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      Barcelona vs Bayern Munich FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for TONIGHT’S Champions League game

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      BARCELONA begin the post-Lionel Messi era in Europe with the toughest of tests as they take on Bayern Munich TONIGHT.Ronald Koeman’s men have struggled in La Liga so far and currently sit seventh.
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      Memphis Depay has very big shoes to fill with Lionel Messi having left BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Thomas Muller is looking to help Bayern Munich win the Champions League trophy they last collected in 2019Credit: Getty
      Meanwhile Bayern Munich are second in the Bundesliga after three straight victories, including a thumping 4-1 win at RB Leipzig over the weekend.
      What time does Barcelona vs Bayern Munich kick off?

      Barcelona take on Bayern Munich on Tuesday, September 14 – TONIGHT.
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Spain and Germany.
      It will take place at the Nou Camp.
      The sides last met in Lisbon two years ago when Barca crumbled to an infamous 8-2 defeat with their own player, Philippe Coutinho, scoring twice against them while on loan with Bayern.

      What TV channel is Barcelona vs Bayern Munich on and can I live stream it?

      Barcelona vs Bayern Munich is live on BT Sport 3.
      Coverage commences at 7.30pm – half an hour before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.
      A radio broadcast of the game is being aired on TalkSport 2.

      Can I watch Barcelona vs Bayern Munich for free?

      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.

      Team news
      Barcelona’s attack is in dire straights with Sergio Aguero, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele all out.
      Martin Braithwaite could also miss out after being confined to individual training, leaving Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong and Philippe Coutinho as the likely front three.
      Jordi Alba is likely to regain his place at left-back after recovering from a knock, but Sergino Dest is a doubt on the right hand side.
      Bayern Munich have very few injury worries, with Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman their only definite absentees.
      Serge Gnabry was substituted as a precaution against RB Leipzig but is set to be fit for this game.
      Latest odds

      Barcelona 13/5
      Draw 3/1
      Bayern Munich 19/20

      *Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, September 13. More

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      Frozen Ben Chilwell’s been left-back in the dressing-room at Chelsea but star is hoping for some Champions League action

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      BEN CHILWELL will be reminded of better times when the biggest club tournament in world football resumes tonight.The last time the Chelsea defender kicked a ball in a competitive game was also the high point of his career when he won it back in May.
      Ben Chilwell tasted Champions League glory with Chelsea in MayCredit: The Sun
      From Champions League winner to bystander for England at the Euros and now on the bench without a look in as the new season gathers pace.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel has held talks with his £50million left back and revealed that Chillwell’s mood darkened as the summer wore on and the glow of victory faded.
      Chilwell is yet to play a single minute of any game for Chelsea or England since that memorable night against Manchester City in Portugal on May 29.
      But as the calendar rolls on and European football arrives there is a glimmer of hope that he might finally be seen back on the pitch.
      Tuchel said: “It has been difficult for him, absolutely. It’s pretty normal. 
      “He came from a Champions League win and a 90 minutes and strong performance, and had a good end to the season in general and played a lot of minutes for us. Many important, crucial games at a high level.

