#Champions League round of 16

[calciopics]

Footy Deathmatch: Mason Mount vs Niklas Sule

[bvb-blog]

UCL MATCH DAY 5:

BVB VS AC MILAN

Dortmund qualify for the knock out stage after a sensational night in Milan! 🖤💛🐝

My thoughts:

Wow! What an incredible game! Within the first 10 minutes there was a penalty for each side. Credit to AC Milan who fought valiantly, but let the game get away from them in the second half. With this win we are through to the knock out stage!

I am still buzzing with joy after that game. The win, and qualification was great, but it was more than that. The way we played tonight was nothing short of impressive. There was so much fluid movement on the ball, flashes of individual brilliance, and stubborn defending. This is the team I knew we would become throughout the season. Only thing now is keeping it consistent. We have a tough month ahead of us, but with tonights results; I finally feel justified in being hopeful 😅. I have to sing my praises to Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Mats Hummels, and Gregor Kobel. They shined the brightest tonight in a sea of impressive performances.

Bynoe-Gittens was mesmerizing to watch. So confident, and creative on the ball, and winning a penalty that got us the opening gol. He starting to mold himself into a top class player.

Hummels was a nightmare for the opposing attack, and had MANY world class tackles to win us possession.

Last but certainly not least, Kobel saved us from going 0-1 down within 10 minutes, and kept the game in our favor on multiple occasions.

This has been the best performance of our 23/24 campaign. We have a tough month ahead of us, but with this win I am hopeful we can see it through. I hope the boys can keep this form and push forward. LETS GO BVB!🖤💛🐝

[genelatifah]

That 1 goal from the first leg was really their saviour. Kudos to Leipzig though, better luck next time.

[daminouspurity]

Atlético Madrid vs. Inter Milan | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 | Predictions EA Sports FC 24

[macozetlerihd]

#Napoli 3-0 #Eintracht #Frankfurt #European #Champions #League #Round #Of #16 #Match #Highlights & #Goals

[grantgustluv]

training camp - jude bellingham

pairings: jude bellingham x fem!footballer!reader

author’s note: hope you like it, let me know if you want a part 2 or send requests xxx

Jude could never stop staring when you were around. He’d always admired you. He wasn’t just in awe of your beauty but also your football skills. However, the admiring he did, or creepy stalking as Trent called it, was always done from afar. Jude was intimidated by you, even though you were 22 and Jude 20, you had still achieved so much more at a younger age in comparison to him and this drew him in even closer. At the age of 16 you had made the move from Manchester United to FC Barcelona, you had made your international debut for England at the age of 16 too, you had won the Champions League, WSL title, Liga F title, the Euros and now the World Cup. He wasn’t jealous, if anything he was proud, you were constantly proving people wrong and doing good for the women’s game and he was truly in awe of you because of this.

The sun was beating down on St. George’s Park and the men’s team had been given the afternoon off after a full morning of training in preparation for the pre-euro friendly against Belgium. A few of the players had decided to go out and watch the women’s team train. They stood by the side of the pitch observing them play, none of them could deny the fact that the Lionesses had a team made of some world class players. The full time whistle for the mini game was blown by Sarina and the girls started to make their way to get themselves a drink.

Jude noticed Gareth making his way over to Sarina and the two seemed to be in conversation for a while before the girls were called back over by the latter, with Gareth jogging over to Harry asking him to get the rest of the lads to come out onto the training pitch. Once the two teams had made their way to the training pitch, Gareth began, “Hey guys, we are aware that both of you have the afternoon off, however for a bit of a change we think it would be fun to have a mixed match,” Sarina carried on, “we’ll split you into mixed teams and carry out a mini tournament,” Jude looked over at you and caught you being nudged by Ella and Alessia, whatever they had said had caused you to grin. Jude’s heart nearly stopped when you turned around and made eye contact with him before quickly looking away and putting your head in your hands, with Ella and Alessia yet again giggling and nudging you.

After Sarina and Gareth’s announcement you felt elbows being nudged into your side. “I wonder who you want to be teamed up with?” Tooney mumbled in your ear with a teasing tone. You rolled your eyes at her, “don’t start” you warned her with a chuckle, a faint blushing growing on your cheeks. It was as if you could feel someone’s eyes burning into the back of your head as you turned round and were met with Jude’s warm eyes gazing at you. You quickly turned back around in embarrassment before you heard the teasing giggles of Tooney and Lessi from either side of you.

You had to say that you were pretty confident with your 7-a-side team. You were up in front, with Jude, Ella and Mason in midfield, Stonesy and Leah in defence and Mary in goal. Leah was assigned role of captain for your team and obviously gave a very motivational team talk before the tournament started. Not that you were actually paying attention to any of it, being too distracted by Jude’s arm wrapped comfortably around your waist in the team huddle. Jude felt like he never wanted to move from that position. He had never actually realised how small you were until he was stood directly next to you, he kept catching himself staring at you at every possible opportunity. Maybe Trent was right, maybe it was more than a crush.

[meazalykov]

Salma or Selma?

Salma Paralluelo x BarcaPlayer!R x Selma Bacha

Warnings: angst, anger/sadness, cheating, betrayal, author making up future champions league results for the plot so please don't bully me if things go differently irl, long chapter

The last few months were a whirlwind of emotions for Y/n L/n. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, an unsettling sensation that gnawed at her insides like a persistent itch. Despite the facade she tried to maintain, there were moments when doubt crept in, casting a shadow over her once happy and carefree personality. 

Y/n found herself second-guessing every word that came out of Salma Paralluelo’s mouth. A year ago, Salma and Y/n started dating. This boosted the joy in the 20 year old’s life.

She found warmth in Salma's touch and a kindness in her gaze that made her feel cherished and adored. She thought highly of Salma, being there for her when she won the World Cup, despite her own country being eliminated in the Round of 16. 

On the field, outside of their relationship, they’re a duo in Barcelona that couldn't be stopped by the opposition defenders. Y/n is a left winger while Salma was mainly positioned as a striker. The amount of goals and assists they’ve given each other boosted their playing confidence more. 

Overtime, the colors in the sky turned cloudy.

When Salma wasn’t with Y/n outside of football, the Spanish girl was with the goalkeeper on their team, Cata. This didn’t concern Y/n at first, the girl had trust in Salma and building bonds with teammates is important. Salma knew Cata before she knew Y/n anyways. 

Eventually, small things started to creep up onto Y/n’s mind. Salma and Cata had small inside jokes together. The duo were affectionate, which Y/n didn’t mind at first because that behavior isn’t uncommon in Spain.

Y/n suspicions were confirmed once she noticed Salma starting to ditch her to hang out with Cata, almost everyday. 

