Champions League

2023 - 2 - 13

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Goal.com"

PSG's most embarrassing Champions League exits ranked: From La ... (Goal.com)

Paris Saint-Germain have developed a reputation for Champions League collapses in recent years, but which will have hurt the most?

Instead, they've developed something of a penchant for failing in the most dramatic way possible. When they weren't solid defensively, they hired the pragmatic Thomas Tuchel. But no matter how much money the French club invests, they can never seem to win the Champions League.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Dudley brothers felt 'unsafe' at Champions League final (BBC News)

Samad and Sahad Majid join a review into stadium standards at the Champions League final in 2022.

"I could see that my wheelchair wasn't going to get through. The match was delayed by 36 minutes. His brother, also from Dudley, said after the game started, an influx of fans and how it was policed "wasn't safe at all". "Because I was blocking the gate to get to the other turnstiles, people would actually have to climb over the wheelchair - it could cause a situation that was obviously quite dangerous." Samad Majid said that on arrival at the stadium, ahead of the biggest game in European club football, he was met by untrained staff at the turnstiles. The second of the brothers, Sahad Majid, said conditions at the Stade de France, Paris, were not safe "at all".

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Irish Sun"

Champions League bet offers: Best free bets, sign up deals, specials ... (The Irish Sun)

THE Champions League returns THIS WEEK as the excitement of the knockout stages gets underway!And SunSport have rounded up the best deals, free bets,

Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply. No free bet expiry. T&Cs apply. Free bet stakes not included in returns. - Porto 50/1 - Tottenham 20/1 - Chelsea 14/1 - Liverpool 10/1 - Napoli 9/1 - PSG 8/1

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Racing Post"

Mark Langdon's Champions League tournament winner predictions ... (Racing Post)

Mark Langdon's Champions League tournament winner predictions: Outsiders ready to stun Europe's elite · Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the ...

They have an offer for new customers [here](https://bit.ly/3sEnXke) Sign up [here](https://bit.ly/3FToAwH) [Sky Bet](https://bit.ly/3FCnEwx)are offering new customers multiple free bets when they sign up. They are joined in Premier League no man's land by cash-rich Chelsea, who have bought so many new players that not all of them could be registered for the Champions League. Manchester City are strong market-leaders, followed by usual suspects Bayern Munich and PSG, with last season's finalists Real Madrid and Liverpool among those prominent despite a brutal last-16 draw for many of Europe's heavyweights. [Paddy Power](https://bit.ly/3FToAwH)are giving away free bets to new and existing customers and all you need is an account. Sign up for a new account [here](https://bit.ly/3hve1aG)

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Spurs Web"

Report: How much Spurs have won in Champions League prize ... (The Spurs Web)

Football.London have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur stand to earn £31m due to their Champions League exploits even if they get knocked out in the round of ...

It is explained that quarter-finalists make £9.3m, semi-finalists will get a further £11m, finalists £13.7m and the winners will receive an extra £3.9m, which means that Antonio Conte’s men will stand to earn prize money of £68.9m if they lift the trophy. Football.London claim that Tottenham have already surpassed that figure this season as teams who qualify for the group stages of the Champions League earn prize money of £13.8m, while bonuses of £2.4m and £822,000 are paid for each win and draw respectively in the group stage. [Football.London](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/tottenham-windfall-daniel-levy-conte-26211744) have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur stand to earn £31m due to their Champions League exploits even if they get knocked out in the round of sixteen stage.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.com"

How to watch AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions ... (Eurosport.com)

After a chaotic spell in the Premier League, Tottenham turn their attention to the Champions League and AC Milan.

You can see the Premier League How to watch a live stream of AC Milan v Tottenham After a chaotic spell in the Premier League, Tottenham turn their attention to the Champions League and AC Milan.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Mbappe in PSG's squad for Bayern Champions League clash (Reuters)

Kylian Mbappe was included in Paris St Germain's squad for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes after ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBSSports.com"

Champions League picks, predictions, odds: Experts split on PSG vs ... (CBSSports.com)

The massive Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich clash highlights a fine slate, while Chelsea will look to right the ship and put their poor Premier League ...

Most likely to score a goal: Goals will be hard to come by in the match but singling out one person to find the back of the net, it's Joao Mario. Benfica will have chances all match due to Brugge's struggles as of late but Mignolet is a keeper that can stand on his head to save his defense. [In my bold predictions I make the case for why Chelsea might actually start scoring some goals](https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/champions-league-bold-predictions-chelsea-find-their-goals-bayern-munich-play-it-safe-a-surprise-champion/), but that is perhaps best saved for columns that include the very necessary "bold" in front of "predictions." Match prediction: Neither of these teams have particularly set the world alight in the last few months, but Chelsea in particular seem to have uncovered a heady cocktail of underwhelming performances and horrendous luck. Perhaps it is nothing more than the easy narrative but given his growth as his player, the attention that will be on him and how well suited his qualities are to Premier League opposition, does it not seem inevitable that Bellingham will shine the brightest? One matchup to watch: Jude Bellingham's drive and dynamism seems perfectly suited for a clash with a Chelsea midfield who might struggle to stay in the battle with the England international. Expect to see a focused and determined Christophe Galtier side raise their game by a few levels compared to some of the underwhelming displays they have produced of late. Man of the Match pick: Gianluigi Donnarumma has been in inspired form of late and it seems likely that the Italian will have to be at his absolute best if PSG are to have any hope of advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals. The Cameroon international has hit impressive form this season and it feels nailed on that he will find the net again here across the two legs in this tie. In fact, the Rossoneri faced a tough start of the year and only had two wins since the World Cup break while conceding ten goals in the last four games (four against Lazio, five against Sassuolo and one against Inter Milan). I expect the game to be very tactical and he's the one who can make the difference. One matchup to watch: After a difficult start of the year, right-back Theo Hernandez has proven again to be one of the best players in his role, providing a nice assist to Olivier Giroud in Friday's clash against Torino.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Champions League: Mbappé injury, poor form leave PSG in crisis ... (FRANCE 24)

Paris Saint-Germain head into the first leg of their crunch Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich this week without the injured Kylian Mbappe, ...

