Daily News 19

Tag: Champions League

  • Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Live Match Updates

    Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Live Match Updates

    Arsenal Make Four Changes for Champions League Opener at Napoli

    Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Champions League campaign at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona against a Napoli side searching for form, with Mikel Arteta rotating his squad following Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea.

    Team News: Gyökeres Handed First Start as Arteta Rotates

    The Gunners make four changes to their starting XI. Viktor Gyökeres earns his first start of the season, while Piero Hincapié, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino also come into the side. Kai Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori drop to the bench.

    Napoli’s lineup features several faces familiar to Premier League followers. Billy Gilmour, formerly of Chelsea, Norwich and Brighton, lines up alongside Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne and ex-Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund. Scott McTominay, another Old Trafford alumnus, is unavailable until next month following surgery for an irregular heartbeat.

    Confirmed Lineups

    Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Olivera; Gilmour, Lobotka, De Bruyne; Politano, Højlund, Alisson Santos.
    Substitutes: Contini, Milinkovic-Savic, Favasuli, Badiashile, Neres, Lucca, Vergara, Beukema, Spinazzola.

    Arsenal: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapié; Merino, Rice, Saka; Ødegaard, Eze, Gyökeres.
    Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Meslier, Tzolis, Madueke, Havertz, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Salmon.

    Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden). Kick-off is 8pm BST (9pm local).

    Arteta: “We Are Ready to Be Ourselves and Win the Game”

    Speaking to TNT Sports before kick-off, Mikel Arteta addressed the team’s travel disruption, his selection decisions and the challenge awaiting his side in Naples.

    “We were lucky [regarding the flight over] … I am sure it was much worse for many tourists … [Hincapié, Eze, Gyökeres and Merino] deserve to play … they train really well … every time they have been on the pitch as finishers they have made an impact … they fully deserve to start the game … I could not wait to start playing in the Champions League again … after the last days we had in Budapest, to lift ourselves up and go again … start the journey again … [Napoli] have a lot of experience and quality … a coach with massive experience in the competition … we are ready … to be ourselves and win the game.”

    Fan Reaction: Squad Rotation Questions Raised

    The pre-match correspondence highlighted debate over Arsenal’s squad management. Zach Neeley questioned the decision to rest Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice:

    “Why have such a stacked squad if you can’t make Saka and Rice the ones rested? The fact that it’s early in the season doesn’t really work because their summer was a bunch of extra work.”

    Dr Jordan Pickering offered a lighter take on the unused Kai Havertz:

    “Although Kai won’t feature among the starters, your chosen pic does offer plenty of food for thought, prompting one to wonder how much expert consideration has gone into crafting all the various hair zones on his head, or how it is that someone with a bag can have so many loose items on his person?”

    Contrasting Form Sets Up Intriguing Contest

    Arsenal arrive in southern Italy with supreme confidence. The Gunners’ 2024-25 European campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain, but the underlying numbers were formidable: a 100% record in the league phase, unbeaten in regular time across 15 matches (W11 D4), and the competition’s best defensive record with just seven goals conceded and nine clean sheets.

    Domestically, Arteta’s side have opened the new Premier League season thrillingly, suggesting a team that has shed the psychological weight of near-misses.

    Napoli present a stark contrast. Gli Azzurri have won only two of their last ten Champions League matches and failed to progress beyond the league phase last season. They have lost their last three European fixtures against English opposition and three of four previous meetings with Arsenal. Their Serie A campaign has begun miserably — a home defeat to Como followed by surrendering a two-goal lead against Inter Milan.

    History Adds Personal Edge for Arteta

    The Arsenal manager has personal experience of defeat in Naples. As a player, Arteta was sent off during a previous visit to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona — a memory that ensures he will take nothing for granted despite the form disparity.

    With both sides seeking an opening statement in Europe’s elite competition, the stage is set for a compelling Group Stage curtain-raiser under the Neapolitan lights.

  • Erling Haaland Becomes Manchester City’s Third-Highest Goalscorer of All Time

    Erling Haaland Becomes Manchester City’s Third-Highest Goalscorer of All Time

    Haaland Climbs to Third on Manchester City All-Time Scoring List After Porto Brace

    Erling Haaland has moved into third place on Manchester City’s all-time goalscorer list following his two-goal performance against Porto in the Champions League opener.

