![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/9368d8ca-fe58-447e-b922-ee6ed41c6207.jpg\")
<\/p>\nManchester City 2 Galatasaray 0: Erling Haaland ends mini-drought with deft chip before anxious wait for Pep Guardiola\u2019s side while waiting on Real result<\/p>\n
Paris Saint-Germain 1 Newcastle United 1: Eddie Howe\u2019s men consigned to do-or-die Champions League tie after Harvey Barnes blows chance to secure place in last 16<\/p>\n
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Burn looks dejected after Newcastle go so close to beating the holders<\/p>\n
YOAN VALAT\/EPA<\/p>\n
\u2022 Report from Martin Hardy<\/a><\/p>\n Jo\u00e3o Pedro and Cole Palmer spark Chelsea fightback against Napoli<\/p>\n Napoli 2 Chelsea 3: Liam Rosenior\u2019s experiment at the back fails to convince but star power up front ensures London club avoid Champions League play-off tie<\/p>\n Jo\u00e3o Pedro scored twice as Chelsea secured their place in the top eight of the Champions League<\/p>\n GIUSEPPE MAFFIA\/SHUTTERSTOCK<\/p>\n \u2022 Report from Peter Rutzler<\/a><\/p>\n Struggling at home, but Spurs finish above Barcelona and Real in Europe<\/p>\n Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2: Randal Kolo Muani scores opening goal a day after car accident before Dominic Solanke secures place in Champions League last 16<\/p>\n Solanke, who scored Tottenham\u2019s second goal, was the matchwinner when these sides met in last seasons\u2019 Europa League quarter-final<\/p>\n RONALD WITTEK\/EPA<\/p>\n \u2022 Match report from Tom Allnutt<\/a><\/p>\n Salah back in the old routine \u2014 but Frimpong injury mars six-goal thrashing<\/p>\n Liverpool 6 Qarabag 0: Egypt striker finds net as hosts cruise into Champions League knockout stage \u2014 but injury to Dutchman gives Arne Slot a huge headache at full back<\/p>\n Salah ended a run of eight games without a goal when he struck the Liverpool third and his first for the club since November 1<\/p>\n SIMON STACPOOLE\/GETTY<\/p>\n \u2022 Match report from Paul Joyce<\/a><\/p>\n Havertz back in groove but Gyokeres so wayward he shocks even himself<\/p>\n Arsenal 3 Kairat Almaty 2: German forward has a hand in all three goals but Gyokeres\u2019s errant finishing costs him potential hat-trick as Arsenal end group phase with perfect record<\/p>\n Having provided the assist for Gyokeres less than two minutes into his first Arsenal start for 357 days, Kai Havertz got on to the scoresheet himself after 15 minutes<\/p>\n CHARLOTTE WILSON\/GETTY<\/p>\n \u2022 Match report from Gary Jacob<\/a><\/p>\n Mourinho: We made history tonight<\/p>\n Speaking after their 4-2 win against Real Madrid, Jos\u00e9 Mourinho, Benfica\u2019s head coach, said: \u201cWinning or losing games in the final moment, with the final play, has happened various times, but to win you need to take risks. You think it arrives but then it doesn\u2019t, so then you have to change a few things.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the end one ball [for them] could make it 3-3. And with that we would still be out. To win against Real Madrid carries importance and is significant. In that moment we had to give it everything.<\/p>\n Mourinho goes wild as Trubin heads in the decisive goal\u2026<\/p>\n ARMANDO FRANCA\/AP<\/p>\n IRINA HIPOLITO\/SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL<\/p>\n \u201cWe knew he [Anatoliy Trubin] could do it. It was a spectacular goal that independent of our future in the competition, puts us into the next round, and was a moment of history against Real Madrid.<\/p>\n \u201cClearly when the free-kick was given I told Trubin to go forward and told [Samuel] Dahl to go on the halfway line in case they won back the ball so we could try to defend. Them going from 11 men to ten, it was still important to guard the back, because winning will always be the most important. But the action arrived and we made more history at the Est\u00e1dio da Luz.\u201d<\/p>\n Rashford on target for Barca<\/p>\n Marcus Rashford was on the scoresheet as Barcelona secured a fifth-placed finish in the league phase with a 4-1 win against Copenhagen. The England winger has scored nine goals since joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer, five of which have been in the Champions League.