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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Harry Kane’s Bayern face Benfica, Aston Villa in action, PSG host Atletico – updates

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football returned in style on Tuesday – and there is plenty more thrilling action in store for TONIGHT!England captain Harry Kane will be looking to continue his incredible goal-scoring run against Portuguese giants Benfica.Aston Villa travel to Club Brugge, PSG host Atletico Madrid and Arsenal make the trip to Italy for a blockbuster Inter Milan encoutner.But the main talking point continues to be around new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim and his talisman Viktor Gyokeres who inspired Sporting to a 4-1 victory last night against Manchester City.Kick-off times: 5:45pm/8pm GMTLive stream: discovery+TV channel: TNT SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from matchday four of the Champions League with our live blog below…Emery looking to bounce back from defeatAston Villa took a heavy defeat on the chin on the weekend.Despite going ahead in North London, Tottenham ran out as 4-1 winners in the Premier League.Unai Emery’s side need to win if they want to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Champions League table.Copy linkCopiedCeltic keep qualification hopes aliveWhen Brendan Rodgers’ side got heavily beat against Borussia Dortmund, many expected yet another early exit from Europe’s elite competition.Having amassed seven points from their first four games, Celtic are now well-placed to build on this and secure a place in the latter stages.They showed grit and determination after going a goal down against RB Leipzig but turned the game around to run out 3-1 winners.Copy linkCopiedVilla look to build on historic Bayern winAston Villa make the short trip across the channel to take on Club Brugge tonight.Jhon Duran was the hero once again for the West Midlands side as Unai Emery’s men beat Bayern Munich 1-0 on a special night at Villa Park last month.With two wins and two clean sheets in this monumental Champions League group, Villa are proving themselves well worthy of a place back on European football’s grandest stage.Tonight, they hope to make it three.Kick off begins at 5.45pm.Copy linkCopiedPep left frustrated in PortugalFootball can be a cruel mistress at times.Man City dominated the first-half against Sporting Lisbon but did not take their chances and paid the ultimate price.It means that Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost back-to-back games and the injuries are mounting up.Copy linkCopiedThe curse of Kylian MbappeSigning arguably the best striker in the world seemed to make Real Madrid unbeatable given their current squad.Mbappe’s career in Madrid has not taken off as many expected.A player who has never won the Champions League, could his curse mean Ancelotti’s side miss out on the biggest trophy this season?A heavy defeat at home against rivals Barcelona has been followed up by a 3-1 loss to AC Milan this evening.Copy linkCopiedGaffer continues dream startLiverpool sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League under new manager Arne Slot.Nobody expected him to make this start to his Reds’ career and he continues to rewrite the record books.Slot has won 14 of his first 16 games as Liverpool manager.This could be a season to remember for their fans if it continues how it has started.Copy linkCopiedGUNNER BE MISSEDArsenal will be without Declan Rice for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.The England midfielder, 25, did not travel to Italy with his Gunners team-mates.Rice played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Newcastle on Saturday.But he did not take part in training on Tuesday morning.It is not yet clear why Rice was absent.But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will have to do without the £100million man as his side take on the Italian champions.Copy linkCopiedChampions League tableHere is how the league is looking in the new format Champions League before we head into tomorrow night’s games:Copy linkCopiedChampions League fixturesClub Brugge vs Aston VillaShakhtar Donetsk vs Young BoysBayern Munich vs BenficaFeyenoord vs Red Bull SalzburgInter Milan vs ArsenalPSG vs Atletico MadridRed Star Belgrade vs BarcelonaSparta Prague vs BrestStuttgart vs AtalantaCopy linkCopiedArteta unlikely to risk talismanThere is no doubting that Arsenal have looked a pale comparison of their best without Martin Odegaard.The good news for Gunners’ fans is that he has returned to training a lot earlier than expected.While he is travelling with the squad to Italy, it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will risk him in this crucial match.