Salma promised that she is helping Cata with a recent breakup. Y/n wanted to press further but didn’t. The girl knew that other close friends on the team, Esmee or Ingrid for example, would tell her if they suspected something with Salma and Cata too. 

Though she desperately tried to dismiss her suspicions as paranoia, the nagging feeling persisted, festering beneath the surface like a wound that refused to scab and heal. With each passing day, as Salma continued to ditch their plans, Y/n's unease grew. And little did she know, the tempest of betrayal that awaited her would challenge everything she thought she knew about love and trust.

“Are you freaking kidding me?” Y/n yelled as she turned into a hallway at Johan Cruyff stadium. She walked with Esmee Brugts, happy about their win against SK Brann. Now, she stood as her heart sank into her stomach, shattered in a million pieces. 

Cata had her arms around Salma as the girl kissed down her neck, stopping once she heard the scream of her actual girlfriend. Salma jumped away, pushing Cata before looking right at Y/n, not knowing what to say at first. 

“So this is w-why you we-were ditching me?” Y/n’s voice broke.

The left winger started to panic. For a second, it felt as if she couldn’t breathe. The suspicions she had were real and weren't just a story she made up. Esmee noticed her panic, she gently pulled Y/n’s arm and turned her away from the cheater and the goalkeeper before things got worse. 

“Y/n wait-” 

“Not now.” The Dutch cut Salma off, looking at her with sadness and slight disappointment, before pulling Y/n away from what occurred. Esmee couldn’t believe what her friend was capable of too. 

The team didn’t find out what had happened. Y/n, Esmee, Salma, and Cata only knew. A week later, Salma showed up to Y/n’s apartment. She begged for another chance and mentioned that she cut Cata off. Y/n didn’t respond to her pleas for a couple of hours while Salma begged in her apartment.  

Eventually, Y/n took Salma back. With a heavy heart and a tentative embrace, Y/n chose to believe in the possibility of redemption. She missed Salma’s presence and allowed herself to be enveloped in the warmth of Salma's embrace once more.

The American international didn’t let the Spanish girl come back without promises though. She told Salma that she couldn’t talk to Cata outside of football, not mention what happened to anyone except for who already knew (Esmee and Cata obviously), and not to ditch her again. Salma smiled and agreed. 

For a month, things between the two looked the same from an outsider's perspective. They would’ve said that Y/n and Salma looked extremely happy with each other. Y/n scored 4 goals against Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League Semi-Finals. Salma had the brightest smile as she hugged her girlfriend. 

However, the scars of betrayal ran deep. Y/n never let the betrayal between Salma and Cata go. When Cata tried to congratulate her on her goal, Y/n just walked by her, saying “Thanks.” No hug or high five. 

Sometimes, she wonders if they’re still interested in each other. Y/n hopes she's not in the way of any possible feelings between the Spanish girls. 

Barcelona and Chelsea still have to compete in the second leg of the Semi-Final, but Y/n believed that Lyon and Barcelona will go head-to-head in the Champions League Final. Lyon is facing PSG in the Semi-Final but they've won the first leg 4-1.

Y/n is excited about a possible Champions League final, last year she won the final against Wolfsburg because of her goal that pushed Barcelona up 3-2 in the second half. 

A day after she got back from London, Y/n went out to celebrate with a few friends who came to Spain, from America, to visit her. Salma didn’t come with her to meet her friends because she wanted to go to a gym session instead, which Y/n believed. 

(Pretend this is you in these pictures below) 

y/n.l/n

tagged: urbestie

liked by selma_bacha, malpugh, and 44,927 others

americans in espana 🇪🇸🌞

comments

salmaparalluelo 😍😍

malpugh you're so cute

wososoccer478 she hasn't posted with salma in nearly 8 months 🥴

leahlover8 I noticed that! They're still together in fcbfemeni training pictures so they're okay I believe

aitanabonmati ☺️

esmeebrugts no invite? 😧🇳🇱

y/n.l/n next time Es I promise!

wosotranfernews the best friendship ^

----

A few hours after she posted on Instagram, Y/n got home to her apartment and took off her sandals. She placed her sandals right by the door before walking to her living room and laying down on top of her comfortable ivory couch.

She pulled her phone out of her brown leather bag, clicking on the lock button to see no notifications from Salma. Y/n heart started to race but she ignored it when she saw the sole notification on the phone from Instagram. 

selma_bacha 

hey 

Y/n raised her eyebrows in confusion as she stared at the notification on the pink iphone. She knew the french player who currently played at Lyon. Even though she is confused, she is intrigued too. Why is Selma reaching out to her, and why now? Selma and Y/n followed each other three years ago but haven’t talked until now. 

y/n.l/n 

hey. how are you?

The Barcelona player typed out a response, waiting for the response from the girl behind the screen. 

----

When y/n looked up at her phone, she noticed that it was twenty minutes past midnight. She got home from dinner with friends around nine. The conversation she had with Selma lasted three hours. The American scrolled down on her phone to see if she had notifications from her girlfriend Salma. 

None. 

The girl decided to give Salma the benefit of the doubt, despite her past cheating. Y/n continued to text the French girl for a few minutes before they’ve both decided to call it a night. 

selma_bacha 

goodnight 

y/n.l/n 

goodnight 

Y/n’s heart skipped a beat as a message from Selma illuminated her phone screen. The simple message might be nothing to others but to Y/n, it held a power within them. It had been so long since Salma had taken the time to bid her goodnight or good morning, even though they’ve been together for 14 months. The gesture from Selma touched Y/n in a way she couldn't quite explain. 

The American took a shower, changed into her night clothes, and laid in her bedroom in the quiet darkness, her thoughts drifting back to her conversation with the Lyon player. Talking to her felt so easy. Sometime in the conversion, their typed messages turned into audio messages and their shared laughter after their jokes made y/n happy in the absence of her girlfriend. At that moment, Y/n knew that she needed to talk to Selma more. She had so much in common with the Lyon player and their sense of humor aligned.��

-----

A month has gone by and Y/n was right, Lyon and Barcelona would be facing in the Champions League final. She felt a wave of excited emotions, knowing that this will be her second final with the team.

In the second leg against Chelsea, Y/n scored a hat trick and Caroline Graham Hansen scored the fourth goal. The game ended in a 4-2 win. The WSL team was sent home and Y/n felt bad as one of her USWNT teammates played for twenty minutes against her.

Salma and Y/n started to drift apart and the team started to question it. Aitana asked Y/n one day if things were okay, Y/n lied and said yes.

The Spanish girlfriend started to ditch her American girlfriend again. However, things were different this time. Y/n felt her heart go elsewhere as Salma abandoned her.

Over the month, Y/n engaged in everyday conversations with the Left-Back at Lyon. Selma and her had a few FaceTime calls and they're compatible in many ways.

