Tag: Champions League

Soccer world reacts to Manchester City’s Champions League ban

Soccer fans had plenty of jokes.

Premier League powerhouse Manchester City has been banned from participation in the UEFA Champions League for the next two seasons and has been fined €30 million, for what the Adjudicatory Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body calls “serious breaches of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.” Manchester City is set to face Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the current Champions League tournament later this month, but would be banned from the competition in the upcoming two seasons.

UEFA announced the decision on Friday.

Via UEFA:

“The Adjudicatory Chamber, having considered all the evidence, has found that Manchester City Football Club committed serious breaches of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations by overstating its sponsorship revenue in its accounts and in the break-even information submitted to UEFA between 2012 and 2016.

The Adjudicatory Chamber has also found that in breach of the regulations the Club failed to cooperate in the investigation of this case by the CFCB.

The Adjudicatory Chamber has imposed disciplinary measures on Manchester City Football Club directing that it shall be excluded from participation in UEFA club competitions in the next two seasons (ie. the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons) and pay a fine of € 30 million.”

The investigation into Manchester City’s compliance with financial fair play regulations has been going on for years, and the club has been accused of misrepresenting the value of sponsorship deals that, according to the club, offset the organization’s massive spending to attract an All-Star roster of the best talent in the world. In 2018, German publication Der Spiegel published documents that suggested owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was funding sponsorship deals for the club, leading the Club Financial Control Body to investigate.

In a statement published shortly after the news broke, Manchester City announced that it is “disappointed” by the ruling and will be seeking an impartial judgment from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Via Manchester City:

“Manchester City is disappointed but not surprised by today’s announcement by the UEFA Adjudicatory Chamber. The Club has always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence in support of its position.

In December 2018, the UEFA Chief Investigator publicly previewed the outcome and sanction he intended to be delivered to Manchester City, before any investigation had even begun. The subsequent flawed and consistently leaked UEFA process he oversaw has meant that there was little doubt in the result that he would deliver. The Club has formally complained to the UEFA Disciplinary body, a complaint which was validated by a CAS ruling.

Simply put, this is a case initiated by UEFA, prosecuted by UEFA and judged by UEFA. With this prejudicial process now over, the Club will pursue an impartial judgment as quickly as possible and will therefore, in the first instance, commence proceedings with the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity.”

Soccer fans had plenty of jokes about the ruling.

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Champions League draw: See who the final 16 teams will face off against in quarterfinals

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City is the biggest draw, but there are a ton of amazing games in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

The Champions League draw was held on Monday morning, and for American soccer fans, it sure was early. But we’re up, and some of these matches are just as good as a cup of coffee in getting you fired up to attack the day.

The biggest matchup that jumped out was Real Madrid vs. Manchester City, two world powerhouses squaring off way too early in the tournament. Madrid and City fans will feel hard done by, but for the rest of us, this will just be fantastic television.

Elsewhere, Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich is a fantastic matchup, and the tie will be a huge test for Frank Lampard’s young Chelsea side. Munich have to be favored, but that’s going to be an exciting one to watch.

Liverpool drew Atletico Madrid in what will surely be a dogfight, Tottenham pulled a really good Leipzig side, and Barcelona vs. Napoli might be sneakily the most entertaining matchup of the whole thing.

The matchups:

Dortmund vs. PSG

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Atalanta vs. Valencia

Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool

Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich

Lyon vs. Juventus

Tottenham vs. Red Bull Leipzig

Napoli vs. Barcelona

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Atletico Madrid vs. Lokomotiv Moscow Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time, How to Watch UEFA Champions League,

Stream UEFA Champions League Live Online.

Second place in Group D is up for grabs on the final matchday of the Champions League group stage. Atletico Madrid comes into the last day with a one-point cushion over Bayer Leverkusen and must take care of business against last place Lokomotiv Moscow to earn a spot in the Round of 16. 

