Big changes coming to Women's Champions League as UEFA announce new format including 18-team league as well as new second tier competition

A new format for the Women's Champions League and the creation of a second European competition has been given the green light by UEFA.

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New format for Women's Champions LeagueSecond European competition to be createdChanges to come in for 2025-26 seasonWHAT HAPPENED?

The UEFA Executive Committee met in Hamburg on Saturday to approve a new format for the UEFA Women's Champions League and the creation of a second European competition for women's clubs. The committee ruled that these changes will come into effect for the 2025-26 season. The revamped Champions League will consist of an 18-team league phase with three home and away matches followed by knock-out rounds.

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These changes will bring the women's game in line with the men's Champions League, which will use this 'Swiss model' format from next season – where there is one big group rather than multiple groups of four teams. The creation of a first-ever second European competition is another step in the development of women's football.

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The men's game has had a second tier European competition since 1971, in what was called the UEFA Cup and since 2009 has been called the Europa League.

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UEFA say full details on the aforementioned competitions' formats, access list and calendar will be announced on Monday, December 4.

Inside Marcus Rashford's incredible car collection – from a sextet of Mercedes to McLaren 765LT

The Manchester United talisman's car collection is indeed one for the sports car aficionados.

Marcus Rashford is arguably the best player to have emerged from Carrington in recent memory as the Manchester United forward is now one of the most-feared Premier League attackers.

The 25-year-old made his first-team debut in 2016, at the age of 18, and has since become one of the mainstays of the United team. He is coming off his career-best season, scoring 30 goals in 56 games in all competitions in 2022-23. This was the first time that Rashford breached the 30-goal mark, thanks to his rejuvenation under new coach Erik ten Hag.

Owing to his performances and his undeniable stature in the team, Rashford penned a new five-year deal with the Red Devils that saw him become the top earner at the club.

For all his on-field exploits, the English superstar has a luxurious collection of cars at his disposal.

GOAL takes a look at which cars Rashford owns.

Audi RS4 Avant | £66,261 / $84,460

Audi RS4 Avant is one of the oldest cars that Rashford drives. This car is a 2016 model which cost Rashford £66,261 / $84,460. This was his first car after he broke into the Man Utd first team. In its B8 iteration, the 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine in the Audi RS4 Avant produced 444 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque. It has a top speed of 250 kmph (155 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph (0-62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds.

AdvertisementMercedes-AMG G63 | £141,215 / $180,000

Just like many other footballers, Rashford owns a G-Wagon, too – the stunning Mercedes-AMG G63. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine in the Mercedes-AMG G63 SUV cranks out 577 HP and 627 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 240 kmph (149 mph), it has a 0 to 100 kmph (62 mph) acceleration time of under 3.9 seconds. The Lamborghini Urus, Cadillac Escalade V Series, Mercedes-AMG GLS63 AMG, Audi RSQ8, and other high-performance vehicles compete with the AMG G-Wagon. Rashford paid an extra £10,000 for customisation, which takes the total cost of this car to around £150k.

Mercedes-AMG GT63 S | £133,370 / $170,000

The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S successfully balances power and grace. This four-door coupe captivates with its aerodynamic shape and astonishing power from the hand-built V8 engine. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S generates 630 HP and 664 lb-ft of torque. It has a top speed of 314 kmph (195 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph (62 mph) in under 2.9 seconds.

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Mercedes-AMG A45 Hatchback | £41,121 / $52,415

Rashford simply loves Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG hatchback, which has the distinction of being the most revered hatchback in the present day because it comes with a dedicated drift mode, is United's No. 10's least expensive vehicle. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 410 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque powers this Mercedes. It has a top speed of 435 kmph (270 mph!) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds.

Man Utd's top 10 away and third kits of all time – ranked

As the Red Devils unveil their new away shirt for the 2023-24 season, GOAL ranks United's most stylish kits they've worn on the road

'Oh what fun it is to see United win away!' Manchester United's remarkable success in the Premier League era has owed a lot to the team's excellent form on the road, helped by having some of the loudest and most dedicated travelling fans in the division.

And they have had some exceptional away kits to accompany them on their journeys. But the less said about the team's away form in the 2022-23 season, the better.

And so as United unveil their opinion-splitting away kit for for 2023-24, GOAL ranks their previous efforts – and there's no room for the grey 'invisible' kit from Southampton in 1996!

Getty102001-02: Two for the price of one

The club released this reversible away and third kit to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of changing their name from Newton Heath to Manchester United. It was a gift for fans who liked getting value for their money, as they effectively got two shirts for the price of one.