"We lost the midfield battle. [Messi ](https://www.france24.com/en/tag/lionel-messi/)missed Saturday's 3-1 defeat in Monaco with an apparently minor hamstring complaint, but it remains to be seen if the 35-year-old Argentine will be on top form for Tuesday's showdown. [Neymar ](https://www.france24.com/en/tag/neymar/)ahead of a tie against Real in 2018 and ruling him out of both legs of the United debacle a year later. Mbappé is in the middle of a three-week spell out with a thigh injury, meaning he will not play in the first leg but should be fine for the return in Munich on March 8. [PSG](https://www.france24.com/en/tag/psg/) in the Qatar era and their worrying habit of imploding on such occasions. [Mbappé ](https://www.france24.com/en/tag/kylian-mbappé/)to sign a new contract and stay in the French capital last year rather than join Real Madrid.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "beIN SPORTS MENA Breaking News"

Bayern v PSG - Key Champions League battles (beIN SPORTS MENA Breaking News)

A closer look at the key battles between Bayern Munich and PSG ahead of their titanic round of 16 Champions League clash.

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had the last laugh in Doha with two goals and a helping hand in the other, before converting in the shootout. Bayern figure to have the advantage in midfield with Germany internationals Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka patrolling the central areas and the impressive Jamal Musiala in a more advanced role. The France star, the joint-leading scorer in this season's Champions League with seven goals, will miss the first leg with a thigh injury and there are concerns over Lionel Messi too after the Argentine hurt his hamstring during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Marseille in the French Cup.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Radio Times"

Do away goals count in the Champions League? (Radio Times)

The away goals rule has been a big part of football knockout tournaments over the years, but do away goals count in the Champions League?

The rule - used in ties featuring home and away legs - effectively means that goals scored by away teams count for more when the aggregate scores are level. [subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article). How about Andres Iniesta's stunning strike at the death for Barcelona in the second leg of their 2009 semi-final with Chelsea? If no winner emerges after an additional 30 minutes of action then it will be settled by a penalty shootout. Who can forget Lucas Moura's last-gasp effort as Tottenham salvaged a 3-3 aggregate draw against Ajax to progress to the 2019 final? The away goals rule has been a big part of football knockout tournaments over the years, but do away goals count in the Champions League?

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KEEPUP"

Pioli relishing Conte battle as Milan make long-awaited Champions ... (KEEPUP)

Stefano Pioli is relishing Tuesday's meeting with old foe Antonio Conte as Milan prepare to host Tottenham in their first outing in the Champions League ...

We have prepared ourselves in the best possible way," he said. It will be a great game that we will have to play well." "It will be a difficult challenge, inevitably it will be like this for a quarter-final place.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NBC Sports"

UEFA Champions League: How to watch, predictions, updates ... (NBC Sports)

Tottenham and Manchester City face AC Milan and RB Leipzig respectively, while Chelsea face Borussia Dortmund which is a tough ask. Below is everything you need ...

Celebrity Villa fan Tom Hanks is in the house. With the first real attack of the game Villa lead. Very tight after that Arsenal equalizer. What a first half at Villa Park. HALF TIME: Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal. Arsenal cranking up the pressure now. So close to a stunning goal for Villa as Bailey did so well to control, run and spank an effort at goal. 3 of Casemiro’s three-game suspension for the red card he received in the Man United victory over Crystal Palace two weeks ago, with the Red Devils just a win away from taking 7 of 9 points during the Brazilian’s ban — not small feat given his considerable impact since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer. Manchester United have lost just once (to Arsenal) in their last 10 Premier League games (7W-2D-1L), and they have Marcus Rashford’s red-hot form to thank for that. Leicester (24 points), meanwhile, are up to 13th after picking up back-to-back victories amid their current three-game unbeaten run. The Hammers have a bit of momentum amid a three-game unbeaten run (victory over Everton, followed by back-to-back draws with Newcastle and Chelsea), though they are winless in their last four trips to north London (0W-1D-3L). West Ham (20 points – 18th place), meanwhile, find themselves in the relegation zone after winning just one of their last 10 PL games (1W-3D-6L).

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Anadolu Agency"

UEFA Champions League last 16 to start Tuesday (Anadolu Agency)

AC Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur, PSG vs. Bayern Munich matches scheduled - Anadolu Agency.

[Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. The last 16 has two legs as usual. Inter Milan - Porto

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.co.uk"

How to watch PSG v Bayern Munich in the Champions League as ... (Eurosport.co.uk)

Kylian Mbappe has returned to the PSG squad faster than scheduled after a hamstring strain and could play in the Champions League last 16 against Bayern ...

You can see the How to watch a live stream of PSG v Bayern Munich How to follow PSG v Bayern Munich via live updates These are good signs." The game between PSG and Bayern Munich will be shown on BT Sport 2 in the UK. The first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie between PSG and Bayern Munich kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, February 14.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The42"

Ranking the 16 remaining teams in the Champions League (The42)

This ranking might seem harsh given that Club Brugge came through a tough group that also featured Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Porto, but really, they ...

So they are by no means strong favourites — it feels like a relatively open year — but it would be no surprise to see them finally deliver and in the process, add yet another complicated layer to what is an extraordinary and highly controversial unfolding story. [embroiled in a row with the club](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11739057/Bayern-Munich-set-hand-Manuel-Neuer-1-4MILLION-fine-controversial-interview.html)), defence (Matthijs de Ligt), midfield (Joshua Kimmich) and attack (Sadio Mane, who is [nearing a return](https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/sadio-mane-suffers-injury-bayern-munich-2022-world-cup-senegal-21837#:~:text=Mane%20missed%20Senegal's%202022%20World,penultimate%20Bundesliga%20fixture%20of%202022.) from the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup). Nonetheless, they do have Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, the two players who lit up the 2022 World Cup arguably more than any others, and the Argentine in particular will be on a high owing to that incredible month in Qatar and will also be eager to further enhance his legacy amid the final act of his career. Pep Guardiola’s side may be having a less-than-vintage season, however, ask any other team in the competition who they fear most and Man City will likely be the consensus response. Yet the fact that they have little to play for domestically could actually work in their favour and give them scope to rest players while most of their rivals are battling on a couple of fronts amid the end-of-season run-in. They are arguably the form team not only in Serie A but in Europe. Nonetheless, Antonio Conte’s side possess the capability to spring a surprise and still have a number of the same players who helped them go all the way to the final in 2019. With just one runners-up medal in the competition since the Qatar Sports Investments era, they have undoubtedly underperformed relative to their financial might and it seems remarkable to think that the 1996 Cup Winners’ Cup remains the only major European trophy they have won. In the round of 16, they face another team who are struggling for consistency in Antonio Conte’s Tottenham and they will probably fancy their chances against a Spurs side who have been unconvincing for much of this season. Lautaro Martínez was also one of the few Argentina players not to emerge from the World Cup with their reputation enhanced, though plenty of fans will remember Nicolò Barella starring for Italy in their Euros triumph and Dutch international Denzel Dumfries is one of Europe’s most highly rated full-backs and has recently been They were hugely impressive in the group stages, winning four, drawing two, and coming top of a group that also featured PSG, Juventus, and Maccabi Haifa. Porto’s Champions League record is pretty remarkable given how their finances pale in comparison to the top European sides and the fact that Portuguese football is not where the really top players tend to go (unless they are only starting out their careers).

