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      Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk LIVE: Latest Champions League updates – stream, TV channel info

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      REAL MADRID have been stand-out performers in Champions League Group F and now host second placed Shakhtar Donetsk in what could prove to be their toughest clash yet.Los Blancos have cruised in the group so far, beating Celtic 3-0 in Scotland before a comfortable 2-0 victory against RB Leipzig last time out as the current holders look to keep up their winning record.
      Shakhtar Donetsk embarrassed RB Leipzig on the opening day of the group, thrashing the German’s 4-1 away from home before drawing 1-1 with Celtic.

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      Juventus vs Maccabi Haifa LIVE: Latest Champions League updates – stream, TV channel info

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      JUVENTUS host Maccabi Haifa in Champions League action with both sides desperately searching for their first points in the group.Suffering an embarrassing 2-1 defeat at home to Benfica last time out, Juventus were also beaten by PSG in their opening match of the group.
      Maccabi Haifa share similar woes, sitting bottom of the group, having conceded one one more goal and scored one less than Juventus.
      Kick-off: 8pmTV/live stream: BT Sport 6
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      Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb LIVE: Latest Champions League updates – stream, TV channel info

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      DINAMO ZAGREB travel to Austria to face FC Red Bull Salzburg in Group E of the Champions League, as the Croatians look to go top of the group.With just a point between the two sides, Dinamo Zagreb could go top of the group with a victory, depending on results elsewhere.
      The Croatians came out 1-0 victors over Chelsea in the opening game of the group before suffering defeat to AC Milan, with RB Salzburg drawing their first two matches.
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      Is the Champions League group stage decided on goal difference or head-to-head?

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      THE Champions League group stage continues tonight with all eyes on Europe’s elite competition.Chelsea take on AC Milan this evening while Man City travel to Copenhagen for their European duties.
      Groups are expected to finish in typically tight fashion, but only 16 teams can reach the knockout stages of the competition.
      So what happens if teams finish on the same number of points in the group? We’ve got all the answers for you. Credit: Reuters
      Manchester United could need a better head-to-head to progress
      How are teams that finish level on points sorted in the Champions League?
      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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      RB Leipzig vs Celtic LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news for big Champions League clash – latest updates

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      CELTIC will be looking to get their first win in the Champions League tonight as they face RB Leipzig in Germany.The Bundesliga side, however, are also unbeaten and have yet to register a single point in the group stages.

      Start time: 5.45pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 4
      Leipzig XI: Gulacsi, Smakan, Orban, Szoboszlai, Raum, Silva, Schalger, Gbardiol, Kampl, Werner, Nkunku
      Celtic XI: Hart, Juranovic, Jenz, Welsh, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate, Jota, Maeda, Kyogo

