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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

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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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