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      Tottenham face horror Champions League draw on return to Europe’s elite competition after two years

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      TOTTENHAM face a brutal return to the Champions League when the group-stage draw is made on Thursday. After a year in the Europa League and one in the Conference League, Antonio Conte’s side finished fourth last season and secured a place in Pot 2 alongside fellow English sides Chelsea and Liverpool as well as Barcelona and Juventus.
      Tottenham are back in the Champions League after a two-year absenceCredit: Reuters

      Conte nor Spurs have ever won Europe’s top competition – although the North Londoners did reach the final in 2019 and made the quarters in their first appearance in 2010-11 but were thumped 5-0 by Real Madrid.
      And they could be pitted against the holders in another Group of Death – just as they were in 2017-18.
      As champions of Europe and Spain, Real Madrid are in Pot 1.
      The addition of Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco makes them an even stronger side as they look to land a record-extending 15th crown. 
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      Joining Real in Pot 1 are Europa League champs Eintracht Frankfurt as well as Uefa’s top-ranked team Bayern Munich and fellow league winners Manchester City, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Ajax – with no Russian teams allowed. 
      Tottenham cannot face Pep Guardiola’s men as they are from the same country but trips to the San Siro, Allianz Arena or Parc des Princes would also be stern tests.
      Speaking of the San Siro, arguably the strongest team in Pot 3 are Inter Milan after being pipped by their stadium rivals to the league title last season. 
      Conte’s former side, whom he led to Serie A glory a year ago, have signed Romelu Lukaku, Andre Onana, Robin Gosens, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Joaquin Correa this summer.
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      The teams in Pot 3 are virtually all done – with Benfica knowing they will slip in if they win their play-off against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday. 
      Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon are among the big hitters in Pot 3. 
      And to complete the Group of Death, Tottenham could have to play Marseille. 
      They are guaranteed their spot in the Champions League group stages after finishing second in Ligue 1 last term. 
      The additions of Alexis Sanchez and Nuno Tavares as well as permanent deals for Pau Torres, Matteo Guendouzi and Cengiz Under make Les Phoceens a real threat. 
      Pot 4 will definitely include Celtic and Club Brugge.
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      The remaining spots will be filled this week through the final play-off round with Rangers, PSV Eindhoven, Copenhagen and Red Star Belgrade hoping to qualify – rather than dropping into the Europa League.
      Spurs will find out their opponents with the draw taking place in Istanbul – where the 2023 final will be played – at 5pm on Thursday.  
      Spurs lost the 2019 final to Liverpool in MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There is renewed optimism around Tottenham at the start of the new seasonCredit: Alamy More

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      Chelsea could be drawn in Champions League group of death as Tuchel faces anxious wait to discover fate

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      CHELSEA face a potential Champions League Group of Death in Thursday’s draw.With Manchester City taking the Pot 1 spot for winning the Premier League, Thomas Tuchel’s side must settle for a place in Pot 2 alongside fellow English sides Tottenham and Liverpool as well as Barcelona and Juventus.
      Chelsea could face a nightmare draw in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

      The Blues won Europe’s top competition in 2021 but fell in heartbreaking fashion to eventual champions Real Madrid last season.
      And they could be pitted against the holders in a repeat of their dramatic quarter-final.
      As champions of Europe and Spain, Real Madrid are in Pot 1.
      The addition of Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco makes them an even stronger side as they look to land a record-extending 15th crown. 
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      Joining City and Real in Pot 1 are Europa League champs Eintracht Frankfurt as well as Uefa’s top-ranked team Bayern Munich and fellow league winners AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Ajax – with no Russian teams allowed. 
      Chelsea cannot face Pep Guardiola’s men as they are from the same country but trips to the San Siro, Allianz Arena or Parc des Princes would also be stern tests.
      Speaking of the San Siro, arguably the strongest team in Pot 3 are Inter Milan after being pipped by their stadium rivals to the Serie A title last season. 
      And unless Chelsea inserted a special clause in the contract, loanee Romelu Lukaku will be allowed to play for the Italian giants against his parent club – just as Philippe Coutinho did in Bayern’s 8-2 win over Barca in 2020.
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      The teams in Pot 3 are virtually all done – with Benfica knowing they will slip in if they win their play-off against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday. 
      Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon are among the big hitters in Pot 3. 
      And to complete the Group of Death, Chelsea could have to play Marseille. 
      They are guaranteed their spot in the Champions League group stages after finishing second in Ligue 1 last term. 
      The additions of Alexis Sanchez and Nuno Tavares as well as permanent deals for Pau Torres, Matteo Guendouzi and Cengiz Under make Les Phoceens a real threat. 
      Pot 4 will definitely include Celtic and Club Brugge.
      Read More on The Sun
      The remaining spots will be filled this week through the final play-off round with Rangers, PSV Eindhoven, Copenhagen and Red Star Belgrade hoping to qualify – rather than dropping into the Europa League.
      Chelsea will find out their opponents with the draw taking place in Istanbul – where the 2023 final will be played – at 5pm on Thursday.  
      Karim Benzema was clinical as Real Madrid knocked Chelsea out last seasonCredit: The Times
      The Blues lifted the famous trophy in 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo suffers ANOTHER transfer blow as Marseille join list of Champions League clubs to snub Man Utd star