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceHow the play-offs will unfold<\/p>\n Will play Barcelona or Chelsea in last 16:<\/p>\n \u2022 Monaco or Qarabag v Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle<\/p>\n Will play Liverpool or Tottenham in last 16:<\/p>\n \u2022 Club Bruges or Glatasaray v Juventus or Atletico Madrid<\/p>\n Will play Sporting or Manchester City in last 16:<\/p>\n \u2022 Bodo\/Glimt or Benfica v Real Madrid or Inter Milan<\/p>\n Will play Arsenal or Bayern Munich in last 16:<\/p>\n \u2022 Dortmund or Olympiacos v Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen<\/p>\n Howe: That was the Joe Willock of old<\/p>\n \u201c[We showed] really good resilience, character and quality. We had to deal with a lot today. Certainly the penalty decision against us was really harsh. We had to handle that and it was big for us. They were an outstanding team as well,\u201d Eddie Howe, the Newcastle head coach, told TNT sports.<\/p>\n Pope denied Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 from the spot early on<\/p>\n FRANCO ARLAND\/GETTY<\/p>\n \u201cI was really happy for Joe Willock getting the goal. That was Joe Willock of old. His goalscoring record when he first joined was so strong. He\u2019s had a tough time with injuries. He\u2019s been waiting for opportunities behind the scenes and I thought tonight was the right time.<\/p>\n Willock stunned the Parc des Princes with his equaliser<\/p>\n SERENA TAYLOR\/GETTY<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted to win tonight, we didn\u2019t want the extra games. But we\u2019ll take it. We went down that route in the best possible way with a great performance against the holders. There\u2019s a lot to be positive about.\u201d<\/p>\n Newcastle will face either Monaco or Qarabag in play-off<\/p>\n The full draw for the play-offs takes place at 11am on Friday, but because of the seeding system, 12th-placed Newcastle will face either Monaco or Qarabag for a place in the last 16, where they would then face Barcelona or Chelsea.<\/p>\n Jo\u00e3o\u00a0Pedro: Today we proved doubters wrong The Brazil forward struck twice in the second half as Liam Rosenior\u2019s unblemished start as Chelsea head coach continued<\/p>\n DARREN WALSH\/GETTY<\/p>\n \u201cThe coach said [at half-time] to try to be calm, and to try put our game on the pitch,\u201d Jo\u00e3o Pedro told TNT sports.<\/p>\n \u201cThe second half of the game was more open. Cole [Palmer] is a brilliant player when he is on the pitch \u2014 he is a special player.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is very positive for us because people have a lot of doubt about us. I think today we showed our power. We need to rest and now focus on the Premier League.\u201d<\/p>\n What you need to know about the play-offs<\/p>\n The draw for the Champions League play-offs will take place at 11am on Friday in Switzerland. <\/p>\n The play-off matches will take place over two legs, with the first-leg matches being played on February 17 and 18, and the second-leg matches on February 24 and 25.<\/p>\n Newcastle will be in the hat on Friday, and there are a few perilous names joining them: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, Atletico Madrid and, of course, Jose Mourinho\u2019s Benfica.<\/p>\n And breathe\u2026 <\/p>\n \u2022 Five Premier League teams finish in the top eight and head straight into the last 16: Arsenal (1st), Liverpool (3rd), Tottenham (4th), Chelsea (6th), Man City (8th).<\/p>\n \u2022 Newcastle finish 12th and will have to reach the last 16 via the play-offs. <\/p>\n Incredible scenes in Lisbon Trubin, the Benfica goalkeeper, scores a last-minute header, which lifts Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s side into the play-off places on goal difference<\/p>\n REUTERS<\/p>\n PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA\/AFP<\/p>\n Full-time: Arsenal 3 Kairat 2<\/p>\n Apologies Arsenal fans, we were slightly distracted by the mayhem in Lisbon there. Anyway, Mikel Arteta\u2019s side get the job done and top the league phase with eight wins from eight. <\/p>\n GOAL! Benfica 4 Real Madrid 2<\/p>\n Oh my lord \u2014 absolutely incredible scenes in Lisbon. Real Madrid have completely lost their heads. Chasing a win to leapfrog Manchester City into the top eight, they\u2019ve gone down to nine men after Rodrygo and Ra\u00fal Asencio were both sent off in a fit of desperation.<\/p>\n Then at the other end, Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s Benfica \u2014 who needed a miracle to snatch a play-off spot from Marseille \u2014 won a free kick in the dying seconds. They sent everyone up, including goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who leaps up and thumps an all-or-nothing header past Thibaut Courtois. Unbelievable.