Holders Manchester City recovered from falling a aim behind to outclass Red Star Belgrade 3-1 of their Group G opener with Julian Alvarez scoring twice at The Etihad.
Pep Guardiola‘s aspect dominated the opening interval however have been responsible of wayward ending and trailed to a sucker-punch simply earlier than halftime as Osman Bukari broke clear to complete in type.
Metropolis started the sport on a 26-match unbeaten run in Champions League house video games and regular service was resumed nearly instantly after the restart as Alvarez levelled after combining with Erling Haaland.
A misjudgement by Purple Star keeper Omri Glazer allowed an Alvarez cross to enter the web on the hour and Rodri made it 3-1 with a medical end after 73 minutes as Metropolis made it 19 house wins in succession in all competitions.
Manchester Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade reside
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Rodri’s attacking evolution helps to fill Man Metropolis void
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Man Metropolis defeat Purple Star Belgrade of their Champions League opener, reside on TNT Sports activities
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Pep Guardiola’s males wish to regain the Champions League title this 12 months
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73’ GOAL! – Rodri curls one house after a person run (MCI 3-1 ZVE)
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60’ GOAL! – Alvarez curls one in from a free kick (MCI 2-1 ZVE)
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57’ CHANCE! – Haaland denied from shut vary (MCI 1-1 ZVE)
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47’ GOAL! – Alvarez ranges shortly after the break (MCI 1-1 ZVE)
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45’ GOAL! – Bukari scores in opposition to the run of play (MCI 0-1 ZVE)
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40’ SAVE! – Foden misses an ideal likelihood from shut vary as Glazer makes one other high quality save (MCI 0-0 ZVE)
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30’ SAVE! – Ake’s header is pushes extensive by Glazer (MCI 0-0 ZVE)
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25’ CROSSBAR! – Haaland nods Foden’s cross into the woodwork (MCI 0-0 ZVE)
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15’ SAVE! – Rodri’s highly effective shot is palmed away by Glazer (MCI 0-0 ZVE)
Manchester Metropolis FC 3 – 1 FK Crvena Zvezda Beograd
Rodri’s attacking evolution helps to fill Man Metropolis void
22:13 , Mike Jones
It was neither Rodri’s most vital Champions League aim of 2023 nor his most necessary strike of the season. And but, as Manchester City started their defence of their continental crown, maybe it was becoming that it was capped by a end from the person who delivered the strike that secured their holy grail.
The scourge of Internazionale in Istanbul, Rodri completed off Red Star Belgrade in Manchester. He did so in type, too, exchanging passers with Phil Foden, embarking on a solo run and putting a shot in. It was a sign that the defensive midfielder, the person who has all the time amassed passes, has now began to commerce in objectives as effectively: 4 in 9 video games, going again to the Champions League last.
If some – April’s opener in opposition to Bayern Munich, the decider in opposition to Inter, the latest winner at Sheffield United – are indicators of stature, of the capability to grab the initiative, there may be additionally proof of a extra attacking bent. If Rodri is getting ahead extra, it could be as a result of he’s discovering his duties on the base of the midfield too simple. Or maybe as a result of, with out Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, he recognises the necessity to compensate for the absence of two talismanic figures and has the power to take action.
Rodri’s attacking evolution is helping to fill Man City void
FT Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
22:03 , Mike Jones
Full-time! Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:54 , Mike Jones
90+4 minutes: There goes the ultimate whistle. Manchester Metropolis come from behind to defeat Purple Star Belgrade of their opening Champions League group stage conflict.
Pep Guardiola would have been annoyed after a gap 45 minutes that noticed Metropolis waste probabilities and go behind however they rallied splendidly within the second half and put the end result past doubt.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:51 , Mike Jones
90 minutes: 4 minutes of added time to play on the Etihad Stadium. Can Erling Haaland get himself a aim?
Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:48 , Mike Jones
88 minutes: Doku switches the ball over to Rico Lewis on the correct wing and he flies ahead earlier than underhitting a go to Oscar Bobb and giving the ball away.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:45 , Mike Jones
85 minutes: Metropolis win a nook that’s swung onto the pinnacle of Nathan Ake who nods one other effort at aim. This one is shipped straight on the goalkeeper who plucks the ball safely out of the air.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:44 , Mike Jones
82 minutes: Pep Guardiola makes just a few modifications now. Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and Kalvin Phillips come on to exchange Phil Foden, Ruben Dias and Rodri.
Lower than 10 minutes to play and Metropolis are cruising to victory.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:40 , Mike Jones
79 minutes: Jeremy Doku has been moved out onto the left aspect the place he performed when he confronted West Ham within the Premier League. He’s a direct runner and likes taking gamers on.
A shuffle of the ft and a shot at aim ends in his effort being blocked contained in the penalty however that gained’t discourage him from one other go if he will get the chance.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:35 , Mike Jones
76 minutes: Man Metropolis will now attempt to run up the rating. They’ve gone by the gears within the second half, by necessity after Purple Star scored first.
The match is finished now and Metropolis will take all three factors. The icing on the cake will probably be a aim for Erling Haaland.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 3-1 Purple Star Belgrade (Rodri, 73’)⚽️
21:34 , Mike Jones
73 minutes: He’s seemed hungry to attain all evening and now has his aim. Manchester Metropolis’s Rodri receives the ball simply exterior the penalty space and isn’t closed down by the Purple Star defence.
As an alternative they drop off him and permit Rodri to convey the ball into the field. He coolly guides the ball into the far backside nook unopposed and Metropolis have their third.
Man Metropolis 2-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:28 , Mike Jones
67 minutes: Julian Alvarez ought to have a hat-trick. He’s performed into house within the field and lets fly with an honest effort however can solely discover the side-netting.
It’s simply one other reminder of how good the Argentine ahead really is.
Man Metropolis 2-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:25 , Mike Jones
64 minutes: Save! Kyle Walker swings a deep cross into the field as Erling Haaland peels away from his marker. He meets the ball within the air and nods it down however Omri Glazer has the put up guarded and pushes the ball onto the upright the place it rebounds to security.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 2-1 Purple Star Belgrade (Alvarez, 60’)⚽️
21:21 , Mike Jones
60 minutes: Manchester Metropolis have a second aim. They win a free kick over to the left of the penalty with Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez standing over it.
Alvarez takes the shot and curls it over in the direction of the far nook. The ball swings in however Omri Glazer ought to take care of it. He comes out to punch it away however misses the ball together with his fist and nudges it into the again of the web.
Metropolis lead!
Man Metropolis 1-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:18 , Mike Jones
57 minutes: Probability! Julian Alvarez takes a shot from vary and smokes the trouble straight on the goalkeeper. Omri Glazer fumbles the ball and units up Erling Haaland from shut vary.
Haaland solely has time to poke the ball at aim and he isn’t capable of elevate it excessive sufficient over the keeper who will get a contact to the ball and stops it from crossing the road.
Man Metropolis 1-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:17 , Mike Jones
56 minutes: Ruben Dias hits Bukari with a heavy sort out and will get himself a yellow card. That’s the third one of many evening.
Metropolis proceed to push ahead with Pep Guardiola readying a change on the sidelines.
Man Metropolis 1-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:14 , Mike Jones
53 minutes: Disallowed aim! Kyle Walker runs into the field from the correct aspect of the pitch because the ball is clipped excessive. He controls it and appears for a cutback however the ball is deflected again to the Metropolis captain.
He then pokes it into the again of the web however the offside flag goes up and the aim is chalked off. Metropolis look harmful as soon as once more although.
Man Metropolis 1-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:13 , Mike Jones
51 minutes: Alvarez is dictating Metropolis’s play from the center of the pitch. He feeds the ball over to Jeremy Doku on the correct aspect however the winger has nowhere to go.
