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      Man Utd verdict: Donny van de Beek so invisible it was like they only had 10 men even before Aaron Wan-Bissaka red card

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      IF he wasn’t already disheartened with his Manchester United career, a half-time subbing may have just tipped Donny van de Beek over the edge.This was supposed to be the moment to show boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer what he can bring to a team already brimmed with elite talent and big stage superstars.
      Donny van de Beek made it look like Man Utd had 10 men before Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent offCredit: EPA
      Having played in all six Champions League group games last season, the Dutch midfielder was given his moment again in the competition in United’s opener away to Young Boys.
      The 24-year-old’s second appearance of the campaign after a five-minute cameo against Newcastle, and his first start in all competitions since the last league game of last season.
      United legend Rio Ferdinand said pre-match: “He is fighting for his career. He was given assurances that he would get these opportunities, but he’s got to go and produce.
      “He’s wise enough to understand that. He’s got to go out there and show Ole why he should be playing in his team and make it difficult to take him out.”
      Paul Scholes added: “He’s got to prove he is good enough to play for Manchester United.”
      But if anything, his brief showing will only convince Ole even more that he can do without the player he snapped up from Ajax for £40m last summer.

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      Just why Ole decided to buy him in the first place is a mystery, seeing as, over his 38 appearances for the club, he has averaged just 40 minutes per game.
      It was the same story against Young Boys – being hooked at the break for Raphael Varane following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s first-half red card.
      Ole will claim it was a tactical move, but he could have quite easily taken off another attacker instead, or Van de Beek’s midfield partner Fred.
      But in a damning indictment of Ole’s belief in Van de Beek, he trusts the Brazilian more.
      In that respect, Van de Beek has a case to feel sorry for himself, and wonder just what he has to do to get a run in this side.
      Donny van De Beek had yet another night to forget for Man UtdCredit: AP
      But on the other hand, he knows exactly what he needs to do – he just doesn’t show it.
      Whether he likes it or not, in the brief moments you have on the pitch in a Manchester United shirt, you have to show your worth.
      Especially now, in this current squad, when you are surrounded by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
      But instead of taking a grip of this game, you wouldn’t be blamed for forgetting he was even playing.
      Even before Wan-Bissaka’s red card, it was as thought United were playing with 10 men, such was his invisibility.
      ‘HARD TO NOTICE’
      And when you did notice him, he was either missing a tackle or committing a foul.
      It certainly wasn’t for his on-the-ball efficiency. He was out-passed and produced less touches of the ball than Fred – a player who is hardly ‘world class’.
      There were attempts to provide cross-field diagonal passes to the likes of Luke Shaw, but his passes just don’t have the same zip and panache as his teammates.
      Yes, that may be down to the fact that he is constantly in a state of rustiness, coming off the bench or coming into a starting XI that must feel alien to him at times.
      But you just want to see more from a player that is obviously so talented having ripped it up at Ajax.
      A player who would cover every blade of grass, make every tackle, commit players with his movement.
      But that’s just the point – we don’t know what player he even is? Is he a defensive rock? A ball-winning Pitbull? A box-to-box machine?
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      The one thing we do know for certain is that he is unused, uncalled for and unwanted.
      Ole said in his pre-match press conference of Van de Beek: “This is Man United, Donny. This is what it feels like.”
      If this is what it feels like, don’t be surprised to see Van de Beek head for the exit door sooner rather than later.

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      Mathias Pogba says Pogba’s brother says Man Utd star will decide on future at ‘right time’ amid Real Madrid and PSG transfer links More

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      Young Boys 2 Man Utd 1: Jesse Lingard’s horror pass back gifts Siebatcheu winner in last SECOND of added time

