Champions League news

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has set himself an ambitious target for his debut season at Barcelona, with the England star determined to be involved in 30 and 40 goals. The former Manchester United forward has made an instant impact under Hansi Flick, already contributing six goal involvements in his first nine appearances in the Blaugrana jersey.

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has come to the defence of Jobe Bellingham following the young midfielder's struggles at the club in the ongoing campaign. Bellingham was substituted in the 69th minute of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Athletic Club, with Kovac shielding the ex-Sunderland starboy's underwhelming form by stating that he was "nervous" starting his first game in while.

Kylian Mbappe was left raving about Achraf Hakimi’s performance for Paris Saint-Germain in the French side’s Champions League victory over Barcelona, with the Real Madrid superstar admitting that his close friend is “too much” to handle when performing at the peak of his powers. The buccaneering full-back put in another classy display as the reigning kings of European football claimed another notable scalp in Catalunya.

Juventus coach Igor Tudor expressed his fury after his side conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Croatian coach blamed missed chances and nerves for the draw but came to the defence of his centre-backs amid criticism for their sloppiness in recent matches.

Rasmus Hojlund thanked his team-mate Kevin De Bruyne after the 34-year-old Belgian provided assists for both of his goals as Napoli beat Sporting CP on Wednesday. The Danish striker scored a match-winning brace in the 2-1 victory in the Champions League, their first in the competition this season having lost 2-0 to Manchester City two weeks ago.

Wayne Rooney claims that under-fire Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim would be “absolutely slaughtered” if he made selection calls similar to those which saw Arne Slot’s Liverpool suffer a disappointing Champions League defeat at Galatasaray. The Reds have now come unstuck in their last two fixtures, with the odd question being asked of why a Dutch tactician at Anfield is tinkering so much.

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain came together ahead of their Champions League clash to honour the memory of Luis Enrique’s late daughter, Xana. Both clubs pledged support to the Xana Foundation through jersey auctions and charitable donations. For Enrique, who lost his daughter, this acts reflected the enduring spirit of his family and the broader football community.

The age-defying England captain is in the form of his life, and can achieve all his remaining career dreams in Germany

Kevin De Bruyne has likened Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after the striker scored a decisive double in Napoli's 2-1 Champions League win over Sporting CP on Wednesday. The Manchester United loanee showed composure and power with De Bruyne providing both goals as the pair's bright start to life in Italy continues.

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres says his side failed to "maintain" control of their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain as a last-minute goal saw the Spanish giants suffer their first defeat of the season. Torres, who scored the opening goal, warned his side should not overreact to the result as he stressed they must find a way to keep up their intensity throughout matches.

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has offered advice to Florian Wirtz after the £116 million summer signing’s sluggish start at Anfield. The German playmaker is yet to score or assist in the Premier League and the Champions League, but Dalglish believes building chemistry with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike could unlock his potential in Arne Slot’s system.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League night in Barcelona belonged to Senny Mayulu and Goncalo Ramos, whose goals sealed a 2-1 win against the Spanish side. Missing Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, PSG leaned on other stars and relentless pressing to stun the Catalans and Luis Enrique labelled three of those players as 'the best in the world', showing his side has the spirit and belief to challenge Europe’s elite.

Pep Guardiola was left furious after Manchester City were denied victory in Monaco as a controversial late penalty decision cost his side two Champions League points. The Catalan tactician refused to comment directly on the incident but took a swipe at 'Spanish referees' following another night of refereeing drama in Europe, which resulted in Eric Dier scoring a late penalty equaliser.

Liverpool are anxiously awaiting scan results to determine the severity of Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury after the Brazilian goalkeeper limped off during the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. Head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, sparking fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Former Juventus forward Fernando Llorente has hailed Kenan Yildiz as Serie A’s most exciting talent, comparing him to club icon Alessandro Del Piero while claiming the Turkish wonderkid’s creativity would have helped him score “even more goals.” With praise coming from former stars, team-mates and Juve coach Igor Tudor, the 20-year-old forward is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte admitted he is still trying to find the right tactical measures to bring the best out of midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay. In the 2-1 win over Sporting CP, Conte tested a three man midfield in the second half following the substitution of McTominay, and he believes the system can offer him multiple solutions.

Barcelona suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, with Goncalo Ramos scoring the decisive goal in the dying minutes after the sides had been level for most of the match. Coach Hansi Flick was candid about his team's performance, admitting PSG were far superior, but he views the result as a necessary stepping stone for improvement.