Longest unbeaten runs in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-game run

Sporting CP thrashes Manchester City by 4-1, ending Manchester City's record 26-match unbeaten streak in the UEFA Champions League. City recorded the longest unbeaten run in the UCL after winning against Sparta Praha in the last match-week.

(Image Source | Bitter and Blue)

Manchester City has failed to win a UEFA Champions League match since May 2022 as Sporting CP crushed the English side by 4-1 with Viktor Gyรถkeres scoring a hat-trick. Ruben Amorim's brigade ends Manchester City's record unbeaten run of 26 games in the UCL. 

Pep Guardiola's men broke United's record of 25-game unbeaten streak in City's last UCL outing against Sparta Praha last week, making it more memorable with a 5-0 win. However, the defeat to Sporting has ended City's record-breaking 26-match unbeaten run which is the longest unbeaten run in the UCL.

Although Man City broke the record set by their long-standing rival Manchester United; the Red Devils are the only team to maintain an unbeaten streak of more than 15 games three times in different periods. 

Here are the longest unbeaten runs in the UEFA Champions League:

1. Manchester City | 26 games (2022-2024)

Longest unbeaten run in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-match run-sportzpoint.com

Manchester City's unbeaten run started in September 2022 whereas their last defeat before that came against Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2021-22 UCL semi-final where they lost 1-3 to the eventual champions. 

Following that defeat at Bernabeu, Manchester City went on to be undefeated in 26 UCL matches consisting of 18 wins and 8 draws. During this period, Manchester City lifted their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy in their historic treble-winning 2022-23 season.

Manchester City could not retain the title next season, but their exit came in the Quarter-finals after two draws in both legs and Real Madrid knocked City out in penalties.

However, City extended their unbeaten run to 25 games after thrashing Slovan Bratislava by 4-0 and broke the all-time record and stretched it to 26 games after crushing Sparta Praha by 5-0 last matchday. Now their run comes to an end after losing 1-4 to Sporting CP on 6 November 2024.

2. Manchester United | 25 games (2007-2009)

Longest unbeaten run in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-match run-sportzpoint.com

Manchester United remained unbeaten for 25 games from September 2007 to May 2009 when they lost 0-2 to FC Barcelona in the 2008-09 UCL Final. The Red Devils' unbeaten run started with a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the only goal. 

However, their stint included the 2007-08 UCL Final when they defeated Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out. This one remains as of the most iconic undefeated UCL-winning campaigns.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red Devils continued their streak and reached a second consecutive UCL Final in the 2008-09 season. Barcelona ensured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United and United's unbeaten streak ended as well. 

3. Ajax Amsterdam | 20 games (1985-1996)

Longest unbeaten run in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-match run-sportzpoint.com

Ajax is only the third team to remain unbeaten in the Champions League for 20+ games and the Dutch side made the record in a 10-and-a-half-year period; extended to both the European Cup and the Champions League era!

Ajax's unbeaten run of 20 games reigned for this extensive period of time due to an incident that led Ajax to get banned from European competitions for a year in 1990 and they could not qualify from 1985 to 1988 and 1991 to 1993. 

Ajax was banned for a year from participating in European competitions following their 1989-90 UEFA Cup defeat against Austria Wien where an Ajax fan threw a bar towards the ground during the match and Wien's keeper Franz Wohlfahrt got injured. 

However, the return of Ajax to the UCL remains iconic to date for their undefeated 1994-95 UCL-winning campaign as the Louis Van Gaal-coached side beat AC Milan by 1-0 in the final. Ajax's unbeaten run ended in a 0-1 defeat to Panathinaikos in the first leg of the 1995-96 UCL semi-final.

4. Bayern Munich | 19 games (2019-2021) 

Longest unbeaten run in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-match run-sportzpoint.com

Bayern Munich kept their unbeaten streak intact for 19 matches from 2019 to 2021, which included their undefeated UCL victory in the 2019-20 season during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Bayern dominated their group by winning 6 out of 6 games and in the knock-out stages as well; with crushing Barcelona by 8-2 in the quarter-final. The Bavarians also became the first-ever team to win every match in a UCL campaign and maintain a 100% win record.