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceFull-time: Man City 2 Galatasaray 0<\/p>\n City have done all they can, but their top-eight spot is not secured yet\u2026 If Real Madrid equalise late against Benfica then Pep Guardiola\u2019s side will drop out.<\/p>\n Full-time: Napoli 2 Chelsea 3<\/p>\n That is a massive result for Liam Rosenior, whose excellent start as Chelsea head coach continues. They looked to be heading to the play-offs at half-time, but two superb goals from Jo\u00e3o Pedro mean they finish sixth.<\/p>\n Full-time: PSG 1 Newcastle 1<\/p>\n This has been a brilliant performance from Eddie Howe\u2019s side, but it looks like they are going to fall just short of the top eight. It isn\u2019t a result that suits PSG either mind, who finish 11th and also miss out on automatic last-16 qualification.<\/p>\n Full-time: Frankfurt 0 Tottenham 2<\/p>\n Job done for Spurs, and that will be a big lift for Thomas Frank. Despite their faltering domestic campaign, they will go straight into the last 16. <\/p>\n Full-time: Liverpool 6 Qarabag 0<\/p>\n Liverpool win emphatically and secure a top-eight finish.<\/p>\n HUGE goal, and it\u2019s Jo\u00e3o Pedro again. Cole Palmer threads through a beautiful pass for the Brazil striker to run on to and he drives his effort into the bottom left corner. That goal has big repercussions, moving Chelsea up to sixth and dumping Inter Milan out of the top eight; Newcastle are now down in 11th. What a result this would be for Liam Rosenior.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceGOAL! Frankfurt 0 Tottenham 2<\/p>\n Spurs have some breathing room. Dominic Solanke latches on to a ball over the top and finishes with aplomb. That is surely a top-eight spot wrapped up for Thomas Frank\u2019s side now.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceMourinho doing what he does best<\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s Benfica are leading Read Madrid 3-2 in Lisbon and as things stand, a win will mean they scrape into the play-offs on goal difference in 24th place\u2026<\/p>\n Play was halted for around a minute here after three people ran onto the pitch from the home end, two of them carrying Kurdistan flags, before being led away by stewards (Paul Hirst writes). <\/p>\n Lamine Yamal has put Barcelona in front against Copenhagen, meaning Newcastle drop to ninth as things stand.<\/p>\n Yamal scores for Barcelona<\/p>\n JOSEP LAGO\/AFP\/GETTY<\/p>\n Wow. Jo\u00e3o Pedro might have just scored the goal of the night. He picks up the ball on the edge of the area and sends a piledriver into the top corner. It isn\u2019t enough to lift Chelsea into the top eight, but it is game on in Naples.<\/p>\n Newcastle have goal disallowed<\/p>\n Newcastle think they have taken the lead in Paris. Joe Willock makes a clever run, races clear of the PSG defence and finds the back of the net, but the 26-year-old was well offside.<\/p>\n GOAL! Liverpool 4 Qarabag 0<\/p>\n Liverpool are flying. The ball breaks for Hugo Ekitike, who charges in on goal and makes it 4-0.<\/p>\n GOAL! Liverpool 3 Qarabag 0<\/p>\n Mo Salah is back in the goals at Anfield. Liverpool have a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box, Dominik Szoboszlai gives the ball a little roll into the path of Salah who whips his effort into the top corner. Job done for Liverpool. <\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceGOAL! Frankfurt 0 Tottenham 1<\/p>\n We are back playing again, and it is a perfect start to the second half for Spurs. Randal Kolo Muani taps in after Cristian Romero headed Xavi Simons\u2019 ball across goal. That is a big goal for Spurs \u2014 a win guarantees their place in the kockouts. <\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies once<\/p>\n So we are halfway through the final round of league-phase matches and here is the table as things stand: <\/p>\n \u2022 Chelsea have dropped out of the top eight to 12th Half-time: Frankfurt 0 Tottenham 0<\/p>\n Half-time 0-0. Spurs dominated the half and had three good chances as Udogie and Simons both went close, either side of Odobert hitting the post from range (Tom Allnutt writes). Frankfurt have offered very little but almost scored against the run of play just before half-time as Hugo Larsson\u2019s shot brushed the crossbar on its way over. Thomas Frank will be pretty happy overall but his team should be ahead.<\/p>\n Newcastle equalise on the stroke of half-time and it\u2019s Joe Willock with the goal. It has been one-way traffic so far in Paris tonight, but the visitors have snatched a goal and that will give them a huge lift going into the second half. Dan Burn gets a flick in the box and Willock is there to head home.