Champions League

ARSENAL could play their final Champions League group stage match in front of just 9,000 fans due to UEFA protocol.The Gunners are set to conclude their group stage campaign with a trip to Girona in January.The capacity of Girona’s stadium has been slashedCredit: ReutersOnly 9,000 fans will be allowed to attend Champions League gamesCredit: ReutersThey will face the La Liga side at Estadi Montilivi, a 14,600-capacity stadium in Catalonia.However, just over 9,000 fans will be able to attend the match.The stadium has temporary stands on all four sides to maximise capacity.But UEFA rules state these cannot be used during Champions League matches.Read More in FootballGirona will be forced to play in a half-empty stadium as a result.And travelling clubs have allegedly been limited to just 450 tickets.The White and Reds hosted their first ever Champions League match on Wednesday.They suffered a 3-2 defeat to Dutch side Feyenoord after conceding two own goals.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGirona also fell to a 1-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain last month after goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga put the ball into his own net.The Spanish side have now equalled Fenerbahce’s record for the most own goals scored in a Champions League campaign.Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star Following two defeats, they now sit 30th in the group stage table.Meanwhile, Arsenal are 13th with four points from two games.The Gunners cruised to a 2-0 win over PSG on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A More

JAMES McATEE’S mum and dad missed the magic moment he has waited more than a decade for — as they were 840 miles away at Northampton’s Sixfields Stadium instead!The England Under-21 international scored his first senior goal for Manchester City in the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night.James McAtee netted Man City’s fourth goal against BratislavaCredit: ReutersBut the 21-year-old’s parents were not at the game to watchCredit: APLocal lad McAtee, 21, has been turning out for the club since the Under-11s and admits he has dreamt about this day since his  journey at the City Football Academy beganYet his parents did not travel to Slovakia – instead choosing to watch their other son John, 25, score for Bolton in a League One clash against the Cobblers.Attacking midfielder McAtee said: “It’s a long way to come for my family.”My brother played and scored on Tuesday night as well — and they went to go and watch him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s something I’ve dreamt of for my whole life. I cant explain it but I’m over the moon. It’s one of the better days of my life.McAtee is known as the Salford Silva as his style of playing in the pocket is similar to that of Etihad legend David.Compliments do not come much bigger than that in this part of Manchester — and Pep Guardiola has thought highly of him for some time. When he spent two loan spells at Sheffield United from July 2022 to this summer, there must have been doubts he would ever make the grade for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the City boss has full faith in him — maybe more than the player himself.Guardiola said: “I always had the feeling that I believe he can play here more than he does. Hopefully minutes can help him and show he is part of that.Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence “Of course, he will not be a regular player this season but in a lot of games he will help us and when he plays like he did here, I can always count on him perfectly.”Everyone adores him, you have seen the reaction of the players, everyone loves him.”City turned down offers of more than £30million in the summer as Guardiola wanted him to be part of his first-team squad and he featured in their pre-season tour of the US.McAtee said he would be fine to have a season where he never played as he was convinced being around one of the greatest bosses ever would help him develop.So far he is getting chances, like in the season-opening Charity Shield and the League Cup tie against Watford last month.        And he said: “I definitely think I’m sharper. Last year I was playing a bit wider, now I’m more central. “I’m getting to grips with that. I feel better now than I did two months ago. When I’m going out there now it’s not as chaotic.”For example, against Watford I hadn’t played for a while and it was a bit chaotic at the start. But today I felt a lot calmer and more composed.”Basically the manager is telling me to go and have fun. A bit more tactical but go and be myself and feel good about myself.McAtee’s brother John was on target for Bolton at NorthamptonCredit: Rex”With the way they set up I think I needed a bit of freedom to come and get the ball. It was so tight in there, lots of teams have done it already this year.”He gives me freedom when coming on to try to affect the game as much as I can.”City have had to rethink their midfield plans for the season following the serious knee injury suffered by Rodri – and that could lead to more opportunities for McAtee.The Spaniard is out for the rest of the season following ACL surgery with Ilkay Gundogan, 33, another option Guardiola can turn to in the middle of the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcAtee added: “Rodri’s a different position to me. It was bad news when we heard and it got the lads down a little bit.”Gundo can maybe drop a bit deeper and I’m just being patient, waiting for my chance and grabbing it when I do get it.” More

