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

Barcelona defeated Juventus by 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin as the Spanish club got the better of Italian giants in the Group G match of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21</a>. Lionel Messi scored one while assisting another to help Barcelona get three points against Juventus, who were missing Cristiano Ronaldo due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

After the 2-0 win, Barcelona triggered the battle of GOATs (Greatest of All Time) as they took to social media platform to post a photograph of Messi with the caption: “We are glad you were able to see the GOAT on your pitch, @juventusfcen!” &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sevilla-fc-set-eyes-on-indian-football-to-partner-with-unnamed-club-soon-ceo-338749" hreflang="en">Sevilla FC set eyes on Indian football, to partner with unnamed club soon: CEO</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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We are glad you were able to see the 🐐 on your pitch, <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juventusfcen</a>! 😘 <a href="https://t.co/yh74wh0lNJ">pic.twitter.com/yh74wh0lNJ</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1321573012894896133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet triggered fan wars on Twitter as Ronaldo fans backed the Portuguese megastar to take down Barcelona in Camp Now in what will be the reverse fixture between the two sides in the group stage. However, Juventus came up with a cheeky reply as the Italian giants wrote that they will be bring the right GOAT in Camp Now. “You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou,” replied Juventus.

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You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou 🔍📖
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen/status/1321589740542562304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-english-clubs-win-in-champions-league-as-real-madrid-scramble-draw-338488" hreflang="en">Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw</a>

Speaking of the match between Juventus and Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for Barcelona after a fine pass by Lionel Messi. Juventus constantly created openings and it was the VAR, who ruled goals by Alvaro Morata thrice during the course of 90 minutes. When Juventus were trailing 1-0 to Barca, Merih Demiral got his second yellow card in the match as the referee gave him the marching order. Messi soon made it 2-0 from the spot to seal a convincing 2-0 win against Ronaldo-less Juventus.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo missed the match after testing positive for COVID-19 – for the third time in the last couple of weeks. While the former Real Madrid forward has been training inside his house and has been quite active on social media to post his training videos and photographs, the Portuguese will only be allowed to join the squad after testing negative for the dreaded virus. Fans would be hoping that Ronaldo makes a return to the playing XI when Juventus take on Barcelona at Camp Now later in the year. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona defeated Juventus by 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin as the Spanish club got the better of Italian giants in the Group G match of UEFA Champions League 2020-21.

Barcelona defeated Juventus by 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin as the Spanish club got the better of Italian giants in the Group G match of UEFA Champions League 2020-21. Lionel Messi scored one while assisting another to help Barcelona get three points against Juventus, who were missing Cristiano Ronaldo due to COVID-19. After the 2-0 win, Barcelona triggered the battle of GOATs (Greatest of All Time) as they took to social media platform to post a photograph of Messi with the caption: “We are glad you were able to see the GOAT on your pitch, @juventusfcen!” ALSO READ: Sevilla FC set eyes on Indian football, to partner with unnamed club soon: CEO We are glad you were able to see the 🐐 on your pitch, @juventusfcen! 😘 pic.twitter.com/yh74wh0lNJ — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 28, 2020 × The tweet triggered fan wars on Twitter as Ronaldo fans backed the Portuguese megastar to take down Barcelona in Camp Now in what will be the reverse fixture between the two sides in the group stage. However, Juventus came up with a cheeky reply as the Italian giants wrote that they will be bring the right GOAT in Camp Now. “You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou,” replied Juventus. You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou 🔍📖 — JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 28, 2020 × ALSO READ: Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw Speaking of the match between Juventus and Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for Barcelona after a fine pass by Lionel Messi. Juventus constantly created openings and it was the VAR, who ruled goals by Alvaro Morata thrice during the course of 90 minutes. When Juventus were trailing 1-0 to Barca, Merih Demiral got his second yellow card in the match as the referee gave him the marching order. Messi soon made it 2-0 from the spot to seal a convincing 2-0 win against Ronaldo-less Juventus. Meanwhile, Ronaldo missed the match after testing positive for COVID-19 – for the third time in the last couple of weeks. While the former Real Madrid forward has been training inside his house and has been quite active on social media to post his training videos and photographs, the Portuguese will only be allowed to join the squad after testing negative for the dreaded virus. Fans would be hoping that Ronaldo makes a return to the playing XI when Juventus take on Barcelona at Camp Now later in the year.

'Wrong dictionary'- Juventus cheeky response to Barcelona triggers battle of GOATs

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this season, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A.&nbsp;

Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equaliser for Lokomotiv in the second half -- Miranchuk's twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week.

But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Martinez pass and volleyed home low from outside the box 11 minutes from time.

"We had to work hard for the victory," Kimmich admitted to broadcaster DAZN.

In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grabbing their late winner.

The Portuguese starlet had hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish capital.

Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg ahead just after half-time.

However, Joao Felix equalised on 52 minutes and then won it five minutes from the end.

&nbsp;

<h2>- City cruise -</h2>

&nbsp;

In Germany, Real were heading for another defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time.

But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian midfielder then scored himself deep in injury time to salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane's team.

"If we continue to play like that, we'll do great things and we'll win matches, that's for sure," said Zidane.

It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev.

Pep Guardiola's City eased to a second straight win in Group C with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for the early opener against Marseille after the hosts had carelessly ceded possession.

Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point.

Guardiola was confident City could build on their victory after an indifferent start to the Premier League season which has seen them come in for criticism.

"Part of the criticism was right, but you've got to accept it. It's part of our job," Guardiola told BT Sport.

"It's about where we've come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions League is in a good place now."

In the same group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target.

<h2>- 'Tough night' for Liverpool -</h2>

Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed doors at Anfield in Group D.

Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp's team the lead early in the second half, before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty.

Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an apparent hamstring injury.

"It was a tough night," Klopp told BT Sport.

"It's a bit like in a marriage, there are good and bad times. It's not a bad time but it's a tricky time."

He added: "It was a hard game to play. But winning 2-0 is completely fine so that's it -- let's carry on."

Liverpool now have a double-header against Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Ajax.

A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visitors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this season, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A. Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equaliser for Lokomotiv in the second half -- Miranchuk's twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week. But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Martinez pass and volleyed home low from outside the box 11 minutes from time. "We had to work hard for the victory," Kimmich admitted to broadcaster DAZN. In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grabbing their late winner. The Portuguese starlet had hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish capital. Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg ahead just after half-time. However, Joao Felix equalised on 52 minutes and then won it five minutes from the end. - City cruise - In Germany, Real were heading for another defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time. But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian midfielder then scored himself deep in injury time to salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane's team. "If we continue to play like that, we'll do great things and we'll win matches, that's for sure," said Zidane. It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev. Pep Guardiola's City eased to a second straight win in Group C with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for the early opener against Marseille after the hosts had carelessly ceded possession. Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point. Guardiola was confident City could build on their victory after an indifferent start to the Premier League season which has seen them come in for criticism. "Part of the criticism was right, but you've got to accept it. It's part of our job," Guardiola told BT Sport. "It's about where we've come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions League is in a good place now." In the same group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target. - 'Tough night' for Liverpool - Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed doors at Anfield in Group D. Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp's team the lead early in the second half, before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty. Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an apparent hamstring injury. "It was a tough night," Klopp told BT Sport. "It's a bit like in a marriage, there are good and bad times. It's not a bad time but it's a tricky time." He added: "It was a hard game to play. But winning 2-0 is completely fine so that's it -- let's carry on." Liverpool now have a double-header against Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Ajax. A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visitors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw

Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain to take on Lionel Messi's Barcelona on Wednesday as he recovers from coronavirus, Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said on the eve of the match in Turin.

Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago while playing with Portugal, and has been in self-isolation since returning to Italy.

"Ronaldo had a test like everyone else, this evening (Tuesday) we will have the definitive result," Pirlo told a press conference in Turin before the Champions League Group G game.

"For now it's all on the high seas, when the final result comes everything will be clearer."

According to UEFA rules the 35-year-old Ronaldo will need to test negative late on Tuesday, 24 hours before being allowed to feature.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning we will count the number of players available," continued Pirlo.&nbsp;

"Depending on the result, we'll see what we do. It's not easy to play an entire game after 15 days of inactivity."

Ronaldo, who has no symptoms, has missed three games including his side's 2-0 Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev last week.

The clash would be the first between Ronaldo and Messi since the Portugal forward left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018.

"For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have done great things," said former Italy and Juventus midfielder Pirlo.&nbsp;

"For the first time, I'll be taking on Messi as a coach, I'll treat him with the enormous respect that he deserves."

<h2>- 'Not a decisive game' -</h2>

Messi, 33, has featured in four victorious campaigns for Barcelona, while Ronaldo has won the Champions League five times, four with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United.

Messi has six Ballon d'Or titles with Ronaldo claiming five.

However Ronaldo has 130 Champions league goals to Messi's 116.

"It's clear that any team would miss a player like Cristiano," said Brazil defender Danilo at the pre-match press conference.

"But we have faith in every player on the team. We have people who want to do well and help us have a great match."

Messi has won 16 of their 35 encounters to Ronaldo's 10, with the remaining nine ending in draws.

The pair have only met five times in Champions League games, most recently in the semi-final in 2011.

Pirlo has defensive worries with captain Giorgio Chiellini, and Matthijs De Ligt out but fellow centreback Leonardo Bonucci's thigh strain will be evaluated on Wednesday morning.

"These are the matches that everyone would like to play. We have this opportunity and we can't wait to test ourselves against Barcelona," said Pirlo.&nbsp;

"It's not a decisive game, but we still want to see what our value is."

Argentina forward Paulo Dybala remains "a bit tired" after playing for 90 minutes in his first match in over three months last Sunday against Verona.

"It's normal after the first game as a starter. He'll have time to recover and play tomorrow night."&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain to take on Lionel Messi's Barcelona on Wednesday as he recovers from coronavirus, Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said on the eve of the match in Turin.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain to take on Lionel Messi's Barcelona on Wednesday as he recovers from coronavirus, Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said on the eve of the match in Turin. Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago while playing with Portugal, and has been in self-isolation since returning to Italy. "Ronaldo had a test like everyone else, this evening (Tuesday) we will have the definitive result," Pirlo told a press conference in Turin before the Champions League Group G game. "For now it's all on the high seas, when the final result comes everything will be clearer." According to UEFA rules the 35-year-old Ronaldo will need to test negative late on Tuesday, 24 hours before being allowed to feature. "Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning we will count the number of players available," continued Pirlo. "Depending on the result, we'll see what we do. It's not easy to play an entire game after 15 days of inactivity." Ronaldo, who has no symptoms, has missed three games including his side's 2-0 Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev last week. The clash would be the first between Ronaldo and Messi since the Portugal forward left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018. "For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have done great things," said former Italy and Juventus midfielder Pirlo. "For the first time, I'll be taking on Messi as a coach, I'll treat him with the enormous respect that he deserves." - 'Not a decisive game' - Messi, 33, has featured in four victorious campaigns for Barcelona, while Ronaldo has won the Champions League five times, four with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United. Messi has six Ballon d'Or titles with Ronaldo claiming five. However Ronaldo has 130 Champions league goals to Messi's 116. "It's clear that any team would miss a player like Cristiano," said Brazil defender Danilo at the pre-match press conference. "But we have faith in every player on the team. We have people who want to do well and help us have a great match." Messi has won 16 of their 35 encounters to Ronaldo's 10, with the remaining nine ending in draws. The pair have only met five times in Champions League games, most recently in the semi-final in 2011. Pirlo has defensive worries with captain Giorgio Chiellini, and Matthijs De Ligt out but fellow centreback Leonardo Bonucci's thigh strain will be evaluated on Wednesday morning. "These are the matches that everyone would like to play. We have this opportunity and we can't wait to test ourselves against Barcelona," said Pirlo. "It's not a decisive game, but we still want to see what our value is." Argentina forward Paulo Dybala remains "a bit tired" after playing for 90 minutes in his first match in over three months last Sunday against Verona. "It's normal after the first game as a starter. He'll have time to recover and play tomorrow night."

'Wait and see': Ronaldo doubt for Messi Champions League showdown

Action in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league?page=1">UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2020-21</a> will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with some high-profile matches lined up for the footballing world to feast upon. The likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United among many others will be in action in what will be the game week 2 of UCL 2020-21.&nbsp;

While the biggest match which is being talked about in the build-up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league?page=1">UCL 2020-21</a> – Juventus vs Barcelona – is set to be played, fans will miss the epic face-off between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the latter is yet to test negative for COVID-19.&nbsp;

However, the Champions League is known as a tournament where European football peaks and the same is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.

<h2>UEFA Champions League fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday (kick-offs 2000GMT unless stated): When and where to watch</h2>

Tuesday

Group A

At Moscow: Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) v Bayern Munich (GER) (1755)

At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Salzburg (AUT)&nbsp;

Group B

At Kiev: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Inter Milan (ITA) (1755)

At Moenchengladbach: Borussia Moenchengladbach (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP)

Group C

At Porto: Porto (POR) v Olympiakos (GRE)

At Marseille: Marseille (FRA) v Manchester City (ENG)

Group D

At Bergamo: Atalanta (ITA) v Ajax (NED)

At Liverpool: Liverpool (ENG) v Midtjylland (DEN)

Wednesday&nbsp;

Group E

At Krasnodar: Krasnodar (RUS) v Chelsea (ENG) (1755)

At Seville: Sevilla (ESP) v Rennes (FRA)

Group F

At Bruges: Club Brugge (BEL) v Lazio (ITA)

At Dortmund: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Zenit Saint-Petersburg (RUS)

Group G

At Budapest: Ferencvaros (HUN) v Dynamo Kiev (UKR)

At Turin: Juventus (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP)

Group H

At Istanbul: Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) (1755)&nbsp;

At Manchester: Manchester United (ENG) v RB Leipzig (GER)&nbsp;

<h2>Where can you watch and live stream UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Group Stage matches?</h2>

Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster 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 live-streamed on the Sony LIV app.