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER’S dreams of ruling Europe once more got off to a nightmare start in Bern.They completely self-destructed after taking an early led through Cristiano Ronaldo with Jordan Siebatcheu snatching a dramatic winner with virtually the last kick of the game.
      Young Boys snatched a dramatic winner in injury time to stun Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Jesse Lingard played a blind back pass towards David De GeaCredit: BT Sport
      Jordan Siebatcheu ran in ahead of the goalkeeper to tuck the ball in as Lingard, right, watches onCredit: BT Sport
      But questions need to be asked of just why Cristiano Ronaldo was sat on the Manchester United bench at that stage.
      His replacement on 72 minutes Jesse Lingard would provide the woeful back pass that allowed Siebatchu to score.
      Yet it had all started to well.
      Just 13 minutes into Manchester United’s opening Champions League group game and Ronaldo was on the score sheet again.
      Just three days after his brace on his second debut in a 4-1 win over Newcastle the goal machine was continuing to roar.
      Yet with 18 minutes left and the tide turning against United it was he who made way with Bruno Fernandes who had provided the amazing assist for his goal.
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      Yes they had been down to ten men since the 35th minute with right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka going off but Solskjaer had already made changes to combat that.
      He brought on Diogo Dalot for Jadon Sancho to ensure they kept a back four.
      At the break on came Raphael Varane as they essentially went to a back five.
      But when you have Ronaldo, you still have a chance to snatch the game, the opposition still have to be on red alert.
      If anyone is going to turn things on their head it’s him.
      Was he surprised to go off? You bet he was.
      He saw a double substitution was being made but walked upfield with his back to the assistant referee’s board never believing he would be one of those coming off.
      The ref had to shout for him.
      He accepted Solskjaer’s explanation with something of a bemused expression as he raised his eyebrows.
      Quite what Lingard was going to do that he couldn’t wasn’t clear, with Bruno Fernandes off as well all attacking threat was gone.

      Solskjaer talked after his double in the 4-1 win against Newcastle about managing his minutes, but still.
      Not quite how he will have wanted to end a night when he matched the record of his former Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas for appearances in this competition at 177.
      His goal added to an incredible tally in the competition of 135, the most of any player with Lionel Messi next best on 120 and Robert Lewandowski on 73.
      His goal last night was a classic example of what manager Solskjaer described when asked what sort of player United were getting back 12 years after he left.
      A wiser, all-round footballer, who knows when to go where and can simply sniff out a goal.
      So when Fernandes picked up the ball wide on the left, he had darted in from wide right reading a pass that few in the game could execute.
      His Portuguese countryman picked him out with the outside of his right boot threading a ball between two yellow shirts, curling it behind another pair into the path of Ronaldo.
      His short, sharp darting stride took him away from Ulisses Garcia and his shot squeezed the ball between the legs of David von Ballmoos and over the line.
      After his stunning show on Saturday, he was up and running again.
      Ronaldo stabbed in the opening goal in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
      Bruno Fernandes delivered the sublime cross with the outside of his bootCredit: Getty
      Jesse Lingard came on for Cristiano Ronaldo but ultimately cost his side with the horror passCredit: Getty
      You wonder if he goes home and just runs in his garden and scores, and in the hotel corridors before games.
      He certainly does in the warm-ups before games and one steward found to his cost.
      A rare shot off target smacked him on the head and floored him requiring medical attention with a concerned Ronaldo climbing over the advertising hoardings to check if he was okay.
      Things changed, however, with Wan-Bissaka’s red card.
      It was his own clumsy touch in the 35th minute that caused the problem as he let the ball run away from him.
      He stretched to get it back and in so doing crunched his foot down on Christopher Martin’s ankle.
      Still, Ronaldo posed a threat and was demanding a penalty on 54 minutes when he appeared to be nudged off the ball by Mohamed Ali Camara at full speed.
      His appeals were waved away.

      Ronaldo was clearly still reminding referee Francois Letexir of this after Moumi Ngamaleu equalised for the home side on 66 minutes.
      The cross from Meschack Aebischer seemed to clip Shaw, and go behind Harry Maguire allowing Ngamaleu to bundle the ball home from close range.
      United were just hanging on after that.

