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      Man Utd, Liverpool and City interested in Jude Bellingham transfer next summer after shining for Borussia Dortmund

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was basking in more acclaim after outshining even Erling Haaland in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League opener.Teenager Bellingham was the star of the show by scoring the opener and then setting up Haaland’s strike as Dortmund withstood an ordeal by Turkish fire to beat Besiktas 2-1 in Istanbul.
      Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to score in consecutive Champions League games
      Jude Bellingham was voted as Uefa’s Player of the Match after the matchCredit: Getty
      It was further evidence of the 18-year-old’s remarkable maturity and ability to make himself a mainstay of a major side at such a tender age.
      Bellingham celebrated his man of the match display by interrupting Haaland’s post-match TV interview – and planting a smacker on the Norwegian’s cheek.
      The pair have become Dortmund’s new dynamic duo, with Haaland telling the cameras: “He’s just unbelievable.
      “And he’s three years younger than me. It’s crazy!”
      It is not just Haaland and the Dortmund fans who have taken a shine to Bellingham, who became the youngest player to score back to back Champions League goals with his strike in Turkey.
      Bellingham, with a cheeky smile, said: “Now I want to be the youngest player to score in three straight games.”

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      But it was as much the other aspects of his performance that explained why Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City – among others – will be out to try to lure him back to England when Dortmund are prepared to sell.
      That is unlikely to be next summer, with Haaland also certain to go when his £75m buy-out clause is triggered.
      Having lost Jadon Sancho to United this summer, Dortmund will be desperate to hold on to Bellingham for at least another 12 months.
      But his displays have seen Germany’s biggest-selling paper Bild predict: “He will be Dortmund’s upcoming £100m transfer in the next few years.”
      Bellingham is keeping Belgian star Axel Witsel on the bench and coach Marco Rose said: “Jude is just a great guy. In every single way.
      “His mentality, the willingness to work for the team, the intensity with which he plays football, the will to win and of course the solutions he finds on the football pitch.
      “The way he assisted the second goal and scored the first himself is extraordinary. That’s why we’re glad to have such a boy with us.”

      Bellingham is the future of the England midfield, too, even though he is currently one of the understudies to Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.
      Yet if the former Birmingam starlet continues his rapid ascent, it is hard to see Gareth Southgate not wanting him as part of his midfield axis when the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar in November 2022.
      But while Bellingham’s future in the Prem is assured, one man who is set to stay in the Bundesliga is Leon Goretzka.
      United were keen on landing the midfielder this summer but Bayern Munich refused to listen to any offers and have now agreed a new contract for the Germany star to stay in Bavaria until 2026.
      Jude Bellingham kisses Erling Haaland after gatecrashing interview as Dortmund star hails ‘amazing’ England ace More

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      Pep Guardiola told to stick to team tactics by angry Man City supporters’ club after ‘uncalled for’ comments

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has been told to stick to coaching by his own fans after pleading with Manchester City supporters to come to home matches. City only sold 38,062 tickets for the 6-3 win over RB Leipzig – leaving just under 17,000 empty seats in the 55,000-capacity stadium. 
      Only 38,062 fans watched Man City’s nine-goal thriller against RB LeipzigCredit: PA:Press Association
      Pep Guardiola pleaded with fans to come in their numbers against Southampton on Saturday
      And the Spaniard called on fans to turn out in their numbers for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton after the poor Champions League turnout. 
      But City’s Official Supporters’ Club Representative Kevin Parker fumed: “I’m not sure what that’s got to do with him.
      “He doesn’t understand the difficulties that some people might have getting to a game at the Etihad on a Wednesday evening at 8pm.
      “They’ve got kids to think of, they might not be able to afford it, there are still some Covid issues about… I don’t see why he comments on it.
      “He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that.
      “It just takes the edge off what was a good night. People are talking more about Pep’s comments than a fantastic game.