Action in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2020-21 will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with some high-profile matches lined up for the footballing world to feast upon.

Action in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2020-21 will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with some high-profile matches lined up for the footballing world to feast upon. The likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United among many others will be in action in what will be the game week 2 of UCL 2020-21. While the biggest match which is being talked about in the build-up to UCL 2020-21 – Juventus vs Barcelona – is set to be played, fans will miss the epic face-off between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the latter is yet to test negative for COVID-19. However, the Champions League is known as a tournament where European football peaks and the same is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. UEFA Champions League fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday (kick-offs 2000GMT unless stated): When and where to watch Tuesday Group A At Moscow: Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) v Bayern Munich (GER) (1755) At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Salzburg (AUT) Group B At Kiev: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Inter Milan (ITA) (1755) At Moenchengladbach: Borussia Moenchengladbach (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP) Group C At Porto: Porto (POR) v Olympiakos (GRE) At Marseille: Marseille (FRA) v Manchester City (ENG) Group D At Bergamo: Atalanta (ITA) v Ajax (NED) At Liverpool: Liverpool (ENG) v Midtjylland (DEN) Wednesday Group E At Krasnodar: Krasnodar (RUS) v Chelsea (ENG) (1755) At Seville: Sevilla (ESP) v Rennes (FRA) Group F At Bruges: Club Brugge (BEL) v Lazio (ITA) At Dortmund: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Zenit Saint-Petersburg (RUS) Group G At Budapest: Ferencvaros (HUN) v Dynamo Kiev (UKR) At Turin: Juventus (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP) Group H At Istanbul: Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) (1755) At Manchester: Manchester United (ENG) v RB Leipzig (GER) Where can you watch and live stream UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Group Stage matches? Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster 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 live-streamed on the Sony LIV app.

UCL: From Juventus vs Barcelona to other matches - When and where to watch Champions League matches?

Inter Milan have questioned the positive coronavirus test which ruled out defender Achraf Hakimi before their Champions League stalemate midweek.

The Moroccan international missed the 2-2 draw against Borussia Moenchengladbach after testing positive hours before kick-off.

The 21-year-old, who was asymptomatic, had tested negative the morning of the match and twice since.

"We are disappointed and regret the way events unfolded and the decisions we had to accept," Inter CAO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Sports Italia before Saturday's league game in Genoa.

"On the morning the player was negative, while in the afternoon he became positive. This must not become an excuse but it created some upset.&nbsp;

"We must hope that in the future UEFA can be a little more precise with their communication."

Hakimi had tested negative twice since, "for which I have to thank our medical staff and the competent authorities," Marotta added.

"I'm back," Hakimi wrote on Twitter after his negative test on Saturday and travelled to Genoa to join his teammates.

The defender came off the bench in the second half as Inter Milan beat Genoa 2-0 to move third in the Serie A table.

Hakimi joined Inter from Real Madrid in the close-season after a successful two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Inter Milan have questioned the positive coronavirus test which ruled out defender Achraf Hakimi before their Champions League stalemate midweek. The Moroccan international missed the 2-2 draw against Borussia Moenchengladbach after testing positive hours before kick-off.

Inter Milan have questioned the positive coronavirus test which ruled out defender Achraf Hakimi before their Champions League stalemate midweek. The Moroccan international missed the 2-2 draw against Borussia Moenchengladbach after testing positive hours before kick-off. The 21-year-old, who was asymptomatic, had tested negative the morning of the match and twice since. "We are disappointed and regret the way events unfolded and the decisions we had to accept," Inter CAO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Sports Italia before Saturday's league game in Genoa. "On the morning the player was negative, while in the afternoon he became positive. This must not become an excuse but it created some upset. "We must hope that in the future UEFA can be a little more precise with their communication." Hakimi had tested negative twice since, "for which I have to thank our medical staff and the competent authorities," Marotta added. "I'm back," Hakimi wrote on Twitter after his negative test on Saturday and travelled to Genoa to join his teammates. The defender came off the bench in the second half as Inter Milan beat Genoa 2-0 to move third in the Serie A table. Hakimi joined Inter from Real Madrid in the close-season after a successful two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Inter question Hakimi 'positive' virus test before Champions League game

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arteta-feels-he-has-failed-arsenal-over-ozil-omission-337064" hreflang="en">Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission</a>

In an interview with &nbsp;Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The club have spoken to us about gradually brining fans back, and we told them this is something we need to analyse game by game. Initial figures could be 3000 or 5000 people at the Nou Camp, and according to the epidemiological situation, we will decide if we can scale that up," he said.

"I think that the protocols will be just about ready to allow for a crowd for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as long as the epidemiological situation hasn't got worse."

Barcelona is yet to comment on the situation.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government. Also read: Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission In an interview with Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government. Also read: Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission In an interview with Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "The club have spoken to us about gradually brining fans back, and we told them this is something we need to analyse game by game. Initial figures could be 3000 or 5000 people at the Nou Camp, and according to the epidemiological situation, we will decide if we can scale that up," he said. "I think that the protocols will be just about ready to allow for a crowd for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as long as the epidemiological situation hasn't got worse." Barcelona is yet to comment on the situation. (Inputs from Reuters)

Barcelona vs Juventus in December might feature fans: Catalan's regional government

Jurgen Klopp saluted Liverpool's fighting spirit as the Reds proved they can cope without Virgil van Dijk by grinding out a 1-0 win at Ajax in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday.

Klopp's side are likely to be without Van Dijk for the rest of the season after the influential Dutch centre-back suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage against Everton last weekend.

Critics have claimed Liverpool will struggle without Van Dijk, but Brazilian midfielder Fabinho filled in impressively alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence.

While Liverpool weren't at their best and rode their luck at times, never more so than when Nicolas Tagliafico diverted Sadio Mane's scuffed effort into his own net in the first half, it was an encouraging Group D opener for Klopp.

There was enough spirit about the 2019 Champions League winners to suggest they will use the Van Dijk blow to fuel their Premier League title defence and European challenge.

"It was not perfect but they fought brilliantly," Klopp said. "We did not take our chances, which was a shame, and Ajax had a big one which hit the post.&nbsp;

"When you're 1-0 up, these things can happen. But overall I'm happy with the game.&nbsp;

"It was not sunshine football but we wanted three points and we got it."

Van Dijk will need knee surgery after being pole-axed by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford's ugly foul and his injury came at a time when Liverpool looked vulnerable after losing 7-2 at Aston Villa before the international break.

Against that backdrop, keeping a clean-sheet for just the third time this season was a big lift for Liverpool, who won for the first time in three games despite also being without defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara after the brutal Merseyside derby.

"I think both teams could play better football. At moments it was wild. The pitch was deep and muddy," Klopp said.

"Xherdan Shaqiri was lively and Takumi Minamino was unbelievable. He is like a machine. It helps when you can make five substitutions."

Praising Fabinho for an acrobatic goalline clearance, Klopp added: "I didn't know how it happened in the beginning. That's a good example of how the boys did today."

<h2>- Backs to the wall -</h2>

&nbsp;

Liverpool's makeshift defence was easily carved open early on when Quincy Promes advanced down the left and found Dusan Tadic, who set up Ryan Gravenberch for a fierce strike that flashed just wide.

There was another major scare as David Neres' pass found the unmarked Promes six yards from goal, but he shot straight at Adrian to let Liverpool off the hook.

Making the most of that escape, Liverpool took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 35th minute.

Mane eluded Perr Schuurs as he broke into the Ajax area but when the Senegal forward went to shoot, he stubbed his foot into the turf, sending a miscued effort towards Tagliafico, who lost his balance and prodded the ball into his own net under no pressure.

Klopp has been fostering a siege mentality among his players since the Everton game and their backs to the wall spirit was on full display when Fabinho raced back to clear Tadic's lob off the line with a superb overhead kick.

Van Dijk couldn't have done it better himself, but while Fabinho was impressing, Ajax still carried a threat.

Taking aim from the edge of the area, Davy Klaassen smashed a fierce strike off the far post in the first minute of the second half.

Ajax went close again when Noussair Mazraoui took a Neres cutback and forced Adrian into a fine save.

Klopp took off Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane, with the latter needing ice on his right leg as he sat on the bench.

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp almost snatched a late equaliser after a mistake from Adrian, but Liverpool held their nerve to provide a morale-boosting start to life without Van Dijk.

Jurgen Klopp saluted Liverpool's fighting spirit as the Reds proved they can cope without Virgil van Dijk by grinding out a 1-0 win at Ajax in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday.

Jurgen Klopp saluted Liverpool's fighting spirit as the Reds proved they can cope without Virgil van Dijk by grinding out a 1-0 win at Ajax in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday. Klopp's side are likely to be without Van Dijk for the rest of the season after the influential Dutch centre-back suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage against Everton last weekend. Critics have claimed Liverpool will struggle without Van Dijk, but Brazilian midfielder Fabinho filled in impressively alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence. While Liverpool weren't at their best and rode their luck at times, never more so than when Nicolas Tagliafico diverted Sadio Mane's scuffed effort into his own net in the first half, it was an encouraging Group D opener for Klopp. There was enough spirit about the 2019 Champions League winners to suggest they will use the Van Dijk blow to fuel their Premier League title defence and European challenge. "It was not perfect but they fought brilliantly," Klopp said. "We did not take our chances, which was a shame, and Ajax had a big one which hit the post. "When you're 1-0 up, these things can happen. But overall I'm happy with the game. "It was not sunshine football but we wanted three points and we got it." Van Dijk will need knee surgery after being pole-axed by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford's ugly foul and his injury came at a time when Liverpool looked vulnerable after losing 7-2 at Aston Villa before the international break. Against that backdrop, keeping a clean-sheet for just the third time this season was a big lift for Liverpool, who won for the first time in three games despite also being without defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara after the brutal Merseyside derby. "I think both teams could play better football. At moments it was wild. The pitch was deep and muddy," Klopp said. "Xherdan Shaqiri was lively and Takumi Minamino was unbelievable. He is like a machine. It helps when you can make five substitutions." Praising Fabinho for an acrobatic goalline clearance, Klopp added: "I didn't know how it happened in the beginning. That's a good example of how the boys did today." - Backs to the wall - Liverpool's makeshift defence was easily carved open early on when Quincy Promes advanced down the left and found Dusan Tadic, who set up Ryan Gravenberch for a fierce strike that flashed just wide. There was another major scare as David Neres' pass found the unmarked Promes six yards from goal, but he shot straight at Adrian to let Liverpool off the hook. Making the most of that escape, Liverpool took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 35th minute. Mane eluded Perr Schuurs as he broke into the Ajax area but when the Senegal forward went to shoot, he stubbed his foot into the turf, sending a miscued effort towards Tagliafico, who lost his balance and prodded the ball into his own net under no pressure. Klopp has been fostering a siege mentality among his players since the Everton game and their backs to the wall spirit was on full display when Fabinho raced back to clear Tadic's lob off the line with a superb overhead kick. Van Dijk couldn't have done it better himself, but while Fabinho was impressing, Ajax still carried a threat. Taking aim from the edge of the area, Davy Klaassen smashed a fierce strike off the far post in the first minute of the second half. Ajax went close again when Noussair Mazraoui took a Neres cutback and forced Adrian into a fine save. Klopp took off Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane, with the latter needing ice on his right leg as he sat on the bench. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp almost snatched a late equaliser after a mistake from Adrian, but Liverpool held their nerve to provide a morale-boosting start to life without Van Dijk.

Klopp hails spirit as Liverpool show they can cope without Van Dijk

Pep Guardiola said an injury to Fernandinho late in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Porto to begin their Champions League campaign will be far from the last his side suffer with a gruelling schedule ahead.

City face another 17 games in 2020 with all six Champions League group-stage matches packed into a seven-week stretch either side of the November international break.

Guardiola's men have struggled to hit the ground running this season with a short pre-season, coronavirus infections and injuries taking their toll.

On Wednesday City missed the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, but battled back to get their latest quest to win a maiden Champions League off to a winning start after Luis Diaz's solo effort put the visitors in front in the first half.

Sergio Aguero levelled with a contentious penalty seven minutes later and the Premier League side's quality shone through after half-time as Ilkay Gundogan's free-kick and substitute Ferran Torres' fine finish moved City to the top of Group C.

"It's a good start for us," said Guardiola. "We knew the games at home you have to win in this competition.

"(Fernandinho) is the bad news, he has a muscular problem so he will be a big loss. In this period we need everyone, but with this calendar it happens."

Guardiola admitted on Tuesday to still feeling guilty over the experimental line-up and formation that led to City's latest Champions League calamity in last season's quarter-finals against Lyon in August.

The Catalan is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and so this is potentially his last chance to land the prize City most desired when they brought him to Manchester in 2016.

However, in the early weeks of this season City have look a faded force from the prime of Guardiola's reign, when they won back to back Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019.

<h2>- Gundogan's moment of magic -</h2>

A sluggish start against Porto was punished by Diaz who opened the scoring with a brilliant solo run and finish.

City levelled with a good deal of fortune when Gundogan inadvertently caught Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin as he tried to direct the ball goalwards and, after the German's shot came off the post, Raheem Sterling was barged over in the box by Pepe.

After a lengthy VAR review, Gundogan's challenge was not deemed a foul that would have overturned the initial decision to award a penalty, and Aguero smashed home his first goal of the season.

