Champions League To Return on August 7 As 'Final 8' Will Be Held in Lisbon on August 12

UEFA have confirmed today plans to end this season's Champions League with a mini-tournament in Lisbon over 12 days in August.

Europe's premier club competition will complete its 2019-20 edition with a final-eight World Cup-style tournament, held in the Portuguese capital, from August 12 to August 23.

After the four outstanding last-16 ties are completed at the scheduled home stadiums, the quarter-finals onwards will be held on neutral territory, with no fans present and, most notably, over just one-leg.

As things stand, teams will not have to quarantine either, with each club are likely to set up in their own hotel away from the public so that social distancing measures can be maintained.

UEFA have earmarked August as the month to complete the competition in order to give Europe's top domestic leagues enough time to finish their respective seasons.

The 'final eight' tournament will be held over 12 days in Lisbon, with the first match taking place on August 12 and the final being played on August 23.

Instead of playing the quarter-finals over two legs as normal, the new plan will see the ties become single games across four straight days.

The semi-finals, which will also be played over one leg, will take place on August 18 and 19, with the final at the Estadio da Luz four days later.

Istanbul was due to host the 2020 final but will now be the venue for the 2021 showpiece, with all other scheduled hosts moving back a year.

The teams already qualified for this season's quarter-finals are France's PSG, Italy's Atalanta, Spain's Atletico Madrid and Germany's RB Leipzig.

The remaining last-16 second-leg fixtures are Manchester City's home tie against Real Madrid, Chelsea's trip to Bayern Munich, Juventus's home game against Lyon and Napoli's visit to Barcelona.

Portugal was picked because of its location and the fact it has no teams left in the competition.

Lisbon emerged as an attractive host city because it has two stadiums with the facilities needed for elite matches - Benfica's Estadio da Luz and Sporting Lisbon's Estadio Jose Alvalade.

In addition, most of the country's coronavirus restrictions are also being lifted this month, with air travel in and out of the country allowed from June 22.

Visitors will not need to go into quarantine on arrival, although additional health and safety measures will be in place in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Organisers are proceeding on the basis that all matches will be played behind closed doors, with only essential personnel allowed on site.

However, UEFA are understood to have left the door open for possible changes should public health conditions in Portugal allow.

If government guidelines are altered in time for ticketing to be organised, there is an outside chance that some fans could be allowed in to watch.

The capacity of both grounds would be greatly reduced in order to comply with social distancing rules and other safety protocols.

UEFA are braced for a loss in income from broadcasters, who will expect sizeable refunds because they will have six fewer games to show as a result of the new format.

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Am Not Surprised Of Our Performance

Two-goal hero Dele Alli said he is not surprised by the quality of Tottenham's performance in their upset win against Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Tottenham were a class above Spanish giants Madrid as they ran out comfortable 3-1 victors at Wembley in Group H action on Wednesday.

Spurs star Alli scored in either half, while Christian Eriksen was also on target to seal Tottenham's passage through to the last 16.

"To be honest, no," Alli told  BT Sport  when asked if he was surprised by Tottenham's performance following their 1-1 draw in last month's reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We spoke after the game at their place and said we couldn't believe how much space we had at times and that the easy pass looked too obvious at times and we were too sloppy.

"I think we knew that if we were solid at the back we'd get the chances and with the team we've got here we don't just want to be competing with these teams, we want to be winning.

"It was a fantastic performance from us. We stuck to the game plan and made a lot of chances - it could have been more but we're very happy with the result."

After Alli doubled Tottenham's lead approaching the hour-mark, having opened the scoring in the 27th minute, Spurs team-mate Eriksen settled the contest with 25 minutes remaining in London.

Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo reduced the deficit 10 minutes from the end but it was merely a consolation.

"We played a very professional game. We could have had more if we'd had a bit more composure in the final third," Eriksen said.

"This will take us on to the next stage. We need to keep it going. We're just happy to be through and we can focus on the league now."

