Champions League: Nine-man Ajax in stunning 4-4 draw at Chelsea

Well that was a nice quiet one then, wasn’t it?

Eight games, 29 goals, and game between Chelsea and Ajax that will have fans talking for weeks.

You can read all about the madness of Stamford Bridge right here courtesy of Matias Grez who has crafted this report on Chelsea’s pulsating 4-4 draw with Ajax.

Andre Onana and Dusan Tadic of Ajax react after two red cards are given against their side.

We’re back on Wednesday to see if Bayern Munich can recover from its humiliating 5-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt, and if Real Madrid can get its Champions League challenge up and running with a win against Galatasaray.

Oh, and don’t forget that PSG, Manchester City, Juventus and Atletico can all qualify if results go their way.

It’s starting to get serious – you wouldn’t want to miss out, would you? See you tomorrow.

Erling Braut H?land’s name is trending again on social media – and no wonder.

The 19-year-old scored his seventh Champions League of this season’s group stage to help Red Bull Salzburg secure a 1-1 draw at Napoli.

He has now has 23 goals in 17 games for the Austrian club this season. No wonder some of Europe’s bigger clubs have him on their January shopping list.

It might not have been pretty but Liverpool managed to find a way to sneak past Genk 2-1 at Anfield and assume top spot in Group E.

That’s because Napoli, which beat Liverpool in the opening round of group matches, was held to a 1-1 draw by Red Bull Salzburg. And yes, before you ask, Erling Braut H?land?did score. That’s his seventh in four Champions League games.

Gini Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain got the goals for Liverpool either side of Mbwana Ally Samatta’s fabulous header.

It means that Liverpool can win the group if it beats Napoli at Anfield in a fortnight’s time.

Joakim Maehle of KRC Genk battles for possession with James Milner of Liverpool.

Here’s what James Milner told BT Sport in his interview after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Genk at Anfield.

Ever wondered how it feels to come back from two goals down to win 3-2?

Here’s Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt ready to tell all after his side came from behind to defeat Inter Milan.

Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammate Jadon Sancho.

Did someone say 4-4 and Frank Lampard?

Imagine trying to sum that game up then?

Well, we’re glad it’s Frank Lampard with the microphone in front of him rather than us.

Here’s what he’s just told BT Sport after watching his Chelsea side draw 4-4 with Ajax at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea coach Frank Lampard was left searching for an explanation after a frantic contest at Stamford Bridge.

Group H is looking very tight now with three teams on seven points with two games remaining.

Ajax leads the way from Chelsea and Valencia, while Lille sits bottom with just one point from its four games.

Next up for Chelsea is a difficult trip away to Valencia, while Ajax travels to Lille.

Here’s what Reece James told BT after scoring his side’s equalizer.

At halftime we tweeted the statistics that was supposed to show Borussia Dortmund’s chances of fighting back from a two-goal deficit against Inter Milan were pretty slim to say the least.

Well, perhaps someone in the Dortmund locker room logged on to our blog and showed the players the tweet because – wow, did they respond?

Yes – yes they did. Two goals from Achraf Hakimi either side of a Julian Brandt strike secured a 3-2 win for Dortmund over Inter and took it up to second in Group F, one point adrift of leader Barcelona.

Trailing 2-0 at the interval, the German side roared back to take all three points and inflict a painful defeat on Antonio Conte’s men.

Next up for Dortmund is an away game at Barcelona while Inter hosts Slavia Prague.

It’s all to play for in Group F.

What a night at Stamford Bridge.

Eight goals, two red cards and enough Champions League drama to leave even the neutrals exhausted.

In the end, Ajax, which had led 4-1 after 55 minutes, ended up finishing with nine men and drawing the game 4-4.

While Daley Blind’s red card, his second bookable offense, might not have been too controversial, the decision to send Joel Veltman off for handball felt rather harsh.

Ajax's Dutch defender Daley Blind (R) reacts as he is shown a red card by Italian referee Gianluca Rocch

Ajax's players react after its defender Joel Veltman (C) is shown a red card by Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi.?

Ajax had taken a second minute lead courtesy of Tammy Abraham’s own-goal before Jorginho leveled from the penalty spot for Chelsea two minutes later.

But the Dutch side went into overdrive soon after with Quincy Promes grabbing Ajax’s second before Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick smashed against the post and off the face of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa on its way into the net.

Donny van de Beek’s 55th-minute strike looked to have sealed victory for the visiting team as Ajax caught Chelsea with another slick passing move.