City regained control after the break, but it wasn't until a moment of magic from Gundogan 25 minutes from time that they went in front.

The midfielder won a free-kick on the edge of the area and then curled the ball over the wall and into the net to the relief of Guardiola, who was about to replace him.

Gundogan was starting for the first time since testing positive for coronavirus and he was replaced seconds after scoring as Guardiola added a fresh injection of pace in Phil Foden and Torres, who combined for the latter to make it 3-1 in style.

Gundogan, though, said City will need a squad effort to get through the next few months.

"We are struggling at this moment," said Gundogan. "Fernandinho went off, we have a few injured players. Even me, I am not 100 percent because I was out with Covid for a couple of weeks.

"That's the challenge this season and it's not going to end for a while, but we will take every game as it comes. We have enough players who have the quality to play."

Pep Guardiola said an injury to Fernandinho late in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Porto to begin their Champions League campaign will be far from the last his side suffer with a gruelling schedule ahead.

Pep Guardiola said an injury to Fernandinho late in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Porto to begin their Champions League campaign will be far from the last his side suffer with a gruelling schedule ahead. City face another 17 games in 2020 with all six Champions League group-stage matches packed into a seven-week stretch either side of the November international break. Guardiola's men have struggled to hit the ground running this season with a short pre-season, coronavirus infections and injuries taking their toll. On Wednesday City missed the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, but battled back to get their latest quest to win a maiden Champions League off to a winning start after Luis Diaz's solo effort put the visitors in front in the first half. Sergio Aguero levelled with a contentious penalty seven minutes later and the Premier League side's quality shone through after half-time as Ilkay Gundogan's free-kick and substitute Ferran Torres' fine finish moved City to the top of Group C. "It's a good start for us," said Guardiola. "We knew the games at home you have to win in this competition. "(Fernandinho) is the bad news, he has a muscular problem so he will be a big loss. In this period we need everyone, but with this calendar it happens." Guardiola admitted on Tuesday to still feeling guilty over the experimental line-up and formation that led to City's latest Champions League calamity in last season's quarter-finals against Lyon in August. The Catalan is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and so this is potentially his last chance to land the prize City most desired when they brought him to Manchester in 2016. However, in the early weeks of this season City have look a faded force from the prime of Guardiola's reign, when they won back to back Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019. - Gundogan's moment of magic - A sluggish start against Porto was punished by Diaz who opened the scoring with a brilliant solo run and finish. City levelled with a good deal of fortune when Gundogan inadvertently caught Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin as he tried to direct the ball goalwards and, after the German's shot came off the post, Raheem Sterling was barged over in the box by Pepe. After a lengthy VAR review, Gundogan's challenge was not deemed a foul that would have overturned the initial decision to award a penalty, and Aguero smashed home his first goal of the season. City regained control after the break, but it wasn't until a moment of magic from Gundogan 25 minutes from time that they went in front. The midfielder won a free-kick on the edge of the area and then curled the ball over the wall and into the net to the relief of Guardiola, who was about to replace him. Gundogan was starting for the first time since testing positive for coronavirus and he was replaced seconds after scoring as Guardiola added a fresh injection of pace in Phil Foden and Torres, who combined for the latter to make it 3-1 in style. Gundogan, though, said City will need a squad effort to get through the next few months. "We are struggling at this moment," said Gundogan. "Fernandinho went off, we have a few injured players. Even me, I am not 100 percent because I was out with Covid for a couple of weeks. "That's the challenge this season and it's not going to end for a while, but we will take every game as it comes. We have enough players who have the quality to play."

Guardiola bemoans gruelling schedule as sluggish Man City see off Porto

Ciro Immobile scored early against his former club Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday as Lazio marked their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence with a 3-1 Group F win.

Italy's Immobile beat Marwin Hitz in the Dortmund goal after six minutes in Rome, with a deflection off the Germans' keeper responsible for the hosts' second goal.

Norway star Erling Braut Haaland pulled a goal back after 71 minutes but Immobile set up Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro for the third five minutes later in front of a crowd of 1,000 at the Stadio Olimpico.

It was a welcome boost for Simone Inzaghi's side who are now top in a group which also includes Zenit and Club Brugge.

"It was an incredible emotion to bring this club and this shirt back to the Champions League," said Immobile, last season's Serie A top scorer with 36 goals.

The capital city club have experienced a stuttering start to their league season with just one win in four games, and a 3-0 defeat to Sampdoria last weekend.

"There was an extra flavour and we are satisfied because the match was played to perfection," continued Immobile.&nbsp;

"We met a strong team, it was a difficult match but we needed a game like this to give us a psychological boost after the game against Sampdoria, to be able to have our say among the great in Europe and also in the league."

Immobile and Joaquin Correa started up front with Hitz replacing Roman Buerki in the Dortmund goal and Haaland leading the Bundesliga outfit's attack.

Luiz Felipe returned for Lazio after a month out with an ankle problem, with Emre Can suspended for the away side.

Lazio pounced on their first chance with Thomas Meunier losing the ball to Lucas Leiva who crossed for Correa to serve up Immobile for his fifth Champions League goal and first since playing for Dortmund in December 2014.

<h2>- Dortmund's worst signing? -</h2>

Thomas Strakosha stuck out his leg to block Raphael Guerreiro in Dortmund's first chance after 21 minutes.

But Inzaghi's men doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Luis Alberto's corner was deflected in off Hitz's head.

Haaland revived hopes of a German fightback, only for Luis Alberto to send through for Immobile to lay it on for Akpa Akpro for the third goal.

""We didn't have patience, we were frantic. We played badly and never managed the ball," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre.&nbsp;

For Immobile, who has been under fire for his recent performances with the Italian national team, the victory was sweet, even more so as it was against a team he had an unsuccessful spell with back in 2014.

"Did they say I was Dortmund's worst signing? I arrived at Dortmund at the wrong time, during a generational change," said Immobile.&nbsp;

"There were some difficulties, but I don't want to say anything about this. I know when I deserve praise or criticism.&nbsp;

"I missed a goal tonight, I will miss more, but I hope to score many more than I miss for Lazio and the national side."

Ciro Immobile scored early against his former club Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday as Lazio marked their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence with a 3-1 Group F win.

Ciro Immobile scored early against his former club Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday as Lazio marked their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence with a 3-1 Group F win. Italy's Immobile beat Marwin Hitz in the Dortmund goal after six minutes in Rome, with a deflection off the Germans' keeper responsible for the hosts' second goal. Norway star Erling Braut Haaland pulled a goal back after 71 minutes but Immobile set up Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro for the third five minutes later in front of a crowd of 1,000 at the Stadio Olimpico. It was a welcome boost for Simone Inzaghi's side who are now top in a group which also includes Zenit and Club Brugge. "It was an incredible emotion to bring this club and this shirt back to the Champions League," said Immobile, last season's Serie A top scorer with 36 goals. The capital city club have experienced a stuttering start to their league season with just one win in four games, and a 3-0 defeat to Sampdoria last weekend. "There was an extra flavour and we are satisfied because the match was played to perfection," continued Immobile. "We met a strong team, it was a difficult match but we needed a game like this to give us a psychological boost after the game against Sampdoria, to be able to have our say among the great in Europe and also in the league." Immobile and Joaquin Correa started up front with Hitz replacing Roman Buerki in the Dortmund goal and Haaland leading the Bundesliga outfit's attack. Luiz Felipe returned for Lazio after a month out with an ankle problem, with Emre Can suspended for the away side. Lazio pounced on their first chance with Thomas Meunier losing the ball to Lucas Leiva who crossed for Correa to serve up Immobile for his fifth Champions League goal and first since playing for Dortmund in December 2014. - Dortmund's worst signing? - Thomas Strakosha stuck out his leg to block Raphael Guerreiro in Dortmund's first chance after 21 minutes. But Inzaghi's men doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Luis Alberto's corner was deflected in off Hitz's head. Haaland revived hopes of a German fightback, only for Luis Alberto to send through for Immobile to lay it on for Akpa Akpro for the third goal. ""We didn't have patience, we were frantic. We played badly and never managed the ball," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre. For Immobile, who has been under fire for his recent performances with the Italian national team, the victory was sweet, even more so as it was against a team he had an unsuccessful spell with back in 2014. "Did they say I was Dortmund's worst signing? I arrived at Dortmund at the wrong time, during a generational change," said Immobile. "There were some difficulties, but I don't want to say anything about this. I know when I deserve praise or criticism. "I missed a goal tonight, I will miss more, but I hope to score many more than I miss for Lazio and the national side."

'Played to perfection:' Immobile's Lazio shock Dortmund on Champions League return

Frank Lampard admitted he was happy to take a point and a clean sheet from Chelsea's goalless Champions League opener against Sevilla after so much criticism of his side's defensive capabilities.

Edouard Mendy returned from injury to replace the error-strewn Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, but the Senegal international was rarely troubled in an uninspiring match far from the chaos that has characterised the early weeks of the Premier League season.

Chelsea have contributed to that with two 3-3 draws in their opening five games, including at home to Southampton on Saturday when they blew the lead twice.

But Lampard pointed to personnel issues in getting many of his signings from a &nbsp;£220 million ($284 million) spending spree on the pitch together for Chelsea's slow start to the season.

The Blues have now won just two of their opening six games of the campaign, but looked far more solid with Thiago Silva back in the side as one of five new signings in the starting line-up.

"He was very good today. He brought quality and experience and affected others around him and that was a big part of us getting a clean sheet," Lampard said of the veteran Brazilian centre-back.

"We are going to get better. We haven't had the personnel in there playing regularly, the more we do that, we'll get better."

With Champions League debutants Rennes and Krasnodar making up Group E, both sides were happy to settle for a point against what they will perceive as their toughest opponents in the section.

"It was cagey," added Lampard. "Two pretty good teams cancelling each other out in the first game, which is understandable. We take the point and move on."

Sevilla were without highly-rated centre-back Jules Kounde, who attracted interest from Manchester City last month, due to a coronavirus infection.

However, the organised defensive structure that saw Julen Lopetegui's men beat Manchester United and Inter Milan to win Sevilla's sixth Europa League title in August kept Chelsea's expensive collection of attacking stars quiet.

Timo Werner was the Blues' biggest threat, but the Germany forward wasting his best chance by skewing a shot wide with the last action of the first-half.

Chelsea posed a greater attacking threat after half-time as Christian Pulisic came alive after the US attacker was switched onto the left flank.

Pulisic's run won the corner which produced the home side's best chance of the night, but centre-back Zouma placed his header straight at Bono.

"The last little bit wasn't there today," said Lampard. "We've scored a lot of goals in the Premier League already this season and we will score goals.

"Today the bonus is the clean sheet. It's a long season and we are in the early stages of it."

Joan Jordan came within inches of winning the game in spectacular style for Sevilla as his sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box dipped onto the roof of the net.

But Lopetegui was happy to settle for a draw against a side that has spent more in one transfer window than Sevilla's entire turnover for last season.

“I'm happy with the job we did and the mentality and personality we showed at a difficult place to come," said Lopetegui. "Against a team who spent 250 million euros this summer and with good players in every position, it required a big collective effort."

Frank Lampard admitted he was happy to take a point and a clean sheet from Chelsea's goalless Champions League opener against Sevilla after so much criticism of his side's defensive capabilities.

Frank Lampard admitted he was happy to take a point and a clean sheet from Chelsea's goalless Champions League opener against Sevilla after so much criticism of his side's defensive capabilities. Edouard Mendy returned from injury to replace the error-strewn Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, but the Senegal international was rarely troubled in an uninspiring match far from the chaos that has characterised the early weeks of the Premier League season. Chelsea have contributed to that with two 3-3 draws in their opening five games, including at home to Southampton on Saturday when they blew the lead twice. But Lampard pointed to personnel issues in getting many of his signings from a £220 million ($284 million) spending spree on the pitch together for Chelsea's slow start to the season. The Blues have now won just two of their opening six games of the campaign, but looked far more solid with Thiago Silva back in the side as one of five new signings in the starting line-up. "He was very good today. He brought quality and experience and affected others around him and that was a big part of us getting a clean sheet," Lampard said of the veteran Brazilian centre-back. "We are going to get better. We haven't had the personnel in there playing regularly, the more we do that, we'll get better." With Champions League debutants Rennes and Krasnodar making up Group E, both sides were happy to settle for a point against what they will perceive as their toughest opponents in the section. "It was cagey," added Lampard. "Two pretty good teams cancelling each other out in the first game, which is understandable. We take the point and move on." Sevilla were without highly-rated centre-back Jules Kounde, who attracted interest from Manchester City last month, due to a coronavirus infection. However, the organised defensive structure that saw Julen Lopetegui's men beat Manchester United and Inter Milan to win Sevilla's sixth Europa League title in August kept Chelsea's expensive collection of attacking stars quiet. Timo Werner was the Blues' biggest threat, but the Germany forward wasting his best chance by skewing a shot wide with the last action of the first-half. Chelsea posed a greater attacking threat after half-time as Christian Pulisic came alive after the US attacker was switched onto the left flank. Pulisic's run won the corner which produced the home side's best chance of the night, but centre-back Zouma placed his header straight at Bono. "The last little bit wasn't there today," said Lampard. "We've scored a lot of goals in the Premier League already this season and we will score goals. "Today the bonus is the clean sheet. It's a long season and we are in the early stages of it." Joan Jordan came within inches of winning the game in spectacular style for Sevilla as his sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box dipped onto the roof of the net. But Lopetegui was happy to settle for a draw against a side that has spent more in one transfer window than Sevilla's entire turnover for last season. “I'm happy with the job we did and the mentality and personality we showed at a difficult place to come," said Lopetegui. "Against a team who spent 250 million euros this summer and with good players in every position, it required a big collective effort."

