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      How Real Madrid could line up with Trent Alexander-Arnold as Carlo Ancelotti plots ‘new Champions League era’

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      REAL MADRID could be set to field a brand new Galacticos team next season.The Spaniards have spent the last five years realigning their finances and are getting ready to splash out on a fresh wave of star signings.Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti may launch a new Galacticos eraCredit: GettyLos Blancos have identified Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as their top targetCredit: GettyAccording to The Independent, Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is top of the pile for Los Blancos who need a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.Alexander-Arnold, 25, is out of contract this summer and can strike a pre-agreement with foreign clubs in January.The Spanish champions are also hoping to boost their midfield options with an ambitious move for Manchester City star Rodri.With City facing 115 charges of Financial Fair Play breaches, the Spain international could be on the move next summer.Read More on FootballThe 28-year-old reportedly wants to return to his homeland while still in his prime and would make a fine replacement for Toni Kroos.Real also want a new centre-back following Nacho’s exit to Saudi Arabia and Arsenal star William Saliba has emerged as a top choice.Long-term target Alphonso Davies could join as well as he is out of contract at Bayern Munich and looks unlikely to pen an extension.Those potential signings would launch a brand new Champions League-winning era for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal Madrid could be set to field a Galacticos line-up next seasonAlexander-Arnold could be the new starting right-back with Davies on the other side, while Saliba could team up with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Rodri could link up with Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham in midfield.Amazing tunnel footage shows Alexander-Arnold and Gordon planning England goal against Ireland before perfect executionAncelotti could also field a fiery attack consisted of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Endrick.Real Madrid have been linked with an ambitious move for Manchester City star RodriCredit: GettyArsenal ace William Saliba is a top target to replace Nacho at Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid long-term target Alphonso Davies will be out of contract at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

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      Erling Haaland could break outrageous Cristiano Ronaldo record in Champions League… but MUST score vs Inter Milan

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      ERLING HAALAND is on course to shatter one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible goal scoring records.But the Norwegian ace MUST score against Inter Milan in the Champions League first.Erling Haaland is one goal away from breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s recordThe former Real Madrid star is the currently the fastest player to 100 goalsWhile Ronaldo has many more records protected for now, Haaland could become the new fastest player to bag 100 goals for a European club.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner currently holds the record after reaching a century of goals in just 105 games for Real Madrid.Haaland currently sits on 99 City goals after just 103 appearances.This means he has ONE more game remaining to beat Ronaldo to triple digits.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Manchester City host Serie A champs Inter on Wednesday.If Haaland fails to score then he could equal Ronaldo’s record in Sunday’s mouth-watering Prem clash against title rivals Arsenal.With Haaland close to gaining Ronaldo’s title, Pep Guardiola joked that he’d be fine if the striker didn’t improve his game, as long he keeps scoring.Guardiola told the Manchester Evening News: “He can evolve but if you tell me in the next 100 games he scores another 99 goals, for me it’s fine.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As much games as he plays in this club, he will improve naturally. I played 11 years as a professional and I scored 11 goals. This guy scored nine in four. He can equal me in one game.”Haaland has started City’s new Prem campaign in sensational form, scoring nine goals in just four games.Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football questionThis included back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham.And the post denied him three consecutive hat-tricks in City’s 2-1 win over Brentford at the Etihad on Saturday.He set a new record by eclipsing the eight goals in four games netted by Wayne Rooney for Manchester United in the 2011-12 season.Should Haaland score once against Inter, he will tie Juventus icon Alessandro Del Piero on 42 Champions League goals.Two goals would see him go level with Neymar on 43.And three would equal that of respective Chelsea and Liverpool legends Didier Drogba and Mohamed Salah with 44.Meanwhile, Ronaldo became the first player ever to score 900 career goals in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia fortnight ago. More

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      How to watch AC Milan vs Liverpool in the Champions League for FREE