Atletico Madrid vs. Lokomotiv Moscow

  • Date: Wed. December 11
  • Time: 3:00 PM ET
  • TV Channel: TUDNextra 1 
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Recent form will be worrying for Diego Simeone’s side. Losses against Barcelona in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League jump out at you, but the team’s most recent 0-0 draw with Villarreal is the main reason the team is in seventh in the league. Atletico Madrid’s inconsistency has put the team in this position of possibly not making the knockout rounds. If that happens, it would be a huge blow for the ambitious club after such a busy summer of transfer dealings. 

Leverkusen has to go up against group winner Juve in the concurrent match. This could be good or bad news from Atleti’s perspective. With the group already in hand, Maurizio Sarri could use this chance to rest some of his best players. If that happens and the Germans get full points, the pressure to get a win will be immense. 

As always seems to be the case with a Simeone-led side, it’s scoring goals that’s the main problem. The team has only scored 16 goals in 16 La Liga matches so far and just about kept that same pace in Europe with six goals in five played. A stout defense is a given, but can the team find the back of the net when it matters most? 

For Lokomotiv, while extremely unlikely, the team has an outside shot at getting a Europa League spot if it beats Atleti, Juve beats Leverkusen and the team overtakes the Germans in goal differential. 

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Chelsea vs. Lille, Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Chelsea vs. Lille Live Online.

Chelsea is desperate for three points when it hosts Champions League foes Lille on Tuesday. The Blues hope to climb from third in Group H and clinch a place in the round of 16. Frank Lampard is on the verge of booking knockout stage football in his first season managing in the Champions League, but he’ll have to leapfrog Ajax or Valencia in order to do so.

Chelsea vs. Lille

  • Date: Tues. December 10
  • Time: 3:00 PM ET
  • TV Channel: TUDNextra 1
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

The Godenzonen lead Group H by two points and host Valencia on Tuesday, with Los Che level on eight points with the Blues ahead by virtue of goal difference. Chelsea has to better Valencia’s result in Amsterdam if it’s to progress in the competition, but Lille looks to have regained form just as the west Londoners have lost it.

Christophe Galtier’s men have won three on the bounce after shrugging off a recent stretch of five matches without a victory, moving to third in Ligue 1. Nevertheless, the French outfit has taken one point from a possible 15 in Europe this season and may be lacking motivation midweek.

That being said, Chelsea looks vulnerable after winning once in its last five outings and dropping 3-1 away to Everton on Saturday. Lampard’s side is still fourth in the Premier League and safe by five points, but failure to win on Tuesday would mark a new low for this term.

Central defender Antonio Rudiger could make his second appearance of the season following a groin injury that’s kept him sidelined since September. Lampard even suggested Rudiger could start in the absence of injured Fikayo Tomori.

Lille forward Timothy Weah will play no part at Stamford Bridge due to injury, while Reinildo and Adama Soumaoro are doubtful. Galtier could make widespread changes to his team considering Lille’s certain fourth-place finish, although some stars may crave one final appearance in continental competition.

Chelsea can still finish first in Group H should it win and Ajax draw at home to Los Che. The Londoners hold a 5-4 head-to-head advantage over the Dutch giants and will snatch the last seed in that scenario, although either Ajax or Valencia is sure to win the pool with a victory.

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FC Salzburg vs. Liverpool Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time, How to Watch UEFA Champions League

Watch FC Salzburg vs. Liverpool Live Online.

The kings of Europe look to take a big step towards retaining their crown as Liverpool needs a result in the final round of group stage matches to clinch a spot in the Round of 16. FC Salzburg, the surprise troublemakers of Group E, hosts the defending champions looking to pull off a win for the ages. 

FC Salzburg vs. Liverpool

Date: Tues. December 10

Time: 1:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TNT, TUDN

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

It’s hard to fault Liverpool for not having its knockout round ticket punched already. Usually, three wins, a draw, and a loss would be enough, but Salzburg getting some unexpected results has made matters more difficult for the two group favorites. FC Salzburg even made Liverpool sweat at Anfield in the first meeting, pulling level 3-3 after an hour, before succumbing to the champions far superior talent. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side is absolutely strolling in the Premier League with an eight-point advantage over second-place Leicester City. You can bet the team’s full focus will be on earning its spot in the next round. 

