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.

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.

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.

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Crystal Palace blames Nottingham Forest for "relegation" to the Conference League

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La Liga chief has no concerns about Barcelona for the upcoming season

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Barcelona raises 44 million euros through a company from Congo

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Liverpool pushes forward and beats Newcastle in the race for the Frankfurt striker

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Sought-after Nwaneri commits his future to Arsenal

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