Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi ruled out of PSG’s Champions League clash at RB Leipzig due to injury after being subbed against Lille

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash against RB Leipzig after picking up a hamstring injury.The 34-year-old hasn’t even been named in Mauricio Pochettino’s 21-man-squad to face Leipzig on Wednesday due to the niggling hamstring issue along with a pain in his knee, PSG revealed.
      Messi will miss PSG’s Champions League tie against Leipzig due to injuryCredit: Getty
      Messi’s injury woes were first realised before his horror performance in PSG’s 2-1 win over Lille last week.
      However, the ex-Barca attacker was given the all-clear to start in the game which saw L’Equipe give him a rating of three out of ten for his poor display.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was practically invisible in the first half before Pochettino subbed him, although the PSG boss claimed he only removed Messi from action as a ‘precaution.’
      The Ligue 1 giants were even trailing 1-0 when Messi was on the pitch, but when he was taken off, they found their groove and mounted a comeback, ending the game as 2-1 winners.
      The Argentine’s now gone five games without scoring or setting up a goal, making it the worst start to a season he’s had in 15 years.
      But in contrast, Messi’s been in fine form in Europe in this campaign, scoring three goals in as many games.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Two of those strikes came in PSG’s 3-2 win over Leipzig when they met a few weeks ago, which included a perfect Paneka penalty effort.
      Messi was also a menace against Manchester City in the top-tier European competition last month.
      He broke his scoring duck in the game with a wonder-strike that was reminiscent of his form in Spain with Barca.
      PSG will also be without crocked star Sergio Ramos for the Champions League game.
      The ex-Real Madrid star is yet to make his debut for the club who are reportedly losing patience with the defender.
      The 36-year-old is back in training and PSG hope he’ll be fit again soon, but if that’s not the case, it’s been reported that they’re considering pulling the plug on his contract despite only signing him in the summer.
      Football fans convinced Lionel Messi played with an injury as PSG star spotted massaging hamstring More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans attacked by bat-wielding Atalanta Ultras in bar brawl which sees injured waitress rushed to hospital

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were attacked by Atalanta thugs wielding bats ahead of the Champions League clash.Footage showed a group of fans being attacked at a bar on Monday evening in Bergamo, northern Italy.
      Manchester United fans were attacked at a bar in Bergamo, northern Italy
      Atalanta thugs attacked the supporters at an Irish bar on Monday night
      La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that one United fan and a waitress were injured.
      Reports say Atalanta supporters dressed in black hoods and scarves and launched their attack with bats at an Irish pub called The Ritual.
      A 24-year-old waitress was injured from an object being thrown and was take to hospital in an ambulance.
      But the report adds that her condition is not serious and the group of fans fled before police arrived at the scene.
      Manchester United face Atalanta on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
      The city of Bergamo has introduced a 24-hour ban on selling alcohol more than five per cent volume from Tuesday morning.

      The ban applies to shops, restaurants and bars in the centre of the city and in areas surrounding the stadium.
      Atalanta play at the 21,000-seat Gewiss Stadium in the north east of Bergamo, which is down the road from Milan.
      Man Utd are top of their Champions League group having come from 2-0 down to beat Atalanta last time out.
      They’ll be without the injured Victor Lindelof for the trip after he picked up a knock in training. More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Where we belong’ – Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo issues rallying call ahead of Champions League clash against Atalanta

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO sent out a rallying cry ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Atalanta in the Champions League.The 36-year-old forward is up for the fight as the Red Devils look to hold onto top spot in Group F.
      Cristiano Ronaldo in training for Manchester United ahead of their clash with AtalantaCredit: Getty
      Man Utd came from 2-0 down to beat Atalanta at Old Trafford last time out.
      And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are in Italy for the reverse fixture and coming off the back of a pressure-easing 3-0 win at Tottenham.
      Former Juventus striker Ronaldo had a message for his 362 million Instagram followers on the eve of Tuesday’s tie.
      He wrote: “Back to Italy, a country that welcomed me and my family so well, an amazing place that will be forever in my heart.
      “I know from experience that it’s never easy to play in Bergamo against a team such as Atalanta, but we will do our absolute best to keep the first place in our group.
      “This is Champions League and we are Manchester United! We are where we belong! Let’s go, Devils!”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Just three points separate all four teams in Group F at the half-way stage.
      Man Utd have a home clash with Young Boys and a trip to Villarreal left after Tuesday’s showdown.
      Defender Victor Lindelof was ruled out of the trip to Italy after picking up a knock.
      The Swedish centre-back has started all three Champions League games so far but didn’t travel to Bergamo with the rest of the team.
      Nuno Espirito Santo claims Cristiano Ronaldo makes him proud to be Portuguese More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Atalanta vs Man Utd FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League match

