Ludogorets

Napoli Gonzalo Higuain rescued Napoli to earn a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash.

Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham, Genk, Valencia and Rubin Kazan were among the sides to clinch their UEFA Europa League groups on Thursday.

A debut goal from Alexandre Pato proved in vain as Villarreal lost 2-1 to Monaco, while Thomas Vermaelen was sent off in his Roma bow.

Roma had two men sent off as they lost to Porto in the Champions League play-offs, while Monaco saw off Villarreal with a draw in France.

Mario Balotelli Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said he hopes Mario Balotelli's first goal for the club can spark a surge of form for the striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has talked up his side's chances of winning the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season.

Paul Scholes Paul Scholes said he believes Liverpool are a dangerous sleeper in the UEFA Champions League upon their return to Europe.

Theo Walcott Arsenal moved closer to a place in the Champions League knock-out rounds courtesy of a Mesut Ozil hat-trick in a 6-0 rout of Ludogorets.

Unai Emery Unai Emery has stressed Paris Saint-Germain need time, but he sees no reason to panic as they prepare to take on Ludogorets.

Blaise Matuidi Edinson Cavani played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain's win over Ludogorets, which he acknowledged was far from straightforward.