Champions League

**The Night Tony Morley’s Magic Shone: Aston Villa vs. Juventus** This week, Juventus returns to Villa Park, evoking memories of a time when both clubs were at the pinnacle of the football world. Barry Davies’s iconic commentary from that era captures the moment perfectly: “The champions of Europe side by side with more than half the champions of the world.” Even after 41 years, those words resonate without the need for an update. In 1983, Aston Villa faced Juventus in the European Cup quarter-finals, a match that held significant weight. At that time, Villa were the reigning champions of Europe, while Juventus boasted a formidable lineup, including six players who had represented Italy in their victorious 1982 World Cup final against West Germany. Additionally, they featured two of the tournament's standout players: Michel Platini from France and Zbigniew Boniek from Poland, who had helped their teams secure third and fourth place, respectively. As the two clubs prepare to meet again in the Champions League, the echoes of that historic encounter remind us of the rich footballing heritage both teams share.

**Forcing Arsenal Women Out of the Emirates: A Missed Opportunity** The recent Carabao Cup quarter-final draw on October 30 triggered a chain of unfortunate events for Arsenal's women’s team. Both Arsenal and Tottenham's men’s teams were drawn to play at home, with Arsenal facing Crystal Palace and Tottenham up against Manchester United. The fixtures were set for December 18 and 19, respectively, but due to policing regulations, the two north London clubs cannot host matches on the same night. This scheduling conflict has significant implications for Arsenal's women, who were set to play Bayern Munich in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on December 18. The clash has forced the women’s team to seek an alternative venue for this crucial match, raising questions about the decision-making process and the prioritization of the men’s teams over the women’s. The situation highlights a missed opportunity to showcase women's football at a prestigious venue like the Emirates, especially during a high-stakes Champions League match. It’s a disappointing turn of events that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women’s sports in gaining equal footing and visibility within the broader football landscape.

**VAR Has Exacerbated Handball Controversies – It’s Time to Reevaluate the Penalties** This week’s Champions League matches highlighted a troubling trend: players being penalized for having their arms in natural positions while moving. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to understand what constitutes a handball anymore. Initially, I intended to kick off this column with one of my three go-to anecdotes. Not the one about the microwave or the six-pound peach, but the one where I passionately expressed my disdain for the Lord of the Rings films on TalkSport, to the point that my boss texted me to ask why I wasn’t as animated about football. So, it was a bit disheartening when my editor pointed out that I had already shared that same story just two weeks prior—literally in my last column! There’s nothing quite like calling out repetition while inadvertently falling into the same trap myself. If I were cleverer, I might claim it was intentional. As we continue to navigate the complexities of VAR and its impact on the game, it’s clear that the current handball rules need a serious reassessment. The inconsistencies and confusion surrounding these decisions are detracting from the enjoyment of football. It’s time for a change.

Hakan Calhanoglu's controversial penalty secured a narrow victory for Inter Milan against Arsenal, leaving Mikel Arteta facing mounting challenges. The match marked a disappointing turn for Arsenal, who had just experienced the unexpected resignation of their sporting director, Edu. With this defeat, they relinquished their unbeaten record in the Champions League, as Calhanoglu maintained his perfect penalty record for Inter, scoring the only goal in a tightly contested encounter. Arteta's frustration was palpable throughout the match, especially after he received a peculiar booking in the second half, putting him on the brink of being sent off as his team sought an equalizer. Despite a much-improved performance in the second half, where Arsenal earned 14 corners compared to Inter's none, they fell to their second consecutive 1-0 defeat on the road.

Rúben Amorim’s Sporting delivered a stunning performance, defeating Manchester City with a remarkable treble from Viktor Gyökeres. As Manchester City prepares for their upcoming match against Brighton, the question looms: when does a minor setback turn into a significant slump? Pep Guardiola, addressing this concern before the game, highlighted the team's impressive track record. However, with three consecutive losses for the first time since April 2018 under his management, the pressure is on to reverse this troubling trend. Just two years prior, Amorim’s Sporting faced a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of City, showcasing their dominance in a display of power football. This latest match, however, marked a turning point, especially for Manchester United's new manager, who has been likened to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson by some sections of the Red Devils' fanbase, particularly after this significant victory over their city rivals.