Y/n started to question everything. She wanted to distance from Salma so she can figure out her feelings, but they're on the same team. At training, Salma found herself close with y/n so avoidance wasn't ideal. The American knew that she will see Selma in the Champions League final so she couldn't avoid her too.

In the quiet solitude of her plant and pink covered room, with the gentle hum of the Barcelona town outside her window, Y/n looked through her camera roll. She scrolled through her "Lover girl" album, which contained pictures of Salma and her together. Y/n felt her heart sink as she stopped at the last picture, clicking on the date to see that she didn't update the album since the night she caught Salma cheating on her with Cata.

Clicking off of the album, she went through her other folders to see many screenshots from her FaceTime calls with Selma Bacha. Y/n blushed as she saw Selma doing silly things on the calls, like (jokingly) getting angry over their Fifa games or making silly frowning faces .

Y/n's heart ached with the weight of indecision, torn between the familiar comfort of Salma and the extreme chemistry with Selma. Each possessed qualities that spoke to different parts of her soul, Salma with her history and shared memories, and Selma with her vibrant energy, admiration, and newfound connection.

As she wrestled with her thoughts, Y/n knew that the choice she made would shape the course of her future, a decision not just about love, but about her career and the kind of person she wanted to be.

Y/n exploded her bottled emotions onto her friend, Lindsey, from back home. Yes, Lindsey Horan from her International team that played for Lyon. The same Lindsey that knew Selma just as much as she knew Y/n.

"You know what they say. If there's two people in your life, pick the second one. Since there would've never been a second choice if you loved the first one enough." Lindsey said over the FaceTime. Yn laughed at how "corny" the saying is.

"I love Salma, Lindsey. However, I can't go on with this if I can't trust her." Y/n frowned.

"You shouldn't go on with her either if you want Selma involved with your future too. It sounds like Salma might leave you for Cata soon. No offense, I just need you to hear the truth before it happens..." Lindsey added on. Y/n took a deep breath, processing the blondes valid points.

"How do you know if Selma likes me?"

"Oh she likes you a lot. She's mentioned it to the team multiple times. Selma is just waiting on you to let Salma go." Lindsey confessed.

"I can't just break up with Salma. She'll move on to Cata and it'll break up the team's dynamics. It happened with a love triangle here before." Y/n explained, referring to the love triangle between Lucy Keira and Ona.

"Lyon is interested in you. Everyone involved in the transfer markets knows they want to activate your release clause. They just need your approval-- and maybe you can come here for a new start." Lindsey suggested. Y/n nodded at the possibility. She could leave Barcelona, leaving Cata and Salma to be together and she could be closer to Selma. Plus, Lyon is a big club like Barcelona so it's a good career move.

----

The tension hung heavy in the air as Barcelona squared off against Lyon in the electrifying Champions League final. The crowd's roars echoing like thunder in Y/n's ears as she stepped onto the field, her heart pounding in rhythm with the pulsating beat of the game.

At the first sight of Selma Bacha, y/n felt nervous. Nobody knew how she felt about her except for Lindsey, who is one of Lyon's midfielders currently. The Barcelona left winger took Lindsey’s suggestion into consideration and she has a few plans for her career after this final. 

During halftime, the game is 2-2. Caroline Graham Hansen scored a brace so far along with Becho having a brace for Lyon. The atmosphere is intense as there is another fourty-five minutes left. For Y/n, amidst the chaos of her thoughts, there lingered a deeper, more insidious feeling: guilt. 

She knew that she was breaking up with Salma after the season ended. Y/n never confronted Salma about seeing her talking to Cata secretly again before the match. The left-winger knows she is in the way of the two Spanish girls who want to be together. In consideration of her love for Salma, she decided that she will break up with her after the season ends rather than now. 

The girl wouldn't have to worry about the pre-season and the next season afterwards in Barcelona. Y/n talked with her agent and Lyon agreed to activate her release clause and will offer her a contract on the first day the transfer window opens in the summer. 

As the minutes ticked away and the score remained deadlocked, the pressure mounted, threatening to suffocate Y/n beneath its weight. Yes, she is facing her future club, but she is with Barcelona for now and wants to win with them for one last time. She had an energy driving her to push herself harder, to fight with every fiber of her being. When Salma scored a stunning goal in the 67th minute, by Y/n’s assist bringing the score up 3-2, the crowd exploded. 

Salma runs to the corner and celebrates with her usual “4 fingers'' symbol. Afterwards, she turns around and immediately holds her hands out to hug Y/n. The American sighed before smiling lightly, hugging her girlfriend tightly and pulled her face down on Salma’s shoulder. The news media and their shippers talk about this on social media, believing that they aren't broken up like rumors suspected. 

The girl inhaled Salma’s vanilla scent before looking into Salma’s eyes, pulling away before letting the rest of the team hug her. She frowned as she walked away, knowing that it might be the last time she will hug her soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. 

Y/n walks away towards the left side to see Selma, on the Lyon side, looking at her. The French player smirked before looking away, making the American girl blush. 

Selma had a feeling that Y/n will join her in Lyon after this season. The girl gave too many hints on their late night facetimes calls about “being able to see each other all of the time soon.” She knew Salma and Y/n were done, due to suspected cheating from the Spanish, so she didn’t feel badly about her flirtatious moves. 

Just when victory seemed within Barcelona’s grasp, fate intervened with a cruel twist of irony. Just two minutes after Salma’s goal for Barcelona, Lyon’s forward Diani passes the ball through the Barcelona box and Horan taps the ball into the net, right past Cata’s hands. 

The French crowd explodes as Horan runs to the corner of the box, yelling as she pumps her fist into the air in celebration. Y/n looks on at her USWNT captain, who looked so happy to score her goal with the Division 1 Feminine team. 

In the 85th minute, Ingrid Engen dribbled the ball up the field before seeing Aitana who was free to receive a pass. The ball goes up over the players before Aitana jumps up and hits it with her head. The ball flies up again before landing on Esmee’s boot. The Dutch “nutmegs” the ball through a Lyon defender before passing to Y/n. The American dribbles quickly through Selma Bacha before shooting the ball. As the ball goes through Endler’s legs, Y/n screams in excitement. Goal!

Barcelona 4-3

In the dying moments of the game, Selma's team managed to break through Barcelona’s defense, scoring a last-minute goal from Le Sommer that left Y/n reeling in disbelief. As the 90 minutes appeared on the watches on the referees wrists, 6 minutes of extra time were added to the board. 

4-4

Y/n looks over at her coach Jona, seeing that he wants the team to play defensively. A few minutes pass but it’s anyone's game. Y/n couldn’t break through the Lyon midfield when she had the ball a few times. 

