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

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

    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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    RB Salzburg 1 Chelsea 2 LIVE REACTION: Havertz’s spectacular strike sends Blues through to Champions League last 16

    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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    Tottenham vs Sporting Lisbon: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Champions League clash

    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

    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

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

    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.
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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

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    How Newcastle lined up last time they were in Champions League in 2003 as Eddie Howe’s side battle for top four spot

    NEWCASTLE are dreaming of Champions League football for the first time since 2003 after beating Tottenham.The victory over the weekend put Eddie Howe’s side into fourth place after 11 games, having lost just once all season.
    Bobby Robson’s side finished third in 2003 to set up the Champions League qualifier
    Howe has been able to invest heavily since arriving as Toon boss and, with spending set to continue, Newcastle have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
    Should they succeed, it will mark a return to the top table of European football for the first time in 19 years.
    The late Sir Bobby Robson was in charge in August 2003 when the Magpies lost to Partizan Belgrade in the third qualifying round.
    Newcastle won the first leg away 1-0 before losing 4-3 on penalties after the game at St James’ Park ended 1-0 to the Serbian giants after extra-time.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    SunSport takes a look at the team that lost that day, which includes a couple of Newcastle legends.
    Shay Given
    The former Republic of Ireland international achieved hero status at Newcastle after making 462 appearances in all competitions.
    The ex-goalkeeper, 46, now works as a pundit after leaving a coaching role at Derby in the summer, having spent four years with the Rams.
    Shay Given works as a pundit following a coaching spell at DerbyCredit: Getty
    Aaron Hughes
    Hughes, 42, came through the Newcastle academy and played in 279 games for Toon before joining Aston Villa in 2005.
    The Northern Irishman actually made 12 appearances in the Champions League and also had spells at Fulham, Hearts and Brighton.
    Aaron Hughes became an important defender after graduating from the club’s academyCredit: Pacemaker Press
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    Andy O’Brien
    He helped Newcastle to a third-place finish in his first season at the club to set up the qualifier with Partizan Belgrade.
    The 43-year-old was a mainstay in the team until poor form led to his sale to Portsmouth in 2005.
    Andy O’Brien made 172 Toon appearances between 2000-2005Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Jonathan Woodgate
    One of the stand-out players in the side, Woodgate had proven his pedigree in Europe by nullifying Didier Drogba in a Uefa Cup semi-final clash against Marseille a few months earlier.
    He helped Newcastle to a fifth-place finish in his first full season in 2003-04 before joining Real Madrid.
    Woodgate, 42, also had spells at Leeds and Tottenham and managed Middlesbrough, where he has recently returned as a coach under new boss Michael Carrick.
    Jonathan Woodgate returned to Middlesbrough as a coach this weekCredit: Getty
    Olivier Bernard
    The Frenchman, 43, made 102 appearances in his first spell at the club between 2000-2005.
    He returned in 2006 but injury cut short his career and he never made another appearance.
    Bernard blamed former Toon boss Graeme Souness for his early retirement and the ex-defender has since worked with Show Racism the Red Card, an anti-racism education charity.
    Olivier Bernard was forced to retire through injury aged 27Credit: EPA
    Nolberto Solano
    The Peruvian, 47, was a cult hero in the North East and also had two spells at the club, between 1998-2004 and 2005-07.
    He made 314 appearances for Newcastle in total, scoring 48 goals and helping Toon to an Intertoto Cup win in 2006.
    Nolberto Solano achieved cult hero status at the MagpiesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Gary Speed
    Speed was a prominent figure for both Newcastle and Wales during his spell in the North East, and he twice finished as an FA Cup runner-up with the Magpies in 1998 and 1999.
    He sadly passed away in 2011 aged just 42, while he was manager of Wales.
    Gary Speed is fondly remembered for his spell at NewcastleCredit: AFP
    Hugo Viana
    Injuries disrupted the Portuguese star during his time at the club and he was limited to 39 Prem appearances between 2002-04.
    Viana, 39, is now director of football at Sporting Lisbon and tried to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.
    Hugo Viana is director of football at Sporting LisbonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Kieron Dyer
    Dyer, 43, played 250 times for Newcastle between 1999-2007.
    He is perhaps most well known for his infamous fight with former team-mate Lee Bowyer during a 3-0 loss to Aston Villa, but he also won 33 England caps thanks to his good form for Toon.
    Since retiring Dyer has appeared on TV shows I’m a Celebrity and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and became manager of Ipswich Under-23s before resigning in March.
    Kieron Dyer was named in the 2002-03 Premier League team of the yearCredit: Getty
    Alan Shearer
    The Newcastle legend, 52, unfortunately made only ten Champions League appearances with Newcastle and never won a major honour.
    But the Match of the Day pundit did secure his place as the club’s record scorer with 206 goals in 405 games before hanging up his boots in 2006.
    He returned for a failed stint as Toon interim manager in 2009 in which he was unable to prevent the club from relegation.
    Alan Shearer is Newcastle’s record goalscorer but he could not fire them into the Champions League in 2003Credit: Getty
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    Shola Ameobi
    Another popular figure at St James’ Park, Ameobi made 397 appearances for the club after rising through the ranks, scoring 79 goals.
    He returned to the Magpies in 2019 as loan co-ordinator, a role the 41-year-old still holds.
    Shola Ameobi is now loan co-ordinator at NewcastleCredit: Getty More