David Raya's goalkeeping heroics ensured that Arsenal were only held to a goalless draw at Atalan...

David Raya's goalkeeping heroics ensured that Arsenal were only held to a goalless draw at Atalanta on Thursday in a tough start to their campaign in the revamped Champions League.Mikel Arteta's side left Bergamo with a point after a low-key performance in a red-hot atmosphere at the refurbished Gewiss Stadium.The Premier League side would likely have been defeated had goalkeeper Raya not pulled off an astonishing double save to stop Mateo Retegui from netting first from the penalty spot and then on the rebound early in the second half.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it," Raya told TNT Sports. "I was unlucky to give the rebound straight back to him but I was quick enough to get up and save it."It's fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team to get a point."Missing Martin Odegaard to a serious ankle injury suffered on international duty with Norway, Arsenal were largely solid but lacked imagination going forward and after having an early spell of dominance never looked like winning.On Sunday, Arsenal head to league title rivals Manchester City, where they will need a brighter display than the one they put in on Thursday in northern Italy.Europa League holders Atalanta had the better of a tight game which featured little goalmouth action and will be encouraged by their efforts in their first Champions League match since being dumped out at the group stage in 2021."We're all with Mateo, he can't think too much about that penalty miss," said Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi to Sky in Italy."He's a brilliant player and great guy, we're very happy with a good point gained against a great team."<h3>Raya the hero</h3>Arsenal were on top in the opening exchanges and only a fantastic double save from Carnesecchi stopped the away side from going ahead in the 13th minute. The Italian kept out Bukayo Saka's drilled free-kick with a fantastic fingertip save before quickly scurrying across to block Thomas Partey on the rebound.Atalanta are used to dictating the rhythm of games, even at grounds like Anfield, but initially Arsenal pressed the hosts into making constant mistakes with the ball.It took Atalanta nearly half an hour to get a proper sight of goal and Charles De Ketelaere smashed high and way wide when neatly set up by Retegui on the edge of the area.But they grew into the game and two minutes after half-time had the perfect chance to take the lead when Ederson was clumsily brought down by Partey in the penalty area.But Raya did brilliantly to guess the right way for Retegui's penalty and then somehow managed to get across the goalline to claw the Italy forward's rebound header off the line."Obviously we still had the whole second half to play but to go a goal ahead in that moment would have been huge," said Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini."We can only be happy with our performance though, we put in a serious display against a really good team."They closest anyone came to scoring after Raya's miraculous goalkeeping was when Atalanta substitute Juan Cuadrado fired two long-range rockets, first just over and then inches wide as both teams settled for a draw.Atalanta's fans, who made a ferocious racket all game, gave their team a warm round of applause and chanted Retegui's name as their team showed that they were ready for the top table European football.

BERGAMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 19: David Raya of Arsenal saves a penalty taken by Mateo Retegui of Atalanta during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Stadio di Bergamo on September 19, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy.

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A 90th-minute goal from Jose Maria Gimenez snatched a 2-1 comeback victory for Atletico Madrid at...

A 90th-minute goal from Jose Maria Gimenez snatched a 2-1 comeback victory for Atletico Madrid at home against RB Leipzig in their Champions League opener on Thursday. Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko put the visitors in front just four minutes in but Antoine Griezmann levelled things up after 28 minutes. In the final minute of regular time, the Frenchman chipped goalwards from the edge of the box and Gimenez rose high to head the ball back across goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and into the goal. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leipzig got off to an excellent start, Sesko putting the visitors in front early, just moments after being inches short of tapping in a David Raum cross. The 21-year-old Slovenian found Lois Openda, whose shot was blocked by Jan Oblak but the ball fell back to Sesko, who headed in from close range. Leipzig almost had a second shortly after when Sesko got onto a Xavi Simons free-kick, but the ball took a touch and dipped out into touch for a corner. Buoyed on by a loud crowd in the Spanish capital, Atletico's Angel Correa thought he had equalised midway through the first half but his header had not crossed the line. Atletico drew level just two minutes later however, 2018 World Cup winner Griezmann hitting a controlled finish in from 12 yards out. Leipzig had late chances to snatch the game, with Simons hitting over the bar after 72 minutes and Yussuf Poulsen heading wide just five minutes later.The loss was Leipzig's first defeat in any competition dating back to February, a run of 17 games. Atletico had lost the only previous meeting between the two sides, going down 2-1 in a one-legged quarter-final in the 2019-20 competition. Leipzig's task in the Champions League will not get any easier, with the club's next two home games in October coming against Juventus and Liverpool.

Jose Maria Gimenez centre-back of Atletico de Madrid and Uruguay celebrates victory with his supporters after winning the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atletico de Madrid and RB Leipzig at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on September 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco on Thursday in their Champions League opener, hindered b...

Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco on Thursday in their Champions League opener, hindered by an early red card shown to Eric Garcia.Hansi Flick's side have started the season with a perfect record after five La Liga matches but struggled to find their best level against the Ligue 1 side.After Garcia was sent off for pulling down Takumi Minamino as he ran through, Maghnes Akliouche fired Monaco ahead.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Starlet Lamine Yamal scored a fine equaliser for Barcelona but George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for Monaco in the 71st minute."Winning against Barca, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, makes us happy and proud," said Monaco coach Adi Hutter. "We played with courage and created a lot of chances."Five-time winners Barcelona, last crowned European champions in 2015, have struggled in Europe in recent seasons, particularly away from home and were brought crashing down to earth in the French Riviera."After 10 minutes with the red card the game changed totally, but what I can see is really the positive thing," Flick told reporters."We tried to defend as a team and also attack as a team, and we had chances, but today they deserve the 2-1 (win), so we have to accept that."Monaco thrashed Barcelona in a pre-season friendly and had the Catalan giants' number for much of the clash at the Stade Louis II.They were significantly aided by Garcia's dismissal after 11 minutes, for felling former Liverpool midfielder Minamino on the edge of the box.A careless pass from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen put Garcia under immediate pressure and he tangled with the Japan international as he tried to stop him running in on goal."We didn't understand each other well in that situation and I feel bad for Eric, as in the end it hurts him and we had to play nearly 80 minutes with one less player," Ter Stegen told Movistar."Something happened that shouldn't have, to anyone, to me or to him... this defeat hurts because with 10 men we still showed up and tried to take at least a point."<h3>Inspired Yamal</h3>Monaco soon took the lead after 17 minutes when Akliouche worked his way into the box and finished well under little pressure.With Barcelona at a numerical disadvantage the hosts were on top and Raphinha squandered the visitors' best openings despite his impressive domestic form of late.Monaco had kept Spain's Euro 2024 star Yamal quiet but he burst into life to level before the half-hour mark, cutting in from the right and drilling inside the near post for his first in the competition.The teenage made it look easy to score a goal out of nothing, becoming the second youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days old.The record-holder watched on from Barcelona's bench -- Ansu Fati, who netted in 2019 against Inter Milan at 17 years 40 days of age.Alejandro Balde bundled off target for Barcelona but Monaco came closer, with Breel Embolo firing at Ter Stegen and Wilfried Singo having a goal disallowed for offside.Hutter's Monaco took the lead when the dangerous Vanderson played a long ball over the top which substitute Ilenikhena ran on to, with Inigo Martinez in his rearview mirror.The 18-year-old Nigerian forward hit his shot hard and low and it flew into the net via a hand from Ter Stegen, who might have kept it out.The German stopper achieved some redemption when he produced a superb save to keep out Folarin Balogun's ferocious effort.Monaco were awarded a penalty late on when Balogun tumbled to ground under pressure from Martinez, but the referee changed his decision after a VAR review.Flick threw on Fati for his first Barcelona appearance since August 2023 in search of an equaliser but it was not forthcoming."The second goal didn't have much of a build-up and it was hardly deserved in that moment," added Ter Stegen."In the end you end up feeling bad about not having taken away any points."

MONACO, MONACO - SEPTEMBER 19: George Ilenikhena of AS Monaco celebrates 2nd goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona at Stade Louis II on September 19, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco.

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In-form Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz enjoyed a dream Champions League debut Thursday...

In-form Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz enjoyed a dream Champions League debut Thursday, as two first-half goals powered the Bundesliga winners to a 4-0 humiliation of Dutch side Feyenoord.Xabi Alonso's men killed the game off by half-time, their attacking pace and precision overwhelming a defensively frail Feyenoord, who looked a shadow of last season's side under Arne Slot, now at Liverpool.The match started terribly for the hosts, Algerian defender Ramiz Zerrouki losing possession in front of goal with just five minutes gone, gifting the ball to midfielder Robert Andrich.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A simple pass set up Wirtz for a one-on-one with Timon Wellenreuther in the Feyenoord goal and the German made no mistake, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner with confidence.Wirtz is in red-hot form, already finding the back of the net three times in the Bundesliga this season and also scoring on international duty for Germany.Despite playing more than 150 times for Leverkusen, injury had kept him out of Champions League action, meaning the Feyenoord clash was his debut at Europe's top level.Zerrouki thought he had redeemed himself just three minutes later after he bundled home from a scrappy corner, but the goal was chalked off for offside.When the Bundesliga giants doubled their advantage after 30 minutes, it was hardly against the run of play but came with a large slice of luck.A mis-kick from Nigerian international striker Victor Boniface fooled the entire Feyenoord defence and set Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong clear down the right.Frimpong squared the ball to Spanish international Alejandro Grimaldo for a tap-in.But there was nothing lucky about Leverkusen's third and Wirtz's second, as Feyenoord leaky defence was again exposed on the break.A sweeping move down the right left Frimpong a free cross and his pinpoint ball found Wirtz completely unmarked in the Feyenoord box, picking his spot past Wellenreuther.The first-half rout was completed on the stroke of half-time as an innocuous seeming header from Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba somehow squeezed through Wellenreuther's legs, officials ruling it an own goal.The De Kuip stadium faithful made their displeasure known at the half-time whistle, boos ringing around a ground that had been buzzing with anticipation 45 minutes earlier.With the match already over as a contest after the first-half fireworks, the second half seemed pedestrian in comparison.Feyenoord pressed gamely and came close to a consolation goal a couple of times but the German defence held firm for an impressive start to their European campaign.Leverkusen host AC Milan On October 1 in the next round of the new-look Champions League, while Feyenoord travel to Girona on October 2.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 19: Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Martin Terrier during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Feyenoord and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at De Kuip on September 19, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Tottenham needed two late goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson to beat second-tier Coventry...

Tottenham needed two late goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson to beat second-tier Coventry 2-1 and avoid a shock League Cup exit on Wednesday.Spurs were headed to a third consecutive defeat when Brandon Thomas-Asante fired the Championship side into a deserved lead after 63 minutes.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou had responded to criticism after Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby by insisting he will continue his record of winning silverware in his second season at multiple clubs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, the former Australia boss was met with a backlash from his own supporters, who booed the decision to replace Swedish starlet Lucas Bergvall early in the second half.Coventry nearly shocked Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals last season and were sensing an upset when Norman Bassette produced a superb cross for Thomas-Asante to slot in.As Postecoglou was facing up to a second consecutive early exit in this competition, his blushes were spared when Dejan Kulusevski linked up with Spence, who prodded home for his first Spurs goal in the 87th minute.Tottenham sensed their moment and in the second minute of stoppage time Rodrigo Bentancur played in Johnson, who rolled home the winner.Brighton also booked their place in the last 16 with a 3-2 win over Wolves.Carlos Baleba, Simon Adingra and Ferdi Kadioglu were on target for the Seagulls.