The ball comes again to Alvarez who holds it up and waits for his teammates to overload the Purple Star defence.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 1-1 Purple Star Belgrade (Alvarez, 47’)⚽️
21:08 , Mike Jones
47 minutes: That didn’t take lengthy!
A go is threaded by the center and are available to Julian Alvarez who flicks it as much as Erling Haaland. Haaland holds the ball up contained in the penalty space ready for Alvarez to make a run previous him.
He does and collects the ball. A slight contact takes him across the goalkeeper however a second, deft contact pushes the ball into the again of the web.
Second half! Man Metropolis 0-1 Purple Star Belgrade
21:06 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis get the ball rolling as soon as extra on the Etihad Stadium needing to discover a approach again into the sport. That can solely come by a aim and ideally the subsequent one.
Metropolis haven’t been medical tonight however now want to modify it on.
Newcastle earn Milan draw however ‘group of demise’ will reveal its true worth
21:01 , Mike Jones
Twenty years in the past, Newcastle United went to the San Siro and got here away with a draw. 20 years later and, of their first Champions League away match since, Eddie Howe’s aspect nearly managed to hold on with a purpose to repeat the feat. A goalless draw in opposition to AC Milan lacked the scoreline of that earlier 2-2 in opposition to Inter in 2003, however given the dominance of the Italian aspect and the sheer quantity of their probabilities the hosts wasted, this may go down as a helpful level on Newcastle’s long-awaited return to Europe’s high desk.
Whether or not it’s sufficient in a gaggle that additionally comprises Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund looks like a separate situation, and whether or not, in time, the Premier League aspect could remorse not doing extra to try to take three, however even asking that query is an indication of how a lot has modified in 20 years. This isn’t an ideal Milan workforce and Newcastle’s wealth is now far higher than the seven-time European champions. Though Champions League semi-finalists final season, Milan completed fifth in Serie A in the identical 12 months and on Saturday have been thrashed 5-1 by Inter within the derby.
But this may nonetheless be a memorable journey for individuals who travelled from the north east, which just about grew to become a well-known one on the demise. It took Newcastle till the 94th minute to have their first shot heading in the right direction however it got here near gorgeous the San Siro, as Sean Longstaff’s drive was tipped over by substitute keeper Marco Sportiello. It could have been the last word smash-and-grab, with Milan ending with 25 photographs on aim and Nick Pope having to make a sequence of saves to earn Newcastle their level.
Newcastle earn Milan draw but ‘group of death’ will reveal its true value
HT Man Metropolis 0-1 Purple Star Belgrade
20:56 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Man Metropolis 0-1 Purple Star Belgrade
20:51 , Mike Jones
The Manchester Metropolis followers are shocked. Their workforce ought to be forward by fairly a approach however as a substitute Purple Star have nipped in entrance with a splendidly end from Osman Bukari.
This match is simply midway finished however Purple Star now have one thing to defend.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 0-1 Purple Star Belgrade (Bukari, 45’)⚽️
20:49 , Mike Jones
The aim stands! Purple Star Belgrade take the lead on the stroke of half-time. That’s an actual shock to the system however it’s a superbly taken aim from Osman Bukari.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:48 , Mike Jones
45 minutes: Disallowed aim! Osman Bukari is fed in behind the Manchester Metropolis line with a easy ahead go and he sprints sharply previous Ruben Dias.
He takes the ball into the field, opens up his physique and scores calmly to shock the Etihad.
The assistant referee instantly lifts the offside flag however VAR are checking this, it appears to be like tight…
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:45 , Mike Jones
43 minutes: Pep Guardiola makes a change earlier than half-time with Bernardo Silva, who appears to have picked up a slight niggle, changed with the electrical Jeremy Doku.
His tempo may show helpful to Metropolis as they hunt for an opener.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:44 , Mike Jones
40 minutes: And once more! Sergio Gomez whips a cross into the field from the left wing and Phil Foden ought to rating. He has free header and pings it into the ground however it’s straight at Omri Glazer who pushes it away.
