Tottenham Hotspur will host Borussia Dortmund in a UEFA Champions League match characterized as a heavyweight encounter, with both teams expected to play with pace and attacking intent. Tottenham is anticipated to leverage their home advantage and rely on quick transitions, while Dortmund brings energy and directness, posing a constant threat on the counter-attack. The match is viewed as a potentially difficult contest, as neither team is currently in peak form. However, this dynamic is expected to contribute to an exciting and crucial matchup in this phase of the competition. The confirmed starting lineups have been announced. Tottenham will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Vicario in goal; a defense of Porro, Romero, Danso, and Udogie; a midfield pivot of Gray and Bergvall; an attacking trio of Odobert, Simons, and Spence; with Solanke leading the line as the striker. Borussia Dortmund will start in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Kobel as goalkeeper; a back three of Anton, Schlotterbeck, and Bensebaini; a midfield four of Couto, Bellingham, Nmecha, and Svensson; an attacking midfield duo of Adeyemi and Brandt; and Guirassy as the lone forward.

Michael Spence, president and provost of University College London (UCL), stated that China's research and higher education sector has achieved remarkable progress, with Chinese universities becoming significant partners for international institutions. He noted that the rapid development of China's research and education is drawing increasing global attention, with many countries looking to China's experience to advance their own higher education systems. Reflecting on a recent international academic forum in Beijing, Spence mentioned moderating a discussion on AI in Africa and described the exchanges between Chinese universities, African universities, and businesses as highly constructive. Regarding academic collaboration, Spence said cooperation between UCL and Chinese partners spans nearly all research fields, with few disciplines untouched by joint research or academic exchange. He highlighted the growing role of AI in future research across various disciplines and praised Chinese students at UCL as highly talented and actively involved in campus life. Looking ahead, Spence expressed optimism about broad prospects for further collaboration with Chinese universities, emphasizing a future of continued partnership and engagement.

eXmoor Pharma has entered a strategic collaboration with University College London (UCL) and its Translational Research Office (TRO) to accelerate the development of cell and gene therapies (CGT). The partnership is designed to streamline the entire CGT development pathway, from initial academic research through to clinical application. The collaboration will facilitate engagement between UCL innovators and eXmoor's multidisciplinary teams. It integrates the TRO's translational research expertise with eXmoor's consultancy, development, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) capabilities, aiming to overcome common technical and regulatory delays in CGT development. As part of the agreement, UCL researchers will gain access to eXmoor's experts and services, including input on grants, regular consultancy clinics, joint events, and GMP manufacturing for early-stage clinical studies. In return, eXmoor will work directly with UCL's researchers, ensuring its teams remain current with the latest CGT modalities and innovations. UCL officials highlighted the university's strong pipeline of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and commitment to life-changing innovation. eXmoor brings over twenty years of consultancy experience in CGT manufacturing and commercialization. The TRO's role is to translate UCL's biomedical research into practical applications like drugs and diagnostics. Leadership from both organizations emphasized that this collaborative model, which pairs academic science with practical, GMP-ready solutions, is essential for successfully moving groundbreaking therapies from the laboratory to patients.

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On September 18th, Eintracht Frankfurt secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Galatasaray in a match that sparked significant backlash from Galatasaray fans, who openly criticized their team's performance. In response, former Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané acknowledged that such criticism was warranted, emphasizing that fans have the right to express their emotions, particularly after a heavy loss in the Champions League. Sané drew from his own experiences at Bayern Munich, where he faced both praise and harsh criticism from vocal fans, which helped him develop resilience and a thick skin over time. He noted that poor performances often lead to outrage, especially in online forums, and this dynamic has not only toughened him but also deepened his understanding of the passionate nature of football supporters. Reflecting on his journey, Sané highlighted how enduring fan reactions initially challenged him but ultimately strengthened his perspective, allowing him to empathize with the emotional highs and lows that fans experience in the sport.