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I'm Not Disturbed' - Zidane Refutes Real Madrid 'Problems' After Defeat at White Heart Lane

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid do not have any problem following their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Tottenham.

The current champions were ruthlessly despatched at Wembley on Wednesday, with Dele Alli scoring twice and Christian Eriksen adding a third before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation.

The defeat came just three days after a shock 2-1 loss to Girona left the La Liga champions eight points behind Barcelona domestically.

It was also their worst group-stage loss since a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in November 2008 and their first at this stage of the competition since a 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in 2012.

Madrid's form has left Zidane facing the first serious questions about his capabilities since taking charge in January 2016, but he is adamant there is no reason to panic.

"We're not in crisis," he told a news conference. "I'm not worried and I won't be for the rest of the year, whatever happens.

"Losing two games in a row can't be good for us but we have three or four days to rest and then football continues. The analysis I can give today is that we lost to the better team.

"The dressing room can't be happy or be in high spirits. This is a bad moment but we have to accept it. We must keep our heads up.

"We didn't play a bad game, we had some chances and, as has been happening with us lately, we didn't find the goal.

"We're missing that calm that we've always had in front of goal. Sometimes you have two chances, you score two goals, but not today - we had chances and we didn't take them.

"We lost but it's a long season. We congratulate the opposition and now we have to reflect. We're all very disappointed.

"Maybe we're not at our usual level. These things happen in football. It's upside-down at the moment."

Spurs' win sealed their place in the knockout rounds and put them three points clear of Madrid at the top of Group H.

Zidane's side were given a boost by APOEL holding Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw, though, with that result ensuring they need only two more points from their final two group games to go through to the last 16.

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Wasteful Athletico In Elimination "Dig"

Atletico Madrid were left staring an embarrassing early Champions League exit in the face after being held  to a draw at home by 10-man Azerbaijani champions Qarabag on Tuesday.

The 2014 and 2016 finalists now need to beat Roma and Chelsea in their last two Group C games and hope other results go in their favour after a paltry return of three points from their opening four games.

Once again Diego Simeone's men were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal after Michel headed the visitors into the lead five minutes before half-time.

Thomas Partey's stunning drive from outside the box levelled 11 minutes into the second period and Qarabag had to survive for half an hour a man down after Pedro Henrique saw red.

But Diego Godin, Filipe Luis and Nicolas Gaitan fluffed their lines with big chances to leave Atletico on the edge of the European abyss.

Atletico have now won just once in their last eight games as their debut season at the Wanda Metropolitano is descending into a disaster.

The hosts had started on the front foot as Antoine Griezmann's right-footed volley from the edge of the area forced Ibrahim Sehic into a smart save.

However, despite the vast disparity in budgets between the sides, it was the visitors who looked the more composed side in possession as the first half wore on, drawing whistles from the frustrated home crowd.

Henrique was first to threaten as he ghosted past the out of sorts Godin, but his cross was cut out by Stefan Savic with two teammates waiting to apply the finishing touch at the back post.

Atletico's major problem in recent months has been finding the net and their lack of cutting edge was demonstrated as Sehic raced from his goal to smother Kevin Gameiro's shot from a narrow angle and Godén powered a header over.

Simeone's side concede another header

Simeone was infuriated when Jakub Rzezniczak was only shown a yellow card for hauling down Gameiro on the edge of the box 10 minutes before half-time.

And the Argentine had even more to more to be concerned about five minutes later when Michel met Donald Guerrier's corner flush to send a header into the top corner despite Jan Oblak's best efforts.

Of the 10 goals Atlético have conceded this season, seven have now come from headers as a former strength of Simeone's teams has quickly become an alarming weakness.

Buoyed by a half-time dressing down from Simeone, Atlético again started the second period at a higher tempo and Gameiro somehow fired wide after Sehic had parried Angel Correa's initial effort straight back into the heart of the area.

Moments later Atlético could have found themselves 2-0 behind but for a brilliant goal line clearance from Savic.

