The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 has started and the first matchweek is over as well. On the very first matchday, Bayern Munich thrashed Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb with a scoreline of 9-2 and became the first-ever team to score nine goals in a UCL match. They have also registered themselves as the first-ever team to have a huge margin of victory in the new UCL League Phase format.

In this article, we are going to look back to some of the biggest wins in Champions League history since the modern UCL Era, which started in 1992.

Biggest wins in the Champions League Group Stage

The new League phase format of the UCL has replaced the Group Stage format which existed from 1991-92 to the 2023-24 season. These classic group stages have seen some of the craziest victories by a huge scoreline. Here are the following matches:

1. Liverpool FC 8-0 Besiktas JK | UCL 2007-08

Liverpool FC met Turkish side Besiktas JK in the group stage of UCL 2007-08 at the Anfield. Peter Crouch opened the scoring spree for Liverpool in the 19th minute of the game. Following this, Youssi Benayoun scored a hat-trick to make it 4 for The Reds.

Steven Gerrard scored a goal in the 70th minute of the game, after which, Ryan Babel scored a brace to make it 7-0 for Liverpool. Peter Crouch put the final nail in the coffin as he scored his second and Liverpool's 8th goal. The match finished with a scoreline of 8-0 in favour of The Reds, six of which came in the second half. 

Rafael Benitez's men became the first team in UCL's history to score eight goals in a single UCL Group match as well as the first team to score six goals after half-time of a UCL match.

Read Also | Statistical Overlook of Messi vs Ronaldo Debate: Who Is the G.O.A.T?

2. Real Madrid 8-0 Malmo FF | UCL 2015-16

Champions League's most successful team in history, Real Madrid registered their biggest UCL Group Stage victory against Malmo, by 8-0 in the 2015-16 season. Cristiano Ronaldo was the most instrumental player for the Royal Whites, bagging 4 goals. He also scored a brilliant free-kick from outside the box. Karim Benzema drew the first blood in this match and ended with a hat-trick as well. Mateo Kovacic found himself on the scoreline with one goal.

Coincidentally, Rafael Benitez was again in charge, this time for Real Madrid.

Though the biggest winning margin in a UCL Group Match is by 8 goals, here are some significant huge victories that the Group stage has witnessed: 

Biggest Single-match victories in the Round of Sixteens

Round of Sixteen used to be the first Knock-out stage after the Group Stage being over. The previous UCL format ensured a two-legged tie in the knock-outs, except for the final. But sometimes, some teams finished their next round qualification in a singhe leg by a huge margin. Here are those matches:

1. Bayern Munich 7-0 Shakhtar Donetsk | UCL 2014-15

Bayern Munich ran riot agaisnt Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of their Round of Sixteen tie in 2014-15 season.The Bavarians defeated the opponent by scoring 7-0, a record in round of 16 stage.

Thomas Muller scored a brace; while Jerome Boateng, Frank Ribery, Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Holger Badstuber scored one each. Pep Guardiola was the manager of Bayern Munich that time. 

2. Manchester City 7-0 RB Leipzig | 2022-23

The 2022-23 season was Erling Haaland's first season in Manchester City colours and he made sure he broke tons of records for the Blues in his debut season. The Norwegian wonder scored 5 goals against RB Leipzig in the second leg of their tie, as Manchester City bulldozed RB Leipzig with a stunning scoreline of 7-0.

Read Also | Erling Haaland: Top 10 fastests to 20 UEFA Champions League goals 

Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne extended their lead to 7 goals by scoring one goal each. Later that season, Manchester City clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title by beating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul.

Again, coincidentally, Pep Guardiola was City's manager this time! 

Here are two other huge victories that happened in the Round Of Sixteens.

Winning Teams	Opponents	Scorelines	Season
Bayern Munich	FC Basel	7-0	2011-12
Manchester City	Schalke 04	7-0	2018-19

 

Biggest Single-match victories in Champions League Quarter Finals

Over the years, UCL Quarter Finals have seen some of the biggest and most iconic wins in the history of the competition. Here are the following matches:

1. Manchester United 7-1 AS Roma | 2006-07

Manchester United faced AS Roma in their Quarter Final tie of UCL the 2006-07 season. Though AS Roma had defeated Manchester United by 2-1 in the first leg, the Red Devils made an iconic comeback in the second leg after beating Roma by 7-1 at the Old Trafford.