      by

      MAN UTD head to Italy to take on Atalanta in a crucial Champions League group match.The Red Devils are top of the group after coming from 2-0 down to beat the Italians 3-2 through a late Cristiano Ronaldo header at Old Trafford.
      Cristiano Ronaldo headed in the winner when Man Utd hosted AtalantaCredit: EPA
      However, there is still work to do with Atalanta sitting second on four points, level with third placed Villarreal, and fourth placed Young Boys still in contention on three points.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      What time does Atalanta vs Man Utd kick off?

      Atalanta take on Man Utd on Tuesday, November 2.
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Italy.
      It will take place at Atalanta’s Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
      The 3-2 Man Utd win two weeks ago was the two sides’ only meeting.

      What TV channel is Atalanta vs Man Utd on and can I live stream it?

      Atalanta vs Man Utd is live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage commences at 7.45pm, following the conclusion of Malmo vs Chelsea.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Atalanta vs Man Utd 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
      Atalanta have a number of injuries to contend with.
      Centre-backs Berat Djimisti and Rafael Toloi are both out, along with left-back Robin Gosens, right-back Hans Hateboer and midfielder Matteo Pessina.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no real injury worries, with only Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof doubtful.
      Ahead of this match, Solskjaer will need to decide whether to continue with the 3-5-2 that worked so well at Spurs or revert to a 4-2-3-1.
      Under the 3-5-2, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani would be likely to start together again after both netting in North London.
      Latest odds

      Atalanta 17/10
      Draw 3/1
      Man Utd 7/5

      *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Malmo vs Chelsea FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League match

      by

      CHELSEA head to Malmo as they look to take a step towards Champions League qualification.The Blues are currently three points ahead of third place Zenit as they go into matchday four of the Champions League.
      Chelsea are looking for another win as they face MalmoCredit: Getty
      Malmo meanwhile have yet to pick up a point or score a goal, having been hammered in all their matches so far.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      What time does Malmo vs Chelsea kick off?

      Chelsea visit Malmo on Tuesday, November 2.
      The match kicks off at 5.45pm UK time – 6.45pm in Sweden.
      It takes place at the Eleda Stadion, Malmo.
      The sides last met two weeks ago when Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners at Stamford Bridge.

      What TV channel is Malmo vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

      Malmo vs Chelsea is live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage commences at 5pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Malmo vs Chelsea 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
      Sweden star Ola Toivonen, former Ipswich left back Jonas Knudsen and midfielder Patriot Sejdiu are all out for Malmo.
      There are also doubts over the fitness of right-back Felix Beijmo.
      Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic are all definitely out for Chelsea.
      Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount are doubts.
      Latest odds

      Malmo 16/1
      Draw 13/2
      Chelsea 2/11

      *Odds from Betfair correct at time of publication. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd could line up against Atalanta with Cavani keeping place up front and Rashford and Greenwood missing out

      by

      IF IT ain’t broke, don’t fix it.So goes the old saying and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will surely be tempted to live by it on Tuesday.

      Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani starred for Man United at SpursCredit: Getty
      Manchester United travel to Atalanta with the pressure valve easing at Old Trafford.
      The Red Devils bagged a 3-0 win away at Tottenham to keep Solskjaer in the manager’s job – for now.
      And he is likely to maintain faith in the starting XI that saved his bacon against Spurs for their upcoming Champions League clash.
      Last time United faced their Italian opponents they shipped two goals at home before talisman Cristiano Ronaldo saved the day.
      They also conceded four against Leicester and a whopping five at home to Liverpool playing in Solskjaer’s regular 4-2-3-1 formation.
      But the Norwegian opted for three central defenders plus wing-backs against Spurs and the extra numbers seemed to do the trick.

      ARE YOU IN? IT’S GO TIME ON OUR COMPETITION TO WIN £5,000 (T&Cs apply. 18+)
      United were a tighter unit at the back with a steady base from which to launch attacking salvos.
      Those came from veterans Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, with the two starting together for the first time.
      The Uruguayan Cavani came in for youngsters Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.
      He added some attacking nous to United’s game and it was little surprise to see both his name and Ronaldo’s on the scoresheet.
      Solskjaer’s position is far from secure and he will be desperate for a win in Bergamo.
      But if he does decide to go back to what he knows, there is room to bring in some of his young guns.

