Champions League

LORIS KARIUS is on standby for Newcastle’s do-or-die Champions League clash with AC Milan – over five years after his blunders cost Liverpool in the final.Martin Dubravka is a doubt and with No 1 keeper Nick Pope crocked, the German could play his first Champions League game since the 2018 final when his howlers handed Real Madrid a 3-1 victory over the Reds. 
Loris Karius hopes for a shock Champions League comeback with ToonCredit: Getty
This clanger to let in a Gareth Bale shot topped off Karius’ 2018 nightmareCredit: AP
The first of his two infamous errors, way back 2,028 days ago, came at 0-0 after Karius was clattered by the elbow of Sergio Ramos early in the second half.
He carelessly rolled the ball for Karim Benzema to put Real in front, then let a long-range strike slip in for Gareth Bale to complete a double.
Karius, now 30, did not play again for Liverpool and has featured just once for the Magpies – in last season’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United – since arriving as a free agent last September.  
Dubravka was not seen at training yesterday. 
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Asked if he is fit for tomorrow night’s clash, Howe said: “That is slightly unclear. 
“It’s not really a position I want to rotate.
“Every team benefits from a settled back four and goalkeeper but let’s see what happens.”
Toon striker Callum Wilson backed Karius to shine if called upon at St James’ Park on Wednesday night. 
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A win could see Newcastle qualify for the Champions League knockouts if Borussia Dortmund avoid defeat against PSG, while a draw would ensure the Europa League. 
Wilson said: “All of our goalkeepers really, even Mark Gillespie, people you don’t see as much of, they’re all top goalkeepers.
“They will give you a run for your money in training during finishing practice.
“Whoever is between the sticks, I’m sure they’ll be more than capable.” More

MANCHESTER CITY could be thrown out of next season’s Champions League if they fail to win the Premier League.The Treble winners could be denied entry if sister club Girona win LaLiga.
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City could be thrown out of next season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Alamy
Both clubs are members of the City Football Group, who have complete ownership in City and are the largest single shareholders in Girona with a 47 per cent stake.
Uefa rules currently state that if clubs with the same owners qualify for the same competition, only the side with the highest league position will be allowed to enter.
The lower ranked side would instead be moved down to the next competition, which in this case would be the Europa League.
Girona are currently two points clear at the top of LaLiga after beating Barcelona on Sunday.
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This season’s LaLiga surprise package have never qualified for Europe, with 10th place their highest finish from three previous top flight seasons.
Meanwhile, City sit fourth in the Premier League and four points off leaders Liverpool.
Based on the two clubs’ current standings, Girona would enter the Champions League over last season’s winners.
Fortunately for City and Girona, though, CFG’s stake in Girona is below majority ownership and therefore avoids breaching Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules.
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Girona are two points clear at the top of La Liga after beating Barcelona on SundayCredit: Rex
However, John MacBeath is a director at both clubs according to their official websites and would have to step down from one of those rules if they both qualify for Europe.
Uefa could also ban CFG from transferring players between the two clubs, although the Telegraph report European football’s governing body are considering relaxing their multi-club ownership rules.
The issues facing City could also impact Manchester United once Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchases a 25 per cent stake in the club.

French side Nice are already owned by the British billionaire’s Ineos group and are second in Ligue 1, putting them on course for Champions League qualification.
If Nice maintain their current pace, the Red Devils would require a top two finish to enter the Champions League, a position they find themselves nine points below in sixth. More