Bernardo Silva will get to the rebound however his effort is blocked and cleared away.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:42 , Mike Jones
37 minutes: Omri Glazer continues to be a bane for Manchester Metropolis as he flings himself to dive to his proper to parry a dipping effort from Julian Alvarez with of the goal.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:37 , Mike Jones
34 minutes: Milan Rodic joins Rodri within the e book as he picks up a yellow card for sliding by Matheus Nunes, leaving the Metropolis’s new man hobbling across the pitch.
Metropolis are pushing for the opener however it’s not simple for them. Pep Guardiola’s appears to be like just a little annoyed.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:31 , Mike Jones
30 minutes: Save! The nook ball is curled superbly onto the pinnacle of Nathan Ake who powers his shot in the direction of the far backside nook of the aim.
Omri Glazer leaps throughout and palms his effort extensive of the put up. One other high quality save from the Purple Star goalkeeper.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:30 , Mike Jones
28 minutes: Purple Star will probably be happy with their efforts up to now on this recreation however it’s Man Metropolis who’re lacking probabilities quite than being saved quiet.
Kyle Walker fancies a shot from the correct aspect and wins a nook after a deflection takes the ball out of play.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:28 , Mike Jones
25 minutes: Off the crossbar! Julian Alverez feeds the ball throughout to Sergio Gomez who slips Phil Foden into the left aspect of the field. He hangs a lofted go over to Erling Haaland who leaps excessive and nods his effort proper into the crossbar!
The ball rebounds safely away and Haaland can not consider he’s missed that likelihood.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:26 , Mike Jones
24 minutes: Rodri goes within the e book for a excessive lunging sort out in the midst of the pitch. It’s sloppy from the midfielder who appears to wish to get himself into the sport.
He’s buzzing with vitality tonight however will must be just a little cautious now.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:23 , Mike Jones
21 minutes: The Purple Star followers are making a whole lot of noise early on right here making an attempt to encourage their workforce. Metropolis are dominating possession and it looks like a matter of time earlier than they open the scoring.
Foden drills a go into the field for Nunes however he can’t shift it out from beneath his personal ft and any likelihood of getting a shot away goes begging.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:21 , Mike Jones
18 minutes: A splendidly threaded go from Kyle Walker feeds Matheus Nunes into the Purple Star field. His first contact isn’t nice which permits Aleksandar Dragovic to brush throughout and punt the ball out of play.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:17 , Mike Jones
15 minutes: Save! Rodri appears to be like hungry to assault tonight. His press is great and he wins the ball on the sting of the penalty space. A shift to the correct takes him extensive of Srdjan Mijailovic earlier than he unleashes a robust strike at aim.
Omri Glazer holds his floor and pushes the ball extensive of the far put up with a stable proper hand. Good save!
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:13 , Mike Jones
12 minutes: Probability! Phil Foden kickstarts one other transfer with a driving run by the center of the pitch earlier than sending Erling Haaland just a little extensive with a go into the left aspect of the field.
Haaland recovers the ball and sends it again to Julian Alvarez who chips a ahead go to Foden however his overhead kick skews extensive of the goal.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:11 , Mike Jones
9 minutes: Shot! Phil Foden drifts into the center for Man Metropolis and receives the ball in house. He rolls it onto his left foot and shoots profitable a nook when his effort is deflected out for a nook kick.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:08 , Mike Jones
6 minutes: Nunes is making his first begin for Manchester Metropolis tonight and is making an attempt to impress. He brings the ball down the correct aspect of the pitch with some assist from Kyle Walker earlier than curling a pacey ball in in the direction of Julian Alvarez.
Alvarez can’t management the go and it skips by to Omri Glazer in Purple Star’s aim.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:05 , Mike Jones
3 minutes: Rodri strikes into an attacking place as he instances a pleasant run into the field, Phil Foden because the ball on the left aspect and flicks it to him however Rodri’s cutback is turned behind for a nook.