She passes the ball down to Aitana, and the ballon d’or winner passes the ball down to Ingrid, who passes the ball back down to Cata who launches the ball across the field towards Claudia Pina.

Claudia and Selma both go up and try to head the ball towards a teammate. The Lyon player was successful and the ball landed on Horan’s boot. Y/n runs up to challenge the other American but Lindsey passes it to her striker before Y/n reaches her. 

Marta challenges Hegerburg who quickly dribbles around her. Ona goes to challenge the Lyon striker before pushing her inside of the penalty box, ruining the potential goal scoring opportunity. Almost all 22 players on the pitch ran to the ref, debating on the challenge as “just a foul” “tir de pénalité” “el desafío está fuera de la caja” and much more. The referee contacts the VAR room with their mini microphone before blowing the whistle. Lyon Penalty.  

Hegerburg, not injured by Ona’s contact, goes to take the penalty. Y/n felt her lungs close in as the crowd erupts in screams and whistles. She knew there was a minute left. If the Lyon striker makes the shot, Lyon wins the Champions League unless a miracle occurred. 

Y/n’s hands covered her face in disappointment as Hegerburg’s goal went behind the net. Cata moved to the left to block the shot when the hard shot went to the right. 

All of the Lyon players dressed in their Blue away jerseys ran to the corner and celebrated the penalty. The players on the bench even ran and screamed to celebrate the penalty. 

4-5

Not a single opportunity occurred for Barcelona before the final whistles blew. The scoreboard flashed 4-5 in favor of Selma's team. The Lyon players screamed as they all jumped on each other in joy. A wave of devastation washed over Y/n, the bitter taste of defeat staining her lips as she bit on them, trying not to cry in front of thousands of people. 

Yet, amidst the heartbreak and despair, there was a deeper wound that cut to the core of Y/n’s heart. At the moment, she stood alone on the pitch as other Barcelona players fell onto their knees in sadness, some clapped for their fans while having tears in their eyes, Ona ran away into the dressing room so she didn’t have to face the fans who were angry with her last minute mistake. 

At first, she thought about her girlfriend who is experiencing the loss too. She looked around to seek solace in Salma's embrace. She stood in the same spot with her hands on her hips as she continued to bite on her plump lips. 

What Y/n saw shattered her heart into a million pieces when she realized that Salma wasn’t looking for her. Instead, she watched in silent agony as Salma rushed to Cata's side. Cata sat on the grass and cried as Salma whispered affirmations in her ear. It looked so intimate. In that moment, as tears welled in Y/n's eyes and the weight of her loneliness, she knew that the scars of this defeat ran deeper than any she had ever known.

The American in the white away kit fell onto the grass and let all of her warm tears flow down her dimpled cheeks. She didn’t care who saw it and if pictures would be taken. Y/n’s suppressed feelings about her suspicions were confirmed. Salma chose Cata. In her worst moment, she wanted Cata’s comfort and not her own “girlfriend.” 

Y/n, in the back of her mind, knew that she was done with Salma. She couldn’t speak to her after this. She left her alone in the worst moment while she comforted the girl she committed infidelity with. 

The girl cried for a few minutes, feeling alone in this dark moment, before she felt the embrace of four arms around her body. She couldn’t see who it was, since she laid flat on the grass with her hands covering her face. 

“Y/n, You did amazing out there!” The American in the Barcelona jersey heard the voice of her USWNT captain, Lindsey. 

“No I didn’t” Y/n complained, ignoring her beautiful goal and two assists she made during the match.

“Y/n don’t speak about yourself like that. Shit you’re a good opponent!” Y/n froze and her tears seemed to stop flowing when she heard a familiar french accent. 

Y/n sat up from the grass, wiping her grass covered knees as Lindsey sat beside her. She turned and looked at Selma, this being their first interaction outside of the game, who wiped her tears with her thumbs. Selma patted Y/n’s puffy face afterwards before sitting right beside her, leaving no space. 

“I hope so.” Y/n replied a few seconds after Selma spoke last. 

“Congratulations guys.” Y/n continued as she looked back and forth between her friend and the girl who is more than a friend. 

“Thank you. You were kicking our ass for a good half.” Selma laughed, she wrapped her arm around Y/n’s lower back as the Barcelona player moved her head to Selma’s shoulder. Y/n laughed in response. 

“No literally. I can’t wait to see that when I play with you this summer.” Lindsey agreed. Y/n smiled in reminder of making it on the USWNT olympic roster with her. 

“You guys shouldn’t waste your time comforting me. Go celebrate!” Y/n laughed through her dry tears and pointed towards the Lyon teammates who were currently celebrating. She looked around to see Esmee, her best friend at Barcelona, being comforted by some of her Oranje teammates that played for Lyon which made her smile. Y/n knows she will miss her the most when she leaves.

“Who said we are wasting time? The celebration and trophy setup isn't ready for another ten minutes. We have time to be here for you— and we want to be here with you” Selma held Y/n tighter. 

Despite her own triumph, Selma's concern was solely for Y/n, offering a comforting embrace that felt similar to medicine curing a cold. In that moment, as Y/n leaned into Selma's embrace, she felt her heart soften, her realization being proven stronger with this moment. It was Selma who was there for her, Selma who offered solace and understanding, Selma who held the key to her heart for the last few months. The left-winger’s heart chooses Selma and will move to play for Lyon. 

The media picked up on Salma and Y/n going to comfort other people after the game, which caused their fans to explode in speculation. When pictures of Selma Bacha holding Y/n L/n came out in the media, Lyon and Barcelona fans were shocked before being supportive. When Salma and Cata hard-launched their relationship, fans were shocked too.

The girls never confirmed their breakup publicly, even though Y/n and Salma mutually broke up after the Champions League final. However, they both publicly moved onto their new girlfriends and Y/n moved away to play for the Lyon team, enjoying her new life with Selma Bacha.

an: hope you enjoyed! I'm sad that the barcelona men's team lost the quarter final of the champion's league 😣

[karlkapri]

Nobody wants to have a real converation that the 2024 oilers finals run is 3x more impressive than all of the 3 cups the crosby penguins won combined. Even the islanders and rangers making conference finals in the 2020s was more valuable than those cups. The penguins are so fraudulent that they can only beat sub 50 win teams to all their cups and look where they are now. Only 1 of 5 teams with no playoff series wins in the 2020s. You all laugh at the flyers and leafs but at least they won one series this decade in a 32 team league. We should value playoff series wins, cup and conference finals appearances more in the 2020s with 32 teams than the 2010s where there are only 30 teams. Nobody wants to talk about how keeping the core was is a huge mistake in hindsight. If the penguins wanted to keeping winning they should have let malkin crosby and letang all walk in free agency. Who cares about loyalty and their feelings. The flyers traded giroux they can get crosby waive his nmc too for a chance at a 4th cup. That’s how you respect a franchise legend than just spending his final years in a sorry ass team that will be even lucky to win 20 games this year. The oilers bruins nyr and leafs cores will surpass their 19 year “record” anyway with more success. I dont care if you roast me just facts time to switch to another team who cares about making playoffs every year rather be a first round exit for 20 straight years than whatever the most miserable team in the nhl is in. No offense but that’s what the penguins get for robbing more deserving teams of their cups. 16 straight playoff seasons? oh please any team can make it 17 or 18 with 4 cup wins. It’s a joke they won more cups than better regular season teams with more recent playoff success ✌️

ur so right baby real winners lose ��😔 i would trade all three cups to make it to the final and lose in OT. like real champions.