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      “Then it was a tough Euros for him because there were chances where he thought he could have played. He did not. Personally, I think and I know it was a tough one because you feel he did everything to push the team.
      “You feel part of the team. But you don’t feel it really if you don’t sweat it out sometimes on the pitch and never wear the shirt and are never really involved. It is a strange feeling.
      “Then he had a break. It was hard for him to totally relax and get this personal disappointment that he was never in the team off his shoulders.
      “When he arrived here he was emntally tired. Still worrying about the situation. At the same time, he had to accept it.
      “He was very unlucky at the start of the season, too, because Marcos was here the whole preseason and did every single training session, and took this opportunity with such a huge quality and attitude. 
      “These are two specialists for the same position, so it’s a tough competition for both of them.
      “We had some talks with Chilly about the situation. He knows I would have done the same thing if it had been the other way round, to trust him if he was here and showed this kind of personality and attitude like Marcos did.
      “They are in competition but, at the same time, they are pushing each other and there are no further worries for Chilly. He just has to be a bit patient and keep on training.
      “He had to be a bit patient with himself to find the joy again and to find things a little easier on the pitch, and not to force it too hard. This is where we are now.
      The defender has found himself left on the bench for the Blues this termCredit: PA
      “He’s in good shape. A good place mentally and on the pitch. He can play any minute.”
      Chilwell’s best chance to break back into the team comes this evening with Russians Zenit as the opposition in the first group game, at home.
      As well as rotating to rest his squad, Tuchel is without key midfielder N’Golo Kante and winger Christian Pulisic who remain crocked.
      Chelsea are unbeaten in the Premier League and now open up a second front in Europe, with the League Cup to come next week as the fixture scheduling really kicks in.
      The other time Chelsea won the Champions League they made a hash of the title defence – crashing out in the group stage which led to the sacking of boss Roberto di Mateo.

      Veteran skipper Cesar Azpilicueta said: “When I arrived to Chelsea after they won the Champions League it was tough to be out in the group stage. 
      “I am the only one in the squad from that moment. I will try with my experience to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
      “We don’t get any more points this season because we were champions.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      Tuchel opens up on Chilwell’s shock Chelsea axing with defender ‘mentally tired’ More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Young Boys with Cristiano Ronaldo facing the bench after Solskjaer warning

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must decide on whether to rest Cristiano Ronaldo against Young Boys.The Red Devils are expected to win their Champions League opener against the Swiss minnows and Solskjaer may take a gamble.
      How Man Utd could line-up against Young Boys
      But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could decide to rest some players
      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.”
      Despite the hint, Ronaldo is expected to start Man Utd’s first Champions League game of the season and get the team off to a flyer.
      Solskjaer’s side crashed out of the competition at the group stage last season and the Norwegian manager will be desperate not to repeat that.
      Ronaldo is likely to lead the attack with Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho keeping their roles in the starting XI.

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      Edinson Cavani picked up an injury in training before the Newcastle game and has not travelled to Switzerland for the game.
      Solskjaer confirmed: “Edinson got a knock in training. Maybe he’ll be [out for] a week or so, he’s still working his way up to full fitness from that one.”
      David de Gea should keep the No1 jersey for the European tie with Dean Henderson not available, although Tom Heaton could make his debut.
      Captain Harry Maguire never misses a game for United and should start, but Victor Lindelof could give Raphael Varane a day off.
      Fred could play alongside Paul Pogba in the middle, but Solskjaer has previously hinted at deploying Donny van de Beek in a No6 role.
      Star man Bruno Fernandes is unlikely to be rested due to his importance to the team and Jesse Lingard could make a rare start.

      Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was really nervous about second Man Utd debut More

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      Man Utd fans allowed to travel to Switzerland for Young Boys clash but must show Swiss Covid certificate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED supporters have been given the green light to travel to next week’s clash away to Young Boys in Switzerland.Fears were rising that the Red Devils would not have any backing at the Stade de Suisse in Bern as they kick off their Champions League campaign.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United will be backed in Switzerland next weekCredit: EPA
      Fans of the Red Devils will now be able to attend the Champions League game if they take an approved testCredit: AFP
      That was after Young Boys refused to allocate tickets based on local laws which state NHS passes are not proof of vaccination.
      However, The Athletic now claim a ‘late compromise’ has been found over the Covid-19 regulations.
      United officials have ‘negotiated a reprieve’ that now allows fans to attend – as long as they take a test at an approved site next to the stadium. 
      And after a negative result, a Swiss certification will then be issued to those persons.
      United will now have an 1,800 ticket allocation for the game on Tuesday.
      Fans heading to Switzerland will be able to go to the testing centre from midday on Monday until 8pm.