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies once<\/p>\n Rasmus Hojlund puts Napoli in front and Antonio Conte\u2019s side have turned this game on its head. The former Manchester United man gets in front of Wesley Fofana and pokes his finish past Robert S\u00e1nchez.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies once<\/p>\n Arsenal are in cruise control at the Emirates and look certain to top the league phase with eight wins out of eight. Gabriel Martinelli finishes from close range after good work by Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.<\/p>\n Hometown hero equalises for Napoli<\/p>\n Antonio Vergara grew up in Naples and came through the club\u2019s academy (Peter Rutzler writes). I\u2019m not sure he could have imagined this moment any better. It\u2019s his first goal for the club, and the euphoria around the ground was extraordinary as that hit the net. The entire Napoli bench raced out of the dugout to celebrate with him.<\/p>\n Vergara equalises with his first goal for Napoli\u2026<\/p>\n CIRO DE LUCA\/REUTERS<\/p>\n Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike now have 25 goal contributions between them this season<\/p>\n RYAN BROWNE\/SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL<\/p>\n Big, big goal in Naples. Antonio Vergara channels his inner Diego Maradona with a sublime turn in the box, spinning Wesley Fofana and slotting past Robert S\u00e1nchez. Chelsea are out of the top eight as things stand.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceGOAL! Man City 2 Galatasaray\u00a00<\/p>\n Rayan Cherki gives City some breathing room. He tucks home after some superb work from J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku. City are up to seventh as things stand.<\/p>\n It has been a decent first 25 minutes here for Tottenham (Tom Allnutt writes). Xavi Simons thought he\u2019d scored early but Destiny Udogie was offside. It\u2019s a back three, with Jo\u00e3o Palhinha playing in defence. Frankfurt look shaky at the back but have had a couple of promising counterattacks. No big chances so far, but Spurs have been the better side.<\/p>\n Haaland back in the goals… Florian Wirtz gets Liverpool\u2019s second, adding to Alexis Mac Allister\u2019s 15th-minute opener. Wirtz combines wonderfully with Hugo Ekitike and finishes with a low drive into the bottom corner, putting Liverpool in a very strong position to wrap up a top-eight finish.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies once<\/p>\n Chelsea are given a penalty as Reece James\u2019s free kick is blocked by the arm of Juan Jesus. Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez steps up and slots it. That is a huge goal for Chelsea \u2014 remember they need a win and for results to go their way elsewhere tonight for a top-eight finish.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s Kai Havertz on his first start this season. <\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceGOAL! Man City 1 Galatasaray 0<\/p>\n Erling Haaland gives City the lead against Galatasary. It\u2019s a trademark goal from the Norwegian, running on to J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku\u2019s ball and dinking over the keeper. That moves City into the top eight.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies once<\/p>\n PSG have their goal and it is Vitinha from the edge of the box. He is lethal from that range, and had too much time. That puts Newcastle out of the top eight, for now. <\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies once<\/p>\n Wow. After a VAR check, Kairat are given a penalty for a foul by Riccardo Calafiori. Jorginho (no not that one) tucks it away, sending the keeper the wrong way. <\/p>\n Early drama in Paris as the referee is called over the the pitchside monitor by the VAR and gives PSG a penalty for an incredibly soft hand ball\u2026 Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 takes, but Nick Pope denies the Ballon d\u2019Or winner from the spot. Huge moment early on for Eddie Howe\u2019s side.<\/p>\n Victor Gyokeres gets Arsenal off the flier, rifling a powerful strike past the Kairat keeper from range. Arsenal are already through to the last 16, but they can ensure the bragging rights of finishing top of the league phase tonight.