The set piece is whipped into the field and finds Matheus Nunes who punts a headed effort effectively over the aim.
Kick off! Man Metropolis 0-0 Purple Star Belgrade
20:03 , Mike Jones
Purple Star get the ball rolling for this one on the Etihad Stadium however they don’t keep possession for lengthy because the hosts acquire maintain of the ball seeking to construct their opening assault.
Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade
19:57 , Mike Jones
Right here come the groups. Manchester Metropolis are defending the Champions League trophy which is without doubt one of the most troublesome prizes to win back-to-back.
Pep Guardiola has set his sights on that aim this 12 months so he’ll be hoping his males get off to an ideal begin tonight. Kick off is up subsequent.
Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade
19:50 , Mike Jones
Erling Haaland scored 12 objectives within the Champions League final season, greater than some other participant. Nevertheless, the Man Metropolis striker has failed to attain in his final three appearances, his longest run and not using a aim within the competitors.
Will he get again on the scoresheet tonight?
Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade
19:45 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis boast a powerful document on the Etihad Stadium on this competitors. They haven’t misplaced in any of their final 25 encounters right here.
It’s a run that stretches again to a 2-1 loss in opposition to Lyon on Matchday 1 again in 2018/19.
How the Champions League misplaced its spark and led to the top of an period
19:40 , Mike Jones
There was a uncommon wistfulness across the Champions League attract Monaco, the place soccer’s strongest and rich gathered in a fittingly ostentatious setting. An period was about to go.
If the competitors’s group stage has just lately turn out to be a spherical to pay minimal consideration to, it is a season to actually savour it. That’s as a result of it’s the final one before the introduction of the Swiss system.
This would be the final marketing campaign we undergo the satisfying symmetry of the round-robin, hoping it builds as much as a kind of last matchdays – a part of a lexicon that’s the stage’s legacy – the place it’s something however symmetrical and chaos reigns. The clear nature of the format has produced some splendidly untidy endings.
How the Champions League lost its spark and led to the end of an era
Pep Guardiola challenges Man Metropolis to win back-to-back Champions League titles
19:35 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City aspect to attain one thing particular and win back-to-back Champions League titles.
The treble winners start the defence of their European crown as they host Purple Star Belgrade on the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Metropolis lastly put years of near-misses behind them to win the competitors for the primary time final season however, whereas Guardiola is pleased with their achievements, he feels their mission just isn’t but over.
The Metropolis supervisor mentioned at a press convention: “I’d wish to say that for our membership to win the Champions League is unimaginable – the primary time in our historical past – however, in perspective, what number of groups have gained the Champions League as soon as?
Pep Guardiola challenges Man City to win back-to-back Champions League titles
Champions League group stage modifications: What is going to the event appear to be subsequent season?
19:30 , Mike Jones
It’s the top of an period for the Champions League, because the event performs out the final season of its present format earlier than main modifications are launched in 2024.
Probably the most important reforms to the Champions League in a technology have been introduced by Uefa in 2021, days earlier than the failed European Tremendous League plot was launched again in 2021, they usually acquired unanimous backing from the European Membership Affiliation and Uefa Membership Competitions Committee.
It confirmed plans to vary the format of European soccer’s high membership competitors from 2024, giving the event its first new look in 20 years. The proposals weren’t met with the identical degree of backlash that greeted the Tremendous League plans however have been nonetheless criticised by main followers’ teams, together with the Soccer Supporters’ Affiliation [FSA].
What will the new Champions League group stage look like next season?
Guardiola on Ederson
19:25 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola spoke about his No. 1 goalkeeper, Ederson, forward of Man Metropolis’s Champions League opener and defined why he feels the Brazilian is simply going from power to power.
“He’s matured and he’s getting even higher,” Guardiola mentioned on Tuesday, “We’re a workforce that doesn’t concede an excessive amount of and I’ve the sensation that when the opponents arrive he’s there.
