Champions League news

Real Madrid have escalated their opposition to La Liga’s Miami plan by filing a second complaint to the Higher Sports Council (CSD), aiming to stop the Villarreal vs Barcelona match from taking place in the United States. The club claims the overseas fixture breaches competition fairness, while the government and Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) navigate complex regulations before a final decision.

Barcelona erupted in frustration after Hansi Flick’s dramatic red card against Girona, with sporting director Deco accusing referees of treating the club more harshly than others. Flick, who made a controversial gesture while celebrating a last-minute winner, admitted he regretted his actions as Barca now prepare to appeal the decision.

Eintracht Frankfurt have earned a sterling reputation for developing players from the promising bracket to top-class and selling them on for significant profit in recent years, particularly in attacking positions. The German club made around €208 million (£181m/$242m) by transferring Luka Jovic, Sebastien Haller and Randal Kolo Muani to AC Milan, West Ham and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively, and boosted that total by another €170m (£148/$198) last season when two more talismanic performers caught the eye of Europe's elite.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has brutally told star forward Ousmane Dembele his Ballon d'Or award "means nothing" as he bids to add more trophies to his collection in the 2025-26 season. Dembele is set to return from injury and play for the first time since he won the prestigious Golden Ball, but Luis Enrique says that's now in the past and it's time to look ahead.

Lothar Matthaus has hailed Harry Kane as the best striker in world football, claiming neither Erling Haaland nor Kylian Mbappe can match his all-round game. The Bayern Munich legend’s glowing remarks came after Kane’s match-winning performance against Borussia Dortmund, a display that showcased leadership, versatility and defensive work rarely seen in forwards.

Bayern Munich fans have erupted in protest after learning that former defender Jerome Boateng was invited to observe training sessions under Vincent Kompany. The 37-year-old, who is beginning his coaching journey, remains a polarising figure due to past domestic violence cases. Despite outrage from supporters, Bayern officials and Kompany insist the move is being blown out of proportion.

Manchester City's Champions League visit to Villarreal should have been a triumphant homecoming for Rodri, a return to the club that made him. But the midfielder will get no warm welcome back from his former fans at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday as he instead recovers from a hamstring injury that has raised further doubts over his ability to get back to his best a year after undergoing knee surgery.

Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Mikel Arteta's side facing an early test of their European credentials. The Gunners have already seen off Athletic Club and Olympiacos this season, but the visit of Diego Simeone and his troops will be their sternest challenge yet, particularly with the Spanish giants clicking into gear after a slow beginning to the season.

‘Outrage’ in the Atletico Madrid camp is said to have seen the Liga giants lodge a formal complaint to UEFA about Emirates Stadium. The Spanish outfit are in north London for a Champions League clash with Arsenal. They trained at the Gunners’ famous home on Monday, but were left without hot water on site - leading to contact being made with European football’s governing body.

Mexico’s right back position remains unsettled ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but there’s a new glimmer of hope. El Tri striker Santiago Giménez shared an encouraging update on Copenhagen defender Rodrigo Huescas, who’s recovering from a torn ACL. The two came up together in Cruz Azul’s youth academy, where they formed a close bond.

Mjallby AIF, based in a small fishing village, have achieved an incredible feat as they secured their first-ever Swedish league title with a 2-0 win over Goteborg on Sunday. Mjallby made history with three games to spare as they now lead second-placed Hammarby by 11 points. The club have secured an outstanding 20 wins in 27 league games and have lost just once.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has showered praise on Jose Mourinho ahead of Tuesday's clash with Benfica in the Champions League at St James' Park. Howe has described the self-anointed 'Special One' as a "visionary" and has revealed his admiration for the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach. Benfica head into the match against Newcastle in search of their first win in the competition this season.

Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have been handed a huge fitness boost ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners play host to Diego Simeone's side and will be aiming to continue their fine start to the season by making it three wins from three in the Champions League so far in the 2025-26 campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has launched a passionate defence of new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier after a tough start to his career in the French capital. The stopper arrived from Lille in a big-money move in the summer, replacing former No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, but has come under scrutiny for his performances so far for the Ligue 1 champions and current Champions League holders.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ahead of the Gunners' meeting with the Spanish side in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arteta, whose team have been accused of winning ugly this season, says that Simeone is a coach he looks up to and tries to learn from and reserved special praise for the Atletico manager's "passion."

Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to a Real Madrid return and could make the squad against Juventus after resuming group training. However, Xabi Alonso is still unsure about the condition of Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona, with several key players facing late fitness tests in a decisive week for Los Blancos.

With Ferran Torres and Raphinha doubtful for both the Champions League clash and El Clasico, head coach Hansi Flick confirmed his faith in Marcus Rashford to spearhead the attack. The German coach hailed Rashford as a "good option as a No. 9 or No. 11," emphasising his recent improvement. As Barcelona battle a major injury crisis, the on-loan forward is set to be the crucial focal point against Olympiacos and potentially Real Madrid.