Champions League news

Gary Lineker never thought we'd see another player like Lionel Messi - until Lamine Yamal came along. "Just watching him, he makes it look so easy to beat a player. He goes past them almost as if they're invisible, like they're not there," the ex-England international enthused on the 'Stick to Football' podcast the morning after Barcelona's thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter on April 30.

UEFA is reportedly preparing a major shake-up of its broadcast deals that could see streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney and Amazon bid for exclusive global rights to one Champions League match per round starting in 2027. The new “global first-pick” package is expected to generate around $5.9 billion (£4.3 billion) per season.

And then there was one. According to RAC1, Barcelona have withdrawn their support for the European Super League (ESL), leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining member of the original 'Dirty Dozen' still supporting the controversial project.

Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole has taken aim at football's administrators, claiming that the over-saturation of the football calendar is putting stars at heightened injury risk, and diluting the quality of the overall product. Cole pointed towards PSG and Chelsea's current injury problems, as well Rodri's persistent fitness issues and Lamine Yamal's concerns, as examples of players being 'flogged for financial reasons'.

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has issued a stark warning to Barcelona despite praising Hansi Flick’s side as "the most attractive in Europe". The former midfielder believes the Blaugrana’s high-risk approach leaves them vulnerable in the Champions League, claiming fatigue and tactical rigidity could cost them deep into games.

Christian Pulisic is already fondly known as 'Captain America', but could he become captain of AC Milan? The USMNT star has become a talismanic figure for the Serie A giants, with his value to the collective cause being recognised at San Siro. There has been talk of a new contract being lined up, while Pulisic could be asked to provide on-field leadership at some stage as he takes on skipper duties.

Lamine Yamal went out of his way to hype up his return to the Barcelona line-up for Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The 18-year-old posted a clip on his Instagram account from the movie 'The Devil's Advocate' in which Al Pacino's character, John Milton, discusses the effects of pressure: "Some people, you squeeze 'em, they focus; others fold. Can you summon your talent at will? Can you deliver on a deadline? Can you sleep at night?"

UEFA have been presented with a final proposal for the Super League project that would include dramatic evolution of the current Champions League format. According to Mundo Deportivo, the project has been under tight wraps for the past eight months, with UEFA, Super League backers A22 Sports Management, and key powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid conducting secret negotiations to hammer out a deal that could end football’s civil war.

Pep Guardiola was not impressed by suggestions that his Manchester City side were pegged back late on at Monaco in the Champions League due to the replacement of Rodri with Nico Gonzalez in midfield. The City boss defended the contribution Gonzalez made off the bench after coming on in the 61st minute, while he conceded that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is not yet fit enough to play 90 minutes multiple times a week and "needs protecting" from recurring injury issues.

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has questioned Reds boss Arne Slot's tactics after the Premier League champions lost 1-0 at Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek, their second consecutive defeat after going down in stoppage time against Crystal Palace. Slot opted to start Mohamed Salah on the bench in a series of mistakes Crouch cited by the Dutchman, who has faced little scrutiny so far in his tenure having won the league title in his first season in charge.

The veteran announcer discusses UCL favorites, the revised format and how respect at youth levels shapes footballers

Barcelona have abandoned the European Super League project, leaving Real Madrid isolated in their push to challenge UEFA. The Catalan giants believe UEFA’s Champions League reforms now meet their demands, ending their pursuit of a breakaway competition. The move marks a dramatic shift in stance that leaves Florentino Perez as the last pillar keeping the project alive.

Dietmar Hamann has labelled Jobe Bellingham as Borussia Dortmund's "only cause for concern" amid the club's strong start to the season. The German legend's criticism comes as the 20-year-old struggles for form, with manager Niko Kovac defending the 'nervous' star amid reports of off-field pressure from his family.

Barcelona's much-anticipated return to Camp Nou has been delayed once more. The club have officially confirmed their upcoming Champions League clash with Olympiacos will be held at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, citing administrative hurdles. Financial and logistical factors also play a part, with a November homecoming now looking the most likely scenario.

Copenhagen confirmed that after an MRI, Rodrigo Huescas has been diagnosed with a torn ACL. The former Cruz Azul fullback will miss the rest of the season and faces a race against time to be fit for the 2026 World Cup. The injury occurred 13 minutes into Copenhagen’s Champions League clash against Qarabag. Huescas went down in clear pain.

Jamie Carragher has hailed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as “one of the best pieces of business” the club has done under Mikel Arteta, calling him a “real upgrade” on Aaron Ramsdale. The Spaniard’s stunning save in the first half proved crucial as Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2-0 on Wednesday to continue their perfect Champions League start with two wins in two.

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.