That proved to be a turning point as Partey swept Griezmann's layoff into the top corner on 56 minutes.

Qarabag have man sent off

Qarabag were then reduced to 10 men just before the hour mark when Henrique was shown a straight red for a dangerous high challenge on Godin.

The Uruguayan defender's eventful 90 minutes continued as he then saw a powerful header cleared off the line.

Luis had the best chance to leave the 10 men without a reward when he stabbed wide when clean through.

The Brazilian full-back sent another long-range effort off target and Godin saw another late header saved by Sehic.

And Sehic saved Qarabag again in the dying seconds with a brilliant block from Gaitan, while Atletico were also reduced to 10 men when Savic was shown a second yellow.

Atlético missed the creative impact of the injured Koke and Yannick Carrasco as a third straight home draw leaves their European dreams hanging by a thread.

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Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum McGregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata. It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in Group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvented under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows you how well we played.

‘The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are world class and you can see that at times.

‘We are disappointed with the goals, you get punished at this level, but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header.

‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’

Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘People maybe wonder why he played in front of others, but he is a player who looks after the ball. We still have a bit of work to do on that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. But Callum was exceptional.

‘The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it. It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.

‘Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum McGregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata. It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in Group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvented under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows you how well we played.

‘The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are world class and you can see that at times.

‘We are disappointed with the goals, you get punished at this level, but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header.

‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’

Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘People maybe wonder why he played in front of others, but he is a player who looks after the ball. We still have a bit of work to do on that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. But Callum was exceptional.

‘The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it. It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.

‘Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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Club Record Breaker And Still Unbeaten In 38 Games At Home

Manchester United set a club record 38 games unbeaten at home (11 of them draws, but only 2 in the last 10) as Jose Mourinho goes about doing what he does best - making his teams utterly unbeatable at home.

Even when not at their best, the team has looked solid and unpenetrable, a trait that hasn't been the most common amongst United teams of the recent past and that is an undeniably positive thing.

On the night, Bailly's uncharacteristic tentativeness and sloppiness meant that United looked a bit shaky for once - but then the thing about United is that if you get past that brick wall of red in front of you, you've got David De Gea waiting behind it... and at the end of the day, all that matters is another win, another record for Mourinho and United.

Benfica created history, but not what they'll want to remember

Benfica may have raced toward their 5,897th Primeira Liga title (actually it's 36... but it really does feel like their 5,897th) last season but they have looked a pale shadow of themselves this time around.

While still third in the league after 10 games (three behind Sporting and five behind hated rivals, Porto), it is their form in the Champions League that's the real cause for concern.

I should rephrase that, cause for concern implies there's something that can be done to correct the situation while in actuality the Portuguese giants have already created history - and not the kind they'd like to remember.

They are the first Portuguese side in European competition history to lose their first 4 games of the group stages and it really does look likely that they'll be the first to 6 - and exiting the group stage with not a single point.

As good as some of the individual players were - full-back Douglas was superb going forward (not so much doing his primary job, though), Ruben Dias looked as solid as ever, Diogo Goncalves didn't enter the scoresheet only because of the fact that David De Gea was the one facing his shot... and we've already talked about Mile Svilar.

End of the day, though, as a unit they promised much to deliver little and a club of Benfica's lineage will be hurt by it... but goddamn it, their fans deserve all the credit in the world for simply refusing to give up on their team.

Mile Svilar can't catch a break

At 18 years and 65 days old, Mile Svilar became the youngest person in Champions League history to save a penalty - to complement his breaking the record for youngest ever goalkeeper to play in the CL (beating Iker Casillas) and it looked like he had put to rest last fortnight's unfortunate error that cost Benfica the game behind him (when he carried Rashford's freekick into his own net) but it was not to be, for...

... at 18 years and 65 days old, he also became the youngest player to score an own goal in Champions League history.

Few footballers go through such trials and tribulations so early on in their footballing careers - and he can only emerge from them stronger.