[thomas-mvller]

Harry Kane (38', 66') Thomas Müller (45'+2') Harry Kane (66') FC Bayern München | 3 - 0 | Lazio 2023/24 UEFA Champions League - Round of 16

[calciopics]

War Zone

The streets of Naples before tonight's UCL clash between Napoli vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

[boobo13cambridge]

Somebody to Lean On | Kylian Mbappé

Pairing: Kylian Mbappé x f.Reader

Warnings: Penetrative sex, oral (f. receiving), kissing, nipple play.

Summary: After being eliminated from the Champions League, you join Kylian while he channels his frustrations into working out hours after the training session is over. 

A/N: Hello, everyone! I've had this in the draft for a while and didn't have time to edit it. I hope you enjoy it and lemme know what you think!

______________________________________________________________

You could hear the hard clank of the weight machine through the loud music playing from the door leading to the home gym that Kylian had installed since moving into his Paris apartment from AS Monaco years ago. A sigh escaped your lips, knowing that Kylian had been channeling his frustrations into working out ever since PSG got eliminated from the Champions League round of 16 knockout stages. Winning the trophy this season after renewing his contract for another two years had meant everything to him. However, Kylian wasn't the most forthcoming person when dealing with emotions, especially after such a loss, and you wanted to be there for him.

You opened the door and peeked inside, seeing your boyfriend shirtless, wearing only a pair of the shortest basketball shorts you'd ever seen in your life. The sight of him covered in sweat, his bronze skin glistening under the dim light, made your heart skip a beat. The low flame of heat that curled in your stomach was undeniable. You had started training alongside him at the gym when you realized that all your reassurances fell on deaf ears. You knew that at this point, the only thing you could do for him was to give him company, and if that meant spending hours at the gym, then so be it.

Clad in a pair of light pink leggings with a matching sports bra, you went straight to Kylian, giving him a quick peck on the lips as he gave you a little smile. “Salut, bébé. Je ne savais pas que tu étais déjà arrivée à la maison.”

“Il n’y avait pas grand chose à faire au bureau, alors j’ai pu partir un peu plus tôt,” you replied, making your way to the treadmill, wanting to start off with a bit of light cardio. For the next ten minutes, both of you were quietly working out. 

The tension between you was palpable, but you didn't know how to break the ice. You were there for him, but it seemed like he was lost in his own world. You knew how hard he was on himself and how personal he took each loss. The ruthlessness of the french media made it much worse. It was a different kind of helplessness knowing what you’re other half is going through but not being able to do anything about it. 

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Kylian broke the silence. “I'm sorry you had to come here to watch me wallow in self-pity.”

You shook your head, turning off the treadmill. “You don't have to apologize for anything, Kylian. I'm here for you, no matter what.”

Kylian's eyes softened as he walked over to you, taking your hand in his. “I know. And I appreciate it more than you'll ever know.”

He pulled you close, his hot breath on your neck making your heart skip a beat. You wrapped your arms around him, and for a moment, everything felt right in the world. In each other's embrace, you both felt a sense of peace that had eluded you for the past few days.

After a few moments, you attempted to pull away from him, but Kylian tightened his hold around you, his lips hot and eager on your neck, trailing wet kisses down your skin. Sighing in pleasure, you tilted your head back to give him more access.

"I need you right now, bébé," he whispered, his voice thick with desire. One of his hands trailed down your body, gripping your waist tightly, while the other tangled itself in your long black ponytail.

You couldn't resist him any longer, the tension and chemistry between you both too strong to ignore. You turned your head, pressing your lips to his in a fiery kiss, tongues tangling together. The gym equipment around you faded into the background as the only thing that mattered was the heat and passion between you and Kylian.

As you deepened the kiss, his hands roamed over your body, exploring every curve and dip. You moaned into his mouth as he squeezed your ass, the sensation sending shivers of pleasure through your body. You ran your hands over his muscular chest, feeling his heartbeat pounding against your palms.

In this moment, there was no loss or disappointment, just the intense desire and love you both shared for each other. 

Needing to catch your breath, you pull your lips away from his as he seizes the moment to stroll backwards and sit down on the bench, his nimble hands clasping at your hips, drawing you towards his waiting lap. You comply, gliding lazily over his thighs, and moan when you feel your clothed core brush against the bump of his arousal, barely concealed by those minuscule shorts.

Straddling him, Kylian pulls your body tightly against his with his muscular arms as you return to kissing him, your lips moving in sync with his in a heated dance. You gently scratch the back of his neck, causing him to let out a delicious whimper and buck his hips up into you. You break away with a gasp, feeling a tight emptiness between your thighs. He's so big, and no matter how many times you've been with him, you could never get used to his size.

Kylian takes the opportunity to pepper kisses down your jaw, enveloping your pulse point in his hot mouth. His hungry, wet kisses make you leak like a faucet. "I love you so much, bébé," he whispers.

You bite your lips, trying to contain the goofy smile threatening to split your face.

"Prove it, mon amour," you challenge him, feeling a surge of desire coursing through you.

He grins against your skin. "Is that a challenge, princesse?" he asks, his voice thick with desire.

"Mmhm," you respond, sighing erotically as his sexy chuckle sends shivers down your spine.

Kylian trails his hands up your waist, cupping the underside of your boobs. Flicking his thumbs across your nipples, you let out a whine while unabashedly riding his crotch. He stops kissing your neck to slowly rid of your sports bra. Kylian lets out the sexiest groan seeing your nipples harden due to the sudden exposure. The way his eyes gaze at your breast with such desire cause liquid heat to pool in your panties as you feel your body burning up with lust.

“Putain, bébé. T’es fucking belle,” he whispers before enveloping your left right nipple in his hot wet mouth. You feel yourself losing control in his arms, the sloppy sounds of his mouth sucking your tit and his scent driving you wild. You were absolutely losing your mind. Kylian was always so attentive and knew how to play your body like violin. God, you couldn’t take it anymore, you needed him inside you.

