A comprehensive 4-1 victory for the Champions League upstarts at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia has pushed United’s winless run to seven matches and thrown head coach Michael Carrick’s future into severe jeopardy.

The humbling result comes on the heels of mounting tension at Old Trafford, compounded last week by Lisandro Martinez publicly highlighting the club’s deep-seated shortcomings. While Carrick had hoped Sunday’s gritty draw against rivals Leeds would serve as a “fresh start,” his side looked completely devoid of shape, grit, and cohesion on the shores of Lake Como.

A Nightmare Start and a Dominant Como Display

Despite missing nine players due to injuries, United were caught cold just two minutes into the match. Diogo Dalot missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring within the first 90 seconds, only for Como to immediately punish the lapse. Nico Paz collected a pass on the edge of the box, cut onto his left foot, and curled a brilliant effort past goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Although severely depleted themselves, Fàbregas’s side played bold, cohesive football that continually left the English visitors chasing shadows. While Harry Maguire managed a stray header wide, the frustrated traveling supporters made their feelings known, chanting “attack, attack, attack” as United struggled to impose themselves.

The Collapse After the Break

Hoping to salvage the game, Carrick introduced Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo at halftime and made tactical adjustments. However, the changes failed to stem the tide. Just four minutes into the second half, Como carved through the centre of the United defense, allowing Tasos Douvikas to slam home from a Paz assist after leaving Matthijs de Ligt—making his first start in 325 days—stumbling.

The onslaught continued in the 57th minute:

• Baleba’s loose pass on the flank was intercepted by the dazzling Paz.
• Paz drove forward unchallenged and slotted home a fine left-footed finish to secure his second goal of the night.
• In the 76th minute, substitute Kaiki Bruno floated a cross into the box, finding an unmarshalled Jacobo Ramon to head home Como’s fourth.

A Desperate Apology

While substitute Joshua Zirkzee managed to net a late consolation goal in stoppage time, and Jean Butez denied Amad Diallo earlier in the half, the damage was long since done. Lammens was forced into further action to deny Paz a hat-trick as sections of the away end emptied in disgust.

At the final whistle, a chastened Carrick walked over to the remaining United fans to hold his hands up in a gesture of apology. With the team floundering domestically and now suffering historic continental humiliations, the storm brewing at Old Trafford threatens to wash away Carrick’s tenure before it can truly take root.

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The controversy centers around a large tifo and banner unfurled by the home fans before kick-off, which carried the slogan ‘Massacre, Parisien style’. The display featured a masked individual wearing a PSG jersey wielding a chainsaw to slice through the Barcelona crest, complete with pyrotechnics that simulated flying sparks as the blade made contact.

Match Delegate Notified

According to sources close to the Catalan giants, club officials wasted no time addressing the hostile environment. In addition to the graphic banner, Barcelona representatives formally reported several offensive chants directed from the stands to UEFA’s match delegate.

As of publishing, European football’s governing body has declined to comment on the matter.

Costly Victory for PSG

While the atmosphere in the stands was fiercely contested, the action on the pitch proved equally dramatic. Barcelona twice fought back from a deficit to level the score at 2-2 with just 11 minutes remaining. However, the reigning European champions ultimately secured a 4-2 victory courtesy of late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz.

Despite the win, the fixture came at an immense physical cost for Paris Saint-Germain:

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: The star Georgian winger twisted his right knee just before the hour mark and requires surgery. The devastating blow will likely sideline the Ballon d’Or nominee for at least six months, effectively ending his season.
• Ousmane Dembele: The reigning Ballon d’Or winner limped off in just the 19th minute due to a thigh injury.
• Marquinhos: The defensive stalwart was also forced to exit the match early with a similar thigh problem.

The victory keeps PSG at the summit of the Champions League standings with a flawless record of three wins from three games, though they will now have to navigate the remainder of their title defense without some of their most influential players.

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A High-Profile Addition to Galatasaray’s Roster

Victor Osimhen’s arrival at Galatasaray is a testament to the club’s intent to bolster their attacking options. The Nigerian forward, known for his clinical finishing and physical prowess, is expected to make an immediate impact. His previous stints in Serie A, notably with Napoli, showcased his ability to compete at the highest levels of European football. Joining a team with aspirations to challenge both domestically and in European competitions, Osimhen’s presence is poised to elevate Galatasaray’s attacking capabilities.