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      And it will be open again on matchday from midday until 4pm.
      The testing will cost individuals between £50 and £60 and will take approximately two hours.
      United fans will need to present their ticket to enter the stadium along with a passport and valid Swiss Covid-19 certificate.
      It comes a day after Uefa announced that away team fans would be able to travel to games next week.
      But that would only be allowed if the home side’s local health and government rules permitted visitors.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      Gareth Bale ‘excited’ to watch Cristiano Ronaldo tear it up at Man Utd as he heaps praise on ex-Real Madrid team-mate More

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      Uefa scrap Champions League and Europa League Covid testing for fully vaccinated players ahead of next month’s kick-off

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      UEFA have removed the need for fully vaccinated players to undergo Covid-19 tests before Champions League and Europa League matches.Stars have been regularly checked for the virus before all games since the pandemic broke out.
      The new Champions League season kicks off next weekCredit: Getty
      But those who have been doubled-jabbed, or recently recovered after testing positive for Covid, will no longer require a Uefa-mandated test.
      European football’s governing body confirmed the decision in a statement updating their pandemic protocols ahead of the tournaments kicking off.
      The ban on away fans was also lifted, potentially allowing supporters to travel abroad to watch their team in group stage action.
      In practice, the guidelines for Covid testing have been handed down from Uefa, to the clubs and the countries they are competing in.
      If all members of an away team are required to take a test to travel across borders, they will still have to do so – depending on that nation’s rules.
      Furthermore, the onus is on the clubs to ensure their players are fully vaccinated and to properly report this to the relevant authorities.

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      It is not widely known which footballers have accepted their jabs although managers such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta have openly admitted that some of their stars are refusing to do so.
      Uefa’s ruling allows teams playing on home turf to forego testing their vaccinated players, who could produce a positive result and miss games despite being far less likely to suffer the ill effects of the virus.
      Yet clubs could still choose to do so anyway, to ensure maximum safety and help protect those unable to get jabbed, or those who do not want to.
      The Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League kick off next week.
      Manchester United are the first British team in action, travelling to Switzerland’s Young Boys on Tuesday, September 14.

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      Lionel Messi NO LONGER plays in top five European league as Portuguese league leapfrogs Ligue 1 in Uefa coefficients

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      LIONEL MESSI no longer plays in one of Europe’s top-five leagues after Ligue 1 was overtaken by Portugal’s Primeira Liga.The Argentine hero, 34, made the dramatic switch from LaLiga giants Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
      Lionel Messi is no longer playing in one of Europe’s top-five leagues after France dropped below PortugalCredit: Alamy
      Messi is yet to make his Ligue 1 debut but the move has seen him drop out of the so-called big five due to the recent changes in the Uefa coefficient system.
      The points-based rankings take into consideration the results from each team in the European countries in Uefa club competitions.
      And this week’s Champions League qualifiers have tipped the balance in the favour of the Primeira Liga.
      Benfica beat PSV Eindhoven on penalties on Tuesday night which was enough for Portugal to lead France by just 0.05 coefficient points on 42.217 to 42.167.
      And then on Wednesday, Monaco lost their shootout with Shakhtar Donetsk after a 2-2 draw to further hinder Ligue 1’s ranking.
      Both Benfica and Shakhtar were in Pot 3 for Thursday’s group-stages draw.

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      According to the official Uefa website, Portugal are now fifth on 44.216 with France on 43.498.
      The points take into consideration performances across the last five seasons, from 2017-18 to the new campaign.
      England top the pile on 87.926 – helped by Champions League glory for Liverpool and Chelsea as well as final appearances for the Reds, Tottenham and Manchester City.
      In the Europa League, Chelsea beat Arsenal in the 2019 final while Manchester United were runners-up last season.
      Spain are second on 80.570 – helped largely by their duopoly of the Europa League with the Premier League.
      Italy come in third on 63.616, just pipping Germany on 61.427.
      That is despite Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich winning Europe’s elite club competition in 2020, beating PSG in the final.