The team wore the white shirt more often, the highlight being the epic FA Cup third-round clash at Aston Villa when they came from two goals down to win 3-2, sparking a huge pitch invasion.

The gold kit had less happy memories, such as back-to-back defeats at Arsenal in the League Cup and the Premier League, when Fabian Barthez made two howlers in a matter of minutes to gift Thierry Henry two goals.

AdvertisementGetty92012-14: Van Persie's clinical season

After agonisingly missing out on the 2011-12 Premier League title to Sergio Aguero's 94th-minute goal for Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson demanded a prolific striker to ensure his side wrestled the title back from City. He got Robin van Persie, who had just had his best season with Arsenal and would need no time to bed in.

The Dutchman was outstanding in his first campaign, and some of his best moments came wearing this white away kit. One of his first away matches was at Southampton, when he missed a penalty but came roaring back to score a hat-trick, snatching a 3-2 win with an added-time header.

He had another day to remember while wearing the shirt at Anfield, scoring a late spot-kick to seal a 2-1 comeback win. Van Persie won the Golden Boot with 26 Premier League goals while United stormed their way to their 20th league title. Fittingly, the Dutchman bagged a hat-trick to mathematically seal it against Aston Villa.

Getty82016-17: Europa League glory in blue

Blue is not the first colour that comes to mind when you think of Manchester United, but it was fitting that the team wore this shirt in the Europa League final against Ajax. They had won their first European Cup in 1968 while wearing blue, and the colours served them well as they coasted to a 2-0 win in Stockholm.

It was a poignant night, as it came just two days after the shocking Manchester Arena bombing. On a day when the world was watching, the team did their city proud.

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Getty Images7 2020-21: Unbeaten away all season

When United slumped to their eighth away defeat of the 2022-23 season by losing at West Ham, it was hard to believe that only two years ago the same team went 29 matches without losing an away game in the Premier League. That included the entirety of the 2020-21 season, when the Red Devils made a habit of staging comebacks away from home.

Of course, the fact there were no fans in stadiums during that season due to coronavirus restrictions helped United' achieve this impressive record, but they were the only team in the league to end the campaign unbeaten on the road.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side overturned deficits at West Ham, Everton, Sheffield United and Southampton, the latter two while wearing their black away kit (the less said about the ghastly third kit, which resembled a zebra, the better).

It was at St Mary's that Edinson Cavani had one of the finest moments of his brief two-year spell with the club, equalising with a diving header after coming off the bench then sealing a 3-2 victory in added time with another header.

Watch out Max Verstappen! Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi drives bright pink racing car during family trip to Disneyland Paris

Formula 1 Max Verstappen may have competition in the racing stakes, with Lionel Messi spotted driving a bright pink theme park car.

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Argentine superstar returned to Europe from USAPicked up another Ballon d'Or while in ParisTook the opportunity to relax & have some fun

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Inter Miami superstar was recently back in Europe to collect the eighth Ballon d’Or of his remarkable career. He spent time in Italy during that trip, while also returning to Paris – where he spent two years with PSG before heading to the United States – and picked up his latest Golden Ball in the French capital.

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Messi found time during a family vacation, which came at the end of his debut campaign in MLS, to pay a visit to Disneyland Paris. He took his young family along for a fun-filled day out, with the Argentine superstar happy to play the doting dad despite forever operating under the brightest of spotlights.

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Messi was never going to sail under the radar while taking in some theme park rides, with one eagle-eyed fan spotting the 2022 World Cup winner taking the wheel of a colourful sports car – one sporting Inter Miami colours – that he had to pretend was being driven around a track.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Messi has now taken in his final competitive game of 2023 – with Argentina playing out an eventful 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil at the Maracana – and will not be seen on the field again until Inter Miami return for pre-season. Various friendly dates are being mooted for the Florida-based outfit, although talk of facing Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo has been played down.

Ghana vs Nigeria: Five Black Stars who can wreck Super Eagles

Ahead of Tuesday's 2022 World Cup qualifying decider in Abuja, we look at five of Otto Addo's possible weapons against the Super Eagles

GettyJoseph Wollacott

The Swindon Town goalkeeper put up a fine display in Friday’s first leg fixture in Kumasi, producing some crucial saves, particularly on Moses Simon’s goal-bound shot. Another good day at the office on Tuesday can massively frustrate the hosts.

AdvertisementGettyDaniel Amartey

The most experienced man in Ghana’s backline, the Leicester City defender kept Nigeria danger man Victor Osimhen quiet on Friday. Should the centre-back find his rhythm again, he could significantly contribute to spoiling the Super Eagles’ party in Abuja.