Pep Guardiola is managing his 1,000th game as a manager in the upcoming match between Manchester City and Liverpool, and he described this fixture as the ideal way to celebrate the milestone. Guardiola emphasized that Liverpool has been his biggest rival in England, stating that the two teams have consistently pushed each other to improve, and he would not have chosen any other opponent for this personal achievement. He referenced two close title battles with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons, where Manchester City narrowly won the league by a single point on both occasions. Guardiola expressed deep respect for Klopp and their rivalry, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in history, having won a total of 12 domestic league titles and three Champions League trophies across his tenures at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola, renowned as one of the best managers in football history, is set to oversee his 1000th game in charge as his current team, Manchester City, prepares to face Liverpool in a Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Guardiola began his coaching career with Barcelona B in 2007 and has since achieved significant success, including winning 12 domestic league titles with clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, as well as securing three Champions League titles and numerous other cups throughout his tenure. Out of his first 999 games managed, Guardiola has recorded 715 victories, and he has been inducted into the League Managers Association Hall of Fame 1,000 Club, joining 38 other managers who have worked in England, including notable figures like Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 6 resources have been released, featuring a complete guide with team reveals, top player picks, and a free hit draft to assist managers in optimizing their squads for the upcoming matches. For UEFA Champions League (UCL) Fantasy, a fixture ticker covering Matchdays 2 to 8 is now available, along with a detailed guide on the Best Limitless Team for Matchday 2. This guide emphasizes using the Limitless chip to target high-scoring players without budget restrictions, considering factors like standout fixtures, player form, and captaincy options to maximize points during the group stage. Additionally, a premium subscription is offered for access to more in-depth articles, including weekly team reveals and statistical analyses, at a cost of £12 per year or £1 per month.

The Fantasy Football Community has announced the release of their complete guide for FPL Gameweek 6, which features team reveals, top picks, and a free hit draft. Additionally, the UCL Fantasy Fixture Ticker for Matchdays 2-8 is now accessible, providing managers with scheduling insights. An article by @Big4FPL highlights UCL Fantasy Matchday 2 differentials, emphasizing low-owned players as key for climbing rankings. It analyzes form, fixtures, and statistics, with a specific recommendation for Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco due to his attacking role and ball recovery potential in a home match against Slavia Praha. The community offers a Premium upgrade for £1 per month, granting access to exclusive articles. A poll question inquires about the best budget defender in FPL currently, with results available via a link. This content was published on September 27, 2025, and last modified on September 26, 2025.

The article introduces the UCL Fantasy Matchday 2 Best Wildcard Team, aimed at helping managers reset their squads after just one round of matches. It emphasizes the strategic use of the wildcard chip to address early-season challenges, such as correcting mistakes from Matchday 1, capitalizing on emerging player bandwagons, and optimizing fixtures for the upcoming rounds. The piece provides a detailed breakdown of the recommended wildcard team, highlighting key players to consider for selection, optimal captaincy options to maximize points, and overall strategies to enhance team performance and climb the rankings. It offers practical advice for managers looking to make informed decisions during Matchday 2. Additionally, the article promotes a premium subscription service, offering access to weekly team reveals, clean sheet odds, and attacking return statistics for just £1 per month, providing further resources for dedicated fantasy football enthusiasts.

The newsletter discusses an ugly situation involving Grimes, likely referring to a player or team-related issue, and announces the return of Allen Iverson jerseys for the Philadelphia 76ers, generating excitement. It mentions an Adam Survey, possibly related to NBA commissioner Adam Silver or a fan poll, along with criticism of absurd ESPN rankings and a farewell AMA session scheduled for August. Opinions are shared on various topics, including feelings about Nick Castellanos during a slow news week, hopeful dreams for a more competitive Sixers team, and personal sentiments about players, such as hoping one retires before the trade deadline. The content also notes Eric Gordon's continued presence with the Sixers, describes Zion Williamson's altered appearance as humorous due to a goatee, praises Oregon's football uniforms for an upcoming game against PSU, and reports the Philadelphia Eagles' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 24-16.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain sustained a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday. McCain and the team are consulting a specialist to decide on the appropriate course of action for the injury. McCain was drafted by the Sixers with the 16th overall pick from Duke in the previous year. Before this injury, he had averaged 15.3 points in 23 games but missed the remainder of the 2024-25 season after tearing his meniscus in December. This story is currently being updated.