<\/p>\n Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Enable cookiesAllow cookies onceSpurs have early goal ruled out<\/p>\n Tottenham thought they had the lead through Xavi Simons, but the referee intervenes. <\/p>\n Right, here we go. We\u2019re under way, 18 games and a lot to look forward to. We\u2019ll keep you updated as the goals go in and keep you filled in on the different permutations as the action unfolds. <\/p>\n Liverpool need to beat Qarabag to ensure their progression straight to the last 16<\/p>\n RYAN BROWNE\/SHUTTERSTOCK<\/p>\n A reminder of the table for you…Salah equals Carragher record<\/p>\n This will be Mohamed Salah\u2019s 80th Champions League appearance for Liverpool, equalling the club record in the Champions League, alongside Jamie Carragher.<\/p>\n Salah warms up at Anfield<\/p>\n HARRIET MASSEY\/ALAMY<\/p>\n Arteta: We have been missing Havertz<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the Champions League. Kairat is a team which is so used to winning.<\/p>\n \u201cWatching the game back against Real Madrid, they [Kairat] made it difficult for them. We need to keep the stand as high as possible, do what we need to do and then finish the job.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been missing him [Kai Havertz] big time \u2014 he has been out for a long, long time. It is great to see him back.\u201d<\/p>\n Right then. The teams are out and kick-off is 20 minutes a way, so here is a reminder of what you need to know. <\/p>\n All six of the English teams have already guaranteed their places in the play-offs, but only Arsenal have ensured a top-eight finish and a last-16 spot already. Wins for Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle would secure their places in the top-eight. Chelsea and Manchester City need wins and for results elsewhere to go their way to join them.<\/p>\n We will be keeping you updated on results, goals and significant changes to the standings, but you can use the links in the key moments box at the top of the blog to find the table and permutations in full. <\/p>\n Can Newcastle stun PSG again?<\/p>\n Of the English teams, Newcastle have got the toughest test tonight as they head to Paris to face the reigning Champions. With both sides on 13 points, Newcastle will realistically need to beat PSG tonight to ensure a top-eight finish. It\u2019s a tall order, but they have shocked the Parisians before\u2026 <\/p>\n PSG v Newcastle, 8pm, TNT Sports 3<\/p>\n Spurs team news: Kolo Muani starts (despite car crash)<\/p>\n Randal Kolo Muani starts for Spurs, despite his crash on the M25 en route to Stansted Airport yesterday (Tom Allnutt writes). <\/p>\n Kolo Muani made his name at Eintracht Frankfurt before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, so perhaps Thomas Frank is hoping familiar surroundings bring the best out of the French forward.<\/p>\n Kolo Muani was late joining the squad in Germany because of a car crash<\/p>\n CHLOE KNOTT\/SHUTTERSTOCK<\/p>\n Pape Sarr also starts for Tottenham, probably as a pressing No10, with Xavi Simons out on the left. Dominic Solanke drops to the bench, perhaps with one eye on the game against Manchester City on Sunday.<\/p>\n Tottenham XI: Vicario, Udogie, Romero, Danso, Gray, Spence, Sarr, Palhinha, Odobert, Simons, Kolo Muani.<\/p>\n Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Olusesi, Hardy, Rowswell, Hall, Byfield, Scarlett, Solanke.<\/p>\n City team news: Haaland returns<\/p>\n Erling Haaland returns to the starting XI for Manchester City, but unfortunately for Pep Guardiola, Nico Gonz\u00e1lez is only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench, so Nico O\u2019Reilly slots into the holding midfield role (Paul Hirst writes). <\/p>\n Ordinarily, Rodri would be playing there of course, but he is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in less than a minute in the defeat by Bodo\/Glimt last week.<\/p>\n That loss to Bodo inside the Arctic Circle means that Guardiola\u2019s side need to win tonight and hope other results go in their favour \u2014 they are outside the top eight on goal difference.<\/p>\n San\u00e9 is back at the Etihad tonight. He starts alongside fellow City old boy Gundogan<\/p>\n SCOTT HEPPELL\/REUTERS<\/p>\n It\u2019s 5C here at the Etihad Stadium, which is 15 degrees warmer than the temperature in the press box in Bodo last week. I\u2019ve still brought my winter coat along me, which will keep me warm in temperatures of -20, it tells me. Perfect for a Manchester-based reporter.<\/p>\n City old boys Leroy San\u00e9 and Ilkay Gundogan start for Galatasaray tonight.<\/p>\n Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Silva, O\u2019Reilly, Marmoush, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.