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      Chelsea ratings: Kovacic produces midfield masterclass but Aubameyang is well off the pace in Salzburg win

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      CHELSEA booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over RB Salzburg in Austria.Mateo Kovacic gave the Blues the lead in the 23rd minute when his sumptuous left-footed strike from the edge of the area flew into the top corner.
      Kovacic opened the scoring with a wonderful strike midway through the first halfCredit: Reuters
      Adamu levelled for the hosts four minutes into the second halfCredit: Reuters
      Havertz curled home a wonderful winner for ChelseaCredit: EPA
      Salzburg levelled things up shortly after the break as whipped a wonderful ball in for Junior Adamu to tap home.
      But Kai Havertz whipped a wonderful 20-yard winner into the top corner in the 64th minute to give Chelsea all three points.
      The result sees Graham Potter’s men move four points clear of Salzburg with just one round of fixtures remaining.
      And they will be confirmed as group winners providing AC Milan avoid defeat against Dinamo Zagreb.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Chelsea players.
      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 7/10
      Wasn’t really stretched in the first 45 but made a comfortable save to keep out Salzburg’s only shot on target.
      Could do little about Adamu’s classy finish for the Salzburg goal.
      Then made a string of smart stops in the closing stages to ensure Chelsea kept hold of their slender lead.
      TREVOH CHALOBAH – 8
      Looked composed and assured on the ball as he linked well with Pulisic down the right when the back three split.
      Made a few goal-saving headed clearances in the second half as Chelsea were put under pressure from set-pieces.
      THIAGO SILVA – 8
      A class act at the heart of Chelsea’s back three. Positioned himself brilliantly to mop up.
      His experience typified by his last-gasp clearance, sweeping up behind Kepa when the keeper failed to claim a high ball.
      Silva was brilliant yet again at the heart of Chelsea’s back lineCredit: Getty
      MARC CUCURELLA – 7
      Has been harshly substituted in each of his last three games, but made sure that wasn’t going to be the case on this occasion as the Spaniard produced a mistake-free display.
      He also looked to be the centre-back who tried to start the attacks and engaged with the midfield.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC – 6
      Was energetic and vibrant without really offering any sort of end product.
      Raced through with the score level at 1-1, but the ball wouldn’t quite come down for the American.
      JORGINHO – 7
      Started a brilliantly slick Chelsea move that carved Salzburg open, only for Aubameyang to be thwarted by Kohn.
      Came within a whisker of putting Chelsea 2-1 up with a great header but it was cleared off the line in the nick of time.
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      MATEO KOVACIC – 9
      Fired a delicious opener into the top corner with his “weaker” left foot after a superb start to the game from the Croatian midfielder.
      Ran the middle of the park and looked a class above everyone around him.
      Made way for Loftus-Cheek with 22 minutes of the 90 remaining.
      Kovacic produced a sensational performance for Chelsea on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty
      CONOR GALLAGHER – 6
      Clipped an inch-perfect cross in for Havertz whose header was too close to the keeper.
      His running and energy cannot be sniffed at, but that final pass is something he still seems to be missing at the top level.
      RAHEEM STERLING – 6
      Just nine days on from Potter’s failed wingback experiment in the win over Aston Villa, Sterling was asked to play there again.
      And it’s safe to say he still looks exposed defensively when playing that role, but going forward he is a superb outlet – linking up well with the front two when drifting inside.
      KAI HAVERTZ – 8
      Should have doubled Chelsea’s lead nine minutes before half-time but his close-range header was tame enough for Kohn to gather.
      Then netted the goal of the night with a breathtaking effort which clipped the underside of the bar on its way into the top corner. Majestic.
      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 4
      His deflected header was brilliantly kept out by Kohn, before he wasted a gilt-edged chance in what would have been a breathtaking team goal.
      These are the sort of games you would be expecting Aubameyang to find the back of the net in.
      Now without a goal in four matches in all competitions.
      Aubameyang missed a host of chances against SalzburgCredit: Reuters
      SUBSTITUTES
      RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK (FOR KOVACIC, 68) – 6
      Doesn’t provide the same level of quality as Kovacic but is a real physical presence in midfield – something which should not be underestimated when trying to see out a game late on.
      CESAR AZPILICUETA (FOR PULISIC, 75) – 6
      His leadership was evident in the closing stages as he barked orders and organised Chelsea’s defence when Salzburg put pressure on them from set-pieces.
      ARMANDO BROJA (FOR AUBAMEYANG, 75) – 6
      Looked isolated up front as Chelsea attempted to cling onto their lead late on.
      Read More on The Sun
      HAKIM ZIYECH (FOR GALLAGHER, 88) – N/A
      MASON MOUNT (FOR STERLING, 88) – N/A
      Unused subs: Bettinelli, Mendy, Azpilicueta, Chilwell, Zakaria, Chukwuemeka, Mount, Ziyech, Broja. More