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      Celtic starting XI:
      Ange Postecoglou plays the same side who beat Motherwell on the weekend.
      1. Hart, 88. Juranovic, 57. Welsh, 6. Jenz, 3. Taylor, 33. O’Riley, 42. McGregor, 41. Hatate, 38. Maeda, 8. Kyogo, 17. Jota
      Credit: @CelticFC
      RB Leipzig subs:
      8. Haidara, 9. Poulsen, 10. Forsberg, 21. Blaswich, 23. Halstenberg, 37. Diallo, 38. Novoa, 39. Henrichs
      RB Leipzig starting XI:
      With the injuries to Konrad Laimer, Lukas Klostermann and Dani Olmo Leipzig do not make many changes to the side that featured on the weekend.
      1. Gulacsi, 2. Simakan, 4. Orban, 32. Gvardiol, 22. Raum, 24. Schlager, 44. Kampl, 17. Szoboszlai, 18. Nkunku, 11. Werner, 19. Andre Silva
      Credit: @RBLeipzig_EN
      Head to head
      RB Leipzig have played Celtic twice previously.
      They did so in the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League group stage.
      Leipzig won the tie at the Red Bull Arena 2-0, while Celtic won 2-1 in Glasgow.
      Credit: SNS
      RB Leipzig vs Celtic match odds
      RB Leipzig 1/2
      Draw 18/5
      Celtic 9/2
      Brought to you by Betfair.
      Hoops looking to turn tide
      Celtic have never won an away match in Germany in 13 previous attempts (D3, L10).
      They have failed to score in nine of those games and have only registered six goals in the other games.
      The Hoops have only won one of their previous 13 games in the UEFA Champions League (D3, L9).
      Scotland looking for some European cheer
      After Rangers’ defeat at Anfield last night, neither of the Scottish teams in the Champions League have managed to register a win thus far.
      Celtic will be looking to break an away record that has not seen them win on the road in the competition since 2017.
      Their last away win was a 3-0 victory over Anderlecht in Belgium.
      Celtic boss wary of German challenge
      The Hoops head coach outlined what he is expecting from tonight’s opponents:
      If you look at their recent form, they’re definitely a goal threat and they’ve got both individual players, but the manner in which they play, they’re an aggressive side as well, and we kind of know what to expect.Ange PostecoglouCeltic
      Leipzig back to winning ways
      The German side avoided a third straight defeat in all competitions at the weekend with a 4-0 win over Bochum VfL in the Bundesliga.
      Chelsea-linked Christopher Nkunku and former Blues forward Timo Werner were in fine form.
      Both players scored a brace to claim their third league win in eight matches this season.
      Welcome to RB Leipzig vs Celtic
      RB Leipzig welcome Celtic to the Red Bull Arena with both teams searching for their first win in this season’s Champions League campaign.
      If either side has any ambitions of making the last-16, victory tonight is a must, the German side will be looking to force their dominance on Celtic from the off.
      Leipzig duo Konrad Laimer and Lukas Klostermann are both ruled out with ankle injuries, while Dani Olmo is sidelined with a ligament problem.
      Rose is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, with centre-back Mohamed Simakan set to continue at right-back in the absence of Klostermann and Xaver Schlager deputising for Laimer in centre-midfield alongside Kevin Kampl.
      Werner, who was an unused substitute the last time Leipzig faced Celtic five years ago, is expected to start in attack with Nkunku, who was directly involved in nine Champions League goals in just six group games last season.
      As for Celtic, Carl Starfelt (knee) and Georgios Giakoumakis (leg) are both set to miss out through injury, while Cameron Carter-Vickers (knock) and James McCarthy (illness) are both doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
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      Klopp hailed for ‘outstanding man-management’ after getting Liverpool to give Alexander-Arnold standing ovation

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      JURGEN KLOPP was hailed for his “outstanding man-management” for getting Liverpool fans to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a confidence-boosting standing ovation.The right-back, 23, has been at the centre of debate in recent weeks.
      Jurgen Klopp substituted Trent Alexander-Arnold off in injury time against RangersCredit: Getty
      The Liverpool star applauded the Kop as he headed off the pitchCredit: BT Sport
      Jurgen Klopp encouraged the Anfield crowd to show their supportCredit: BT Sport
      The Reds supporters gave Alexander-Arnold a standing ovationCredit: BT Sport
      Questions marks remain over his defensive abilities and whether he will be in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next month’s World Cup.
      But the Reds defender went some way to silencing his critics with a superb free-kick seven minutes into the Champions League win over Rangers.
      And Klopp withdrew the academy graduate in the 93rd minute to ensure the Anfield faithful showed their appreciation and support.
      As Alexander-Arnold headed towards the sideline to be replaced by Joe Gomez for the closing seconds, Klopp gestured to the home fans, urging them to ramp up their applause.
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      Alexander-Arnold appeared to feel touched by the reaction and gave his manager a hug as he went off – while fans lauded Klopp on social media.
      One said: “Outstanding man-management. The best in the business.”
      Another wrote: “Unreal psychology by Jurgen Klopp to instigate that.”
      And a final supporter wrote: “Exactly what he needed.”
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      Klopp singled out his full-back for particular praise following the victory.
      The German said: “He played a good game, defensively especially.
      “We set it up differently.
      “We cannot talk about that every week but Trent has no defensive problem.
      “We had a defensive problem – hopefully ‘had’.”
      The right-back set Liverpool on their way to victory with his expert free-kickCredit: AFP More