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      “To question the support, which is effectively what he is doing, is disappointing and uncalled for.
      “It does also play into the hands of supporters from other teams who want to take every opportunity to have a go at City for what they think are the poor attendances.
      “People refer to the Etihad as the ‘Emptyhad’. It’s a little bit of fun by the opposition supporters but there’s no justification for it. It’s not factual. Our attendances are generally excellent.”
      He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that.Kevin Parker, City Support’s Club Representative
      Guardiola, 50, said after the nine-goal thriller last night: “The last three games we’ve played here we’ve scored 16 goals.
      “I would like more people to come to the next game on Saturday.
      “We need the people, please, because we will be tired.
      “I know the team from Ralph (Hasenhuttl) is quite similar, they way they play. They’re so dangerous and it’s a really important game.
      “So I invite all our people to come next Saturday at 3pm to watch.”
      City had the fifth-highest average attendance in the last full season with fans
      Guardiola sends public plea for Man City fans to fill Etihad for Southampton after 17,000 empty seats vs RB Leipzig More

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      Watch Jude Bellingham kiss Erling Haaland after gatecrashing interview as Dortmund star hails ‘amazing’ England ace

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM comically showed his admiration for Erling Haaland’s Champions League efforts by giving the striker a quick peck on the cheek.And the Norway ace cracked a smile when the England starlet planted a post-match smacker on him after Dortmund’s win against Besiktas. 
      Jude Bellingham interrupted Erling Haaland’s interview with a kiss following Dortmund’s defeat of Besiktas
      Bellingham was in fine form against Besiktas netting Dortmund’s second goal
      The Borussia Dortmund aces were both on target with first-half goals for the German giants in their first Champions League group game this term.
      And Haaland, 21, was singing the praises of his highly-rated Birmingham team-mate shortly after being on the receiving end of a swift kiss. 
      Haaland said: “He’s amazing. He’s 18, three years younger than me and it’s crazy. “What I can say. He is amazing.

      Of the defeat of Besiktas, Haaland said: “We fight and we did good, so I’m happy for the win.” 
      Bellingham and Haaland’s efforts in Dortmund’s attack has earned plaudits from supporters and pundits.
      The duo have racked up 11 goals in seven games for Dortmund this term. 
      And this includes Bellingham’s stunning volley against Besiktas in this term’s Champions League

      And Bellingham’s affectionate post-match pecker prompted praise from fans for the Dortmund pair on social media. 
      One Twitter account described the Three Lions ace and his team-mate as “two of the best youngsters in the world”. 
      Another complimented Bellingham for “being on fire” for the German giants. 

      A third account posted the words ‘Hey Jude’ with a laughter emoji whilst another described Bellingham’s kiss as “class”. 
      Bellingham and his Dortmund teammates, who are third in Germany’s top-flight, will face Union Berlin in the Bundesliga next. 
      And a clash with Sporting Lisbon awaits them in their second Champions League group game on September 28.  

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      Jesse Lingard breaks silence after costing Man Utd with gaffe against Young Boys with grovelling apology to fans

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      JESSE LINGARD has apologised to Manchester United fans for his gaffe that cost them a Champions League point at Young Boys.The midfielder’s woeful backpass played Theoson Siebatcheu in to make it 2-1 to the hosts in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.
      Jesse Lingard has broken his silence after his gaffe handed Young Boys a Champions League win over Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The midfielder posted a statement on social media
      Lingard, 28, came in for criticism from all angles after the error and has fronted up to it on social media.
      He posted a picture of himself looking glum after the final whistle on Twitter and Instagram.
      And the former West Ham loanee wrote: “Last night hurt. Every time I pull on the United shirt, I hope people understand what it means to me.
      “I always go out wanting to do the best for the club, the team and especially the fans. I’m upset for my part in the defeat.
      “I never want to lose any game but mistakes happen in football and we now push on together.
      “We will all pick ourselves up and I can’t wait for Sunday.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Red Devils the lead after just 13 minutes in Switzerland on what looked set to be an easy opening night outing in the Champions League.
      But United fell apart following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card for an ankle-high first half challenge.
      Young Boys levelled before sub Lingard’s nightmare pass allowed the hosts to grab the winner.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      Rio Ferdinand, 42, went in two-footed as he assessed the game for BT Sport and compared it to last season’s embarrassing defeat in the same competition away to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      He said: “This is Basaksehir all over again. It’s a big mistake from Jesse.
      “Wherever you go in Europe you’ve got to be on your game.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo comforts steward he KOd with ball during Man Utd warm-up as he translates for medics More