      Young Boys had less to think about defensively with Ronaldo off and just pushed everyone forward.
      Their reward came in the last seconds as Lingard’s back pass played in Siebatcheu.
      The final whistle went with Ronaldo in his tracksuit top, watching on, from the bench – a strange sight.
      Moumi Ngamaleu, left, poked in to get Young Boys back on level terms at 1-1Credit: AFP
      De Gea had no chance of stopping the effort at his near postCredit: Reuters
      Questions will be asked about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to drag off RonaldoCredit: Getty
      Lee Grant says Man Utd stars too scared to eat dessert in front of Cristiano Ronaldo More

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      Watch Bruno Fernandes’ ‘assist of season already’ as outrageous pass sets up Ronaldo for Man Utd goal at Young Boys

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      BRUNO FERNANDES provided a sumptuous assist for Cristiano Ronaldo to tuck away as Manchester United took the lead away at Young Boys in the Champions League.The two Portuguese superstars linked up wonderfully inside the opening quarter of an hour in a match that the Red Devils ended up losing 2-1.
      It just had to be him, didn’t it! 🎯Cristiano Ronaldo gives Man Utd the lead at Young Boys! ⚽️Three goals in two appearances. A fairytale return to the Red Devils so far! pic.twitter.com/NpbHZOySKU— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 14, 2021

      Fernandes and Ronaldo linked up superbly as they gave Man Utd the leadCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo made no mistake from close range as he netted yet again in EuropeCredit: Getty
      Fernandes sauntered towards the final third and noticed his compatriot lingering at the back post.
      And with the outside of his boot he managed to whip a sensational low cross into Ronaldo, who made no mistake from 10 yards out.
      Reacting to the wonderful set-up from Fernandes, one social media user said: “Do you understand how ridiculously insane this pass is from Bruno Fernandes to find Cristiano Ronaldo?”
      Another added: “Bruno Fernandes with the ‘Assist of the season’.”
      And a third said: “That goal was all Bruno Fernandes tho. Outside of the boot pass took everyone out. He’s out of this world.”
      The official club Twitter then came out to add: “We need to talk about that Bruno assist.”

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      We need to talk about that Bruno assist 🥵— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2021

      Bruno Fernandes with the “Assist of the season”— Harshal kadam (@Harshal02531139) September 14, 2021

      It is Fernandes’ first assist of the 2021-22 season in what may well have been Ronaldo’s first touch of the match.
      The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward has now scored 135 goals in the Champions League, 15 more than any other player.

      But it was ultimately a dreadful night for Man Utd as Jordan Siebatcheu’s late goal saw them lose 2-1 after being reduced to ten men in the first half following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s dismissal.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were knocked out of the competition in the group stage last season.
      This year they have been drawn in Group F alongside Young Boys, Villarreal and Atalanta.
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      Mathias Pogba says Pogba’s brother says Man Utd star will decide on future at ‘right time’ amid Real Madrid and PSG transfer links More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo KOs steward with shot during Man Utd warm-up at Young Boys before going over to tend to floored person

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO accidentally KO’d a match steward while warming up for Manchester United’s clash at Young Boys.The Portugal star misfired a ball wide of the goal as he limbered up for the Champions League group stage game.
      Cristiano Ronaldo accidentally KO’d a steward in the build-up to Man Utd’s game at Young BoysCredit: Reuters
      The steward was laid flat by Ronaldo’s misfired shotCredit: Reuters
      And Ronaldo instead hit an innocent steward standing on the sideline.
      The fierce impact of the ball saw the person crash straight to the ground.
      People around quickly looked to make sure the steward was OK.
      And Ronaldo himself immediately went over to check in on the prone person.
      After knowing the steward was well, Ronaldo ran back onto the pitch to continue his warm-up.
      And he cheered the steward up after the final whistle by giving her his jersey.
      Ronaldo immediately went to check on the stewardCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo tended to the KO’d steward as others also helpedCredit: EPA

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      But the incident didn’t put Ronnie off his stride, as he opened the scoring in Switzerland after just 13 minutes following a sumptuous assist from Bruno Fernandes.
      It was Ronaldo’s third goal in just two games for his ‘new’ club.
      The legendary forward scored twice on his second debut in United’s 4-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday.
      But United fell apart as they went down to ten men before conceding a last-gasp winnner.
      Ronnie also moved level with Iker Casillas tonight for the most Champions League appearances in history.