Micheal Carrick scored the first goal for United in the 11th minute followed by two more from Alan Smith and Wayne Rooney in the first 20 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace as well, and Carrick scored another to make it six for United. Daniele De Rossi pulled one back for Roma, but Patrice Evra scored the seventh. 

2. Bayern Munich 8-2 FC Barcelona | 2019-20

This defeat was FC Barcelona's most humiliating one among their recent UCL appearances. Due to covid protocols, UEFA decided to arrange single-legged knock-outs in 2020.

Bayern made sure they stamp authority over the Catalonian side with a 8-2 victory. Thomas Muller scored early in the 4th minute into the game, but David Alaba's own goal awarded an equaliser to Barca. Ivan Perisic, Serge Gnabry scored one each and with Thomas Muller scoring again, the first half ended with a scoreline of 4-1 in favour of Bayern.

Though Luis Suarez scored another one for Barca, Bayern added 4 goals to their tally in the second half to make it 8-2 for them. Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski scored one each and Philippe Coutinho scored a brace for Bayern. 

Here are some other big-margin victories in the UCL Quarter Finals that are special: 

Winning Teams	Opponents	Scorelines	Season
Bayern Munich	FC Porto	6-1	2014-15
FC Barcelona	Shakhtar Donetsk	5-1	2010-11
Real Madrid	Tottenham Hotspur	4-0	2010-11
FC Barcelona	Bayern Munich	4-0	2008-09

Biggest Single-match victories in the Semi-finals

The UEFA Champions League Semifinal clashes have always been the finals before the final. For fact, more than the finals, it is the final-four battles, that made the fans gasp in shock, excitement and heartbreaks. Here in the following, we look back at some of the biggest single-match victories in UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

1. Real Madrid 4-0 Bayern Munich | 2013-14 

Real Madrid created history by defeating Bayern Munich by 4-0 in the second leg of the Champions League Semifinal in Allianz Arena in the 2013-14 season. Sergio Ramos scored two goals in a span of only 5 minutes, giving Real Madrid a lead of 2-0 within first 20 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo then scored a brace as well and Real Madrid registered an iconic away win. Following this victory, Real Madrid won their 10th UCL that season.

Read Also | Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League goals 

2. Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid | 2022-23

Manchester City defeated Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi-finals at Etihad, by 4-0 to enter what would be their greatest night in the club's history. Bernardo Silva scored an exquisite brace for City in the first half.

Followed by that, Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez scored one each to lead Man City into the Final. City went on to win their maiden UCL trophy that season.

Biggest wins in the Champions League Finals

AC Milan 4-0 FC Barcelona। 1993-94

AC Milan defeated FC Barcelona by 4-0 in the 1993-94 UEFA Champions League Final, to register the biggest win in Champions League final. Daniele Massaro scored a brace for Milan, followed by Dejan Savićević's strike in the 47th minute and Marcel Desailly's goal in the 58th minute.

These are some of the biggest wins in the modern era of the UEFA Champions League that started in 1992, excluding the European Cup history. 

Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.

The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.

Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.

New Format

Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.

South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.

There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.

The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.

Read Also | Substitutions that changed the football history

FIFA Club World Cup Groups

When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States of America.

How many teams will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

A total of 32 teams from 6 continents will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

AC Milan have presented a beautiful new kit for the club's 125-year celebration. The new kit is crafted by the renowned brand PUMA to give a tribute to the Rossoneri's 125 years of legacy as one of the greatest Italian clubs ever, and the shirt will be donned by AC Milan players in their next home game against Genoa in the iconic San Siro Stadium. 

Once upon a time in Rossonero… 📖🔴⚫

Introducing the 24/25 @pumafootball x #ACMilan 125th Anniversary Kit #MadeWithMilanismo #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/HKU5bJhYBA

— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 5, 2024

A stunning new kit to start the celebration

The fourth kit of AC Milan this season is a special edition kit, to celebrate the club's legacy of long 125 years. Founded in 1899, AC Milan have consolidated themselves as one of the greatest Italian clubs in history. The shirt is significantly unveiled today, on 5 December 2024, which is 12.5 if numerically written. 