Lampard comforted by clean sheet in Sevilla stalemate

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for his "excellent" Manchester United side on Tuesday after Marcus Rashford's late strike saw them win at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.

"The performance was good and we deserved to win it. It was a better performance than last time and it shows how we have developed," Solskjaer said following the 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes in the Group H opener.

Rashford's 87th-minute effort decided the encounter in United's favour after an Anthony Martial own goal had cancelled out Bruno Fernandes's opening goal from the penalty spot in the first half.

It was a stunning three points for the Premier League side away to last season's runners-up, and Solskjaer was delighted with the way his defence largely kept quiet PSG's attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

"We played against a fantastic team, and we have to defend well. The players have the keys. I don't think there is any secret, we need to play well and defend well to win against PSG," he said.

The Norwegian had elected to hand a debut at left-back to recent recruit Alex Telles and play with Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe in a three-man central defence. It was the latter's first start of 2020.

"We know Axel's qualities, he's a top defender. His first game in 10 months which is testament to the defender he is," Solskjaer told BT Sport.

The United boss also praised Rashford, whose dramatic last-gasp penalty at the same end had given them victory here in the last 16 in March 2019. Solskjaer joked the striker "likes that side of the stadium."

In a difficult group, they next face RB Leipzig at home next week, with the Germans fresh from beating Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 on Tuesday.

After that they have a double-header against the Turkish champions with PSG still to come to Old Trafford in December.

"We know that to get through you probably need 10 points," Solskjaer said.

"We only have three so Leipzig is a big game but we have Chelsea next then Arsenal after (Leipzig) so there are so many games. I am happy to have so many good players to pick from."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for his "excellent" Manchester United side on Tuesday after Marcus Rashford's late strike saw them win at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for his "excellent" Manchester United side on Tuesday after Marcus Rashford's late strike saw them win at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. "The performance was good and we deserved to win it. It was a better performance than last time and it shows how we have developed," Solskjaer said following the 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes in the Group H opener. Rashford's 87th-minute effort decided the encounter in United's favour after an Anthony Martial own goal had cancelled out Bruno Fernandes's opening goal from the penalty spot in the first half. It was a stunning three points for the Premier League side away to last season's runners-up, and Solskjaer was delighted with the way his defence largely kept quiet PSG's attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. "We played against a fantastic team, and we have to defend well. The players have the keys. I don't think there is any secret, we need to play well and defend well to win against PSG," he said. The Norwegian had elected to hand a debut at left-back to recent recruit Alex Telles and play with Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe in a three-man central defence. It was the latter's first start of 2020. "We know Axel's qualities, he's a top defender. His first game in 10 months which is testament to the defender he is," Solskjaer told BT Sport. The United boss also praised Rashford, whose dramatic last-gasp penalty at the same end had given them victory here in the last 16 in March 2019. Solskjaer joked the striker "likes that side of the stadium." In a difficult group, they next face RB Leipzig at home next week, with the Germans fresh from beating Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 on Tuesday. After that they have a double-header against the Turkish champions with PSG still to come to Old Trafford in December. "We know that to get through you probably need 10 points," Solskjaer said. "We only have three so Leipzig is a big game but we have Chelsea next then Arsenal after (Leipzig) so there are so many games. I am happy to have so many good players to pick from."

'Better than last time' - Solskjaer delight as Man Utd repeat PSG feat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21</a> season got off to a brilliant start on Tuesday with the likes of Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United, Juventus, among others top teams in action. Europe’s elite tournament is set to continue with the group stage action on Wednesday with some high-profile teams kickstarting their UCL season.&nbsp;

While the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool among others will commence their UCL 2020-21 season, some tough competition is expected from the likes of RB Salzburg, Ajax, Inter Milan among others.

Some of the biggest matches on the evening will be between Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid, Ajax vs Liverpool and Manchester City vs Porto.&nbsp;

<h2>UEFA Champions League 2020-21: Wednesday and Thursday fixtures, timing -&nbsp;</h2>

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:&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;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

<h2>Where can you watch and live stream UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Group Stage matches?</h2>

Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster 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 live streamed on the Sony LIV app. 
&nbsp;

UEFA Champions League 2020-21 season got off to a brilliant start on Tuesday with the likes of Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United, Juventus, among others top teams in action.

UEFA Champions League 2020-21 season got off to a brilliant start on Tuesday with the likes of Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United, Juventus, among others top teams in action. Europe’s elite tournament is set to continue with the group stage action on Wednesday with some high-profile teams kickstarting their UCL season. While the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool among others will commence their UCL 2020-21 season, some tough competition is expected from the likes of RB Salzburg, Ajax, Inter Milan among others. Some of the biggest matches on the evening will be between Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid, Ajax vs Liverpool and Manchester City vs Porto. UEFA Champions League 2020-21: Wednesday and Thursday fixtures, timing - 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 and live stream UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Group Stage matches? Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster 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 live streamed on the Sony LIV app.

UEFA Champions League, Group Stage matches Live Streaming: When and where to watch UCL 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.&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

Gerard Pique called for changes from top to bottom but 65 days have passed since the humilation by Bayern Munich and Barcelona's recovery looks far from complete.&nbsp;

Eight of the team that started the humiliation in Lisbon remain, despite Pique saying nobody should be safe.&nbsp;

The club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu remains too, despite more than 16,000 members signing a petition to get rid of him.&nbsp;

Luis Suarez was pushed out, eventually to Atletico Madrid, and Ronald Koeman replaced Quique Setien as coach in what were the most significant shifts in a supposedly revolutionary summer.&nbsp;

But Koeman was never going to be an appointment that instantly won over the players while Suarez's exit left Lionel Messi seething, another chance duly taken to criticise Bartomeu and the board.&nbsp;

"It's normal for a player to be a bit sad when a friend of his leaves after the years they had together but it's part of football," said Koeman.

Messi said last season Barcelona were not good enough to win the Champions League and he was proven right, their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern laying bare the chasm in class between the soon-to-be-champions and a team that have only once gone past the quarter-finals since 2015.&nbsp;

And as Barca get set to go again, their latest European tilt beginning against Hungary's Ferencvaros on Tuesday, the worry will be there is little to suggest they are any better this time around.

Their biggest summer signing, Miralem Pjanic, was the result of an economic operation aimed at balancing the books and whether he will be a significant upgrade on Arthur Melo, who went the other way to Juventus, is open to question.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Trying to change the team' -</h2>

Pedri, signed from Las Palmas in a deal agreed last year, has been one of the bright sparks in Barca's opening month, the attacking midfielder particularly impressive in the 1-0 defeat by Getafe on Saturday.&nbsp;

But he is 17 and, like the 20-year-old Francisco Trincao, is not expected to transform this team now.&nbsp;

Sergino Dest, the latest arrival from Ajax, is 19, although he can expect to feature more regularly to fill the void at right-back.&nbsp;

"The club is trying to change the team," said Koeman. "There are very young players who will get chances."

Barcelona could not afford Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan or Memphis Depay at Lyon, leaving Koeman with a squad that is neither the one he wanted nor planned for.

Yet his job is still somehow to get Barca competing again with Europe's elite.&nbsp;

He will be tasked with making up the gap not only on Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain but also the likes of Manchester City, who spent 160 million euros in the transfer window, and Liverpool, who added Thiago Alcantara, once of Barcelona's youth teams and now arguably the finest midfield playmaker in the world.

And all the while, the uncertain future of Messi lingers, with every disappointment increasing the possibility of him talking to other clubs in January.&nbsp;

Few could criticise Messi's performances since his attempt to leave in the summer but his one penalty scored in Barcelona's four opening matches this season is certainly not peak form for the Argentinian.&nbsp;

The best chance of him staying is arguably if Koeman leaves, given the Dutchman's departure would likely mean there had been a change of president.&nbsp;

Bartomeu is due to face a vote of no confidence in the next few weeks after the successful petition submitted by club members, which means the stability of the club's president, coach and captain are all still up in the air.

Two and a half months on from the loss to Bayern, a new Champions League offers Barcelona hope but few guarantees.

Gerard Pique called for changes from top to bottom but 65 days have passed since the humilation by Bayern Munich and Barcelona's recovery looks far from complete.

Gerard Pique called for changes from top to bottom but 65 days have passed since the humilation by Bayern Munich and Barcelona's recovery looks far from complete. Eight of the team that started the humiliation in Lisbon remain, despite Pique saying nobody should be safe. The club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu remains too, despite more than 16,000 members signing a petition to get rid of him. Luis Suarez was pushed out, eventually to Atletico Madrid, and Ronald Koeman replaced Quique Setien as coach in what were the most significant shifts in a supposedly revolutionary summer. But Koeman was never going to be an appointment that instantly won over the players while Suarez's exit left Lionel Messi seething, another chance duly taken to criticise Bartomeu and the board. "It's normal for a player to be a bit sad when a friend of his leaves after the years they had together but it's part of football," said Koeman. Messi said last season Barcelona were not good enough to win the Champions League and he was proven right, their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern laying bare the chasm in class between the soon-to-be-champions and a team that have only once gone past the quarter-finals since 2015. And as Barca get set to go again, their latest European tilt beginning against Hungary's Ferencvaros on Tuesday, the worry will be there is little to suggest they are any better this time around. Their biggest summer signing, Miralem Pjanic, was the result of an economic operation aimed at balancing the books and whether he will be a significant upgrade on Arthur Melo, who went the other way to Juventus, is open to question. - 'Trying to change the team' - Pedri, signed from Las Palmas in a deal agreed last year, has been one of the bright sparks in Barca's opening month, the attacking midfielder particularly impressive in the 1-0 defeat by Getafe on Saturday. But he is 17 and, like the 20-year-old Francisco Trincao, is not expected to transform this team now. Sergino Dest, the latest arrival from Ajax, is 19, although he can expect to feature more regularly to fill the void at right-back. "The club is trying to change the team," said Koeman. "There are very young players who will get chances." Barcelona could not afford Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan or Memphis Depay at Lyon, leaving Koeman with a squad that is neither the one he wanted nor planned for. Yet his job is still somehow to get Barca competing again with Europe's elite. He will be tasked with making up the gap not only on Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain but also the likes of Manchester City, who spent 160 million euros in the transfer window, and Liverpool, who added Thiago Alcantara, once of Barcelona's youth teams and now arguably the finest midfield playmaker in the world. And all the while, the uncertain future of Messi lingers, with every disappointment increasing the possibility of him talking to other clubs in January. Few could criticise Messi's performances since his attempt to leave in the summer but his one penalty scored in Barcelona's four opening matches this season is certainly not peak form for the Argentinian. The best chance of him staying is arguably if Koeman leaves, given the Dutchman's departure would likely mean there had been a change of president. Bartomeu is due to face a vote of no confidence in the next few weeks after the successful petition submitted by club members, which means the stability of the club's president, coach and captain are all still up in the air. Two and a half months on from the loss to Bayern, a new Champions League offers Barcelona hope but few guarantees.

New Champions League offers fresh start for Barca but few guarantees

The Champions League group stage kicks off on Tuesday with Bayern Munich beginning their defence of the trophy won in Lisbon in August. AFP Sport picks out some of the storylines to watch over the next few weeks:

<h2>- Messi v Ronaldo -</h2>

They are the two greatest players of their generation with 11 Ballons d'Or between them, and the two highest scorers in Champions League history. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are now set to renew their individual rivalry when Barcelona and Juventus clash in Group G.

They have not faced off since the Portuguese superstar left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018.

Ronaldo is currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 and will need to pass a negative test before being allowed to feature against Barca in Turin on October 28. The return at the Camp Nou is on December 8.

Both sides should advance from a group also containing Dynamo Kiev and Ferencvaros, but both Messi and Ronaldo are running out of time to win the Champions League again. Messi, now 33, has featured in four victorious campaigns, while 35-year-old Ronaldo has won it five times.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Will Man Utd get out of their group? -</h2>

Manchester United begin their campaign at Paris Saint-Germain in a repeat of their dramatic last-16 meeting in 2018-19, when the Red Devils progressed thanks to a controversial late penalty.

That was arguably the high point of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as Old Trafford manager. It was his 14th win in 17 games as caretaker, and soon after he got the job permanently. But United went out to Barcelona in the quarter-finals and did not qualify for last season's Champions League.

Solskjer's first full campaign in charge saw United finish third to return to Europe's top table, but serious doubts remain about his managerial ability and they are in a tough group, with last season's semi-finalists RB Leipzig and the Turkish champions, Istanbul Basaksehir, as well as PSG.

The knives will be out for the Norwegian if they fail to make the knockout stage.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Haaland to star again? -</h2>

Erling Braut Haaland was the star of last season's Champions League before the competition was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Norwegian was a sensation for Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage, scoring eight times. After moving to Borussia Dortmund in the winter he scored two more in the defeat of PSG in the last 16, first leg, although Dortmund ended up losing on aggregate.

In total Haaland scored 44 club goals last season, all before turning 20 in July. He already has 11 this season for club and country and Dortmund will hope he can help them out of a group also containing Zenit Saint Petersburg, Lazio and Club Brugge.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Atalanta: Dark horses no more -</h2>

Atalanta's run to the quarter-finals, where they suffered an agonising defeat to PSG, would have been heartwarming even had it not coincided with their home city of Bergamo being devastated during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side qualified for the last 16 despite losing their first three group games and then beat Valencia 8-4 on aggregate in their debut Champions League campaign. They also finished third in Serie A to return to Europe's elite club competition.

But Atalanta are no longer a surprise package and are probably now favourites to advance from their group along with Liverpool, and ahead of Ajax and the Danish champions, Midtjylland. Will they continue to thrive despite no longer being the dark horses?