UNAI EMERY didn’t hold back with his tactics during Aston Villa’s 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.The Villa boss substituted Leon Bailey off the pitch just 33 minutes after bringing the winger on.Unai Emery made a ruthless decision during Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe manager hooked Leon Bailey 33 minutes after bringing him on the pitchCredit: TNT SPORTSBailey had been substituted on in the first half after an injury to Jacob RamseyCredit: AlamyBailey wasn’t happy with the decision but still made a respectful exit from the pitchCredit: TNT SPORTSBailey had been introduced in the first half after Jacob Ramsey was forced off with injury in the 27th minute.But after failing to make an impact on the game, Emery had seen enough after just 15 minutes of the second half.In the 60th minute the former Arsenal boss decided he as going to change things up, hooking Bailey and replacing him with Ian Maatsen.Bailey had made just six accurate passes during his time on the pitch and had given the ball away twice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were shocked but ultimately understanding on social media.One wrote: “Unai Emery brought in Leon Bailey as a forced substitute in first half, and subbed him off in second half before 60 mins. A coach that requires standards”.While another added: “That’s how you know your manager is reading the game.”A third commented: “Unai Emery couldn’t stand his performance then got rid of him and rightly so”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a fourth chimed in: “Leon Bailey was poor, not surprised he got subbed off. Even though he came on as a sub.”Bailey didn’t kick up a fuss when heading off, as players have been known to do in the past, despite being visibly miffed by the decision. Fans ask ‘do they hate him-‘ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakesInstead the Jamaican International accepted his fate and shook the hand of the manager as he made his way to the bench.Emery’s tactics appeared to be working with another tactical change just 10 minutes later making the difference between the two sides.The 52-year-old brought on Jhon Duran for Ollie Watkins in the 70th minute.Just nine minutes after the bold change and the 20-year-old Colombian pulled off a wonderful chip to beat Manuel Neuer and secure a mammoth win for Villa over European giants Bayern Munich.Unbelievably, Villa are now effectively joint-top of the Champions League group phase having won both of their opening two games in the competition.Emery made the bold decision to sub Ollie Watkins late in the gameCredit: ReutersIt paid off when substitute Jhon Duran lobbed Manuel Neuer just nine minutes laterCredit: RexDuran’s goal fired Villa to a 1-0 win over Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters More

THERE was 1980s nostalgia in the air at Villa Park – so trust the bloke called Duran to bring the house down.Aston Villa 1 Bayern Munich 0 is the most famous scoreline in the history of this great football club – ever since the night Peter Withe won them the European Cup in Rotterdam 42 years ago.Jhon Duran came off the bench to hit a wonderful winner against Bayern MunichCredit: PAThe striker hit a scorcher from distance to send Villa Park into rapturesCredit: ReutersDuran was named Player of the Match despite only being on the pitch for 20 minutesCredit: GettyDuran has now scored five goals off the bench this seasonCredit: GettyThat was when Birmingham’s own Duran Duran were a permanent fixture at the top of the charts.Jhon Duran, Aston Villa’s extraordinary supersub, always leaps off the bench, hungry like the wolf.And he netted a spectacular late winner – his sixth goal of the season, and his fifth as a sub – to recreate the result of Villa’s finest ever victory.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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs Villa Park rattled and hummed with noise – with the words from the TV commentary of Withe’s winner plastered across the Doug Ellis Stand – here was a night worth waiting more than four decades to enjoy.Bayern may have dominated for long periods but Villa defended manfully, had a first-half Pau Torres effort ruled out and ought to have seen Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano sent off before the break.Whatever your opinion of the new group-stage format – and if you think it’s any good, then you’re wrong – this was one fixture, one occasion, which dripped with meaning.Villa’s first home fixture in Europe’s elite competition in 41 years, and against the club they defeated to capture the trophy.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe air was acrid with pyrotechnics and a huge banner was unfurled in front of the Holte End but in truth they didn’t need any gimmicks – Villa Park provides one of the last great authentic atmospheres in English football.The old place rattled and hummed but the Germans had a strut on, bossing possession, making obvious they were the club who belonged in this tournament, and who’d won their opening match 9-2.What does John McGinn’s celebration mean?Prince William was loving every moment of the matchCredit: PAHe couldn’t take his eyes off the thrilling actionCredit: PAYou only had to look at Bayern’s bench to recognise their immense strength – Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka, Joao Palhinha – never mind the 11 blokes Vincent Kompany had actually selected to start. And the visiting fans were certainly in high spirits, with one caught on camera appearing to prepare to snort a substance off his hand.Harry Kane had been passed fit after an ankle injury and his early header forced Emi Martinez to save with his boot, yet the England skipper was offside.Villa were relying on counter-attacks and Dayot Upamecano was having kittens trying to deal with the pace of Ollie Watkins.First the Bayern defender bundled Watkins over only for Romanian ref Radu Petrescu to wave play on.The next time Villa broke, Watkins turned Upamecano again, was dragged down and Petrescu showed the yellow card he ought to have brandished the first time around.  