Nicolas Kühn played a pivotal role in Celtic's comeback victory over RB Leipzig, scoring twice to secure a thrilling win. Ahead of the match, Brendan Rodgers urged Celtic fans to avoid using pyrotechnics, but the real fireworks were on the pitch as his team delivered a performance that showcased their potential under his second tenure. Celtic's impressive display has positioned them favorably in the Champions League, marking a significant achievement against a team that currently sits near the top of the Bundesliga. Rodgers had every reason to celebrate, as his squad demonstrated they can compete at a higher level, reflecting positively on his management. In contrast, Leipzig's performance was lackluster, but it’s important to recognize the influence of Celtic's play. The home side attacked with both patience and intent, while their defense held firm throughout the match. This victory will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Celtic's standout European performances in recent years, as Leipzig struggled to find answers and appeared defeated well before the final whistle.

Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, has issued a stern warning to the club's supporters regarding the use of fireworks during the upcoming Champions League match against RB Leipzig. He emphasized the potential consequences of such actions, particularly in light of a recent incident that could lead to a Uefa ban. Celtic faced repercussions after their fans used pyrotechnics during a 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund last month, resulting in a fine from Uefa. The governing body has made it clear that if there is another similar incident within the next two years, Celtic supporters will be prohibited from attending an away match. While the warning was taken seriously during a recent away game against Atalanta, the situation escalated again during the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, where the match kick-off was delayed due to another display of fireworks by Celtic fans. Uefa is closely monitoring the situation, and Rodgers is urging fans to refrain from using pyrotechnics to avoid further sanctions against the club.

Erling Haaland delivered a stunning performance as Manchester City triumphed over Sparta Prague in a thrilling match. One of the highlights of Haaland's illustrious career was his spectacular reverse flick goal, scored while airborne and facing away from the goalkeeper, Peter Vindahl. This remarkable strike came in the 58th minute and showcased Haaland's extraordinary talent, as he flashed a cheeky grin that reflected his own astonishment at the feat. When asked about the 24-year-old's incredible goal, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remarked, “For a human being, I would say not. It’s unbelievable. He scored an incredible goal, reminiscent of his strike against Borussia Dortmund a few years ago. I can’t say which one is more difficult; I would consider both to be equally impressive.”

Raphinha delivered a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona achieved a resounding 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich, a match that felt like a cathartic release for the Catalan club. The atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc hill was electric, with fans celebrating as if they were exorcising past demons. This win was particularly significant for Barcelona, who had suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of Bayern in recent years, including an 8-2 loss in Lisbon and a string of six consecutive defeats with an aggregate score of 22-4. The German giants had become a symbol of Barcelona's struggles, often reminding them of their painful reality. However, on this occasion, Barcelona showcased their attacking prowess, slicing through Bayern's defense with ease. Raphinha marked his 100th appearance for the club with a brilliant hat-trick, while Robert Lewandowski added another goal, signaling a new chapter for the team. The victory was not just a scoreline; it was a statement, a fresh start for Barcelona as they laid their past to rest.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his frustration over the criticism directed at his team regarding their performances in European competitions. Following a heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, Rodgers feels that the media and critics are quick to pounce on Celtic's struggles against top-tier clubs, often overlooking the broader context of their challenges. Rodgers described the situation as a "perfect storm," suggesting that there is a tendency for detractors to seize on Celtic's shortcomings as an opportunity to criticize the club harshly. He believes that the financial disparities and the overall quality of elite teams in the Champions League are not adequately considered when evaluating Celtic's performances. The manager's comments highlight his determination to defend his team against what he perceives as unfair scrutiny, emphasizing that the club deserves more understanding in light of the difficulties they face on the European stage.