&nbsp;

<h2>- The debutants -</h2>

Atalanta may no longer be the new boys but four teams are appearing in the group stage for the first time.&nbsp;

The most interesting first-timers are Rennes, who had a best-ever third-place finish in France a year on from winning the French Cup. In Julien Stephan they have one of Europe's best young coaches, while midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is possibly the hottest young prospect in world football. They are in a difficult group, though, with Chelsea, Sevilla and another newcomer in Russian side Krasnodar.

Midtjylland will have it tough up against Liverpool, Atalanta and Ajax. Meanwhile, after breaking up the dominance of the Istanbul giants in Turkey, Basaksehir will hope to cause problems for PSG, Manchester United and Leipzig.

The Champions League group stage kicks off on Tuesday with Bayern Munich beginning their defence of the trophy won in Lisbon in August. AFP Sport picks out some of the storylines to watch over the next few weeks: - Messi v Ronaldo - They are the two greatest players of their generation with 11 Ballons d'Or between them, and the two highest scorers in Champions League history.

The Champions League group stage kicks off on Tuesday with Bayern Munich beginning their defence of the trophy won in Lisbon in August. AFP Sport picks out some of the storylines to watch over the next few weeks: - Messi v Ronaldo - They are the two greatest players of their generation with 11 Ballons d'Or between them, and the two highest scorers in Champions League history. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are now set to renew their individual rivalry when Barcelona and Juventus clash in Group G. They have not faced off since the Portuguese superstar left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018. Ronaldo is currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 and will need to pass a negative test before being allowed to feature against Barca in Turin on October 28. The return at the Camp Nou is on December 8. Both sides should advance from a group also containing Dynamo Kiev and Ferencvaros, but both Messi and Ronaldo are running out of time to win the Champions League again. Messi, now 33, has featured in four victorious campaigns, while 35-year-old Ronaldo has won it five times. - Will Man Utd get out of their group? - Manchester United begin their campaign at Paris Saint-Germain in a repeat of their dramatic last-16 meeting in 2018-19, when the Red Devils progressed thanks to a controversial late penalty. That was arguably the high point of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as Old Trafford manager. It was his 14th win in 17 games as caretaker, and soon after he got the job permanently. But United went out to Barcelona in the quarter-finals and did not qualify for last season's Champions League. Solskjer's first full campaign in charge saw United finish third to return to Europe's top table, but serious doubts remain about his managerial ability and they are in a tough group, with last season's semi-finalists RB Leipzig and the Turkish champions, Istanbul Basaksehir, as well as PSG. The knives will be out for the Norwegian if they fail to make the knockout stage. - Haaland to star again? - Erling Braut Haaland was the star of last season's Champions League before the competition was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Norwegian was a sensation for Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage, scoring eight times. After moving to Borussia Dortmund in the winter he scored two more in the defeat of PSG in the last 16, first leg, although Dortmund ended up losing on aggregate. In total Haaland scored 44 club goals last season, all before turning 20 in July. He already has 11 this season for club and country and Dortmund will hope he can help them out of a group also containing Zenit Saint Petersburg, Lazio and Club Brugge. - Atalanta: Dark horses no more - Atalanta's run to the quarter-finals, where they suffered an agonising defeat to PSG, would have been heartwarming even had it not coincided with their home city of Bergamo being devastated during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Gian Piero Gasperini's side qualified for the last 16 despite losing their first three group games and then beat Valencia 8-4 on aggregate in their debut Champions League campaign. They also finished third in Serie A to return to Europe's elite club competition. But Atalanta are no longer a surprise package and are probably now favourites to advance from their group along with Liverpool, and ahead of Ajax and the Danish champions, Midtjylland. Will they continue to thrive despite no longer being the dark horses? - The debutants - Atalanta may no longer be the new boys but four teams are appearing in the group stage for the first time. The most interesting first-timers are Rennes, who had a best-ever third-place finish in France a year on from winning the French Cup. In Julien Stephan they have one of Europe's best young coaches, while midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is possibly the hottest young prospect in world football. They are in a difficult group, though, with Chelsea, Sevilla and another newcomer in Russian side Krasnodar. Midtjylland will have it tough up against Liverpool, Atalanta and Ajax. Meanwhile, after breaking up the dominance of the Istanbul giants in Turkey, Basaksehir will hope to cause problems for PSG, Manchester United and Leipzig.

Messi v Ronaldo, Man Utd, Haaland: Champions League storylines to watch

Clash of GOATS, Haaland's form, toughest groups: Champions League storylines to watch

The draw for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21</a> was held on Thursday in Nyon, Switzerland as top teams from Europe found out their fate for the upcoming edition of UCL.

Apart from the Champions League 2020-21 draw, the UEFA awards were also announced as players were named the UEFA Defender, Midfielder, Forward and Player of the Year for the previous season.&nbsp;

Defending champions Bayern Munich were drawn in Group A as they will face the likes of Atletico Madrid, FC Salzburg and FC Lokomotiv Moscow.

However, the Group of Death was handed to Group H, where the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Baseksehir.

<h2>UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Draw in Full:</h2>

Group A: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, FC Salzburg, FC Lokomotic Moscow

Group B: Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donestk, Inter Milan, Borussia Monchengladbach

Group C: FC Porto, Manchester City, Olympiacos FC, Olympique Marseille

Group D: Liverpool FC, Ajax, Atalanta,&nbsp;Midtyjlland

Group E: Sevilla FC, Chelsea FC, FC Krasnodar, Stade Rennes

Group F: FC Zenit St Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, SS Lazio, Club Brugge

Group G: Juventus, FC Barcelona, FC Dynamo Kyiv, Ferencvarosi

Group H: Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, Istanbul Basaksehir

<h2>UEFA Awards in Full:</h2>

UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: Manuel Neur

UEFA Defender of the Year: Joshua Kimmich

UEFA Midfielder of the Year: Kevin de Bruyne

UEFA Forward of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Men's Coach of the Year: Hansi Flick

UEFA Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

&nbsp;

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 was held on Thursday in Nyon, Switzerland as top teams from Europe found out their fate for the upcoming edition of UCL.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 was held on Thursday in Nyon, Switzerland as top teams from Europe found out their fate for the upcoming edition of UCL. Apart from the Champions League 2020-21 draw, the UEFA awards were also announced as players were named the UEFA Defender, Midfielder, Forward and Player of the Year for the previous season. Defending champions Bayern Munich were drawn in Group A as they will face the likes of Atletico Madrid, FC Salzburg and FC Lokomotiv Moscow. However, the Group of Death was handed to Group H, where the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Baseksehir. UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Draw in Full: Group A: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, FC Salzburg, FC Lokomotic Moscow Group B: Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donestk, Inter Milan, Borussia Monchengladbach Group C: FC Porto, Manchester City, Olympiacos FC, Olympique Marseille Group D: Liverpool FC, Ajax, Atalanta, Midtyjlland Group E: Sevilla FC, Chelsea FC, FC Krasnodar, Stade Rennes Group F: FC Zenit St Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, SS Lazio, Club Brugge Group G: Juventus, FC Barcelona, FC Dynamo Kyiv, Ferencvarosi Group H: Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, Istanbul Basaksehir UEFA Awards in Full: UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: Manuel Neur UEFA Defender of the Year: Joshua Kimmich UEFA Midfielder of the Year: Kevin de Bruyne UEFA Forward of the Year: Robert Lewandowski Men's Coach of the Year: Hansi Flick UEFA Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Draw: Man United, PSG get Group of Death; Lewandowski wins Player of the Year

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21 draw</a> is set to be held at Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday with top clubs from all across the Europe set to find their fate for the group stage. UEFA Champions League (IPL) 2020 fixtures are scheduled to kick-start from October 20.&nbsp;

Defending champions Bayern Munich, along with La Liga winners Real Madrid, Europa League winners Sevilla, Serie A winners Juventus and Premier League champions Liverpool along with Ligue 1 holders Paris Saint-Germain are placed in the Pot 1. Notably, teams in the same pot can’t be drawn in the same group.&nbsp;

Whereas the likes of Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea are placed in the Pot 2.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-asking-for-changes-to-footballs-handball-law-331692" hreflang="en">Premier League asking for changes to football's handball law</a>

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🔹 Group stage draw | 17:00 CET 🔹 
 
Who are the top 3 teams to avoid!? 🧐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/WPlbPRXyye">pic.twitter.com/WPlbPRXyye</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1311621559304454144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Here are the details of UCL 2020/21 pots:</h2>

<h2>Pot 1</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Bayern Munich</li>
	<li>Sevilla</li>
	<li>Real Madrid</li>
	<li>Liverpool</li>
	<li>Juventus</li>
	<li>Paris Saint-Germain</li>
	<li>Zenit</li>
	<li>Porto</li>
</ul>

Pot&nbsp;2

<ul>
	<li>Barcelona</li>
	<li>Atlético Madrid</li>
	<li>Manchester City</li>
	<li>Manchester United</li>
	<li>Shakhtar Donetsk</li>
	<li>Borussia Dortmund</li>
	<li>Chelsea</li>
	<li>Ajax</li>
</ul>

Pot 3

<ul>
	<li>Dynamo Kyiv</li>
	<li>RB Leipzig</li>
	<li>Red Bull Salzburg</li>
	<li>Inter</li>
	<li>Olympiacos</li>
	<li>Lazio</li>
	<li>Krasnodar</li>
	<li>Atalanta</li>
</ul>

Pot 4

<ul>
	<li>Lokomotiv Moscow</li>
	<li>Marseille</li>
	<li>Club Brugge</li>
	<li>Mönchengladbach</li>
	<li>İstanbul Başakşehir</li>
	<li>Rennes</li>
	<li>Ferencvaros</li>
	<li>FC Midtjylland</li>
</ul>

<h2>When will the UEFA Champions League Draw take place?</h2>

The UEFA Champions League Draw will start from 8.30 PM (IST) onwards.

<h2>Where will be the UEFA Champions League Draw held?</h2>

The UEFA Champions League Draw will be held at Nyon, Switzerland.

<h2>Where can the UEFA Champions League Draw be watched online?</h2>

The UEFA Champions League Draw will be streamed live via UEFA’s official website, Jio TV and Airtel TV.

<h2>Which channel will telecast the UEFA Champions League Draw on TV?</h2>

The UEFA Champions League Group Stage Draw will be aired live on the Sony Ten 2/HD. 
&nbsp;

The UEFA Champions League 2020-21 draw is set to be held at Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday with top clubs from all across the Europe set to find their fate for the group stage.

The UEFA Champions League 2020-21 draw is set to be held at Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday with top clubs from all across the Europe set to find their fate for the group stage. UEFA Champions League (IPL) 2020 fixtures are scheduled to kick-start from October 20. Defending champions Bayern Munich, along with La Liga winners Real Madrid, Europa League winners Sevilla, Serie A winners Juventus and Premier League champions Liverpool along with Ligue 1 holders Paris Saint-Germain are placed in the Pot 1. Notably, teams in the same pot can’t be drawn in the same group. Whereas the likes of Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea are placed in the Pot 2. ALSO READ: Premier League asking for changes to football's handball law 🔹 Group stage draw | 17:00 CET 🔹 Who are the top 3 teams to avoid!? 🧐#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/WPlbPRXyye — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 1, 2020 × Here are the details of UCL 2020/21 pots: Pot 1 Bayern Munich Sevilla Real Madrid Liverpool Juventus Paris Saint-Germain Zenit Porto Pot 2 Barcelona Atlético Madrid Manchester City Manchester United Shakhtar Donetsk Borussia Dortmund Chelsea Ajax Pot 3 Dynamo Kyiv RB Leipzig Red Bull Salzburg Inter Olympiacos Lazio Krasnodar Atalanta Pot 4 Lokomotiv Moscow Marseille Club Brugge Mönchengladbach İstanbul Başakşehir Rennes Ferencvaros FC Midtjylland When will the UEFA Champions League Draw take place? The UEFA Champions League Draw will start from 8.30 PM (IST) onwards. Where will be the UEFA Champions League Draw held? The UEFA Champions League Draw will be held at Nyon, Switzerland. Where can the UEFA Champions League Draw be watched online? The UEFA Champions League Draw will be streamed live via UEFA’s official website, Jio TV and Airtel TV. Which channel will telecast the UEFA Champions League Draw on TV? The UEFA Champions League Group Stage Draw will be aired live on the Sony Ten 2/HD.

UEFA Champions League Draw: Live streaming, telecast, pots, timings and more

Less than six weeks Bayern Munich won last season's delayed final behind closed doors, the draw for the group stage of the next Champions League takes place on Thursday with the threat of the coronavirus pandemic again hanging over the competition.

Bayern were crowned European champions for the sixth time after beating Paris Saint-Germain at an empty Estadio da Luz in Lisbon in August.

The surreal occasion represented a triumph of sorts for UEFA. European football's governing body succeeded in playing its flagship competition to a conclusion despite the long shutdown caused by the health crisis, but the final rounds were not the same as with packed stadiums.

"A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know," lamented Bayern coach Hansi Flick. "Perhaps they can be back again in the future."

Thursday's draw is part of a ceremony which will also see the best men's and women's player of last season crowned.

UEFA had to ditch plans to stage the event in Athens and instead moved it to its own headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where the draw will go ahead without guests.

It is further evidence that, after the battle to get last season finished, things are not about to return to normal in Europe yet, and virus cases are exploding again.

But this time the football, it seems, will go on.&nbsp;

Both Bayern and PSG will be in the first pot of seeds along with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Juventus, Porto, Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Sevilla, the Europa League winners.

There is the prospect of plenty of enticing match-ups, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and both Manchester clubs all in the second pot, and Inter Milan, Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Marseille among the lower seeds.