But there was still plenty of drama to come with Cesar Azpilicueta tapping home at the far post to make it 4-2 before the game reached a whole new level of crazy.

In one passage of play, Blind was sent off for a foul on Abraham before Veltman was adjudged to have deliberately handled a shot from Callum Hudson-Odoi inside the penalty area.

Already on bookings, both players were shown a second yellow card and sent off. “Scenes” as the kids say.

With social media in meltdown and those in the stands in disbelief, Jorginho rolled home the penalty to make it 3-4.

And three minutes later the comeback was complete when Reece James reacted quickest inside the penalty area to fire home an unstoppable effort past Andre Onana.

In a word - BONKERS!

Andre Onana of AFC Ajax looks dejected during the clash with Chelsea.

There was still time for Azpilicueta to score what looked like the winner only for his effort to be ruled out for handball.

Both teams went for it as the clock ticked down but the winning goal was not forthcoming.

We’re shattered – who knows how the players must be feeling.

Caught your breath yet? Here’s how it all finished.

Results

Group E: Liverpool 2-1 Genk, Napoli 1-1 RB Salzburg

Group F: Barcelona 0-0 Slavia Prague, Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Inter Milan

Group G: Zenit St. Petersburg 0-2 RB Leipzig , Lyon 3-1 Benfica

Group H: Chelsea 4-4 Ajax, Valencia 4-1 Lille

WOW!

Give us a second to catch our breath and we’ll be back with you …

Chelsea 4-4 Ajax.

Football … never ceases to amaze and surprise.

When you’re down to nine men and way from home …

Take a bow Andre Onana!

The Ajax goalkeeper produced a fabulous stop to deny Michy Batshuayi from 10-yards, diving away to his left and sticking out a big left hand.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has also gone close. We’re into four minutes of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge.

Could nine-man Ajax snatch this? They nearly just did.

It’s a fantastic save from Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa to deny the visitors what would be an astonishing victory.

Most teams might sit back at 4-4 with just nine men – not this Ajax team. It’s still going for it.

At the other end, Tammy Abraham has a header saved by Andre Onana.

Are we going to get a winner?

Chelsea has seven minutes plus added time to find a winner in this absolutely crazy game at Stamford Bridge.

Remember Ajax is down to nine men after having two players sent off. Oh, and it also blew a 4-1 lead so it’s 4-4 now.

Un-bel-ievable!

What a game! What a goal! How? Who? It’s all gone crazy in Dortmund as the home side overturn a two-goal deficit to lead Inter Milan 3-2.

It’s that man Achraf Hakimi who has scored it – finishing off a lovely flowing move to spark wild celebrations in the stands. That’s two for Hakimi tonight and three for Dortmund.

Can the home side hold on?

Incredible!

From 4-1 down, Chelsea looks to have turned things around to lead for the first time.

After some pinball in the box, Cesar Azpilicueta fires home his second of the match … but VAR decides the Spaniard handled the ball before the shot.

Two red cards and a penalty? Nobody knows what is going on! And now 4-4!!!

Oh. My. Goodness.

Kurt Zouma’s header smashes off the crossbar but Reece James is alert to the rebound in the box and drills a fantastic first-time strike into the bottom corner.

This is turning into one of the all-time great Champions League games.

Chelsea has 15 minutes left to find a winner.

An absolutely bonkers 60 seconds at Stamford Bridge as referee Gianluca Rocchi?takes center stage.

Daley Blind deservedly receives his marching for a second yellow card, before Rocchi awards Chelsea a penalty for handball by Jo?l Veltman.

If Veltman has been given his second yellow for handball, that is extremely harsh. The ball took a huge deflecting before striking his arm.

Perhaps it was for arguing with the referee?

Jorginho blocks out all the noise to score his second penalty of the match and all of sudden it’s 4-3 and Ajax has 20 minutes to hold on with NINE men!

Would you believe it?

Two goals down at the break, its qualification hopes in tatters, Dortmund’s Champions League dream looked finished.

It’s a bit different now. Julian Brandt has leveled it up at 2-2 against Inter Milan, adding to Achraf Hakimi’s strike just after the interval.

What a game we have on here!

We did say a comeback could be on the cards!

Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta is in the right place at the right time, appearing at the far post to get the ends of his studs on Tammy Abraham’s wayward shot.

Still 25 minutes left to play at Stamford Bridge … surely Chelsea couldn’t?

