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Tag: UEFA Champions League

  • UCL: Things to know as Newcastle takes on Barcelona at St James’ Park

    UCL: Things to know as Newcastle takes on Barcelona at St James’ Park

    Newcastle United will welcome Spanish giants FC Barcelona to St James’ Park on Wednesday night in what promises to be a high-stakes Champions League showdown.

    The fixture marks the opening matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League League Phase, with both teams aiming to begin their campaigns with maximum points.

    For Newcastle, it’s a return to Europe’s elite competition after missing out last season, while Barcelona comes into the contest with high expectations, despite several injury concerns.

    Current Form

    Newcastle United

    The Magpies have had a mixed start to the Premier League season. While they’ve shown moments of defensive resilience and a recent home win over Wolves gave fans a boost, inconsistency in attack remains a concern. Eddie Howe’s side will look to channel the energy of a packed St James’ Park to unsettle the Spanish visitors.

    Barcelona

    Barcelona have started strongly in La Liga, including a dominant 6-0 win over Valencia. Despite injuries to key players, the Catalans have looked sharp in front of goal and will be confident of taking points on the road. However, their defence has shown vulnerabilities that Newcastle could look to exploit.

    Head-to-Head Record

    –        This will be the fifth competitive meeting between the two sides.

    –        Barcelona have won three of the previous four encounters.

    –        Newcastle have won once.

    –        Their last meeting came in March 2003, with Barcelona winning 2-0 at St James’ Park.

    –        Barcelona also boasts a solid record against English teams in Europe, winning 12 of their last 16 encounters with Premier League opposition.

    Team News

    Barcelona Absentees:

    Lamine Yamal (groin)

    Marc-André ter Stegen (knee)

    Gavi (ACL)

    Alejandro Balde (hamstring)

    Doubtful: Frenkie de Jong (muscle) – included in squad, but fitness will be assessed.

    Newcastle Absentees:

    Jacob Ramsey (ankle)

    Yoane Wissa (knee)

    Eddie Howe has a near full-strength squad apart from long-term injuries.

    Expected Line-Ups

    Newcastle United (4-3-3)

    Pope; Trippier, Schär, Dan Burn, Livramento; Bruno Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon

    Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

    Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martín; Pedri, Casadó/De Jong; Raphinha, Fermin López, Rashford; Lewandowski

    Read Also: Champions League: Newcastle brace for  stiff test against Milan

    Key Players to Watch

    Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): The Polish striker remains one of Europe’s most prolific forwards and will be central to Barca’s attack.

    Raphinha (Barcelona): In excellent form, capable of unlocking defenses with pace and creativity.

    Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle): The heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield, tasked with breaking Barca’s rhythm.

    Anthony Gordon (Newcastle): In-form winger who could exploit Barca’s injury-hit left side.

    Stats and Insights

    –        Barcelona’s average 2.1 goals per game against English opposition in the Champions League.

    –        Newcastle have only one win in their last eight European games, but they remain strong at home.

    –        The Magpies have scored in all home matches this season.

    –        Barcelona have scored 14 goals in their last five matches.

    Betting Tips:

    Barcelona to Win

    Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Newcastle will be aggressive at home, Barca’s defense isn’t flawless.

    Over 2.5 Goals

    Raphinha to score or assist

    Prediction:

    Newcastle 1–3 Barcelona

  • FULL LIST: Man Utd, other top UCL winners missing in 2025/26 tournament

    FULL LIST: Man Utd, other top UCL winners missing in 2025/26 tournament

    With the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage kicking off on Tuesday, excitement is building as fans await thrilling clashes and the battle for knockout stage qualification.

    Last season’s final saw Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) make history by lifting their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, cruising to a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

    This article highlights the absence of some former champions who failed to secure a spot in this year’s edition.

