Holly Percival
December 8, 2021 at 2:08 PM EST
Hello and welcome to The Athletic’s live coverage of today’s latest football news.
Ralf Rangnick takes charge of his first Champions League game as Manchester United interim manager as Young Boys visit Old Trafford while Chelsea travel to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the earlier kick-off. Bayern Munich host Barcelona in Group E.
Elsewhere, Liverpool secured a 2-1 away win against AC Milan, Manchester City suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat vs RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain thumped Club Bruges 4-1.
Atletico Madrid somehow managed to scrape through to the knockout stages following a 3-1 win over Porto. A player from each side was shown a straight red card in what was an action-packed game. Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2-0 and Ajax defeated Sporting Lisbon 4-2. All four teams progress to the last 16 of the tournament.
Despite Borussia Dortmund’s 5-0 thrashing over Besiktas, in which Erling Haaland scored a brace, their Champions League journey came to an end as they finished third in Group C. They will continue in the Europa League instead.
We’ll bring you all the latest updates from the Premier League, Champions League and further afield.
Background reading
December 8, 2021 at 2:08 PM EST
Leicester without seven for Napoli clash
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he will be without seven players when Leicester City face Napoli tomorrow.
Some have tested positive for COVID-19, while others are suffering will illness unrelated to the virus.
Luke Bosher·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 1:11 PM EST
Why aren’t Chelsea favourites to win the Premier League title?
Chelsea came a cropper last Saturday, losing 3-2 against West Ham.
It was a great example of the difference between teams who have experience of being title challengers and those who don’t.
The Athletic’s Simon Johnson explains why Chelsea aren’t, and should never have been regarded as, favourites to win the Premier League this season.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Chelsea losing top spot? The only surprise is that people are so surprised
December 8, 2021 at 12:50 PM EST
Real Madrid emerging as favourites to sign Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid are growing in confidence that Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will sign a pre-contract with them in January and join on a free transfer next summer.
While reports that Rudiger has already agreed to an informal offer with the La Liga club are premature, they are now one of the firm favourites to secure his signature.
For more detail, click here.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 12:38 PM EST
Chelsea vs Zenit Saint Petersburg, kick-off approaching
Chelsea travel to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the 5.45pm (GMT) kick-off tonight. Thomas Tuchel’s side have already qualified for the knockout stages, as have Juventus who take on Malmo this evening at the same time.
Chelsea sit top of Group H and are only ahead of Juventus on goal difference.
This evening’s results will decide who finishes in first place.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 12:21 PM EST
Why did Manchester United hire Chris Armas?
Ralf Rangnick confirmed on Tuesday the addition of Sascha Lense and Chris Armas to his coaching staff at Manchester United.
But what will Chris Armas bring to the table?
He shares many of Rangnick’s tactical philosophies and marries a winning mentality with an arm-around-the-shoulder approach.
For a deep dive into Ralf Rangnick’s new assistant coach, read further below.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 11:52 AM EST
And last but not least…Iniesta and Xavi
Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez were Barcelona’s greatest midfield duo.
This is the story of the most beautifully effective midfield partnership that Spanish football has ever seen.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Iniesta, Xavi and the eternal back and forth of Barcelona’s greatest midfield duo
December 8, 2021 at 11:28 AM EST
Up next…Frank Lampard
There was no signature move from Frank Lampard but his ferocious work ethic saw him slowly become one of the best players in the world.
The Athletic’s Oliver Kay reflects on one of the greatest players to have graced the Premier League.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
The Premier League 60: No 6, Frank Lampard
December 8, 2021 at 11:05 AM EST
Day eight of The Athletic’s advent calendar is all about famous No 8’s…
First up, it’s the Aston Villa manager, Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder was very good at everything and consistently carried Liverpool but, as he said himself, he ‘tried too hard’ at times.
For more insight, read further below.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
The Premier League 60: No 8, Steven Gerrard
December 8, 2021 at 10:33 AM EST
Pele receiving treatment for colon tumour
Brazil legend Pele is in hospital receiving treatment his tumour.
The Albert Einstein Hospital announced that the 80-year-old is stable and expected to leave in a few days.
Luke Bosher·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 9:50 AM EST
A footballer’s guide to Christmas parties
Everybody loves a good Christmas party, especially footballers.
Athletes in any sport don’t get to indulge in much when at the peak of their careers but a Christmas party is the perfect excuse to let loose — with some going above and beyond!