However, Bayern's 19-game streak ended in a 2-3 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the 2020-21 UCL quarter-final.

5. Bayern Munich | 19 games (2001-2002)

Longest unbeaten run in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-match run-sportzpoint.com

Bayern Munich had another great unbeaten run in the early 2000s, going 19 games without facing a defeat from 2001 to 2002. Following the 0-3 defeat against Lyon in the second group stage of the 2000-01 UCL, Bayern remained undefeated after that loss including the penalty shoot-out victory in the Final against Valencia to lift the 2000-01 UCL. 

Bayern extended their unbeaten run in the 2001-02 UCL as well and remained undefeated in both the first and second group stages. Bayern's run came to an end with a 0-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2001-02 UCL quarter-final. 

The longest unbeaten runs in the European Cup and Champions League history:

1. Manchester City โ€“ 26 games (6 Sep 2022 โ€“ 6 November 2024)
2. Manchester United โ€“ 25 games (19 Sep 2007 โ€“ 5 May 2009)
3. Ajax โ€“ 20 games (2 Oct 1985 โ€“ 20 Mar 1996)
4. Bayern Munich โ€“ 19 games (18 Sep 2019 โ€“ 17 Mar 2021)
5. Bayern Munich โ€“ 19 games (14 Mar 2001 โ€“ 2 Apr 2002)
*6. Crvena zvezda โ€“ 17 games (7 Sep 1988 โ€“ 6 Nov 1991)
7. Barcelona โ€“ 16 games (8 Mar 2011 โ€“ 3 Apr 2012)
8. Manchester United โ€“ 16 games (23 Oct 2001 โ€“ 23 Oct 2002)
9. Manchester United โ€“ 16 games (4 Mar 1998 โ€“ 29 Sep 1999)
10. Real Madrid โ€“ 15 games (12 Apr 2016 โ€“ 2 May 2017)
11. Barcelona โ€“ 15 games (14 Sep 2005 โ€“ 27 Sep 2006)
*12. FC Kรถln โ€“ 15 games (26 Sep 1962 โ€“ 11 April 1979)

*Starred ones happened in the European Cup era.

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Arsenal vs Manchester United Premier League 2024-25 Highlights | Arsenal hand Ruben Amorim his first defeat as United coach with a 2-0 win

Get the highlights of the epic Premier League 2024-25 clash of Arsenal vs Manchester United as Arsenal handed Ruben Amorim his first defeat as Manchester United coach with a 2-0 win.

Dec 4, 2024, 10:11 PM

Arsenal vs Manchester United Premier League 2024-25 LIVE Updates | Timber scores for Arsenal; ARS 1-0 MUN - sportzpoint.com

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.

LIVE Updates
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Arsenal vs Manchester United: Match Preview, Head-to-Head Stats, Predictions, Possible Lineups

Check out the full match preview, previous records, head-to-head stats, predictions, injury updates and possible lineups of the Arsenal vs Manchester United clash in Premier League 2024-25 season.

Muojindu Francis

Dec 4, 2024, 1:50 PM

Arsenal vs Manchester United: Match Preview, Head-to-Head Stats, Predictions, Possible Lineups - sportzpoint.com

Arsenal vs. Manchester United has been a feature of the Premier League schedule from the ferocious matches of the Arsรจne Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson era to current matchups involving up-and-coming talents. This rivalry is more than just a game; it's a display of pride, football history, and the ongoing struggle for dominance between two of the best teams in England.

Match Details

Match: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Date: 04/12/2024

Time: 1:30 am (IST)

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England.

Match Preview:

Struggles have marked Manchester United's season, but the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim has sparked a remarkable turnaround. The team is yet to lose under his leadership, with many attributing this resurgence to the "new manager bounce" phenomenon, where players step up to prove their worth. However, there is a noticeable improvement in United's attacking play beyond this initial lift. Amorim's high-intensity pressing and reliance on hardworking full-backs have added a new dimension to their game. Critics argue that the teams he has faced so far are not the strongest, making Arsenal his first real test.

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, this fixture holds special significance. In 2020, he masterminded a historic victory at Old Trafford, breaking a 14-year winless streak on United's turf, courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty. Despite Arsenal's progress under Arteta, Manchester United remains a formidable challenge.