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      Borussia Dortmund 0 Man City 0 LIVE: Mahrez has penalty SAVED as Champions League game finishes in bore draw – updates

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      ERLING HAALAND’S return to Borussia Dortmund ended in tame fashion as the game finished 0-0 at Signal Iduna Park. The Norwegian striker was subbed at halftime and Riyad Mahrez had a penalty saved in the second period before the game petered out in drab circumstances.
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      That’s all from Dortmund!
      Manchester City picked up a goalless Champions League draw against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park.
      That means City win Group G and Dortmund follow them to the Last 16 in second place.
      Erling Haaland returned to the Westfalenstadion but failed to impress and was taken off at half-time with manager Pep Guardiola claiming he had a fever.
      The reigning Premier League champions came closest to a goal when Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was blocked by Gregor Kobel on 58 minutes.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
      Credit: GETTY
      Jude Bellingham reacts
      Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham praised his team-mates for qualifying to the Champions League knockouts.
      Bellingham told BT Sport: “It’s good for us. Defensively we were really good, not many teams keep clean sheets against [Manchester] City, especially this season with all the quality they’ve got. To do that is really promising for us.
      “We could have gone for it a bit more, I think we had chances to win the game, obviously they missed a penalty and Greg [Kobel] made a huge save.
      “There’s different things to take away from the game, but overall we’re happy, because we were here to get to the next round and we’ve done it”
      Credit: GETTY
      Guardiola on penalties
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his team has a problem with penalties and doesn’t know who will take the next one after Riyad Mahrez’s miss.
      Guardiola told BT Sport: “We’ll see. Of course it’s a problem. Since I’ve been here we’ve missed 24, 25 penalties, most of them in Champions League.
      “It’s too much. I always admire the courage, to take responsibility to do it, but we miss a lot of penalties.
      “It’s a problem. In Copenhagen, here as well. We have to improve”
      Credit: GETTY
      Guardiola on Haaland
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed Erling Haaland had a fever and Joao Cancelo suffered from a knock, which is why he took them off at half-time.
      Guardiola told BT Sport: “Erling had a little bit of fever before the game. Joao [Cancelo] as well. He had a knock in his feet. He was looking tired, Joao, as well. So that’s why we changed it.”
      Guardiola added: “We played much better second half than in the first half.
      “We conceded some counter-attacks from them, they’re so fast. We suffered that our game on Saturday was so demanding, physicality and the trip and everything. We are a little tired.
      “But we achieved what we wanted, top of the group again, so really good”
      Credit: GETTY
      Wasteful Man City
      Manchester City came the closest to scoring a winner against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
      City got a penalty when Riyad Mahrez was brought down by Emre Can.
      Mahrez took the shot but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied him with a fine save.
      The winger’s miss extends a rather negative streak for the Citizens.
      Since the start of the 2016-2017 campaign City have failed to score 25 penalties across all competitions, which is more than any other Premier League team
      Credit: GETTY
      Updated Champions League table
      As mentioned earlier, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are through to the Champions League Last 16.
      City have won Group G with 11 points so far, whereas Dortmund finish second with eight.
      Sevilla have punched their ticket to the Europa League play-offs, whereas Copenhagen are knocked out of Europe.
      More below:

      Dortmund vs City stats
      Manchester City dominated 73 per cent of possession against Borussia Dortmund after a stronger showing in the second half.
      City registered a total of eight shots, three of which were on target.
      Dortmund, on the other hand, produced 11 shots, four of which were on target.
      More below:

      FT: Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      Manchester City picked up a goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park.
      That means City win Group G and Dortmund follow them to the Champions League Last 16 in second place.
      Erling Haaland returned to the Westfalenstadion but failed to impress and was taken off at half-time.
      The reigning Premier League champions came closest to a goal when Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was saved by Gregor Kobel on 58 minutes
      Credit: GETTY
      FT: Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      Peep!
      That’s full-time at Dortmund!!!
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      90 Three more minutes of added time to go.
      Both teams seem really happy with the current result…
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      88 Substitution
      City boss Guardiola brings on a youngster of his own with Palmer replacing Mahrez
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      87 Yellow card
      Hummels becomes the first Dortmund player to be booked after a rough challenge on Alvarez
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      87 Substitution
      Dortmund boss Terzic throws in youngster Papadopoulos, who replaces Reyna for the final minutes
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      85 Both teams seems content with a goalless draw as we approach full-time.
      Dortmund seal wualification while City finish top of the group
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      84 Chance
      City create some danger as Mahrez tees Gundogan off but his shot goes wide
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      82 Substitution
      Dortmund boss Terzic responds with a double change as Modeste and Wolf come on for Moukoko and Hazard respectively
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      81 Substitution
      City boss Guardiola brings on Grealish, who replaces Foden for the final few minutes
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      80 Of course City want to make sure they will go through top of the table.
      As it stands, they get what they want especially after DSevilla defeated Copenhagen
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      78 Tempo has seriously slowed down at Dortmund, but the hosts should be happy with it.
      As it stands, the Bundesliga giants are through to the Champions League knockouts!
      Same for Man City, obviously
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      75 Can’t help but feel like Haaland wouldn’t have missed that penalty for City.
      Could that spot-kick cost Pep Guardiola’s side…?
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      72 Substitution
      Dortmund boss Terzic makes his first change as Malen comes on for Adeyemi who put together an impressive display by dominating Cancelo
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      72 Yellow card
      Akanji is the next City player to be booked after his hand blocked Adeyemi’s shot
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      70 City are building some steam after those two missed chances.
      Dortmund have been silent up front so far…
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      67 Chance!
      City come extremely close as Mahrez taps the ball to Alvarez who shoots but Kobel makes the save.
      Foden tries to get the rebound but the Dortmund keeper gets to it first
      Dortmund 0-0 Man City
      67 Chance
      City produce their second shot on target as Stones sets Gundogan down the right but his shot from a tight angle is firmly saved by Kobel
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      RB Salzburg 1 Chelsea 2 LIVE REACTION: Havertz’s spectacular strike sends Blues through to Champions League last 16

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      CHELSEA advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over RB Salzburg in Austria. Mateo Kovacic put the Blues 1-0 up before Adamu equalised for the home side. But Kai Havertz’s brilliant goal won the game for Graham Potter’s side.

      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 4
      Salzburg XI: Kohn, Adamu, Seiwald, Kjaergaard, Sucic, Gourna-Douath, Pavlovic, Wober, Dedic, Okafor, Bernardo
      Chelsea XI: Kepa, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Kovacic, Jorginho, Sterling, Pulisic, Gallagher, Havertz, Aubameyang

