In a heartbreaking end to their Champions League campaign, Celtic fell just short of reaching the last 16 after a valiant effort against Bayern Munich. Despite a heroic display from the Scottish side, former Premier League striker Alan Shearer believes their lack of a clinical striker ultimately cost them a spot in the next round. With chances aplenty, it was a cruel ending for Celtic who showed great promise against the German giants.
In a thrilling match on Tuesday, Bayern Munich secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a late goal from Alphonso Davies. The German giants will now face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the next round. Despite a strong effort from Celtic, Bayern's determination and Davies' goal proved to be the deciding factor in the match. Davies' return from injury and his crucial goal has impressed both his coach and fans alike, solidifying his role in the team.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Portuguese winger Jota is ready to make an impact in the upcoming Champions League rematch against Bayern Munich. After a stint in Saudi Arabia and France, Jota has returned to the Hoops and scored his first goal at Parkhead since his return. Despite being substituted after an hour, Jota's fitness and progress have been praised by his manager, giving hope to fans for a memorable performance in the Champions League.
In a tightly contested match, Bayern Munich managed to keep a strong Bayer Leverkusen side at bay with a solid defensive performance. Leverkusen dominated the game but were unable to find the back of the net, with Bayern’s captain Manuel Neuer describing the result as “lucky”. The draw maintains Bayern’s comfortable lead in the German Bundesliga, with Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso emphasizing that the season is far from over.
A 24-year-old from Afghanistan has been arrested after driving his car into a crowd in Munich, Germany, injuring 28 people, including children. With tensions already high due to an upcoming election, the incident has sparked fears of further violence and has raised concerns among security forces. With far-right parties gaining support, there are concerns about potential targeting of immigrant communities. Journalist Patrick Howse describes the situation as "tense" and "a very short amount of time" until the election.
As the UEFA Champions League knockout phase approaches, all eyes will be on the highly-anticipated new ball at the center of it all. Created by Adidas, the ball pays tribute to the vibrant host city of the final, Munich, with its stunning design and expertly crafted technology. Not only is it a visual masterpiece, it also leads the way in sustainability efforts, making it a true game-changer for the sport. Before its debut, this UCL ball has been thoroughly tested and proven to be a triumph in every aspect.
Barcelona are eager to bring back former academy standout Adam Aznou on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. The versatile Moroccan, who has also won three caps for his national team, started his career at Barcelona's La Masia before joining Bayern in 2022. Aznou has impressed during his loan spell at Real Valladolid and could provide cover for left-back Alejandro Balde and center-back Jules Kounde. Meanwhile, former Barcelona executive Ramon Planes has praised current midfielder Frenkie de Jong, as rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad circulate.
As the January transfer window heats up, Tottenham continues to make moves in the market. After their recent rejection by Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel, they are now in talks to bring in AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori. The negotiations are ongoing, with a fee and personal terms yet to be agreed upon.
The Champions League play-off draw has been announced, and Manchester City will be facing off against Real Madrid while Celtic is set to take on Bayern Munich in the upcoming round. With City placed in the "top" half of the draw and Celtic in the "bottom" half, both teams will face tough opponents. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Wolves are making moves in the transfer market. Get ready for thrilling games and join the conversation on #bbcfootball or through WhatsApp and text. Tune into The Football News Show with former pro footballer Stephen Warnock for more analysis.
Despite falling behind early in the match, Manchester City managed to secure a crucial win against Club Brugge, sealing their spot in the Champions League play-offs. The Blues struggled in the first half but made a tactical switch in the second to secure the win, with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Savinho leading them to victory. City will now face a tough opponent in either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, with the playoff round draw happening on Friday. Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart weighs in on the team's performance and potential opponents.