“Ky… please…I need you inside of me…” you whimpered, lifting his head from your chest. The carnal lust on his face almost made you cum on the spot. You could see the absolute torment in his eyes, and you wanted nothing more than to free him from it. “Take my cock out, bébé,” he rasped out. Biting your lip as his command made you gush further dampening your soaked panties, you trailed your hands down his sweaty toned chest, reaching into his shorts and taking out his pulsating member. 

One of the many things you liked about him was how pretty his cock looked, and you knew that’s where half of his ego came from. You couldn’t blame him though with how much he made you cum with it. He was so hot and heavy in your hand, and whimpered when you swiped a thumb over the tip spreading the drops of precum to aid your slide. You pump him gently, listening to him sucking in a hard breath, suppressing a groan. “I thought you needed me inside you, mon amour, hmmm,” his voice heavy with lust as he grabbed your face with one hand giving you a smirk. Cocky bastard, he knew how much you loved his dick, but you knew exactly how to have him begging. Rolling your eyes at him, you quickly got out of his lap causing him to frown, and teasingly pulled your leggings down your legs alongside your panties. 

Kylian let out a deep groan, his dark eyes devouring your naked body, “Viens ici, princesse.” Ignoring him, you walk back and lay down on the fitness mat. Spreading your legs, you glide your fingers down your wet slit, gently circling your clit. You throw your head back in pleasure, hearing Kylian swear in the background. “Merde, tu joues à quoi, mon amour? Je t’avais dit de venir ici.”

Opening your eyes, you see the frustration in his brows as he pouts. “Did I not tell you to prove to me how much you loved me, Ky or did you already forget?”

Realization dawns on his face, as he chuckles getting up from the bench and removing his shorts and boxers. His cock slaps against his abdomen, leaving a wet patch that has you clenching. “Is that how you wanna play, bébé?”

He stalks towards you, kneeling down between your spread legs. His large palms rest on your knees as he opens you to accommodate him. He trails kisses from your right knee and stops right before touching you where you need him the most, and repeats this on your left knee. You pant, eyebrows furrowed and body strung tight. “Ky… please,”

“You wanted to be a little tease, mon amour. You gotta beg better than that,” he tuts lightly blowing on your sex causing you to arch your back from the sensation. Frustrated, you narrow your eyes, “You’re not being fair, Ky.”

“All is fair in love and war, princesses.” He gives you the most shit-eating grin known to men which almost made you slap him before he opening his mouth and covered your pussy in his spit which made your mind short-circuit as you whimpered his name. For fuck’s sake, this man knew exactly how to play you to get what he wants. “Are you going to beg now, bébé?”

You were so wet and horny that you couldn’t think straight, so you gave in, begging him to give you something. Just as his mouth engulfed your throbbing clit, you couldn’t find it in yourself to regret giving in to him. The pleasure he gave you was out of this world as he sucked your clit while pumping two fingers in your pulsating channel. You sigh out pornographically, practically suffocating Kylian between your thighs. Your hips develop a mind of their own as the sloppy sounds of Kylian eating you out fill your body with uncontrollable desire. 

You pant with with pleasure, as you feel yourself hurtling towards your release. “Merde… Kylian, I’m gonna come.”

Hearing that, Kylian increases the pace of his fingers as his tongue continues to draw tight circle around your sensitive nub. A few seconds later, you feel the tight knot in your stomach burst, as you come all over your boyfriend’s tongue. Kylian pulls away from your core, his full lips glistening with your cum. Coming down your high, you look at him, heart so full of love that you can’t help but grab his face, pulling him down on you and kissing him deeply. You taste yourself on his lips, moaning into his mouth. Mine, you think as you grind against his groin, wrapping your legs around him. 

“I need to be inside you right now, mon coeur,” Kylian moaned into your mouth. “Do it, Ky. I want to feel you.”

That’s all the incentive he needed, as he gripped the base of his cock, lining himself up at your entrance before pushing in causing the both of you to moan. The glide was seamless due to how soaked your pussy was. Kylian lets out a delicious groan as he bottoms into you stretching your walls to the brim, his nose flush against yours as your breaths mingle. “Putain, this pussy is always so tight for me.”

You can feel your second orgasm already simmering as you tighten your legs around Kylian. “Ky… please move…I need you so bad,” you practically sob. 

“Fuck, no need to beg, bébé. I got you…I  got you so bad, bébé.” 

He thrusts into you slowly a few times, letting you adjust to his incredible size. The pain always gave you so much pleasure. Kylian was the only one who could hit all your spots, and make you see stars. 

“Faster, Ky…Take me just like you want, baby.”

That’s all the greenlight Kylian needed before he started jachammering inside you instantly finding your g-spot, making you scream. His pace is fast and brutal making you see stars as your pleasure skyrockets making you clench him hard. 

“Fuck, bébé, your pussy’s so fucking perfect…Merde…I’m not gonna last…”

Kylian unwraps your legs from around and throws them over his shoulders, bending you in half causing him to drives himself deeper into you with such jaw-droppingly good friction, that you feel tears streaming dow your face. 

“Fuck, Ky…Too much…I can’t…I’m gonna cum!” you sob, digging your nails into his biceps as your body stars spasming, your orgasm ripping through you, whitening your vision.

“That’s right, princess. Fuck…soak my cock.” Kylian buries his face in the crook of your neck, as he cums a few strokes later, fucking you both through your orgasm. Coming down from your high, you open your eyes and gently stroke the back of Kylian’s head as gently lifts your legs from his shoulders, rolling onto his back with you in his arms. Tiredly giggling, you prop yourself up and gaze down in his face. He looked so adorable with his swollen lips and reddened cheeks that your couldnt help but lean down and kiss him. Breaking the kiss, you look into his eyes, gently caressing his cheek, “I love you so much, Ky. I want you to know that I’ll always be there for you.” 

Softly gazing at you, Kylian pecks your lips, resting his forehead against yours. “I know, bébé. Thank you for always being by my side. I love you to the moon and back,” he says cheesily making you giggle. The both of you stayed wrapped up in each other’s arms knowing that no matter what happened, you would always have each other to lean on. 