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      LIVERPOOL kick off their Champions League campaign with a trip to AC Milan TONIGHT.The two footballing giants have engaged in some of the most iconic European ties in recent times.The Champions League returns in SeptemberCredit: EPAThe most memorable clash between the pair being Liverpool’s miraculous comeback to claim the trophy from 3-0 at half-time in the 2005 Champions League final.Now, the Reds are enjoying life under new gaffer Arne Slot after making an impressive start to the new Premier League season.But the Dutchman’s attention will quickly turn to the Champions League as he takes charge of Liverpool for the first time in Europe.And you can catch all the action from the San Siro at no cost – SunSport has all the details below.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow to watch AC Milan vs Liverpool in Champions League for FREEThis season’s Champions League will see a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video will be showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.The first Champions League match that will be aired on the streaming platform will be AC Milan vs Liverpool on Tuesday, September 17.Most read in Champions LeagueWho is on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage?Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage will see Gabby Logan as the streaming giant’s lead presenter.Punditary will come from the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Josie Henning, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy and Laura Georges.Jon Champion and Alan Shearer will provide live commentary of every top Tuesday Champions League fixture, with Gabriel Clarke and Alex Aljoe reporting from inside the stadium More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Latest updates as Aston Villa travel to Young Boys while Liverpool face AC Milan

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      THE Champions League returns with the brand new league phase TONIGHT.36 teams will compete in the new format, with the top eight automatically qualifying for the knockout stages, while those who finish ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for a chance to fill the remaining eight spots.Tonight, Aston Villa end their 41-year wait for Champions League football as they travel to Young Boys for their opener.Elsewhere, Liverpool will renew their iconic European rivalry with AC Milan at the San Siro.Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich host Dinamo Zagreb, while Jude Bellingham will be aiming to return to the Real Madrid squad to face Stuttgart.Kick off times: 5.45pm/8pm BSTTV channels: TNT Sports/Amazon Prime VideoLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Juventus vs PSVHere are the line-ups in the other Champions League fixture to kick off at 5.45pm.Credit: xCredit: xCopy linkCopiedYoung Boys starting XIHere are Aston Villa’s opponents for the match in Switzerland.Von Ballmoos, Hadjam, Zoukrou, Ugrinic, Colley, Camara, Niasse, Athekame, Lauper, Ganvoula, Monteiro.Copy linkCopiedVilla team announcedHere is Aston Villa’s team to take on Young Boys.Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Torres, Digne, McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers, Ramsey, Watkins.Credit: AVFCCopy linkCopiedEmery ‘excited’ for Champions League bowAston Villa manager Unai Emery has spoken to the media ahead of the club’s fixture against Young Boys.The Spaniard has insisted that the players are excited but are expecting a “real challenge”.He said: “We are excited and I think it’s a good moment for the club after a long time not playing Champions League, hopefully we can stay in the competition for a long time now as well.”It’s really a challenge, last year our challenge was to get Europe and now it is to keep it because to play in the Champions League you have to be one of the eight contenders playing well in the Champions League.”But we have to enjoy each match, each moment in this competition. We’re really motivated, and can use our experiences from the other European competitions. We want to build, to create together with the players we already have and are adding. We want to be competitive.”Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedEarly kick-offsAston Villa kickstart their European campaign against Young Boys at the Wankdorf Stadium with kick-off at 5.45pm.Juventus also start early as they face PSV in Italy at the Allianz Stadium.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedHow does the new format work?Each club will play eight matches in the opening phase – four home games and four away games against seeded opposition in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.Clubs will only face other sides based on the pot they have been drawn out of and teams cannot face more than two opponents from the same country or from the same association.The top eight teams in the final table will automatically go through to the last 16.They will then be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides who were placed ninth to 24th in the table.Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from all European competitions this season – meaning that they will not drop into the Europa League similar to previous years.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedWho is playing who?There are six matches tonight with all the teams keen to make it a winning start to their campaigns.Juventus vs PSVYoung Boys vs Aston VillaReal Madrid vs StuttgartBayern Munich vs Dinamo ZagrebSporting Lisbon vs LilleAC Milan vs LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedGood afternoonHello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of the Champions League’s opening gameday.There will be some differences to this year’s tournament as there are no more group stages and more games to be played.Tonight will see English sides Liverpool and Aston Villa in action as well as European giants Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.Copy linkCopied More