This season, Arsenal has shown marked improvement, thanks to smart recruitment that has made the team more fluid in transitions and versatile in positional play. The ability to invert both flanks has added unpredictability to their build-up, making them a more cohesive and dangerous side.

Amorim faces a tactical dilemma heading into this match. Should he stick to his system, knowing Arsenal dismantled a Sporting Lisbon side built on his principles, or tweak his approach to counter Arteta's strengths? Balancing his philosophy with United's gradual adaptation to his style will be critical.

On paper, Arsenal appears the favourite, barring any late injuries that have frequently disrupted their season. However, if Amorim can exploit counterattacking opportunities and disrupt Arsenal's rhythm by limiting their time on the ball, United could pose significant problems.

For football enthusiasts, this midweek clash promises to be a perfect way to unwind and enjoy two contrasting styles of play from two historic clubs.

Head-to-Head Stats:

In the last 5 matches Arsenal has gotten the better of Manchester United 3 times with the last being a 1-0 win at the Old Trafford earlier in April this year, while the latter have won the other 2 leaving no room for a draw. however, the sides will face each other 3 times this season with the first one happening today. Below is the head-to-head record since 1995.

Total matches: 70

Arsenal: 23

Manchester United: 31

Draws: 16

Team News

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta and Thomas Partey - sportzpoint.com

While Arsenal has shown resilience in recent weeks, key players remain on the sidelines. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been absent since October 5th, following a 3-1 victory over Southampton, and Ben White is still recovering after undergoing knee surgery.

Midfield stalwart Thomas Partey, one of Arsenal's most consistent performers this season, missed the recent game against West Ham due to a recurring muscle issue. Although he seemed to have overcome this problem earlier in the season, concerns remain about his long-term fitness. The club is optimistic, however, that his absence will not be prolonged.

Additionally, both Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhรฃes have been managing fitness struggles. Gabriel, in particular, has been restricted to just 45 minutes in Arsenal's last two matches. The Brazilian defender first showed signs of discomfort during the Liverpool game, where he was substituted early in the second half.

On a brighter note, Kieran Tierney's return offers a welcome boost. After a summer transfer attempt failed, he has been reintegrated into the squad and is back to full fitness. His availability comes at a critical time, with fixtures piling up and Arsenal needing all hands on deck.

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim in charge of Manchester United

Amorim faces a selection headache with the suspension of English midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, both sidelined after picking up five yellow cards. These players have been instrumental in implementing the manager's playing philosophy since his arrival. Additionally, the availability of Leny Yoro, Johnny Evans, and Victor Lindelof remains uncertain, further complicating the situation.

Read Also | Ruben Amorin to Man United: What will happen to Erik's Ajax boys at United?

Key Players to Watch

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal vs Mancheste United: Players to watch out - Bukayo Saka - sportzpoint.com

Throughout the 2024โ€“2025 campaign, Bukayo Saka has consolidated his place among Arsenal's and England's top players with 10 assists and 5 goals in 12 matches. His on-field leadership, creativity, and consistency have all been combined to create truly outstanding performances.

Saka's offensive contribution continues to be an essential part of Arsenal's success. With numerous goals and assists, he has played a key role in breaking down defences, particularly in close games when his ability to float past opponents and produce accurate crosses or finishes has been crucial.

Another significant strength has been his adaptability; Saka has fit in well whether used on the right flank, in a more central position, or even sliding deeper to influence build-up play.

What sets this season apart is the increased maturity in his game. Saka has taken on greater responsibility, often stepping up in crucial moments, and with his ability to maintain composure under pressure, he will definitely pose a significant threat to the United Defence.

Read Also | The most shocking goal misses in Football history

Amad Diallo

Arsenal vs Manchester United: Players to watch out - Amad Diallo - sportzpoint.com

Under Ruben Amorim, Diallo secured his position as a vital player by putting on strong performances weekly after being overlooked in prior seasons with his involvement coming only as a squad rotation player.

United's attacking dynamics have greatly benefited from Diallo's rise and creative ability. He has shown remarkable dribbling skills, quick feet, and an eye for goal while playing mainly as a winger. Defences have struggled to keep up with his cutting inside from wide areas and unleashing strong shots or threading clever passes.

