The dispute between English football giant Chelsea and French team of Lens about the transfer of youngster Gael Katuka has seen a new episode with the International sport's top court lifting the transfer ban imposed on Chelsea.
Europa League title holders Shakhtar have qualified for the next stage of the competition after a 2-0 victory over Toulouse, while Lille's 3-2 defeat at Genoa (picture) capped a miserable night for French clubs.
France's manager Raymond Domenech has opted for continuity against Ireland and has therefore decided not to select former captain Patrick Vieira for the two make-or-break games on November 14 and 18.
Frustrated Liverpool could be out of the Champions League after Lyon grabbed a late equaliser to move on to the knockout stage. Joining the French club are Sevilla, whose 1-1 draw with VfB Stuttgart earned the Spaniards a place in the last 16.
Liverpool's under-fire manager Rafael Benitez heads to Lyon with a makeshift squad knowing anything short of a victory could leave the Reds staring at an early exit from the Champions League.
English big shots Chelsea qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League, along with Porto and French team Bordeaux (photo) who marked up a splendid victory over Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid will be hoping to erase memories of AC Milan's stunning comeback as the two sides meet again at San Siro on Tuesday. Elsewhere, Bordeaux look for a win in Munich to secure a place in the last 16.
England midfielder David Beckham will rejoin AC Milan on loan in January from Los Angeles Galaxy, the Italian club has announced. The move should help the 34-year-old former England captain secure a place in England's World Cup squad next year.
Despite a recent outbreak of swine flu at the club, Paris Saint-Germain managed to pull off their first victory in two months by winning 4-1 at Sochaux in the French top flight.