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Poor treatment of Liverpool fans 'almost led to disaster', according to ... (Sky News)

A UEFA-commissioned review into the poor treatment of Liverpool fans outside the 2022 Champions League final is set to find the failings "almost led to a ...

Dr Rodrigues said last year in a UEFA statement: "The events of 28 May were distressing for everyone involved. "In addition, the organisation before, during and after the game - and the heavy-handed treatment of fans - was predicated on flawed intelligence and the inaccurate preconceptions and prejudices of the authorities. Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: "UEFA's report vindicates what I and other fans have been saying all along: that is, it was the fans who averted a disaster and were clearly not to blame, whilst the organisers - UEFA and the French authorities - were really responsible. "Fans who travelled to Paris expecting the night of their lives were put in harm's way by the very people who are meant to protect them. Access issues to the stadium on the outskirts of Paris - following defective route planning from a train station - contributed to congestion and dangerous scenes on May 28. [Liverpool fans unfairly blamed for Champions League final unrest](https://news.sky.com/story/liverpool-fans-unfairly-blamed-for-champions-league-final-unrest-report-finds-12651244) [What actually happened at the Stade de France?](https://news.sky.com/story/champions-league-final-what-actually-happened-at-the-stade-de-france-12623622) [French politician apologises to Liverpool fans after chaos in Paris](https://news.sky.com/story/champions-league-final-french-politician-apologises-to-liverpool-fans-after-chaos-in-paris-12624991) The report claims the senior management of UEFA Events SA - the UEFA division running tournaments and showpiece matches - marginalised the safety and security unit with the use of subcontracted stewards and then tried to avoid accountability. There was truncated planning for the final after UEFA was forced to find a new venue due to Russia launching its invasion of Ukraine. The match was delayed for 37 minutes as a combination of operational problems outside the venue created access issues for distressed fans - particularly those who are disabled and asthmatics who had to contend with the tear gas and pepper spray. A UEFA-commissioned review into the poor treatment of Liverpool fans outside the 2022 Champions League final has found the failings "almost led to a disaster" after faults by European football's governing body and the lack of a venue risk assessment by French authorities. The lack of a "Plan B" is said to have been uncovered - contingencies that could have seen stewards and police redeployed to deal with crowd management challenges. Police blamed for not being proactive enough in intervening when locals - who tried to climb fences and jump turnstiles - attacked fans, and for being over-reliant on the use of tear gas and pepper spray on blameless fans.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Analyst"

Champions League Predictions: 2022-23 Knockouts | The Analyst (The Analyst)

Bayern Munich are now the favourites for the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League title according to the Opta supercomputer, with the Bundesliga giants being given a ...

Pep Guardiola’s side are rated at 20.6% likely to win the UCL this season but must progress past RB Leipzig in this round to stand any chance of doing so. However, as the only side to win all six of their group stage matches and as the team currently at the top of the Bundesliga table with just one defeat in 20 games, Bayern now look like the team to beat. If you fancy a real outsider, then Eintracht Frankfurt (1.0%) and Club Brugge will be your best picks. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have one of the hardest ties in the round of 16, coming up against French club Paris Saint-Germain over two legs. Who will win the UCL in 2022-23? [before a ball was kicked](https://theanalyst.com/eu/2022/09/champions-league-predictions-2022-23-uefa-supercomputer/) in the competition, Bayern were given just a 9.6% chance of winning the competition.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Uefa had 'primary responsibility' for Champions League final chaos ... (The Guardian)

Uefa bears 'primary responsibility' for organisational and safety failures that made it 'remarkable' no Liverpool or Real Madrid fans died at the 2022 final ...

The panel is also troubled by a number of stark differences as to the facts of what happened, and a general default position of blaming the Liverpool supporters, without any proper evidential basis.” In a statement, the organisation did not say that it accepted the panel’s findings, saying it was “currently analysing” them “and assessing them against its own analysis of the organisation of the event and facts that occurred around it”. Uefa’s events arm “marginalised” the safety and security unit, and did not follow its own safety requirements, “a recipe for the failures” that occurred. The report also states the panel was “very disappointed” that Uefa asked that sections of an interview given by an unnamed senior Uefa executive, relating to evidence they gave to the French Senate, be redacted on the grounds of maintaining their anonymity. The risk of a crushing disaster was highest at that point, the panel found, as large numbers of supporters came on to the forecourt and found static queues. The second claim, that thousands of Liverpool fans were at the stadium without valid tickets, originated with the French police and ministers, and was given to the media by Uefa at the end of the match. The checkpoint increasingly failed to cope with the huge numbers of people crammed into the queue, and was abandoned at 7.45pm, the report states. [Liverpool](https://www.theguardian.com/football/liverpool) and thousands of their supporters, and in media reports, including the Guardian’s investigation. “The dangerous conditions on the concourse outside the turnstiles were compounded by the police deploying teargas at disorderly groups of locals, as well as using pepper spray on supporters trying to gain entrance with valid tickets,” the report states. Although a decision to delay kick-off should be taken by the acting police commander in liaison with Uefa’s safety and security unit and that of the local football association running the game, the report states, Ceferin himself made the decision, in a stairwell of the stadium’s VIP area, where he had been having a meeting with the king of Spain. The report states that there is no evidence to support such claims, which were made in a “reprehensible” attempt by the authorities to avoid responsibility. [Uefa](https://www.theguardian.com/football/uefa) review expresses concern that lessons have not been learned, saying with reference to the evidence of Michel Cadot, the French government official responsible for major sporting events: “Despite Mr Cadot’s willingness to accept that mistakes had been made [at the final], the panel is concerned that there remains a misconception about what actually happened and a complacency regarding what needs to change.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Champions League final: Liverpool fans cleared as review finds ... (Sky Sports)

Champions League final on May 28 2022 between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France was overshadowed by serious problems for supporters outside; ...