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      Ronaldo gave his shirt to a security guard at the end of the gameCredit: Getty
      The security guard, who could have been the person struck by the ball, looked delighted to receive the jerseyCredit: Getty
      The pair are joint-top on 177 games in the top European competition.
      And one more match sees Ronaldo move clear, with the Portugal ace already the competition’s leading all-time goalscorer.
      Earlier this month, Ronnie also became the all-time leading INTERNATIONAL goalscorer too.

      Solskjaer reacts to joke about Man Utd stars being too scared to eat dessert in front of Cristiano Ronaldo More

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      Young Boys vs Man Utd LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, teams and kick-off time – Latest as Cristiano Ronaldo STARTS

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are commencing their Champions League campaign with an away trip to Young Boys in the early kick-off this evening.United were knocked out of the competition last season in the group stages before reaching the final of the Europa League, where they lost on penalties to Villarreal.
      But now they’re back in the big time, and with Champions League king Cristiano Ronaldo at their disposal.
      Their other matches will feature a reunion with Villarreal and a clash with Gian Piero Gasperini’s exciting Atalanta team.
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      Young Boys vs Man Utd kicks off at 5.45pm UK time – 6.45pm in Switzerland.
      Young Boys vs Man Utd is live on BT Sport 1.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Coverage of the game will begin from 5pm UK time.
      You can live stream a radio broadcast of the game on TalkSport 2.
      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.
      Young Boys XI: Von Ballmoos, Heftl, Camara, Lauper, Garcia, Sierro, Pereira, Fassnacht, Aebischer, Ngamaleu, Elia.
      Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Van de Beek; Sancho, Fernandes, Pogba; Ronaldo

      ASTRO AHEAD
      An artificial pitch awaits United tonight.
      But OGS isn’t about to make excuses about the pitch and says his players won’t have any either.
      Speaking to Man Utd’s site, he said: “At least Astroturf is green!
      “Being from Norway, I’m used to Astroturf pitches.
      “There’s absolutely no complaints. You can’t have any reason to misplace a pass, to be honest. And it seems a good one.
      “I’ve not tested it yet but it should be good.”
      LATEST ODDS
      Strangely, you’d think the United price may have shortened with Betfair given Ronaldo’s inclusion.
      But it’s actually the hosts that have tightened with United staying well odds on.

      Young Boys to win – 13/2
      Draw – 4/1
      Man Utd to win – 2/5

      YOUNG BOYS LINE-UP
      Here’s how tonight’s host from Berne line-up.
      YOUNG BOYS XI: Von Ballmoos, Camara, Sierro, Ngamaleu, Elia, Fassnacht, Aebischer, Garcia, Lauper, Martins, Hefti
      WANKDORF ARRIVAL
      The United players arriving at the stadium a short time ago.
      Just under an hour until we get under way!

      UNITED BENCH
      And the players that Solskjaer can call on if needed across the evening.
      Subs: Heaton, Kovar, Bailly, Dalot, Varane, Mata, Matic, Lingard, Elanga, Greenwood, Martial
      MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
      Someone else perhaps not anticipated to start but Donny van de Beek gets his opportunity in the United midfield.
      Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba all start too in what looks like possibly being a diamond in the middle of the park.
      Raphael Varane starts on the bench as Victor Lindelof comes in.
      MAN UTD XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Pogba. Bruno Fernandes, van de Beek, Sancho, Ronaldo

      AND THE ANSWER…..
      RONALDO STARTS!
      TEAM NEWS IS IN!!
      OR THIS?
      It’s not just Ronaldo that Solskjaer would want to rest.
      Can he take a risk on matchday one away from home though?
      If he’s up for it, could it be this line-up?

      POSSIBLE LINE-UP
      If he does play Ronaldo, will this be tonight’s XI?

      WILL HE PLAY OR WILL HE NOT?
      Will Solskjaer look to hand Ronaldo a rest tonight?
      The coach suggested he may leave Ronaldo out of his starting XI for Tuesday’s game after the team’s 4-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday.
      When asked by the press about the player, Solskjaer said: “I have to manage a 36-year-old’s minutes.
      “Of course there is a game on Tuesday. We will see what we do.”