      Reintroducing a 4-2-3-1 would probably herald the return of Greenwood and Rashford to the starting XI.
      Jadon Sancho is currently out of favour, although he would relish the opportunity of a start in Europe.
      It would be hard to see both Ronaldo and Cavani starting with one up top – and there is no chance CR7 volunteers to drop to the bench.
      And could Tuesday signal a return to the fold for Paul Pogba?
      With his ban only for domestic football, a Champions League place could beckon for the World Cup winner.

      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola wears T-shirt in tribute to Man City fan fighting for life in hospital after attack by rival supporters

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA had a message for stricken Manchester City fan Guido de Pauw on his T-shirt on Friday.The Etihad boss arrived at his press conference to preview Saturday’s trip to Brighton sporting the words ‘We’re With You Guido”.
      Guardiola’s message of support to Belgian based City fan De Pauw
      The incident took place in Kevin De Bruyne’s hometown of DrongenCredit: Getty
      Hours after City’s game in Brugge on Tuesday night, De Pauw, 63, was attacked outside a shop as he returned home.
      He was immediately rushed to hospital and placed in a coma with doctors declaring he had life-threatening injuries.
      Five men have appeared in court over the incident and two remain in custody – while the victim’s condition is described as ‘stable’.
      Guardiola is praying Guido will continue to improve and that he will be able to join them at the Etihad in the future.
      He said: “Of course all the club and the organisation, from our chairman Khaldoon and every person here, we are with him.
      “We are quite optimistic because the last hours he is getting better.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      “Of course he has all the support from the club for what they need with the investigation from our club.
      “We are sending a big hug for him and all his family and we wish he comes back to Etihad Stadium soon to follow us.”
      Guardiola is hoping those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice in Belgium.  
      He added: “Hopefully this isn’t going to happen again. It’s difficult to understand why people go to enjoy a football game and this kind of terrible things.
      “I’m pretty sure Bruges will do the right investigation on that and they can take the person or the people involved in this.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Pep Guardiola basks in Man City’s glory over Brugge More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea suffer huge injury blow with Romelu Lukaku facing a MONTH out after twisting ankle in win over Malmo

      by

      ROMELU LUKAKU faces a month out – dealing Chelsea a serious blow in the title race.The club’s record £97.5million signing twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League win over Malmo.
      Romelu Lukaku faces a month out dealing Chelsea a serious blow in the title raceCredit: Getty
      And he now faces three to four weeks on the sidelines during a key part of the season.
      After a tough run of fixtures, the Premier League leaders have a favourable spell with games again Norwich, Newcastle, Burnley and Leicester.
      All would be viewed as winnable games where Chelsea would expect to rack up precious points to hold off main rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
      But Lukaku will now have to sit it out and it means ambitious Chelsea will be robbed of their ‘reference point’ up front as he is known by boss Thomas Tuchel.
      Lukaku has been on a barren run with no goals in seven games for his club.
      But with him sidelined and injury to fellow forward Timo Werner, it makes life difficult for Tuchel over the next few weeks.

      The brilliant Belgian has been overdue a rest and will get an enforced one now.
      Tuchel said: “It was necessary that Romelu was on the pitch, he started very strong.
      “I spoke with him about the situation, that I think he carries a bit of a mental fatigue around with him, and that I think it’s also normal, but he’s our number nine, he’s our reference up front and the best thing against mental fatigue is a goal and we knew that we could be the dominant team.
      “We knew today we built a fast attack with Mason and Timo around him, and him as the reference point up front in the middle, and I had a strong belief that he could in a Champions League match turn things around in terms of scoring and being decisive, which he actually did because he was super strong in our start and he took the foul, so maybe without him it’s not 2-0.
      “I don’t regret it because it’s not a muscle injury and not from physical fatigue, he is more a little bit overplayed.
      “That is just my opinion, maybe I’m not even right, and it was the moment to give him confidence and let him play.
      “I don’t regret it because he was decisive and things like this can happen, it’s just bad luck.”

      Chelsea’s next big game is their home Champions League game with Juventus on November 23.
      That is followed five days later by a home Premier League clash against Manchester United.
      Lukaku is expected to be fit by then.
      Tuchel says Lukaku was tired during Brentford game as he defends his striker after six games without a goal More