    Among the biggest casualties is AC Milan, the seven-time winners who missed out after finishing outside the Serie A top four. Manchester United, three-time champions, will also not feature this season following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

    Full list below:

    AC Milan – Seven-time UCL winner, won in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, and 2007

    Manchester United: Three-time UCL winner, won in 1968, 1999, and 2008

    FC Porto: Two-time UCL winner, won in 1987 and 2004

    Read Also: Atalanta omit  ‘unrepentant’ Lookman for UCL opener at PSG

    Nottingham Forest: Two-time UCL winner, won in 1979 and 1980

    Red Star: One-time UCL winner, won in 1991

    FC Steaua București: One-time UCL winner, won in 1986

    Hamburg: One-time UCL winner, won in 1983

    Aston Villa: One-time UCL winner, won in 1982

    Feyenoord: One-time UCL winner, won in 1970

    Celtic Glasgow: One-time UCL winner, won in 1967

  • FULL LIST: All 36 teams in 2025/26 UCL league phase

    FULL LIST: All 36 teams in 2025/26 UCL league phase

    The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League phase begins today, less than four months after Paris Saint-Germain celebrated its first-ever triumph by dismantling Inter in last season’s final. Now, Europe’s top clubs are back on the grand stage for another campaign.

    The expanded 36-team league phase kicks off today, with Arsenal clashing against Athletic Club of Bilbao in one of the opening fixtures.

    The week promises other blockbuster encounters as Bayern Munich take on Chelsea in a rematch of the 2012 final, Liverpool face Atlético Madrid, and Newcastle United welcome Barcelona to St. James’ Park.

    Here are the 36 teams competing in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase:

    Ajax (NED)

    Arsenal (ENG)

    Atalanta (ITA)

    Athletic Club (ESP)

    Atlético de Madrid (ESP)

    Borussia Dortmund (GER)

    Barcelona (ESP)

    Bayern München (GER)

    Benfica (POR)

    Bodø/Glimt (NOR)

    Chelsea (ENG)

    Club Brugge (BEL)

    Copenhagen (DEN)

    Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)

    Galatasaray (TUR)

    Inter (ITA)

    Juventus (ITA)

    Read Also: Atalanta omit  ‘unrepentant’ Lookman for UCL opener at PSG

    Kairat Almaty (KAZ)

    Leverkusen (GER)

    Liverpool (ENG)

    Manchester City (ENG)

    Marseille (FRA)

    Monaco (FRA)

    Napoli (ITA)

    Newcastle (ENG)

    Olympiacos (GRE)

    Pafos (CYP)

    Paris (PSG) (FRA)

    PSV Eindhoven (NED)

    Qarabağ (AZE)

    Real Madrid (ESP)

    Slavia Praha (CZE)

    Sporting CP (POR)

    Tottenham (ENG)

    Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)

    Villarreal (ESP)

  • PSG must deliver ‘performance of a lifetime’ to beat Inter in UCL final – Marquinhos

    PSG must deliver ‘performance of a lifetime’ to beat Inter in UCL final – Marquinhos

    Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has emphasized the importance of delivering a historic performance when his team faces Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday.

    The showdown at the Allianz Arena offers PSG another chance at European glory, four years after narrowly losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in their maiden final appearance.

    Speaking ahead of the match, the Brazilian defender expressed deep connection to the club and the significance of the occasion.

    “I am a veteran here now, I adore this team and it is wonderful to be a part of it. We mustn’t pile too much pressure on the younger players, but keep a balance,” Marquinhos told Sky Sport Italia.

    “This is an opportunity to write history for this club and it is also a second chance for me. We’ll have to give the performance of a lifetime.”

    Marquinhos, the only likely starter who also featured in the 2020 final, noted that PSG won’t abandon their successful style of play.

    “I can assure you that we will not change our general approach that got us this far. I think it is going to be an entertaining game of football, with Inter and us both relying on our strengths.”

    He acknowledged Inter’s strengths and experience, especially their attack, while praising PSG manager Luis Enrique for strengthening the team’s mentality.

    Read Also: UCL: No Varratti, Marquinhos for PSG vs Bayern

    “Since Luis Enrique arrived, he has worked on our mentality and dealing with emotions over the full 90 minutes, as that is what allows us to get the results we want.

    “When there have been difficult moments, we were always able to turn things around. We talked a lot this week and are ready for what Inter will do. We want to bring the trophy home.”

    While many consider PSG the favorites, Marquinhos remains cautious, especially given Inter’s impressive run—knocking out European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

    “We worked really hard on our defending, but will not change our tactical system. We’ll try to annul their strikers, who are the core strength, but also the wingers that attack with pace. We prepared something, but I cannot tell you much about that…”

  • UCL:  Heineken Unites  ‘Hardcore Fans’ for  semi-final showdowns  

    UCL:  Heineken Unites  ‘Hardcore Fans’ for  semi-final showdowns  

    As the UEFA Champions League reaches the  semi-final stage, Heineken  has reinforced its commitment to football fans through its ‘Cheers to the Real Hardcore Fans’.

