Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League top scorers 2024-25: Who is leading the Golden Boot race as Harry Kane eyes another individual award

      by

      ONLY one individual award comes remotely close to lifting the Champions League trophy as an attacker.That is being crowned with the European Golden Boot and it is expected to be another thrilling race this season.Harry Kane scored FOUR on the opening matchday of the 2024/25 campaignCredit: Instagram @harrykaneBayern Munich talisman Harry Kane and Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappe finished as the joint top scorers during the 2023/24 campaign.But competition is expected to be even more fierce this time around, especially with more games for the likes of Manchester City machine Erling Haaland to sink his teeth into.Who are the Champions League 2024-25 top scorers?Here are the current Champions League highest scorers for this season:Harry Kane – Bayern – 4Michael Olise – Bayern – 2Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid – 1Leon Goretzka – Bayern – 1Endrick – Real Madrid – 1Leroy Sane – Bayern – 1Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool – 1Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool – 1Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool – 1Viktor Gyokores – Sporting – 1Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa – 1Jacob Ramsey – Aston Villa – 1Amadou Onana – Aston Villa – 1Christian Pulisic – AC Milan – 1Read more on Champions LeagueWho is the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer?Cristiano Ronaldo is the current all-time leading goal scorer in club football’s elite competition with a staggering 140 goals.However, Argentinian magician Lionel Messi isn’t too far off the pace as he has scored 129 goals in the Champions League.While Robert Lewandowski sits in third with 94 Champions League strikes.The only active player in the top 10 is Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe who bagged his 50th goal on the first matchday of the 2024/25 campaign.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo received an award for being the all-time leading goal-scorerCredit: AFPWho has previously won the Champions League Golden Boot?1992/93 – Romario – (PSV Eindhoven), 7 goals1993/94 – Ronald Koeman – (Barcelona), Wynton Rufer (Werder Bremen), 8 goals1994/95 – George Weah – (Paris Saint Germain), 71995/96 – Jari Litmanen – (Ajax), 91996/97 – Milinko Pantic – (Atletico Madrid), 51997/98 – Alessandro Del Piero – (Juventus), 101998/99 – Andriy Shevchenko – (Dynamo Kyiv), Dwight Yorke – (Manchester United), 81999/00 – Mario Jardel – (Porto), Rivaldo – (Barcelona), Raul (Real Madrid), 102000/01 – Raul (Real Madrid), 72001/02 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Manchester United), 102002/03 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Manchester United), 122003/04 – Fernando Morientes – (AS Monaco), 92004/05 – Andriy Shevchenko – (AC Milan), 92005/06 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Manchester United), 82006/07 – Kaka – (AC Milan), 102007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Manchester United), 82008/09 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 92009/10 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 82010/11 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 122011/12 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 142012/13 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 122013/14 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 172014/15 – Neymar – (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 102015/16 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 162016/17 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 122017/18 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 152018/19 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 122019/20 – Robert Lewandowski – (Bayern Munich), 152020/21 – Erling Haaland – (Borussia Dortmund), 102021/22 – Karim Benzema – (Real Madrid), 152022/23 – Erling Haaland – (Manchester City), 122023/24 – Harry Kane (Bayern), Kylian Mbappe (PSG) – 8 More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC unveil line-up for new Champions League show as Gary Lineker misses out on presenting job with rival at helm

      by

      THE BBC have announced the line-up for their brand new Champions League highlights show.The Beeb will show highlights of Europe’s elite competition this season after sealing a deal worth around £20m to bring fans the action on free-to-air TV.Gary Lineker won’t be presenting the BBC’s Champions League highlights showCredit: GettyGabby Logan will head up the coverage instead of LinekerCredit: PAMark Chapman will also be one of the main presenters of the showCredit: GettyThe weekly show, which will air on Wednesdays, will follow a similar format to Match of the Day but with one glaring difference – no Gary Lineker.The iconic MOTD host has been snubbed for the Champions League show, which will instead be hosted by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Chapman and Logan will also be joined by BBC regular Jason Mohammed on the presenting team for the show.Fans can expect an array of former pros on the pundits’ panel too, bringing expert analysis to Europe’s biggest fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer England stars Joe Hart and Theo Walcott have been announced as part of the team.While retired Lioness Steph Houghton and ex-Germany star Thomas Hitzlsperger will also be on fans’ TV screens.More Premier League stars will offer their analysis too with former QPR and Man City defender Nedum Onuoha and ex-Liverpool and Villa star Stephen Warnock signed on for the show.Fans will be able to watch the highlights on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app from 10pm on Wednesdays of Champions League matchweeks.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBBC’s Champions League teamHere’s a look at the BBC’s team for their new Champions League highlights show…PresentersMark ChapmanGabby LoganJason MohamedPunditsTheo WalcottJoe HartNedum OnuohaSteph HoughtonStephen WarnockThomas HitzlspergerWith the show then airing on BBC One from 10:40pm the same night.There will be a bonus episode of the show this Thursday with the new Champions League format spreading the opening fixtures across three days instead of the customary two.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker The BBC’s decision to not use Gary Lineker as the show’s host comes as the 63-year-old enters the final year of his contract with the broadcaster.Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day for 25 years, has cast doubt over his future with the Beeb in a recent interview with BBC Breakfast.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”Joe Hart will be one of the BBC’s expert punditsCredit: GettyTheo Walcott is also part of the teamCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are Man City not wearing their blue home kit against Inter Milan?