    The Norwegian striker has now netted 167 goals for the club, surpassing Tommy Johnson’s long-standing tally of 166 goals scored between 1920 and 1930.

    Record-Breaking Start to European Campaign

    Haaland’s brace in the Champions League fixture not only secured a vital victory but also etched his name further into City’s history books. The achievement comes as the striker continues his remarkable scoring rate since joining the Premier League champions.

    Only two players now sit above Haaland in the club’s all-time scoring rankings, highlighting the immediate and historic impact he has made at the Etihad Stadium.

  • Barcelona Faces Champions League Debut With Three Squad Absences

    Barcelona Faces Champions League Debut With Three Squad Absences

    Barcelona has announced its 23-man squad for the Champions League opener against Feyenoord, marking the club’s first step in a competition it has not won since the Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez era delivered the trophy in 2015.

    Eric Garcia the only change from Valencia win

    The list is nearly identical to the side that secured a 0-5 victory in Valencia days ago, with one expected absence. Eric Garcia misses the match through suspension after his red card in the second leg of last season’s quarter-finals at the Metropolitano. The defender also suffered a broken nose in a collision with teammate Rodri at Mestalla, forcing his withdrawal before half-time.

    De Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined

    The other two unavailable squad members are Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both nursing injuries sustained during the summer.

    Addressing De Jong’s condition in the pre-match press conference, head coach Hansi Flick stated: “Es un jugador que tiene una enorme calidad y estoy muy contento de que esté con nosotros, se tiene que recuperar y trabajar, todo va como estaba previsto y espero que lo podamos ver en unas semanas, veremos qué pasa después del parón de selecciones”, dijo el entrenador.

    Full Barcelona squad for Champions League debut

    The complete list of players called up for the UEFA Champions League phase opener:

    • Joan Garcia
    • Joan Cancelo
    • Alejandro Balde
    • Brian Fariñas
    • Pau Cubarsi
    • Gavi
    • Fermin Lopez
    • Pedri
    • Gabriel Jesus
    • Lamine Yamal
    • Raphinha
    • Xavi Espart
    • Wojciech Szczesny
    • Karim Adeyemi
    • Andreas Christensen
    • Rodri
    • Anthony Gordon
    • Gerard Martin
    • Dani Olmo
    • Marc Bernal
    • Jules Kounde
    • Dominik Livakovic
    • Hamza Abdelkarim

    Feyenoord arrive in strong form

    Barcelona will face a Feyenoord side unbeaten this season as they target their first three points in the new league phase. While the Catalans have won all four of their domestic fixtures, the Dutch outfit boasts three victories and two draws in the opening five Eredivisie rounds. Extending the run to include last campaign, Gio van Bronckhorst’s team—a familiar opponent from previous European encounters—remains undefeated in 19 consecutive matches.

  • ‘We stopped playing our football’: Valverde reflects on Real Madrid’s win over Inter

    ‘We stopped playing our football’: Valverde reflects on Real Madrid’s win over Inter

    Valverde Reflects on Real Madrid’s Champions League Opener Win Against Inter

    Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde offered a candid post-match assessment after the team secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in their opening Champions League group stage fixture. The Uruguayan midfielder delivered a standout performance that earned him the Man of the Match award, underlining his growing influence in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield.

    Strong Start Undermined by Second-Half Slippage

    Speaking after the final whistle, Valverde acknowledged the quality of the team’s first-half display but pointed to a noticeable drop in intensity after the break. The midfielder emphasized that while the early control was encouraging, the lapses in concentration during the second period cannot be repeated against elite European opposition.

    Man of the Match Performance Anchors Midfield

    Valverde’s all-around contribution proved decisive. His energy, defensive interceptions, and ability to drive transitions helped Real Madrid dictate the tempo early on. The award recognizes not only his technical output but also his leadership on the pitch — a role he has embraced since inheriting the captain’s armband.

    Focus Shifts to Consistency in Europe

    With three points secured, the focus now turns to maintaining momentum in the group stage. Valverde’s remarks reflect a squad aware that margins are thin at this level, and that sustaining performance across 90 minutes will be essential as the campaign progresses.