He displayed some fantastic goalkeeping on the night - penalty save apart - and looks to have all the ingredients necessary to become an established top-level keeper; all he needs now is for Lady Luck to wink his way once in a while.

Romelu Lukaku's struggles in front of goal continue

Romelu Lukaku has looked a pale shadow of his old self since his mate Paul Pogba got sidelined and his struggles in front of goal continued today - compounded by lack of any regular service, and Jose Mourinho's refusal to allow him to take the second penalty that United won (and which Blind converted)

As good as his hold-up, and link-up, play was - why people slate him for something he's rather brilliant at, I'll never understand - he thrives on goals, goals, and more goals and the lack of this must be eating at him.

Lukaku, a quiet personality despite his dominating physique thrived when the all-encompassing aura of Paul Pogba was around (not to mention Pogba's exceptional vision and bravery in passing forward - and in doing it early) but without his great friend he seems bereft of all the adventure, and arrogance, that he seemed to bring to the court for United. He is too good a striker to keep down, though, and Chelsea beware if they think they're in for a free ride against him.

Anthony Martial infuriates and excites in equal measure, but United need to be patient with him

Every single time he plays, he makes you scream his name out loud - trouble is while half the time it's out of sheer "oh-my-good-lord-what-did-he-just-do-there" excitement, the other is dedicated to sheer "what-the-hell-did-he-just-do-there" anger.

Gary Neville said last week - "You always get the feeling he's playing at 85 percent. If he showed that extra 15 percent, then he could do anything. He's got everything you'd want: composure in front of goal, great skill, pace, strength, but what is that little bit missing?"... and you can't help but wonder what Anthony Martial could be capable of if stumbled upon that remaining 15%.

No one, no one, at Manchester United produces as many exhilarating moments as Anthony Martial and he deserves all the love and support he is getting from the fans... and the manager. He is still only 21, for crying out loud... and if United remain patient with the lad, they'll end up winners sooner rather than later.

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Hungry Roma Destroy Blues

Antonio Conte's side found themselves behind after only 39 seconds as Stephan El Shaarawy crashed home from the edge of the penalty area.

Things went from bad to worse for Conte when the Italian then punished a sloppy error from Antonio Rudiger to double the home side's lead in the 36th minute.

A stunning Diego Perotti strike from 20 yards then put the result beyond doubt just after the hour-mark.

1: GOAL! ROMA 1-0 CHELSEA (El Shaarawy)

Wow. What a start to the game. What a goal.

Moments after Chelsea almost create a chance, Roma break with a long ball to Dzeko. He flicks down to the edge of the box where El Shaarawy comes running in and drills a first-time shot into the corner with the outside of his boot. 

That is a fantastic finish.

37: GOAL! ROMA 2-0 CHELSEA (El Shaarawy)

Shortly after getting away with one mistake, Chelsea make another, and this time they are punished. It's former Roma defender Rudiger at fault as he leaves a long ball on the edge of his box, expecting it to go through to Courtois. But he doesn't see El Shaarawy running through, with the Italy international flicking past the goalkeeper to put Roma further ahead.

63: GOAL! ROMA 3-0 CHELSEA (Perotti)

This had been coming, and fitting that it comes from a Chelsea mistake as Fabregas, under no pressure, plays a pass straight to Nainggolan. He works it forward for Perotti, who skips inside Pedro and then fires an excellent shot from 25 yards that hits the post and goes in.

MATCH EVENTS

4: CHANCE! Chelsea in for the second time inside the opening five minutes as Fabregas clips over the top for Hazard. He gets away but can't finish as his shot from the angle is at the goalkeeper.

25: GREAT CHANCE missed by Morata! Pedro blocks a clearance in the right corner and the ball rebounds into the middle for Morata. The keeper reacts sharply to come sliding out, but Morata really should finish from 10 yards out, instead he blazes over the bar.

54' CLOSE ROMA! Dzeko with an excellent opportunity to make it 3-0 here. 

It was quick and fluent football from Roma on the edge of the box, with the front three linking up very well. 

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