COVENTRY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur at The Coventry Building Society Arena on September 18, 2024 in Coventry, England.

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Paris Saint-Germain were grateful to a last-minute howler from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga as they...

Paris Saint-Germain were grateful to a last-minute howler from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga as they snatched a 1-0 win over European debutants Girona in their opening game of the new-look Champions League on Wednesday.PSG had over 60 percent possession and 24 attempts on goal but looked set to be left frustrated by their opponents at the Parc des Princes until a low Nuno Mendes cross squirmed under Gazzaniga and into the net in the 90th minute.It was a harsh ending to their Champions League bow for Girona, who qualified for Europe for the first time in their history after a historic third-place finish in La Liga last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>PSG missed chance after chance in the second half and looked set to draw another continental blank, just like in their semi-final defeat by Borussia Dortmund last season when they somehow failed to score in either leg.However, the late goal allowed Luis Enrique's team to continue their perfect start to the campaign as they aim to go further than last season's run to the semis and win European football's biggest prize for the first time.The Champions League has been radically changed by UEFA, with all clubs in the new league phase now playing eight matches against eight different opponents.The top eight will advance to the last 16, with clubs finishing from ninth to 24th in the standings going into a play-off round to decide the remaining last-16 spots.PSG's next game will be away to Arsenal, while later opponents in a tough draw include Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.Girona, meanwhile, will go on to a home clash against Dutch former European Cup winners Feyenoord with plenty of reason to believe they can make an impact after a battling performance here.<h3>Gazzaniga from hero to villain</h3>Paris had enjoyed a smooth start to life since the departure of talisman Kylian Mbappe during the close season, winning their first four Ligue 1 outings and scoring 16 goals in the process.But a Girona side that was well beaten last weekend by Barcelona and lost several key players after last season made life difficult for long spells.The away side withstood some intense early pressure from the hosts in a stadium in which one end was closed as a punishment for the use of pyrotechnics during last season's semi-final.The absence of regular first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma meant a PSG debut for Russian goalkeeper Matfey Safonov, while Marco Asensio came off hurt before half-time with Randal Kolo Muani replacing him up front.Almost all of the penalty-box action happened in the second half, with Safonov getting down to beat away a header from Girona's veteran 37-year-old captain Cristhian Stuani seven minutes after the restart.Shortly after that, Ousmane Dembele ran half the length of the pitch at the other end and was about to pull the trigger when he was denied by a perfectly-timed Ladislav Krejci tackle.Dembele, PSG's biggest attacking star now that Mbappe has gone, was then denied by a Gazzaniga save and the woodwork in quick succession.As they continued to apply pressure, Kolo Muani produced a brilliant turn in the box only to slip his shot wide of the far post.Achraf Hakimi was then thwarted by a fine Gazzaniga save from point-blank range, but the Argentinian former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper ended up being the villain as he allowed Mendes's low cross from the left to slip under his body and in.

Paris, France - September 18: Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Girona FC at Parc des Princes on September 18, 2024 in Paris, France.

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English winger Jamie Gittens scored twice in the final 15 minutes to seal Borussia Dortmund a 3-0...

English winger Jamie Gittens scored twice in the final 15 minutes to seal Borussia Dortmund a 3-0 win at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.Last year's finalists, who lost to Real Madrid at Wembley in June, got off to a fast start in the new-look league stage.New Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin brought Gittens on as a substitute with 22 minutes remaining and the game goalless.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 20-year-old scored shortly after, his right-foot shot looping over the head of Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with the aid of a deflection.Again coming off the left flank, Gittens blasted a low shot into the net to score his second with four minutes remaining, snuffing out Brugge's chance of a comeback.Summer arrival Serhou Guirassy won and converted a penalty in injury time to add gloss to the final score.Sahin, who at 36 is the youngest coach in this season's Champions League, made three changes from Friday's 4-2 Bundesliga win over Heidenheim, including benching Guirassy as he continues his return from injury.The visitors dominated possession but Belgian champions Brugge had the best opportunities of the opening half.With 12 minutes gone, Raphael Onyedika pounced on a loose ball in the Dortmund box and forced a good save from 'keeper Gregor Kobel.Brugge midfielder Hugo Vetlesen latched onto the rebound but his strike could only shake the crossbar as Dortmund held on.Brugge again went close with 30 minutes remaining, Kobel keeping a goalbound shot from Vetlesen out with his fingertips.As he had done in Dortmund's Bundesliga opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, Gittens -- who replaced the ineffective Marcel Sabitzer -- came off the bench late and turned the game with two goals.While the former Manchester City winger's first goal took a fortunate deflection, his second showcased his skill, as he dribbled down the left and cut in to fire home a low shot.Guirassy, who joined Dortmund having scored 28 goals in 28 league games for Stuttgart last season, was brought down in the box and converted the penalty with the final kick of the game.The clean sheet against Brugge means Dortmund became the first team in Champions League history to face a team five times without conceding a goal.

18 September 2024, Belgium, Brügge: Soccer: Champions League, FC Bruges - Borussia Dortmund, preliminary round, match day 1, Jan Breydel Stadium, Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens celebrates his goal to make it 2-0. Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa

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Manchester City made a sluggish start to their Champions League campaign as they drew 0-0 against...