  • Betis Complete Stunning Comeback in Champions League Return

    Betis Complete Stunning Comeback in Champions League Return

    Real Betis Stun Lille 3-2 in Dramatic Champions League Return After 11-Year Absence

    Seville, Spain — Real Betis announced their return to Europe’s elite competition with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over French side Lille at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Wednesday night, marking their first UEFA Champions League appearance since the 2013-14 season.

    Rollercoaster Opening Half Sets the Tone

    The match delivered immediate drama as both sides traded blows in an open first period. Lille struck first, capitalizing on early nerves from the home side, but Betis responded with character. The Andalusians equalized before the break, only for the Ligue 1 outfit to restore their lead moments later, sending the teams into the interval with the visitors ahead 2-1.

    Parrott Sparks Second-Half Turnaround

    Manuel Pellegrini’s tactical adjustments at half-time paid immediate dividends. The hosts emerged with renewed intensity, drawing level early in the second half before summer signing Troy Parrott completed the turnaround in the 53rd minute. The Irish international’s decisive finish capped a swift attacking move and swung momentum firmly in Betis’ favor.

    Mbappé Red Card Compounds Lille Misery

    Lille’s hopes of salvaging a point evaporated when Ethan Mbappé received a straight red card, reducing the French side to ten men with over half an hour remaining. The dismissal effectively ended the contest as Betis controlled possession and saw out the remaining minutes comfortably.

    Perfect Start to New League Phase Format

    The three points give Betis an ideal launchpad in the competition’s revamped single-league format. For a club that has waited over a decade to grace this stage again, the manner of victory — twice coming from behind against quality opposition — will reinforce belief that they belong among Europe’s best.

    Pellegrini’s squad now turns attention to their next European assignment, carrying the confidence of a statement win that will resonate far beyond Seville.

  • Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal: Champions League Stats & Head-to-Head Preview

    Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal: Champions League Stats & Head-to-Head Preview

    Francesco Farioli Prepares for Champions League Debut as Porto Host Manchester City

    Porto manager Francesco Farioli is set to take charge of his first UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday when the Portuguese champions welcome Manchester City to the Estádio do Dragão. The 20:00 BST kick-off marks a significant milestone for one of European football’s fastest-rising coaches.

    Rapid Rise Through the Ranks

    At just 37 years old, Farioli has already accumulated a remarkable resume. He guided Porto to the Primeira Liga title last season, announcing himself as a major force in management. His appointment at the Estádio do Dragão followed a swift ascent that began in Turkey in 2021, where he cut his teeth with Fatih Karagümrük before moving to Alanyaspor.

    Such rapid progress naturally attracted attention from Premier League giants. Throughout last season, Farioli was heavily linked with managerial vacancies at Chelsea, Liverpool, and Rangers. Despite the allure of England’s top flight, the Italian opted to extend his stay in Portugal, a decision he remains confident about.

    ‘I Don’t Feel I Could Be in a Better Place’

    Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the high-stakes encounter with Pep Guardiola’s side, Farioli explained his reasoning for staying put.

    “I don’t feel I could be in a better place,” he told BBC Sport.

    He added a lighthearted note regarding the club’s ambition, revealing the bond he has formed with the hierarchy.

    “I said at our post-season dinner they have created a problem for me, as I will have to bring the president and directors with me.”

    A Stern First Test

    Farioli’s continental bow could hardly be more difficult. Manchester City, the 2023 treble winners and perennial Champions League contenders, provide the ultimate benchmark for any new manager at this level. For Porto, the match represents an opportunity to signal their intent on the European stage under their young, innovative coach.

    With the eyes of Europe on the Estádio do Dragão, Tuesday night offers Farioli the perfect platform to validate the faith Porto placed in him and to show why Europe’s elite were chasing his signature just months ago.

  • Real Madrid UCL starting XI vs Inter Milan revealed

    Real Madrid UCL starting XI vs Inter Milan revealed

    Real Madrid Host Inter Milan in Champions League Showdown as Mourinho Returns to Bernabeu

    Real Madrid will aim to recover from their recent domestic setback when they welcome Inter Milan to the Santiago Bernabeu for a highly anticipated Champions League fixture.