But the excitement of the draw will be quickly tempered.

First, there is the realisation that almost all the leading clubs will make it through to the last 16 anyway, as they always do, removing much of the jeopardy from the early games.

<h2>- Pitfalls ahead -</h2>

As the pandemic continues to cast a shadow, it seems hard to imagine the final going ahead as scheduled in Istanbul next May in a full stadium.

UEFA experimented with the return of fans when around 15,500 attended last week's Super Cup between Bayern and Sevilla in Budapest.

"Health is the number one priority but we want to bring hope," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. He added: "Fans and players are the essential part of football."

But with rules on large gatherings varying considerably from country to country, UEFA must decide how to approach the issue of crowds attending games in the Champions League and Europa League, the draw for which is on Friday.

UEFA's current stance is that games will be behind closed doors "until further notice".

It has adapted its rules. In the face of travel restrictions, it will allow matches on neutral territory. If a club suffers a Covid-19 outbreak, a game can go ahead as long as each team has at least 13 fit players including one goalkeeper.

The group stage starts on October 20, more than a month later than usual, and all six rounds of games will be packed into eight weeks.

However, in the event of more delays, UEFA has set January 28 as the deadline to complete the group stage.

Pitfalls lie ahead, but the draw offers a brief return to something like normality.

Less than six weeks Bayern Munich won last season's delayed final behind closed doors, the draw for the group stage of the next Champions League takes place on Thursday with the threat of the coronavirus pandemic again hanging over the competition.

Less than six weeks Bayern Munich won last season's delayed final behind closed doors, the draw for the group stage of the next Champions League takes place on Thursday with the threat of the coronavirus pandemic again hanging over the competition. Bayern were crowned European champions for the sixth time after beating Paris Saint-Germain at an empty Estadio da Luz in Lisbon in August. The surreal occasion represented a triumph of sorts for UEFA. European football's governing body succeeded in playing its flagship competition to a conclusion despite the long shutdown caused by the health crisis, but the final rounds were not the same as with packed stadiums. "A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know," lamented Bayern coach Hansi Flick. "Perhaps they can be back again in the future." Thursday's draw is part of a ceremony which will also see the best men's and women's player of last season crowned. UEFA had to ditch plans to stage the event in Athens and instead moved it to its own headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where the draw will go ahead without guests. It is further evidence that, after the battle to get last season finished, things are not about to return to normal in Europe yet, and virus cases are exploding again. But this time the football, it seems, will go on. Both Bayern and PSG will be in the first pot of seeds along with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Juventus, Porto, Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Sevilla, the Europa League winners. There is the prospect of plenty of enticing match-ups, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and both Manchester clubs all in the second pot, and Inter Milan, Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Marseille among the lower seeds. But the excitement of the draw will be quickly tempered. First, there is the realisation that almost all the leading clubs will make it through to the last 16 anyway, as they always do, removing much of the jeopardy from the early games. - Pitfalls ahead - As the pandemic continues to cast a shadow, it seems hard to imagine the final going ahead as scheduled in Istanbul next May in a full stadium. UEFA experimented with the return of fans when around 15,500 attended last week's Super Cup between Bayern and Sevilla in Budapest. "Health is the number one priority but we want to bring hope," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. He added: "Fans and players are the essential part of football." But with rules on large gatherings varying considerably from country to country, UEFA must decide how to approach the issue of crowds attending games in the Champions League and Europa League, the draw for which is on Friday. UEFA's current stance is that games will be behind closed doors "until further notice". It has adapted its rules. In the face of travel restrictions, it will allow matches on neutral territory. If a club suffers a Covid-19 outbreak, a game can go ahead as long as each team has at least 13 fit players including one goalkeeper. The group stage starts on October 20, more than a month later than usual, and all six rounds of games will be packed into eight weeks. However, in the event of more delays, UEFA has set January 28 as the deadline to complete the group stage. Pitfalls lie ahead, but the draw offers a brief return to something like normality.

Bayern and rivals await Champions League draw as pandemic riddle remains

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

Bayern Munich were crowned the champions of Europe for a sixth time when they defeated first-time finalists Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> final at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Sunday. <o:p></o:p>

Due to the pandemic, the matches were played without an audience, but the roar of fans was loud and clear on Twitter. While Bayern Munich won the trophy on ground, Paris Saint-Germain won the hearts off the field, becoming the most Tweeted team on Twitter globally. Manchester United and FC Barcelona were the two most Tweeted teams in India.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bayern-munich-10-psg-uefa-champions-league-final-all-the-action-in-pictures-322813" hreflang="en">Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Most Tweeted about teams (Globally):<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ol>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Paris Saint-Germain <o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">FC Barcelona <o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">FC Bayern Munich <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Most Tweeted about teams (India):<o:p></o:p></h2>

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manchester United <o:p></o:p>

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FC Barcelona<o:p></o:p>

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FC Bayern Munich <o:p></o:p>

In this fixture, both the teams gave each other stiff competition, but Bayern edged past PSG, beating the French side 1-0 in the all-important game. <o:p></o:p>

Kingsley Coman scored a goal with a header just before the hour mark. PSG missed quite a few opportunities in the first half itself as Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe each failed to beat the veteran Bayern &amp; German shot-stopper Manuel Neuer from a relatively close range.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-bayern-munich-equal-barcelonas-treble-feat-322778" hreflang="en">Champions League: Bayern Munich equal Barcelona's 'treble' feat</a><o:p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</o:p>

This #UCLFinal clash between #PSGFCB was the most Tweeted match of this Champions League globally. Here are the most Tweeted about matches globally and in India:<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Most Tweeted about matches (Globally):<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ol>
	<li class="MsoNormal">PSG vs FC Bayern Munich<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Barcelona vs FC Bayern Munich<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Atalanta vs PSG<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Most Tweeted about matches (India):<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ol>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Barcelona vs Bayern Munich<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">PSG vs Bayern Munich<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Bayern Munich vs Chelsea<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Top related Topics (India): <o:p></o:p><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></h2>

Twitter has Topics across numerous interest categories that you can follow to see the best Tweets about what’s happening on the things that matter to you. The following Topics dominated India conversations for UEFA Champions League on Twitter: <o:p></o:p>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Bruno Fernandes, <o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Jadon Sancho<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Paul Pogba<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Marcus Rashford<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">UEFA Europa League<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">UEFA Champions League<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Liverpool FC<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Chelsea<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Manchester United</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Real Madrid CF <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

<o:p></o:p>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-maguire-and-victor-lindelof-contrasting-tales-of-two-manchester-united-defenders-322998" hreflang="en">Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof: Contrasting tales of two Manchester United defenders</a>

One can choose to follow these Topics and personalise their Twitter experience with relevant Tweets. From the profile menu, on the Home timeline, and in search results, one can see prompts to follow various Topics.<o:p></o:p>

Stay tuned to social media platform Twitter for more Football action and updates from on &amp; off the field, as the new season kick-starts next month, #OnlyOnTwitter.<o:p></o:p>

Bayern Munich were crowned the champions of Europe for a sixth time when they defeated first-time finalists Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Sunday.

Bayern Munich were crowned the champions of Europe for a sixth time when they defeated first-time finalists Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Sunday. Due to the pandemic, the matches were played without an audience, but the roar of fans was loud and clear on Twitter. While Bayern Munich won the trophy on ground, Paris Saint-Germain won the hearts off the field, becoming the most Tweeted team on Twitter globally. Manchester United and FC Barcelona were the two most Tweeted teams in India. IN PICS | Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures Most Tweeted about teams (Globally): Paris Saint-Germain FC Barcelona FC Bayern Munich Most Tweeted about teams (India): 1. Manchester United 2. FC Barcelona 3. FC Bayern Munich In this fixture, both the teams gave each other stiff competition, but Bayern edged past PSG, beating the French side 1-0 in the all-important game. Kingsley Coman scored a goal with a header just before the hour mark. PSG missed quite a few opportunities in the first half itself as Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe each failed to beat the veteran Bayern & German shot-stopper Manuel Neuer from a relatively close range. ALSO READ: Champions League: Bayern Munich equal Barcelona's 'treble' feat This #UCLFinal clash between #PSGFCB was the most Tweeted match of this Champions League globally. Here are the most Tweeted about matches globally and in India: Most Tweeted about matches (Globally): PSG vs FC Bayern Munich Barcelona vs FC Bayern Munich Atalanta vs PSG Most Tweeted about matches (India): Barcelona vs Bayern Munich PSG vs Bayern Munich Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Top related Topics (India): Twitter has Topics across numerous interest categories that you can follow to see the best Tweets about what’s happening on the things that matter to you. The following Topics dominated India conversations for UEFA Champions League on Twitter: Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho Paul Pogba Marcus Rashford UEFA Europa League UEFA Champions League Liverpool FC Chelsea Manchester United Real Madrid CF ALSO READ: Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof: Contrasting tales of two Manchester United defenders One can choose to follow these Topics and personalise their Twitter experience with relevant Tweets. From the profile menu, on the Home timeline, and in search results, one can see prompts to follow various Topics. Stay tuned to social media platform Twitter for more Football action and updates from on & off the field, as the new season kick-starts next month, #OnlyOnTwitter.

Champions League 2019-20: PSG become the most Tweeted about team on Twitter

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel defended his 400 million euro strike force of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after they were unable to find a way past Bayern Munich in their 1-0 Champions League final loss on Sunday.

PSG's Qatari owners spent a combined 402 million euros ($474m) on the pair in 2017 to win this competition.

However, they struggled to impose themselves on the German giants who have now won Europe's top prize on six occasions.

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, ended the night with a yellow card and in floods of tears.

"We want Neymar and Kylian to score but we can't ask for it all the time," said Tuchel.

"I am proud because 'Ney' still had a match with an incredible capacity, he showed his mentality.&nbsp;

"For Kylian it was difficult, he suffered a serious injury, missed a lot of training. It was a miracle that he was with us at all."

Mbappe had a great chance to score but shot straight at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer just before half-time.

As it was, Kingsley Coman, for whom PSG was his boyhood club, grabbed the only goal in the second half.

"I am convinced that if we had scored the first goal, we'd win the game 1-0," added Tuchel.

"I had the impression that the first goal would decide the fate of this final."

He added: "We have to keep this quality to continue on this road."

But will he still be in charge when PSG open their new season in the coming week?

"I have a contract, I don't know anything else."

<h2>- 'Proud' PSG -</h2>

PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi insisted the Champions League remains within their grasp.

"I am very proud of my players," said the Qatari.

"We had a great season, a great tournament here. Nobody thought we would go to the final.&nbsp;

We were very close to winning, we did everything to win, but that's football. We will work next season to win the Champions League because that is our goal."

PSG midfielder Ander Herrera admitted losing the final was tough to take but insisted the mega-rich French club cannot put their achievements "in the trash".

"We have built something important. We have to stay together and start the next dream next week," said Spanish international Herrera of a team who have won seven of the last eight Ligue 1 titles.

"At the moment, it feels like crap, honestly. But we have to think about it, we have done something important, something important for the club, for our supporters.

"There are no words. Tomorrow we'll think about what we did, the squad we built, the things we did together."

Herrera, signed from Manchester United in 2019, said he was encouraged by what he saw in the final as PSG "created lots of chances, more than them."&nbsp;

He also hoped that the club's cash-rich but potentially impatient owners from Qatar won't press the panic button now that their European dream has been shattered.

"We are not going to put this in the trash," said the 31-year-old.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel defended his 400 million euro strike force of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after they were unable to find a way past Bayern Munich in their 1-0 Champions League final loss on Sunday.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel defended his 400 million euro strike force of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after they were unable to find a way past Bayern Munich in their 1-0 Champions League final loss on Sunday. PSG's Qatari owners spent a combined 402 million euros ($474m) on the pair in 2017 to win this competition. However, they struggled to impose themselves on the German giants who have now won Europe's top prize on six occasions. Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, ended the night with a yellow card and in floods of tears. "We want Neymar and Kylian to score but we can't ask for it all the time," said Tuchel. "I am proud because 'Ney' still had a match with an incredible capacity, he showed his mentality. "For Kylian it was difficult, he suffered a serious injury, missed a lot of training. It was a miracle that he was with us at all." Mbappe had a great chance to score but shot straight at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer just before half-time. As it was, Kingsley Coman, for whom PSG was his boyhood club, grabbed the only goal in the second half. "I am convinced that if we had scored the first goal, we'd win the game 1-0," added Tuchel. "I had the impression that the first goal would decide the fate of this final." He added: "We have to keep this quality to continue on this road." But will he still be in charge when PSG open their new season in the coming week? "I have a contract, I don't know anything else." - 'Proud' PSG - PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi insisted the Champions League remains within their grasp. "I am very proud of my players," said the Qatari. "We had a great season, a great tournament here. Nobody thought we would go to the final. We were very close to winning, we did everything to win, but that's football. We will work next season to win the Champions League because that is our goal." PSG midfielder Ander Herrera admitted losing the final was tough to take but insisted the mega-rich French club cannot put their achievements "in the trash". "We have built something important. We have to stay together and start the next dream next week," said Spanish international Herrera of a team who have won seven of the last eight Ligue 1 titles. "At the moment, it feels like crap, honestly. But we have to think about it, we have done something important, something important for the club, for our supporters. "There are no words. Tomorrow we'll think about what we did, the squad we built, the things we did together." Herrera, signed from Manchester United in 2019, said he was encouraged by what he saw in the final as PSG "created lots of chances, more than them." He also hoped that the club's cash-rich but potentially impatient owners from Qatar won't press the panic button now that their European dream has been shattered. "We are not going to put this in the trash," said the 31-year-old.

PSG boss Tuchel backs Neymar and Mbappe after final loss

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick.