Manchester City made a sluggish start to their Champions League campaign as they drew 0-0 against Inter Milan on Wednesday, while Paris Saint-Germain needed a last-minute goal to beat tournament newcomers Girona.Pep Guardiola's side have won all four of their Premier League games this season but failed to break down Italian champions Inter in a repeat of the 2023 final won by City.City lost Kevin De Bruyne to injury at half-time and Phil Foden fired straight at Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer with their best chance as Erling Haaland was kept quiet on a night he was chasing his 100th goal for the English club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a very intense game against a strong opponent. We knew what was coming, they are a top team as well and they are used to winning, so we were not going to have an easy job," City defender Ruben Dias told TNT Sports.Henrikh Mkhitaryan could have won it for Inter when he blazed over 15 minutes from time, allowing City to extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 24 matches -- one off the record set by Manchester United between 2007 and 2009.It is just the second time in 42 home Champions League games under Guardiola that City have failed to score."Our plan was to show that we're not scared to play here," said Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.PSG looked as if they would also have to settle for a point against European debutants Girona, who are backed by the City Football Group and ran Real Madrid close for several months in Spain last season before coming third.However, a goalkeeping blunder from Paulo Gazzaniga in the 90th minute resulted in Nuno Mendes' cross squirming through his grasp and handed the French champions victory."It was a difficult game, they're a team that plays well with the ball," Mendes told Canal Plus."I was surprised (by the goal). The goalkeeper was there and it got through."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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Europe's top leagues and players' unions will lodge a complaint against FIFA at the European Comm...

Europe's top leagues and players' unions will lodge a complaint against FIFA at the European Commission as the battle over the increasingly packed international football calendar intensifies, AFP was told Wednesday.The move comes as players express fears over their welfare, even prompting speculation over strikes by the game's stars."A first complaint was filed before the Brussels High Court. Another is being prepared by European leagues (Bundesliga, Liga, Serie A and the Premier League, but not the French LFP) and certain players' unions," David Terrier, president of FIFPro Europe, told AFP.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It has to be launched on October 14 before the European Commission."In June, French players union (UNFP) and their counterparts in England (PFA) filed a complaint against FIFA, over the unilateral establishment of the international match calendar and the decision to create an expanded 32-team Club World Cup.The subject of this second complaint to be brought before the European Commission concerns the right to competition, the various European leagues considering that the multiplication of international competitions was harming the attractiveness of domestic championships.Earlier this week, Manchester City midfielder Rodri warned leading footballers could go on strike if clubs continue to face an ever-expanding schedule.City, the 2023 Champions League winners, face Italian giants Inter Milan later Wednesday, in their first match of the competition's new league phase.The expanded 36-team tournament will see all clubs play eight league fixtures, with 16 teams to play in an extra two-legged play-off round before the last 16.City will also compete in an expanded Club World Cup at the end of the season.City could play as many as 75 games this season, with international players set for an even heavier workload.Rodri's comments echoed those of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who said players were being ignored by football chiefs when it came to the issue of fixture congestion.FIFA has previously slammed European leagues for their "commercial hypocrisy"."Those leagues apparently prefer a calendar filled with friendlies and summer tours, often involving extensive global travel," FIFA said in July.

NANTES, FRANCE - JULY 25: General view inside the stadium as a sign with the FIFA logo can be seen prior to the Women's group C match between Spain and Japan during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de la Beaujoire on July 25, 2024 in Nantes, France.

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has another new coach in Saudi Arabia.  Al-Nassr ap...

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has another new coach in Saudi Arabia.Al-Nassr appointed former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli on Wednesday, a day after it fired Luis Castro.The 58-year-old Pioli led Milan to the Serie A title in 2022 and then took the team to the last four of the Champions League in 2023 before leaving the club in May.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Castro was fired after a slow start to the season with just one win in three league games.In April 2023, coach Rudi Garcia left Al-Nassr after failing to secure first place despite Ronaldo’s arrival four months prior.Al-Nassr finished second in the league to Al-Hilal last season under Castro and lost two cup finals to the same opposition.Castro’s last game in charge was a 1-1 draw with Al-Shorta of Iraq in Monday’s game in the Asian Champions League Elite tournament.Pioli has signed a three-year contract, according to domestic media.His first game coaching outside Italy will come Friday against Al-Ettifaq, the team coached by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.<h2>___</h2>AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 25: Head Coach Stefano Pioli of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and US Salernitana at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 25, 2024 in Milan, Italy.

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Roma sacked club icon Daniele De Rossi and replaced him with Ivan Juric on Wednesday after a poor...

Roma sacked club icon Daniele De Rossi and replaced him with Ivan Juric on Wednesday after a poor start to the season which has left the Serie A team without a win and languishing near the relegation zone.In a statement Roma said that Juric had been hired until the end of the season, following the sacking of De Rossi after just eight months in charge.Juric, who was most recently at Torino, is Roma's third head coach in 2024 as in January De Rossi was brought in to replace Jose Mourinho, and signed a three-year contract in June after taking the capital club to the Europa League semi-finals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Roma said that De Rossi had been sacked "in the best interests of the team" but enraged supporters gathered outside the club's Trigoria training ground took their anger out on players leaving after Wednesday morning's training session.A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, De Rossi was dismissed as his boyhood club, with whom he signed a contract until 2027 in June, sit 16th in Serie A with three points after four matches.The sudden sacking comes after Roma drew 1-1 at Genoa on Sunday, throwing away what would have been a first win of the campaign in the final seconds of the match.De Rossi is an idol for Roma fans as a local boy who played in some of the club's best teams of the last two decades, alongside fellow icon Francesco Totti.The 41-year-old, who grew up in a rough and ready beachside suburb of Rome, won over fans who saw in his passionate style of play one of their own on the pitch, despite a lack of silverware.<h3>Local hero</h3>He won two Italian Cups and the 2007 Italian Super Cup, before finishing his playing career at Boca Juniors in early 2020 after less than a season in Argentina.De Rossi had been a shock interim replacement for Mourinho as his only previous managerial experience had been four months at lower league outfit SPAL.He was sacked in February last year in a season which finished with SPAL being relegated to the third-tier Serie C.However he got off to a stunning start to life as Roma boss, revitalising what had become a moribund team under Mourinho and taking them to the Europa League last four where they were beaten 4-2 on aggregate by German champions Bayer Leverkusen.De Rossi had led Roma to two brilliant wins over Brighton and AC Milan in the previous two rounds and briefly looked like guiding them to qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 2019.But Roma's form tailed off at the end of the last campaign and they missed out on Europe's top club competition despite Serie A having five places for direct qualification.That, and just three draws and a defeat collected from their four opening league fixtures of the season against largely modest opposition, cost De Rossi his job less than three months after committing his future to Roma.Former Croatia midfielder Juric, 49, takes charge of his first Roma match on Sunday against Udinese before Athletic Bilbao visit Rome in the Europa League opener next week.