The dynamic duo of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah has led Liverpool’s attack with five of the club’s 11 goals in the group stage so far. Interestingly, Salzburg actually has a better goal differential than the Reds through its five group matches. 

A big part of that is the team’s 19-year-old striking phenom Erling Braut Håland banging in eight goals in the competition so far. The youngster has attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe thanks to his scoring exploits. If Salzburg has any chance of pulling off the massive upset, it’ll need the Norwegian to have the game of his life. 

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Inter Milan vs. Barcelona & Chelsea vs. Lille Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Watch UEFA Champions League Live Online.

The final round of Champions League group stage matches is upon us. By the end of this week, we’ll know the 16 remaining teams left to battle it out for European club soccer’s biggest crown. Six of the eight groups still have at least one place in the Round of 16 yet to be decided. 

UEFA Champions League

  • Date: Tues. Dec. 10 – Wed. Dec. 11
  • TV Channel: TUDN, TNT
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Groups A and B are set in stone as far as this competition goes. PSG has won Group A with Real Madrid clinching the second spot. Bayern Munich takes the top spot in Group B with Tottenham Hotspur punching its ticket as well. 

Manchester City ran away with Group C, while Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb still have a chance at runner-up status. Shakhtar has the inside edge as it plays last-place Atalanta, while Dinamo plays City. 

Group D winners Juventus will play a big role in deciding who gets the second spot. It plays Bayer Leverkusen, who is just one point behind Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side goes up against Lokomotiv Moskow. 

Reigning European champions Liverpool have secured Group E, while surprising Red Bull Salzburg will make Napoli sweat on the last day. The Italians have a two-point cushion coming into play, but still have some work to do when playing Genk. 

Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan are neck-and-neck in Group F on seven points. Unfortunately for Antonio Conte’s Inter, it must play group winners Barcelona, while Dortmund gets to play Slavia Praha for its place in the knockout rounds. 

Meanwhile, Groups G and H are both wide open with no team clinching a spot in the Round of 16 yet. It should be tense moments in both, as three different teams in each group have a chance to advance, while one will be sent to the Europa League.  

Matchday 6 TV Schedule

Live Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

Tuesday, December 10: 

Red Bull Salzburg vs. Liverpool, 12:55 p.m. ET (TNT)

Napoli vs. Genk, 12:55 p.m. ET (Galavision)

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan, 3:00 p.m. ET (TNT) 

Ajax vs. Valencia, 3:00 p.m. ET (Galavision)

Chelsea vs. Lille, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 1)

Borussia Dortmund vs. Slavia Praha, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 2)

Lyon vs. RB Leipzig, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 3)

Benfica vs. Zenit St. Petersburg, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 4)

Wednesday, December 11:

Manchester City vs. Dinamo Zagreb, 12:55 p.m. ET (TNT)

Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Atalanta, 12:55 p.m. ET (Galavision)

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Juventus, 3:00 p.m. ET (TNT)

Club Brugge vs. Real Madrid, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDN)

Atletico Madrid vs. Lokomotiv Moskow, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 1)

Bayern Munich vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 2)

PSG vs. Galatasaray, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 3)

Olympiacos vs. Red Star Belgrade, 3:00 p.m. (TUDNextra 4)

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Liverpool vs. Napoli Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Napoli bested Group E rivals Liverpool earlier in this Champions League campaign, but the chances of another win over the titleholders on Wednesday look slim after a rut in form. Liverpool has gone unbeaten in 13 matches since losing 2-0 in Naples …

Napoli bested Group E rivals Liverpool earlier in this Champions League campaign, but the chances of another win over the titleholders on Wednesday look slim after a rut in form. Liverpool has gone unbeaten in 13 matches since losing 2-0 in Naples in September—still its only defeat this season—while Carlo Ancelotti’s men haven’t won a game in more than a month.

Liverpool vs. Napoli

Date: Wed. November 27

Time: 3:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TNT

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

The silver lining for Napoli is that it’s lost only once in 11 games. In fact, Ancelotti has led his team to only three defeats this term. However, it’s difficult to mask the notion it appears to have lost the will to win, drawing seven of its last 10 games (including the last three in a row).

