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      Champions League star nearly reduced to tears as he receives heartwarming surprise after match

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      ATLETICO MADRID midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme nearly teared up as he received the Man of the Match on Tuesday night.The 23-year-old put on a stellar performance in Atletico’s 3-1 victory against Feyenoord in their Champions League group stage clash.
      Champions League star Rodrigo Riquelme could not believe he got the Man of the Match awardCredit: Instagram @atleticodemadrid
      Riquelme received the award after Atletico Madrid’s 3-1 win on Tuesday nightCredit: Instagram @atleticodemadrid
      The midfielder was nearly reduced to tears and gave a heartwarming responseCredit: Instagram @atleticodemadrid
      The 23-year-old put on a stellar performance against Feyenoord on Tuesday nightCredit: AFP
      Riquelme was stunned as he was handed the MVP after the game against the Dutch giants.
      Atletico secured the top spot in Group E as two own goals and a brilliant lob by Mario Hermoso sealed the fate of Diego Simeone’s men.
      But the most heartwarming part of the Spanish giant’s win is when midfielder Riquelme was gifted with the award.
      The La Liga side shared his reaction on their Instagram and the ex-AFC Bournemouth star was almost brought to tears.
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      In the clip, he emotionally said: “For me? You are teasing me.
      “I can’t believe this. Is this serious? I still can’t believe it. Holy moly.
      “You believe me when I say this, this is very special for me because I have been fighting for a long time to be able to play here, Atletico Madrid, the club of my life.
      “I never thought I could win the MVP of a Champions League match.
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      “This victory is so important for us. For me this is everything.”
      Riquelme joined Atletico Madrid’s youth setup in 2010 when he was ten.
      He made his debut with the reserves in March 2019 and then his first team and La Liga debut in September of that year.
      But after a struggling start to his senior career, he made a move to the English Championship on loan at Bournemouth where he made 19 appearances in the 2020-21 term.
      Then he was sent on another two season-long loans to Spanish second-division side Mirandes and La Liga’s Girona.
      But his efforts have not gone unnoticed as this term he has impressed boss Simeone and made ten appearances and scored two goals.
      And his improving form earned his Spain debut in their 3-1 win over Cyprus last week, coming off the bench for Mikel Oyarzabal. More

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      What do Man Utd need to do to qualify for last-16 of Champions League? Permutations explained

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face Galatasaray TONIGHT in their penultimate Champions League group stage game.Erik ten Hag’s side face an uphill battle to qualify for the last-16 of Europe’s elite competition.
      Man Utd will be hoping to take their impressive recent Premier League form into the Champions LeagueCredit: REUTERS
      Man Utd are bottom of Group A with just one win and three losses from their four Champions League games this season.
      The Red Devils were on the end of a dramatic 4-3 loss to Copenhagen last time out.
      Man Utd’s defeat to the Danes on Matchday 4 meant that their Champions League fate is no longer in their own hands.
      What do Man Utd need to do to qualify for last-16 of the Champions League?
      The Red Devils can only qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League by finishing second in Group A.
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      That is because Bayern Munich have already confirmed their title as group winners as the German giants have 12 points after winning all four of their games.
      If Man Utd lose against Galatasaray
      Should Man Utd lose against Galatasaray on Matchday 5 they will be OUT of the Champions League as the Turkish giants go four points ahead with only three left to play for.
      If Man Utd win against Galatasaray
      If Man Utd beat Galatasaray on their own turf, they would go up to six points and would qualify for the last-16 with a win against Bayern in their final game unless Copenhagen overcome the Germans and Galatasaray in their final two matches.
      Should Ten Hag’s side claim all three points in Istanbul but lose to the Germans in their final game, they would need Bayern to win against the Danes and there not to be a winner in Copenhagen vs Galatasaray.
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      If Man Utd draw with Galatasaray
      A draw in Istanbul and Bayern beating Copenhagen would mean a win over Thomas Tuchel’s side at Old Trafford would result in the Red Devils qualifying for the last-16 if Galatasaray fail to win against Copenhagen.
      Should the Danes draw in Munich and the Red Devils triumph over Bayern in their final Group A game, that would see them progress if Copenhagen vs Galatasaray ends in a draw.
      If the Turkish side beat the Danes in Gameweek 6 after drawing with Man Utd, they will go through to the knockout stages.
      If Man Utd draw in Istanbul and then beat Bayern and Copenhagen win their final group stage game after losing their penultimate Group A match, they would be both on seven points, but Ten Hag’s side would go through with a better head-to-head record as they have scored more away goals in the matches between the two.
      What happens if Man Utd, Galatasaray and Copenhagen all finish on 7 points in Group A?
      Remarkably, Man Utd, Galatasaray and Copenhagen could all finish on 7 points in Group A.
      Here is how each team’s final two matches would need to play out:

      Copenhagen beat Bayern, then lose to Galatasaray.
      Galatasaray lose to Man Utd, then beat Copenhagen.
      Man Utd beat Galatasaray, then draw with Bayern.