GENOA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 15: Daniele De Rossi coach of Roma reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa and Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 15, 2024 in Genoa, Italy.

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Roma sack club icon De Rossi, hire Juric as new head coach

Kylian Mbappe scored on his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid as the holders star...

Kylian Mbappe scored on his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid as the holders started their trophy defence with a 3-1 win over Stuttgart on Tuesday.Antonio Rudiger headed home in the 83rd minute for the record 15-time champions after Deniz Undav had levelled Mbappe's opener just seconds into the second half.Endrick, another Champions League debutant, wrapped up Madrid's win with a low drive in stoppage time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stuttgart had the better of an entertaining opening period but Carlo Ancelotti's team have a habit of grinding out victories when up against the wall and they took the three points despite the visitors' impressive efforts."We suffered at the start because we lost a lot of duels... the important thing was to win and we won, so everything's good," said Madrid coach Ancelotti."You always have to fight at the start of the season, when you aren't at your best."Mbappe reached five goals for the season in seven appearances across all competitions by opening the scoring when he raced into space at the start of the second half."I know I can do more, each game I feel better and now I'm scoring goals, and I'm happy here," Mbappe told Movistar."(The game was) hard, but it's the Champions League -- it's always difficult, but we won at home, we won the first game," he continued."What we know is that the Champions League has changed and it's important to win quickly to see if we can qualify quickly or not."Ancelotti selected full-back Dani Carvajal in central defence with Eder Militao not fit enough to start, while Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni returned from injury to play in midfield.Madrid have lacked a certain balance after stalwart Toni Kroos retired in the summer and the game lurched from end to end under the Santiago Bernabeu lights.Bundesliga side Stuttgart had more of the ball and the most dangerous chances in the first half, with Enzo Millot heavily involved.The French midfielder dragged an early shot wide and forced Thibaut Courtois to tip over his dangerous effort from range, the best of a handful of saves by the Belgian.At the other end Mbappe had two shots saved by Alexander Nubel as he sought his first Champions League goal for Madrid.Rodrygo had a shot narrowly deflected over while Madrid were awarded a penalty when Maximilian Mittelstadt appeared to catch Rudiger with a clumsy swipe, but the referee cancelled the decision after a VAR referral showed no contact was made.Courtois thwarted Angelo Stiller and Undav hit the crossbar for Stuttgart, but they were brought crashing down to earth at the start of the second half.<h3>Mbappe opener</h3>Just 21 seconds after the interval Mbappe found the net, teed up unselfishly by Rodrygo. It was blink-and-you'll-miss-it and many did, still on their way back to their seats from the Bernabeu bars.The former Paris Saint-Germain striker was not able to win the club game's biggest prize while playing in France and his desire to lift the trophy matches Madrid's obsession with it.Stuttgart did not get the memo and after Vinicius crashed an effort against the crossbar, the German side levelled.Jamie Leweling came close himself with a flurry of attempts before hooking a corner back into the danger area for Undav to head past Courtois.Ancelotti sent 18-year-old Brazil striker Endrick on for the final 10 minutes, hunting a winner to get the holders' trophy defence off to the perfect start.The goal arrived swiftly but not from Madrid's galaxy of attacking stars, but instead centre-back Rudiger, who nodded home from Luka Modric's corner in the 83rd minute.Vinicius missed a golden chance to seal Madrid's win but his compatriot Endrick made no mistake with his only opportunity, drilling home from the edge of the box at the death.The forward opted not to pass to his more experienced team-mates and took his shot early, catching out goalkeeper Nubel."He's a kid with a lot of quality and he showed it," added Courtois."Obviously he showed personality by not passing to Vini or Kylian and shooting there himself."

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 17: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid CF and VfB Stuttgart at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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Manchester United crushed Barnsley 7-0 as troubled winger Antony scored his first goal this seaso...

