Champions League

Juventus will face Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League, with the match kicking off at 5:45 PM GMT. Juventus manager Max Canzi expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating, “We’ll take on Arsenal by playing our game. We’ve developed our style of play over the past few months and have established our own identity, both with and without the ball. We aim to leverage our strengths while being mindful of theirs.” On the other side, Arsenal's Beth Mead shared her thoughts on interim coach Renee Slegers ahead of the match. She noted, “We’ve worked with Renee for quite some time in various roles, and she has adapted to her current position exceptionally well.” Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds.

**Champions League Review: Slot and Amorim Stand Out as a Swedish Talent Emerges** In the latest round of Champions League action, there were notable performances that provided a boost for both Liverpool and Manchester United, albeit indirectly. Here, we highlight the standout moments and players from the matches. **Liverpool's Performance** Liverpool showcased their strength on the European stage, with key players stepping up to deliver impressive performances. Their tactical execution and resilience were evident, contributing to a positive outcome that has fans optimistic about their campaign. **Rising Stars** Among the highlights was the emergence of a talented Swedish player, whose skills and contributions on the field caught the attention of many. This young star's performance not only impressed spectators but also hinted at a bright future ahead in European football. **Managerial Brilliance** Coaches like Slot and Amorim also made headlines with their strategic acumen. Their ability to adapt and motivate their teams was crucial in securing vital results, further solidifying their reputations as top managers in the competition. As the Champions League progresses, the excitement continues to build, with teams and players alike vying for glory on the grand stage.

In the latest episode of the Football Weekly Extra podcast, host Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini, and Mark Langdon to discuss the recent Champions League matches and preview the upcoming Premier League fixtures. The panel reflects on Arsenal's disappointing 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, analyzing the team's current struggles and the impact of a controversial handball decision that led to a penalty for Inter. They delve into whether the penalty was justified and what it means for Arsenal's form moving forward. Additionally, the discussion turns to Aston Villa, where Tyrone Mings had a challenging Champions League debut, conceding a penalty after handling the ball in the box during their match against Club Brugge. The panel considers whether they have underestimated the Belgian side in this competition. Listeners are encouraged to rate, review, and share the podcast on various platforms, and to engage with the conversation on social media or via email.

In exclusive excerpts from his autobiography, Hugo Lloris reflects on a poignant moment that made him realize Tottenham Hotspur's acceptance of mediocrity, triggered by a well-intentioned gift from club chairman Daniel Levy before the 2019 Champions League final. Just months after competing in the World Cup final, I found myself facing Liverpool in the Champions League final. This achievement placed me among a rare group of players who have participated in a Euros final, a World Cup final, and a Champions League final in consecutive years. The day before the match in Madrid, I bumped into Dejan Lovren, a defender for Liverpool and a former teammate at Lyon. He jokingly said, “Hey, Hugo, you’ve got the World Cup; you can let me have the Champions League!” Unfortunately, I couldn’t grant him that wish. The match slipped away from us almost immediately. A penalty was awarded by referee Damir Skomina just 24 seconds into the game when the ball hit Moussa Sissoko’s body and then his hand. This early decision effectively derailed our chances. It’s worth noting that a rule change implemented the following day would have meant that such a handball wouldn’t have resulted in a penalty. But on June 1, 2019, that decision sealed our fate before the match had truly begun.

Tyrone Mings handed Club Brugge a peculiar penalty as Aston Villa suffered a defeat in Belgium. The incident unfolded just five minutes into the second half when Emiliano Martínez took a routine goalkick. In a moment of confusion, Mings mistakenly believed that play had not resumed. He picked up the ball, placed it on the edge of the six-yard box, and attempted to pass it back to his goalkeeper. However, the German referee, Tobias Stieler, and the majority of the stadium were convinced that the ball was in play. As a result, Mings, who had already received a yellow card in the first half, was penalized with a penalty kick for his actions, though the referee opted not to issue a second yellow card. Hans Vanaken stepped up to take the penalty and calmly sent the ball down the middle, giving the 19-time Belgian champions an unexpected lead. This match marked two years since Unai Emery's first game in charge of Villa, which had been a 3-1 victory over Manchester United. While it’s a testament to the progress the team has made, Emery's expression of frustration as Vanaken scored indicated his disappointment with the outcome. On the night, Villa struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organized Brugge side, managed by Nicky Hayen, who had previously coached in the Cymru Premier League. It would be misleading to attribute Villa's defeat solely to Mings's blunder. Brugge had been the more dynamic and dangerous team throughout the match. Ollie Watkins came close with a first-half shot that went narrowly wide, and John McGinn missed an awkward header. Despite some late attempts, including a shot from Boubacar Kamara that went wide with just four minutes left, Villa could not break through Brugge's solid defense, particularly the impressive performance from center-back Joel Ordonez.