He will be an effective tactical weapon heading into this game for United

Possible Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya (GK), Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka

Manchester United: Andre Onana (GK), Dalot, De Ligt, Mazroui, Shaw, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee, Diallo

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Bayern's DFB Pokal nightmare continues, Leverkusen knocks them out from the Round of 16

The terrible run of Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal in recent years continues, following their elimination after losing by 0-1 to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen last night.

Bayern's DFB Pokal nightmare continues, Leverkusen knocks them out from the Round of 16 - sportzpoint.com

New manager Vincent Kompany has also failed to overturn Bayern Munich's terrible series of results in the DFB Pokal in recent years. Bayern have been eliminated from the 2024-25 DFB Pokal Round of 16 last night, losing by 0-1 to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen

Manuel Neuer faced an early red card which gave Bayern a tough blow in this crucial knock-out game. Bayern played over 70 minutes with 10 men but could not break the deadlock as Nathan Tella's only goal secured the victory for the defending champions. 

Bayern is eliminated from the 2024-25 DFB Pokal 

Vincent Kompany had to field Bayern's starting eleven without the most important piece of his puzzle โ€“ Harry Kane who had already scored 20 goals in 19 games this season across all competitions. Kane suffered a hamstring injury blow and he is expected to return by the end of the year. 

However, the woes continued for Bayern, as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer charged at a running Jeremie Frimpong in the 17th minute of the game. He nearly got past Neuer as the Bayern keeper came far off the line but he took Frimpong down. The referee did not take time to send Neuer off, which is remarkably the very first red card of the legendary keeper's career. 

Bayern's Neuer sent off for first time in 866-game career
Neuer got sent off in the 17th minute. (Image Credit | France24)

However, the game showcased a neck-to-neck fight but the reigning title holders emerged victorious at the end. Nathan Tella came on the pitch as a substitute in the 61st minute, and he scored an emphatic header in the 69th minute to draw the first blood. Bayern kept pushing and they came close to finding the equalizer but failed to produce any. 

Bayern Leverkusen progressed to the Quarter-Finals and they will fiercely continue their journey to defend the coveted title. 

Bayern Munich: DFB Pokal results in recent years

Live ticker: Kiel vs. FC Bayern - DFB Cup 20/21
Bayern lost to Holstein Kiel in 2021. (Image Credit | FC Bayern)

Bayern have faced worrying results in the DFB Pokal in recent years, with their last title coming in the 2019-20 season under manager Hansi Flick. Since Flick left Bayern, three managers have taken up the hot-seat of Bayern's head coach โ€“ Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, and now Vincent Kompany. But all of them failed to enter the semi-finals of DFB Pokal. 

The best result for the Bavaraians came in the 2022-23 season when they reached the Quarter-Finals under Thomas Tuchel, but faced a 1-2 defeat against SC Freiburg.

There have been two instances where Bayern faced some unbelievable defeats. Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel knocked Bayern out of the tournament after beating them 6-5 on penalties in the second-round match-up of the 2020-21 DFB Pokal. In the 2023-24 season, Bayern faced a shock defeat in the second round of the 2023-24 DFB Pokal as FC Saarbrรผcken, a third-tier German league side knocked Bayern out by beating them 2-1. 

Season Round Status Opponent Result
2019-20 Final Champions Bayer Leverkusen 4-2
2020-21 Second Round Eliminated Holstein Kiel 2-2 (6-5 pen)
2021-22 Second Round Eliminated Borussia Mรถnchengladbach 0-5
2022-23 Quarter Finals Eliminated SC Freiburg 1-2
2023-24 Second Round Eliminated  FC Saarbrรผcken 1-2
2024-25 Round of 16 Eliminated Bayer Leverkusen 0-1

 

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Ruben Amorim's first game at United ends in draw against Ipswich

Taking over the reins at Old Trafford more than a week ago. Ruben Amorim's first game as manager of Manchester United did not have the fairytale new manager excitement. Sportz Point takes a rundown on all the key highlights of the match.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 25, 2024, 10:45 AM

Ruben Amorim's first game at United ends in draw against Ipswich

At Portman Road, Manchester United and Ipswich Town played to a thrilling 2-2 draw to start Ruben Amorim's tenure at United. The eagerly awaited debut showcased both opportunities and difficulties as the Portuguese coach worked quickly to establish his tactical philosophy. 

