Champions League Overview

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has jumped to the defence of Bukayo Saka following a string of underwhelming performances from the England international. The academy graduate was substituted after a disappointing hour-long cameo against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday night, sparking concerns about his current physical and mental state.

Pep Guardiola has sensationally claimed he has been "massacred" for his tactical decisions following Manchester City’s humbling 3-0 Champions League defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. The Catalan coach, evidently feeling the heat after the first-leg collapse at the Bernabeu, delivered a marathon four-minute response to questions about his team selection, even going as far as to mimic gunshots with his fingers to describe the wave of online criticism he has faced.

Liam Rosenior was "impressed" by Pedro Neto’s decision to issue a heartfelt apology after pushing a ball boy during the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. While UEFA has opened an investigation for "unsporting behaviour", Rosenior praised the winger's accountability, noting that his desire to apologise showed a genuine commitment to learn from the mistake.

Chelsea’s Pedro Neto has been hit with a one-game ban and a £70,000 fine following his red card against Arsenal. The FA confirmed the extra penalty after the winger "acted in an improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match official/s". He will now miss Saturday’s crucial clash against Newcastle.