      Teams that finish level on points in the Champions League group stage are sorted by the following criteria.
      Unlike the Premier League – which uses goal difference when teams are tied on points – the Champions League separates the teams on head-to-head points among the two fixtures between the sides.

      Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goal difference in all group matches;
      Goals scored in all group matches;
      Away goals scored in all group matches;
      Wins in all group matches;
      Away wins in all group matches;
      Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
      UEFA club coefficient.

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      Which teams have already qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League?
      Here are all the teams that have qualified for the knockout stages so far:

      Bayern Munich
      Real Madrid
      Real Sociedad
      Inter Milan
      Manchester City
      RB Leipzig
      Atletico Madrid
      Lazio
      Borussia Dortmund
      FC Barcelona More

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      Braga vs Union Berlin LIVE SCORE: Latest Champions League updates as Portuguese side look to keep last-16 dream alive

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      BRAGA will host Union Berlin in a Champions League group stage clash TONIGHT.The Portuguese side would still have a chance of qualifying for the last-16 with a win against the Germans tonight.

      Kick off time: 8pm GMT
      TV channel/live stream: discovery+

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      Follow our live blog below… More

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      Kylian Mbappe brutally silences Newcastle fans after late equaliser in PSG Champions League clash

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN superstar Kylian Mbappe brutally slammed Newcastle by claiming “they have nothing”.The Magpies drew 1-1 with PSG at Parc Des Princes in a controversial Champions League encounter on Tuesday thanks to Mbappe’s late penalty kick.
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe slammed Newcastle at full-timeCredit: Rex
      Mbappe claimed Newcastle ‘have nothing’ after their Champions League matchCredit: Rex
      Tino Livramento was harshly punished with a questionable handball during stoppage time while Eddie Howe’s men were still 1-0 up thanks to Alexander Isak’s opener.
      However, the Toon were almost absent after Isak’s opener on 24 minutes as they couldn’t register a single shot on target.
      The French champions, on the other hand, produced a total of 31 shots and dominated Newcastle.
      Mbappe wasn’t impressed with the Premier League giants’ performance in Paris.
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      However, the star striker was also critical of PSG’s inability to take their chances as they only managed seven shots on target.
      Mbappe said: “It’s frustrating because we dominated this team from start to finish.
      “They have nothing. We knew it was their game to have nothing but we have to finish our chances better.
      “We have too many chances for a Champions League match. It’s not the structure or the organisation, it’s us the players. We need to be much more diligent in front of goal.
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      “In tough matches, we have to kill, we had too many chances. Normally we should win the match by a wide margin.
      “There is nothing to be relieved about. We have to stay under pressure because we have a match to win and we are going there to win it.
      “Now there is the championship where we have to win the matches, but we go to Dortmund to win and I believe there is always an opportunity to be first.
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      “This has been our objective from the start so it is up to us to go to Dortmund with the ambition and the certainty of winning.
      “You have to play with personality. The idea was that we were there today, now we have to work. You have to work in front of goal. We can’t afford to have so many actions and not score.
      “If we play like that, with the same opportunities and we are more skillful, things will go well in Dortmund.’ More

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      Real Sociedad vs RB Salzburg LIVE SCORE: Latest Champions League updates as Spanish side look to increase lead at top

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      REAL SOCIEDAD will host RB Salzburg in their penultimate Group D match.The Spanish side have already qualified for the last-16, while the Austrians can only hope for a place in the Europa League as they cannot mathematically get a top-two spot.

      Kick off time: 8pm GMT
      TV channel/live stream: discovery+

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      When is Champions League last-16 draw? Teams, TV channel, stream and full schedule for fixtures

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      THERE’S nothing quite like a Champions League draw to rattle your nerves – and the last-16 pairings will be revealed sooner than we think.Manchester City became the first English club to qualify and the holders can wrap up Group G with a 100% winning record should they win on matchday six.
      Manchester City currently have a 100% win record in the Champions League this seasonCredit: Getty
      Newcastle were robbed of a point after Kylian Mbappe’s late penaltyCredit: Getty
      Arsenal just need a point from their final two games to book themselves a last-16 spot.
      While Manchester United and Newcastle’s routes to the next round is a little bit more complicated.
      But when exactly is the Champions League draw?
      When is the Champions League last-16 draw?

      Fans find out the fate of the Champions League draw on Monday, December 18.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 11am GMT – 12pm local time.
      The huge draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland.
      Group winners are set to face runners-up in other groups unless they play in the same country.

      Read more in Champions League
      How can I watch it?

      Fans can watch the Champions League last-16 draw for FREE on UEFA.com.
      Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s live blog which will have the latest updates as the draw is announced.

      What teams will be in the Champions League last-16 draw?