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NIGHTS
      European football’s premier competition is BACK.
      The Champions League group stages get back under way tonight as 32 teams embark on a continental journey looking for glory.
      Among them is Manchester United and we are with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men for their matchday one clash in Switzerland.
      The Swiss side won the Super League for the fourth successive campaign last year to qualify for this year’s competition.
      And they have been rewarded with a tough draw with United, Villarreal and Atalanta – though it’s one they might just fancy their chances.
      For the Reds, it’s very much a group they will be confident of navigating, despite coming up against last season’s European nemesis Villarreal.
      Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Newcastle made it three wins from their four games this season as they sit at the top of the Premier League.
      Apart from that, not much else happened at Old Trafford….
      The return of Ronaldo was always going to give the United squad and players a huge lift and it was some lift after bagging twice.
      How long can they hold onto that bounce though?
      One thing is for sure, this is a competition where CR7 has done not too badly in.
      We’ll see how he and his United teammates get on as they get underway in just under 90 minutes.
      Team news to come.
      Load more entries… More

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      Do away goals count in Champions League and Europa League? Full Uefa rules for 2021/22 season

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      GET ready for more drama as the Champions League and Europa League get underway.Chelsea lifted last year’s CL trophy after seeing off Man City in an all-Premier League final – and the Blues begin their title defence against Zenit on September 14.
      Chelsea won the Champions League after a tense clash with Man CityCredit: Getty
      There’s changes on the way in Europe’s premier competition, with Uefa rocking the boat this term.Do away goals count in Champions League and Europa League matches?
      Away goals have been a feature of European knockout games since 1965.
      But this campaign things are going to be different.
      After years of speculation, Uefa have finally decided to scrap the away goals rule in both Champions League and Europa League knockout games over two-legs.
      As such, the aggregate score will now be the determining factor in sending a tie into extra-time.
      Should the scores be level after the extra 30 minutes, we go to penalties.
      The law previously gave a significant advantage to sides who hit the back of the net on the road, but drew criticism from many fans.
      ⚽ The away goals rule will be removed from all UEFA club competitions from the 2021/22 season.Ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs will now have two 15-minute periods of extra time, and, if required, penalty kicks.#UCL #UWCL #UEL #UYL— UEFA (@UEFA) June 24, 2021

      Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin explained the decision: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of Uefa competitions since it was introduced in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various Uefa meetings over the last few years.
      “Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.
      “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.
      “There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.
      “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
      “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the Uefa Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo equals Champions League record in just second Man Utd game since return with stunning appearance stat

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will match Iker Casillas’ Champions League appearance record when he plays for Manchester United today.The Portuguese superstar, 36, has been thrust into the starting XI for United’s first group stage game against Swiss side Young Boys, having only made his second ‘debut’ at the weekend.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has matched Iker Casillas’ Champions League appearances recordCredit: AP
      And today’s match marks Ronaldo’s 177th Champions League appearance – equalling the record held by Real Madrid legend Casillas.
      Ronnie already holds the title for most Champions League goals, netting 134 times in the competition.
      And he is now just one game away from becoming the outright record holder for appearances too.
      It will be yet another personal success for Ronaldo, who this month became the all-time leading international goalscorer with Portugal.
      Ronaldo rejoined United on transfer deadline day from Juventus in a stunning move.
      And he made his first Red Devils appearance since 2009 in Saturday’s 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle, scoring twice in front of a jubilant Old Trafford crowd.

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      Ronnie has already laid down the gauntlet to teammates, setting his sights on the title with an inspiring speech exclusively revealed by SunSport.
      But he is sure to be targeting even more success in Europe.
      Ronaldo led United to glory in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea.

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      And he went on to win a further FOUR with Real Madrid.
      Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he will be looking to manage Ronaldo’s minutes due to his advancing years.
      But by starting him against Young Boys, it send a clear message that United and Ronaldo are eager to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford in 2022.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Rio Ferdinand tells Man Utd how to utilise ‘aggressive’ Cristiano Ronaldo More

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      How many subs can teams make in the 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