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      MARSEILLE have rejected the opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, according to reports.Ronaldo, 37, has been trying to force an escape from Old Trafford since returning from a prolonged summer break last month.
      Ronaldo is desperate to leave Man UtdCredit: Getty
      His disappointment following the club’s disastrous 2021-22 campaign, which saw them finish sixth in the Premier League table and without any silverware, is understood to be the main factor contributing to his desire to leave.
      New United boss Erik ten Hag was initially reluctant to let him go, but he has since had a change of heart and is now willing to consider a sale.
      Various clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner including Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
      But, a move has failed to materialise mainly due to the player’s age and wage demands.
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      Marseille were the most recent side to express an interest in signing Ronaldo, however, they are no longer considering a deal.
      According to RMC Sport, the Ligue 1 side now have no intention of recruiting him.
      This acts as another huge blow to the Portugal skipper, who is eager to make a return to Champions League football.
      Ronaldo has struggled to reintegrate back into the Man Utd squad since returning from the summer break.
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      Both players and club staff are claimed to be growing fed up with his poor attitude and a source has described him as a ‘walking bad mood’.
      Reports have suggested that he also regularly eats lunch alone at the club’s training ground.
      The Red Devils currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League table with no points after suffering two consecutive defeats against Brighton and Brentford respectively. More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘isolated’ at PSG after Neymar bust-up and ‘disappointed’ club hasn’t lived up to summer contract promises

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE feels “isolated” at Paris Saint-Germain after a bust-up with team-mate Neymar, reports suggest.The Frenchman is also said to be unhappy with the club, after promises he was given upon signing his new contract have not been fulfilled.
      Kylian Mbappe and Neymar warm-up ahead of the Montpellier matchCredit: AFP
      Mbappe tried to take the second penalty in the game against Montpellier but Neymar refusedCredit: Getty
      Mbappe was criticised by pundits and fans alike after a video clip appeared to show him stropping when he was not given the ball on a counter-attack during PSG’s 5-2 win over Montpellier.
      To top it all off, Mbappe missed a penalty before Neymar stepped up and converted another later in the game, despite Mbappe’s pleas to take the second spot kick as well.
      After the game, Neymar appeared to like a pair of tweets criticising Mbappe’s apparent role in the team as the main penalty taker.
      The pair were scheduled to be hauled in by PSG to clear the air, but if new reports are accurate then this appears to have not provided the solution Mbappe was looking for.
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      AS report that as a part of his new mega-contract Mbappe would be given the opportunity to take all of the team’s penalties and have power over club decision-making in transfers and appointments.
      However, the report adds Mbappe’s new-found power has caused a rift between him and some of his team-mates, leaving him feeling “isolated.”
      The World Cup winner has also been left “disappointed” with the club failing to sell Neymar, a move Mbappe did not object to.
      What will not be helping is Mbappe’s relatively slow start to the season.
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      Neymar and Lionel Messi look to have found the spark which made them a part of one of Europe’s deadliest attacks while at Barcelona, with 12 goals and assists between them to Mbappe’s one.
      Mbappe turned down a move to Real Madrid in favour of a new three-year deal with the Parisians, with his wage package worth a staggering £507m. More