<\/p>\n Subs: Bettinelli, Foden, Gonzalez, Gray, Lewis, Alleyne, Mfuni, Mukasa, Reijnders, Trafford.<\/p>\n Arsenal team news: Havertz starts<\/p>\n Kai Havertz could get a proper run out for nearly a year as he starts against Kairat after hamstring and knee injuries (Gary Jacob writes). That could be another step to him starting up front to address the domestic form of Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres.<\/p>\n Arteta will hope Havertz can add some goals to his muted attack<\/p>\n STUART MACFARLANE\/GETTY<\/p>\n Havertz \u2014 who has played a combined 29 minutes in two substitute appearances since returning from the injury he suffered on the opening weekend \u2014 seems to have been named in midfield as Mikel Arteta makes 11 changes.<\/p>\n Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, White, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Eze, Havertz, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.<\/p>\n Subs: Setford, Porter, Gabriel, Salmon, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Ibrahim, Odegaard, Bailey-Joseph, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.<\/p>\n Chelsea team news: Chalobah dropped<\/p>\n Cole Palmer does not start for Chelsea at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, but the biggest surprise from Liam Rosenior is that he has dropped Trevoh Chalobah (Peter Rutzler writes). <\/p>\n It looks like Reece James will take his place at centre back, which is an unusual move. Rosenior sets his team up like Enzo Maresca, a 4-2-3-1, and in possession, the back line normally pivots to a back three. James has played that role before, but he has very rarely, if at all, played as a centre back off the ball.<\/p>\n James, left, is expected to start at centre back<\/p>\n ALBERTO PIZZOLI\/AFP\/GETTY<\/p>\n Napoli, meanwhile, have named only seven substitutes \u2014 a consequence of their injury crisis. Scott McTominay, and Rasmus Hojlund both start. They have scored all of Napoli\u2019s Champions League goals between them.<\/p>\n Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, James, Fofana, Cucurella, Santos, Caicedo, Estevao, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro.<\/p>\n Subs: Jorgensen, Merrick, Acheampong, Badiashile, Chalobah, Hato, Palmer, Gittens, Garnacho, Delap, George, Guiu.<\/p>\n Liverpool team news: Gravenberch at centre back<\/p>\n Ryan Gravenberch starts at centre back for Liverpool tonight with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konat\u00e9 both absent. Curtis Jones misses out altogether through illness (Paul Joyce writes).<\/p>\n Liverpool XI: Alisson, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.<\/p>\n Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Ngumoha.<\/p>\n Newcastle team news: Woltemade starts but no Gordon<\/p>\n Nick Woltemade starts in Paris as Newcastle<\/a> look for the win that would take them into the top eight and automatic qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League for the first time in the club\u2019s history (Martin Hardy writes).<\/p>\n Dan Burn also returns for the first time since he broke a rib and punctured a lung against Sunderland. <\/p>\n Gordon drops to the bench for Newcastle<\/p>\n SERENA TAYLOR\/GETTY<\/p>\n Eddie Howe looks to have opted for a tactical change, with Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock starting. The big surprise is the absence from the starting XI of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle\u2019s top two scorers in the competition this season.<\/p>\n Newcastle XI: Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock.<\/p>\n Subs: Ramsdale, Harris, Trippier, Wissa, Gordon, Barnes, Osula, J.Murphy, A.Murphy, Guimaraes, Shahar.<\/p>\n Chelsea have urged their fans to exercise \u201cextreme caution\u201d after a group of supporters were attacked in Naples before their Champions League<\/a> fixture tonight (Peter Rutzler writes).<\/p>\n A group of seven fans were ambushed on Tuesday evening, with witnesses claiming they were set upon by \u201c30 ultras\u201d while trying to enter a pub after having a pizza, ten minutes away from the Port of Naples.<\/p>\n One witness, who spoke to The Telegraph and gave his name only as Aadam, said his friend, Marcus, was stabbed with a screwdriver and that another had his coat ripped.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of us were in Chelsea<\/a> colours, nothing blue, or singing any songs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, we turned down a side street on the way to the pub and there was a group of about 30 ultras. They weren\u2019t wearing Napoli shirts and about half of them had their faces covered. Straight away they started shouting \u2018Where are you from?