    In Nigeria, the initiative celebrates the dedication and enthusiasm of supporters and loyal consumers with premium match-viewing experiences in multiple cities.

    Building on the momentum from the quarter-finals, Heineken is hosting large-scale semi-final viewing events in Port Harcourt, Aba, Lagos and Abuja

    The matches—featuring European heavyweights Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona, and Inter Milan—are being screened at top venues, such as the Olympic Stadium, where fans are treated to immersive football-themed entertainment.

    The events feature interactive fan zones, augmented reality experiences, exclusive Heineken merchandise, and live DJ performances designed to recreate the atmosphere of a UEFA Champions League night.

    Launched earlier this year again,  ‘Cheers to the Real Hardcore Fans’ acknowledges the everyday supporters who define Nigeria’s vibrant football culture—from viewing centre regulars and late-night match watchers to the street commentators who bring every fixture to life.

    Read Also: NFF writes FIFA over Lesotho, Zimbabwe playing in South Africa

    Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager – Premium Beer, Nigerian Breweries, described the campaign as a tribute to the authenticity of Nigerian fandom. 

     “Nigerians are among the most passionate football fans in the world. Whether it’s waking up at odd hours or passionately debating tactics, their commitment is extraordinary. Through this campaign, Heineken is creating inclusive spaces to celebrate that passion in a premium and engaging way,” she said.

    During the quarter-final round, venues such as Mania House in Victoria Island, Lagos, and Papiees Maestro in Abuja were transformed into football viewing arenas.

    Fans enjoyed high-quality broadcasts, Heineken hospitality, and an atmosphere that mirrored Europe’s biggest stadiums.

    Julius Obinna, a fan who attended the Abuja event, praised the initiative. 

    “The experience was electric. It brought people together and made us feel like we were part of something global,” he said.

    In addition to live events, Heineken has produced a campaign film directed by award-winning filmmaker Mark Molloy.

    The film, which is central to the campaign, humorously and emotionally explores what it means to be a true football fan.

    It features real-life fan stories and aims to challenge the perception of what a “hardcore” fan looks like.

    With the Champions League final fast approaching, Heineken’s campaign continues to build excitement.

    More viewing events are planned nationwide, ensuring fans remain at the heart of the action.

     “This campaign is not just about the game,” Shadeko added. “It’s about the shared experiences, the community, and the joy that football brings. That is what Cheers to the Real Hardcore Fans stands for.”

  • UEFA Champions League: Eyes on  Barcelona, Real Madrid in  quarter-finals reverse fixtures

    UEFA Champions League: Eyes on  Barcelona, Real Madrid in  quarter-finals reverse fixtures

    There is more Champions League football this midweek, with FC Barcelona travelling to Germany to take on Borussia Dortmund tonight  while Real Madrid will try to pull off another epic comeback when they host Arsenal at the Bernabéu tomorrow, April 16th .

    FC Barcelona are aiming to reach the semi-finals of this tournament for the first time since 2019 and they have a great chance of doing so, given that they travel to Dortmund with a 4-0 advantage. It was an exhibition at home in the first leg and Los Azulgranas have now gone 23 matches without losing, the fifth-greatest unbeaten run in club history after those achieved under Frank Rijkaard (24), Pep Guardiola (28), Ernesto Valverde (29) and Luis Enrique (39). They have been very solid at the back, conceding less than a goal per game across their past five matches, with Wojciech Szczęsny remains unbeaten at the club.

    Looking at the stars of this excellent run of form, the trident of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal stand out with their 82 goals. They are terrifying defences at home and abroad, with more goals than the attacks this season of Bayern Munich (65), Real Madrid (64), PSG (64), Liverpool (62) and Atlético de Madrid (55). Lamine Yamal is still just 17 years of age and continues to break records, most recently becoming the under-18 with the most appearances in the competition. He was brilliant in the first leg, participating directly in the creation of three goals and scoring one of his own. Alongside him is Raphinha, the competition’s top scorer with 12 strikes. Then, there’s the veteran Lewandowski, who scored a brace to reach 48 goals in Champions League knockout ties. He is also just one goal away from his 100th as a Barça player and he will look to add to his tally of 29 goals in 28 games against Borussia Dortmund, his former home.

