Champions League

THE brand new Champions League league phase is over and we now know who will be facing who in the next round.All four of the English clubs have managed to advance from the first round with Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa booking their place in the last 16 without the need for a playLiverpool have finished top of the Champions League league phaseCredit: GettyArsenal have secured automatic qualification to the last 16 with a top eight finishCredit: GettyAston Villa have snuck into the top eight and guaranteed a place in the last 16 tooCredit: GettyA look at what the league table finish means for who faces whoManchester City, however, will have a huge challenge as they will face on one of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a play-off round in February to try and earn a spot in the last 16 proper.Pep Guardiola’s side will learn which of those two teams they face in a draw taking place on January 31.The Cityzens narrowly squeezed into the play-offs with a 3-1 comeback win over Club Brugge that pushed them into 22nd.They had looked down and out when trailing 1-0 at half-time, with Pep Guardiola back scratching his head in frustration, but scrambled back to book their spot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, a poor league phase has now led to a nightmare draw.Arsenal, Liverpool and Villa will all have to wait to find out who advances to the last 16 from the play-off round to discover their opponents for their clashes.But until then, the final league table allows us to look at the four potential opponents each side would face.Arsenal’s 3rd placed finish means they will face one of AC Milan, Juventus, PSV or Feyenoord in a tricky tie.Most read in FootballManchester City pulled off a comeback win to squeeze into the play-offsCredit: ReutersCity’s shocking form in the league phase means they could face Real Madrid in the knockoutsCredit: AFPIf they avoid Real Madrid then City will face Harry Kane and Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners beat Girona 2-1 in Spain to earn their third placed spot on a night where youngster Ethan Nwaneri shone once again and loanee keeper Neto had a nightmare debut.Liverpool lost their first game of the competition in a 3-2 defeat to PSV that saw 18-year-old Amara Nallo sent off just four minutes after being subbed on.The draw for the playoff round will take place on Friday, January 31 at 11amFire breaks out outside Etihad in front of thousands of fans just hours before Man City’s Champions League clashBut regardless of their defeat, the Reds still topped the table and their first placed finish hasn’t done them any huge favours as they could still take on PSG, Benfica, AS Monaco or Brest in the last 16.For Villa, they snuck into the top eight by the skin of their teeth in 8th place after an enthralling 4-2 victory over Celtic at Villa Park.Their lower finish means they will face higher-seeded sides, and in this instance that will be one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.Man City know their route too, which means if they do advance past Bayern or Real Madrid in the play-offs, then they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.The overly complicated format, also known as the Swiss model, has thrown up some other potential heavyweight clashes across the competition.Scottish giants Celtic will face whoever of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich isn’t drawn to face Man City in a horror tie.While there’s potential last derby 16 ties between Inter Milan and AC Milan as well as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic will face one of Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-offsCredit: ReutersWho faces who in the Champions League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Champions League league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUNDAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic or Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic or Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco or BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco or BrestWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club Brugge More

ARNE SLOT claimed a “wise man” once told him nothing good ever came from a defeat.The identity of the Liverpool’s manager’s Yoda-style mentor remains a mystery but he may also have mentioned that the results of pre-season friendlies do not matter.Cody Gakpo returned to haunt his old club in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Eindhoven native struck in the opener from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersJohan Bakayoko slammed in a brilliant equaliser for the hosts, who turned the game on its headCredit: ReutersBecause here in Eindhoven, it felt exactly like that for Liverpool – the sort of match we see in July – with Slot mixing and matching his team without worrying too much about the outcome.Even though they lost, Liverpool finished in the top two.So this third defeat of the Slot reign really was an irrelevance and not one anyone will dwell on. Slot will certainly not stress about a late red card for Liverpool substitute defender Amara Nallo for a tackle on Johan Bakayoko.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNothing happened until Cody Gakpo scored against his former club with a 28th-minute penalty. Bakayoko equalised, Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool lead and then Ismael Saibari levelled in the 45th minute. Remarkably, in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, PSV got what was to be their winner.And it was credited to Ricardo Pepi but looked like a Conor Bradley own goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet it was always going to be a strange night. With captain Virgil van Dijk among several high-profile absentees left at home, Andy Robertson not only wore the skipper’s armband.