Their incompetence and negligence could have led to a far more serious situation had it not been for the restraint of the Liverpool supporters who know all about the history of what happened at Hillsborough in 1989. The real number of counterfeit Liverpool tickets turned out to be 1,600 - which is no more than usually expected for a game of that size. "It is now obvious that three months was not enough time to organise a Champions League final. Dr Rodrigues said last year in a UEFA statement: "The events of 28 May were distressing for everyone involved. The FFF didn't respond to messages for comment through email and its media website on Monday. "And they should apologise and thank Liverpool supporters for the way they behaved." UEFA as event owner has been assigned "primary responsibility" but it's understood some commission members disagreed with the conclusion. "Although the French police were out in force before the game, they were nowhere to be seen when supporters were being mugged and attacked as they were leaving the game. "The truth is that the real blame lies with UEFA, the French authorities and the French police. "A Champions League final should be a celebration of football but in Paris it turned into a nightmare for tens of thousands of supporters because of failures on the part of the people who were supposed to be looking after them. "What happened on 28 May 2022 was the fault of UEFA, the French authorities and the French police. "It's been over eight months of work by the independent panel and it is only right and proper to publish the contents of the report to our supporters appropriately.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Irish Times"

Uefa's own review into Champions League final chaos finds they ... (The Irish Times)

Alarming criticisms of culture and operations at Uefa and of the French police made in a damning report.

The report makes 21 recommendations for improvements, including for safety and security to be put at the centre of match planning, and matches to be managed with a “facilitation and service” approach towards supporters rather than viewing them as a potential public order problem. The panel is also troubled by a number of stark differences as to the facts of what happened, and a general default position of blaming the Liverpool supporters, without any proper evidential basis.” The report also states the panel was “very disappointed” that Uefa asked that sections of an interview given by an unnamed senior Uefa executive, relating to evidence they gave to the French Senate, be redacted on the grounds of maintaining their anonymity. The second claim, that thousands of Liverpool fans were at the stadium without valid tickets, originated with the French police and ministers, and was given to the media by Uefa at the end of the match. Uefa’s events arm “marginalised” the safety and security unit, and did not follow its own safety requirements, “a recipe for the failures” that occurred. The risk of a crushing disaster was highest at that point, the panel found, as large numbers of supporters came on to the forecourt and found static queues. Known risks at the Stade de France in enabling safe access for supporters were ignored or forgotten in the planning, and thousands of Liverpool supporters were directed on a route via a subway underneath the busy A1 motorway, to a disorganised checkpoint, that caused a severe bottleneck and congestion. The report reveals that Uefa took out a reference in that statement to local men having caused problems – which was true – at the request of the French authorities. “The dangerous conditions on the concourse outside the turnstiles were compounded by the police deploying tear gas at disorderly groups of locals, as well as using pepper spray on supporters trying to gain entrance with valid tickets,” the report states. This is particularly acute given the proximity of the Rugby World Cup and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the importance of the Stade de France to both events.” The report states that there is no evidence to support such claims, which were made in a “reprehensible” attempt by the authorities to avoid responsibility. At the report’s heart is a conclusion that Uefa has “marginalised” its own safety and security unit, headed by Zejlko Pavlica, a close friend of the Uefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, in their native Slovenia.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Independent.ie"

Liverpool 'hugely disappointed' at leaked review into Champions ... (Independent.ie)

Liverpool are “hugely disappointed” an independent review into the chaotic scenes at May's Champions League final has been leaked.

It is understood to be set for publication tomorrow but a number of reports tonight revealed UEFA’s failings and how close tragedy came ahead of the May 28 European showpiece. “It’s been over eight months of work by the independent panel and it is only right and proper to publish the contents of the report to our supporters appropriately. European football’s governing body initially aimed to publish its report by the end of November but that did not happen and no date was confirmed as to when it might be released.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Irish News"

The factors which contributed to chaotic scenes at Champions ... (The Irish News)

The long-awaited independent report into the chaos at the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris has been leaked.

However, the Senate report stressed it was “unfair to have tried to blame the Liverpool supporters for the disturbances to divert attention from the state's inability to adequately manage the crowds and to curb the actions of several hundred violent and co-ordinated delinquents”. As the match drew to a close police in riot gear emerged inside the stadium and proceeded to position themselves around the Liverpool – but not Madrid's – end. A number of those either attempted – and some succeeded – to jump the fence or tried to steal tickets from fans penned in as the turnstiles had been closed.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Uefa's report on Champions League final chaos: the main findings (The Guardian)

We outline the panel's conclusions regarding the conduct of Uefa, the police, the French FA and the fans in Paris last May.

The panel has found that the evidence does not support these assertions.” The panel has found no evidence of any organised attempt to do so.” The turnstile arrangements were “unable to cope” with the increased pressure after the checkpoint was abandoned at 7.45pm. The panel found that Uefa’s safety and security unit was “marginalised” by the Uefa events organisers and did not perform the required role of overseeing the safety requirements. It was a “serious failure” not to try to resolve these issues. “The panel has not been able to identify any effective action taken by the safety and security unit …

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Champions League 'has special meaning' for PSG, says Bayern's ... (FRANCE 24)

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann said on Monday he understood Paris Saint-Germain's danger ahead of Tuesday's clash, despite the French champions' ...

"The Champions League is important for the club and important for me," Nagelsmann said, adding "I want to win the trophy before I can only walk bent over." Nagelsmann said he understood the gravity of the tie, explaining "of course a season will be seen differently if you come far in the Champions League than if you exit early." "We don't have much focus on the situation PSG has in the league -- the Champions League is another competition.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Independent.ie"

Leaked report: UEFA bears 'responsibility' for Champions League ... (Independent.ie)

UEFA bears “primary responsibility for failures” which almost led to May's chaotic Champions League final becoming a “mass fatality catastrophe”, ...

“The panel is left with a sense of real concern at the lack of insight into what occurred on 28th May and the failure to recognise the role of the authorities,” it is claimed the report states. “It is remarkable that no one lost their life. Liverpool have criticised the leaking of the report, on the evening of their 242nd Merseyside derby at home to Everton, as they believe the thousands of supporters affected by incidents on the night deserved the right to view the findings in an official capacity.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Irish Examiner"

The factors which contributed to chaotic scenes at Champions ... (Irish Examiner)

The long-awaited independent report into the chaos at the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris has been leaked.

However, the Senate report stressed it was “unfair to have tried to blame the Liverpool supporters for the disturbances to divert attention from the state’s inability to adequately manage the crowds and to curb the actions of several hundred violent and co-ordinated delinquents”. As the match drew to a close police in riot gear emerged inside the stadium and proceeded to position themselves around the Liverpool – but not Madrid’s – end. A number of those either attempted – and some succeeded – to jump the fence or tried to steal tickets from fans penned in as the turnstiles had been closed.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SportsJOE.ie"

Champions League final 2022: UEFA finds Liverpool fans 'not to ... (SportsJOE.ie)

The game was delayed by 37 minutes as a combination of operational failures around the ground, creating access issues for distressed fans, in particular those ...