Manchester United crushed Barnsley 7-0 as troubled winger Antony scored his first goal this season and Marcus Rashford struck twice to extend his revival in the League Cup third round on Tuesday.While United ran riot, Fulham made unwanted history as the Premier League club were beaten by second-tier Preston 16-15 on penalties after the tournament's longest ever shoot-out.Languishing in 10th place in the Premier League after two defeats in their first four games, United were never in danger of an upset against their third-tier opponents at Old Trafford.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all netted before half-time to effectively seal United's second successive victory after Saturday's Premier League win at Southampton.Rashford and Garnacho each scored again after the interval and Christian Eriksen's double wrapped up United's biggest win since boss Erik ten Hag arrived from Ajax in 2022.Despite promising to take the League Cup "very seriously", Ten Hag made eight changes, with Manuel Ugarte handed his first start after the midfielder's arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.Ten Hag's raft of switches were no hindrance for United as they made a flying start to their bid to win the tournament for the second time in three seasons.The Dutchman had described Rashford as like a bottle of tomato ketchup after he scored his first goal of the season at Southampton last weekend.Having rarely scored during a difficult campaign last season, Ten Hag claimed Rashford would enjoy a spurt of success after breaking his duck.His prediction looked spot on in the 16th minute as Garnacho's raking pass picked out Rashford and he cut inside Marc Roberts before firing high past Barnsley keeper Gaga Slonina into the top corner.It was the first time the 26-year-old had scored in successive games since March.Antony was making his first start this season and the out-of-favour Brazilian international converted a 35th-minute penalty after being fouled by Slonina as he ran through on goal.Garnacho stabbed in United's third goal from close range in first half stoppage time.Garnacho netted again in the 49th minute, sprinting onto Eriksen's pass and slotting home.Rashford bagged his brace in the 58th minute, taking Garnacho's pass and finishing with aplomb.With Barnsley utterly outclassed, Eriksen steered in two clinical finishes in the 81st and 85th minutes.<h3>Fulham, Everton crash again</h3>At Deepdale, it took 34 penalties in total before Preston beat Fulham after their 1-1 draw.At 15-15 in the shootout after a miss from each team, Fulham's Timothy Castagne blazed over and Preston's Ryan Ledson calmly netted the winner.Everton's wretched start to season shows no signs of abating after Southampton won 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.Sean Dyche's side, bottom of the Premier League after four consecutive defeats, took the lead through Abdoulaye Doucoure's 20th-minute header.But Taylor Harwood-Bellis equalised before half-time and Alex McCarthy saved Ashley Young's penalty in the shoot-out to win it for Southampton, who have also lost all four league games this term.Crystal Palace's England winger Eberechi Eze scored in a 2-1 victory at his former club QPR.Eze, who joined Palace from second-tier QPR in 2020, set up Eddie Nketiah's first goal since his move from Arsenal before netting the second-half winner after Sam Field's equaliser.Brentford survived an early scare against third-tier Leyton Orient before Fabio Carvalho's first goal for the club inspired a 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Barnsley at Old Trafford on September 17, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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Liverpool strutted to a 3-1 win at AC Milan on Tuesday as the Reds got their campaign in the reva...

Liverpool strutted to a 3-1 win at AC Milan on Tuesday as the Reds got their campaign in the revamped Champions League off to a stylish start.Arne Slot's team reacted superbly to going behind in the third minute to a Christian Pulisic goal and ended up cruising to the three points thanks to strikes from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.Fashion Week got underway in Milan on Tuesday and it was the away team who made all of the slick moves at the San Siro in a clash of European football royalty.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool and Milan have been crowned continental kings 13 times and have beaten each other in Champions League finals but the Reds were a class above and would have won by more had the woodwork not twice denied Mohamed Salah in the first half."It was a great day to celebrate your birthday at a stadium like this, and then to win," said Slot, who turned 46 on Tuesday, to Prime Video. "I wouldn't have said this after five minutes but it went quite well."For Liverpool it was a return to perfect form after falling to a shock home defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend while Milan again struggled under new coach Paulo Fonseca ahead of Sunday's Milan derby.Fonseca has failed to convince Milan supporters, a large number of whom stayed away on Tuesday night with fewer than 60,000 turning up for their team's highest profile fixture of the new league phase of Europe's top club competition.And Milan will likely have to face Italian champions Inter Milan, who take on Manchester City on Wednesday, without France goalkeeper Mike Maignan who limped off with a knee injury early in the second half."It's a difficult start for us and we have to change things," Pulisic told Sky in Italy before looking for an immediate response against Inter at the weekend."Of course it (the derby) is a big match for us," he said. "We need to turn things around. We have a big opportunity to do that."<h3>Liverpool hit back</h3>Milan fans put up a giant display which read "fearless" before kick-off and the hosts tore straight into Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk desperately clearing Tijjani Reijnders low cross.And Pulisic quickly had Milan ahead with his super low finish, punishing Liverpool's dawdling defence after being brilliantly sent scurrying towards goal by Alvaro Morata at the end of a move which was started by Maignan. Liverpool quickly responded however and were unlucky in the 16th minute when Salah smashed an effort with his weaker right foot off the crossbar.And the away side, whose pressing had started to force Milan into giving the ball away cheaply, were level when Konate nodded home Trent Alexander-Arnold's floated free-kick.With the Reds taking control, Milan should have been behind before Van Dijk nodded Liverpool ahead, as Diogo Jota wasted a great chance seconds after Konate's leveller and Salah smacked another shot off the bar on the half-hour mark.Things got even worse for the home team in the 51st minute when Maignan, who had already dropped to the ground in pain twice during the first half, limped off after being clattered by Fikayo Tomori as the England defender desperately tried to stop Jota from extending Liverpool's lead.Maignan was replaced by teenager Lorenzo Torriani and the rookie could only look on in the 67th minute as Szoboszlai bundled home Cody Gakpo's teasing cross after the Netherlands forward eased past sluggish Strahinja Pavlovic.Disappointed Milan fans began streaming towards the exit long before the final whistle, after which a deluge of whistles and boos, and loud chants for their team to "show some balls", met a thoroughly deserved defeat.

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 17: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between AC Milan and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on September 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy.

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Aston Villa made a stylish return to the Champions League with a 3-0 win at Swiss side Young Boys...