There was tickertape at the trophy ceremony and the usual celebratory songs playing over the loudspeakers at the Estadio da Luz as the Bayern players savoured the moment after Kingsley Coman's goal saw them defeat PSG 1-0.

But it was a bizarre spectacle with the 65,000-seat stadium empty, supporters having been barred from attending the biggest match in club football.

The coronavirus pandemic killed the Champions League as we know it, at least temporarily, and UEFA was forced to come up with a new 'Final Eight' format in order to make sure its flagship competition was completed.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told AFP in an interview in Lisbon that the format was likely to be a one-off, and some will be tempted to say that this Champions League should always have an asterisk next to it.

But, against first-time finalists PSG, Bayern were worthy winners of their sixth European Cup, their third in the Champions League era.

They won all their 11 Champions League matches this season, an unprecedented feat.&nbsp;

They scored 43 goals in that time on a run that included a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the stunning 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

They just had the better of the final, even if they were fortunate at times up against the French side's formidable attack of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

In Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller, Bayern's line-up featured four survivors from their last final victory, against Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

But this was also about the new faces, such as 19-year-old left-back Alphonso Davies, the Canadian international.

"Moments like these you dream of as a kid," he told DAZN. "I honestly can't believe it, winning the Champions League is the top level."

<h2>- Winning formula -</h2>

Flick deserves great credit.

A year ago Bayern were dumped out by Liverpool, the eventual winners, in the last 16, and under Niko Kovac looked a long way off being contenders to win the trophy again.

But Flick replaced Kovac in November, initially as caretaker, and has gone on to win a treble.

"It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick.

"I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

As for changing coach mid-season, it is a formula that has worked for clubs at this level in the recent past.

Flick is the third coach in the last decade to win the Champions League having being appointed during a campaign, after Roberto di Matteo with Chelsea in 2011/12 and Zinedine Zidane with Real Madrid in 2015/16.

Zidane went on to win the next two as well.

<h2>- 'Not the football we know' -</h2>

It remains to be seen how Bayern will fare next season, which is just around the corner, with the Bundesliga starting on September 18 and the Champions League group stage in October.

They will be a formidable force again, but so will their rivals, including PSG, who need not be too downbeat in defeat.

"Over the last few weeks we have shown everything you need to win every title going," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.

"We lost 1-0 in the final against one of the strongest sides in Europe. We must maintain the same quality to carry on this road."

The format of one-off matches in the quarter-finals and semi-finals maybe helped PSG more than anybody else, given their struggles in knockout ties in recent years.

But, as long as the health crisis does not worsen again, the Champions League will return to normal in the new campaign, and that includes seeing at least some fans return to stadiums.

Istanbul is in line to host the 2021 final, having had this season's showpiece taken away, and hopefully the winning team will be able to celebrate with their supporters.

As Flick said: "It's a pity that the fans couldn't be here with us today. Perhaps they can be back again in the future. A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know."

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick.

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick. There was tickertape at the trophy ceremony and the usual celebratory songs playing over the loudspeakers at the Estadio da Luz as the Bayern players savoured the moment after Kingsley Coman's goal saw them defeat PSG 1-0. But it was a bizarre spectacle with the 65,000-seat stadium empty, supporters having been barred from attending the biggest match in club football. The coronavirus pandemic killed the Champions League as we know it, at least temporarily, and UEFA was forced to come up with a new 'Final Eight' format in order to make sure its flagship competition was completed. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told AFP in an interview in Lisbon that the format was likely to be a one-off, and some will be tempted to say that this Champions League should always have an asterisk next to it. But, against first-time finalists PSG, Bayern were worthy winners of their sixth European Cup, their third in the Champions League era. They won all their 11 Champions League matches this season, an unprecedented feat. They scored 43 goals in that time on a run that included a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the stunning 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals in Lisbon. They just had the better of the final, even if they were fortunate at times up against the French side's formidable attack of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. In Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller, Bayern's line-up featured four survivors from their last final victory, against Borussia Dortmund in 2013. But this was also about the new faces, such as 19-year-old left-back Alphonso Davies, the Canadian international. "Moments like these you dream of as a kid," he told DAZN. "I honestly can't believe it, winning the Champions League is the top level." - Winning formula - Flick deserves great credit. A year ago Bayern were dumped out by Liverpool, the eventual winners, in the last 16, and under Niko Kovac looked a long way off being contenders to win the trophy again. But Flick replaced Kovac in November, initially as caretaker, and has gone on to win a treble. "It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick. "I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played." As for changing coach mid-season, it is a formula that has worked for clubs at this level in the recent past. Flick is the third coach in the last decade to win the Champions League having being appointed during a campaign, after Roberto di Matteo with Chelsea in 2011/12 and Zinedine Zidane with Real Madrid in 2015/16. Zidane went on to win the next two as well. - 'Not the football we know' - It remains to be seen how Bayern will fare next season, which is just around the corner, with the Bundesliga starting on September 18 and the Champions League group stage in October. They will be a formidable force again, but so will their rivals, including PSG, who need not be too downbeat in defeat. "Over the last few weeks we have shown everything you need to win every title going," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We lost 1-0 in the final against one of the strongest sides in Europe. We must maintain the same quality to carry on this road." The format of one-off matches in the quarter-finals and semi-finals maybe helped PSG more than anybody else, given their struggles in knockout ties in recent years. But, as long as the health crisis does not worsen again, the Champions League will return to normal in the new campaign, and that includes seeing at least some fans return to stadiums. Istanbul is in line to host the 2021 final, having had this season's showpiece taken away, and hopefully the winning team will be able to celebrate with their supporters. As Flick said: "It's a pity that the fans couldn't be here with us today. Perhaps they can be back again in the future. A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know."

Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season

Paris police were attacked and shops in the French capital were vandalised overnight following Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday.

“The savagery of certain delinquents from last night: 16 members of the police forces injured, 12 shops attacked, around 15 cars vandalised,” wrote Darmanin on Twitter.

Bayern Munich beat PSG 1-0 in the final in Lisbon, Portugal.

PSG fans had already been involved in clashes in Paris with the police earlier on Sunday. Some supporters threw projectiles at police vehicles outside PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium and had to be dispersed with tear gas, video footage on social media showed.

Paris police were attacked and shops in the French capital were vandalised overnight following Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday.

Paris police were attacked and shops in the French capital were vandalised overnight following Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday. “The savagery of certain delinquents from last night: 16 members of the police forces injured, 12 shops attacked, around 15 cars vandalised,” wrote Darmanin on Twitter. Bayern Munich beat PSG 1-0 in the final in Lisbon, Portugal. PSG fans had already been involved in clashes in Paris with the police earlier on Sunday. Some supporters threw projectiles at police vehicles outside PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium and had to be dispersed with tear gas, video footage on social media showed.

Paris police attacked and shops vandalised after PSG defeat

Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures

Bayern Munich on Sunday defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2019-20</a> in what can be termed as an emphatic season for the German giants. Paris-born Kingsley Coman headed in a delicious cross by Joshua Kimmich to score the only game of the match for Bayern Munich at the Estadio da Luz stadium as they became only the second team after Barcelona to win the treble twice.

While Bayern Munich completed the treble for the first time in 2014-15 season under Jupp Heynckes and achieved the feat twice in 2019-20 season under Hansi Flick, Barcelona completed the landmark in 2009 and 2015.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-worthy-winners-in-strangest-champions-league-season-322691" hreflang="en">Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season</a>

Talking about the final between Bayern Munich and PSG, the encounter was enticing with both teams creating good chances in the first half. While the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria should have given the lead to PSG, Lewandowski struck the post in the first half for the German clubs.&nbsp;

However, PSG looked a bit lost in the second half as Bayern capitalized on the opportunity and dominated the proceedings. However, PSG midfielder Marquinhos had a glorious opportunity to put PSG in front only to be denied by Manuel Neuer, who arguably had one of his finest performance in front of the goal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-boss-tuchel-backs-neymar-and-mbappe-after-final-loss-322693" hreflang="en">PSG boss Tuchel backs Neymar and Mbappe after final loss</a>

With Bayern dominating the game in the second-half, Kimmich curled an inch-perfect cross to Coman at the far post only for the Frenchman to head it past Keylor Navas to make it 1-0 for Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

"It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick.

"I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

Bayern Munich on Sunday defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 in what can be termed as an emphatic season for the German giants.

Bayern Munich on Sunday defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 in what can be termed as an emphatic season for the German giants. Paris-born Kingsley Coman headed in a delicious cross by Joshua Kimmich to score the only game of the match for Bayern Munich at the Estadio da Luz stadium as they became only the second team after Barcelona to win the treble twice. While Bayern Munich completed the treble for the first time in 2014-15 season under Jupp Heynckes and achieved the feat twice in 2019-20 season under Hansi Flick, Barcelona completed the landmark in 2009 and 2015. ALSO READ: Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season Talking about the final between Bayern Munich and PSG, the encounter was enticing with both teams creating good chances in the first half. While the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria should have given the lead to PSG, Lewandowski struck the post in the first half for the German clubs. However, PSG looked a bit lost in the second half as Bayern capitalized on the opportunity and dominated the proceedings. However, PSG midfielder Marquinhos had a glorious opportunity to put PSG in front only to be denied by Manuel Neuer, who arguably had one of his finest performance in front of the goal. ALSO READ: PSG boss Tuchel backs Neymar and Mbappe after final loss With Bayern dominating the game in the second-half, Kimmich curled an inch-perfect cross to Coman at the far post only for the Frenchman to head it past Keylor Navas to make it 1-0 for Bayern Munich. "It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick. "I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

Champions League: Bayern Munich equal Barcelona's 'treble' feat

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says the treble-chasing Germans need to tighten their defence against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Champions League final after some nervous early moments in their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.

Flick's side made a shaky start on Wednesday in Lisbon as Lyon captain Memphis Depay fired wide, then Karl Ekambi hit the post before man-of-the-match Serge Gnabry settled Bayern's nerves with two first-half goals.

Robert Lewandowski headed home his 15th Champions League goal of the season two minutes from the final whistle as Bayern claimed a record-equalling 10th straight win in Europe.

"Lyon fought hard and made things hard for us, we know PSG have quick players and we will have to organise our defence differently," said Flick, whose side scored 42 goals in 10 Champions League games to reach the final.

"Paris are a great team, they fought their way into the semi-final and then reached the final.

"We know they have quick players, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure."

Having already lifted the Bundesliga shield and German Cup this season, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer is relishing the chance of also lifting the Champions League trophy.

Victory over PSG would seal only the second treble in Bayern's history after their 2013 triple success.

Neuer expects a busy night against a star-studded PSG attack boasting Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria.

"Paris has an attack with big names. There are always a lot of goals with Bayern and PSG," said Germany goalkeeper Neuer.

"Two great teams in this final, it will be a good game for the fans to watch.

"We are very happy to be in the final.

He added: "The difference compared to 2013 team is that the squad is larger.

"We won in 2013 with fewer players, now we have a fantastic group with a good atmosphere in the squad. There are also no killjoys."

For Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies, reaching the Champions League final at the age of 19 is a "dream come true."

Having already helped inflict misery on his hero Lionel Messi in the 8-2 quarter-final drubbing of Barcelona, Davies is delighted to now face Neymar and PSG.

"It's everything you can ask for," said Davies.

"It feels good, everyone's happy and playing well."

Davies says his Bayern team-mates "have basically won everything, but they're still excited. They're still hungry to win this one."

The teenager expects the goals to fly come Sunday.

"Paris are a good team and it's going to be a good game, there's going to be goals in it," he said.

"This is what you dream of as a footballer – playing against the best in Europe. I'm excited."

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says the treble-chasing Germans need to tighten their defence against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Champions League final after some nervous early moments in their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says the treble-chasing Germans need to tighten their defence against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Champions League final after some nervous early moments in their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon. Flick's side made a shaky start on Wednesday in Lisbon as Lyon captain Memphis Depay fired wide, then Karl Ekambi hit the post before man-of-the-match Serge Gnabry settled Bayern's nerves with two first-half goals. Robert Lewandowski headed home his 15th Champions League goal of the season two minutes from the final whistle as Bayern claimed a record-equalling 10th straight win in Europe. "Lyon fought hard and made things hard for us, we know PSG have quick players and we will have to organise our defence differently," said Flick, whose side scored 42 goals in 10 Champions League games to reach the final. "Paris are a great team, they fought their way into the semi-final and then reached the final. "We know they have quick players, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure." Having already lifted the Bundesliga shield and German Cup this season, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer is relishing the chance of also lifting the Champions League trophy. Victory over PSG would seal only the second treble in Bayern's history after their 2013 triple success. Neuer expects a busy night against a star-studded PSG attack boasting Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria. "Paris has an attack with big names. There are always a lot of goals with Bayern and PSG," said Germany goalkeeper Neuer. "Two great teams in this final, it will be a good game for the fans to watch. "We are very happy to be in the final. He added: "The difference compared to 2013 team is that the squad is larger. "We won in 2013 with fewer players, now we have a fantastic group with a good atmosphere in the squad. There are also no killjoys." For Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies, reaching the Champions League final at the age of 19 is a "dream come true." Having already helped inflict misery on his hero Lionel Messi in the 8-2 quarter-final drubbing of Barcelona, Davies is delighted to now face Neymar and PSG. "It's everything you can ask for," said Davies. "It feels good, everyone's happy and playing well." Davies says his Bayern team-mates "have basically won everything, but they're still excited. They're still hungry to win this one." The teenager expects the goals to fly come Sunday. "Paris are a good team and it's going to be a good game, there's going to be goals in it," he said. "This is what you dream of as a footballer – playing against the best in Europe. I'm excited."

