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      Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League if they don’t qualify for the last 16?

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      THE final night of the Champions League is HERE – and it’s win or go home for many teams.Manchester City are one such side after a horror Champions League campaign culminated in a 4-2 capitulation against Paris Saint-Germain last week.Man City must win to avoid Champions League eliminationCredit: PARafa Benitez led Chelsea to Europa League success in Amsterdam in 2013Credit: Getty ImagesYet while City needed a win to have any chance of qualification – they are now staring down the barrel of elimination.Pep Guardiola’s side have to beat Club Brugge and then hope other results go their way.Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League if they don’t qualify?In previous years, teams that struggled during the Champions League group stage always had the safety blanket of dropping down into the Europa League.Chelsea famously became the first team to win the Champions League and Europa League in consecutive seasons in 2012 and 2013.The Blues won in Munich under Roberto Di Matteo but six months later were dumped out of the group stage – costing Di Matteo his job – and moved into the secondary competition.Rafa Benitez took charge and lead the team to Europa League glory in Amsterdam.But teams won’t be able to go down that route anymore.The expanded Champions League – which has seen an increase in teams and a dramatic change in the format – means teams will no longer drop into the Europa League.The new 36-team format sees the top eight in the league phase qualify automatically for the last 16.Teams that finish 9 to 24 are then entered into a draw to play a two-legged tie to make it into the last 16.The teams that finish 25th to 36th are then ELIMINATED from ALL European competition. More

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      Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supporters

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      THIS is the shocking moment Aston Villa and Celtic fans clashed on the streets of Birmingham before tonight’s Champions League clash. It’s always a fiery encounter when one of England’s top clubs face a Scottish heavyweight in Europe. Celtic and Aston Villa fans clash near Villa ParkCredit: X / hooliganscz1999Flares were launched towards the home fansCredit: X / hooliganscz1999And punters tried their best to crank the heat up even further after going head-to-head in an encounter just a short walk away from Villa Park.Footage shows Aston Villa fans gathering on Witton Road – less than half a mile away from the stadium. Moments later the supporters were seen walking towards Witton Station before stopping on the street and standing their ground with a section of Celtic fans appearing to be at other side of the road. The two sets of supporters shouted and chanted at each other and flares were seen being launched in the direction of the home fans.Cops swarmed the scene in an attempt to get the situation under control and the street was later closed to the public.The fiery encounter appeared to take place around 5.30pm – two-and-a-half hours before kick-off. The road was then reopened at 6.30pm.West Midlands Police confirmed to SunSport that there were no fans injured during the incident.Most read in FootballA police spokesperson said: “A small number of flares were lit by Celtic fans as they arrived on Witton Road, Aston, for today’s Aston Villa vs Celtic game. There were no injuries and the fans were quickly dispersed.”Celtic and Aston Villa face off tonight in a huge blockbuster showdown to finish their league phase campaign. Both teams already have their spots in the play-off secured but a win for either side could see them take their place in the top eight. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      What do Arsenal need to do to guarantee qualification to the Champions League Last 16?

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      ARSENAL are among the favourites to advance straight to the last 16 of the Champions League.The Gunners are fifth in the League Phase table with eight points separating them from high flying Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand.Arsenal might need only one more win to advance to the Champions League’s Last 16Credit: GettyThe North Londoners have two more games to go in the revamped first round consisting of 36 teams.Mikel Arteta’s men face Dinamo Zagreb tonight at the Emirates and then visit Girona on January 29.Arsenal have amassed 13 points from six matches of which they won four and lost only once.Just one more win from the final two games could send the Premier League giants straight into the Round of 16.Read More on ArsenalThe teams who finish in the top eight spots automatically qualify for the Last 16.And those who find themselves between ninth and 24th place will face off in the play-offs to determine the other eight teams that make it to the next round.Arsenal are currently five points ahead of Dinamo, who are 25th in the Champions League table.Opta found that in 99 per cent of their simulations, teams who collected 10 points made it into the play-off round, which means Arteta and co might already be guaranteed at least a spot in those.Most read in Champions LeagueEven nine points proved to be enough in 69 per cent of the simulations, which were run 50,000 times.But Arsenal will want direct qualification for the Last 16.16 points proved to be enough in 98 per cent of the available scenarios.Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator to put Gunners in driving seat but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s sideAnd 15 points were sufficient for eighth place in 73 per cent of the simulations. On the other hand, 14 points were enough in just 28 per cent of the supercomputer’s simulations.That means 15 points could be the magic number for Arsenal to avoid two crunch clashes amid their gruelling bid for a first Premier League title since 2004.That would mean one win from their final two games will likely be enough. More

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      What do Aston Villa need to do to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?