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY start their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan TONIGHT.Pep Guardiola’s men beat the Italian giants 1-0 in the 2022/23 European Cup final – to lift the iconic trophy for the first time in the club’s history and claim a historic Treble in the process.Manchester City beat Inter Milan in the 2022/23 Champions League finalCredit: AlamyLast season, City were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by eventual winners Real Madrid.Guardiola will be hoping for an improved campaign in Europe this term but face some difficult tests during the new-look league phase.City will take on the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Juventus and PSG after their thrilling opener against Inter at the Etihad this evening.But the Manchester outfit won’t be donning their classic sky blue strip this evening – SunSport has the reason why.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy are Man City not wearing their blue home kit against Inter Milan?During tonight’s Champions League clash at the Etihad, Man City will wear a special edition fourth strip instead of their regular home colours.The iconic kit marks the 30th anniversary of legendary Oasis album Definitely Maybe, with the design of the kit drawing inspiration from the album cover.Manchester City’s fourth kit draws inspiration from the album cover of Oasis’ Definitely MaybeCredit: Manchester CityThe kit will debut against Inter MilanCredit: Manchester CityThe strip has been named ‘The Definitely City kit’ and will be worn exclusively in select European fixtures.Oasis guitarist and lifelong Man City fan Noel Gallagher was involved in designing the kit.Most read in Champions LeagueSpeaking to City Studios, the legendary musician said: “It’s a proper honour.”When the guys from PUMA approached us at one of the games, I took about five seconds to agree to it.”It’s the same colour palette as the cover of Definitely Maybe. I think it’s unique, but it’s definitely striking and I think it looks great.”When you see people represent your Club, it’s important that they look good.”Definitely Maybe has never lost its magic to me. I just think it’s an amazing snapshot of what we were about.”With the anniversary, I’ve been listening to it a lot more than I would ever listen to it. You know, it makes me smile. They were great times. Really, really great. I mean, it’s spawned a great football kit. So its legacy lives on.” More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford & Alejandro Garnacho combine for ginormous 64-point haul in Gameweek 4

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED well and truly came to the party in Gameweek 4.The Red Devils beat Southampton 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday and followed that result with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night.Naturally, ten unanswered goals in the space of four days resulted in a HUGE influx of Dream Team points.Just the 64 points between them this GameweekCredit: Dream TeamThe main beneficiaries were Marcus Rashford (£3.8m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£3.6m), who combined for a whopping 64 points across the two fixtures with 32 each.The former scored his side’s second goal at St Mary’s Stadium at the weekend for an 11-point return then added 21 more to his total via a brace and assist against League One opposition in midweek.Rashford might have bagged himself a hat-trick had he not let Antony (£3m) take a penalty – the ex-Ajax winger was in desperate need of a goal.Garnacho didn’t start against Saints but came off the bench in the 73rd minute to add the cherry atop the visitors’ performance with a sweet stoppage-time strike, pocketing eight points in the process.Garnacho exploited Barnsley’s brittle defenceCredit: ReutersThe Argentine winger was selected in the starting line-up against Barnsley and showed why many fans have been calling for him to play more minutes in the league.The 20-year-old scored twice and assisted both of Rashford’s goals to bank 24 points.No fewer than eleven Man United assets registered double figures in Gameweek 4 with Christian Eriksen (£2.5m), Diogo Dalot (£4.1m) and Matthijs de Ligt (£2.9m) also cashing in with significant returns.Most read in FootballBut Rashford and Garnacho were undoubtedly the star performers; even the irrepressible Erling Haaland (£9.1m) may struggle to make 32 points this Gameweek – Manchester City’s No9 will need to take 14 off Inter in the Champions League this evening.Suddenly, Erik ten Hag’s troops look rather appealing.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWIn Gameweek 5, Man United travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday before hosting FC Twente in the Europa League the following Wednesday – they are one of ten teams with two fixtures to fulfil. Looking further ahead, they are also among the select group of seven teams with two fixtures (vs Spurs and Porto) in Gameweek 6.At the time of writing, only three midfielders – Eberechi Eze (£4.7m), Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) – are above Garnacho in the rankings but he averages just 35 minutes per league game so far this campaign.As a comparison, Rashford averages a shade under 80 minutes per league fixture.Rashford suddenly seems like a decent option for the next two GameweeksCredit: APThe long-serving 26-year-old looked bereft of confidence in August but three goals in a week can make a world of difference.At the very least, he’s a decent short-term punt given Man United have four fixtures across the next two Gameweeks when half the top flight teams will play just twice in the same frame.Additionally, many Old Trafford assets will experience a hefty price rise after the Gameweek 5 deadline has passed so short-term selections could be flipped for a tidy profit.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC pundit, 52, says I ‘nearly had a heart attack’ live on air after huge bang during Champions League coverage