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEmery looking to bounce back from defeatAston Villa took a heavy defeat on the chin on the weekend.Despite going ahead in North London, Tottenham ran out as 4-1 winners in the Premier League.Unai Emery’s side need to win if they want to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Champions League table.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCeltic keep qualification hopes aliveWhen Brendan Rodgers’ side got heavily beat against Borussia Dortmund, many expected yet another early exit from Europe’s elite competition.Having amassed seven points from their first four games, Celtic are now well-placed to build on this and secure a place in the latter stages.They showed grit and determination after going a goal down against RB Leipzig but turned the game around to run out 3-1 winners.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League tableHere is how the league is looking in the new format Champions League before we head into tomorrow night’s games:Credit: @FootRankingsCopy linkCopiedThe curse of Kylian MbappeSigning arguably the best striker in the world seemed to make Real Madrid unbeatable given their current squad.Mbappe’s career in Madrid has not taken off as many expected.A player who has never won the Champions League, could his curse mean Ancelotti’s side miss out on the biggest trophy this season?A heavy defeat at home against rivals Barcelona has been followed up by a 3-1 loss to AC Milan this evening.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep left frustrated in PortugalFootball can be a cruel mistress at times.Man City dominated the first-half against Sporting Lisbon but did not take their chances and paid the ultimate price.It means that Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost back-to-back games and the injuries are mounting up.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGaffer continues dream startLiverpool sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League under new manager Arne Slot.Nobody expected him to make this start to his Reds’ career and he continues to rewrite the record books.Slot has won 14 of his first 16 games as Liverpool manager.This could be a season to remember for their fans if it continues how it has started.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Real Madrid 1-3 AC MilanThe big surprise result of the evening came in Spain.AC Milan scored three goals to stun Santiago Bernabau.Alvaro Morata got the third goal as the Spaniard rubbed salt in the wound capping off a brilliant display from the Italians.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsPSV 4-0 GironaSlovan Bratislava 1-4 Dinamo ZagrebBologna 0-1 MonacoBorussia Dortmund 1-0 Sturm GrazCeltic 3-1 RB LeipzigLille 1-1 JuventusLiverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenReal Madrid 1-3 AC MilanSporting 4-1 Man CityCopy linkCopiedFT: Celtic 3-1 RB LeipzigA massive result for Brendan Rodgers’ side.They fell behind to a goal from Cristoph Baumgartner but that is as good as it got for the visitors.Celtic move to seven points in this season’s Champions League.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie WyettIncredible second half performance from Liverpool. There will certainly not be any Reds fans wishing Xabi Alonso was their manager instead of Arne Slot. Next up at Anfield in the Champions League are Real Madrid and what a game that could be.Copy linkCopiedFT: Sporting 4-1 Man CityWhat a way to say goodbye to their fans.Pep Guardiola’s side have been trampled by Sporting Lisbon.All of that after having so many chances to score before the hosts had even registered their first.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn in LisbonWho writes Ruben Amorim’s scripts? A fairytale way to say goodbye to the home fans at the Jose Alvalade – and endear himself to the new ones at Old Trafford. A night they will be talking about for years to come in this part of Lisbon. And what about Viktor Gyokores – he even eclipsed Erling Haaland by scoring a hat-trick – while the Norwegian thumped a pen against the bar. Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenMany Liverpool fans wanted Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp.They got Arne Slot and they are top of every league in which they compete so far this season.A Luis Diaz hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo goal make for an emphatic win for The Reds.Touch of class from the home fans as they sing their Xabi Alonso chant once the victory is sealed.Copy linkCopied90+1. GOAL – LIVERPOOL 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenHis name is Lucho, he came from Porto……….he came to score, score, score.Diaz gets his first hat-trick in a Liverpool shirt.Levels.Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 1-3 AC Milan85. A huge cheer from the away end at Santiago Bernabeu.VAR has ruled out Rudiger’s goal.Huge blow for Madrid.Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Man City ace, 49, now starring in CBBC series as he lives very different life as an actor