\u2019 and everyone knew it was dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Two Chelsea fans taken to hospital after being \u2018stabbed with screwdriver\u2019 in Naples<\/a><\/p>\n Conte and Costa\u2019s war of words<\/p>\n Antonio Conte has said he will not waste his time reading what \u201cintelligent or stupid people\u201d say about him after his former striker Diego Costa called him a \u201cvery bitter guy\u201d who \u201cprobably doesn\u2019t have sex at home\u201d (Peter Rutzler writes).<\/p>\n Conte says managing Chelsea between 2016 and 2018 was a great experience<\/p>\n CIRO DE LUCA\/ZUMA\/SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL<\/p>\n Conte, now the head coach of Napoli, won Chelsea<\/a>\u2019s most recent Premier League title, in 2016-17, with the help of top scorer Costa. But the Spain striker fell out with Conte after winning the title and re-ignited their feud in an interview with his former team-mate John Obi Mikel, in which he mocked the Italian\u2019s management style and sex life.<\/p>\n Chelsea visit the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona tonight for a reunion with Conte, whose side need a result to keep their hopes of a last-16 place alive. Liam Rosenior<\/a>\u2018s side need a win and for results to go their way for a top-eight finish.<\/p>\n Plenty of familiar faces will be on show in this one. Although Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour are both out injured, Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay are both expected to line-up for Napoli.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2018I Ignore stupid people\u2019 \u2014 Conte hits back at Costa over \u2018no sex\u2019 jibe<\/a><\/p>\n Napoli v Qarabag, 8pm, TNT Sports 4<\/p>\n Gary Jacob is in place at the Emirates…<\/p>\n If Gunnersaurus \u2014 Arsenal<\/a>\u2018s 7ft tall green dinosaur mascot \u2014 was not so busy doing selfies, he might find a role in their set pieces against Kairat tonight.<\/p>\n Arsenal are reminding fans of their Champions League record on the front cover of the programme\u2026.<\/p>\n Arne Slot believes Liverpool<\/a> can still win silverware this season and drown out the \u201cnoise\u201d that is building around his future at the club (Paul Joyce writes).<\/p>\n The Liverpool<\/a> head coach accepted that the scrutiny will intensify unless his team make significant improvements at both ends of the pitch, which will banish the \u201cbad cocktail\u201d that is holding them back.<\/p>\n Slot will hope his side can return to winning ways against Qarabag after their 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday<\/p>\n PETER BYRNE\/PA<\/p>\n But while the reigning Premier League champions have toiled domestically in what has been a flawed title defence, their fortunes have been rosier in Europe. Victory over Qarabag \u2014 Liverpool\u2019s 139th opponent in Europe \u2014 at Anfield tonight will guarantee their passage into the last 16.<\/p>\n Slot hopes progress in both competitions can help his side to salvage their season, but is acutely aware of the consequences of falling short.<\/p>\n \u2022 Slot: I can fix \u2018bad cocktail\u2019 to drown out noise over my future<\/a><\/p>\n Liverpool v Qarabag, 8pm, TNT Sports 2<\/p>\n Can Spurs distract from faltering domestic campaign?<\/p>\n Tottenham have a big chance to beat a struggling Eintracht Frankfurt side at Deutsche Bank Park tonight and secure a place in the top eight (Tom Allnutt writes).<\/p>\n Spurs<\/a> are fifth, after losing only one of their seven games so far, but they will likely need to beat Frankfurt to avoid the play-off round next month, given eight sides are just one point below them in the table.<\/p>\n Odobert and Kolo Muani wait for assistance in a lay-by beside the damaged Ferrari<\/p>\n @LILYWHITE_ROSE\/X<\/p>\n Randal Kolo Muani, who was involved a minor car accident yesterday, was delayed but has joined up with the squad in Germany, along with Wilson Odobert, who was also delayed after he pulled over to check Kolo Muani was not hurt. Thomas Frank said yesterday he expected both players to be available to play. <\/p>\n![\"SSC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/bd71ed5d-eaf9-4e44-85c2-ace1be3a8817.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/56393d8c-e15d-4a4b-9efc-49726a3de14c.