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      That’s all from Austria
      Chelsea can put their feet up, knowing that their 2-1 win at RB Salzburg has booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League – and with a game to spare.
      And now you too can do the same, and enjoy the remaining Champions League games this evening that include Erling Haaland’s return to Borussia Dortmund with Manchester City.
      Thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
      New boss on Pott streak
      And on the subject of unbeaten runs, Graham Potter has made it to nine games without defeat since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
      Potter hails special Havertz strike
      Chelsea manager Graham Potter paid tribute to his players after they ended RB Salzburg’s 40-match unbeaten run at home with a 2-1 success in Austria.
      The game was settled by a special strike from Kai Havertz, the kind of goal that Potter admitted made his work easier when he has the players capable of such brilliance.
      It was a fantastic performance from the players, they showed real courage because of the atmosphere here and the way they’re so intense. They put you under a lot of pressure, but we controlled it quite well and attacked well. We were disappointed to only be 1-0 up at half-time. One action from them levelled it, but we responded really well, and it was a great goal from Kai. It makes my job a lot easier when they can do that.Graham PotterBT Sport
      Blues book place in knockouts
      Chelsea’s win in Austria ensures that they become the sixth team to seal their spot in the Champions League’s Round of 16.
      And if Dinamo Zagreb fail to beat AC Milan at home – a game that has just started in Croatia – then the Blues will be confirmed as Group E’s winners.
      It seems a long time ago that Graham Potter picked up the reins with Chelsea bottom of the group.
      Credit: Uefa.com
      Stats from the Red Bull Arena
      Salzburg ended the evening having had more attempts at goal than their illustrious visitors, but only managed to keep seven of their 16 on target.

      Full time – RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      For the 18th time in 19 attempts, Chelsea seal their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League – and with a game to spare too.
      A thrilling encounter was settled by Kai Havert’s stunning strike, the best of three brilliant goals in the game.
      Earlier in the second half, Junior Adamu had cancelled out Mateo Kovacic’s wonderful opener.
      RB Salzburg’s 40-match unbeaten home run is over, but the Blues go marching on under Graham Potter.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      90+5. Chelsea appear to be seeing this one out by the corner flag.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea – Kepa yellow card
      90+2. Kepa takes exception to Chalobah being double-teamed and Silva being flattened once again, and rushes out to show his displeasure with Simic.
      The goalkeeper pushes the Salzburg man not once, but twice, and promptly receives a yellow card.
      Clever player from the goalkeeper to break up any momentum from the home side in stoppage time, or a completely unnecessary booking? You decide.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      90. The board goes up to signal six additional minutes of stoppage time.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      89. The noise levels inside the Red Bull Arena are up, Salzburg are pressing, and Chelsea are now hanging on.
      The home side have forced a flurry of corner, the latest that ends with Kepa making up for another missed punch by executing a diving save.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      87. Great hold-up play by Sesko on the left, matched by his eventual switch to Dedic on the right.
      The defender takes the shot on first time, but it’s comfortably held at the near post by Kepa.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea – Gallagher yellow card
      86. Connor Gallagher will have to play out the final few minutes on a booking after incurring the wrath of referee Sandro Scharer.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      83. Simic leans into Thiago Silva as he rises to head clear, and creates an arc for the Brazilian to crash to the ground.
      It’s a really nasty landing for the 38-year-old, who – thankfully – looks nothing more than winded.
      There were quite a few nervous onlookers holding their breath there.

      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea – RB Salzburg substitution
      82. Another change for the hosts that sees goalscorer Junior Adamu departing.
      Dijon Kameri has eight minutes plus stoppage time to show what he can do.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      81. Inside the final ten minutes, and Chelsea are now on the verge of sealing their qualification.
      They can taste the Last 16, they just need to get themselves over the line.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea – RB Salzburg double substitution
      79. Now it’s the home side’s turn to introduce fresh legs.
      Andreas Ulmer and Roko Simic are on for Noah Okafor and Max Wober.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      77. It doesn’t take Azpilicueta long to showcase his trademark move: a foul on Gourna-Douath.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea – Chelsea double substitution
      76. Despite that embarrassing miss with his last contribution to the game, Christian Pulisic receives a round of applause and a handshake from his manager as he’s replaced.
      On come Cesar Azpilicueta and Armando Broja with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also departing.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      74. Big chance for Pulisic!
      Havertz does ever so well to get to the touchline and pull a lovely pass back for the American 15 yards from goal.
      Pulisic winds up his left foot, and…
      …completely misses his kick.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      72. Graham Potter looks ready to make another change in order to see this game out.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea – Chelsea substitution
      70. Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic has gone off, looking in some slight discomfort. Hopefully, it’s just precautionary.
      On comes Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      69. Salzburg go close again!
      Kepa rushes off his line to punch clear the corner, but then attempts to do so a second time when it’s played back in during the attack’s second phase.
      This time, the Chelsea goalkeeper is nowhere near it as Pavlovic gets up highest to head towards goal.
      Only the awareness of Thiago Silva, dropping back on to the line, stops Chelsea from being pegged back again.

