

In-form keeper Manuel Neuer has set his sights even higher that the quarter-finals.

"The Champions League is a long and rocky road. We experienced last season how bitter it is, and that was way too early an exit for us," Germany keeper Neuer said.

"The motivation and drive in the team is high. We want to improve and go further than last season. We want at least to reach the semi-finals."

Germany's Bayern Munich want to kick off their Champions League campaign against Red Star Belgrade with a win on Wednesday as they set their sights on at least the quarter-finals, coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday.

Germany's Bayern Munich want to kick off their Champions League campaign against Red Star Belgrade with a win on Wednesday as they set their sights on at least the quarter-finals, coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday. The Bavarians, who have won the last seven league titles in Germany, last lifted Europe's top club trophy in 2013. Last season they suffered an unusually early exit, eliminated by eventual winners Liverpool in the Round of 16. "We have a new season, and we have new luck so our first aim is to go past the group stage and then as a second aim to go further than last season," Kovac told a news conference. Bayern have not enjoyed a dominant start to their season, losing the German Super Cup to Borussia Dortmund and lying in fourth place in the Bundesliga after four matches, two points off the top. Kovac, in his second season at Bayern, said everyone was "100 per cent fit and ready" apart from fullback David Alaba, who was injured during warmup ahead of their 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig on Saturday and is expected to be out for three weeks. "We have analysed Red Star. We know that at home in Belgrade they are a different team with different potential with such amazing crowd support." Group B also includes Olympiakos and Tottenham Hotspur. "Tomorrow we have the task of playing our game. In Leipzig we showed we can do it," he said. Bayern played a scintillating first half against Leipzig, taking the lead and having 73 per cent possession and a bagful of scoring chances. "If we bring the same form tomorrow then we can win it," Kovac said. In-form keeper Manuel Neuer has set his sights even higher that the quarter-finals. "The Champions League is a long and rocky road. We experienced last season how bitter it is, and that was way too early an exit for us," Germany keeper Neuer said. "The motivation and drive in the team is high. We want to improve and go further than last season. We want at least to reach the semi-finals."

Bayern eye at least last eight in Champions League

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp declared Manchester City as the best team in the world even though the Premier League champions have yet to win Europe's premier club competition.

As his team prepared to begin their Champions League title defence by taking on Napoli in a Group E encounter on Tuesday, the German dismissed suggestions that his side should be viewed as favourites to lift the trophy again.

"We can't be the best team in Europe because Man City are the best team in the world, that's the same planet, I think," joked Klopp at a news conference on Monday.

"We don't feel the burden of being champions, (we won it) long ago. I have no clue (if teams will play differently against us). I've never won the Champions League before, I hope we are prepared for that."

Liverpool finished second in the Premier League last season behind Pep Guardiola's City but are five points clear of their title rivals after five games this season.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson also said Liverpool are not the front-runners to win the Champions League.

"It's too early to say we're favourites, we've started well but we can still get better," said the England international.

"We're always hungry for more and we want to improve. Last season is last season but we can still improve."

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp declared Manchester City as the best team in the world even though the Premier League champions have yet to win Europe's premier club competition.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp declared Manchester City as the best team in the world even though the Premier League champions have yet to win Europe's premier club competition. As his team prepared to begin their Champions League title defence by taking on Napoli in a Group E encounter on Tuesday, the German dismissed suggestions that his side should be viewed as favourites to lift the trophy again. "We can't be the best team in Europe because Man City are the best team in the world, that's the same planet, I think," joked Klopp at a news conference on Monday. "We don't feel the burden of being champions, (we won it) long ago. I have no clue (if teams will play differently against us). I've never won the Champions League before, I hope we are prepared for that." Liverpool finished second in the Premier League last season behind Pep Guardiola's City but are five points clear of their title rivals after five games this season. Midfielder Jordan Henderson also said Liverpool are not the front-runners to win the Champions League. "It's too early to say we're favourites, we've started well but we can still get better," said the England international. "We're always hungry for more and we want to improve. Last season is last season but we can still improve."

Manchester City are the best team in the world, says Klopp

Ucl, News on Ucl, stories on Ucl, articles on Ucl, Ucl stories at Wion, Ucl news, Ucl latest news