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      Meet Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the ‘Georgian Maradona’ who is tearing Serie A apart for Napoli after fleeing Russia war

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      KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA has been dubbed the next Diego Maradona – and has the perfect nickname to go with it. Napoli fans did not take long to fall in love with their bargain summer signing who has endured an eventful year fleeing war, moving to “beautiful” Naples and tearing up right-backs for fun in the Champions League. 
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is proving to be an instant hit with Napoli fansCredit: AFP
      The wideman scored his first Champions League goal in the thrashing of AjaxCredit: Getty
      The 21-year-old is described as “shy” off the field but makes his mark on itCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kvara7/?hl=en
      The 21-year-old scored his first goal in the competition in Napoli’s 6-1 thrashing of Ajax to take his record for the Italian giants to six goals and four assists in 11 appearances and 20 in 33 overall in 2022. 
      That includes five in eight in his first two months in Serie A – behind only Marko Arnautovic this season.
      And with his electrifying pace and sublime skill, it is no wonder his new adoring supporters are calling him Kvaradona after their iconic legend and arguably the greatest footballer of all time. 
      FITS THE TBIL
      Kvaratskhelia was born in Tbilisi, Georgia in February 2001 and is the son of former Azerbaijan international Badri Kvaratskhelia. 

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      However, despite getting into football aged eight, the new superstar insists he has never played just to keep his father happy but purely for his own love of the game. 
      It did not take him long to progress through the ranks at hometown club Dinamo Tbilisi, where he made his debut aged 16 but was soon snapped up by Rustavi, from whom he joined Lokomotiv Moscow on loan in 2019, winning the Russian Cup. 
      The 6ft ace signed a five-year permanent deal with Rubin Kazan in the Russian top flight later that same year aged 18 and made an immediate impact. 
      Kvaratskhelia’s debut season saw him collect FOUR player of the month awards, named in L’Equipe’s top 50 players born in the 21st century and his market value increase FIVE-FOLD. 
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      However, as the illegal invasion of Ukraine halted the 2021-22 season, the wizard winger was allowed to suspend his contract and returned home to Georgia, joining Dinami Batumi in March for the remainder of the campaign. 
      CAUGHT RIVALS NAP-PING
      His performances with Rubin Kazan and Georgia already had scouts across Europe sitting up and taking notice, especially at Napoli. 
      But Italy always seemed destined to be the next step – despite transfer interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.
      AC Milan was one option but Juventus were in pole position with Fabio Paratici having a deal all agreed until he left for Spurs. 
      That enabled Napoli to pounce and – with the help of two former AC Milan players, advisor Cristian Zaccardo and Kakha Kaladze – finally land Kvaratskhelia for just £9million (€10m) until 2027. 
      Kvaratskhelia was born and raised in Georgia and loves to go back to the mountainsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kvara7/?hl=en
      He is a two-time Georgian footballer of the year and already has heroic statusCredit: Reuters
      Any fears Luciano Spalletti may have had about his new left winger, who can also operate on the right or centrally, settling in were quickly eliminated – no doubt helped by the pizza lover getting his chops into a local Neapolitan. 
      Kvaratskhelia scored two and set up another on his unofficial friendly debut then became the first player in Napoli’s history to score three goals in their first two league matches as he led the Serie A golden boot race and was named player of the month for August in a scintillating start. 
      It could have been ever better for Kvaratskhelia but for the width of the post – a classy Zinedine Zidane-esque turn and rocket shot crashed against the upright and denied the youngster a goal of the season contender. 
      GOALS GALORE
      Already blessed with bags of talent, creative flair, an ability and confidence to dribble past defenders, comfortable with both feet and strong in the air, Kvaratskhelia has now added goals to his game. 
      It means he really does have no obvious weakness, a remarkable feat for someone so young and early in their career who is taking every new challenge in his stride, including dealing with 200,000 new Instagram followers in the last month.
      Kvaratskhelia is unpredictable and seems to be made to play in EuropeAlessandro Del Piero
      Spalletti, whose side sit top of the Serie A table and Group A in Europe, said: “He is able to control any ball and make it clean, he has this very shy way of doing things, he never wants to be the centre of attention, but when he plays football, he is so confident.”
      Italy hero Alessandro Del Piero added: “Watch out for Kvaratskhelia. He is unpredictable and talented, he seems to be made to play in Europe.”
      Since the Russian league briefly resumed in February, Kvaratskhelia cannot stop scoring.
      He grabbed one more for Rubin Kazan then eight in 11 for Batumi and now six for Napoli – plus five in seven caps for Georgia.
      His overall record for the national team is ten goals in 19 games – his double dealt Sweden a crushing blow in World Cup qualification – and five in the Nations League saw the Crusaders promoted.
      It means fans are getting very used to see his trademark celebration, making a ‘B’ with his hand under the other – a nod of dedication to a loved one back home in Georgia. 
      GRAND BUT GROUNDED
      Speaking of Georgia, that is where Kvaratskhelia still loves to return to at every opportunity and has a strong affinity with its people.
      It is said Georgian migrant workers in Naples already hail him for making them feel seen and proud in the city since his arrival. 
      Full-backs are struggling to work out how to stop the pacey wingerCredit: EPA
      Kvaratskhelia has delivered the goods for Georgia in the Nations LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Fans have seen a lot of his trademark celebration alreadyCredit: AFP
      Kvaratskhelia is, above all, a family man as the middle of three boys – his younger brother, 12, already hopes to follow in his sibling’s footballing footsteps.
      Away from the football field, he enjoys playing tennis and basketball. 
      When he does get the chance to go home, Kvaratskhelia will regularly link up with his pals on the court, trying to replicate his beloved Golden State Warriors and idol Steph Curry or head up into the mountains to unwind. 
      Kvaratskhelia is a two-time Georgian player of the year and will no doubt add a few more to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet. 
      But there are concerns for many in the country that politicians will try and use him for their own personal or party gain as a figurehead. 
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      Kvaratskhelia has already been referenced in government speeches and he has close ties with fellow ex-defender Kaladze, who is now Mayor of Tbilisi and General Secretary of the Georgian Dream political party. 
      For now, though, the focus must be on Kvaratskhelia the footballer – a very special one at that.  More