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezThe Scot also replaced the Dutchman in central defence so there were always going to be a few gaps at the back.Striker Jayden Danns was handed a full debut up front while midfielder James McConnell made only his third start.Federico Chiesa – the only arrival last summer – has suffered an injury-hit spell on Merseyside and will have been delighted to get a full 90 minutes in his second start although he was guilty of an embarrassing dive in a bid to win a penalty.It was Chiesa who won the penalty although he needed extensive treatment after a clumsy whack to the ankles from Joey Veerman.Gakpo calmly dispatched his spot-kick into the bottom corner and as he had promised before the game, the £45m signing did not celebrate in front of his former supporters.Harvey Elliott smashed the Reds back ahead in an open first-halfCredit: GettyGakpo’s 39th strike for Liverpool sparked a flurry of goals.Bakayoko delivered a lovely finish following a clever turn which left both Robertson and Jarell Quansah on their backsides.Elliott tucked away a loose ball to restore Liverpool’s lead after keeper Benitez could only parry a shot from Chiesa and Saibari beat Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post for 2-2. Liverpool did not defend well and they caught out down their right again. Although Pepi was marked down at the goalscorer, Uefa initially awarded it as an own goal to Bradley as he got a heavy touch to Mauro Junior’s cross. Who faces who in the Champions League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Champions League league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUNDAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic or Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic or Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco or BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco or BrestWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeIsmael Saibari responded before PSV took the leadCredit: ReutersGakpo was given a standing ovation by the home fans as he left the fieldCredit: AFPOnly six minutes of the second half had been played when Slot decided to give Gakpo a rest and he received a standing ovation from the PSV fans who sang his name.READ MORE SUN STORIESGakpo’s replacement, Tyler Morton, delivered a stunning block to prevent Saibari from getting a fourth.And Kelleher delivered a decent late save to deny Isaac Babadi. More

MIKEL ARTETA believes Arsenal are proving they can beat anyone after Ethan Nwaneri inspired a fourth straight European victory.The whizkid, 17, curled in a stunning solo goal to see off Girona and rubberstamp the Gunners’ spot in the last 16.Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling congratulate Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyNwaneri converts a brilliant shot to give Arsenal the leadCredit: ReutersAnd delighted boss Arteta purred:  “That’s what we love about him, that he’s willing to take the initiative to make things happen.“He’s very aggressive when he’s on the ball and so confident.  He made the right choice, he went for it — and it was a very important goal.“We won the last four games in the Champions League — winning matches in this competition is very demanding.“We faced a group that was very tricky and difficult but overall the team has been very consistent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Hopefully there is more belief now in the dressing room that we are a good team and we can face anybody and still perform and win games.”Nwaneri’s strike also helped to spare the blushes of 35-year-old Neto.On his first appearance 152 days after a loan move from Bournemouth, the Brazilian keeper showed his rustiness with a Champions League howler.He bizarrely raced out of his penalty box — out of excitement or sheer panic — only to then dive with an outstretched hand as Girona’s Arnaut Danjuma whipped in a 28th-minute opener.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHad Neto got fingers to the ball he would have surely been sent off  — another red that would have almost certainly pushed Arteta over the edge.Instead, the Gunners hit back via Jorginho’s penalty and Nwaneri’s cracker.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card Arsenal  survived a late scare as  Cristhian Stuani’s 77th-minute equaliser was ruled out for offside by VAR before Raheem Sterling missed a late penalty.The path is now clear. One of either Feyenoord, Juventus, AC Milan or PSV await them in the knockouts.Arteta had been searching for a time to use his No 2 keeper — unable to play Neto in the Carabao Cup due to being cup-tied — and this tie against a knocked-out Girona with just one  European win to their name looked the perfect chance.But after this showing, the manager may now think twice before bringing Neto in from the cold again. Spanish No 1 David Raya missed out due to a “lack of fitness” — leaving him sweating on facing Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League crunch.Arteta said: “He certainly could not play and he’s injured and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”Arsenal went close to taking the lead. Riccardo Calafiori was narrowly offside from a Sterling pass  before netting.Girona were growing in