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Liverpool](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/123f106e-cca8-4d70-a468-5ac3aec32413.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/4ce8849d-93b5-44d1-a723-7f732fdad210.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Portugal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/c3bbe316-019b-4787-8aa8-ae90c0d25c80.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"SL](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/85bec641-a1f9-4903-9a8a-93387ba2a5d4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Paris](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/876244f8-e659-4e85-93ec-a7d19d286e8f.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Paris](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/ab6b39e1-70aa-4d07-9f8e-956cfae6ae9c.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"SSC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/98758eab-c909-4d09-a32d-ad7dbd3401b5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/511d639c-5bee-4c88-9fb9-c152aa07c801.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-BENFICA-REAL](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/0a2a7a6e-10d7-492f-84ec-eae2e0459a60.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"SL](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/40d2bcb4-31dd-480e-b5a9-c9b7be67d770.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/3910f868-9873-43da-b398-2cad8789c8f0.jpg\")
![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/61c4f3f8-7245-4b4e-84df-3188204f5f19.jpg\")
Barcelona goal means Newcastle drop out of top eight<\/p>\n![\"FBL-EUR-C1-BARCELONA-COPENHAGEN\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/6c4134bc-de8a-467c-afe9-0200aa156e11.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u2022 Willock\u2019s equaliser means Newcastle are in eighth on goal difference
\u2022 Even though Spurs have not taken the lead in Frankfurt, they remain in the top eight
\u2022 Liverpool and Manchester City have put themselves in strong positions as both lead 2-0
\u2022 Arsenal are on course to top the league phase<\/p>\n![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/e3d82602-21b7-4ed4-ae69-c138f1f56e1f.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"SSC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/f3d29f5d-3c8a-4d3d-b7fb-e0cca77a062a.jpg\")
![\"Liverpool](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/e4b61cd2-cd5b-4282-8cbf-be03fbec6753.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Manchester,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/7d232729-ce14-4b02-a47a-794a3ffe4ea8.jpg\")
![\"Manchester](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/c107a63d-c8da-4f76-adef-bd6764d77044.jpg\")
GOAL! Liverpool 2 Qarabag 0<\/p>\n![\"Liverpool](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/b51d3482-587a-474f-b011-b00b2a2cd7a6.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Liverpool,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/d2d7ea93-21e3-4996-8044-2658ff4ed9d3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Eintracht](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/c6317d95-7ced-4788-b4d8-b1cd28009efc.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"UEFA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/ab2f7c5f-4090-489f-a41a-56ed2fad58bf.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/b7af5dea-46df-4d39-a9a8-205226840ad5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"FBL-EUR-C1-NAPOLI-CHELSEA\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/3dd10f4d-ed54-452d-a87a-8a0ab164c578.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Paris](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/f56e99a0-8b73-4c01-a0a6-1cd0d6cb7ccd.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"January](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/a5491bf5-8e17-4807-aa62-717f04f3cce9.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/13a67c4c-0af8-42f9-85f1-1d133d6f5c78.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/d1cc9346-751f-403a-9637-6085ecb1d438.jpeg\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/b379b146-72e4-405d-8826-c7952a49482b.jpeg\")
Can success in Europe drown out noise for Liverpool?<\/p>\n![\"Liverpool](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/f9a6c31b-f9ee-4e76-b58f-c20741ec6827.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Wilson](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/6882f13a-4004-498b-ae7c-26ceba2a57d6.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/\/e56aa9e0-c0d5-457e-8880-da15740cdf68.jpg\")
<\/p>\n