The excitement surrounding major transfers like Osimhen’s often extends beyond the pitch and into the world of sports betting. With a high-profile player like Osimhen joining Galatasaray, betting sites are already seeing increased activity as fans place bets on the team’s chances of success in the Süper Lig and European competitions. The arrival of such a star player inevitably shifts the odds, with bookmakers offering new markets for Galatasaray’s potential performance, Osimhen’s goal tally, and even his impact on the team’s overall success.

For bettors, the signing of Osimhen represents more than just a transfer – it’s an opportunity to engage with the dynamics of betting markets that often fluctuate with such high-profile moves. Platforms like Nitrobet Casino are among those where fans can place their wagers on Galatasaray’s journey, adjusting their strategies based on how the team evolves with new talent. With a strengthened squad and new tactical possibilities, betting sites will likely adjust their odds, offering a variety of betting options for those keen to wager on Galatasaray’s rise in the rankings. Understanding the odds and the factors that could influence the outcomes is key to making informed decisions, just as in any other form of entertainment or sport.

Strengthening the Squad: Key Signings

Galatasaray’s strategy for the upcoming season involves not only reinforcing their attack but also solidifying other areas of the pitch. The club has made strategic signings to ensure a well-rounded and competitive squad. These additions are expected to provide depth and versatility, allowing the team to compete on multiple fronts.

Tactical Evolution Under Okan Buruk

Under the guidance of head coach Okan Buruk, Galatasaray has been known for a dynamic and adaptable playing style. Victor Osimhen’s arrival will likely necessitate tactical adjustments. His ability to play both as a central striker and in more fluid attacking roles offers Buruk flexibility in his formations. Fans can anticipate a blend of traditional Turkish footballing values with modern tactical nuances, aiming for both domestic dominance and a strong European campaign.

Fan Expectations and Club Ambitions

The Galatasaray faithful have high expectations for the upcoming season. The club’s ambitions are clear: to secure the Süper Lig title, make significant strides in European competitions, and showcase a brand of football that resonates with their rich history. Galatasaray’s immense fan base has long been known for their passionate support, and this season is expected to see them pack the stands with more fervor than ever before. With the addition of a high-profile player like Osimhen, the expectation is that the team will not only compete for domestic titles but also push deep into European competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League. With Osimhen’s clinical finishing and leadership qualities, his presence brings a much-needed firepower to the squad, complementing the creative forces already present. The hope is that the team can meet these aspirations and continue to build on their legacy, solidifying Galatasaray’s position among Europe’s elite. Expectations are high, and the fans’ passion will undoubtedly provide the team with the motivation to exceed those expectations.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise

As the 2025–26 season draws near, the focus will be on Galatasaray and their recent acquisition, Victor Osimhen. The combination of a strengthened squad, tactical evolution, and ambitious goals sets the stage for an exciting campaign. While challenges are inevitable, the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market signals their intent to compete at the highest levels. The arrival of a striker of Osimhen’s caliber is bound to boost the club’s confidence and provide a fresh dynamic to their playstyle. With a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers, Galatasaray will be looking to dominate Turkish football while making a splash in Europe. For fans and neutrals alike, the upcoming season promises to be one filled with anticipation and excitement. With the stakes high and so much to prove, the 2025–26 season has the potential to be one of Galatasaray’s most memorable in recent years, as they aim to reclaim their status as a top-tier club both domestically and internationally.

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Pepe’s Historic Goal

Aged 40 years and 254 days, Pepe’s journey to the record books reached its zenith when he powered in a thumping header in the 91st minute, securing his place as the first player ever to score in the Champions League after crossing the age of 40. This momentous achievement shattered the previous record held by the iconic Francesco Totti, who had been the oldest scorer at 38 years and 59 days.

However, Pepe’s accomplishment didn’t end there. He also claimed the title of the oldest outfield player to grace the Champions League, a milestone he achieved when he featured in a previous encounter against the very same Royal Antwerp team on October 25th.

A Storied Journey

Pepe’s remarkable journey through the world of football has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. His dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the sport have allowed him to remain a formidable presence on the field well into his fourth decade of life.