    Mourinho Faces Former Club in Special Return

    The match carries added narrative weight as José Mourinho prepares to face his former club. The Portuguese manager famously guided Inter Milan to Champions League glory in 2010, completing a historic treble that remains a defining moment in the club’s history.

    Madrid Seek European Redemption

    After a disappointing result in La Liga, Los Blancos will view this European encounter as the perfect opportunity to reset their momentum. The Bernabeu atmosphere under the Champions League lights often brings out the best in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who boast a formidable home record in this competition.

    Inter Milan Arrive with Continental Pedigree

    Inter Milan, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid with their own Champions League credentials. The Nerazzurri have consistently performed on Europe’s biggest stage in recent seasons, reaching the final in 2023 and maintaining a squad built for deep tournament runs.

    Kick-off at the Santiago Bernabeu promises a tactical battle between two of European football’s most decorated clubs, with Mourinho’s intimate knowledge of Real Madrid adding an intriguing subplot to proceedings.

  • ‘What is he thinking?’ Fans Baffled as World Cup Keeper’s Bizarre Handball Follows Comical Blunder vs Aston Villa

    ‘What is he thinking?’ Fans Baffled as World Cup Keeper’s Bizarre Handball Follows Comical Blunder vs Aston Villa

    Yann Sommer’s Bizarre Handball Error Baffles Fans as Club Brugge Fall Behind Aston Villa

    Club Brugge goalkeeper Yann Sommer produced one of the most puzzling moments of the Champions League opening night, handling the ball well outside his penalty area during Tuesday’s clash with Aston Villa at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

    Sequence of Events: A Goalkeeper’s Nightmare

    The 37-year-old Swiss international had just made a convincing save from a Villa corner when he attempted to launch an immediate counter-attack. Dashing to the edge of his 18-yard box to wind up a long throw, Sommer connected awkwardly with teammate Kyriani Sabbe and fumbled the release. In a split-second reaction, he caught the ball — but his momentum had carried him clearly outside the penalty area.

    Despite the deliberate handling offence with a Villa striker nearby, referee Jesús Gil Manzano did not issue a yellow or red card, a decision that immediately ignited debate across social media.

    Fans and Pundits React to Missed Card

    Supporters were united in their confusion over the lack of disciplinary action. One fan wrote: “How has Sommer avoided a yellow let alone a red. A mistake but it’s a deliberate hand ball outside the area catching it with a striker next to him.”

    Another simply asked: “What is he thinking.”

    A third added: “Not sure how Sommer avoids a card there for just catching the ball outside his area.”

    Bookmaker Paddy Power joined the conversation with a tongue-in-cheek post: “Yann Sommer looking like someone who learned how to use his hands for the first time ever this morning.”

    Action-Packed First Half Sees Villa Lead 3-1

    The handball incident was just one flashpoint in a frantic opening 45 minutes that produced four goals. John McGinn gave Unai Emery’s side an early lead, only for the hosts to equalize eight minutes later.

    Emi Buendía restored Villa’s advantage shortly after, but Sommer was at the centre of the drama again before the break. Rushing far off his line to intercept a through ball, the veteran keeper was easily bypassed by Jackson, who calmly slotted home his first goal for the club to make it 3-1.

    Sommer’s Night Encapsulates Brugge’s Struggles

    The double error from a goalkeeper of Sommer’s experience — a World Cup quarter-finalist with Switzerland and former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan shot-stopper — summed up a difficult evening for the Belgian champions. Villa’s high press and clinical finishing exposed Brugge’s defensive fragility, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb in the second half.

  • Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faced the media ahead of the Champions League clash against Feyenoord, delivering a wide-ranging press conference that touched on his happiness, captaincy, Ballon d’Or prospects, and the team’s ambitions for the season.

    Champions League the ‘big objective’

    Yamal made clear that Europe’s premier club competition remains the primary target for Hansi Flick’s side.

    “It’s the big objective, there’s no greater motivation. We’re all motivated. We have it in our heads. It’s the most special tournament. This year it could be with the players who have arrived, Gordon, Rodri, Adeyemi, Joao…”

    The teenager emphasized the collective drive within the squad, reiterating: “The Champions League is the big objective, we are all very motivated.”

