Champions League news

Federico Bernardeschi has refuted any suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo “upset balance” during his time at Juventus. The Portuguese superstar completed a stunning transfer to Turin in 2018 when bringing a record-shattering spell at Real Madrid to a close. He would go on to spend three seasons with the Bianconeri, helping them to five trophies - including two Serie A titles.

Declan Rice has revealed he was inundated with messages from some icons of the game after his free-kick heroics for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season. The midfielder scored two outrageous goals from set-pieces in the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium, inspiring a famous 3-0 victory that set up a comfortable 5-1 aggregate win for the Gunners.

Liverpool players may be a little bleary-eyed when taking to the field against Galatasaray in the Champions League, with rival supporters in Istanbul taking to putting on a fireworks display outside the Reds’ team hotel at 2am. Top-level players are accustomed to such behaviour, with supporters doing all they can provide a distraction off the pitch. Arne Slot will be hoping that his players turned a deaf ear to the behaviour of devious locals.

Lamine Yamal’s father has come to spotlight once again after appearing in a lighthearted cooking video where he joked he will “live off” his son. Mounir Nasraoui, often outspoken on social media, defended the Barcelona starlet while brushing off critics. The remarks came just days after Yamal’s decisive return for Barca ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Jurgen Klopp has explained why he believes Liverpool are at "risk of being exposed" under Arne Slot. The Dutchman's reign has been almost dreamlike since he arrived in England. He guided Liverpool to the Premier League crown last season and opened this campaign with a perfect run of seven straight wins in all competitions. But the first cracks showed at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Crystal Palace beat the Reds 2-1, and Klopp has raised the alarm bell with his observations.

Harry Kane has been hailed as "inspirational" by Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus after becoming the fastest player in Europe’s top five leagues to score 100 goals for one club. Matthaus believes the England striker’s blossoming partnership with Serge Gnabry could see him topple Robert Lewandowski’s record this season as Kane continues his ruthless run.

In the end, Xabi Alonso had just one word for Real Madrid's 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday: "bad". Well, duh!

Pafos FC’s remarkable Champions League journey reaches its biggest night yet as they host Bayern Munich and Harry Kane in Cyprus. Head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo admits one man won’t be enough to stop the English striker, but believes veteran defender David Luiz could be decisive. The Spaniard also hopes his Premier League experience will prove useful against Bayern’s prolific No.9.

Wayne Rooney has delivered a damning assessment of Florian Wirtz, claiming that the £116 million ($156m) star “damages” Liverpool. The German playmaker was acquired by the Reds, in what was a British record transfer at the time, to provide more creativity for the reigning Premier League champions. He has endured a slow start to life in English football, with questions already being asked of his place in Arne Slot’s strongest starting XI.

It was obvious that Jose Mourinho was finished at Fenerbahce the moment the full-time whistle blew in last month's Champions League qualifier at Benfica. However, it also felt like his time at the top was over, too, because Mourinho no longer seemed quite so special.

Former Arsenal icon Andrey Arshavin will be rooting for minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League as he doubled down on his hatred for Real Madrid. The Russian playmaker, famed for his flair at Zenit and individual brilliance in north London, has nailed his colours firmly to the mast; and there is no white included. Having ended his career in 2018 wearing the Kairat shirt, the 43-year-old insisted he will be backing his old side against Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho aimed a playful jibe at Manchester City when being quizzed on the 74 charges that are now hanging over Chelsea. The Portuguese coach, who has taken in two spells as Blues boss, finds himself back at Stamford Bridge for a Champions League fixture. The ‘Special One’ has returned to his homeland as the new boss at Benfica, with the 62-year-old having lost none of his ability to entertain when speaking to the media.

Jose Mourinho says he “would love” to have Pedro Neto at Benfica, describing the Chelsea man as “one of the best wingers in the world”. The Portuguese was full of praise for his compatriot as he prepares to make an emotional return to Stamford Bridge when the two teams do battle in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has lifted the lid on contract renewal discussions between the club and key midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international’s current deal expires next summer but the Blaugrana hierarchy have now revealed they are confident fresh terms will be agreed soon as negotiations are set to continue between both parties.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed why star winger Federico Chiesa was left out of the Reds squad for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Galatasaray this week. The Italian displayed impressive performances in the club's last couple of matches. After starring with two assists in the win over Southampton, he scored the Reds' solitary goal against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea he will not be feeling sentimental when he attempts to lead Benfica to victory on his highly-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge. The Special One heads back to his old stomping ground on Tuesday evening when the Portuguese giants lock horns with Enzo Maresca’s Blues in the latest round of Champions League fixtures.

Jose Mourinho’s reunion with Chelsea, the club where he enjoyed so much success across two spells at Stamford Bridge, is one of the headline fixtures in this season’s Champions League as he takes new employer Benfica back to his former stomping ground. Blues winger Pedro Neto is relishing the chance to come up against his fellow Portuguese thanks to his incredible legacy.