Goal Kenya.Thomas Partey

By his own standard, Partey did not exactly live up to expectations on Friday. But by what he has shown at club level for Arsenal in recent times, the former Atletico Madrid man is more than capable of silencing Nigeria’s midfield.

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GettyMohammed Kudus

Kudus had a quiet first half on Friday but raised his game after the break. A repeat of his second half performance on Tuesday, or probably something even better, could spell doom for the hosts.

VIDEO: AC Milan post hilarious response to masked Kanye West's visit to Inter as Dua Lipa, Tom Cruise & Will Smith are 'spotted' at their training base

AC Milan poked fun at rivals Inter after a masked Kanye West watched them play at San Siro, jokingly welcoming some A-list celebrities at training.

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West watches Inter-Atletico at San SiroRap legend attends in all-black maskAC Milan poke fun at appearance with videoGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The rap legend made an impromptu appearance at the Nerazzurri's 1-0 home victory over Atletico on Wednesday, watching on as Inter took a narrow advantage into their Champions League last-16 second leg. West did, however, appear in a completely blacked out mask to hide his identity in a wardrobe choice he has adopted at recent events. Inter's rivals Milan couldn't resist a cheeky dig, claiming the likes of Dua Lipa, Tom Cruise and Will Smith were in attendance at their training centre in similar masked outfits.

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Despite Milan's jokey post, West's appearance at San Siro was genuine. The American rapper featured after recently collaborating with Inter's Curva Nord ultras for two tracks on his latest 'Vultures 1' album alongside Ty Dolla Sign. The Italy links also extend to wife Bianca Censori, who is of Italian-Australian heritage.

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With West watching on from afar, Serie A's runaway leaders again got the business done on the continental stage. They narrowly missed out on a fourth European crown in last year's final to Manchester City.

Kylian Mbappe is house hunting! PSG superstar's mum & agent travels to Spain to find him new home as Real Madrid transfer beckons

The mother and agent of Kylian Mbappe, Fayza Lamari, has travelled to Spain to find a house ahead of the forward's move to Real Madrid this summer.

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Mbappe's mum has travelled to SpainOn the hunt for a house ahead of moveForward expected to sign Real Madrid dealWHAT HAPPENED?

The player's mum and other members of his entourage have been in Madrid recently, according to as they begin preparations for his move to the Spanish capital. Finding a house for the attacker is one of the main issues on their plate, as it may take time to find the right property and security for such a big name.

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Mbappe looks set to join the Santiago Bernabeu side to bring an end to a transfer saga that has been dragging on for years. The 25-year-old has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season and it has been reported in Spain that he has reached an agreement with Madrid, though he is said to have denied such claims this week.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mbappe joined PSG in an initial loan deal in 2017 but reports of an imminent move to Madrid have been circulating since shortly afterwards. The France star has won five Ligue 1 titles so far with the club but will hope to add more glory to his name – including in the shape of a Champions League crown – before he leaves for Madrid.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

The attacker's entourage will hope to found the perfect home to help make his transition to life in Spain as smooth as possible before he starts work with Carlo Ancelotti's team, who are chasing down La Liga and Champions League success this term.

Gabriel Martinelli to return, Thomas Partey a doubt: Arsenal team news and predicted XI vs Leicester City

A look at the latest Arsenal team and injury news ahead of Mikel Arteta's side's visit to Leicester City in the Premier League

Arsenal will be looking to build on their thrilling win against Aston Villa when they travel to Leicester City on Saturday.

The Gunners go into the game two points clear at the top of the Premier League and have a chance to put more pressure on second-placed Manchester City, who play after them once again this weekend.

So how are things shaping up at Arsenal ahead of their visit to the King Power Stadium? Below, GOAL takes a look.

GettyArsenal team news

Thomas Partey continues to be assessed having missed Arsenal’s last two games with a muscle injury. Arsenal will make a late decision on Partey's fitness, but given Jorginho’s form it’s unlikely they will take any risks on the Ghana international. Bukayo Saka is expected to be fine to feature despite having to receive treatment on an ankle injury last weekend, while Emile Smith Rowe is now fully available following his recent lay-off. Gabriel Jesus continues to progress well with his recovery following knee surgery, but Arsenal are managing his return to training carefully to limit the chances of the striker suffering any setbacks. Mohamed Elneny, who signed a new contract earlier in the week, is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesKey man – Bukayo Saka

Manchester United highlighted Leicester City’s weaknesses down the flanks last weekend, with Marcus Rashford twice beating the offside trap to race clear and score. Arsenal will have noted that and they will feel Bukayo Saka could get lots of joy if they can break quickly and get the ball to the 21-year-old when he is in space. Saka has scored in each of Arsenal’s last two games and it would be no surprise to see him add to the 10 goals he has already scored this season on Saturday.