It is worth noting that while Pepe’s goal-scoring feat is truly remarkable, the title of the oldest appearance maker in the Champions League belongs to Marco Ballotta. The Italian goalkeeper achieved this distinction when he was 43 years and 252 days old, during a match for Lazio against Real Madrid in December 2007.

As football continues to evolve and produce moments of sheer brilliance, Pepe’s record-breaking achievement serves as a testament to the enduring passion and talent that continues to define the sport. It stands as a source of inspiration for players of all ages and a reminder that age is but a number on the field of dreams, where records are made to be broken and legends are born.

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Global sports media business, LiveScore, has announced a special event ahead of this season’s UEFA Champions League final. This event will allow football fans to relive and discuss the most significant moments of this season’s competition with a panel of Irish football experts.

Panel of Irish Football Stars

The event will take place on Tuesday 30th May at The Camden, a premium multipurpose venue in Dublin. A panel of Irish football stars, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s rising star Evan Ferguson, former Rep. of Ireland and Arsenal captain Emma Byrne, and Manchester United legend Denis Irwin, will join host Conor McNamara to discuss the highlights of Europe’s biggest football competition. They will also provide insights into what to expect in the next season and what could happen at the final in Istanbul.

Limited Tickets Available

Football fans have the opportunity to engage in an intimate debate and quiz the panel on this season’s UEFA Champions League happenings. Limited first come, first serve tickets are available for fans to attend. Fan groups in attendance will also make predictions for next season’s competition, as the Premier League top four race is in its business end.

Limited tickets are available here.

Live-Streamed Coverage

LiveScore has provided live-streamed coverage of all 137 UEFA Champions League matches free-to-air to fans in Ireland this season. This partnership has spanned the previous two seasons, and the final and 2023/24 matches will also be available to live stream on LiveScore as the partnership enters its third year.

Ric Leask, Marketing Director at LiveScore Group,said:

“LiveScore is all about bringing fans closer to the sport they love, which is why we’re delighted to host this event. It’s fantastic to be able to bring football fans in Ireland together to celebrate and debate another memorable UEFA Champions League season with some brilliant football experts.”

Conor McNamara, Host of the LiveScore UCL Event, said;

“Football is the heartbeat of communities throughout Ireland and fans have enjoyed watching the UEFA Champions League over the last few seasons on the LiveScore app. It’s great to give fans the chance to put Evan, Emma and Denis on the spot with their thoughts and predictions for this year’s final and next season.”

Stream this season’s UEFA Champions League final free-to-air with LiveScore. Limited tickets for the event can be found here.

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American Jesse Marsch was given his marching orders last week after failing to get his side going after starting at the club this summer.

Marsch leaves Leipzig without Champions League football in February and midtable in the Bundesliga, but there is a chance that they could attain UEFA Europa League football by achieving the same (or a better) result than Belgian champions Club Brugge.

Interim manager Achim Beierlorzer will take charge for his first match as the hunt for a successor to the American begins.

Manchester City are enjoying life under Pep Guardiola, as expected, and have already booked their ticket to the last 16.

A win against PSG last time out confirmed that the top spot in the group was theirs, and as they sit top in the Premier League at the moment, life could not be going any better for them.

Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will start Tuesday evening’s game after recovering from Covid-19 – became on against Watford in the 3-1 win at Vicarage Road at the weekend.

Gabriel Jesus, on the other hand, will not travel with the squad while Barcelona-linked Ferran Torres remains injured.

Five academy players will join the senior squad in Germany for the match.

Ilaix Moriba and Tyler Adams are available for selection against Manchester City but their RB Leipzig teammates Willi Orban, Dani Olmo, Yussuf Poulsen, Marcel Halstenberg, Hugo Novoa and Marcelo Saracchi are all unavailable – Amadou Haidara is questionable.

Teams

RB Leipzig (4-2-2-2): Gulacsi (C); Mukiele, Klostermann, Gvardiol, Angelino; Kampl, Laimer; Forsberg, Nkunku; Silva, Szoboszlai.

Subs: Martinez, Simakan, Adams, Brobbey, Moriba, Bonnah, Henrichs.

Manchester City (4-3-3): Steffen; Walker, Stones, Aké, Zinchenko; Fernandinho (C), Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Grealish.