**Inter vs Arsenal: Champions League – Live Updates** - Stay tuned for minute-by-minute updates on the 8pm GMT kick-off. - Share your thoughts with Scott via email. Mikel Arteta spoke to TNT Sports regarding the availability of captain Martin Ødegaard for tonight's match. He mentioned, “Let’s see … he’s only done one session … he brings another kind of energy … we need to use him if he wants to play, so let’s see how the game develops … his character and personality are very important … it’s crucial to start integrating him back into the team. We’ve already utilized Declan Rice in various roles this season, so we will adapt as needed. Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino are both talented and physical players … Mikel is a genuine threat in the box, while Thomas excels at breaking down the game and progressing the ball effectively. They are both vital for us … we need a strong performance … it’s an iconic venue against a formidable opponent … we must deliver a significant match … we are prepared for it … winning on such grand stages is always a tremendous boost.” **Kit Watch:** Both teams opted for a straightforward approach with their kits, avoiding any extravagant designs. Arsenal deserves credit for their metallic rail, which adds a touch of flair compared to Inter’s basic cord suspension. However, the two-tone background of Arsenal's kit outshines the plain white of Inter's, giving the hosts a slight edge in this classic contest. Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds!

**Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Champions League – Live Updates** Join us for live updates from the Champions League clash kicking off at 5:45 PM (GMT). Unai Emery has made several changes to the Aston Villa lineup following their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham. Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, and Ian Maatsen have been brought into the defense. In midfield, Kamara steps in for Onana, while Leon Bailey takes the place of Jacob Ramsey in the attack. Ollie Watkins retains his position ahead of Jhon Durán, who may not be pleased with the decision. **Club Brugge Starting XI (4-3-3):** Mignolet; Seys, Ordoñez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Jashari, Nielsen, Vanaken (c); Skov Olsen, Tzolis, Jutgla. **Substitutes:** Jackers, Romero, Vetlesen, Meijer, Vermant, Skoras, Siquet, Spileers, Sabbe, Talbi. Stay tuned for live updates and insights throughout the match!

**Balkan Tensions Cast Shadow Over Sparta Prague’s Champions League Aspirations** As Sparta Prague gears up for a crucial Champions League clash against Brest, the stakes are high. While the exact points needed for qualification to the knockout stages remain uncertain, a victory would significantly enhance their chances of reaching the playoffs in February. This season marks their best European performance in over twenty years, and success in this competition would highlight the rapid development of their league, especially if they can navigate through the challenging 36-team format. However, the lead-up to this important match has been marred by internal strife, reflecting a broader issue that plagues football stadiums across Europe. Following a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Banik Ostrava, which left them ten points behind league leaders Slavia and jeopardized their hopes for a third consecutive title, tensions have escalated. Surprisingly, the ongoing political tensions surrounding Serbia, Albania, and Kosovo have contributed to a controversy that has captured the attention of fans and media alike. As Sparta prepares for their pivotal encounter, the atmosphere remains charged, with the implications of both their performance and the surrounding issues weighing heavily on the team.

Díaz's Hat-Trick Shatters Alonso’s Dreams in Champions League Return to Liverpool In a fitting tribute to Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot expressed in his program notes that the best way to honor him was for Liverpool to perform at their highest level, showing no mercy. Liverpool delivered on that promise, handing their former star a painful return to Anfield. The German champions were thoroughly outplayed in the second half as Liverpool showcased their dominance, maintaining their perfect record in this season's Champions League. Luis Díaz netted a stunning hat-trick, complemented by a header from Cody Gakpo, leading Liverpool to a resounding victory. Bayer Leverkusen, who had come into the match unbeaten, left Anfield humbled, while Liverpool climbed to the top of the table, brimming with confidence after winning an impressive 14 of their first 16 matches under Slot.

Álvaro Morata stunned the Bernabéu as AC Milan took full advantage of Real Madrid's struggles. With just eight minutes remaining and Madrid trailing 3-1, there was a fleeting moment of hope when Antonio Rüdiger found the net, igniting thoughts of a dramatic comeback. However, that hope was quickly extinguished as the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving Milan to secure a well-deserved victory. Goals from Malick Thiaw, the outstanding Tijjani Reijnders, and Spain's captain Álvaro Morata sealed the win for Milan, marking a significant moment as it handed Madrid their first Champions League defeat at home since Chelsea triumphed 3-2 in April 2022. Despite that previous setback, Madrid had managed to rally and progress in the tournament. This time, however, there was no resurgence, no excitement, and no complaints from the players. The silence in the stadium reflected the reality of their performance, as Milan celebrated a crucial victory.