Here are some almost unbelievable stories of football Christmas parties.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
A footballer’s guide to Christmas parties: The fines, fisticuffs, foreign trips and fancy dress
December 8, 2021 at 9:25 AM EST
Conte admits Spurs COVID situation is ‘serious’
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s European Conference League match, Antonio Conte took questions from the media and of course they were focused on the current COVID-19 situation at the club.
Conte said: “Today another player and another member of staff positive. Tomorrow, who? Me? Another member of staff? I want to speak about football. This is not a good thing for you, the fans and staff.
“Everyone is a bit scared, we all have families. I ask why? Why? Yesterday we trained and two positives, today we trained and after another two positives. Who next? It’s not right, we’re going home to our families.” To read more, click here.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 8:59 AM EST
Tottenham to ask Premier League to postponed game vs Brighton
Tottenham will ask the Premier League to postpone their game against Brighton due to a COVID-19 outbreak, The Athletic understands.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that up to seven players and at least two members of Tottenham’s coaching staff had tested positive for the virus.
The situation is now understood to have worsened. For more on the story, click here.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 8:41 AM EST
United youngsters to be on bench vs Young Boys
An exciting night ahead for a handful of Manchester United youngsters who are set to be on the bench against Young Boys.
Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage are among a list of youth set for a place in the squad.
To read more on the story, click here.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
December 8, 2021 at 8:18 AM EST
How Brentford can use Forss against Watford
Marcus Forss must have been wondering what more he could do to break into Brentford’s starting line-up.
When Ivan Toney was ruled out of Sunday’s match against Leeds United after testing positive for COVID-19 on Saturday afternoon the expected solution would have been to replace him with Forss. But Thomas Frank decided to push Sergi Canos up front to form an unorthodox partnership with Bryan Mbeumo.
With Forss wondering what else he could do, The Athletic’s Jay Harris has detailed how Brentford could use Forss’ smart runs against a fragile Watford defence.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
How Brentford can use Forss’ smart runs to exploit Watford’s fragile defence
December 8, 2021 at 7:52 AM EST
‘Machine’ Joelinton
Joelinton — the Brazilian forward perfectly suits to Eddie Howe’s style.
Newcastle United picked up their first win of the season on Sunday with a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley.
He is beginning to look revitalised under Howe’s management but still has a long way to go to look like a £40 million centre-forward.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
‘Machine’ Joelinton liberated as Brazilian is perfectly suited to Howe’s style
December 8, 2021 at 7:27 AM EST
Explained: Tottenham’s COVID-19 outbreak
With up to seven Tottenham Hotspur players testing positive for COVID-19, Antonio Conte’s upcoming matches as in question.
Three games in nine days — a European Conference League clash against Rennes, a trip to Brighton and a trip to Leicester.
The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare has explained the impact of the outbreak at Spurs.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Explained: Tottenham’s COVID outbreak. What does it mean for upcoming matches?
December 8, 2021 at 6:50 AM EST
The world’s first football match
Ever heard of Mesoamerica? Neither have I to be honest.
But it is the place where the first-ever football match took place.
With David Goldblatt’s explanation and Marco Bevilacqua’s illustrations, Tifo have detailed the first-ever game.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Tifo video: The world’s first football match
December 8, 2021 at 6:15 AM EST
Need your FPL fix?
Injuries, positive COVID-19 tests, rotation and form are causing havoc in FPL.
Here is our expert analysis on key transfer decisions for Gameweek 16.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Fantasy Premier League: Key transfers in each position for Gameweek 16
December 8, 2021 at 5:54 AM EST
What is F1 esports?
Yes, you read that correctly. F1 esports.
With pressure for seats, 21-year-old managers and more than £500,000 in prize money, the world of virtual F1sounds pretty crazy.
The Athletic’s Iain Macintosh has taken a further look at this dramatic esport.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
F1 esports: On the pitwall with McLaren
December 8, 2021 at 5:33 AM EST
Atletico secure spot in Champions League last 16
Atletico Madrid snatched a dramatic 3-1 away win over Porto that secured a place in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday evening.
And qualifying for the knockout stages may have just about kickstarted Diego Simeone’s side’s stuttering start to the season.
Click below for more insight.
Charlotte Harpur·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Atletico saved themselves when the chips were down