“The primary save within the one-on-one in opposition to [Michail] Antonio, the moments he makes the final contact just a little bit longer he was there.
“Particularly the nook, with [James] Ward-Prowse he’s an unimaginable menace, and [Kurt] Zouma with the tall unimaginable headers however he made a very good save and at that second it was 1-1.
“We had 16/17 photographs within the first half in opposition to West Ham which is kind of spectacular, however these particulars make the distinction and Ederson was there once more.”
Kyle Walker staying at Metropolis
19:20 , Mike Jones
As a part of his media duties within the build-up to tonight’s match, Kyle Walker defined his resolution to remain at Manchester Metropolis and signal one other contract extension.
“Why ought to I wish to depart this nice workforce?” mentioned Walker when requested why he determined to remain at Metropolis, “For me it was simply in regards to the years [on the contract].
“I’m 33 years younger and I nonetheless really feel nice. For me it was about settling in, I didn’t actually wish to signal one other 12 months to then have this dialog once more subsequent 12 months. I needed to be settled not only for me however for my household as effectively.
“I really feel that now I’m settled, you see within the performances that I don’t have it at the back of my thoughts as a result of it does play in your thoughts the place you recognize you’ve bought just a little little bit of uncertainty.
“I wish to keep at this Membership for so long as doable as a result of why would I depart a workforce that’s gone on and gained three Premier Leagues in a row, a Treble and a Champions League?
“If I’d have left in the summertime I don’t go and rating the profitable penalty on the Tremendous Cup and elevate that. It’s figuring out up to now however it’s early days.
“Nothing’s determined at this second in time within the Premier League or some other competitors and we have to be sure that, as we’re 9 instances out of 10, there into the later levels.”
Who’re TNT Sports activities’ Champions League presenters, commentators and pundits?
19:15 , Mike Jones
TNT Sports’ soccer protection will probably be led by 4 feminine presenters this season because it seeks to “push the boundaries” of sports activities broadcasting.
TNT Sports activities is the brand new title for the channel previously often called BT Sport, with Laura Woods confirmed as host of its Champions League protection alongside Reshmin Chowdhury. Jake Humphrey, who fronted BT’s Champions League protection final season, stepped again from his position in Could.
Lynsey Hipgrave will proceed to host reside Premier League protection on TNT Sports activities, having finished so because the begin of final season, whereas Jules Breach has changed Des Kelly because the broadcaster’s pitchside reporter.
Who are TNT Sports’ Champions League presenters, commentators and pundits?
Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade
19:10 , Mike Jones
Purple Star gained final season’s Serbian title with out shedding a recreation, however they modified managers this summer time and have misplaced two of their final three video games beneath Barak Bakhar.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland start new Champions League rivarly after Messi-Ronaldo period
19:05 , Mike Jones
As Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup in Doha, Kylian Mbappe was “furious”. It in fact wasn’t due to his former team-mate’s success. It was that Mbappe had missed his solely likelihood to emulate Pele and win two World Cup finals by the age of 23. The Paris Saint-Germain star is claimed to be extra conscious of his legacy than maybe any earlier main participant in historical past – definitely rather more than Erling Haaland.
It’s why he’s now so singularly centered on the Champions League. That’s why he in the end desires to go to Actual Madrid. Watching Haaland elevate it in June can have solely added to that, all of the extra so as a result of the Manchester Metropolis ahead clearly doesn’t care fairly as a lot. That isn’t to say he didn’t significantly need it, in fact, however it’s one rising distinction with Mbappe.
The Norwegian mentioned solely final week he didn’t look after that projected rivalry, both, and which may effectively be true. These variations between Haaland and Mbappe will nonetheless outline the subsequent decade of soccer in the identical approach these between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did the final decade.
Mbappe and Haaland begin new Champions League rivarly after Messi-Ronaldo era
Guardiola on profitable the primary Champions League recreation
19:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis have a tendency to return flying out of the blocks within the Champions League group levels as Pep Guardiola appears to be like to win sufficient video games to qualify for the knockout rounds as quickly as doable. The Metropolis boss says this 12 months will probably be no completely different.