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      Club Brugge 1 PSG 1: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe flop on first start together as PSG draw at Belgian minnows

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      LIONEL MESSI was unable to perform his usual Champions League magic on his full Paris Saint-Germain debut.After making a sensational summer switch from Barcelona, the Argentine fired a blank as the Parisians were left frustrated against Club Brugge.
      Lionel Messi and Neymar played together with Kylian Mbappe for the first time in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP
      But the trio didn’t have enough to overcome Belgian minnows Club BruggeCredit: AFP
      The 34-year-old was making his 150th Champions League appearance but it was the first time he walked out to the famous anthem not wearing Catalan colours.
      With Cristiano Ronaldo already hitting three in his opening two games for Manchester United, Messi would have been itching to get on the score sheet for his new club.
      And as former United midfielder Ander Herrera’s opener was quickly cancelled out by Hans Vanaken, Messi hit the bar, had an effort saved from close range and even fired into row Z as he tried his best to find the winner.
      But after seeing his former side thrashed 3-0 by Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, even he would have felt lucky to be lining up alongside Kylian Mbappe and old Barca pal Neymar for the first time.
      Yet it was PSG’s unexpected top scorer this season who carried on his hot streak.
      Herrera fired in his FOURTH of the campaign after rifling past former Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet on 15 minutes.

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      Yet the Belgian side did not feel intimidated by PSG’s star studded line up.
      Brugge skipper Vanaken immediately hit back when he stabbed home after being left unmarked in the penalty area.
      Messi nearly restored the lead in trademark style seconds later by smacking the bar with a left-footed curler from 25-yards.
      But if it wasn’t for Keylor Navas Brugge would have been ahead before the break after the Costa Rican keeper pulled off a spectacular save to deny Eder Balanta.
      Ander Herrera put PSG 1-0 up after 15 minutesCredit: Getty
      But Hans Vanaken equalised for Brugge just 12 minutes laterCredit: Rex
      Messi came close again on the hour mark as he wiggled his way into the six yard box only to be denied by Mingolet.
      And even as Brugge’s players started to look leggy late on Mauricio Pochettino’s men failed to find a breakthrough.
      Manchester City’s 6-3 win against RB Leipzig meant they went top of Group A with PSG sitting second.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo comforts steward he KOd with ball during Man Utd warm-up as he translates for medics More

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      Watch Pep Guardiola go absolutely ballistic at Riyad Mahrez on Man City touchline midway through RB Leipzig clash

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      PEP GUARDIOLA gave Riyad Mahrez an almighty rollocking during Manchester City’s Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.City’s boss was seen yelling at the Algerian just inches from his face despite his side being 4-2 up and Mahrez having scored a penalty.
      Pep Guardiola lost the plot at Riyad Mahrez during Man City’s win over RB LeipzigCredit: PA

      Guardiola looked absolutely fuming – even by his own animated standards.
      Mahrez appeared to feebly argue back on a couple of occasions but Pep was having none of it.
      His wild-eyed gesticulations continued with a few F-words appearing to be thrown in before Mahrez eventually got on with the game.
      The match proved to be a thriller at the Etihad with six goals scored by the 70 minute mark.
      Nathan Ake and a Nordi Mukiele own-goal saw the home side race into a 2-0 lead inside half an hour.
      Christopher Nkunku pulled one back for Leipzig before Mahrez’s emphatic penalty saw City take a 3-1 lead in at the break.