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      A former Manchester City midfielder is now starring in CBBC show Jamie Johnson FC.The ex-footballer enjoyed a 15-year professional career which also included spells at Blackpool, Norwich, Swindon, Northampton and Wrexham.The ex-Manchester City star has turned to acting following a 15-year playing careerCredit: AlamyHe plays Coach Byrne in CBBC show Jamie Johnson FCCredit: Jamie Johnson FCNow 49 years of age, the three-cap Northern Ireland international has been retired for nearly two decades.But his new career as an actor is thriving – and is actually overlapping with football.His role in the CBBC show Jamie Johnson FC – about a group of talented players attempting to make it to the top level – sees him play the character Coach Byrne.He has also performed in musical theatre across Europe, featuring in roles such as Sammy Davis Jr.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former player in question is Jim Whitley.He never made an appearance in the top tier but did feature numerous times for Man City in the Second Division.He also racked up more than 100 games for Wrexham.His small acting role as Coach Byrne could forge a new full-time career for Whitley.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhitley left Man City for Wrexham in 2001Credit: Action Images – ReutersHowever, he has claimed he is unlikely to make it a permanent move as he is balancing the part-time work with his coaching badges.He told BBC Sport: “I took the Uefa B badge just before I got the Jamie Johnson role.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”The door’s not closed on that front, it’s just trying to balance various things.”As well as acting and coaching, Whitley also works with the PFA and Sporting Chance to deal with players’ addiction issues.He had his own battles with alcohol and depression during his playing career.Whitley’s brother Jeff also battled addiction and recently opened up about his struggles. More

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      Viktor Gyokeres has gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that could see him join Man Utd in bargain transfer

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES could be up for grabs for around £63million in the summer – putting Manchester United on red alert.Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick against City on Tuesday night.Viktor Gyokeres could be available for a cut-price dealCredit: GettyHe has a release clause in his deal at the José Alvalade Stadium which is set at around £84m and expires in 2028.However the former Coventry man is believed to have a gentleman’s agreement with the Portuguese club that will allow him to go for much less if he sees the season out with them.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants – including United, Arsenal and Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis outgoing boss Ruben Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.“Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”After scoring 66 goals in 67 appearances he is certain to be in demand and there is already interest from Saudi Arabia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.But United are likely to be in the market for a number nine after struggling for goals during the opening months of this season.Gyokeres admitted it is a blow for his current club to be losing Amorim.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd He said: “We will miss him a lot. We’ve done amazing things together.“We have to look forward and attack the next challenge ahead of us.” More

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      Real Madrid star’s stunning Wag Mina Bonino slams Carlo Ancelotti after AC Milan defeat.. before claiming she was HACKED

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde’s wife appeared to criticise Carlo Ancelotti on social media before claiming her account was hacked.The Spanish giants’ difficult start to the season continued last night as they were beaten 3-1 by AC Milan in the Champions League.Federico Valverde was subbed off at half-time in Real Madrid’s defeat to MilanCredit: GettyValverde’s wife Mina Bonino appeared to criticise the decision to haul him offCredit: Instagram / @minaboninoMina claimed he was being used wrongly by the managerCredit: Instagram / Mina BoninoBut she then claimed her account was hacked and the posts were not from herCredit: Instagram / @minaboninoThe stunning Wag works as a journalistCredit: Instagram / @minaboninoValverde, who is predominately a central midfielder, was used on the right-wing yesterday before being hooked off at half-time.The decision to sub the 26-year-old off seemingly enraged his stunning Wag Mina Bonino.Her account tweeted: “It’s better that I keep quiet because they would take me to jail.”A follower then tried to defend the manager’s use of Valverde and she seemingly replied: “Fede plays best as a pivot and in recovery. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What are you talking about? When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”Journalist Mina, 30, later deleted the posts and said: “It’s not me, I was hacked.”Asked about the criticism after the game, Ancelotti said: “What people think on social media… for me it’s very complicated.”I replaced him because for me, he was not 100 per cent.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He had back problems, he seemed to have recovered because he trained well yesterday.”But it turned out he was not at his best physical level, that’s why I changed him.”Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Real Madrid won the Champions League last season but have made a poor start this year, winning two and losing two games in the competition so far.They were also LaLiga winners last term but are already nine points off current leaders Barcelona after being humiliated 4-0 in El Clasico ten days ago.Pressure is mounting on Ancelotti and reports in Madrid state he is in danger of losing the dressing room.On his team’s poor performances, he said: “It is not an issue of motivation or attitude, it’s a collective thing that we need to fix quickly.”On the pitch something is missing and we have not been able to show our best version. “We have to fix this, but the nights are going to be very long and we have to recover the solidity that we are lacking.”That’s the problem above all, we’ve conceded too many goals for a team that is built on solidity.”The couple have two kidsCredit: Instagram / Mina BoninoCarlo Ancellotti is under mounting pressure amid Real Madrid’s poor formCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea cult hero looks like he hasn’t aged a day as he’s spotted in new role at AC Milan