Getty ImagesTalking point

What will Mikel Arteta do with Gabriel Martinelli? The Arsenal manager left the Brazilian out of a Premier League starting XI for the first time this season against Aston Villa last weekend, but Martinelli responded by coming off the bench to make a huge impact on the game. He set up Jorginho for the shot that led to Arsenal taking a 3-2 lead and then finished the game off himself moments later when he raced away to add a fourth. So Arteta must now decide whether to bring Martinelli straight back into the starting XI, or leave him on the bench in the hope he could make a similar impact if needed in the second half.

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GettyWhat has Arteta said?

Arsenal’s manager believes his team will go into Saturday’s game as confident as they have been all season, thanks to the dramatic comeback success at Aston Villa last time out.

“I feel like it’s right back with more belief than before, because you have to put performances into results,” Arteta said. “There are still a lot of things to improve and we have to be humble enough to see those things, recognise them, work on them because we cannot have those big margins. We don’t need to produce as much as we do in every single game to win matches. A smaller margin [of chances] should be enough to win in this league and we need to improve that.”

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr mesmerised by giant ‘200’ tifo for his dad before Portugal superstar takes record-breaking international goal tally to 125

Cristiano Ronaldo Junior got to watch his dad fire Portugal to Euro 2024, with the youngster mesmerised by a giant ‘200’ tifo prior to kick-off.

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All-time great in Euro 2024 qualifying actionRecord acknowledged prior to kick-offSecured place at another major finalsWHAT HAPPENED?

The youngster was in attendance for a qualification clash with Slovakia that saw his father bag another brace. Ronaldo senior was once again the star of the show for his country as he dominated proceedings before, during and after.

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Ronaldo continues to rewrite the record books, becoming the first player in the history of men’s international football to reach 200 caps. That achievement was recognised prior to kick-off in Porto on Friday.

InstagramDID YOU KNOW?

Cristiano Jr sat in the stands – proudly wearing a Sporting jersey at the home of their arch-rivals – and looked on with glee as the efforts of his father were acknowledged. Georgina Rodriguez posted a video on her Instagram account of the 13-year-old taking everything in.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Portugal are now guaranteed to take part at next summer’s European Championship in Germany and it is likely that Cristiano Jr and Georgina will be in attendance again at that event. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who is playing his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, is reportedly looking to prolong his career through to the 2026 World Cup finals.

USMNT star Matt Turner didn’t take a goal kick until he was 20 as Nottingham Forest keeper was a ‘baseball & basketball guy’

USMNT star Matt Turner admits that he was a “baseball and basketball guy” growing up and did not take his own goal kicks until the age of 20.

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Favoured other sports growing upNow a Premier League playerIs always looking to improveWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international has progressed rapidly from that point, with 33 senior caps won with his country. Turner has also starred in MLS for the New England Revolution, earning him a transfer to Premier League giants Arsenal and eventually on to Nottingham Forest.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID

Turner has a come long in a relatively short space of time, with the New Jersey native telling of his upbringing and being a late bloomer in football terms: “The World Cup in 2010 was really what got me into the sport. That's when I was 16 and started playing soccer, or football, year round after that. Before that, I kind of flirted with the idea of playing. Both my older sisters played, but really I was more a baseball guy, a basketball guy and they are the sports I played since I could walk. I couldn't take my own goal kicks until I was 20 years old. I just didn't have the ability or strength to really lift the ball up into the air. I was always that goalkeeper that was asking the centre-back to come take his goal kicks. The hard thing for me was catching up with my technique.”

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Having completed that process, Turner believes that he still has plenty left to achieve in the game. At 29 years of age, and having joined Forest for £10 million ($12m) over the summer, he added on his past, present and future: “I knew that if I wanted to be on the pitch I had to take care of what I could take care of – which was defending the goal. That is basically what I built my career off of – being solid and consistent. Then those other areas of my game have been developing over the last few years. The great part of starting so late is that, yes, I'm 29 but I really do feel young. I feel like I have so much to learn and to grow. And that is how I approach every day. I don't approach every day thinking I'm where I can be, and I'm at my maximum and that I can't learn anything more today to make tomorrow better. That couldn't be more opposite to how I view every day.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Turner has quickly made the number one spot his own at the City Ground, having struggled for regular game time at Arsenal, and will be hoping to retain starting duties with the USMNT through to a home World Cup in 2026.

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