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League: Champions LeagueSport: SoccerCountry: GlobalCategory: Scores & Results

Champions League returns as FIFA prepares to release Ballon d'Or nominees

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 6:42 AM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Champions League returns as FIFA prepares to release Ballon d'Or nominees
Summary

The 72nd edition of the UEFA Champions League begins today with a series of opening matches. The schedule includes Real Madrid facing Inter, Borussia Dortmund against Villarreal, Lille playing Betis, and Porto taking on Manchester City. FIFA is also set to release the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or this morning following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season and this summer's World Cup. In domestic league news, Real Sociedad secured a win over Elche despite playing with ten men, with Sucic providing the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Getafe and Celta played to a draw, prompting criticism from Claudio Giráldez regarding his team's performance against a shorthanded opponent. Elsewhere, Álvaro Morata addressed his absence from the national team roster, and internal comments from Rodri regarding Valencia were highlighted in a recent media segment.

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •The 72nd UEFA Champions League tournament begins with matches featuring Real Madrid and Manchester City.
  • •FIFA will announce 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or today.
  • •Real Sociedad earned a victory against Elche despite being reduced to ten players.
  • •Rodri faced scrutiny after critical comments about Valencia were broadcast on television.
  • •Álvaro Morata stated he believes his absence from the squad was intended to maintain team harmony.
Latest Updates
  • 6:42 AMYahoo Sports — 🥐 Champions, Ballon d'Or and Sudamericana, Wednesday's 5️⃣ stories
  • 6:58 AMYahoo Sports — 5⃣ stories of the day: Ballon d'Or nominees, Rodri's criticism...
What they're saying
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The start of the Champions League has delivered a mixed opening round for Spanish football, while the international spotlight turns to the Ballon d'Or nominations and South America buzzes with the qua...

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Tuesday, September 8 begins packed with news and packed with football. So let’s go over the news you can’t miss to start the day...The Champions League gets underway📸 VALERY HACHE - AFP or lice...

Related Teams & Leagues
LiverpoolBarcelonaReal MadridAtletico MadridBorussia DortmundChampions LeagueSoccer

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