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      A CHELSEA cult hero looks like he hasn’t aged a day since retirement.The ex-player in question was on the touchline for AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Madrid in the Champions League last night.The Chelsea cult hero, left, is now an assistant at AC MilanHe remains a popular figure among Chelsea fans, having played for the club for nine years between 2004 and 2013.The former full-back won three Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League in 2012 and Europa League with the Blues in 2013.After winning Europe’s top competition with Porto in 2004, he followed Jose Mourinho from Portugal to West London a few months later.The 45-year-old is now an assistant coach at AC Milan.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIf you haven’t already guessed, the cult hero in question is, of course, Paulo Ferreira.Ferreira followed new Milan boss Paulo Fonseca from Lille in the summer.And his new club were responsible for Carlo Ancelotti’s second European defeat of the season, as Madrid suffered back-to-back losses at the Bernabeu. But Ferreira could’ve been mistaken for a current player on Tuesday evening.Most read in FootballFerreira spent nine seasons at ChelseaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 62-capped Portugal international was seen hugging Ancelotti and former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata, who scored on the night, at full-time.And he still sports his signature jet-black locks, tan and light stubbled beard.Robert Grieve reacts as Celtic secure stunning Champions League win over RB LeipzigHe made 141 Prem appearances, providing four assists from full-back.Ferreira began working with Chelsea’s loan players after his retirement in 2013.He was also a club ambassador before ending his 18-year association with Stamford Bridge after Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale in 2022.The assistant coach linked up with his compatriot Fonseca at Ligue 1 side Lillie in 2023, before moving to AC Milan with him in July.The Rossoneri sit 18th in the Champions League table, having won two and lost two to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen this term.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane walks off empty-handed as he is repeatedly teased by ice cream man

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      ROY KEANE walked away empty-handed after he was repeatedly teased by an ice cream man.The Manchester United legend was being filmed with Jamie Carragher for The Overlap on Tour.Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher tried to get an ice cream togetherCredit: X /WeAreTheOverlapKeane became frustrated with the ice cream man’s tricksCredit: X /WeAreTheOverlapHe eventually left without even getting his ice creamCredit: X /WeAreTheOverlapCarragher, 46, was trying to get an ice cream from a vendor but was unable to get a hold of the snack as the seller kept jokingly pulling it away.The former Liverpool defender then put Keane in the firing line by getting him to try to grab one.However, the Irishman did not have quick enough reactions to catch an ice cream before the man tricked him by swapping it or removing the top.Keane, 53, saw the funny side then appeared to have enough of being repeatedly teased. He jokingly pretends to look as his watch and says while laughing: “How does this go on?”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe retired midfielder then walked away from the vendor without a snack.Fans loved the moment as they reacted to the video, which was shared on social media.One posted: “That man is lucky Keano has calmed down with age otherwise.”A second commented: “Suprised he didn’t two-foot him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “Thought Keano was just going shove his hand in the ice cream.”A fourth said: “Ice cream man, just do your job.”Fans spot Frank Lampard’s reaction to Roy Keane fuming at being called ‘Cardi B’ for outfit choice at Man Utd vs ChelseaAnother added: “Roy Keane looks like he about to murder him.”Keane was recently left blushing after seeing a football legend wear his football shirt.He was starstruck as former Italy and Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini brought a replica of his kit to a recording of the Overlap.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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      Kate Abdo left in disbelief as she hides face after Thierry Henry’s controversial comment live on CBS Sports