      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      67. Sesko goes looking for another equaliser.
      The teenage striker wriggles away from his marker, turns, and cracks a low drive towards the bottom corner from 20 yards.
      It’s well saved by Kepa, pushing the strike out for a corner.
      RB Salzburg 1-2 Chelsea
      64. The game’s third sensational goal – and this one may be the best of the lot!
      Christian Pulisic does well to keep the attack alive after appearing to have run into trouble, quickly turning and laying a pass into the feet of Kai Havertz 25 yards from goal.
      What the German does next is genius. Taking one touch to open up the opportunity, he then unleashes a vicious curling left-footed effort that crashes in off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Philipp Kohn on his knees.
      Chelsea are back in front!

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      Salzburg vs Chelsea LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news as Pulisic and Havertz START Champions League match – latest

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      CHELSEA take on Salzburg tonight in a repeat of Graham Potter’s first match in chaarge of the Blues in the Champions League.Their first clash at Stamford Bridge finished 1-1 thanks to Noah Okafor’s late equaliser after Raheem Sterling opened the scoring.

      Start time: 5.45pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 4
      Salzburg XI: Kohn, Adamu, Seiwald, Kjaergaard, Sucic, Gourna-Douath, Pavlovic, Wober, Dedic, Okafor, Bernardo
      Chelsea XI: Kepa, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Kovacic, Jorginho, Sterling, Pulisic, Gallagher, Havertz, Aubameyang

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      When is RB Salzburg vs Chelsea?

      RB Salzburg entertain Chelsea TODAY – Tuesday, October 25.
      It is scheduled to kick off earlier than usual – 5:45pm UK time but 6:45pm local time.
      Red Bull Arena in Wals-Siezenheim is the allocated venue for this fixture and it can host approximately 30,188 spectators.
      Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw when the sides last met in September.

      What TV channel is RB Salzburg vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

      RB Salzburg vs Chelsea will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 4 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 5pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of BT Sport can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      On the Chelsea bench tonight
      13 Bettinelli, 16 Mendy, 12 Loftus-Cheek, 18 Broja, 19 Mount, 20 Zakaria, 21 Chilwell, 22 Ziyech, 28 Azpilicueta, 30 Chukwuemeka
      Havetz returns for Potter’s Blues
      1 Kepa; 14 Chalobah, 6 Thiago Silva, 32 Cucurella; 10 Pulisic, 8 Kovacic, 23 Gallagher, 5 Jorginho, 17 Sterling; 29 Havertz, 9 Aubameyang

      Wonderkid Sesko named among subs
      1 Mantl, 33 Walke, 2 Van Der Brempt, 4 Piatkowski, 6 Baidoo, 8 Kameri, 17 Ulmer, 23 Simic, 24 Diarra, 30 Sesko
      Recovered Sukic starts for Salzburg
      18 Kohn; 70 Dedic, 95 Bernardo, 31 Pavlovic, 39 Wober; 13 Seiwald, 27 Gourna-Douath, 21 Sucic, 14 Kjaergaard; 9 Adamu, 77 Okafor

      Blues odds-on to progress
      RB Salzburg may be unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions, but the bookies still expect Chelsea to claim the three points they need to seal their spot in the knockout stages.