    Pride in the captain’s armband

    At just 19, Yamal has already worn the captain’s armband for Barcelona, a responsibility he embraces.

    “It is a source of pride to be captain of Barça at 19 years old. I am grateful to my teammates for choosing me. I am 19 years old but I want to live up to it. I am happy. It makes me feel responsible. I will give my best for the team.”

    He also praised the leadership group around him: “Rapha is an incredible captain, and Eric, Pedri… I learn from them to always seek what is best for the team.”

    Ballon d’Or talk and campaign stance

    Asked about individual accolades, Yamal acknowledged his chances but refused to engage in self-promotion.

    “It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on you. The work with Barça and the national team has been incredible. I have options, I had a great year. But we’ll see.”

    On the idea of a media campaign for the award, he was blunt: “I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think whatever they want. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I can’t ask for more. It’s your job, I won’t beg for anything.” He later repeated the sentiment: “I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or.”

    Pressing, growth, and squad competition

    Yamal addressed the tactical demands of the modern game, citing Paris Saint-Germain as an example of collective pressing.

    “In title-winning teams, like PSG, everyone presses. You have to run, no matter who you are. If you don’t run, you lose.”

    On personal development, he said: “Collectively, titles and the Champions League. And individually, improve. I’m young. That’s my objective.”

    Regarding competition for places and the possibility of being a substitute, Yamal showed maturity: “It doesn’t scare me, there are great players. I’m prepared to be a substitute. It doesn’t scare me.” He later reinforced: “I’m not afraid of being a substitute.”

    On his physical growth, he added: “I think that when you grow up, you don’t realize it. I’m a ‘kid’ and I’m growing, but I’m not two meters tall. I’m shorter than Cubarsí or Bernal. I’m like everyone else.”

    Relationship with teammates and rivals

    Yamal spoke warmly of his connections within the squad, particularly Fermín López and Dani Olmo: “They are tremendous players, I feel comfortable with them and get on great with them, although they are different.”

    Asked about Real Madrid’s recent trophy drought, he deflected: “If they have gone two years without winning, that is their problem. We are happy with the refereeing. That’s a question for them. I see them as happy.” He earlier framed it similarly: “If Real Madrid have gone two years without winning, that’s their problem; I see them as happy.”

    ‘Vacation of my life’ and happiness

    Addressing speculation about his mood during the off-season, Yamal was unequivocal.

    “I’m very happy, I don’t know why there was so much talk. I had the vacation of my life. At no point have I been happier than I am now.”

    He summarized the feeling again: “I had the vacation of my life, I’ve never been happier.”

    Dembélé and the Ballon d’Or debate

    On Ousmane Dembélé declining to name a Ballon d’Or favorite, Yamal downplayed any tension.

    “He’s a friend of Kylian’s… I don’t care. I’m very happy with the year I’ve had. When I’ve faced both of them, I’ve won. I get along very well with Ousmane. Everyone has seen my year, if he hasn’t…”

    He reiterated: “Dembélé is a friend of Kylian… I am very happy with the year I have had.”

    Grounded by family and respect for Xavi

    Yamal credited his environment for keeping him level-headed: “I’m in a locker room with people who have done more than me. Then I’m with my family, who keep my feet on the ground.”

    He also had kind words for his former coach: “He is a great coach. I have great affection for him, I hope things go well for him, except against Spain.”

  • Real Madrid Announce Squad for Champions League Clash Against Inter

    Real Madrid Announce Squad for Champions League Clash Against Inter

    Real Madrid Announce 22-Man Squad for Champions League Opener Against Inter Milan

    Real Madrid have confirmed their squad selection for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu. Head coach José Mourinho has named a 22-player group for the European campaign opener.

    Three Goalkeepers Included in Selection

    The squad features three goalkeeping options: Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Mestre, and Javi Navarro. The inclusion of multiple shot-stoppers provides depth for the high-stakes Group Stage encounter.

    The match marks the beginning of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League campaign, with the Spanish giants hosting the Italian champions at their historic home ground.