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      KATE ABDO was left with her head in her hands after Thierry Henry’s shock comment to Micah Richards live on air.The CBS Sports quartet of Abdo, Henry, Richards and Jamie Carragher have established a reputation for playfully winding each other up during their Champions League coverage.Thierry Henry made a stunning remark on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverageCredit: CBSThe remark saw Abdo react by putting her head in her handsCredit: CBSRichards was baffled by Henry’s commentCredit: CBSWhen the camera cut to Abdo she covered her face with a sheet of paperCredit: CBSBut Henry’s jovial dig at Richards’ pronunciation caused Abdo to cover her face in embarrassment on Tuesday night.During an interview with AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, Richards had been jokingly teaching the ex-Chelsea man some Italian.Once the segment ended, Henry was quick to call his colleague out for failing to correctly say the name of AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.The Arsenal icon said to Richards: “You tried to call Tomori ‘Fokori’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAbdo immediately burst into laughter as Richards looked on bemused.When the camera then cut to a close-up of Abdo, she covered her face with a page of notes.Reacting to the clip, one social media user said: “Kate is killing me in this clip…😆😆😆😆.”Another added: “Micah Richards is something else 🤣🤣🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “You guys are hilarious. You had me crying laughing.”While a fourth responded: “Best football punditry and channel on the planet, this one.”Thierry Henry aims huge dig at Arsenal in awkward CBS Sports moment as fans ask ‘why are you s***ting on your own club?Also on Tuesday, Arsenal fans were furious after Henry made a savage remark about his former club. More

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      ‘Punished for having a big booty? Game has gone’ say fans after unfortunate VAR decision in Champions League

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      THE Champions League saw a very cheeky VAR decision last night.And the call left one team with the rump as it ultimately decided the match.Donyell Malen netted a late winner against Sturm Graz in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySerhou Guirassy was just onside in the build-up due to Emanuel Aiwu’s bottomThe bizarre incident came in the clash between Sturm Graz and Borussia Dortmund which the German side won 1-0.Donyell Malen netted the 85th-minute winner at Signal Iduna Park.But it was only given when a VAR check went in their favour.Incredible replays showed that Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy was kept onside in the build up to the goal by the tightest of margins.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUpon further inspection, it turned out that Guirassy was onside thanks to Emanuel Aiwu’s BACKSIDE.Fans could not help but feel bad for the defender who came unstuck due to his kiester.One posted: “Punished for having a thick stack? Game has gone.”A second wrote: “Booty too Big.”Most read in FootballIt was Emanuel Aiwu’s backside that ensured Dortmund remained onsideCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “I like big butts and I can not lie – Dortmund.”A fourth said: “He’s assisting Dortmund there, cheeky decision by VAR.”Watch the moment Dortmund and Celtic fans BOTH sing You’ll Never Walk AloneAnother added: “Saved by the butt.”The goal helped Dortmund seal the win to take their record in the competition to three wins from four games.After the game, manager and former Liverpool star Nuri Sahin praised his side’s performance as he insisted their energy levels were not “normal”.He told Dazn: “We completely controlled the game, apart from one phase between the 60th and 70th minutes.”We need to score our first goal earlier, that opens the door. We didn’t manage to do that. Up to the box, we were good and the plan worked out.”When you score the goal, the spaces get bigger. In the end, we got our reward.READ MORE SUN STORIES’I’m glad that we kept clear heads and got the job done. I told Donny that he needed to bring some intensity to the game.”I have to take my hat off to them. The way the boys ran, it wasn’t normal.”New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More