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      Subtle change to Champions League coverage as Amazon Prime set to use feature loved by fans for AC Milan vs Liverpool

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      AMAZON PRIME will bring back a much-loved subtle feature for their Champions League coverage this season.Their first match is a blockbuster showdown between AC Milan and Liverpool, two teams who have lifted 13 European Cups between them.The substitute counter is back for Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageLiverpool travel to the San Siro to face AC MilanCredit: RexPrime video are set to pull out all the stops to impress fans in their first-ever coverage of Europe’s elite top competition.It has been confirmed that the popular substitute counter feature will be on display for the match at the San Siro.The feature appears in the top left corner of the screen above the scoreline.The tracker shows five little marks above each team – with the number of dashes reducing by one every time a substitution is made.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt makes it easy for fans to see how many more changes their manager has left in a game.Teams are allowed to make five substitutions per game.Amazon Prime have used this before when covering Premier League matches last season.And it proved a hit with fans, who called for it to be adopted by other broadcasters.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fan wrote on X: “The new sub tracking system on Prime is very useful. It’s surprising that it hasn’t been introduced sooner.”A second said: “So handy to see how many subs teams have left to use. It’s the little things🤏.”Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TVWhile another fan wrote last term: “I like that sub counter Prime Video have… It’s something Sky have to think about implementing too.”Amazon Prime gained the rights to show one Champions League match a week for the first-time ever this season.The streaming platform have been given the top pick each Tuesday, with football broadcaster veterans TNT Sports showing the remaining ties.And there will also be a free-to-air option for UK viewers for the first time in nearly a decade.That is because the BBC will show a Match of the Day-style highlights programme on Wednesdays as part of a three-year deal with Uefa.Meanwhile, it’s the fifth Champions League meeting between Liverpool and AC Milan.Their most famous encounter being the 2005 final in Istanbul when the Reds came back from 3-0 down to win on penalties. The two sides were also drawn in the same group during the 2021/22 Champions League, with the Merseyside team winning both encounters.READ MORE SUN STORIESArne Slot’s side go into their European opener on the back of their first defeat of the Prem campaign.Callum Hudson-Odi’s strike handed Nottingham Forest a shock win at Anfield last Saturday. More

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      Supercomputer reveals how many points teams need to get through new Champions League group stage… and avoid playoffs

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has revealed the most likely points tallies required to progress in the new-look Champions League.European football returns on Tuesday night with blockbuster games including AC Milan vs Liverpool.The new Champions League format begins on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyBut qualification for the knockout rounds of this year’s competition has changed as it is no longer eight groups of four teams.Instead, 36 teams are in one huge league and will play eight games against different opposition.The top eight will move straight into the last 16, while ninth to 24th go into a play-off round.According to Opta, the most likely points tally needed to finish in the top eight is 15.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is a 44.934 per cent chance this will seal an automatic spot in the last 16.Meanwhile, the cut off to place 24th or higher is expected to be nine points.There is a 53.463 chance a team will avoid one of the bottom 12 spots should they reach this tally.That is crucial under new Uefa rules as Champions League sides will no longer drop down into the Europa League.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.How the Supercomputer predicted the league phase to end upSunSport revealed on Tuesday that a supercomputer has predicted Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa and Atalanta to finish in the top eight.That means the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain will all have to go through the play-offs.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals bizarre thing that ‘turns him on’ during live Champions League drawTeams will play at least two extra games in this year’s Champions League.Four more additional matches will be played by the winner if they come through the play-off round.An expanded Club World Cup is also set to take place at the end of this season.And Manchester City midfieldier Rodri revealed on Tuesday ahead of his side’s clash with Inter Milan that players are close to striking due to too many matches.He said: “Yeah, I think we are close to that [striking], it is easy to understand.”If you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri.”If it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we don’t have any other option.” More

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      TNT Sports snap up Sky Sports pundit, 37, and will make debut TONIGHT in Champions League coverage