Roberto Firmino struck near full time to give the Reds a 2-1 victory away to Crystal Palace on Saturday. The same day, Napoli led AC Milan for all of five minutes at the San Siro, before conceding to see out a 1-1 draw.

It just so happens Napoli’s last win in all competitions was a 3-2 Champions League result away to Red Bull Salzburg, providing some inspiration as to what the team is capable of. The Azzurri drew 0-0 at Genk in its previous away Champions League fixture, indicative of the inconsistency posed by this Napoli team.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have proved far more reliable. Liverpool has kept an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and couldn’t be happier with its manager. Meanwhile, Ancelotti has been dogged by speculation over his future with Napoli currently seventh in Serie A.

An attacking drought, in particular, seems to have hampered Napoli of late. The team scored 15 goals in its first five games of the 2019-20 campaign, but there’s a sense of promise going unfulfilled after the team’s scored just 13 times in its 12 outings since then.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute against Palace and should return to the starting lineup midweek, while centre-back Joel Matip looks likely to remain sidelined. Napoli left-backs Mario Rui and Faouzi Ghoulam each missed the draw against Milan, with the former in contention to return midweek. Striker Arkadiusz Milik was absent for that clash, but is also hoping to be featured in Ancelotti’s plans on Merseyside.

A win for either team at Anfield on Wednesday will guarantee a place in the last 16, but Napoli is in need of a result with third-place Salzburg not quite out of the qualification race just yet.

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Live Online.

The penultimate round of matches in the Champions League brings us a mouthwatering rematch in Group F as Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund renew acquaintances at the Camp Nou. Both clubs are in a good spot to qualify for the knockout rounds, but Inter Milan is lurking. A win by either side would be a huge momentum shift in the group. 

Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund

Date: Wed. November 27

Time: 3:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TUDN

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Barcelona is atop La Liga with 28 points alongside bitter rivals Real Madrid. The team also comes into this matchday first in its group. That still won’t quell the panic emitting from its supporters regarding the form and style of play of the club so far this season. A slow start out of the gate without Lionel Messi put pressure on Ernesto Valverde. Since returning to full fitness, the team’s results have improved, but the performances haven’t lived up to the lofty standards it has set for itself. The dominant and attractive style has not been there. Just scraping by opponents is not good enough for Barcelona and its fans. 

Dortmund has had its own struggles that have seen the team drop down to sixth in the Bundesliga. Reports coming out of Germany state that embattled manager Lucien Favre could be managing for his job in this clash with Barcelona. A loss could potentially be devastating on several fronts. Qualifying for the knockout rounds isn’t guaranteed with a big club like Inter Milan still able to catch up in the group. Failing to advance to the Round of 16 would be a catastrophic blow for a club that has a ton of talent and ambition. 

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel

Watch Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain Live Online.

The Champions League group stage resumes on Tuesday with the top two teams in Group A facing off in a much-anticipated rematch. Early in the season, PSG embarrassed struggling Real Madrid, 3-0, at the Parc des Princes. Zinedine Zidane’s side has improved since then and will be hoping to exact some revenge at the Bernabeu in the penultimate matchday of the group stage. 

Real Madrid vs. PSG

Date: Tues. November 26

Time: 3:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TNT

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Real Madrid’s form has become much better since that rough night in Paris. It’s currently level with Barcelona on 28 points atop the La Liga table. In Real’s most recent match, it scored an impressive 3-1 win over Real Sociedad with Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Luka Modric all finding the back of the net. 

However, It’s not all smooth sailing for Los Blancos. Gareth Bale has once again caused a ruckus after being seen with a derogatory banner that showed his displeasure with the club. The already irritated fans of the club have been agitated even further following this latest incident. If Bale had any lasting support at the club, it’s gone now. 

Just 14 matches into the new Ligue 1 season and PSG has already effectively ended the title race. It’s opened up a nine point lead over second-place with no real competitor for the title emerging. 