      Inter Milan did reach the Europa League final in the same year.
      In the club rankings, Bayern lead the way on 116 points with Manchester City (111), Liverpool (105), Barcelona (103) and Chelsea (102) completing the top five.
      Real Madrid (98), Messi’s PSG (97), United (91), Juventus (91) and Atletico Madrid (90) are also in the top ten.
      Portuguese outfit Benfica booked their place in the Champions League group stages this weekCredit: Getty
      There was heartache for Moanco as they lost to Shakhtar Donetsk on penaltiesCredit: Getty
      PSG boss Pochettino leaves in doubt possibility of Messi debut at Brest More

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      Manchester United get rematch with Villarreal plus Atalanta and Young Boys in favourable Champions League group draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have the chance to avenge last season’s Europa League final defeat after drawing Villarreal in the Champions League group stage.The Spaniards beat the Red Devils in May with a thrilling penalty shootout to clinch their first-ever major trophy.
      Man Utd will face Villarreal, Atalanta and Young Boys in the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty

      And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be eager to make amends when he butts heads with Unai Emery again.
      But United also face tricky games against impressive Italian side Atalanta and perennial Swiss champions Young Boys.
      And the Red Devils will need to utilise every part of their expensive squad to ensure they reach the last 16, having crashed out of the group stage last year.
      United know all about Villarreal after their heartbreaking Europa League final defeat, with star man Gerard Moreno still leading the line after penning a new long-term deal.
      However, Emery’s men have drawn their first two games of the new LaLiga campaign without scoring a single goal.
      And with £40million defender Raphael Varane in their ranks, United will also be hoping to keep the Yellow Submarine at bay.

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      Meanwhile, Atalanta are looking to build on last season’s third-place finish in Serie A.
      And they have already got off to a winning start this term despite letting goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and defender Cristian Romero join Tottenham.
      Finally, Young Boys will prove to be no easy task after winning their fourth successive Swiss title last season.
      When will the Champions League group stage matches be played?The Champions League group stage draw took place on Thursday afternoon and here is when the matches will take place…
      Matchday one: 14/15 September
      Matchday two: 28/29 September
      Matchday three: 19/20 October
      Matchday four: 2/3 November
      Matchday five: 23/24 November
      Matchday six: 7/8 December

      But despite drawing the tricky trio, United fans were in confident mood on Twitter.
      One wrote: “If we don’t qualify from this group, we might as well delete the club.”
      Another said: “It’s not an easy group but we should be winning it.”

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      One declared: “Not an easy group by any means but definitely winnable.
      “Atalanta will be tough but we avoided the European elite.”
      One added: “Man United should not bottle this! It’s an opportunity!”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Marcus Rashford returns to Man Utd training for first time since shoulder operation as striker makes early recovery More

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      Champions League draw LIVE: Build-up as Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool and Man City await group stage fate – latest updates

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      THE Champions League is back as four England clubs, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City wait to see who they will face in the group stages.Chelsea are the reining champions, having beat City in the final last season, but the Blues could land themselves in this year’s group of death

      Start time: 5pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 1
      Pot 1: Chelsea, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Inter, Lille, Sporting
      Pot 2: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Man Utd, PSG, Liverpool, Sevilla, Dortmund
      Pot 3: Porto, Ajax, Atalanta, Leipzig, Zenit, Benfica, Shakhtar, RB Salzburg
      Pot 4: Club Brugge, Young Boys, AC Milan, Malmo, Wolfsburg, Sheriff Tiraspol, Besiktas, Dynamo Kiev

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      When is the Champions League group stage draw?

      The Champions League draw will be held on Thursday, August 26 – TODAY.
      It will commence at 5pm UK time – 6pm CET and 7pm in Turkey.
      The draw is being held in Istanbul.