[‘Operational failures to blame’, not Liverpool fans, for Champions League final chaos](https://cms.joe.co.uk/sport/liverpool-fans-champions-league-final-341188) [Paris police chief finally apologises for tear gassing Liverpool fans before Champions League final](https://cms.joe.co.uk/sport/paris-police-liverpool-tear-gassing-340943) [France Interior Minister blames Liverpool fans for Champions League final trouble](https://cms.joe.co.uk/sport/liverpool-fans-final-338937) "We will await to receive a copy of the report and digest it thoroughly before making any further comment." "It’s been over eight months of work by the independent panel and it is only right and proper to publish the contents of the report to our supporters appropriately. A UEFA-commissioned report into the treatment of Liverpool fans outside of the Stade de France before the 2022 Champions League final "almost led to a disaster". BREAKING: Sky News have revealed the findings of a UEFA-commissioned review into the treatment of Liverpool fans at the Champions League final in 2022. Liverpool themselves have released a statement in response to the news of the report, criticising the fact it has been leaked before it's official release.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

UEFA 'bears responsibility' for Champions League chaos (RTE.ie)

The long-awaited independent report into the chaos at the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris has been leaked.

"The panel is left with a sense of real concern at the lack of insight into what occurred on 28th May and the failure to recognise the role of the authorities," it is claimed the report states. "It is remarkable that no one lost their life. Liverpool have criticised the leaking of the report, on the evening of their 242nd Merseyside derby at home to Everton, as they believe the thousands of supporters affected by incidents on the night deserved the right to view the findings in an official capacity.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BreakingNews.ie"

Uefa blamed for Champions League final chaos that 'nearly led to ... (BreakingNews.ie)

Uefa apologised to Liverpool for initially blaming the Merseyside club's fans for the mayhem ahead of the game.

"It's hugely disappointing that a report of such significance, such importance to football supporters’ lives and future safety, should be leaked and published in this way," the Merseyside club said in a statement. He added: "In particular, I would like to apologise to the supporters of Liverpool FC for the experiences many of them had when attending the game and for the messages released prior to and during the game which had the effect of unjustly blaming them for the situation leading to the delayed kick-off." A review into the chaos before the 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid has said organisers Uefa were responsible for the events which unfolded including a "large number of near misses that nearly led to disaster".

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Champions League Overcrowding Was a 'Near Miss' for UEFA (The New York Times)

Independent investigators concluded it was only a “matter of chance” that the dangerous scenes at last year's Liverpool-Real Madrid final did not lead to ...

It said UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, was asked to make a call on delaying the kickoff even though he had not been in the match control room or in contact with security officials; he had been in a meeting with the King of Spain in a V.I.P. “Unfortunately, the enthusiasm around the game rapidly turned into a real ‘near miss’ which was harmful to a significant number of fans from both clubs,” the report said. The report raised new concerns about security preparations for next year’s Summer Olympics in Paris, with its authors describing events around the Champions League final as a “wake-up call” for Olympic organizers. That no lives were lost in the crushes outside the stadium gates, the investigators’ harshly critical report concluded, was only “a matter of chance.” Dangerous bottlenecks, packed entrances and ramps, and tear gas employed by the police — sometimes sprayed indiscriminately at groups of supporters that included children and disabled fans — added to the chaos. The investigation involved hundreds of interviews and the analysis of footage, including many hours of video shot by supporters caught up in the crushes as they tried to enter the stadium.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Independent.ie"

Leaked report: UEFA bears 'responsibility' for Champions League ... (Independent.ie)

UEFA bears “primary responsibility for failures” which almost led to May's chaotic Champions League final becoming a “mass fatality catastrophe”, ...

“The panel is left with a sense of real concern at the lack of insight into what occurred on 28th May and the failure to recognise the role of the authorities,” it is claimed the report states. “It is remarkable that no one lost their life. Liverpool have criticised the leaking of the report, on the evening of their 242nd Merseyside derby at home to Everton, as they believe the thousands of supporters affected by incidents on the night deserved the right to view the findings in an official capacity.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "UEFA.com"

UEFA Champions League Final 2022: independent review report (UEFA.com)

Europe's football website, UEFA.com, is the official site of UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, and the governing body of football in Europe ...

Brandão Rodrigues, which investigated the events surrounding the Champions League Final played in Paris on 28 May 2022, was published by UEFA on 13 February 2023. The report of the Independent Review Panel led by Dr. UEFA Champions League Final 2022: independent review report

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

Where to Watch Champions League Online Free (2023): Live ... (Rolling Stone)

Here's how to watch Champions League soccer games online for free without cable in 2023, plus details on teams, rankings, and game schedule.

[DirecTV Stream](https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8972725-15210722?sid=RS--&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directv.com%2Fstream%2F) is another solid way to get Champions League livestreams online. [ Buy Free Trial Paramount+](https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/256585/175360/3065?subId1=RS--&u=https://www.paramountplus.com/) You’ll need to get the streamer’s [ Premium plan ](https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/256585/175360/3065?subId1=RS--&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paramountplus.com%2F)to watch live Champions League games, which gets you access to CBS livestreams and removes ads for on-demand content. [sports](https://www.rollingstone.com/t/sports/) here in the U.S., only select Champions League games will be shown on live TV. April and May will see the quarter and semi-finals, all culminating in the Champions League final on 10 June in Istanbul. Once the trial is over, you’ll need to pay at least [$69.99 per month](https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8972725-15210722?sid=RS--&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directv.com%2Fstream%2F) to keep service. After the free trial, fuboTV plans start at [$69.99 a month](https://www.fubo.tv/welcome?irad=343747&irmp=256585&subId1=RS). The 2022-23 Champions League started way back in September of last year before a hiatus that lasted from November (for the World Cup) through to Feb. But quite a bit of time and non-Champions League games have elapsed since the group stage. The Champions League group stage saw Napoli, Porto, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Man City, and Benfica come out on top of their respective groups. To make sure you can catch every game, we’ve outlined a full guide on how to watch the Champions League online this year — including a few options that let you stream Champions League games for free. Next week, Real Madrid will return to the pitch just a week after winning the FIFA Club World Cup to take on Liverpool.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The42"

Champions League returns: English sides are vulnerable, PSG in ... (The42)

Bayern Munich, by contrast, won every game in a group featuring Barcelona and Inter Milan and have landed Paris Saint-Germain. Still, it's a less daunting ...