[didalexiabreakupwitholgaisback]

Any word on where the women’s el Classico will be played next year I brought tickets and it’s say the Barcelona women’s ground. Is the el Classico not played on neutral ground

oh no no, my dear anon. it appears you are very confused! let's go back to the basics. 🤔

how does the spanish league work?

barcelona and real madrid are two teams in the spanish league. the women's league is called liga f.

liga f has 16 teams, and each team will play each other twice (once at home and once away) for the regular league season.

the top teams also may play each other in domestic cup competitions like the supercopa and copa de la reina, depending on how they do in the regular season in a given year.

if both spanish teams do well in champions league, then they could theoretically play each other in the knockout rounds like what happened back in 2022 for barça and real madrid.

top spanish teams also do pre-season exhibition friendlies during the summer and at other times of the year and may play each other in a foreign country at that time.

now, what is el clàssic (catalan) or el clásico (spanish)?

anytime barcelona and real madrid play each other, it's called el clàssic.

it could happen in any of the combinations above (league play, cup match, champion, exhibition), but el clàssic happens a minimum of two times per year (league play). and like i said above, it will be played at each club's home stadium, just like all liga f matches.

for the other combos, it depends and could theoretically happen on a neutral pitch like with exhibitions.

remember that barcelona originally set the world record attendance for a women's match against real madrid in camp nou!

[daminouspurity]

Borussia Dortmund vs. PSV Eindhoven | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 | Predictions EA Sports FC 24

[tohwitchesduels]

GO WITCHES DUELS!

Lore: It's been a minute since the Collector visited Boiling Isles (a few months after defeating Belos), however now they're back and willing to play a new game with the Demon Realm. After some talk with King, they both decided to host a tournament known as WITCHES DUELS (that's the name you have chosen). The 16 most powerful teen witches in Boiling Isles will participate (willingly) in a tournament to decide who is the most powerful teen witch in the Boiling Isles!

Information about the tournament: The tournament will feature 16 characters of my choosing competing with one another based on their strength and skill. This by no means is a popularity contest, so I don't care if you know or like the characters featured in battles, as ultimately the battle shall decide who would win a witches duel. The tournament rather than a simple bracket will also feature side battles that would decide the position in the rankings, so get ready as there will be a lot of duels.

The first round is composed of 8 1v1 witches duels between characters that were paired randomly (except for one case but I will explain it later once I introduce the bracket). After this, the winning eight will catch a break so all the losers can face each other in a grand battle royale against one another to decide their positions in the tournament (occasionally if some people tie they will also get their own battle). Once the battles of losers are over we shall advance to the second round which shall decide who gets to semi-finals. The elite 4 themselves will catch a break as I will feature a minor bracket featuring the losers of the second round. The winner of this bracket might have a chance to battle the elite 4 once the semi-finals are sealed, in which there will be 5 battles: 2 official semi-final battles; 2 winner vs losers battles; the battle between the losers of the semi-finals. Then a champion of the second round bracket can yet challenge the elite 4, which can change their placement in the ranking and finally, there will be the last battle between the champions of the semi-finals.

The Format will naturally be polls, however, under each poll, there will be an explanation of what participants can and can't do during the duel: what spells they know and can use depending on the battle format; whether or not they can utilise specific tools like palismen for example; what is their mindset going into the battle. Now keep in mind those are not Death Matches, so no need for calculations on how much raw power the characters have and only a brief summary of what they can and can't do, and the battles are decided in imaginary scenarios by either stadium out or losing consciousness (under the Collector's supervision no one shall die).

There will be no "See results" options as I don't want them to mess up the voting so you will have to make some tough choices, but that's why I feature explanations so you can have a better idea of how strong featured characters are, even if you don't know them or their capabilities. I also would appreciate it if you could provide your own propaganda and agendas regarding what characters are capable of.

If there is a situation in which participants tie, they will either be featured in a battle royale in which the person with the least votes shall be out, or they get their match-ups switched if there are more ties (though only even numbers of battles). There are no repetition if matches unless there were issues with voting or the post. However all battles are final and characters won't meet twice unless it's a battle royale.

Who will not participate in the tournament:

All adult characters are off-limits for this tournament as they shall have their own league. This is strictly a teen championship. I decided to do such separation as adult characters just outclass the teen characters, meaning hardly it would be a fair match for young rising stars.

Only characters with importance and established capabilities shall participate so no background characters that have only 5 seconds of screen time

Vee shall not participate in the tournament. Vee is in this awkward position where she either gets so stomped she shouldn't have considered participating in the first place or is just too OP to give anyone else a chance. As a Basilisk Vee only possesses two abilities: magic absorption and shape-shifting. Because of the nature of magic absorption which can render the opponent powerless if used correctly, Vee simply has an unfair advantage towards most of the competitors. However, Vee herself possesses next to no experience when it comes to battling. Vee doesn't utilise her shape-shifting powers creatively and only limits herself to taking forms of other people which is effectively useless as she does not gain their powers (and even if she did it's either unfair since she will transform into someone who naturally counters her opponent; it would be near impossible to see which form could she actually take at this point, and technically speaking it would be another character battling and not Vee herself) but such deception is effectively useless in 1v1 duels. Vee's absorption powers are also pretty slow and can be easily interrupted as Helos demonstrated (and are not as final as the Greater's Basilisk) and as I said, Vee has no experience in battles so she can't really fight with her personality, nor doesn't know any spells to use to help her.

Masha shall not participate as they have yet to discover magic. So Veesha is only cheering on others

The Collector shall not participate since he's OP, so he rather organizes the entire tournament and arranges the game specifically so no one could get hurt while the kids go all out.

King shall not participate as much as Vee, he's either too strong or too weak to participate. King is not yet fully realized Titan so he does not possess the prowess that Titans possess, only being capable of basic light spells (weaker than average ones), squeak of rage, and barrier (which while strong, can also be easily countered). King instead becomes the announcer and the host of the tournament, along with the Collector.

Hooty shall not participate as he is both too strong and too memorable to give it a fair fight (as Hooty isn't OP, but he might as well end up as such due to the voting). He also becomes the host and announcer of the tournament, but rather the adult league.

Adult league: The characters of the past like previous Grimwalkers, Caleb and Evelyn, etc. shall not participate since we literally don't know how strong and capable they actually are.

Adult league: Camila shall not participate as she barely has any battling experience. She's the best mom and she is willing to throw hands, but she simply lacks experience with magic and her battling style can be easily countered. There's also memeable potential of her swiping everyone with La Chancla, which is hilarious, but not realistic. It would be satisfying to see her try to hit Odalia with a sandal, but Odalia can unleash the phantom that would steal such a sandal and then straight-up knockout Camila if we're being serious and no fun regarding this (but in our hearts Camila is the true winner we all know that)

Adult league: Dell Clawthorne shall not participate as he never used any magic within the show and now he's disabled.

Teen League: As the name suggests, only teenagers will participate, toddlers will not

Adult league: Only a few established Covenheads will participate since the others don't have fully-realised potential

Adult league: Titan Trappers shall not appear as they barely have any champion showcasing the true extent of their magical skill.