      HERE WE GO!
      HOSTS PEDRO PINTO AND LAURA WONTORRA ARE ON THE STAGE!
      BIG NAMES
      Some big names have arrived for the draw, including former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Hamit Altıntop.
      We’re moments away from the draw getting underway.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      RON TOP
      All-time Champions League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo COULD be on his way to Manchester City from Juventus.
      The 36-year-old legendary attacker could be picked up for less than £30million due to his age.
      But his goals are priceless.
      The Portugal captain has scored 134 goals in the competition, leading fellow legendary attacker Lionel Messi by 14 goals.
      RED DEVILS
      Take a trip down memory lane at some of Manchester United’s previous Champions League draws.
      Man Utd’s best and worst Champions League group stage draws including nightmare clash against Bayern Munich
      HALF AN HOUR TO GO
      We’re half an hour away from the draw getting underway.
      Awards will be presented this afternoon as well.
      Awards will be handed out to the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward from las season’s men’s and women’s Champions League competitions.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      CREATOR IN CHIEF
      Juan Cuadrado finished last season with the most assists in the competition (6).
      The Juventus wing-back has been terrific both defensively and in the final third.

      WHO CAN’T PLAY WHO
      Zenit cannot be drawn with Dynamo, keeping Russian and Ukrainian teams apart due to tension between the two nations.
      DATES FOR THE DIARY
      If you’re wondering when the fixtures will be played, we’ve got you covered.
      Matchday 1, 14/15 September
      Matchday 2, 28/29 September
      Matchday 3, 19/20 October
      Matchday 4, 2/3 November
      Matchday 5, 23/24 November
      Matchday 6, 7/8 December
      BLUES BACK ON TOP
      Thomas Tuchel guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in his first season at the club.
      And managed the team in their Super Cup final win against Villarreal.
      But the German wants his team to use their success to propel them to more titles.
      He said: “We want to win, we want to compete and of course we want to be successful.
      “This is in Chelsea’s nature and of course we are up for the challenge.
      “We will try to compete for every title in every competition we enter but I also think it will be a huge step forward if we can maintain the same quality, attitude and effort that we showed last season.”

      HAALLELUJAH
      Erling Haaland finished top goalscorer in last season’s competition with ten goals.
      Borussia Dortmund bowed out in the quarter-finals, but the Norwegian wonderkid still came out on top.

      POT FOUR
      Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol are in Pot four!

      Besiktas (TUR) 
      Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) 
      Club Brugge (BEL) 
      Young Boys (SUI)
      AC Milan (ITA) 
      Malmo (SWE)
      Wolfsburg (GER) 
      Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)

      POT THREE
      Fairly stacked Pot three too!

      Porto (POR)
      Ajax (NED)
      Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
      Leipzig (GER) 
      Salzburg (AUT)
      Benfica (POR)
      Atalanta (ITA) 
      Zenit (RUS)

      POT TWO
      Liverpool, 2019 Champions League winners, are in Pot two.
      Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, who up until last season dominated their divisions, are also in Pot two.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United also find themselves in Pot two.
      Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are in the same pot.

      Real Madrid (ESP) 
      Barcelona (ESP) 
      Juventus (ITA) 
      Manchester United (ENG) 
      Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 
      Liverpool (ENG) 
      Sevilla (ESP) 
      Borussia Dortmund (GER)

      POT ONE
      Last year’s winners Chelsea are in Pot one as they look to defend their European crown.
      Defending Premier League champions Manchester City are also in Pot one, they made the final last year.
      Europa League winners Villarreal find themselves in the top pot too, alongside defending LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid.

      Chelsea (ENG) 
      Villarreal (ESP)
      Bayern (GER) 
      Manchester City (ENG) 
      Atletico de Madrid (ESP) 
      Inter Milan (ITA) 
      Sporting CP (POR) 
      LOSC Lille (FRA)

      GOOD AFTERNOON
      And welcome to the live blog for the 2021/22 Champions League Group Stage draw!
      All 32 teams will be divided into four pots containing eight teams each.
      A name from each pot will be drawn for each of Group A through Group H.
      All four English teams will be in Pot one and two.
      Premier League champions Manchester City are in Pot one together with the defending European champions Chelsea, while Manchester United and Liverpool have been seeded in Pot two.
      The draw is set to get underway at 5pm so get comfy and enjoy all of the pre-draw build-up!
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