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag is one of the names being linked with the job at Bayern Munich.

I’m sure a few people in Munich have their eyes on Ajax tonight …

Is that finally game over?

Ajax hits Chelsea on the counterattack after Christian Pulisic’s misplaced pass, with Donny van de Beek eventually rounding off the move with an unerring finish into the bottom corner.

Frank Lampard’s side has looked threatening throughout so, with 35 minutes left to play, don’t rule out a comeback just yet.

Genk must be sick of the sight of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Liverpool midfielder, who scored two stunning goals in the 4-1 win in Belgium a fortnight ago, has just fired his side back in front at Anfield.

It’s a delightful strike, taking Mohamed Salah’s pass in his stride before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the far corner. Liverpool leads 2-1.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates after scoring for Liverpool.

Just as we were saying the stats weren’t looking good for Dortmund, the German side has got itself back in the game against Inter Milan.

A wonderfully intricate move ends up with Mario G?tze crossing for Achraf Hakimi to slide the ball home.

That’s just the start to the second half Dortmund was looking for.

Dortmund 1-2 Inter.

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma briefly channels his inner Lionel Messi, dancing and shimmying his way through the entire Ajax team.

He even throws a couple of stepovers in for good measure, evading two more Ajax defenders but – unfortunately – that was there the Messi comparisons stopped.

His final shot is blasted high over the crossbar.

Borussia Dortmund trails Inter Milan 2-0 at the break – but can it find a way back into this contest?

The stats aren’t encouraging.

Divock Origi has scored some of Liverpool’s most important goals over the past year, including the winner in last season’s Champions League final.

But tonight, he’s broken a record he might not have even been aware of.

The Belgian striker actually missed the target … can you believe it?

Group E: Liverpool 1-1 Genk, Napoli 1-1 RB Salzburg

Group F: Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Inter Milan

Group G: Lyon 2-0 Benfica

Group H: Chelsea 1-3 Ajax, Valencia 0-1 Lille

Results from Tuesday’s early games

Group F: Barcelona 0-0 Slavia Prague

Group G: Zenit St. Petersburg 0-2 RB Leipzig

It’s looking pretty good for fans of Italian clubs in the Champions League at the moment.

Inter Milan leads Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at the interval in Germany courtesy of goals from Lautaro Martinez and Matias Vecino.

A win for Inter would take it to within a point of Group F leader Barcelona, which was held to a goalless draw by Slavia Prague earlier.

Napoli goes into the break level at 1-1 with Red Bull Salzburg thanks to Hirving Lozano’s strike.

Salzburg had led through, yes, you guess it – Erling Braut H?land.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s face sums up Chelsea’s first half quite well.

The Blues can probably count themselves unlucky to be two goals behind at Stamford Bridge – despite scoring three goals, Ajax has only had one shot on target.

Kepa Arrizabalaga watches on as Hakim Ziyech's free-kick sales over his head.

Tammy Abraham and Arrizabalaga will go down as scorers of own goals in that first half, contributing to a sizable percentage of Ajax’s all-time goals in the Champions League!

The Genk fans are going absolutely crazy and can you blame them? We can’t!

Their team is back in business at the home of the European champion Liverpool and it’s that man Mbwana Ally Samatta.

The Tanzania star, who supports Manchester United, rises highest inside the Liverpool penalty area to send an unstoppable header into the back of the net and level it up at 1-1.

What a moment!

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is not attempting to sugarcoat tonight’s goalless draw with Slavia Prague.

Pique, who was booked during the contest and will miss the next group game against Borussia Dortmund, knows his team has work to do.

After losing 3-1 against Levante in La Liga at the weekend, Barca had hoped for a response. It failed to materialize.

Here’s what Pique told reporters after the 0-0 draw against Slavia.

Gerard Pique was unhappy with his team's display against Slavia Prague.

Here’s a stat … although Chelsea fans might want to look away now.

If it’s any consolation, this game is still wide open and you can quite easily see Chelsea getting two back.

Hakim Ziyech doubles Ajax’s lead with an audacious free-kick.

The Moroccan whips a delightful ball to the far post that somehow squeezes its way over the line … did he mean that? You wouldn’t put it past him.

In fact, it may well go down as an own goal after the ball hits the post and then strikes Kepa Arrizabalaga square in the face before going over the line.

We’re hoping Lille supporters brought some binoculars to Valencia tonight.

Either way, they’ll be delighted with the start their team has made in Spain as it leads 1-0 after 25 minutes courtesy of Victor Osimhen’s goal.