Bayern must tighten defence against PSG in Champions League final, warns Flick

Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Lyon squandered two golden opportunities to go ahead early on at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, through Memphis Depay and Karl Toko-Ekambi.

Within seconds of the latter miss, Gnabry had blasted Bayern into an 18th-minute lead in stunning style, and the Germany winger scored again just after the half-hour mark.

Gnabry, who scored four times in Bayern's 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage, has now scored nine in nine appearances in this season's competition.

Lewandowski's inevitable goal, his 55th of the season, came two minutes from time.

Bayern as a team have 42 goals in 10 Champions League outings, with this more modest victory following their 8-2 trouncing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

"We knew this would be a hard game," insisted coach Hansi Flick. "We needed a bit of luck to get through the opening stages before Serge made the difference."

They have won all their European matches this season but the biggest test awaits, against a PSG side who will be a step up from what they faced here.

Lyon came seventh in the last French season, which was shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic. PSG won Ligue 1 and crushed RB Leipzig 3-0 in their semi-final.

It promises to be an enthralling final, even in the bizarre atmosphere behind closed doors in Portugal's capital.

"For me, it's a dream come true. Playing in the UEFA Champions League and making it to the final. It's everything you can ask for," Bayern's Alphonso Davies told BT Sport.&nbsp;

The German champions will be looking to win their sixth European Cup, seven years on from their last Champions League triumph. It will be their 11th final altogether, against a club appearing in their first ever final.

For Lyon there will be disappointment as their second semi-final appearance ends the same way as their first, a defeat by Bayern in 2010.

<h2>- Step too far -</h2>

This was a step too far for Rudi Garcia's side following their shock successes against Juventus and Manchester City.

Now they must rouse themselves for a new Ligue 1 season which is just about to start, but there will be no European football at all for Lyon in 2020/21, for the first time in 24 years.

They would have had to win this Champions League just to qualify again, and to be fair they will wonder what might have been in this semi-final had they taken at least one of those early chances.

"Congratulations to Bayern. I don't think they were unbeatable," said Toko-Ekambi. "We had chances to score and we played well."

Bayern certainly take risks with their incredibly high line, inviting opponents to try to get in behind them.

Lyon's chance arrived inside the fourth minute. Maxence Caqueret intercepted a Thiago Alcantara pass, looked up and released Depay. The Dutchman went round Manuel Neuer but, with the angle tightening, he could only find the side-netting with his shot.

<h2>- Astonishing transformation -</h2>

The next big let-off for the Bavarians came when Leo Dubois sent a pass in behind for Toko-Ekambi. He got his shot away at the second attempt but hit the upright.

Just 49 seconds after that, Lyon were behind.

Gnabry cut in from the right into the middle before letting fly from just inside the box. His thumping left-foot strike gave Anthony Lopes no chance.

It was a different game after that and Gnabry made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.

He stole possession in the Lyon half and laid the ball out to Ivan Perisic. The Croatian's low cross should have been converted by Lewandowski. Lopes saved from him but Gnabry converted the follow-up.

Substitute Philippe Coutinho had a late effort disallowed for offside, before Lewandowski made it 3-0 as he headed home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick.

Bayern now have 20 consecutive victories and are unbeaten in 29 matches, a run that began last December. Just a few weeks before that Bayern were in a mess, having sacked coach Niko Kovac.

The transformation under Flick has been astonishing and they are now 90 minutes away from ending this longest of seasons with a treble.

Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain. Lyon squandered two golden opportunities to go ahead early on at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, through Memphis Depay and Karl Toko-Ekambi. Within seconds of the latter miss, Gnabry had blasted Bayern into an 18th-minute lead in stunning style, and the Germany winger scored again just after the half-hour mark. Gnabry, who scored four times in Bayern's 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage, has now scored nine in nine appearances in this season's competition. Lewandowski's inevitable goal, his 55th of the season, came two minutes from time. Bayern as a team have 42 goals in 10 Champions League outings, with this more modest victory following their 8-2 trouncing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals. "We knew this would be a hard game," insisted coach Hansi Flick. "We needed a bit of luck to get through the opening stages before Serge made the difference." They have won all their European matches this season but the biggest test awaits, against a PSG side who will be a step up from what they faced here. Lyon came seventh in the last French season, which was shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic. PSG won Ligue 1 and crushed RB Leipzig 3-0 in their semi-final. It promises to be an enthralling final, even in the bizarre atmosphere behind closed doors in Portugal's capital. "For me, it's a dream come true. Playing in the UEFA Champions League and making it to the final. It's everything you can ask for," Bayern's Alphonso Davies told BT Sport. The German champions will be looking to win their sixth European Cup, seven years on from their last Champions League triumph. It will be their 11th final altogether, against a club appearing in their first ever final. For Lyon there will be disappointment as their second semi-final appearance ends the same way as their first, a defeat by Bayern in 2010. - Step too far - This was a step too far for Rudi Garcia's side following their shock successes against Juventus and Manchester City. Now they must rouse themselves for a new Ligue 1 season which is just about to start, but there will be no European football at all for Lyon in 2020/21, for the first time in 24 years. They would have had to win this Champions League just to qualify again, and to be fair they will wonder what might have been in this semi-final had they taken at least one of those early chances. "Congratulations to Bayern. I don't think they were unbeatable," said Toko-Ekambi. "We had chances to score and we played well." Bayern certainly take risks with their incredibly high line, inviting opponents to try to get in behind them. Lyon's chance arrived inside the fourth minute. Maxence Caqueret intercepted a Thiago Alcantara pass, looked up and released Depay. The Dutchman went round Manuel Neuer but, with the angle tightening, he could only find the side-netting with his shot. - Astonishing transformation - The next big let-off for the Bavarians came when Leo Dubois sent a pass in behind for Toko-Ekambi. He got his shot away at the second attempt but hit the upright. Just 49 seconds after that, Lyon were behind. Gnabry cut in from the right into the middle before letting fly from just inside the box. His thumping left-foot strike gave Anthony Lopes no chance. It was a different game after that and Gnabry made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute. He stole possession in the Lyon half and laid the ball out to Ivan Perisic. The Croatian's low cross should have been converted by Lewandowski. Lopes saved from him but Gnabry converted the follow-up. Substitute Philippe Coutinho had a late effort disallowed for offside, before Lewandowski made it 3-0 as he headed home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick. Bayern now have 20 consecutive victories and are unbeaten in 29 matches, a run that began last December. Just a few weeks before that Bayern were in a mess, having sacked coach Niko Kovac. The transformation under Flick has been astonishing and they are now 90 minutes away from ending this longest of seasons with a treble.

Gnabry and Lewandowski fire ruthless Bayern into Champions League final

After four thrilling quarter-finals, the upsets stopped at the last four stage in the Champions League, setting up Sunday’s final between Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain.

Bayern, five-times winners, are back in the final for the first time since 2013 after ending a streak of four losses in the semi-final stage with Wednesday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais.

PSG are in the big game for the first time, having struggled to translate their dominance of the French league into a real challenge in Europe until wins here over Italian club Atalanta and Germany’s RB Leipzig secured their place.

For the first time since 1998, the Champions League final will feature two teams who entered the competition as domestic champions, a throwback to the day’s of the old European Cup when only a country’s title winners were allowed to enter.

While no fans will be present to witness the clash at the Estadio da Luz, home of Portuguese club Benfica, millions across the globe will watch the game which is the most-watched annual sports event in the world.

And there is plenty of interest for those outside of Germany and France.

PSG’s attack is led by Brazil’s biggest star Neymar, the exciting French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and the crafty Argentine winger Angel Di Maria.

It will be fascinating to see if the French side can expose Bayern’s high defensive line which was breached several times by a wasteful Lyon.

“Paris are a great team,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick, “We will analyse some things, we know they have quick players. We will look to organise our defence, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure.”

Bayern’s top scorer is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who leads the tournament’s scoring charts with 15 goals this season and has found the target 55 times in all competitions.

The club’s 19-year-old left back Alphonso Davies has been the most exciting young player in the tournament and was born in a refugee camp in Ghana before moving to Canada, who he represents at national team level.

On a tactical level, the final pits two German coaches against each other for only the second time in the tournament’s history.

PSG’s Thomas Tuchel, the ex-Borussia Dortmund coach, has managed to give the French champion’s expensively assembled squad the balance and steel they have lacked in recent years.

Flick only took over as Bayern coach in November but has had an astonishing impact. Since mid-December, Bayern have enjoyed 28 wins and a solitary draw, scoring 97 goals and conceding just 22.

Bayern, who thrashed Barcelona 8-2 in their quarter-final, also have experience on their side.

The Bavarians have already featured in the European Cup or Champions League final on ten occasions, winning their fifth title in 2013.

PSG have only reached the last four once before and their best performance in Europe came in the old Cup Winner’s Cup which they won in 1996.

After four thrilling quarter-finals, the upsets stopped at the last four stage in the Champions League, setting up Sunday’s final between Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain.

After four thrilling quarter-finals, the upsets stopped at the last four stage in the Champions League, setting up Sunday’s final between Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain. Bayern, five-times winners, are back in the final for the first time since 2013 after ending a streak of four losses in the semi-final stage with Wednesday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais. PSG are in the big game for the first time, having struggled to translate their dominance of the French league into a real challenge in Europe until wins here over Italian club Atalanta and Germany’s RB Leipzig secured their place. For the first time since 1998, the Champions League final will feature two teams who entered the competition as domestic champions, a throwback to the day’s of the old European Cup when only a country’s title winners were allowed to enter. While no fans will be present to witness the clash at the Estadio da Luz, home of Portuguese club Benfica, millions across the globe will watch the game which is the most-watched annual sports event in the world. And there is plenty of interest for those outside of Germany and France. PSG’s attack is led by Brazil’s biggest star Neymar, the exciting French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and the crafty Argentine winger Angel Di Maria. It will be fascinating to see if the French side can expose Bayern’s high defensive line which was breached several times by a wasteful Lyon. “Paris are a great team,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick, “We will analyse some things, we know they have quick players. We will look to organise our defence, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure.” Bayern’s top scorer is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who leads the tournament’s scoring charts with 15 goals this season and has found the target 55 times in all competitions. The club’s 19-year-old left back Alphonso Davies has been the most exciting young player in the tournament and was born in a refugee camp in Ghana before moving to Canada, who he represents at national team level. On a tactical level, the final pits two German coaches against each other for only the second time in the tournament’s history. PSG’s Thomas Tuchel, the ex-Borussia Dortmund coach, has managed to give the French champion’s expensively assembled squad the balance and steel they have lacked in recent years. Flick only took over as Bayern coach in November but has had an astonishing impact. Since mid-December, Bayern have enjoyed 28 wins and a solitary draw, scoring 97 goals and conceding just 22. Bayern, who thrashed Barcelona 8-2 in their quarter-final, also have experience on their side. The Bavarians have already featured in the European Cup or Champions League final on ten occasions, winning their fifth title in 2013. PSG have only reached the last four once before and their best performance in Europe came in the old Cup Winner’s Cup which they won in 1996.

A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon

Angel Di Maria said Tuesday he will find it difficult to sleep after scoring in Paris Saint-Germain's 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig to reach the Champions League final.

Di Maria claimed his side's second goal, which came between headed strikes from Marquinhos and Juan Bernat, in a fixture played in a near-empty Estadio da Luz in Lisbon due to the coronavirus pandemic.

PSG will face either Bayern Munich or Lyon in their first ever appearance at a Champions League final.

"It's going to be hard to sleep tonight with the final on my mind," Di Maria told broadcasters RMC Sport.

"We're very happy. The team worked well, we succeeded in taking PSG to the final. Now we're in the final which is important for us and if we continue like today then it will help us for the final," he added.

The semi-finals included two sides each from Ligue 1 and Germany's Bundesliga and Di Maria said it underlined the standard of both competitions.

"We have proven French and German leagues are high quality, same level as other leagues and we have to keep doing what we have been," he said.

Di Maria won the competition with Real Madrid in the Portuguese capital in 2014 and compared his current side with the Spanish giants.

"It was incredible. We also have a good level not just individuals but the whole squad it's not always spectacular but the squad is quality because whoever players the level never drops," he said.

"We're just one step from making history for the club, getting to a final is historic but we can go further still," he added.

Angel Di Maria said Tuesday he will find it difficult to sleep after scoring in Paris Saint-Germain's 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig to reach the Champions League final.

Angel Di Maria said Tuesday he will find it difficult to sleep after scoring in Paris Saint-Germain's 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig to reach the Champions League final. Di Maria claimed his side's second goal, which came between headed strikes from Marquinhos and Juan Bernat, in a fixture played in a near-empty Estadio da Luz in Lisbon due to the coronavirus pandemic. PSG will face either Bayern Munich or Lyon in their first ever appearance at a Champions League final. "It's going to be hard to sleep tonight with the final on my mind," Di Maria told broadcasters RMC Sport. "We're very happy. The team worked well, we succeeded in taking PSG to the final. Now we're in the final which is important for us and if we continue like today then it will help us for the final," he added. The semi-finals included two sides each from Ligue 1 and Germany's Bundesliga and Di Maria said it underlined the standard of both competitions. "We have proven French and German leagues are high quality, same level as other leagues and we have to keep doing what we have been," he said. Di Maria won the competition with Real Madrid in the Portuguese capital in 2014 and compared his current side with the Spanish giants. "It was incredible. We also have a good level not just individuals but the whole squad it's not always spectacular but the squad is quality because whoever players the level never drops," he said. "We're just one step from making history for the club, getting to a final is historic but we can go further still," he added.

Di Maria 'won't sleep' after reaching Champions League final

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