    It would be a miracle if Borussia Dortmund progress on Tuesday, even though they’ve won their past five two-legged knockout ties in the Champions League, including a win against a Spanish side with a 5–4 aggregate victory over Atlético de Madrid last season. Overall, their record against Spanish teams in two-legged ties is seven triumphs and three defeats. Given their proud history, Signal Iduna Park will roar and do its part to try to encourage Niko Kovac’s troops. They have goals in them, with Serhou Guirassy boasting 10 goals this European campaign, while Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt will also need to be at their best if there is to even be a hope of a comeback, ahead of a semi-final against either Bayern Munich or Inter.

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid are preparing for their second leg against Arsenal at the Bernabéu. They’ll need to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit, but if any club can achieve this then it’s Real Madrid.

    After Declan Rice scored a pair of free-kick goals for the first time in his professional career, with Mikel Merino adding a third, the reigning champions are on the ropes. But, their recent history in Europe gives some cause for them to believe. There have been several epic nights at the Bernabéu in recent editions of the Champions League, such as the wins against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City in 2021/22, with the likes of Karim Benzema and Rodrygo scoring several late goals.

    Read Also: Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves wins appeal as court overturns rape conviction

    Furthermore, Los Blancos have a good record in ties against English clubs. On seven occasions, they have reached the semi-finals by defeating an English team. Furthermore, Real Madrid hasn’t gone out at the quarter-final stage since 2003/04, always exiting before or usually after.

    As for Arsenal, they’ll travel to Spain with confidence of their own after their exhibition in London in the first leg. Mikel Arteta has built a solid and competitive team and they’re aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Rice and also Bukayo Saka will be key to helping them maintain or add to their lead, while the team as a whole will try to limit Kylian Mbappé, who already has 33 goals this season, and also Vinícius, who has been a big part of the previous comebacks at the Bernabéu and who has seven goals this Champions League season already. Dani Ceballos should return too, and that’ll be a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, while Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham will also hope to have a major impact.

    It’ll be a fascinating watch, with the winner of this tie going on to face either PSG or Aston Villa in the semi-finals.

  • FULL LIST: UEFA Champions League knockout play-off draw unveiled

    FULL LIST: UEFA Champions League knockout play-off draw unveiled

    The draw for this season’s UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs was conducted on Friday, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes in February. 

    Eight teams have already secured direct qualification to the Round of 16 following the conclusion of the league phase.

    These teams include Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa. They will resume their campaign in March. 

    Meanwhile, teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the league standings will compete in a two-legged play-off next month to fight for a place in the next round. 

    Full knockout play-off draw: 

    Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain

    Feyenoord vs AC Milan

    Juventus vs PSV

    Monaco vs Benfica

    Manchester City vs Real Madrid

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Six African players who have scored in UEFA Champions League Finals

    Celtic vs Bayern Munich

    Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund

    Club Brugge vs Atalanta

    The matches promise thrilling encounters as Europe’s finest compete for a coveted spot in the round of 16.

  • Nigerian footballers competing in 2024/2025 UEFA Champions league

    Nigerian footballers competing in 2024/2025 UEFA Champions league

    The brand new 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season began on Tuesday, September 17 with 36 teams in a new-look single-table group stage.

    Nigeria will be heavily represented in this season’s edition with many of its stars featuring in the competition for their different clubs.

    For some of them this would be their first ever UCL appearance, while others are quite seasoned in it.

    Here are 10 Nigerian footballers competing in the 2024/2025 Champions league:

    1. Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen):

    Boniface was crucial to Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic run last season which guaranteed them a spot in the UCL this season. The 23-year-old won the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award and would be looking to make a mark in his debut UCL season.

    2. Samuel Chukweze (AC Milan): The 25-year-old winger will be making his first appearance in the UCL with new club AC Milan.

    Chukwueze is however seasoned in European competitions, he won the Europa League title with Villareal in the 2020/2021 season.

    3. Nathan Tella (Bayern Leverkusen): Just like his team mate, Victor Bonifac, Tella will also be playing in his first UEFA champions league tournament this season.