Scientists have reported the first therapy to slow the progression of Huntington's disease, based on a preliminary trial from University College London (UCL). The experimental one-time gene therapy, called AMT-130, showed a 75% reduction in disease progression over three years for patients receiving a high dose compared to those on standard care. While these results are promising, the treatment is still years away from potential FDA approval, with the earliest application expected in 2026. The therapy works by using a harmless virus to deliver genetic instructions to the brain, which turn off the harmful protein responsible for damaging brain cells. Unlike existing treatments that only manage symptoms, AMT-130 is designed as a lifelong, one-time intervention. In the study involving 29 patients, with 12 receiving a high dose, success was measured through brain scans and spinal fluid tests showing significant improvement in reducing brain cell damage. Huntington's disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans and is caused by a faulty gene that leads to toxic proteins attacking brain cells, typically appearing in mid-adulthood and progressing over 15-20 years with symptoms like movement issues, memory loss, and mood changes. Experts involved in the trial, such as UCL professors Ed Wild and Sarah Tabrizi, expressed excitement, noting that the therapy could help patients preserve daily function and even return to work, though larger studies are needed to confirm these early findings. Despite the encouraging outcomes, researchers caution that the treatment requires complex brain surgery to deliver the therapy directly to affected areas, though patients tolerated it well with manageable side effects. If approved, AMT-130 would be the first treatment to slow the disease itself rather than just alleviate symptoms. The findings have not yet been published in a medical journal or peer-reviewed but will be presented at an upcoming conference, highlighting the need for further testing and review for safety and effectiveness.

Arne Slot reacted to Hugo Ekitike's red card following his winning goal for Liverpool against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, though the details of his reaction are not elaborated in the provided text. Federico Chiesa emphasized his willingness to embrace the intense competition within Liverpool's squad, stating that if he did not relish such challenges, he would have sought an easier path elsewhere. He delivered a man-of-the-match performance in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, providing assists for high-profile signings Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, whose combined transfer fees totaled £200 million. The significant summer transfers, including the arrival of Florian Wirtz for £100 million and the emergence of young talent Rio Ngumoha, initially seemed to limit Chiesa's opportunities, leading to speculation about a return to Serie A. However, Chiesa affirmed his commitment to Liverpool, highlighting that competition drives him to improve as a player and that he is proud to represent a top global club. Chiesa noted a marked improvement in his physical and mental condition compared to the previous season, having already accumulated 137 minutes of play with one goal this term. Last season, he struggled with match fitness, managing only 465 minutes across 14 appearances until January. He expressed understanding of the coach's earlier decisions and satisfaction with his current contributions, including a crucial goal in the Premier League win over Bournemouth, vowing to continue working hard for more opportunities.

PSG and Barcelona are set to face each other on October 1 in the UEFA Champions League group stage, with both teams entering the match in strong form. PSG began their campaign impressively, securing a 4-0 victory over Atalanta by scoring two goals in each half, despite missing key players Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. Barcelona responded with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Newcastle United, driven by a brace from Marcus Rashford, and are now focusing on getting as many players fit as possible for the upcoming clash with PSG. According to reports, Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, who suffered a hamstring injury in training on September 3, has rejoined the squad and could be close to returning for the match against PSG, having already missed the Champions League opener and several La Liga games since his last appearance on August 31. Despite Balde's progress, Barcelona plans to manage his return carefully due to the minor nature of his injury and his history of setbacks, aiming to avoid rushing him back into action.