confidence, thanks mainly to Danjuma terrorising Thomas Partey at right-back.A cheeky nutmeg on Partey saw him shimmy inside and threaten, then he beat him again and saw Neto miles out of his box, making for a simple finish from distance.Who faces who in the Champions League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Champions League league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUNDAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic or Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic or Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco or BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco or BrestWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeArsenal ratings vs Girona as Neto has a shocker on debut but is rescued by wonderkidNETO endured a nightmare Arsenal debut against Girona but had 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to thank for sparing his blushes.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has provided his ratings for the Arsenal team…Neto – 4He made his long-awaited debut, having joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth last summer.The goalkeeper got away with an early mistake and was caught out by former Spurs star Arnaut Danjuma.Thomas Partey 45′ – 6Too aggressive from the right-back spot and was beaten for pace by Danjuma as Girona opened the scoring.Partey struggled with the winger for much of the game which gave the hosts an edge.Managed to win a penalty to give Arsenal a route back into the game after a needless challenge but was hooked at half-time.Jakub Kiwior – 6The defender put in a decent shift at the back and was able to keep Abel Ruiz quiet for much of the match.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like Kiwior, Gabriel was fairly solid against Girona and dealt with most of the danger from the hosts.Riccardo Calafiori 69′ – 6Thought he scored the opener but was a good foot offside.Continued to be positive up the wing and helped the Gunners up the pitch.Mikel Merino – 6Merino was fine against Girona. It was not a performance that will grab headlines but did what he needed to do in midfield.Jorginho 80′ – 7It’s been a while, but the Italian was back on the scoresheet after converting from the spot in the 38th minute.The midfielder was composed on the ball and helped recycle the ball and control possession.Martin Odegaard – 6It was a quiet night for the Gunners captain as he helped the team maintain the ball but lacked that creative spark.Raheem Sterling – 4Struggled to make a big impact in the first half and was the weakest of all of the Gunners’ frontline.To make matters worse, he was booked for diving in the 70th minute.And just as he though it couldn’t get even worse, he missed a penalty late on.Leandro Trossard 69′ – 6Should have given Arsenal the lead early on but was unable to deflect the ball goalwards.Continued to prob and rattled the crossbar before the break with a powerful effort.Ethan Nwaneri 85′ – 8The youngster showed why he is one of the most promising players at the club with a wonder strike in the first half.He wrapped a curling effort into the top corner before half-time on his first Champions League start.His goal saw him become the second youngest English goalscorer in the history of thre Champions League.SUBSJurrien Timber 45′ – 6Added some energy down the left-hand side after replacing Partey at half-time.Kai Havertz 69′ – 6Got involved in the attack but struggled to find a clear scoring chance,Myles Lewis-Skelly 69′ – 6Another comfortable outing for the impressive youngster.Declan Rice 80′ – 6Came on in the final stages to help solidify the defence for the Gunners and put in some dangerous corners.He did pick up a booking late on.Gabriel Martinelli 85′ – N/AReplaced Nwaneri late on and looked dangerous on the wing for the final minutes.Arnaut Danjuma wheels away after beating Arsenal stand-in stopper NetoCredit: EPANeto was disappointed with his role in Girona’s openerCredit: GettyJorginho levels from the penalty spotCredit: AFPArsenal were all over the shop as Jakub Kiwior gave up another chance — but they were handed a lifeline thanks to Arnau Martinez clattering Partey.Jorginho hopped and skipped his penalty technique for a 38th-minute leveller.Four minutes later, Arsenal’s teenage sensation put them in front, dribbling across the box and picking his spot with a curling beauty.A first Champions League goal on his first competition start.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta threw on the big guns in Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to see out a no-thrills victory. But they could not finish in style as Sterling’s penalty after Alejandro Frances’ handball was saved.Even so, Champions League dreaming can officially begin. More