Adult league: Jacob Hopkins shall not appear as he lost to Camila who herself can't participate for not having enough skill (I did consider Camila to participate but I ultimately decided that she won't)

Invitations - to those who showed interest in the tournament or TOH in general, but no pressure or need for you to participate in the voting. Just wanted to invite you and ensure there will be some audience to the tournament. Oh, and I also don't mind if you use more than one account to vote as long as those are established blogs and not some spam blogs (like try to not rigg the game too much):

@lilcactusboi @wren-writes-things @the-god-of-chaos-himself @violet-prism-creatively @watery-melon-baller

@thescarletdaffodil @akmonasyrk @lapluieellepleut @damianwaynelives @crushpunchh

@impact801 @evermorecatra @rosetyler42 @memory-overload @cwolfnerakagnome

@branmuffins22 @zyrafowe-sny @metalinjector95 @michaela-artist @goingtohellwithyou

@iheartleopards @thatwierdquietkidthatdraws @sophiesophsofia @tbonner2 @amity297

@itslilacmoon @lucascii @fabseg-reader

Anyone can vote in this tournament of course, but I'm not sure if everyone will see it so I hope at least you can spread the popularity of the tournament or decide on your own who wins and who loses

[pedripics]

PEDRI'S INTERVIEW WITH ESPN ahead of the game against Atlético de Madrid - Translation:

On securing a place in the round of 16 in the Champions League:

"Well, I'm very happy and very excited, the Porto match was like a final for us and well, we got through it. We've already changed our mindset and are thinking about La Liga, we have things to improve."

On Atlético de Madrid:

"Well, yes, I think that Atlético is a very tough team that sometimes they don't talk about much, but it's a team that works very well, that is doing things very, very well and they make it difficult for anyone."

On Diego Simone:

"I think that a coach who has been at a club for so many years has incredible merit, Simone has also done a lot for Atlético and well, I think he is one of the best coaches in the world."

On how to break down Atlético's line of defence with three centre-backs:

"Well, playing against a three-man defence is always complicated, even more complicated if it is Atlético de Madrid, but with a lot of ball movement, with a lot of space to come to receive and try to make the defenders doubt if you are coming to receive and try to make them doubt so that you don't get the ball."

On Rodrigo de Paul:

"I think he is a very complete player because, as you said, he can play in almost any position and I think that a player like him is key for the teams. He is a very important player for them and we will try to do our best."

On not playing in the Camp Nou:

"Well it is different. I think that in the Camp Nou there are a lot of people and so especially the atmosphere that there is in the Camp Nou is different. But well, we are lucky that the fans continue to support us at the Montjuïc and we have to play like it's our home because for now it is."

On running 13 km during the match against Porto:

"It was a game that I really ran a lot, it was an important game for the team and we had to win. Yes, well, I will do whatever it takes for the team."

On the physical aspect of the team:

"The team works a lot on the physical level. Some people say that Barcelona does not work on the physical aspect, but that is a lie. We work a lot. We try and run a lot more and for this game it was my turn."

On playing in the midfield with Frenkie and Gündogan:

"When you give the ball to Frenkie and Gündogan, it's very difficult for them to lose it. They bring a lot of dynamic and control to the game. Having these two players is a luxury. I have known Frenkie for longer and I really enjoy having Frenkie next to me on the pitch and I miss him a lot when he is gone. It's still a bit harder with Gündo because he has just come recently but he has immense quality."

[liesmyth]

A primer on the UEFA Champions League for the Ted Lasso fandom

In the finale, we’re told several times that Richmond have qualified for the Champions League. If you have only a very vague idea of what that means, this is the post for you.

WHAT IS IT?

The Champions League (UCL) is a club competition among top-league European clubs. It draws clubs from the top leagues of ALL* countries members of UEFA, the governing body of football associations in Europe. (*All countries except Liechtenstein and, currently, Russia)

WHEN IS IT?

The UCL runs alongside the regular season, from September to June. This means that clubs who compete in it play UCL matches on top of regular Premier League matches. Richmond weren’t “promoted” to the Champions League — they remain first and foremost a Premier League club. They also get to play with the rest of Europe’s cool kids.

UCL matches would be mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) every 3-ish weeks, and domestic league matches would usually be on weekends. YES this will mean that Richmond will be very busy next season.

WHICH CLUBS ARE IN IT?

The top 4 clubs in the Premier League automatically make it to the main competition for the NEXT round of the UCL. The path is a bit more complicated for most other countries but luckily it doesn’t apply here so we don’t need to go into that.

Richmond finished in second place in the League for the year 21/22 (season 3) so they’d play in the UCL for the 22/23 season. This doesn’t mean they are guranteed to still play in the UCL in the 23/24 season if they can’t end the 22/23 Prem in the Top 4. They need to REMAIN a top national club to qualify again for the Champions League.

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

GROUP STAGE: a round-robin round where 32 teams are divided in 8 groups of 4. Each team in each group plays the other teams in the group twice, once at home (hosting) once away (being hosted) for a total of SIX matches. The top TWO sides in each group advance to the knockout round. This stage takes place from August to December. Richmond would enter directly from this round.

KNOCKOUT ROUND: this round is in double-legged format—this means that each paired sides play each other TWICE, once at home and once away. The round winner is decided by goal difference, so a side can advance to the next round if they lose one of the two matches, provide they win the other by a larger goal difference. If both legs are a draw, there can be extra time and/or a penalty shootout.

In the round of 16 sides from the same country CAN’T play against each other, so for example Richmond couldn’t play Arsenal in that round. In the quarter-final (8 teams) and a semifinal (4 teams) rounds teams from the same country CAN draw each other, so that could happen.

For example, in the current season, AC Milan played Napoli in the quarter-final and then Inter Milan in the semifinals; all three teams are from Italy. The double-legged knockout round takes place from February to May.

FINAL: It’s in June. The two teams who remain standing after the semifinals only play each other ONCE. The location is appointed beforehand and it’s often neutral ground to both teams. The next UCL final will actually be this Saturday (June 10) Man City v. Inter Milan will play in Istanbul.

how many matches in a UCL season?

If you make it to the semifinals, it’s 6 in group stage + 6 in the 3 successive knockout rounds. This is 12 matches, of which 6 are away (and usually abroad) The final is the 13th match.

What does it mean to win the Champions League?

The UCL is considered the most prestigious club competition in the world. We see in in the show; Roy having won the UCL with Chelsea in 2012 comes up several times in S1, even though Chelsea also won the Premier League multiple times while Roy was there — but the Champions League is the one people bring up.

Winning the domestic league is obviously a big fucking deal, but winning the UCL is huge. Only a handful of top-league clubs have won it multiple times, and many big clubs have NEVER won it (including Man City, PSG, Arsenal and AS Roma) Then there’s Real Madrid who’ve won it FOURTEEN TIMES

EDIT: Man City have since won their first UCL trophy