      RB Salzburg win 4/1
      Draw 27/10
      Chelsea win 8/11

      Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      Chelsea eye place in knockouts
      Good afternoon and welcome to live SunSport coverage of RB Salzburg versus Chelsea.
      Yes, the early evening Champions League action this Tuesday comes from Austria, where Graham Potter’s men will be hoping to seal their route into the Last 16.
      The Blues require a win to seal one of the top two spots in Group E with a game to spare, and will be further evidence of an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge for their new manager.
      However, standing in the Londoners’ way are a fearless Salzburg side, not used to losing on their own patch.
      Kick-off at the Red Bull Arena is set for 5.45pm, and confirmation of the two starting line-ups is imminent.
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      Tottenham vs Sporting Lisbon: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Champions League clash

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      TOTTENHAM are up against Sporting Lisbon in their penultimate Champions League group stage clash. Spurs lost to the Portuguese side 2-0 when the two sides faced each other last month.
      Tottenham lost 2-0 to Sporting Lisbon the last time the two sides playedCredit: Getty
      Tottenham overcame Frankfurt 3-2 in a tight affair last weekCredit: Getty
      But since then, Antonio Conte’s side have worked their way to the top of the group, and they stand just one win away from qualification to the last 16.
      Sporting, on the other hand, are third on six points – level with second-placed Marseille.
      But Tottenham will be desperate to secure a spot in the knockout stages with a game to spare.

      What time does Tottenham vs Sporting kick off?

      Tottenham take on Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, October 26.
      The game will get underway from 8pm UK time.
      Tottenham vs Sporting will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Tottenham vs Sporting will be shown live on BT Sport 3 and BT Sport Ultimate.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Most read in Champions League
      Team news
      Dejan Kulusevski is working his way back to fitness and could find a spot on the bench for Conte’s side.
      Richarlison had a calf issue to contend with but is set to be fit with the clash against Sporting.
      Marcus Edwards and Francisco Trincao are set to start up front again but alongside Paulinho rathet than Goncalves.
      Sebastian Coates will miss the clash, as will Luis Neto, who has a knee injury.
      Odds

      Tottenham – 40/85
      Draw – 18/5
      Sporting – 11/2

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      New Champions League set up for 2024-25 season leaves Football Manager players in shock with radical changes introduced

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      FOOTBALL MANAGER 2023 players have been left baffled by the new Champions League format.From the 2024-25 season onwards, the group stage will be drastically revamped.
      Football Manager fans were left baffled by this imageCredit: Twitter
      The Champions League is set to look very differentCredit: The Times
      Rather than the current 32-team format featuring eight groups of four – 36 clubs will be entered into one giant league.
      They won’t face everybody, however, instead playing ten matches – five at home and five away.
      The lucrative plans will see 189 games take place in the competition instead of 125.
      Despite not everyone playing each other, all results will be entered into one 36-team group.
      Read More Football Stories
      The top eight will qualify automatically for the round of 16 – while those placed between ninth and 16th will be entered into two-legged play-offs.
      Football Manager released the beta version of its 2023 game last week – and some players have already devoured their first two seasons to reach the 2024-25 campaign.
      Only the most ardent of fans will have kept up to speed with the changes confirmed by Uefa bigwigs earlier this year – and those that didn’t were in for a big shock.
      A grab of the new-look 36-team Champions League group on FM23 subsequently did the rounds on social media.
      Most read in Football
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      One fan responded: “Not sure what’s more concerning, the new UCL format or the fact people are in 2024-25 within 2 days of fm23 being out.”
      Another asked: “Sorry is this a bug????”
      After looking through all the teams that had qualified for the 2024-25 edition, a third fan joked: “Looks awful but Arsenal in the UCL.”
      A bemused footy fan wrote: “What on earth is this?!”
      One did defend the change, however, writing: “Chill out everyone, it’s a format preventing teams ranking 2nd in their groups but performing worse than a team ranking 3rd in another group from getting through to next round.
      Read More on The Sun
      “With the new format only the best performing teams will be going through to next rounds. Fair enough.”
      Of the four extra group stage slots up for grabs after the competition’s expansion – two will go to countries whose teams performed the best as a collective the previous season – giving Prem teams an opportunity to grab an extra spot. More