“Each season we begin the competitors within the first recreation with the goal to win the primary recreation, then the group stage, then attempt to win the Champions League,” mentioned Guardiola on Monday.
“Nothing modifications from earlier than.
“The identical for Purple Star tomorrow [Tuesday]. It will depend on our efficiency and our degree. We’re extremely comfortable to defend this crown however this competitors doesn’t permit you errors.
“However all the time we have been so robust at house, 9 factors from 9. When that occurs you’ll be able to win only one recreation away and also you qualify. Tomorrow is step one.”
Workforce information!
18:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Manchester Metropolis hand a primary begin to Matheus Nunes for his or her Champions League opener in opposition to Purple Star. Sergio Gomez and Nathan Ake additionally come into the workforce that defeated West Ham 3-1 on Saturday, whereas Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku drop out.
Man Metropolis XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Gomez, Rodri, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, Alvarez, Haaland
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Carson, Phillips, Doku, Gvardiol, Akanji, Bobb, Lewis
Accidents plaguing Pep
18:55 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis will probably be with out John Stones, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne after they open their Champions League defence in opposition to Purple Star Belgrade tonight.
All 4 are injured with defender Stones not taking part in because the Group Defend, midfielder Grealish struggling a knock earlier than the worldwide break. Kovacic was then injured whereas on Croatia responsibility and De Bruyne is out long run.
Can Metropolis cope with out them?
Champions League 2023/24: Schedule, teams, fixtures and match dates
18:50 , Mike Jones
Newcastle United face a brutally powerful draw on their return to the Champions League after being dropped in group F with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
Manchester United are up in opposition to Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in group A together with Turkish champions Galatasaray, and new striker Rasmus Hojlund may also face his previous aspect Copenhagen.
Arsenal will play Europa League champions Sevilla in addition to PSV Eindhoven and Lens, whereas holders Manchester City will tackle RB Leipzig, Younger Boys and Purple Star Belgrade.
UEFA Champions League 2023/24 schedule – every game in the group stage
Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade prediction
18:40 , Mike Jones
Purple Star may be troublesome opponents within the Champions League, however often solely at their house floor and they’re more likely to wrestle to impose themselves in opposition to Metropolis.
They are going to attempt to utilise a vocal travelling assist, however will probably be unable to cease the house aspect.
Man Metropolis 3-0 Purple Star Belgrade
What’s the workforce information?
18:35 , Mike Jones
Guardiola mentioned after his aspect’s win at West Ham on the weekend that he could be compelled to make modifications to his line-up within the upcoming weeks to guard gamers, one thing which may come as quickly as Tuesday.
Metropolis are as a consequence of play 4 matches in simply 11 days, a tricky ask for any workforce, particularly contemplating that comes off the again of a world break that noticed many members of the workforce journey so far as South America.
They are going to proceed to be with out the injured Kevin De Bruyne, whereas the match may additionally come too quickly for John Stones, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic.
Tips on how to watch Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade
18:30 , Mike Jones
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 19 September on the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Man Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade will probably be broadcast reside on TNT Sports activities 2 and TNT Sports activities Final. will probably be streamed reside on the Discovery+ app and desktop web site for subscribers.
Manchester Metropolis vs Purple Star Belgrade
16:38 , Mike Jones
Good night and welcome to The Unbiased’s protection of Manchester Metropolis versus Purple Star Belgrade within the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s treble winners are hoping to repeat their feat this season as they give the impression of being to defend their title as European winners after they defeated Inter Milan within the Champions League last earlier this 12 months.
They’ve been drawn in a beneficial group and will progress to the knockout rounds with out an excessive amount of hassle. Guardiola will hope his workforce could make a press release win tonight after notching up 5 straight wins within the Premier League up to now.
We’ll have all of the build-up and updates forward of kick off at 8pm.