Their winning the competition is a plausible thing, and it would be irresistibly romantic in a sport increasingly contemptuous of that kind of outcome. Serie A is a comparatively weak league but Napoli’s dominance may be a sign they can contend with the best in this competition. They have lost their last two games and won just twice in the league since the World Cup, while Kylian Mbappe and Leo Messi are battling to be fit for this tie. Still, they have spluttered since the group phase ended and Joao Cancelo has been allowed to leave in the name of squad harmony, thus strengthening a direct rival in Bayern Munich and leaving City with the sum total of no senior left-backs. City landed one of the easier last-16 opponents in RB Leipzig, who have improved since hiring former Dortmund boss Marco Rose but will be without goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and are hoping striker Christopher Nkunku returns to fitness having missed the World Cup with a knee injury. Plus, Barcelona and Arsenal, two of Europe’s best sides, find themselves in the strongest-looking Europa League in the competition’s history.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Irish Mirror"

What TV channel and time is PSG v Bayern on in the Champions ... (Irish Mirror)

European heavyweights PSG and Bayern Munich lock horns as the Champions League returns with a bang on Tuesday night. Whoever wins this tie will be strongly ...

Bayern Munich win: 6/4 PSG win: 6/4 European heavyweights PSG and Bayern Munich lock horns as the Champions League returns with a bang on Tuesday night.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Playing for 90"

UEFA Champions League: A look at all eight Round of 16 ties (Playing for 90)

Another first-time clash in a UEFA club competition, Borussia Dortmund will face Chelsea in their last 16 clash. The Germans have been steady throughout the ...

They have been ruthless this season, and I think that will be the difference here. Die Adler was the only team in this season’s Champions League to partake in the competition for the first time in the the UCL era. Fighting for a UCL spot in the Bundesliga, Frankfurt will be motivated for their meeting with Napoli. They are the only side left in the Champions League to have played in the qualifying rounds. This time around, the Italians have to be considered favourites. Goals are not hard to come by for Napoli, who have already scored 76 times at the time of writing. Even qualifying for the Champions League via the league for next year is looking unfavourable for Jürgen Klopp’s men. [going on another spending spree in January](https://playingfor90.com/2023/01/11/chelsea-land-joao-felix-loan/), the Blues have won just once this calendar year (1-4-3). Chelsea has more to lose here, as it is looking increasingly likely that a third Champions League triumph is the Blues’ only way back to the tournament next season. Despite both teams being regulars in Europe, this is the first time Club Brugge and Benfica will meet in UEFA club competition. For that, I will have to go with the Parisians in this one. In what promises to be a highly entertaining two legs, it is difficult to say who will progress from this one.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Irish Mirror"

Champions League power rankings as Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City ... (Irish Mirror)

The Champions League returns on Tuesday night with the first of the last-16 ties, and Premier League quartet Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and ...

Which isn't good news for the rest of the Champions League. But it'll be fun finding out if it does. [Real Madrid](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/real-madrid-cf) Will it happen? [Liverpool](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/liverpool-fc) But to be favourites for this tie? Very well. Enough firepower to win the tournament? [Chelsea](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/chelsea-fc) [Champions League](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/champions-league) opponents [Chelsea](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/chelsea-fc). Probably a healthy one. [Tottenham](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/tottenham-hotspur-fc)

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Planet Sport"

Bayern Munichs Kingsley Coman talks PSG ahead of Champions ... (Planet Sport)

French international winger Kingsley Coman is eagerly anticipating the Champions League last 16 first tie between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain FC ...

It's on us to place him in the best possible conditions." "Hopefully, he'll be there for the second leg. I know how to best help my team and my clubs.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Liverpool FC"

What went wrong at Champions League final in Paris - Liverpool FC ... (Liverpool FC)

Liverpool FC welcomes the Report into the chaos at the UEFA Champions League final in Paris which fully vindicates Liverpool fans while finding UEFA ...

Our thoughts go out to all our fans who have suffered as a result of Paris and we would remind them of the mental health support we put in place in the days following the disaster that was the UEFA Champions League final in Paris. We knew that it was critical to understand why both Liverpool and Real Madrid supporters found ourselves in the situation where supporters’ safety was put at risk. We also called on UEFA to launch a full independent and transparent investigation, in order to establish the facts.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Liverpool welcome UEFA report on Champions League final chaos (Reuters)

Liverpool welcomed a review into the 2022 Champions League final which said organisers UEFA were responsible for the chaos before the game, calling on the ...

"... "The evidence-based panel report also found that there was 'a clear and immediate danger of a fatal crush' and that the action of Liverpool supporters saved lives." Feb 14 (Reuters) - Liverpool welcomed a review into the 2022 Champions League final which said organisers UEFA were responsible for the chaos before the game, calling on the European soccer governing body to "take positive and transparent action" to ensure the safety of fans.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Champions League final chaos 'retriggered Hillsborough flashbacks ... (Sky News)

Tony O'Neill, who was at both the match in Paris last year and the FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield in 1989 said a great day out quickly turned into a ...

That means that anybody who attends their events are currently unsafe and that's unacceptable." "Actually at Stade de France it was almost like a survivor mode clicked in for me. "So, I think the regrettable fact that Hillsborough happened, but we survived helped. Congestion, fans panicking, it was quite scary to be honest." "They had the message on the big screen that the late arrival of fans was the cause of the late kick-off - that was objectively untrue. [revealed on Monday](https://news.sky.com/story/poor-treatment-of-liverpool-fans-almost-led-to-disaster-according-to-uefa-review-of-champions-league-final-chaos-12810295) that a report completely exonerated [Liverpool](https://news.sky.com/topic/liverpool-fc-10563) supporters of any wrongdoing at the event in May last year and laid the blame squarely at the feet of [UEFA](https://news.sky.com/topic/uefa-7595) and the French authorities.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BreakingNews.ie"

Liverpool urge Uefa to implement all recommendations from ... (BreakingNews.ie)

Liverpool fans waiting outside the gates to enter the stadium as kick off is delayed before the Uefa Champions League final against Real Madrid at the Stade de ...