Subs: Ederson, Carson, Dias, Sterling, Egan-Riley, Palmer, McAtee, Lavia, Wilson-Esbrand.

Odds

RB Leipzig 5/2

Draw 14/5

Manchester City 9/10

Where To Watch

The match will be covered on BT Sport 2 from 5 pm with kick-off slated for 5:45 pm. LiveScore will also show the match.

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Liverpool have already progressed to the next stage, the last 16, as group winners – doing so after winning their first four games in the group stage for the first time in their history.

They can improve upon history further with a 100% record on the line tonight – a win will grant them maximum points from what was dubbed ‘the group of death’ before the competition started.

Milan, on the other hand, are trying to get their season back into top gear after faltering recently in their domestic league, Serie A.

They sit first but results have only improved recently – however, they sit third in the European group.

A win over Atletico Madrid in their last outing saved their chances of qualifying for the last 16 – a win at home to their great rivals, on top of there being a draw in Porto’s match with Atletico Madrid, will confirm that.

Weekend hero Divock Origi is set to be involved for Liverpool after his goal against Wolves on Saturday.

However, vice-captain James Milner will miss out through suspension.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the side fielded by Liverpool will be a rotated one.

AC Milan, meanwhile, are set to be without Ante Rebic, Alessandro Plizzari, Simon Kjaer, Davide Calabria and Olivier Giroud for the 8 pm GMT kick-off.

Teams

Milan – Predicted (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kalulu, Tomori, Romagnoli, Theo; Tonali, Kessié; Messias, Diaz, Krunic; Ibrahimovic.

Subs: Tătăruşanu, Jungdal, Bennacer, Ballo, Florenzi, Maldini, Bakayoko, Gabbia, Saelemakers.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Williams, Phillips, Konaté, Tsimikas; Morton, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino; Salah, Origi, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Davies, Fabinho, Keita, Gomez, Robertson, Matip, Dixon-Bonnar, Bradley, Trent, Norris, Woltman.

Odds

Ac Milan 11/10

Draw 27/10

Liverpool 21/10

Where To Watch

The game will be available to watch on RTÉ 2 from 7:30 pm and LiveScore.

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Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic will kick off at 17:45 tonight, Thursday 25th November in the BayArena. The match will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and Virgin TV Go.

Gerardo Seoane’s Leverkusen side comes into this game on top of Group G, three points clear of second place. This young team have been very successful and exciting this season as they sit in fourth place in the Bundesliga as well.

A win tonight could guarantee progression to the Round of 16 but the manager may rest some of their strong players with them playing RB Leipzig in a tough league tie at the weekend.

Ange Postecogclu has improved Celtic’s home form, now bringing them to within four points of Rangers in the Scottish league. Even though this is promising for the Glasgow side, it may be too late for them in Europe.

Celtic are one point behind second-place Real Betis but the Spanish team are playing bottom place Ferencvaros. The Scotsmen will need to claim at least a point or else their European journey could be over.

This is a very uncommon tie in recent European history. They only faced each other once before, which was earlier this season in the first fixture of the Europa League group stage. That tie does not build Celtic fans with hope as they lost 4-0 at home to the German team.

There is a lot more importance on this game so Celtic will try to come out all guns blazing in search of at least a point.

One word to describe this @CelticFC signing from 2005… #FlashbackFriday | #UEL pic.twitter.com/W9AzGNWikY

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 19, 2021

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic Probable Starting Teams

Bayer Leverkusen

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Hradecky (GK), Hincapie, Tapsoba, Tah, Frimpong, Diaby, Palacios, Andrich, Amiri, Alario, Wirtz.

Injuries / Suspensions

Baumgartlinger (Knee), Bakker (Ankle), Fosu-Mensah (Cruciate ligament), Demirbay (Red card)

Celtic

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Hart (GK), Juranovic, Carter-Vicker, Ralston, McGregor, Bitton, Jota, Turnbull, Abada, Furuhashi.

Injuries / Suspensions

Starfelt (Hamstring), Jullien (Knee), Taylor (Shoulder), Dembele (Ankle), Rogic (Hamstring)

𝗝𝗢𝗧𝗔

Saturday: Man of the Match
Monday: Player of the Month
Tuesday: Star of the Show?