Not bad for a 19-year-old, eh?

Ajax take the lead for a second time!

It’s Quincy Promes again who silences Stamford Bridge, as he nods Hakim Ziyech’s stunning cross past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Let’s see if Ajax can hold on slightly longer this time …

Tammy Abraham has the ball in the back of the net after brilliant work from Mateo Kova?i? – the Croatian midfielder has been brilliant in the opening stages – but the assistant referee’s flag belatedly goes up for offside.

It’s been an enthralling first 15 minutes in west London … you can’t take your eyes off this one for a second.

Liverpool might have made six changes to the side that beat Aston Villa at the weekend, but so far it’s made little difference to the fluidity of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Just before the quarter of hour mark Naby Keita motors down the left and frees James Milner who crosses into the box. Gini Wijnaldum’s finishes the move off with a clever flick into the net.

Liverpool 1-0 Genk.

?Erling Braut H?land?just cannot stop scoring.

The teenage sensation has just converted a penalty to give Salzburg a 1-0 lead at Napoli and claim his seventh goal in this season’s Champions League.

Erling Braut H?land is one of Europe's most sought after young strikers.

The 19-year-old has already rewritten the competition’s history books, becoming the first ever player to score as many as six goals in his first three Champions League appearances. Nobody has scored more in this season’s competition.

You can read all about his achievements here. We’re pretty sure there will be a few more to come.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has confirmed that midfielder Granit Xhaka has been stripped of the captaincy.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League game against Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal, Xhaka confirmed the Swiss international would no longer wear the armband.

Granit Xhaka tears off his shirt after being booed by Arsenal supporters during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

The decision comes after Xhaka reacted angrily at fans after being jeered while being substituted during last month’s draw with Crystal Palace.

In response, ?Xhaka issued a statement where he said he had reached “boiling point” after his wife and daughter were abusively targeted on social media.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has been confirmed as the new club captain.

Not one for Barcelona fans …

For anyone fancying Genk to shock Liverpool tonight…

It’s probably also worth pointing out that Genk has played more Champions League group stage matches without a victory (15) than any other participating team.

What a start at Stamford Bridge!

Less than 60 seconds after Quincy Promes had given Ajax the lead, Chelsea is awarded a penalty after Joel Veltman’s lunge on Christian Pulisic.

Jorginho hops up to the ball and coolly sends Andre?Onana the wrong way.

What a start for the visiting side!

Stamford Bridge falls absolutely silent – Ajax’s traveling fans were banned by UEFA following stadium trouble – as Quincey Promes’ free kick deflects past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There’s nothing else like it in European football is there?

The referee brings an end to a frustrating night for Barcelona, as Slavia Prague hold firm until the very end.

There are quite a few boos as the final whistle sounds but there is also an audible roar of delight from the traveling Slavia fans high up in the stands.

The Czech side were more than deserving of a point at the Camp Nou and could quite easily have taken all three.

Barcelona stays top of Group F on eight points but will need to improve considerably to go deep into this season’s Champions League.

Slavia Prague hold Barcelona to a draw in an enthralling match.

Here’s a stat for you ahead of Inter Milan’s clash with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Antonio Conte is the first coach in the club’s history whose side has scored in every single one of his first 14 games in charge, eclipsing the previous record of 12.

Antonio Conte's Inter Milan take on Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Inter beat Dortmund 2-0 a fortnight ago in Milan.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has shuffled his pack for the clash with Genk at Anfield with eyes on Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City.

Sadio Mane, who scored the winning goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Aston Villa, is on the bench along with Roberto Firmino. Andrew Robertson, who also scored at Villa Park, is also a substitute.

Liverpool beat the Belgian side 4-1 a fortnight ago and will be hoping for a similar result this time around.

It was a very, very tight decision – but it was the correct one.

After a consultation with VAR, Arturo Vidal’s goal is ruled out for offside … but there were only a few millimeters in it.

With just 20 minutes left to play, Slavia continue to look impressive and you wouldn’t bet against them finding a winner here.

Arturo Vidal celebrates with Lionel Messi ... but the offside flag is raised.

Ond?ej Kolá? might want to make sure he clips this game up and makes a YouTube video to show his grandchildren.

The Slavia goalkeeper has produced some terrific saves to frustrate Barcelona tonight and his latest is out of the top drawer.

Slavia Prague's goalkeeper Ond?ej Kolá? vies with Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet.?