“As a football club with proud history in Europe, we call on Uefa to do the right thing and implement the 21 recommendations to ensure the safety of all football supporters attending any future Uefa football match.” “Our thoughts go out to all our fans who have suffered as a result of Paris and we would remind them of the mental health support we put in place in the days following the disaster that was the Uefa Champions League final in Paris. “Last night Uefa published the Independent Panel Report into the failings that we saw first-hand in Paris and it is within this context that we call on Uefa and others at the top of the football regulation pyramid to come together and take positive and transparent action to ensure there are no more ‘near misses’,” said a Liverpool statement.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Kildare Nationalist"

Uefa blamed for Champions League final chaos that 'nearly led to ... (Kildare Nationalist)

Uefa apologised to Liverpool for initially blaming the Merseyside club's fans for the mayhem ahead of the game…

He added: “In particular, I would like to apologise to the supporters of Liverpool FC for the experiences many of them had when attending the game and for the messages released prior to and during the game which had the effect of unjustly blaming them for the situation leading to the delayed kick-off.” “Avoiding future disasters and improving the service provided at football events was the aim of the Panel’s work during this process,” he added in the 220-page review, which had a panel including legal, policing and event-management consultants as well as representatives from fan groups. The final “will be remembered as a moment of suffering for many fans but should also be a reminder of a situation we certainly do not want to witness again in the future at any sporting event in Europe or anywhere in the world,” Tiago Brandao Rodrigues, a member of Portugal’s parliament, who chaired the investigation, said.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

UEFA and France to Blame for Champions League Final Chaos ... (Bloomberg)

European football governing body UEFA and French authorities are to blame for the chaos that delayed the start of last year's Champions League final between ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

Champions League last-16 players to watch: Osimhen, Messi and ... (The Athletic)

Victor Osimhen (Napoli). There might not be a more formidable forward in world football right now than Victor Osimhen. Napoli's last-16 tie against Eintracht ...

[Barcelona](https://theathletic.com/football/team/fc-barcelona/). [Luis Diaz](https://theathletic.com/football/player/luis-diaz-zmgB02v7nAFOcDq8/) and [Darwin Nunez](https://theathletic.com/football/player/darwin-nunez-OfdS7yVof8imRc13/). Unfortunately for the [France](https://theathletic.com/football/team/france/) forward, it couldn’t have appeared at a more critical time. As an 80th-minute substitute against Inter Milan, he tenaciously combined with [Federico Valverde](https://theathletic.com/football/player/federico-valverde-7xkBDGz7u8vo68xZ/) to get in behind the defence and assist [Rodrygo](https://theathletic.com/football/player/rodrygo-JS0gfsSSMTJWAReh/) for the winner. For a 22-year-old playing his first season in the Champions League, his numbers in the group stage were highly impressive: five appearances, two goals, three assists. [La Liga](https://theathletic.com/football/la-liga/) this season but he has also fielded him at left-back in a 4-3-3, which may not maximise the Frenchman’s all-round game and press-resistance. But it’s the variation in his game that his team-mates love. A prolific start to 2023 has showcased his clinical decision-making in the penalty area, only taking aim when the moment of maximum opportunity arrives. And there are still glories to be had, even for a man who has won absolutely everything and [became the story of the 2022 World Cup](https://theathletic.com/4013957/2022/12/18/messi-world-cup-lionel-goal/). But given [Kylian Mbappe](https://theathletic.com/football/player/kylian-mbappe-vqEQPtKAKLluodtc/)’s recent injury struggles, there’s a decent chance we could see Zaire-Emery against Bayern, even if it’s not from the start. Osimhen is the same and it seems to add a layer of unwitting deception to his game. Stylish, skilful and dynamic, but also canny in his positioning, the range of his goals is remarkable and continues to grow so as his technical ability flowers.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "AS English"

Champions League Round of 16 overview: favourites, teams, games (AS English)

Liverpool vs Real Madrid · PSG-Bayern · Milan-Tottenham · Bruges-Benfica · Dortmund vs Chelsea · Eintracht Frankfurt-Napoli · RB Leipzig vs Manchester City · Porto- ...

The Mancunian’s have still yet to win the competition despite having qualified for the competition in the past 12 seasons. Despite a slow climb up the Bundesliga table to their current sixth position, Eintracht are one of the weaker sides in the last 16 of the competition with Kolo Muani the great threat for the 2022 Europa League champions. FC Porto have won nine straight matches and have just conceded three goals since the start of December and haven’t lost since 21 October and they’re just five points off first place but will struggle against the Serie A giants. The Champions League offers the only hope of silverware for ‘Blues’ fans this season as the side still languish in midtable. Tottenham remain a hit-miss side under Antonio Conte and go from the high of beating Manchester City to a humbling defeat at Leicester with the 4-1 scoreline being the Italian coach’s most humbling in his time in english football. UEFA regulations only allow registering three new players per team so Graham Potter opted for Enzo Fernández, Mudryk and João Félix from the plethora of new acquisitions to join the London side over the winter transfer window. Possibly the most one-sided tie in the round with City highly fancied to progress. By contrast, PSG come into the clash on the back of losing in the French Cup against Marseille and in Ligue 1 last weekend against Monaco. [ Liverpool ](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/)face Real Madrid in a repeat of the Paris final from May where a sole Vinicius Jr. Despte last week’s elimination in the Portuguese cup, The winter break has not been good for Milan as Despite trailing Barcelona by 11 points in LaLiga, Ancelotti’s men come into the tie on the back of more silverware as they bagged the 2022 Club World Cup last weekend in Rabat.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Champions League report vindicates everything we Liverpool fans ... (The Guardian)

Work of supporters on the night in Paris and during the months after ensured that attempts by those in power to blame them failed.

The scale of social grief and searing sense of injustice forms an inherited trauma that even those of us not yet born on 15 April 1989 have ingrained into our DNA. Their work rendered explaining the fiasco straightforward, instilled a sympathetic view in the international press and public and meant those seeking to protect their reputations with mistruths were unable to do so. After nine long months the independent panel commissioned by Uefa to investigate the disarray has released its report.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Westmeath Examiner"

Liverpool urge Uefa to implement all recommendations from ... (Westmeath Examiner)

The report stated Uefa bore 'primary responsibility for failures' which led to the pre-final chaos outside the Stade de France.

“As a football club with proud history in Europe, we call on Uefa to do the right thing and implement the 21 recommendations to ensure the safety of all football supporters attending any future Uefa football match.” “Our thoughts go out to all our fans who have suffered as a result of Paris and we would remind them of the mental health support we put in place in the days following the disaster that was the Uefa Champions League final in Paris. “Last night Uefa published the Independent Panel Report into the failings that we saw first-hand in Paris and it is within this context that we call on Uefa and others at the top of the football regulation pyramid to come together and take positive and transparent action to ensure there are no more ‘near misses’,” said a Liverpool statement.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FourFourTwo"

Champions League: 11 things to look forward to in the knockout ... (FourFourTwo)

Delving deeper into the most fascinating storylines ahead of the Champions League knockout stages resuming with PSG vs Bayern Munich and AC Milan vs Tottenham, ...