𝑇𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤…#CelticChristmasAd pic.twitter.com/7yDMgZnvMY

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 22, 2021

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic Match Betting

Bayer Leverkusen to win: 4/11

Draw: 4/1

Celtic to win: 13/2

Score Prediction

Leverkusen are the clear favorites to win this tie and secure their place in the knockout round and it would be hard to bet against them. Celtic have shown better form and have something to fight for but the Germans might be one step too far for them.

Expect this game to end 3-1 to Leverkusen, spelling the end of Celtic’s European journey this year.

Amine Adli vs Celtic

What will happen this time? #UEL pic.twitter.com/GWQtHH5ufG

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 23, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Europa League and international club football news, click here.

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PSG, winners of the reverse fixture, sit second behind City by a point but are the only unbeaten side in Group A.

A second win for Mauricio Pochettino over Pep Guardiola with his Parisian outfit this season will put them into the round of 16.

Manchester City will also look to progress to the next stage with a win against a side including Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

City have recovered well from their defeat to PSG three rounds ago, with back-to-back victories over Belgian champions Club Brugge sending them top of the group.

Brugge themselves are still able to qualify for the last 16 and if they can beat RB Leipzig in their match tonight, they could put a lot of heat on the losing side in the City-PSG fixture.

A draw in this fixture and a win for Phillippe Clement’s side would mean that three teams will be in the race to progress on the final matchday.

City’s Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne will miss the game after contracting Covid-19 during the November international window while £100 million signing Jack Grealish will be monitored ahead of the match.

Rafinha, Julain Draxler and Alexandre Letellier will all miss the clash for PSG as they recover from injuries.

Teams

Manchester City – Predicted (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan, Zinchenko; Mahrez, Bernardo, Sterling.

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Jesus, Laporte, Fernandinho, Palmer, McAtee.

PSG (4-3-3): Navas; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes; Paredes, Herrera, Gueye; Messi, Neymar, Di Maria; Mbappé.

Subs: Donnarumma, Franchi, Dagba, Diallo, Kehrer, Ramos, Verratti, Di Maria, Ebimbe, Wijnaldum, Pereira, Icardi.

Odds

Manchester City 1/2

Draw 7/2

PSG 9/2

Where To Watch

Manchester City play host to PSG at 8 pm with BT Sport 2 showing the match (Coverage from 7 pm). LiveScore will also have the match on their app.

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Jurgen Klopp’s side have already progressed to the next stage of the competition after winning their first four games in the group – the first time they have ever done so.

Porto lead a three-horse race for second that they can wrap up with a victory at Anfield, should the Atletico Madrid – AC Milan result go their way.

However, Liverpool are expected to field a strong side in their last home group game, as Klopp has hinted to when questioned on the topic.

The team have history when it comes to fielding a strong side in dead rubber Champions League games – last season’s 1-1 draw away to Midtjylland serves as a prime example.

Diogo Jota was forced off late in the game due to injury, which kept him out for 18 games after a strong start to life on Merseyside.

“That is pretty not much how it will be [choosing a weak squad],” Klopp said to Liverpoolfc.com after qualifying for the last 16.

“We go for it, we want to win football games, that’s all. Sometimes you can qualify for something, sometimes not, it is still the same thing – you play a game, you want to win it, show it.”

Porto come into the game in red-hot form with eight wins in their last nine since the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Sergio Conceicao and his men will be aiming to take the golden chance to qualify but Liverpool and their home crowd will look to dissuade them as much as possible.

Teams

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Williams, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Morton, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Minamino, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Adrian, Fabinho, Van Dijk, Milner, Henderson, Jota, Robertson, Origi, Phillips, Alexander-Arnold.

Porto (4-3-3): Costa; Joao Mario, Pepe, Mbemba, Zaidu; Uribe, Otavio, Oliveira; Evanilson, Taremi, Diaz.

Subs: Marchesín, Fábio Cardoso, Francisco Conceição, Pepê, Grujic, Tecatito, Manafá, Vitinha, Wendell, Bruno Costa, Toni Martínez, Fábio Vieira.

Odds

Liverpool 17/20

Draw 11/4

Porto 14/5

Where To Watch

Liverpool v Porto will kick off at 8 pm. LiveScore will show the match on their app while BT Sport 3 will bring fans coverage of the match from 7:15 pm.

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