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      TNT SPORTS have swooped to snap up Karen Carney from Sky Sports.The former player-turned-pundit is one of the biggest names in football analysis.Karen Carney has been snapped up by TNT Sports from Sky SportsCredit: PAShe will make her Champions League debut tonight alongside Laura WoodsCredit: GettyAnd she will make her bow for TNT Sports in tonight’s Champions League coverage.Carney, 37, won 144 caps for England and is often seen on the screen giving her views on football’s top matches.But the ace has now switched sides after agreeing a deal to join TNT Sports.The broadcaster is showing this season’s European matches alongside Amazon Prime Video.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latter is showing Liverpool’s highly-anticipated trip to AC Milan later tonight.But before that, TNT Sports will be the place to catch Aston Villa against Young Boys, as well as a host of other games.The likes of Laura Woods, Ally McCoist and Rio Ferdinand will all be on the screen this evening.And Carney will also feature in TNT Sports’ Goals Show Xtra programme.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt starts at 7.30pm, allowing the broadcaster to bring live updates of the Liverpool game on Prime Video – as well as the latest scores from the other European matches.Carney said: “I am thrilled to be joining the TNT Sports team and being involved in the Uefa club competitions.The new Champions League format explained“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get watching the games with you all.”Carney is not the only big name appearing on the show though.Goals Show Xtra will be presented by Matt Smith while featuring a panel including two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves.Respected European experts Julien Laurens, James Horncastle and Rafa Honigstein will also provide their views on the continent’s top sides.And the group will return for tomorrow’s evening match between Manchester City and Inter Milan. More

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      Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson said ‘our opinion does not matter’

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      MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Rodri has suggested that players could go on strike over extreme fixture scheduling.The Spaniard made 50 appearances for City last season and even begged Pep Guardiola to give him a rest back in April.Rodri claims players could strike over the fixture scheduleCredit: PAIt was the second time he voiced concerns about player welfare, having already claimed his workload was “not healthy” the previous year.But he doubled down on his stance ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash between Man City and Inter Milan.Asked how many games is optimum for a footballer, Rodri said: “Honestly I don’t have an exact number.”From my experience I can tell you 60-70 now, between 40-50 is the amount a player can play in the highest level, after you drop because it is impossible to sustain the highest level.Read More in Football”This year we can go to 70, maybe 80, in my humble opinion it is too much. Someone has to take care of ourselves.”We are the main characters of this sport or business.”Not everything is money or marketing, it is also the quality of the show. When I am not tired I perform better and if the people want to see better football, we need to rest.”The 28-year-old was then quizzed about the possibility of players going on strike over the issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlisson Becker claims players’ opinions ‘do not matter’Credit: AFPHe added: “Yeah, I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand.”If you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri, if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we don’t have any other option.”What’s new this season? Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson also voiced his disapproval of the fixture scheduling this week.The Brazilian slammed UEFA’s new Champions League format in which teams are forced to play at least eight group stage games as opposed to six.Ahead of Liverpool’s match against AC Milan, he said: “For the supporters, it is amazing – more games, more bigger games.”For us players, it is good that you are going to play against the best in Europe.”But it is always a good idea to add some games to the calendar that is not busy… I am being a little bit ironic!”Sometimes, nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games.”So maybe our opinion does not matter. But everybody knows what we think. Everybody is tired of it.”It is a matter of sitting down all together and listening to all the parties. We have the media and TV, UEFA and FIFA, Premier League, domestic competitions.”We are not stupid and understand that. We understand that people want more games.”But the reasonable thing would be, all the people I mentioned – those who make the calendar – to sit together and listen to all the parties inclusive of the players.”The comments from both Rodri and Alisson come just a fortnight after PFA chief executive Maheta Molango suggested players should be limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.The players’ union boss said: “We need to protect the players from themselves.”They love playing, they are committed to playing and they don’t want to lose their starting spot.”But the fans are paying 100 per cent prices and not seeing 100 per cent of the show.”We think there should be a maximum number of games, between 50 and 60 per season, which can vary depending on your age.”But players must not play more than five or six games back to back and they must be allowed a minimum three weeks of complete rest in the summer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPlayers also have several international fixtures to contend with throughout the season as well as next summer’s new-look Club World Cup.Man City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among the European sides in line to compete at the tournament in the USA which runs from June 15 to July 13.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More