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.

Benzema praises Sergio Conceicao

Karim Benzema reflects on his progression at Al Ittihad, admits his first season was average, praises Sergio Conceicao’s training intensity, and argues Saudi football is improving fast and is closer to Europe’s level than many believe.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Top Countries

Around the web

These kinds of situations affect the rest of the squad

Arne Slot celebrates a crucial 0-1 win at Inter as VAR drama and a late Szoboszlai penalty lift Liverpool, while the coach calmly addresses the disruptive Mohamed Salah dispute and stresses team unity.

Gravenberch earns praise in England and addresses the situation with Salah

Ryan Gravenberch made a strong impression on the English media on Tuesday night during Liverpool’s win over Internazionale. The midfielder was also chosen by UEFA as Man of the Match in Milan, where he was asked about the saga surrounding Mohamed Salah.

Saudi Arabia is gaining ground in the predictions

The Egyptian was not even included in the squad against Inter Milan this week, and he may already have played his last match for Liverpool after nine seasons at the club.

Eder Militão hit by new major injury blow at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have confirmed that Eder Militão has suffered a serious biceps femoris tear in his left leg, ruling him out for an estimated 3 to 4 months and potentially until April 2026.

Eintracht Frankfurt sacks team doctor for treating an opponent

Sportingly, nothing is going right for Eintracht Frankfurt, but the club has more fires to put out. It has reportedly sacked the team doctor for a remarkable reason.

Manchester United hit a mark they had not reached in the Premier League since 2008

Manchester United produced one of their most convincing displays under Rúben Amorim, beating Wolves 4-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes shone with two goals, one assist and a masterclass in playmaking, while Mason Mount also impressed and got on the scoresheet.

Relief at Bayer: Tella will not go to the Africa Cup of Nations

Bayer 04’s personnel shortage for next week’s year-end match in Leipzig has been eased somewhat. The Werkself will have to release “only” four players for the Africa Cup of Nations, because candidate number five, forward Nathan Tella, is not included in Nigeria’s final squad.

Teenager Lamine Yamal outshines Mbappé and makes Champions League history

After Tuesday evening, Lamine Yamal has another Champions League record to his name. The Barcelona forward provided an assist against Eintracht Frankfurt and, as a teenager, thus reached a special milestone in the lucrative Champions League.

First setback for Fischer: Mwene could be out until the winter break

Philippe Mwene will miss Urs Fischer’s start at Mainz 05. The full back has suffered an injury and may not feature again in 2025.

Juventus family rejects bid of over €1 billion for the Old Lady

A huge bid has been made for Juventus, according to various sources in Italy. A minority shareholder is said to have offered more than one billion euros to obtain a majority stake. However, the Agnelli family has no intention of selling the Old Lady.