Aston Villa made a stylish return to the Champions League with a 3-0 win at Swiss side Young Boys on Tuesday in their first game in the tournament for 41 years.Villa boss Unai Emery had urged his team to take three points in Bern as a tribute to the club's former striker Gary Shaw, who died on Monday aged 63 after being injured in a fall.Shaw's tragic death carried extra poignancy as he was a key member of the Villa side that shocked Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A picture of Shaw celebrating Peter Withe's winner against Bayern adorns Villa's training ground and the players wore black armbands during their Champions League opener in memory of the local hero.Clad in the number eight shirt that Shaw made his own at Villa, it was fitting that Youri Tielemans opened the scoring against Young Boys and celebrated by pointing to his jersey.Jacob Ramsey bagged Villa's second goal before the interval and Amadou Onana added the third in the closing stages as Emery's men eased to a victory four decades in the making."Of course we want to dedicate this victory to Gary Shaw, his family and all of the Aston Villa family," Emery said."Forty-two years (ago) they achieved winning the Champions League. We want to try and follow what that team achieved."Villa are back in the Champions League after surprisingly finishing fourth in the Premier League last term.Clashes with Bayern Munich and Juventus await among their remaining seven fixtures in the revamped league stage of the competition.But this cathartic victory will forever hold a special place for Villa fans given their remarkable return to relevance since Emery was hired to replace the sacked Steven Gerrard in 2022.Just five years ago, Villa were stuck in English football's second tier, with dreams of facing Europe's elite reserved for only the most optimistic supporters.Anticipation over their first Champions League tie since 1983 had been building for months and the Villa fans crammed into a corner of the Wankdorf Stadium let out a jubilant roar when the tournament anthem was played before kick-off.<h3>A night to remember</h3>Prince William, a noted Villa fan, sent Emery's team a good luck message ahead of their "European adventure" and his team responded with a well-drilled display on the Wankdorf's treacherous artificial pitch."We were adapting at the beginning to the plastic pitch, it's very different," Emery said."It's very important how we got the win, by respecting the opponent and being responsible. We were mature, organised and imposing throughout the game."The meticulous Emery changed Villa's preparations by flying to Bern early to train at the stadium on Monday, a move that paid dividends.Villa took the lead in the 27th minute with a clever short corner routine.Lucas Digne passed to John McGinn who lofted his cross towards the unmarked Tielemans on the far side of the area.The Belgian midfielder took a composed touch and drilled a low shot through a crowd of players into the bottom corner from 12 yards.Austin MacPhee, Villa's set-piece coach, punched the air in delight at his successful scheme, while Tielemans celebrated the club's first Champions League goal since their 1983 quarter-final exit against Juventus.Villa doubled their advantage in the 38th minute thanks to an unexpected gift from the hosts.Deep inside his own area, Mohamed Ali Camara bizarrely passed back to David von Ballmoos even though the Young Boys keeper was instantly under pressure from Watkins.Von Ballmoos' panicked challenge up-ended Watkins, who lay prone on the turf as Ramsey pounced on the loose ball and slotted home from close-range.Villa were largely able to cruise through the second half, with Onana capping a night to remember when the Belgian midfielder smashed a 20-yard drive past Von Ballmoos in the 86th minute.

BERN, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between BSC Young Boys and Aston Villa FC at Stadion Wankdorf on September 17, 2024 in Bern, Switzerland.

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Marseille announced on Tuesday the signing of French international midfielder Adrien Rabiot, with...

Marseille announced on Tuesday the signing of French international midfielder Adrien Rabiot, with whom they had already reached an "agreement in principle". Rabiot was a free agent since leaving Juventus in July after five years in which he won the 2020 Serie A title and two Italian Cups."Marseille are delighted to announce the signing of Adrien Rabiot. The 29-year-old midfielder has signed a new contract... after passing his medical," said the Ligue 1 club in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The length of the former Paris Saint-Germain player's contract has not been specified but a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP on Sunday that he was expected to sign for two years. Rabiot has played 48 times for France and was a runner-up at the last World Cup in Qatar.He also played five times at Euro 2024, where France were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual winners Spain.On Monday evening, Rabiot, who won six league titles with PSG before a rancourous exit, was welcomed at Marignane airport by several hundred Marseille supporters, who chanted his name and lit flares. "I wasn't expecting that. Seeing all these people here is heart-warming. I know my family are happy too. It makes you want to play and win," he told the cameras. "It's really incredible. I didn't expect such a good mood, such warmth," he added. Marseille are off to a good start in the French top flight this season under new coach Roberto De Zerbi and Saturday's win over Nice was watched by 65,000 at their iconic Velodrome stadium.De Zerbi brought in the 22-year-old Mason Greenwood in the close season, a controversial signing due to sex assault charges that were eventually dropped, but the striker has scored five goals in their four league games so far.Rabiot could feature against Lyon on Sunday, even though he has not played since the Euro.

France's Adrien Rabiot in action during the UEFA Euro 2024, semi-final match at the Munich Football Arena, Germany. Picture date: Tuesday July 9, 2024.

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Rabiot joins Marseille after leaving Juventus

Alexis Saelemaekers underwent surgery for a right ankle fracture suffered during the weekend's 1-...

Alexis Saelemaekers underwent surgery for a right ankle fracture suffered during the weekend's 1-1 draw at Genoa in Serie A, Roma said on Tuesday.Roma said that the operation on Belgium attacker Saelemaekers' medial malleolus was successful, adding that he "will begin his rehabilitation in the coming days".The 27-year-old, who is on loan from AC Milan and has played 12 times for his country, is expected to be out for at least two months.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Roma are yet to win this season under Daniele De Rossi, whose team host Udinese on Sunday.

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 01: Alexis Saelemaekers of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma at Juventus Stadium on September 01, 2024 in Turin, Italy.

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Roma's Saelemaekers undergoes successful ankle surgery

Udinese moved to the top of the early Serie A table as Florian Thauvin scored twice in a dramatic...