As usual, the team’s primary focus will shift to the Champions League and getting over the hump in Europe’s biggest club competition. A new Neymar drama won’t help matters, though. The Brazilian superstar caused a scene this past weekend when he stormed to the dressing room instead of heading to the team’s bench after being subbed off. For as many problems as Neymar causes, there’s no doubt he can be the difference between PSG conquering Europe or crashing out. 

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid vs. PSG & Liverpool vs. Napoli Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Watch UEFA Champions League Live Online.

Real Madrid has to defeat Paris Saint-Germain at home on Tuesday if it is to keep alive its hopes of finishing first in Champions League Group A. Rivals Atletico Madrid face a must-win matchup of its own when the team travels to Juventus on Matchday 5, hoping to cut the three-point gap and move level at the top of Group D.

UEFA Champions League

Date: Tues. Nov. 26 – Wed. Nov. 27

TV Channel: TUDN, TNT

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

PSG dominated Real 3-0 when the teams met for a Group A matchup at the Parc des Princes in September, but Zinedine Zidane’s side will look to give a more confident account after going unbeaten in its last six games (five wins).

Jose Mourinho will make his Champions League debut as Tottenham Hotspur manager on Tuesday. He made a triumphant start to his reign in north London when his side beat derby rivals West Ham United 3-2 on Saturday. He’ll enjoy his first home match in the hot seat when the Spurs host Olympiakos, Group B’s bottom outfit. 

Interim Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick made his debut in the role during his side’s last Champions League fixture, a 2-0 win at home to Olympiakos. Flick remains in charge as things stand, and Die Roten will guarantee a top spot in Group B if it wins at Red Star Belgrade.

Manchester City can also wrap up first place in Group C, provided they secure at least one point at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, whom it defeated 3-0 in Ukraine on Matchday 1.

Wednesday features key clashes from Liverpool, last season’s Champions League winners, and a Barcelona team struggling to find its best form this term.

The Reds face a crucial clash at home to main Group E rivals Napoli, who beat them 2-0 in Italy two months ago. Victory at Anfield would guarantee first place with Carlo Ancelotti’s side sitting one point off the pace, while a draw could allow third-place Red Bull Salzburg a top-two lifeline.

Barcelona hosts Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be a tense affair, with the two Group F giants having drawn 0-0 at the Westfalenstadion in September. 

Lionel Messi was again key for Ernesto Valverde’s side as it struck from a goal behind to beat Leganes 2-1 on Saturday. Dortmund rescued a 3-3 draw against Paderborn on Friday after it had trailed by three, but the Black and Yellows are now without a win in two, conceding seven times along the way.

Chelsea will go in search of revenge over Valencia on Wednesday when they travel to Spain, with Frank Lampard having suffered a miserable 1-0 home loss to Los Che in his Champions League managerial debut. The Blues sit level on seven points with Group H opponents Valencia and Ajax—who travel to Lille on Wednesday—as tensions reach their crescendo in the first round.

Matchday 5 TV Schedule

Live Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

Tuesday, November 26: 

Lokomotiv Moscow vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 12:55 p.m. ET (TNT, TUDN)

Galatasaray vs. Club Brugge, 12:55 p.m. ET (Galavision) 

Real Madrid vs. PSG, 3:00 p.m. ET (TNT, TUDN) 

Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid, 3:00 p.m. ET (Galavision) 

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Olympiacos, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra1) 

Manchester City vs. Shakhtar Donetsk, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra2)

Red Star Belgrade vs. Bayern Munich, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra3)

Atalanta vs. Dinamo Zagreb, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra4) 

Wednesday, November 27: 

Valencia vs. Chelsea, 12:55 p.m. ET (TNT, TUDN)

Zenit vs. Lyon, 12:55 p.m. ET (Galavision) 

Liverpool vs. Napoli, 3:00 p.m. ET (TNT)

Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDN)

RB Leipzig vs. Benfica, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra1)

Slavia Praha vs. Inter Milan, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra2)

Lille vs. Ajax, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra3)

Genk vs. Red Bull Salzburg, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra4) 

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