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      Antonio Conte warns Tottenham ‘need more transfer markets’ for trophies despite spending £170m in the summer

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      ANTONIO CONTE is adamant Tottenham need more transfer windows before they can challenge for the title.Spurs spent £170million on seven players in the summer but Conte feels his squad is not strong enough to compete on all fronts.
      Antonio Conte says Tottenham need more transfer windows to be competitiveCredit: AFP
      Spurs made seven signings in the summer including Fraser Forster and RicharlisonCredit: PA
      Tottenham have won just one of their three Champions League games and Conte warned that his squad is unprepared for the competition.
      Following Spurs’ goalless draw with Eintracht Frankfurt Conte said: “We weren’t able last season to face two competitions.
      “Now we have to go step by step, have patience, take time, you need to have time and to build an important squad to face a competition like the Champions League.
      “If you think ‘yeah I want to make some rotations’ and it is a bit difficult.
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      “We know this situation with the club and the club knows very well we need time and patience, to try to go step by step. I spoke about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level.
      “We know this. At the same time we want to be competitive, to try to do everything.”
      Summer signings Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Ivan Perisic all started against Frankfurt and Arsenal but could not help Spurs to what would have been two big wins.
      Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence also arrived in the summer but have been unable to force their way into the team and have just one start between them.
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      Fraser Forster is in a similar situation, although he was brought in as back-up to Hugo Lloris, while left-back Destiny Udogie was signed from Udinese and loaned back to the Serie A club.
      Conte could look to improve his squad in January with the addition of a player he has managed before – Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar.
      Spurs were also linked to Monaco winger Gelson Martins last month and Conte could be keen to add to his attack when the transfer window re-opens. More