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      Sporting Lisbon step up Cristiano Ronaldo transfer pursuit with Man Utd star wanting to join Champions League side

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      SPORTING LISBON have reportedly stepped up their interest in Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese superstar, 37, has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of Champions League football.
      Ronaldo is keen to leave Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo came through Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy as a teenager
      But he has struggled to find a suitor who would take him – with Chelsea and Bayern Munich both ruling out a bid.
      However, one option which seems to still be on the table is a loan or permanent return to his former club Sporting Lisbon.
      Ronaldo came through the club’s youth set-up before leaving for United in 2003.
      According to Foot Mercato, Hugo Viana, a former team-mate of Ronaldo’s and now the sporting director at Lisbon, is working hard to convince the Real Madrid legend to return to the club.
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      Sporting can offer Ronaldo Champions League football – something United are unable to provide.
      And Erik ten Hag’s men have made the worst possible start in their attempts to return to Europe’s premier competition.

      They lost their opening game of the season 2-1 to Brighton, before being humiliated 4-0 by Brentford – a pair of results which leave them bottom of the Premier League.
      Ronaldo, who started against Brentford, will be concerned about the state of United.
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      Although he revealed earlier this week that his future will be confirmed in an interview in two weeks time.
      He wrote on Instagram: “They know the truth when they interview in couple of weeks. The media is telling lies.
      “I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only 5 of them were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip.”
      The post was met furiously by former team-mate Gary Neville who hit back at Ronaldo’s announcement.
      He tweeted: “Why does the greatest player of all time (in my opinion) have to wait two weeks to tell Manchester United fans the truth?
      “Stand up now and speak. The club is in crisis and it needs leaders to lead.
      “He’s the only one who can grab this situation by the scruff of the neck!”
      Read More on The Sun
      Ronaldo scored five goals in 31 appearances during his first spell at Sporting, before he left for Old Trafford as a teenager.
      He is Portugal’s greatest ever goalscorer, netting a breathtaking 117 times in 137 caps for the national team.
      Ronaldo had a lack of pre-season with Man Utd but has now returned to the foldCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd to take HUGE hit if club fail to qualify for Champions League this year with Adidas sponsorship reduced by 30%

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will take a HUGE financial sponsorship hit if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this year.The Red Devils have a ten-year agreement with mega sports brand Adidas worth £750million, which includes a number of bonuses or penalties based on performance.
      Man Utd have lost their opening two Premier League gamesCredit: Alamy
      Should United fail to qualify for the Champions League, they will see a drop of £22.5m from their Adidas dealCredit: Getty
      If Manchester United fail to qualify for the Champions League this season adidas are able to reduce the amount paid to #MUFC by 30%, which works out as £22.5 million. pic.twitter.com/WEJzmaI4P7— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) August 17, 2022

      And as pointed out by broadcaster Kieran Maguire, with United finishing sixth last term, should they fail to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row – they will see a 30 per cent reduction in sponsorship revenue.
      That would mean United would receive £22.5m LESS from sponsors Adidas.
      Considering United’s start to the season, they may have to start preparing for that loss in sponsorship.
      Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford was optimistically well received.
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      A strong pre-season, which saw United destroy rivals Liverpool 4-0, also gave fans hope.
      However, uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club and two straight losses in the Premier League has raised concerns.

      United were beaten at Old Trafford 2-1 by Brighton and followed it up with am embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brentford.
      The two losses have condemned United to the bottom of the Premier League table and they face Liverpool next.
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      So there is a real possibility United will be without a point in after their opening three games – Arsenal had a similar start last term.
      United are also struggling to attract players to bolster Ten Hag’s squad.
      Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is a long-term target, but agreeing a move with the player is proving difficult.
      United may now turn to Real Madrid’s Casemiro, who could cost £50million.
      United do, however, have an insurance policy – and it involves winning a competition they’ve conquered before.
      Ten Hag’s side will contest the Europa League this season alongside Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
      Other teams from across Europe’s top five leagues include Lazio, Roma, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Union Berlin, Freiburg and Rennes.
      Teams who finish third place in the Champions League group stages will also drop down into Europe’s second tier competition to contest the group stages.
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      United last won the competition in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
      The Red Devils also reached the final in 2021 but lost on penalties to Villarreal. More