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      DESPITE the loss to Monaco last week, Aston Villa are still contenders for automatic Champions League qualification.The Villans’ high flying Champions League campaign took another hitch as an uninspiring 1-0 defeat in Monaco left them outside the top eight – which guarantees progression to the last 16.A win in Villa’s final league game will give them a chance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersUnai Emery’s men are ninth in the League Phase table, joint on 13 points with five other teams, including Bayer Leverkusen, who occupy the final automatic spot. So far, Villa have won four, drew once and lost twice.What do Aston Villa need to do to guarantee Champions League round of 16 qualification?Their final game, Celtic at home, provides an enticing affair where only a win will give them a chance to go straight into the Round of 16. The opportunity arose after Bayern Munich’s shock defeat to Feyenoord and Brest’s defeat.read more on aston villa Those not in the top eight positions either fall into the play-off spots – ninth to 24th – or are immediately eliminated.Villa are offered the security blanket of at least a play-off spot.Opta have calculated that the Midlands side are favourites to scrape the all-decisive eight spot.A supercomputer simulation – that estimates the likelihood of teams finishing in the competition – has Villa down for a 52.6 per cent probability of clinching it.Most read in Champions LeagueFor that to happen, Villa will have to beat Celtic and also need one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan or Atalanta to not follow suit. The teams behind Villa – Monaco, Feyenoord, Lille and Brest – can also match the former’s final tally but their goal difference is inferior.Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession Villa’s potential for a seeded spot will likely hinge on Atalanta and whether they can beat Barcelona – which would be needed to stay in the top eight. All outcomes are permutation-driven and ultimately out of Villa’s hand, who can only win to give themselves the best possible chance. More

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      Champions League clash DELAYED with conditions unplayable after smoke from flares covers entire stadium

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      REAL MADRID’S showdown with Brest was delayed by around five minutes due to flares let off by supporters.Smoke from the flares severely affected visibility, with kick-off in the Champions League clash pushed back to allow the air to clear.Smoke caused by flares led to kick off being delayedSupporters let off flares ahead of kick-offCredit: ReutersAfter a delay of around five minutes, the match was finally able to get underway.With all 18 Champions League games on Wednesday supposed to kick-off simultaneously, the delay caused a headache for Uefa bosses.Ligue 1 side Brest are enjoying their first-ever European campaign.But they have not been able to play matches at their Stade Francis-Le Ble home, as it does not meet Uefa regulations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead they have had to host Europe’s elite at Stade de Roudourou in Guingamp, around 70 miles away.Despite the distance, their supporters have done their best to make the 19,033-capacity stadium home for their European games.Surprise packages of this season’s Champions League, the French debutants have already beaten PSV Eindhoven and Sturm Graz in Guingamp, while they have drawn with German champions Bayer Leverkusen at their temporary home.Real Madrid appeared unbothered by the slight delay to proceedings.Most read in Champions LeagueSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYKylian Mbappe returned to France to face BrestCredit: EPAWinger Rodrygo gave the European heavyweights the lead shortly before the half hour, before they powered to a 3-0 victory. The two sides met on a chaotic final matchday in this season’s Champions League league phase.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Brest had gone into the match a point ahead of their esteemed visitors and will now contest the playoffs for a spot in the last-16.Elsewhere on the night, Manchester City hosted Belgian side Club Brugge.Ahead of the game emergency services had to be called after a huge fire broke out just outside the Etihad Stadium.The incident occurred under two hours before kick-off, with footage showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.The match was able to kick-off at 8pm as planned.City booked their place in the Champions League play-offs with a 3-1 win – but not without a scare first. Emergency services were forced to be called to the EtihadCredit: AP More

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      ‘Where the hell is it’ – Fans baffled and can’t find TNT Sports goals show during night of Champions League chaos

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      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled and scrambling to find TNT Sports goals show on the night of Champions League chaos. There were a total of 18 games on offer during the final group stage matches on Wednesday. Morgan Rogers celebrates a goal for Aston VillaCredit: GettyFans were rushing to the goals show to keep track of all the action – but could not find it.That was because it was on TNT Sports 5 – leaving viewers confused.One said: “Absolutely crazy decision by TNT Sports to hide The Goals Show on Discovery+ tonight.”Clearly so many people trying to access, the whole thing is glitching. Great job everybody.” READ MORE IN football Another added: “How can it be so hard to watch the Goals Show, on today of all days.”One raged: On the night of all nights, the Goals Show is not available for @NOWTV customers because it’s on a channel above TNT4. “What’s the point in paying for it? It should have been advertised as a limited service.”Another fumed: “Sorry, this whole night is about watching it via a “Goals Show” and then the Goals Show is not on any actual channel? Is that right?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa were all in action on a bumper evening. All four Premier League teams remain in the competition after a night of drama. Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersArne Slot saw his Liverpool side lose for just the third time this season as they went down 3-2 at PSV Eindhoven. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta means the Reds qualify top of the table.They will be joined in the last-16 by both Arsenal and Villa, with Unai Emery’s side beating Celtic 4-2.Manchester City will now face a playoff after coming from behind to beat Club Brugge.Pep Guardiola’s men will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a play-off round in February. More