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      Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for CRUCIAL Champions League clash

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      BARCELONA are in need of three points against Bayern Munich to stand any chance of progressing to the Champions League last-16.The Spanish giants were on the verge of crashing out in San Siro when Robin Gosens drilled home what looked to be an Inter Milan winner.
      Robert Lewandowski threw Barcelona a life line with his late doubleCredit: Reuters
      But Robert Lewandowski’s late double ensured that Barcelona could live to fight another day.
      However, Xavi’s side face an uphill task of needing to beat table topping Bayern – who they have already lost to in this campaign.
      And the Catalonians will also need to hope that rock-bottom Viktoria Plzen somehow manages to pull off a shock result in Milan.
      When is Barcelona vs Bayern Munich?

      Barcelona’s mouth-watering fixture against Bayern Munich takes place on Wednesday, October 26.
      It is scheduled kick off at 8pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      Nou Camp in Barcelona, Spain is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host a staggering 99,354 supporters.
      Bayern comfortably beat Barca 2-0 the last time the sides met in September.

      Leroy Sane capped off a 2-0 win for Bayern over Barcelona last time outCredit: Getty
      Read more on Champions League
      What TV channel is Barcelona vs Bayern Munich on and can I live stream it?

      Barcelona vs Bayern Munich will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 5.
      Subscription holders of BT Sport can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      What is the team news?
      Barcelona boss Xavi will be tempted to give Hector Bellerin a run out as full-back Sergi Roberto dislocated his shoulder on the weekend.
      Most read in Champions League
      Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Memphis Depay are also set to be out.
      But Gavi is expected to be available despite suffering a blow to his abductor.
      Elsewhere, Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernandez, Leroy Sane and Bouna Sarr will miss the trip to Barcelona.
      However, it gives Julien Naglesmann the opportunity to go with a front three of Sadio Mane, Kinglsey Coman and Serge Gnabry.
      Latest odds

      Barcelona to win 13/10
      Draw 29/10
      Bayern Munich to win 9/5

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      in Soccer

      Uefa release statement slamming Benfica with Juventus clash in Champions League NOT having goal-line technology

      by

      UEFA have confirmed that Benfica vs Juventus will go ahead WITHOUT goal-line technology.The two sides will meet in Lisbon on Tuesday night as Champions League Group H approaches its climax.
      Benfica last met Juventus on September 14Credit: Getty
      All matches in Uefa’s premier competition are supposed to go ahead with goal-line technology.
      But works being carried out on Benfica’s Estadio da Luz have rendered their tech dysfunctional.
      Confirming the game would still go ahead, Uefa placed the blame squarely at the Portuguese club’s feet.
      They wrote in a statement: “Ahead of the Uefa Champions League match between SL Benfica and Juventus, the home club – without the knowledge of Uefa and Uefa’s goal-line technology supplier – commissioned works in the Estadio do SL Benfica, which made the installed goal-line technology system dysfunctional.
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      “Unfortunately it will not be possible to replace and install a new system in time for the match and therefore the match will go ahead without the use of goal-line technology as per the Uefa Champions League regulations.”
      The match is set to be crucial with Juventus aiming to cling on to their hopes of qualifying for the round of 16.
      Benfica go into the game second on eight points after four matches – level with top side Paris Saint-Germain.
      Juventus, meanwhile, only have three points and anything other than a win will see them eliminated.
      Most read in Football
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      The two sides met in Turin on September 14, with Benfica running out 2-1 winners.
      Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik had given Massimiliano Allegri’s side a fourth minute lead.
      But former West Ham flop Joao Mario’s penalty levelled the clash on the stroke of half-time – before David Neres struck a 55th-minute winner. More