Quirky exit looms: Will Bayern shoot Man United out of Europe?

The Bundesliga is poised to gain a fifth Champions League spot in the 2024/25 season as part of the major UEFA reform. To achieve this, it must finish the current European Cup season as the best or second-best league - so it would be timely if FC Bayern would make an extra effort on the final matchday of the group stage.

On December 12th, the German record champion could personally knock the English team out of the Champions League, and off the European stage altogether. After the disheartening 3:3 draw at Galatasaray on Wednesday night, Manchester United needs both a home win against Bayern and a draw in the parallel game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray to advance to the round of 16. For third place and the Europa League, at least a point is necessary, but that's only sufficient if Galatasaray wins in Copenhagen.

Ten Hag: 'We played the way I want to see my team play'

Man United is facing elimination, and it would be a quirky one. After all, the Red Devils currently have the most goals scored in Group A (12), but unfortunately, they are also devilishly leaky. 14 goals conceded after five games - only the zero-point newcomer Royal Antwerp narrowly tops that (15). In all three away games, United scored three times but only gained one point. In Copenhagen, a 2:0 and 3:2 lead, and in Istanbul a 2:0 and 3:1 lead were not enough for a win."

"It was all the more astonishing how calmly, indeed enthusiastically, Erik ten Hag commented on the latest setback. 'It would be more frustrating if we were playing poorly,' the coach opined. 'But the performance is very good. It's enjoyable to see how we dictate the game, create chances. That is truly fantastic. We played the way I want to see my team play: active, dynamic, brave. And we scored great goals.' Now, according to ten Hag, they just need to manage the games better. But for this Champions League season, it might be too late.

No one has blundered as often in the Champions League since 2018 as Onana

But was it even necessary in Istanbul? At least two of the three goals conceded had little to do with poor management, but were classic goalkeeper errors: André Onana was deceived by two unplaced free kicks, both taken by Hakim Ziyech, who once worked with Onana and ten Hag at Ajax.

'Hakim is brilliant, I know that,' said ten Hag, while simultaneously refusing to publicly criticize Onana: 'It's not about one individual, it's always about the team.' Onana, who was signed before the season as an upgrade to long-time number 1 David de Gea, had already looked poor in Munich and at home against Galatasaray. According to 'Opta', since the 2018/19 season, no goalkeeper in the Champions League has made more errors leading to goals. A devastating statistic that threatens to become literally costly for United.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup: 'I leave with a full heart'

Luka Modric confirms his departure from Real Madrid after 13 legendary seasons. The 39-year-old midfield icon will bid farewell at the Bernabéu before finishing his career with the Club World Cup. A tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Arteta doesn’t have Dembélé he doesn’t even have Gabriel Jesus

The English newspapers watched as Paris Saint-Germain knocked Arsenal, the last remaining English team, out of the Champions League. It has led to critical scrutiny of Arsenal and coach Mikel Arteta. The two-legged tie against the French side ultimately turned out to be one final disappointment.

Conceição on Milan's resounding derby win: 'Above all, my wife is happy'

AC Milan have actually achieved very little in Serie A this season. Yet, the Rossoneri could still end the season with two major trophies. On Wednesday, the team led by the upbeat coach Sérgio Conceição demolished city rivals Internazionale.

Kenyan Football Federation opens investigation over suspected match-fixing

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has decided to open an investigation into suspected match-fixing involving its national team, specifically in the match against Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Al Hilal makes an offer for Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, 33-year-old Dutch center-back, is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool and has received a €20 million net salary offer from Al Hilal.

European champion Álvaro Negredo retires at the age of 39

The striker, who was playing for Valladolid, had not featured since last season. Throughout his career, he played for clubs such as Manchester City and Besiktas.

José Mourinho suspended for four games after controversy with Galatasaray

José Mourinho has been handed a four-match suspension following a controversy after the Istanbul derby, where he was accused of racism by Galatasaray.

Arsenal is warned after PSV's brilliant victory over Juventus

The Champions League draw has also been closely followed by the media in England. Arsenal has been paired with PSV. While The Gunners are considered favorites, the club must be cautious not to underestimate the reigning Dutch champions.

Gimenez immediately makes his mark in Milan: 'He gets it right away'

Santiago Gimenez made an immediate impact on Wednesday night in his debut for AC Milan. Thanks to an assist for fellow newcomer João Félix, the striker, who joined from Feyenoord, earned praise right away.

Steven Gerrard is no longer the head coach of Al Ettifaq

Steven Gerrard has left Al Ettifaq by mutual agreement after a disappointing tenure in Saudi Arabia. The former Liverpool captain, who took charge in July 2023, struggled to deliver consistent results, leaving the club in 12th place.

Saudi Arabia offers €350M for Vinícius Jr

Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly targeting Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. as their latest high-profile signing. Al Ahli is prepared to offer €350 million for the Brazilian forward, with Al Nassr and Al Hilal also showing interest.

MLS club wants to sign Neymar from Al Hilal

The Brazilian forward has a contract until June, but Al Hilal is willing to let him leave now. Chicago Fire has reportedly already met with Neymar's representatives.

Man Utd ties one of its few bright spots to the club until 2030

Amad Diallo is now a Manchester United player until mid-2030. The English record champions announced on Thursday evening that the 22-year-old Ivorian will remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

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Boca announces Paredes: Tévez-Cavani-like scenes expected at La Bombonera

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Madrid supports Atlético's project for a new 20,000-seat arena

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$Main man Musiala defends Donnarumma after fibula fracture$

Main man Musiala defends Donnarumma after fibula fracture

Jamal Musiala holds no grudge against Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was one of the central figures in the much-discussed collision that led to the German's fractured fibula. The 22-year-old Bayern Munich winger stated that situations like this are simply part of football.

Brentford captain set to bring experience to Arsenal

Christian Nørgaard continues his career at Arsenal. The 31-year-old Dane joins from Brentford and is expected to add valuable experience to Mikel Arteta’s squad. He has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third season.

Toni Kroos: 'I’m not coming back, and Real Madrid knows that...'

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Inter Miami win in New England with Messi scoring his fourth consecutive brace in MLS

Lionel Messi scored his fourth consecutive brace in MLS, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over New England. With 14 goals in 15 league games and 20 overall in 2025, Messi continues to shine, as Miami climbs to fifth in the Eastern Conference.

Sunderland keeps throwing money around: milestone in sight after arrival of Club Brugge talent

Sunderland is spending big to avoid the fate of the most recent promoted teams, who were immediately relegated from the Premier League. The Black Cats announced the signing of Chemsdine Talbi on Wednesday.

Finally a holiday for Valverde: relentless midfielder played the most minutes of all

If anyone is in need of a holiday, it's Federico Valverde. The Real Madrid midfielder played more minutes than any other footballer this season.

Thiago Silva keeps a special memento from reunion with Chelsea friends

On Tuesday, Thiago Silva and Fluminense bid farewell to the Club World Cup. The forty-year-old defender did so after a defeat against Chelsea. The Blues made sure the reunion with their veteran former teammate did not go unnoticed.