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      The second-half started in equally frantic fashion with Nkunku’s second on 51 minutes making it 3-2.
      But Jack Grealish scored his first ever Champions League goal just five minutes later to restore his side’s two-goal lead.
      Nkunku completed his hat-trick on 73 minutes but Leipzig’s renewed hope was short-lived once again.
      Even the fourth official looked like he felt sorry for Mahrez during the telling offCredit: Getty
      Mahrez scored a fantastic penalty to put City 4-2 upCredit: EPA
      Joao Cancelo struck City’s fifth two minutes later before Angelino was sent off for the visitors with 11 minutes of normal time to go.
      Gabriel Jesus put the icing on the cake and made it 6-3 on 85 minutes.
      City went top of Group A above Paris Saint-Germain with the win.

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      Rio Ferdinand discusses Man Utd’s poor record in the Champions League under Solskjaer More

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      Liverpool 3 AC Milan 2: Henderson’s brilliant volley seals another Reds comeback vs Italians in Anfield thriller

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      IT might not quite have been the Miracle of Istanbul but this belting opener in the Champions League Group of Death served up two comebacks for the price of one. Jordan Henderson hammered a brilliant winner as Liverpool overturned a half-time deficit, having themselves been stunned by a two-goal blast from Milan shortly before the break. 
      Jordan Henderson’s rocket saw Liverpool complete a comeback win against AC MilanCredit: PA
      The Reds skipper inspired his side to a 3-2 victory after trailing at the breakCredit: Reuters
      Jurgen Klopp promised that this group – which also includes Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and former European kings Porto – would provide excitement ‘from the first minute to the last’. 
      And the German wasn’t wrong – as he rested three key players and almost paid for his arrogance. 
      This was once-mighty Milan’s first Champions League appearance in seven years – and their first ever visit to Anfield. 
      And while there had been much pre-match talk of Liverpool’s epic comeback from 3-0 down to defeat Milan in the 2005 final, few would have expected a match as frenetic as this. 
      Trent Alexander-Arnold fired the Reds in front and Mo Salah had a penalty saved before Milan turned the encounter on its head with strikes from Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz. 
      But Salah netted an equaliser before Henderson’s peach and Liverpool had overcome their meltdown to secure a deserved win. 
      Mo Salah missed a penalty but still got on the scoresheetCredit: Getty
      Trent Alexander-Arnold got the Reds started when his shot was turned in by Fikayo TomoriCredit: Reuters

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      Both of these clubs, with 13 European Cups between them, had been part of the hated breakaway Super League scheme which was swiftly quashed last spring. 
      They ought to have known better, as the existing Champions League format rarely disappoints in the knock-out stage – and it can be tasty in the group phase too when there is a group served up like this one. 
      Klopp made the shock decision to bench Virgil Van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara, with Joe Gomez and Divock Origi both handed their first starts of the season. 
      But it didn’t seem to matter as Liverpool started like the clappers, with textbook manic workrate and their rampaging full-backs setting the tempo. 
      First Andy Robertson motored down the left and flashed in a cross which Origi sliced wide. 
      Then from a Roberton cut-back, Diogo Jota’s shot was deflected wide. 
      The right-back’s effort was turned in to Milan’s goal by Fikayo TomoriCredit: Reuters
      Salah had the opportunity to double Liverpool’s lead but his penalty was savedCredit: Getty
      But the breakthrough came down the right, from Alexander-Arnold – mistrusted by England boss Gareth Southgate but cherished by Klopp. 
      The Scouser played a neat give-and-go with Salah, snuck in behind his man and saw a shot deflect off Fikayo Tomori and inside the far post for a ninth-minute opener.
      The relentless pace continued, Milan being pinned back and battered.
      Soon Liverpool had a penalty, Robertson’s cross striking the raised arm of Ismael Bennager.
      But Salah, making his 100th Anfield appearance for Liverpool, showed a rare glimpse of mortality.
      He fired his penalty too close to keeper Mike Maignan, who made an excellent double save, also pushing away Jota’s header from the rebound. 
      Ante Rebic fired Milan level minutes before half-timeCredit: PA
      A quick-fire double saw Milan go 2-1 up seconds before the whistle was blownCredit: PA
      Maignan was at it again, tipping over a half-volley from Salah. Milan had lost their superstar keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to Paris St Germain in the summer but his replacement was keeping them in the match. 
      Liverpool’s shock-and-awe tactics has started to subside but Milan had barely threatened before their stunning double-strike late in the first half. 
      The first was a sweet passing move which ended with Franck Kessie feeding Rebic, who lashed home in front of a travelling support in the Anfield Road end who looked as shocked as they were delighted.  
      If that wasn’t chastening enough for Klopp’s men were ahead less than two minutes later. 
      This time, Kessie made a surging run, Rebic squared and an Alexis Saelemaekers shot was cleared off the line by Robertson, only for Diaz to react quickest and gleefully tap home.
      Salah restored parity with a fine chipped finish in the second halfCredit: Getty
      Henderson’s volley ended up being the winning goalCredit: Reuters
      With The Kop temporarily stunned into silence, the Reds retreated to their dressing room wondering how on Earth they were behind at the break. 
      It might have been even worse straight after the interval when Saelemaekers netted from a short corner only to be ruled out for offside. 
      Stung by all this mayhem, Liverpool swiftly equalised, Origi with a dinked through-ball and Salah steering home to finally beat Maignan. 
      It was all Liverpool again now, Milan defending desperately, and Jota’s shot deflected over. 
      From the resulting Alexander-Arnold corner a header was cleared to Henderson who drilled into the corner of the net on the half-volley with great technique and serious venom. 

