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.

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.

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.

Top Countries

Around the web

The sacrifice of Lamine at Barça

Lamine Yamal is evolving from a pure attacking talent into a complete winger at Barcelona. Under Hansi Flick he has hugely improved his defensive work and pressing, while still leading the league in dribbles, assists and final passes, confirming his status as one of the most decisive young players in world football.

Slot responds to Salah’s reserve role and the battle for Gakpo’s place at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah’s role as a substitute at Liverpool is currently a much discussed topic in England. The experienced Egyptian has been dropped from the starting line up for two games in a row, but he still has an influential role at the Reds.

Chelsea written off for the title again after dream week

Chelsea are not a serious contender for the Premier League title this season. That is the conclusion drawn by the English media and analysts after Wednesday night’s disappointing performance against Leeds United (3-1), which brought an end to a seven match unbeaten run.

Kompany announces Davies comeback

In March, Alphonso Davies tore his cruciate ligament while playing for Canada. He is now expected to get his first minutes of action again later this year, but not yet on Saturday in the Bundesliga match against VfB Stuttgart.

Almeyda, his staunch defence of Alexis and the call from Chile

Matías Almeyda strongly defended Alexis from recent criticism, highlighting his effort, low salary and love for the game, and revealed that he was close to coaching Chile during the pandemic but a high release clause blocked the move, turning it into a family disappointment.

English media harsh on sleepwalking Liverpool

Jamie Carragher has serious concerns about the current state of Liverpool. In his view, Arne Slot’s team took another step backwards against Sunderland. The English media are also critical of the struggling champions, with Virgil van Dijk playing a negative leading role.

Yamal is fouled in 90 percent of cases but wants to keep going

Hansi Flick heaps praise on 18-year-old Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona’s trip to Betis, highlighting his defensive work, attacking impact and fearless mentality, with seven goals and eight assists already this season.

Reward at last after nominations: De Ligt receives prestigious award from Man Utd

Matthijs de Ligt has received a fine reward for the strong month he has had at Manchester United. The Netherlands international has been named the club’s Player of the Month for the first time since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Yaya Toure tears into evil Guardiola

Yaya Toure goes on the attack again against Pep Guardiola, the coach he worked with at Barcelona and Manchester City.

Mbappé is on his way to making history, just as Ronaldo did

Xabi Alonso believes Kylian Mbappé is on track to make history at Real Madrid just like Cristiano Ronaldo, praising the French forward’s ambition, numbers and leadership while stressing that both stars are exceptional in their own unique way.