A beautiful pass over the top of the Slavia defense allows Sergi Roberto to steal in behind before caressing the ball towards goal only for Kolá? to save superbly.

And even when Kolá? is finally beaten, with Arturo Vidal sweeping home from close-range, the offside flag comes to the rescue for Slavia.

What a night so far for the Czech goalkeeper.

This is the moment Jan Bo?il thought he had given Slavia Prague the lead … if only it wasn’t for that pesky linesman.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will have breathed a huge sigh of relief to see the offside flag raised – there certainly wasn’t much in it.

Marc-Andre?ter Stegen is relieved to see the offside flag raised.

Well, well, well …

That certainly wasn’t the half of football many would have been expecting.

Although Barcelona has been particularly underwhelming – apart from when Lionel Messi hit the woodwork – take nothing away from Slavia Prague for a brilliant performance so far.

The Czech side actually thought it had taken the lead right on the half time whistle … but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

In truth, it would have been a deserved lead and Barcelona will need to improve considerably at half time to avoid an upset this evening.

What a second half we have in store.

Lionel Messi argues with referee Michael Oliver.

This game is an absolute cracker!

Barcelona is really starting to pile on the pressure but can’t seem to find a way past Slavia goalkeeper Ond?ej Kolá?.

The Slavia stopper has produced two outstanding saves in a matter of minutes, first tipping Lionel Messi’s curling effort round the post before blocking Gerard Pique’s goalbound header.

If Kolá? keeps this up he’ll never have to buy a beer in Prague again.

How did that stay out?

Lionel Messi has just gone close to scoring an absolute worldie.

The Barcelona star wins possession just inside his own half before turning his man and accelerating over the halfway line.

Messi cuts inside on his left foot and starts running, that run that we’ve all seen hundreds of times. We know what’s coming.

Messi reacts after seeing his curling effort hit the woodwork.

As he gets to the edge of the penalty area he lifts that famous left foot and with minimal backlift unleashes an effort that looks set to end up in the top corner.

Slavia’s goalkeeper is a mere spectator as the ball begins to curl and curl some more, only to hit the top of post and crossbar and roll away to safety.

A huge let-off for Slavia. Still 0-0.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel has told reporters he is not thinking about speculation linking him with a move to Bayern Munich.

The German giant fired Niko Kovac at the weekend after suffering an embarrassing 5-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt.

But speaking ahead of PSG’s game with Club Brugge on Wednesday, Tuchel said he is only concentrating on leading his team into the last 16 of the Champions League.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the job at Bayern Munich.

“It doesn’t interest me because I’m the coach of PSG. I have a contract for next season. I can’t think for a minute about another club,” Tuchel told a news conference Tuesday.

PSG, which has won all three of its group games so far, requires just one point to qualify for the knockout stages.

Prior to joining PSG, Tuchel coached Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.

Italian football club Hellas Verona has been given a one-match partial stadium closure following racist abuse aimed at Brescia striker?Mario Balotelli.

On Tuesday, Serie A’s disciplinary tribunal ordered the club to close its Poltrona Est Stand – the section of its stadium where the abuse was heard in Sunday’s game – for its next home fixture against Fiorentina on November 24.

Mario Balotelli had to be consoled by teammates and opposition players.

Verona also confirmed it has banned the head of the club’s Ultras Supporters Group, Luca Castellini, from its matches until June 30, 2030 for “considerations and expressions … utterly contrary to the ethical principles and values of this club.”

In an interview with Radio Cafe on Monday, Castellini said that Verona fans were merely being “irreverent” and that Balotelli could never be considered completely Italian.

Balotelli had to be consoled by teammates and opposition players after threatening to walk off the pitch following the abuse.

They say a picture paints a thousand words … and here are two.

Slavia Prague coach Jindrich Trpisovsky is understandably all smiles after his team’s brilliant start.

Slavia Prague's coach Jindrich Trpisovsky is all smiles early on.

Ernesto Valverde … less so.

Ernesto Valverde won't be happy with his team so far.

Liverpool has confirmed it will field two different teams in 24 hours as it attempts to play in the English League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup the following day.

Jurgen Klopp’s side is scheduled to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on December 17 before playing thousands of miles away in Qatar on December 18.

Liverpool, which overcame Arsenal on penalties after a frantic 5-5 draw at Anfield last week, released a statement on Tuesday saying it had reached an outcome “with the best interest of the competition, our fellow clubs and ourselves as the sole motivating factor.”