The iconic red and black striped design which originally emerged in the 1950s now enhances the beauty of the new kit; whereas the logo describes "Milan Football and Cricket Club". The badge pays homage to the very first logo of the club and Herbert Kilpin, the club's founder who wanted the club to represent both football and cricket. An emblematic symbol of AC Milan during the 1980s called 'Diavoletto', which means 'Little Devil', is printed inside the jersey with an inscription that reads 'AC Milan 125.'

Back in December 2023, AC Milan invited some of its loyal supporters to the 'Design our Jersey. Design our Legacy' campaign. The key elements from AC Milan's long pages of history were chosen by the loyal supporters to be designed in the jersey. Only 1899 shirts each for a goalkeeper jersey, a football, and a limited edition retro jersey will be available to be purchased by fans. These shirts will also feature a unique serial number and receive an exclusive packaging. This is a tribute to the club's founding year, 1899. 

Nada como presentar una camiseta histórica con Franco Baresi. pic.twitter.com/n9ln28PDu2

— AC Milan TMN (@MilanTMN) December 5, 2024

Franco Baresi, AC Milan's Honorary Vice President expressed his emotions about the special jersey:

This jersey is a reflection of AC Milan’s soul - its passion, its history, and the vision for its future. As someone who has proudly represented this Club for 50 years in many different roles, this milestone represents a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family. The 125th Anniversary is a testament to the values and spirit that make AC Milan extraordinary, and this kit is a beautiful way to honour our journey while celebrating the unwavering bond with our fans.

On behalf of PUMA, Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport said:

The 125th Anniversary kit is not only a celebration of AC Milan’s past but also a tribute to the unwavering passion of its fans. We’re honored to have worked with the Rossoneri faithful to create something that’s not only a piece of football history but also designed for performance and pride.

The 125th-anniversary kit was officially unveiled yesterday in Milan in an exclusive event at the club’s Flagship Store in Via Dante. This special kit will make its exciting on-field debut on December 8 when AC Milan Women will take on Inter Milan in the Milan Derby, followed by the men's team facing Genoa on December 15 at the San Siro Stadium. 

Former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has been reportedly considered to be appointed as the next head coach of RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga side has been struggling across all competitions under current manager Marco Rose, and the Leipzig officials are in hunt for a new coach. 

🇳🇱🧠 Erik ten Hag has been on RB Leipzig's list recently, reports @SkySportDE. 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/xhNAkYJrGN

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 3, 2024

Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a series of distressing performances and he has not taken up any job since then. Now the Dutch coach has emerged as a strong candidate to sit in the dugout of RB Leipzig as the new head coach.  

The scenario 

Pressure is mounting on current Leipzig manager Marco Rose following RB Leipzig's poor display in the UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga. Leipzig is currently positioned 34th in the 36-team league phase, losing all five matches they played in the UCL this season. They are currently 4th in the Bundesliga table with 21 points in 12 matches but it is not very convincing for Marco Rose. 

Leipzig were on a 6-match winless streak since their second-round win by 4-2 in DFB Pokal against St. Pauli in October 2024. The club lost decisively to Dortmund, Hoffenheim, and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and fell to Celtic and Inter Milan in both UCL matches. They only managed to bag one point after their goalless draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 9 November 2024. 

However, Leipzig thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt by 3-0 in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 last night to progress to the next round which has brought a lifeline for Rose. Leipzig will face Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga later this week and they will face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League next week. Without any further development, both these matches will be very crucial for Rose and the German coach may try his best to save his job. 

The shortlisted candidates 

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was appointed the Global Strategist for Red Bull Football Group. Klopp will oversee the football operations across the clubs under Red Bull Football Group which are RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, RB Bragatino, and RB New York. There is a list of potential successors of Marco Rose and the next coach's name will be finalized by Jurgen Klopp, although he will start his tenure on 1 January 2025. 

🚨 Jurgen Klopp joins The Red Bull Group as new Global Head of Soccer, coordinating all the clubs including RB Leipzig, Salzburg and more.

Klopp will advise all the clubs on transfers/strategy from January 1, 2025.

“I want to develop the incredible soccer talent that we have”. pic.twitter.com/RTq4TpC2Iy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 9, 2024

Erik Ten Hag is reportedly the frontrunner for the job. The former Manchester United boss won two trophies at United but he is mostly respected for the construction of a feared Ajax side that reached the UCL semifinals in the 2018-19 season. 

