#knockout-stage

#knockout-stage

Barcelona, of all clubs, know well the advantage of having the second leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie at home, for they have struggled immensely playing away from home in such decisive games in the past. The Catalans bring a 1-1 result into the Spotify Camp Nou ahead of Wednesday's game, and it cannot be understated how significant it is that they play the second leg at home.

The Gunners finished top of the table in the league phase, winning all eight fixtures, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest of all 32 teams. A top two finish was then made official after a 3-1 victory in the San Siro, meaning Arsenal are now assured of hosting the second legs in all of their knockout matches.

When: January 3, 5pm/16:00 GMT Where: Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier Pre-tournament favourites Senegal open their AFCON round-of-16 campaign against Sudan, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition and appearing in the knockout stages for the first time in 14 years. Senegal finished top of Group D with seven points after two wins and a draw, edging the Democratic Republic of the Congo on goal difference.

Sadio Mane's Senegal, the 2022 African champions, came into the final round of group games needing to beat Benin in Tangier, and hope their Congolese rivals have not managed to move above them on goal difference. Senegal ran out 3-0 winners against Benin, with Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scoring before skipper Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off in the second half.

The World Cup draw on Friday will separate 48 teams (and placeholders) into 12 groups of four teams each. Each team will play three games in the group stage, one against every team in its group. The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout stage, as in previous years. But the expansion of the tournament from 32 teams will create an additional round of knockout matches.

Before kick-off most of the colour in Lucerne, usually picture-perfect with its lakes and peaks, had been brought by Sweden's sizable support.

Inter Milan secured a decisive 2-0 victory over River Plate, scoring twice in the final 18 minutes after the Argentine squad was reduced to 10 players.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features Manchester City defending their title against 31 other teams, following their 4-0 victory over Fluminense in 2023.

The Sharks have some big players in there, so it's a lot more weight, it's a lot more power driven, and it's snappy. They want to go at you right from the start.