Read Also| Liverpool secures narrow win against Southampton to extend their lead at the top of the table

First Half

Amad Diallo's dynamic run down the left side, playing in his new position as a right wing-back, set the stage for Manchester United's opening goal. Starting well inside his half, the Ivorian surged forward, carving out enough space to deliver a precise cross with his right foot. 

Marcus Rashford capitalized on the opportunity, darting ahead of Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to tap the ball into the net. The strike sent the traveling United fans into jubilation.

Read Also| Harry Kane becomes the fastest footballer to score 50 Bundesliga goals

As the first half neared its conclusion with the score tied at 1-1, Omari Hutchinson made an incisive move from the right, cutting inside to unleash a superb left-footed strike aimed at Onana's top right corner. The ball, however, took an unfortunate deflection off Noussair Mazraouiโ€™s head, altering its trajectory and making it even harder for Onana to react, ultimately crashing into the net.

Read Also| Five Arsenal stars who left and went on to win the Premier League with other clubs

Second Half

Amad Diallo of Manchester United in action against Ipswich- Sportz Point.com

As the second half began, Manchester United nearly mirrored their bright start to the first, with Garnacho coming close to scoring seconds after the restart. However, Muric saved his low shot from a tight angle well.

Ipswich quickly regained composure and almost took the lead when Delap redirected a low cross toward goal from close range, but Onana made a good save to deny him.

United created further opportunities, including a clear run by Garnacho and a clever exchange between Rashford and Bruno Fernandes on the edge of the box. However, solid defensive interventions by Cajuste and Oโ€™Shea thwarted both efforts.

Ipswich had a late chance when substitute Conor Chaplin narrowly missed Jack Clarke's cutback. At the other end, Amad showcased his creativity with an impressive dribble and shot in added time, but Ipswichโ€™s defense held firm. Ruben Amorimโ€™s United era began with a hard-earned point from a challenging encounter.

Read Also| Potential candidates to replace former Inter Miami coach Tata Martino

Final Score

Manchester United- 1 (Marcus Rashford 2')

Ipswich Town- 1 (Hutchinson 43')

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Harry Kane becomes the fastest footballer to score 50 Bundesliga goals

The English goal-machine has reached the benchmark of 50 goals in just 43 Bundesliga games, surpassing the previous record of Erling Haaland who scored 50 goals in 50 matches.

Harry Kane becomes the fastest footballer to score 50 Bundesliga goals

Harry Kane has touched the benchmark of scoring 50 goals in Bundesliga and he has done it in a very special way. Kane became the fastest-ever player to score 50 Bundesliga goals as he completed the feat in 43 Bundesliga games. 

Kane reached the 50-goal tally in Bundesliga after his scintillating hat-trick in Bayern's 3-0 victory over Augsburg in the Bundesliga last night. 

The Bayern forward is in formidable form this season, having already scored 20 goals in 17 games across all competitions for Bayern Munich.

The English goal-machine 

Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in 2023 following his departure from Tottenham. In his first season, Kane scored 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches for the German side and registered 8 goals in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Harry Kane finished as the top scorer in both cases and earned the European Golden Shoe Award for his brilliance. 

However, Kane is eyeing another Golden Boot win, as he has already registered 20 goals so far this season in 17 games, whereas he has now scored 14 goals in 11 Bundesliga games while also providing 7 assists. 

However, Harry Kane has broken Erling Haaland's record of scoring 50 goals in 50 Bundesliga games for Borussia Dortmund, before he opted to move to Manchester City in 2022. 

Kane has also scored 5 penalties among the 14 he scored. He spoke to DAZN after the Augsburg game regarding the penalties: 

"I work on them a lot, they're a big part of the game. They helped us again today.

"Of course I've missed many at training, but that's the time to miss them."

Kane's dream scoring spree continues as he has already scored three hat-tricks in Bundesliga including the Augsburg match last night, and it will be very interesting to see where Kane's goalscoring tally reaches this season! 

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