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      Fans troll Arteta over All Or Nothing rant at Tavares as defender is only Arsenal player in Champions League this season

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      TOTTENHAM fans trolled Mikel Arteta’s All or Nothing rant – because Nuno Tavares is the only Arsenal player in the Champions League this season.The last episodes of the Amazon Prime Video documentary tracking the Gunners’ 2021-22 season will be released this week.
      Mikel Arteta launched a brutal tirade at Nuno TavaresCredit: Getty
      The left-back will play in the Champions League on loan at Marseille this seasonCredit: AFP
      And the finale will feature the anticlimactic end to the season which saw Arteta’s side miss out on the top four.
      The Spaniard let rip at Tavares at half-time in the 2-1 win at West Ham in May.
      Arteta yelled: “Do you want to play in the Champions League? Do you want to play in the f****** Champions League?”
      But as fans read the extract in SunSport today, they could not help but snigger that the one Arsenal star who will hear that iconic music and dine at Europe’s elite table this season is Tavares.
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      The Portuguese left-back, 22, joined Marseille on loan for the season following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko – and scored a cracker on debut against Reims.
      And after finishing second to PSG in Ligue 1 last term, Igor Tudor’s side will be in the group stage draw on August 25.
      For Tavares’ team-mates back in North London, though, the end-of-season collapse meant Tottenham pipped them to fourth.
      So instead Arsenal will feature in the Europa League on Thursday nights.
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      One SunSport reader said: “Arteta shouting in Tavares face, ‘Do you want to play in the f***ing Champions League?’ Tavares joins Marseille on loan. The person playing Champions League football this season is Tavares.”
      A Tottenham supporter added: “Now that is funny.”
      And another Spurs fan joked: “Things you love to see.”
      But the Emirates faithful are feeling confident of finishing in the top four this season.
      A strong summer of recruitment and then starting the season with two wins has got the optimism flying around the club once again.
      SunSport readers could not help but laugh at the irony More

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      Man Utd legends Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sir Alex Ferguson reunite at Ibrox after PSV’s draw against Rangers

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Ruud van Nistelrooy reunited with Sir Alex Ferguson at Ibrox on Tuesday after PSV’s Champions League qualifier against Rangers.The Dutchman, who was appointed PSV boss in March, travelled to Glasgow with his squad earlier this week to take on Rangers in the first leg of the Champions League qualifying play-offs.
      Van Nistelrooy’s PSV took on Rangers in a Champions League qualifier on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
      The Dutchman met up with Ferguson and posted this picture on social mediaCredit: Twitter / @RvN1779
      Eredivisie giants PSV got off to a positive start as Ibrahim Sangare broke the deadlock during the first half.
      But, it took just three minutes for Rangers to draw level courtesy of a fantastic finish from Antonio Colak.
      Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side then took the advantage with 20 minutes to go, but PSV managed to equalise shortly after.
      The game finished 2-2, meaning the winner of next week’s clash at the Philips Stadion will earn a place in this season’s Champions League.
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      Despite the result, Van Nistelrooy was still in good spirits after the game and even took the time to chat with former Man Utd boss Ferguson, who was watching from the stands.
      He then posted a picture with the United legend on Instagram and Twitter with a caption that read: “With the gaffer at Ibrox after the game.”
      Van Nistelrooy spent five years with The Red Devils from 2001 to 2006 before moving to Real Madrid.
      He won the Premier League title once at Old Trafford under the management of Ferguson.
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      But, after retiring from his playing career in 2012, he decided to follow in the Scot’s footsteps and transition into coaching.
      Van Nistelrooy was satisfied with his team’s performance against Rangers on Tuesday, but also admitted that they struggled at times.
      He told BT Sport: “I have to say in the first half I thought Rangers were the better team.
      “We had a good start. We had a chance with Luuk de Jong in the first five minutes but Rangers really took a hand of the game and had some good possession play, and created some chances so we struggled.
      “Unfortunately the free kick for Rangers was an unfortunate moment for our goalkeeper but I think the better of the chances were for us and, in the end, I think 2-2 was a fair result.” More