      Atletico Madrid (ESP)
      Barcelona (ESP)
      Bayern Munich (GER)*
      Borussia Dortmund (GER)
      Lazio (ITA)
      RB Leipzig (GER)**
      Manchester City (ENG)*
      Real Madrid (ESP)
      Real Sociedad (ESP)

      *Confirmed group winners*Confirmed group runners-up
      When do the Champions League last-16 matches take place?
      The round of 16 will be played over the course of four weeks
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      First legs: 13/14/20/21 February 2024
      Second legs: 5/6/12/13 March 2024 More

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      Rio Ferdinand breaks silence after Man Utd legend taken ill during TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage

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      RIO FERDINAND has spoken out after the Manchester United legend was taken ill during TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage on Tuesday.The sports pundit has assured fans on his social media that he is well and will be heading to Istanbul ahead for Man Utd’s clash against Galatasaray.
      Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he is well and ready for Manchester United match on Wednesday nightCredit: X/rioferdy5
      Ferdinand fell ill during the TNT Sports Champions coverage on TuesdayCredit: Alamy
      The Manchester United legend was part of the coverage alongside Laura Woods, Jermaine Jenas and Shay Given for Newcastle’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
      However, having provided insight before the match and at half-time, he was absent after the game with TNT confirming he had left due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
      It was later reported he felt ill and returned to the hotel to rest.
      Ferdinand has now confirmed he is feeling better and will return to screens tonight to cover Man Utd’s match from Rams Park in Istanbul.
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      In a tweet, the England icon said: “Don’t panic people… I’m alive & kicking ready for tonight’s action in Istanbul! UNITED UNITED ❤️.”
      He then attached a video of sports pundit Darren Fletcher and himself riding through the airport in Paris heading for their flight to Istanbul.
      And again Ferdinand reassured fans that he would not miss Man Utd’s Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
      He said: “I almost didn’t make this flight man. I almost didn’t make this game.
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      “But it’s Manchester United in Istanbul I had to be here.”
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      United fans are still buzzingfrom Alejandro Garnacho’s mind-blowing goal against Everton and United’s Premier League form.
      Having won five games out of their last six, they’ll be hopeful of securing a much-needed victory in their Champions League group stage clash.
      Ten Hag’s men have only secured one win out of four in group A and sit bottom of the table.
      They lost 3-2 to Galatasaray at home last month and are desperate to turn things around. More

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      Former Man Utd star Dimitar Berbatov sends club X-rated warning as Red Devils prepare to step into ‘crazy atmosphere’

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      DIMITAR BERBATOV has issued a stark warning to Manchester United ahead of their crunch Champions League clash with Galatasaray.The Red Devils face the Turkish champions in Istanbul this evening with their hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging by a thread.
      Manchester United’s hopes of reaching the last-16 of the Champions League are on a knife edgeCredit: PA
      The Red Devils must beat Galatasaray in Istanbul to have any chance of reaching the knockout stagesCredit: EPA
      Ex-United hitman Dimitar Berbatov has urged Ten Hag’s troops not to make any stupid mistakesCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag’s troops are ROCK BOTTOM of Group A with just three points to their name after four matches, although they are just a solitary point behind second and third-placed FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
      Defeat at the notoriously hostile Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi stadium will end United’s slim hopes of reaching the knockout stages and leave them battling for a Europa League place.
      And former Red Devil Berbatov insists his old side’s predicament is all of their own doing.
      He told Betfair: “The chances are still there for United to qualify – they can do it.
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      “It depends on the other games as well. It’s going to be tough for sure because United have put themselves in that position.
      “Now, they need to get out of this position and this goes by taking points from Galatasaray, away, which is not an easy thing to do and Bayern Munich, it’s Bayern Munich. So, it’s very difficult.
      ‌”United need to get a good result at Galatasaray.”
      Bulgarian Berbatov is adamant Ten Hag’s hot and cold charges need to put the hostile atmosphere they’ll experience to the back of their minds as soon as they step out on the pitch.
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      He said: “With United’s current form, the chances are there for them.
      “Every game is different, especially when you go to Galatasaray – they have good players and crazy fans.
      “But forget that when you step on the pitch, try to concentrate and know you have good players, hungry players coming into the team full of confidence and try to mix it with experience.
      “Try to attack and score goals and don’t make f***ing stupid mistakes.
      ‌”I remember playing against Besiktas for Spurs at the old Inonu Stadium – we won 2-0 – but Robbie Keane was two or three metres from me, I was screaming loudly to try to make him hear me, and he couldn’t hear.
      ‌”The stadium was like an earthquake. They were passionate and supported their team.
      “Galatasaray get even more passionate when a big team like United come to their ground, so that’s why I’m expecting a crazy atmosphere.”
      Ten Hag knows his troops will walk into a cauldron this evening but is confident they’ll be able to handle the fiery atmosphere and get a result.
      The Dutchman said: “We know we can [win away in Europe] and we are confident.
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      “The last games away from home in the leaue were also very hostile environments.
      “We played very well. We were very clam and composed.” More