According to Sky Germany, Roger Schmidt is another potential candidate for the job. The 57-year-old coach previously managed RB Leipzig's counterpart RB Salzburg and he was sacked by Benfica in August 2024. 

According to BILD, David Baum is also on the shortlist. Baum is currently the academy manager of RB Leipzig. The 45-year-old German coach previously managed German sides such as Augsburg and Schalke 04 and German national team age group teams. 

Hello and welcome to another Premier League LIVE coverage brought to you by Sportz Point. Tonight, we will be covering the epic encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United at the iconic Emirates Stadium in London. 

What to expect?

Manchester United somehow have reignited themselves under their new charismatic coach Ruben Amorim while Arsenal looking to catch Liverpool at the top of the table to stay in the title race. As both teams have plenty to win and even more to lose, this Arsenal vs Manchester United match becomes more interesting for the fans and viewers.

Read Also | Arsenal vs Manchester United: Match Preview, Head-to-Head Stats, Predictions, Possible Lineups

So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the build-up, updates, news and scores of the match. Enjoy the coverage.

Kylian Mbappe has issued an apologetic statement on Instagram claiming responsibility for Real Madrid's frustrating 1-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LalIga last night. Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe's attempt from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, ruining a huge chance for Madrid to grab an equalizer. Following the defeat, Mbappe posted a message to the fans on Instagram to convey an apology. 

Kylian Mbappe has issued this message after #RealMadrid's 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club this evening (via IG). pic.twitter.com/IkGrQaG8zM

— Football España (@footballespana_) December 4, 2024

Real Madrid faces a tough defeat 

Real Madrid spoiled a golden opportunity to decrease the points gap between them and league-leaders Barcelona, who are currently atop with 37 points in 16 matches. Real Madrid has accumulated 33 points so far, playing one game less than their eternal rivals. 

🔚 FINAL I GOOOOOAAAAAAZEEEEEEEEEN!

Enorme victoria del Athletic sobre el @realmadrid en un auténtico partidazo en San Mamés.

👏 ZORIONAK, MUTILAK! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uOq8lnB1lo

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024

The match against Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride for Los Blancos, as Kylian Mbappe's early goal was ruled out for offside in the 12th minute. Both teams failed to produce any goal in the first half. Alejandro Remiro scored in the 53rd minute to hand Bilbao the lead. 15 minutes later, Kylian Mbappe took the penalty in search of the equalizer but Julen Agirrezabala came out on top to deny his strike. Jude Bellingham found the equalizer in the 78th minute of the game, but all their efforts remained unfruitful as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Bilbao, only two minutes after Bellingham found the net. 

Real Madrid have already faced 5 defeats across all competitions this season, compared to their two defeats in the whole 2023-24 season. Athletic Bilbao has also found the winning ways against Real Madrid since March of 2015. 

Mbappe's woes continue

What should have been a dream take-off, turned into a dreadful dream for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has struggled to find his form for the Los Blancos. Although he has scored 10 goals in 20 games across all competitions, it does not equal or surpass the calibre he once provided in PSG and France shirts. 

This penalty miss against Athletic is Mbappe's second missed penalty in his Real Madrid career, while the first one came last week against Liverpool in Madrid's Champions League outing. On the other hand, Mbappe found the in the 12th minute but the flag was up for offside. Mbappe has been caught offside 22 times so far this season including last night!

However, these lackluster and inconsistent performances from Kylian Mbappe since the start of this season have taken a toll on his mental health. According to L'Equipe's reports in November 2024, Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with a psychological problem and emotionally devastated. Antoine Simonneau, a correspondent for 'L'Equipe' in Madrid, revealed to Carrusel Deportivo that Mbappe is the focus of many people’s anger in France. 

Mbappe also faced an unpleasant experience while dealing with France's national team coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps dropped Mbappe from France's squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy in November due to his poor form. 

However, Mbappe has issued a message via his Instagram story and offered hope for the fans. He said:

"Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take FULL responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show WHO I AM”.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his confidence in Mbappe. However, he admitted that the French superstar has yet to showcase his utmost potential. 

"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"However, we have to give him time to adapt (to Real Madrid). He has scored 10 goals and is working hard to improve and to do better.

"I haven't spoken to him yet. It was a complicated, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty... I don't evaluate a player's game because of a missed penalty... sometimes you score and sometimes you miss. Obviously, he's sad, disappointed, but we have to keep going."

via The Business Standard