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. Rivals in Doha, they’ve now been reunited at PSG for the French club’s latest Champions League assault, which pits them against Bayern Munich in the last 16. Don’t think Neymar’s given up, either: yes, he struggled with injury at the World Cup, but the Brazilian could be a man on a mission. Now Kane is ready to face Giroud again in the Champions League last 16, his first knockout tie since the 2019 final against Liverpool, having missed Spurs’ last 16 loss to RB Leipzig with injury two years ago. The last time Kane and Giroud met, it didn’t go very well for the Spurs man. The bookmakers’ favourites are now calling upon artificial intelligence – Erling Haaland snaffled five Champions League goals in his opening three City appearances, taking his tournament tally to a silly 28 in 23 games. Whether he’s on the field or not, Spurs’ backroom staff had better watch out Forget it, Leo: Kylian’s not passing the ball to you in a Champions League game until around late November. History is the prize for victory. Salah will have his vengeance, though, in this life or the next. Sure, Martinez won the thing but his own performances fell off a cliff. Last term, it wasn’t even Pep Guardiola’s random tombola of tactics he generally saves for big European nights.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

UEFA, European soccer's governing body, 'primarily responsible' for ... (CNN)

An independent review panel commissioned by UEFA to investigate the 2022 Champions League Final has found that European soccer's governing body bears ...

Our thoughts go out to all our fans who have suffered as a result of Paris and we would remind them of the mental health support we put in place in the days following the disaster that was the UEFA Champions League final in Paris.” UEFA should have retained a monitoring and oversight role, to ensure it all worked,” the report said. “As a football club with (a) proud history in Europe, we call on UEFA to do the right thing and implement the 21 recommendations to ensure the safety of all football supporters attending any future UEFA football match,” the Premier League club added. The panel was headed by Dr. [admitted](https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/09/football/champions-league-liverpool-madrid-chaos-police-intl-spt/index.html) that the chaos at the Stade de France was “obviously a failure” and said he took “full responsibility for police management” of the event. [UEFA](http://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/football/european-super-league-organizers-revamped-competition-spt-intl/index.html) to investigate the 2022 Champions League Final has found that European soccer’s governing body bears “primary responsibility” for the failures of organization that [caused chaos and safety risks](https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/04/football/champions-league-final-liverpool-real-madrid-fans-spt-intl/index.html) outside the Stade de France in Paris, the [report released](https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/027e-174e23083d46-84d25c2e6e55-1000/uclf22_independent_review_report_20230213194627.pdf) on Monday said.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Independent.ie"

Liverpool request that UEFA implement all recommendations from ... (Independent.ie)

Liverpool have implored UEFA to fully implement all the recommendations made in the highly-critical independent report into the last year's Champions League ...

“As a football club with proud history in Europe, we call on UEFA to do the right thing and implement the 21 recommendations to ensure the safety of all football supporters attending any future UEFA football match.” “We implore UEFA to fully enact the recommendations as outlined by the panel – no matter how difficult – to ensure supporter safety is the number one priority at the heart of every UEFA football fixture.” “Last night UEFA published the Independent Panel Report into the failings that we saw first-hand in Paris and it is within this context that we call on UEFA and others at the top of the football regulation pyramid to come together and take positive and transparent action to ensure there are no more ‘near misses’,” said a Liverpool statement.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Champions League: previews and predictions for the games this week (The Guardian)

Team news and form guides for Milan v Spurs, PSG v Bayern, Brugge v Benfica and Borussia Dortmund v Chelsea.

Graham Potter has overseen just one win in their last eight matches, and they have not won away from home since they beat Salzburg at the end of October. They have scored 17 goals in those six matches and sit just three points behind league leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. His last appearance in the Champions League as a player was also against a Portuguese side, when he turned out for Chelsea against Porto in 2004. [Chelsea](https://www.theguardian.com/football/chelsea), so expect him to start alongside Florentino. [Club Brugge](https://www.theguardian.com/football/clubbrugge) manager on New Year’s Eve and will take charge of a Champions League game for the first time when his side play Benfica on Wednesday. Their lead in the league has been cut to five points, but the club’s real dream is to win the Champions League. They are unbeaten in their last 19 games – and have scored 11 goals in their last three matches. These two met in the Champions League two seasons ago, when PSG knocked out Bayern in the quarter-finals on away goals. Rodrigo Bentancur sustained a knee injury at the King Power Stadium and [is out for the rest of the season](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/feb/12/rodrigo-bentancur-tottenham-out-for-rest-of-season-injury), while fellow central midfielders Yves Bissouma and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg are absent due to injury and suspension, respectively. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer and João Cancelo are likely to play their first Champions League matches for Bayern in Paris. They have also struggled against Antonio Conte’s sides in the past, with the Spurs boss winning eight of his last nine games against Milan. Eric Dier may move into midfield alongside Oliver Skipp, with Clément Lenglet starting in the heart of a three-man backline with Ben Davies and the returning Cristian Romero.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Irish Mirror"

Champions League betting tips: Four bets that could make you a ... (Irish Mirror)

The match of the week is undoutedly PSG v Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 final. Elsewhere Tottenham face AC Milan in another tasty tie whilst an out of ...

Not the longest of odds on this but with Benfica top of the Primera Liga and Club Brugge sitting just fourth in their league then victory for the Portuguese side seems the more likely outcome. Whilst Bellingham hasn't exactly been setting the goalscoring charts alright this season he has performed impressively in the Champions League. PSG are always amongst the favourites for the competition but have yet to actually win it. Club Brugge play Benfica in the other last-16 game. The match of the week is undoutedly PSG v Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 final. The biggest tournament in club football returns this week with the first-legs of four knockout ties.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Uefa urged to act after damning report into Champions League final ... (Financial Times)

European football's governing body apologises to Liverpool fans after it is heavily criticised for last year's fiasco.

You may cancel your subscription at any time online by navigating to Settings & Account and selecting "Cancel" on the right-hand side. For a full comparison of Standard and Premium Digital, click here. You'll enjoy access to several newsletters including FirstFT, a daily newsletter with the global stories you need to know as well as Editor's Choice, a weekly newsletter featuring the editor's favourite stories.

Explore the last week