Liverpool won 2-1 at Aston Villa last weekend.

According to the regulations set out by the English Football League, which runs the League Cup, “each club shall play its full available strength in and during all Cup competition matches, unless some satisfactory reason is given.”

Liverpool was facing a fixture pile up with the club involved in the English Premier League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and European Champions League.

It will now be up to its coach Jurgen Klopp to juggle his resources for the two games.

But which game should Liverpool prioritize?

In a statement, the EFL said:

We’re not sure if Gerard Pique has been watching any of the action in Japan but the Barcelona star showed skills that Rugby World Cup winners South Africa would have been proud of.

Pique is beaten all ends up by Slavia forward Peter Olayinka and his attempted tackle only succeeds in attracting a yellow card from referee Michael Oliver.

Gerard Pique attempts to wrestle Peter Olayinka to the ground after being beaten by the Slavia Prague forward.

That booking could be costly for Barcelona with Pique now suspended for the next group stage game against Borussia Dortmund on November 27.

Well … this certainly isn’t the start Barcelona will have been hoping for.

Following the 3-1 defeat to Levante at the weekend and some underwhelming Champions League performances this season, a fast start tonight was essential to keep the fans on side.

But Barcelona has been very much on the back foot in these opening 20 minutes, with Slavia causing its defense some real trouble down the flanks.

In truth, the visiting Czech side looks by far the more likely to score at the moment.

Barcelona has been under some serious early pressure from Slavia.

Tottenham star Son Heung-Min has had his red card for the challenge on Everton’s Andre Gomes wiped out by an independent regulatory commission.

The South Korea star was originally shown a yellow card by referee Martin Atkinson for the foul on Gomes before the official changed his mind and produced a red.

Gomes suffered a horrific ankle injury that left Son in tears and several other players unable to look at the injured midfielder’s direction.

But the independent panel judged that Son should not have been sent off for serious foul play and dismissed the complaint, leaving him available for selection after his three-game ban was dropped.

Son was visibly distressed after witnessing the nature of Gomes’ ankle injury which appeared to take place after his challenge but before the Everton midfielder crashed into Spurs defender Serge Aurier.

Gomes has been discharged from hospital after undergoing an operation to repair a fracture dislocation to his right ankle.?

We love stats … here’s one to get your teeth into.

He’s been linked with the vacant Bayern Munich job, but tonight former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is analyzing Tuesday’s Champions League games for beIN Sports.

Wenger’s view of Barcelona is that the Catalans have “lost their charisma.”

Arsene Wenger has criticized Barcelona's recent performances.

Luis Suarez might be missing but there’s plenty of firepower in that starting XI for Barcelona.

Lionel Messi is joined by Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele as it looks to bounce back from the 3-1 league defeat by Levante at the weekend.

Barcelona is unbeaten in 17 games at home in the group stage – if it makes it 18 then it will match the club’s best ever run.

Slavia came close to causing a shock last time out against Barcelona, frittering away a number of opportunities before eventually succumbing 2-1 in Prague.

Here’s how the Czech champion lines up tonight.

Both Barcelona and Bayern Munich will be hoping to put embarrassing weekend defeats behind them with good Champions League performances this week.

Lionel Messi and co. suffered a 3-1 loss away to Levante, while Bayern Munich was humbled 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt.

Lionel Messi will be hoping to inspire Barcelona to a victory against Slavia Prague.

Two weeks ago, Slavia Prague pushed Barcelona all the way in a narrow 2-1 defeat and the Catalan side will need to up its game considerably to avoid another upset tonight.

You can read about a bad day for two of Europe’s biggest clubs – and two of the favorites for this season’s Champions League – here.

For Niko Kovac, the hammering against Frankfurt ultimately cost him his job.

There’s one player whose name has been on the lips of every Champions League viewer this season … and he’s not called Lionel Messi.

RB Salzburg’s teenage star Erling Braut H?land has rewritten the competition’s history books, becoming the first ever player to score as many as six goals in his first three Champions League appearances.

Salzburg's Norwegian forward Erling Braut H?land celebrates after scoring his first goal against Napoli.

Despite his heroics, the 19-year-old has been on the wrong end of defeats to Liverpool and Napoli in Salzburg’s previous two matches but will be hoping to make amends in Naples this evening.

H?land has scored a staggering 22 goals in 16 matches so far this season – including four hat-tricks – to make him one of the most in-demand players in world football.

You can read more about his record-breaking exploits here.