    4. Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge):  Despite his futile attempts to go to Galatasaray, the 23-year-old FC Ebedei product, who won the Belgian Super League with Brugge last season, is still considered a key member of the Bruges-based team and will be expected to feature heavily for the club.

    5. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta): Atalanta’s maestro has found new form in Italy contributing goals and assists and also receiving a ballon d’or nomination. Lookman would be looking to continue this blistering form in Europe this season.

    6. Elvis Isaac (Slovan Brastislava): The 22-year-old winger was on the bench in all eight of Slovan’s UCL qualifying round games and could be an impact player this season.

    7. Victor Olatunji (Slava Prague): Nigeria’s new Victor has been an important player for Czech club Slava Prague since joining last year. In his first season, he won the League and Cup double. And has already recorded a goal and an assist in the UCL this season.

    8. Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade): The 28-year-old Ibadan-born player, has experience in the Europa League but moved up to the Champions league last season. The Serbian champions ended last in Group G, and he was utilized rarely. This term, he would look to appear more frequently.

    9. George Ilenikhena (AS Monaco): Ilenikhena began his first UCL campaign in style after scoring the late goal that sealed a 2-1 win over Barcelona for the club’s first UCL win, and he could exceed expectations this season.

    10. Victor Eletu (AC Milan): The 19-year-old has been with AC Milan’s youth team since 2018 and has played in the third-tier Italian football. The youngster was selected as part of the team’s UCL squad and is expected to get opportunities to show his talent.

  • UCL: Juventus crush Bayer Leverkusen 3-0

    Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain scored one goal and made another, while Cristiano Ronaldo added the third, as Juventus cruised to a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen to go top of Champions League Group D in Turin on Tuesday.

    Juventus, who threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 away to Atletico Madrid on opening day, paired Higuain with Ronaldo in attack and it did not take long for the move to pay off.

    Goal-poacher Higuain exploited a disastrous attempt at a headed clearance by Jonathan Tah in the 17th minute, taking a touch before thumping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner to leave goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky no chance.

    With Leverkusen enjoying plenty of possession but creating precious little in front of goal, Higuain turned provider in the second half, whipping in a low cross from the left for Federico Bernardeschi to sweep home Juve’s second.

    Read Also: UCL: Bayern destroys Tottenham at White Hart Lane

    Keeper Hradecky nearly conceded a third in the 70th minute, taking a bad touch on a back pass that almost steered the ball into his own goal and then trying to get out of trouble with a risky short pass before the danger was cleared.

    Leverkusen’s best chance of the night fell to substitute Paulinho, but the 19-year-old Brazilian could not crown his Champions League debut with a goal and his lob went wide.

    Portuguese attacker Ronaldo had a frustrating night in attack but after uncharacteristically missing some decent second-half chances, he slotted the ball through Hradecky’s legs to make it 3-0 in the 88th minute.

    The win puts Juventus top of the group on four points and ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who won 2-0 away to third-placed Lokomotiv Moscow, on goal difference.

    Leverkusen are bottom after their second straight defeat.

    NAN

  • UCL: Bayern destroys Tottenham at White Hart Lane

    Serge Gnabry scored four goals as Bayern Munich destroyed Tottenham Hotspur with a 7-2 victory at the White Hart lane, in the UEFA Champions League.

    Son Heung-min scored the first goal for Spurs before Joshua Kimmich’s curling 25-yard equaliser.

    Robert Lewandowski put Bayern ahead before two Gnabry goals, after a surging run and then via the post.

    Harry Kane gave Spurs hope with a penalty but Gnabry scored two more fine goals either side of Lewandowski’s second as Spurs imploded.

    It is the first time in Tottenham’s 137-year history that they have ever conceded seven goals at home in any competition.

    Read Also: UCL: Liverpool, Chelsea lose on Matchday One

    Spurs are third in Group B on one point, having drawn 2-2 with Olympiakos in their opening game.

    Substitute Raheem Sterling scored one goal and made the other as Manchester City eventually overcame Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

    City missed chance after chance and took until the 66th to break the deadlock as Sterling converted Riyad Mahrez’s cutback 10 minutes after coming on.

    Phil Foden came off the bench in stoppage time and coolly rolled in a low finish from Sterling’s lay-off.

    Before then, Sergio Aguero had a one-on-one effort saved by Dominik Livakovic and blazed over from 10 yards, while Bernardo Silva volleyed over from a promising position.