THIS was a night Ollie Watkins will never forget as he took centre stage before kick-off — and was the main attraction for most of a thrilling evening.Striker Watkins hit his first-ever Champions League goal hours after it emerged he was the subject of a £60million bid from boyhood club and Prem rivals Arsenal.Prince William was finally able to rejoice as Villa triumphedCredit: GettyHat-trick star Morgan Rogers celebrates with fellow scorer Ollie WatkinsCredit: GettyPrince William felt the strain at one stage when Celtic fought backCredit: PARogers made it 2-0 with this deflected effort on five minutesCredit: GettyClearly, the Aston Villa star would have known all about the big-money offer before Monday’s transfer deadline — but it certainly did not look as if it affected him.He finally put Celtic to the sword on the hour following the Scots’ heroic fightback from 2-0 down after just five minutes. Watkins’ goal was ­worthy of winning a tie of this ­calibre — quick, with brilliant teamwork, culminating in a clinical finish.Morgan Rogers, outstanding all night, rolled Liam Scales in the middle of the park and played in sub John McGinn.The little dynamo shrugged off Arne Engels and went scampering deep into Celtic territory before releasing Jacob Ramsey on the right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe swept the ball across the face of goal and there was Watkins lurking like the predator he is to slam it past Kasper Schmeichel. The fact he then patted the Villa badge on his chest will be taken as proof by fans that Arsenal can forget about landing their transfer target.But he was not finished there.Three minutes later, Schmeichel fluffed a clearance to McGinn, who fed Watkins with the goal at his mercy.But despite getting his shot on target, he was denied by a fabulous save from Schmeichel.Most read in Champions LeagueWho faces who in the Champions League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Champions League league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUNDAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic or Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic or Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco or BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco or BrestWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeThe Prince showed his relief at the endCredit: ReutersJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThen, with Celtic on the ropes, Watkins was given the chance to finally finish them off one minute later — from the penalty spot.Auston Trusty slid in to try to dispossess Watkins, who toppled to the turf. French ref Clement Turpin pointed to the spot to Celtic’s disgust. Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium In just the third minute Rogers pounced for Villa’s breakthrough goalCredit: GettyVAR agreed with the ref and Watkins stepped up to . . . take the worst penalty of his career!Incredibly, he slipped just before making contact and the ball came off his right boot, on to his standing left foot and flew high over the bar into the Holte End.But Watkins finally put this incredible tie to bed a minute into stoppage time to set up Rogers for a sensational, never-to-be-forgotten hat-trick.Watkins chased down 21-year-old Celtic kid Dane Murray and rounded Schmeichel before letting Rogers complete his stunning treble.For once, Celtic had no response — and the biggest roar of the night came as the players headed to the tunnel when it was confirmed Villa had made it into the top eight to reach the last 16 of the competition.But, boy, were they made to work for it on a rollercoaster of a night.This was Brendan Rodgers’ 100th European tie as a manager. But rarely will his emotions have gone through the wringer as they were here.When the dust had settled, these famous clubs — both former champions of Europe — had added another thrilling chapter to their histories.Rodgers and Villa boss Unai Emery had both made a point in their pre-match press conferences of saying they did not want a basketball match — with play raging from end to end.Villa were almost on cruise control after blitzing Celtic at the startCredit: AFPAdam Idah hooked Celtic back into it on 36 minutesCredit: GettyIdah nipped in again soon after his first goal to level at 2-2Credit: ReutersYet their players clearly never got the memo because that is precisely what they served up for 90 gut-churning, heart-pumping minutes in front of a frenzied full house.It took just three minutes for the mayhem to begin as Villa stormed ahead with the first proper attack of the game.Ramsey worked a brilliant one-two with Youri Tielemans, who got round the back of Alistair Johnson and pulled it back for Rogers to rifle in his first Champions League goal.Then, 33 seconds after the restart, Rogers helped himself to another with a cracking shot which flew past Schmeichel with the help of a ­deflection off Scales.Celtic had buckled in embarrassing fashion as Rogers became the first player in Champions League history to score twice in the opening five minutes of a game. But the Hoops roared back to draw level before half-time thanks to a rapid double from Adam Idah.He pulled one back after 36 minutes when Greg Taylor ran off Leon Bailey to centre the ball.McGinn slid in to try to intercept but only knocked the ball into the path of Idah, who twisted his body brilliantly to apply a stunning finish. Three minutes later, the former Norwich man sent Celtic’s travelling support wild when he equalised.Engels produced a fabulous backheel to Reo Hatate, who drilled the ball across the face of goal to Idah who slammed it beyond Emi Martinez.Yet Villa regrouped at the break and were dominant in the second half to seize their place in the last 16.Rogers beamed: “Definitely the highlight of my career so far. It’s a crazy experience and a crazy game to be a part of. It’s a massive achievement and we should be proud of ourselves.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We had to dig deep, we know we can, we do it in the Premier League every week.”Bhoys boss Rodgers said: “The word that screams at me is pride. Spirit was absolutely key.”Unai Emery saw Villa look confident for long spellsCredit: RexRogers enjoyed his two early goals, with even better to come late onCredit: GettyAdam Idah struck twice for Celtic but in vainCredit: RexNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More