Udinese moved to the top of the early Serie A table as Florian Thauvin scored twice in a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory at Parma on Monday.German Kosta Runjaic's side looked set to lose their unbeaten record as goals from Enrico Del Prato, in the second minute, and Ange-Yoan Bonny gave Parma a 2-0 half-time lead.Lorenzo Lucca halved the deficit shortly after the restart, though, before former France international Thauvin levelled midway through the second period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 31-year-old ex-Marseille and Newcastle forward struck again in the 77th minute, shortly after Parma substitute Mandela Keita had been sent off, to send Udinese a point clear of previous leaders Napoli.Champions Inter Milan are one of three teams two points behind Udinese after four matches, alongside Juventus and Torino.

PARMA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 16: Florian Thauvin of Udinese celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between Parma and Udinese at Stadio Ennio Tardini on September 16, 2024 in Parma, Italy.

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Thauvin fires Udinese top in comeback win at Parma

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer said Monday his side were fully focused on the Champions League seaso...

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer said Monday his side were fully focused on the Champions League season, with this year's final to be held at Munich's Allianz Arena. "Something big is coming," Neuer told reporters ahead of Tuesday's opening clash with Dinamo Zagreb at home."The most important thing is the final in Munich. We want to go there and everything else is secondary. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We know what this final means to the city, the fans and the players. Our motivation is simply very high."Six-time European champions Bayern come into the season after their first trophyless campaign in 11 seasons, with Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen winning a league and cup double. In the Champions League, Bayern were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual winners Real Madrid, who beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley to lift the trophy. Neuer and fellow Bayern veteran Thomas Muller, who both won the 2013 and 2020 Champions League finals, are the only two players in the squad to remember the 2012 home final, which they lost on penalties to Premier League side Chelsea. Muller went on social media on Monday, telling followers "the road to Munich starts tomorrow. "I'm very excited. Let's enjoy the best football in Europe."Manager Vincent Kompany, set to coach his first match in the Champions League, told reporters "the fans can dream"."The most important thing for me is that we show it on the pitch. We have a difficult game tomorrow. The important thing is that we play well and win tomorrow."Bayern have won every one of their Champions League openers since 2002 when they lost 3-2 to Deportivo La Coruna, which was the prelude to their first and only group stage elimination.

Kiel, Germany - September 14: Aleksandar Pavlovic of FC Bayern Muenchen, Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Bayern Muenchen and Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen cheer during the Bundesliga match between Holstein Kiel and FC Bayern München at Holstein Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Kiel, Germany.

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Neuer says Bayern targeting UCL final in Munich: 'Something big is coming'

A new era in European club football begins this week when the first games are played in the expan...

A new era in European club football begins this week when the first games are played in the expanded Champions League amid curiosity about the rejigged format as well as growing concerns over an ever-increasing number of matches.UEFA, the European game's governing body, sensed the need for change at a time when the traditional group stage was becoming more predictable and the continent's biggest clubs were threatening to break away and form their own Super League.The result is a league phase featuring 36 clubs -- four more teams than in the past -- with everyone playing eight matches against eight different opponents, two more games than previously.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The action starts in earnest on Tuesday, when reigning champions Real Madrid begin their quest for a record-extending 16th title with a home game against VfB Stuttgart, the surprise runners-up in last season's German Bundesliga.That will be the first ever meeting of the sides, while the same night AC Milan host Liverpool in a heavyweight clash between clubs with 13 European Cups between them.On Wednesday, Manchester City play Inter Milan in a repeat of the 2023 final won by Pep Guardiola's team.For one week only, Champions League matches will also be played on Thursday and the line-up will include a glamour tie between Monaco and Barcelona.The expanded competition also has room for a meeting of two historic names when former champions Red Star Belgrade and Benfica face off in Serbia.In addition to that, there will be an encounter between French newcomers Brest and Austrian champions Sturm Graz, hardly the kind of tie normally associated with the European elite."In the end I think we came to a solution that will benefit all," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told Britain's Sky News recently when asked about the new format."It will make a more unpredictable and more interesting competition. It is a great change."The top eight teams at the end of the league phase -- which now runs into January -- will advance to the last 16.The teams placed from ninth to 24th in the standings will enter a play-off round to contest the remaining last-16 berths, while the bottom 12 teams will be eliminated.There are greater financial rewards too, with the winners of the competition pocketing over 86 million euros ($95.3m) just in prize money, not including bonuses of 700,000 euros for every point gained in the league phase or income from television.The draw has thrown up plenty of glamour ties throughout the coming months, including Paris Saint-Germain meeting Arsenal and Manchester City, and Madrid playing Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool and Milan.<h3>Breath of fresh air?</h3>It may well prove a success, a breath of fresh air that the competition needed in its early stages, especially as final positions in the league phase will determine seedings in the draw for the knockout rounds.But there are concerns about the impact on players of the extra matches, especially in a season which will finish for top clubs with the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. "Sometimes something new can be good for the competition and for everyone, but what we struggle to understand is the increase in the number of matches," admitted Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, mindful of the potential added injury risk to his players.Global footballers' union FIFPro said earlier this month that the sport's governing bodies were "failing to meet their duty of care" towards players by denying them sufficient rest and imposing extra games.FIFPro said too many players were already playing too many games, but the possibilities for time off appear to only be decreasing. "We need safeguards for players to limit their travel, ensure rest periods, and provide adequate recovery so they can reach peak performance," said Stephane Burchkalter, FIFPro's acting General Secretary.For now, the demands are only getting greater, and in the case of the Champions League it remains to be seen if bigger means better.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 05: General view inside the stadium as the UEFA Champions League logo is seen prior to the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Bayern München and SS Lazio at Allianz Arena on March 05, 2024 in Munich, Germany.

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