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      Fire breaks out outside Etihad as fans evacuated and emergency services called before Man City’s Champions League clash

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      A FIRE broke out just outside the Etihad as thousands of fans were evacuated under two hours before Manchester City’s Champions League clash.The Premier League champions host Club Brugge needing a win to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages after a nightmare season so far.A fire broke out outside the Etihad stadiumCredit: RexA merchandise van caught fireCredit: PAAn ambulance rushes to the sceneCredit: RexEmergency services put out the fireCredit: RexEmergency services were quick on the sceneCredit: RexAnd things got off the a dramatic start when a large fire broke out just outside the stadium as supporters gathered before the game.Footage emerged showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.Fire trucks and ambulances were seen also rushing to the scene as thousands of fans looked on in shock.Smoke billowed from the blaze towards the stadium with reports some had entered the fan concourses.The surrounding area was evacuated as emergency services put out the fire – as the club released a statement. It read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.”Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. “The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival.”Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”New signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis were all due to be unveiled in the area before kick-off.That event was ultimately cancelled.City’s team bus usually arrives in between a huge crowd of fans – but this was also scrapped.Supporters had been preparing to get themselves inside the stadium in a bid to cheer on hosts. City sit 25th in the new-look League Phase table – just outside the top 16 play-off spots. To progress, Pep Guardiola’s side must win due to goal difference of the teams around them.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.Guardiola said: “The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We want to have another chance to play another two games, to have the chance of the next stages. “It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.” More

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      How European play-offs could dramatically change Dream Team landscape in February

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      THE league phases of the Champions League and Europa League will reach a dramatic conclusion this week.Amid all the excitement, Dream Team managers should pay careful attention to how it all plays out as the results could have a dramatic impact on the game’s landscape.Keep a keen eye on tonight’s actionCredit: Dream TeamLiverpool are one of only two teams (alongside Barcelona) to have already secured automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16.Only a disaster for Arsenal away to Girona (combined with unfortunate results elsewhere) will prevent the Gunners from joining Arne Slot’s side in the last 16.However, Aston Villa’s fate is less certain ahead of their clash with Celtic at Villa Park.A win over the Scottish giants will give them every chance of an automatic spot but they’ll also need at least one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Milan, Atletico Madrid or Inter to falter to a certain degree.Emery has overseen four wins from seven in the Champions League this seasonCredit: ReutersAs for Manchester City, the 2023 winners of the competition are at risk of elimination following defeat to PSG last week.Pep Guardiola’s troops are currently 25th in the table but will earn a play-off spot with a win over Club Brugge at the Etihad this evening.Hypothetically, let’s say both Villa and Man City end up finishing between 9th-24th in the table and progress to the play-off round.The first legs of the Champions League play-offs are schedule for February 11th/12th and the second legs for February 18th/19th.Most read in FootballThis would mean double headers for Villa and Man City in Gameweeks 23 and 24.Man City’s stuttering campaign may create an opportunity for Dream Team bossesCredit: GettyAt present, Liverpool and Everton are the only teams set to pull double duty in Gameweek 23 (due to the rescheduled Merseyside derby) but additional fixtures for the likes of Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m), Morgan Rogers (£3.5m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and others would change the outlook considerably.It’s a similar situation in the Europa League with the play-off legs for the continent’s secondary competition also scheduled for Gameweeks 23 and 24.However, both Manchester United and Tottenham are in strong positions to qualify for the last 16 automatically after wins over Rangers and Hoffenheim respectively in Gameweek 20.The Red Devils are fourth ahead of their trip to FCSB, who are also pushing for a top-eight finish, while sixth-placed Spurs host Swedish outfit Elfsborg knowing a positive result will ensure they avoid the stress of the play-offs.Man United’s late winner against Rangers delivered a huge boostCredit: GettyMore than a few Dream Team bosses will be hoping things go awry for Man United and Spurs on Thursday night as that will mean more point-scoring opportunities for Bruno Fernandes (£6.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) and company next month.Make no mistake, the addition of extra fixtures for any of the aforementioned teams in February will affect transfer and captaincy strategy.Dream Team’s Match Centre will update as required once the European play-offs are confirmed but it’s never too early to start formulating potential plans.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor example, Haaland is currently second among the most transferred-out players prior to Gameweek 22 but those managers will probably be scrambling to bring him back in if City end up in the Champions League play-offs.All eyes on the Etihad this evening…Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More