      by

      COMMENTATOR Ian Dennis “nearly had a heart attack” on live radio during a Champions League clash last night.The 52-year-old broadcaster was at San Siro for Liverpool’s 3-1 win over AC Milan, covering the game for BBC 5 Live.Ian Dennis got a huge fright during coverage of AC Milan vs LiverpoolCredit: GettyMilan fans let off a loud firework that scared the broadcasterCredit: ReutersDennis was in the commentary box alongside former Reds defender Stephen Warnock.And they both got a huge shock as a loud firework was let off by Milan ultras behind the goal. Warnock was providing his analysis of the game when a deafening bang was suddenly heard around the ground.Dennis let out an audible noise in fear and then a sigh of relief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWarnock began laughing and said: “Are you OK, Denno? Are you alright?”Denno has nearly just had a heart attack next to me there.”The veteran commentator eventually composed himself and added: “That was one of the loudest bangs I have heard for a long time.”That scared the living daylights out of me.”Most read in FootballDennis has been at the BBC since 1995 and has been covering football for Radio 5 Live since 2002.Last night, he saw Liverpool get back to winning ways after Saturday’s Premier League 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.Arne Slot casually swears in middle of Liverpool press conference as fans say ‘I love him already’ Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai scored the goals for Arne Slot’s men More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane sends message to Wayne Rooney after breaking Man Utd legend’s Champions League record with hat-trick

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH striker Harry Kane broke an impressive record held by Wayne Rooney during last night’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.The 31-year-old scored four goals against the Croatian side as Bayern cruised to a 9-2 win at the Allianz Arena.Harry Kane scored four goals for Bayern Munich against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyHe broke a record set by Wayne Rooney to become the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League historyCredit: GettyKane said he was ‘delighted’ to be in the same conversation as RooneyCredit: Instagram @harrykaneAnd in the process he became the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League history.Manchester United legend Rooney previously held the title having scored 30 goals in the competition.But Kane equalled that record with his first strike of the evening.The England captain went on to score thrice more, taking his overall Champions League tally up to 33 goals.Read More in FootballAnd he achieved the feat in just 45 games – 40 less than Rooney.Following the match, Kane told Amazon Prime: “Whenever you’re in a conversation with Wayne Rooney, it means you’re doing something well.”He’s one of the greatest English players and one of the best players there was in the game.”It’s a nice achievement.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe striker continued: “It’s the first time I’ve ever had three penalties in one game. It was a different feeling for me, but to score four goals is fantastic.”To help the team in any way possible is important. Whether they’re penalties or normal finishes, I’ll take them all. It was a great night for us.’Are you seriously talking about that?’ – Jack Grealish told off by England interviewer after being asked about Kane”I keep all the balls after hat-tricks. The lads might be sick of signing them, but keep them coming.”My son Louis, he loves playing football right now. He’s only three, but I’ll take it home and put it next to his bed and he’ll be happy when he wakes up in the morning.”He also took to social media to write: “Not a bad night in the Champions League! One to remember and another ball to take home! Let’s keep it going boys!!” More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

      by

      THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s newest star Angel Gomes brought crashing back to Earth as he is SENT OFF in of Champions League defeat

      by

      ENGLAND star Angel Gomes went from hero to zero as he was sent off in the Champions League.The 24-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the win over Ireland and then put in a man of the match performance against Finland last week. Angel Gomes was sent off in Lille’s defeat to SportingCredit: APHe was given a second yellow just seconds after conceding the opening goalCredit: EPANow back with his club Lille, Gomes played in their Champions League opener away at Sporting Lisbon yesterday.But the midfielder was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences.He picked up his first yellow card just 21 minutes after kick-off for stopping a counter-attack by chopping down ex-Wolves winger Trincao.And then with 40 minutes on the clock, Gomes caught the back of Viktor Gyokeres’ leg after he cleverly spun away from him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLithuanian referee Donastas Rumsas decided it was worthy of another booking and sent the former Manchester United wonderkid for an early bath.The second booking came a matter of seconds after Gyokeres had opened the scoring for Sporting.And with Lille down to ten-men, they were unable to overturn the deficit and lost 2-0.Zeno Debast scored the other in what was a goal of the season contender.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time with England, Gomes’ composure on the ball and hard work out of possession saw him earn praise from manager Lee Carsley.Carsely said: “He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”But since returning to the French club, it has all being going wrong for him as he was an unused sub as Lille lost to newly-promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 last weekend. More