Villa thought they had taken the lead through Pau Torres but it was ruled out for offsideCredit: ReutersVilla then suffered a blow as Jacob Ramsey was forced off injuredCredit: PAThe popularity of the match officials went down another notch when Villa were denied an opener by VAR.A Lucas Digne up and under caused chaos and Pau Torres stabbed in. The Holte End went berserk and even the Prince of Wales was caught on camera punching  the air.Yet even the heir to the throne has no authority over UEFA’s robot linesmen, who spotted that Jacob Ramsey was marginally offside in the build-up.Ramsey had to limp off soon after, replaced by Leon Bailey, who had been surprisingly dropped in favour of youngster Jaden Philogene in a bold call from Emery.  When Watkins broke again, the flailing Upamecano cleared only as far as Amadou Onana, who shot straight at Manuel Neuer.Both sides then struggled to find a way to goalCredit: PAOllie Watkins was denied on several occasionsCredit: PABayern had been rocking but began to reassert their authority.Serge Gnabry dashed down the right and drilled into the side-netting when he ought to have centred for Kane, who swore at him heartily in English, not German.Soon, Michael Olise’s curler from outside the box was tipped over by Martinez.And the half ended with more eccentric refereeing from Petrescu, who refused to book Kane for wrestling over Morgan Rogers to halt a breakaway in what was one of the most obvious yellow-card offences it is possible to imagine.At half-time, Kompany sent on Musiala for Kingsley Coman and Bayern continued to hog the ball – Ezri Konsa survived a penalty shout for handball and Olise had a couple of shots blocked.Duran was called on with about 20 minutes left to change Villa’s fortunesCredit: PAHis amazing hit sealed a historic winCredit: ReutersEmery responded to Bayern’s dominance with a double change – ruthlessly subbing sub Bailey in the process.His replacement, Ian Maatsen, then rifled a shot over after some neat work from Youri Tielemans.But Musiala was finding his dancing feet, bobbing and weaving his way through half the Villa team to win a corner.Next, Emery withdrew Watkins and sent on Duran and nine minutes later his moment arrived.Martinez rolled out the ball to Torres who sent a through-ball up the right allowing Duran to lash home a first-time shot past the stranded Neuer.Emi Martinez produced several great late savesCredit: GettyThe goalie hailed Duran and Villa’s fans after the winCredit: AlamyBayern continued to press but somebody must have saved a prayer for Villa.Speaking after the game, captain Martinez revealed boss Emery was the mastermind behind Duran’s delight chip over Neuer.He said: “We knew Neuer plays high. We watched a lot of movies with the manager this morning. He had that in his mind.”On Duran’s impact, Martinez added: “He came back with a different mentality this season. He’s willing to work hard, he’s pushing Ollie all the way, they can play together.”He’s a super sub, the first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the best goals in history.”Supporters were jubilant with the amazing winCredit: GettyDuran will go down in history with the Villa faithfulCredit: GettyMartinez also opened up over denying Kane on several occasions as he hailed Villa’s defence.The World Cup winner said: “You know with Harry Kane, you know that he’s always going to hit on target at some point in the game so I’ve working a lot with moving and making saves.”We are committed [more] defensively Champions League, we need to transmit that into the Premier League now, we are conceding some sloppy goals in the Premier League, we need to find that balance, we know we can keep clean sheets so we move on from here.”On the result and Villa fans’ celebrations, he added: “It’s a statement, there’s still a lot to play. We want to qualify in the first eight, in the top eight, it’s one step at a time.”We’ve got Bologna at home now in our second game, we are probably more relaxed but we want to win every game.”It’s unreal to be fair. This is the loudest Villa Park that I’ve heard since I joined the club, that’s for sure, it was hurting my ears at some point. It’s a club that is moving forward. “It’s the main reason why I stay in this football club. I love playing here, I love the fans, this is a win for them.”Manager Emery was also full of praise for Duran, saying: “We’re working with him, but most important is his attitude and commitment now with us. He changed a lot in his mind, he’s being focused each minute he’s playing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “Try to enjoy the way. We want to keep it for long time, playing consistent in Europe. “It’s very important defensively to be strong. Emi Martinez did amazing job, Carlos & Konsa were fantastic and others. Both players they needed to improve playing together.” More