The last time Barcelona played the first leg of a two-legged affair, matters did not go too well and the team will keep that in mind when they take to the field tomorrow. Having the second leg at home is indeed a massive advantage for Barcelona, but they also had the same fortune when they took on Atletico Madrid last month in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey. However, they collapsed to a 4-0 defeat in the first leg against Los Rojiblancos.
The centre-back department, thus, appears relatively light-staffed, and Araujo may be Flick's trump card. The Uruguayan star has dished out some strong performances in recent times, especially in his cup start against Albacete, where he even scored a goal. Should he be back to his mentally confident state, having his physicality and leadership will be an asset.
Alejandro Balde presents an injury to the distal biceps femoris of the left thigh. Tests determine that the recovery process will take approximately 4 weeks. It means that the left-back will miss the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Newcastle United this month, in addition to La Liga fixtures against Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.
Well, the first legs of the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs are in the books, and we have a lot to review! From Real Madrid narrowly winning at Benfica (led by former Real boss Jose Mourinho), to Bodo/Glimt stunning Internazionale in the Arctic Circle and even holders Paris Saint-Germain rallying from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at fellow Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, we've seen it all. Oh, and how about Galatasaray scoring five against Juventus and Newcastle United hitting six at FK Qarabag?
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has become just the second player to score four goals in the first half of a UEFA Champions League game and the first to do it in the knockout stage. The England international's record-breaking feat powered the Magpies into a commanding 5-0 lead at the break away at Azerbaijan's FK Qarabag in the first leg of their playoff round clash.
Real Madrid's 1-0 win at Benfica in the UEFA Champions League was marred by further allegations of abuse aimed at the Spanish club's Brazilian international Vinicius Junior. The 25-year-old forward, who has 45 caps to his name and will lead Brazil's attack at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been the victim of a series of instances of racist abuse, with 18 legal complaints filed against racist behaviour targeting him since 2022.
Jan 28, 2026, 02:31 PM ET THE CHAMPIONS! It's the final matchday of the league phase of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, with 18 matches kicking off simultaneously to decide which teams advance to the next round and which are eliminated. Expect drama, goals and nonstop excitement across Europe as we bring you all the updates from a decisive night of action.
Chelsea have warned supporters to take 'extreme caution' after two fans were hospitalised ahead of their clash with Napoli. The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples," the statement began. Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture.