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      Liverpool fans were jubilant as their team secured a huge winCredit: PA
      The game will go down as another European thriller at AnfieldCredit: Getty
      It was the skipper’s first Champions League goal in seven years and it was a critical one, in a match where dropped home points could well have proved very costly.
      Milan sent on Olivier Giroud, who had his menacing moments, but Klopp’s men continued to make most of the running. 
      They had missed their European nights in front of full houses at Anfield over the past 18 months – and this had been a vintage one. 
      Klopp says Harvey Elliott is doing ok after horrific dislocated ankle More

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      How many subs can teams make in Champions League this season?

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      THE Champions League is back for another action-packed season.After a packed schedule over the past 18 months, teams are nursing their aching players into another brutal winter period.

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      Chelsea will need to manage their squad if they’re to defend their CL titleCredit: AFP
      As such, rotating players and using subs wisely in this year’s competition could be crucial later on in the tournament.
      How many subs can teams make in the Champions League?
      You may remember that during the pandemic certain rules were changed to accommodate the unprecedented situation.
      This included the use of up to SIX substitutes during Champions League matches.
      And this rule – for the most part – is here to stay this season.
      In the 2021/22 Champions League, teams during the group stages are allowed to make five substitutions per game.
      Should they make it through to the knockouts, they can make five in the 90 minutes and then an extra sixth sub in extra-time if the tie requires.
      This season clubs will be able to make five subs during group gamesCredit: Reuters

      Uefa’s rulebook states: “Up to five of the substitutes listed on each team’s match sheet may take part in the match.
      “Exceptionally, a sixth substitute listed on the match sheet may take part in knockout matches exclusively during extra time.
      “Each team may use a maximum of three stoppages in play to make substitutions (one additional stoppage in extra-time can be used).
      “Substitutions made before the start of the match, during half-time, between the end of normal playing time and extra time, and at half-time during extra time do not reduce the number of stoppages in play that can be used.
      “A player who has been substituted may take no further part in the match”.

      Which TV channel and live stream is the Champions League on this season?
      It can sometimes be tricky keeping up with which company has the TV rights to show football in the UK.
      BT Sport have once again bagged the rights to broadcast Champions League, Europa League and Conference League football on these shores.
      Every single match of the competition will be shown on the platform, with streaming available on your mobile, tablet and PC via the BT Sport app.
      And EE phone customers can watch the entire group stage for FREE.
      If you have a contract with the mobile giants, you’re eligible for three months free of BT Sport mobile. More