UCL has been recognized as one of the top universities in England for knowledge exchange in Research England's Knowledge Exchange Framework 2025 (KEF5), which was published today. The KEF is an annual framework managed by Research England that assesses universities' performance in activities that drive economic growth and societal benefits, such as collaborating with external organizations, supporting local communities, and launching new ventures. UCL has consistently been rated among the top institutions for knowledge exchange in every KEF since its launch in 2021, and this year, it scored particularly high in research partnerships, working with businesses, engaging with the public and third sector, and intellectual property commercialization, achieving top bands in these categories. Professor Geraint Rees, UCL's Vice-Provost for Research, Innovation & Global Engagement, highlighted that the recognition reflects the university's success in translating ideas into real-world impact through partnerships with businesses, government, and the public, contributing to breakthroughs in areas like cancer therapies and quantum technology and reinforcing the UK's position as a global innovation leader.

San Siro stadium will not host the 2027 Champions League final after failing to meet numerous UEFA requirements, leading UEFA to rule it out of contention for the event. Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta had previously warned the city council about San Siro's inability to comply with UEFA's high standards, confirming that the venue is no longer eligible for major international events. This decision comes despite a bid to host the 2027 final, highlighting that San Siro cannot compete with Europe's top stadiums. Consequently, AC Milan and Inter Milan are keen to purchase San Siro and the surrounding areas to build a new state-of-the-art stadium, aiming to restore its iconic status. However, the clubs have faced numerous obstacles in their efforts to proceed with the construction of the new arena. Additionally, San Siro is at risk of being omitted as a host venue for EURO 2032, as UEFA has informed the Municipality of Milan that the stadium fails to meet several fundamental requirements, further emphasizing its shortcomings.

Real Madrid is set to face FC Kairat in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on September 30th for the second matchday of the 2025-26 Champions League. This match is historic for Kazakhstan, as it marks Real Madrid's first visit, involving a 10,000-mile round trip from Spain. Local fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see star players like Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Bellingham, Huijsen, and Arda Güler up close, generating significant excitement in the city near the Chinese border. Ticket sales began on Tuesday, leading to overwhelming demand that crashed the servers. According to Kazinform, nearly 80,000 fans queued online for tickets, far exceeding the Almaty Central Stadium's capacity of 23,000 spectators. This surge caused the ticket portals to fail, prompting complaints from fans on social media, as the demand was triple the available seats. The high demand is accompanied by steep ticket prices, ranging from 30,000 tenge (about $50) to 250,000 tenge (nearly $500) for premium seats. These prices are considered exorbitant in Kazakhstan, where the minimum monthly wage is approximately 100,000 tenge ($170), making attendance challenging for many local supporters. FC Kairat earned their place in the Champions League by defeating teams like Olimpia Ljubljana, KUPS, Slovan Bratislava, and Celtic Glasgow through qualifying rounds. However, they started the group stage with a 4-1 loss to Sporting de Portugal in their first match.

AIK's three-match winning streak in the Allsvenskan came to an end with a 3-1 defeat to Norrkoping on Monday night. This loss leaves AIK just two points ahead of the teams competing for third place and the final European qualification spot. Norrkoping took the lead in the 33rd minute when Max Watson controlled a cross from the right and scored under pressure. Seven minutes later, they doubled their advantage as Christoffer Nyman chested a ball from the left to Alexander Fransson, who volleyed it past goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Norrkoping sealed the victory when Kevin Jansson capitalized on a poor clearance and drilled the ball into the net. AIK managed a consolation goal through Dino Besirovic's powerful header, but it wasn't enough to prevent their fifth loss of the season, leaving them 14 points behind league leaders Mjallby with only six matches remaining. The win boosts Norrkoping's survival hopes, moving them up to 10th place and seven points clear of the relegation zone. In another Monday night match, Halmstad secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over bottom-side Varnamo, enhancing their chances of avoiding relegation. Varnamo opened the scoring in the first half with a 20-yard strike from Ajdin Zeljkovic, his fourth league goal of the season. However, Halmstad equalized early in the second half when Naeem Mohammed set up Villiam Granath, who scored with a powerful shot. The turnaround was completed just before the hour mark when Varnamo's Victor Larsson inadvertently headed Pascal Gregor's cross into his own net. This loss extends Varnamo's losing streak to four matches, and they now trail the relegation playoff place by 10 points, while Halmstad have accumulated seven points from their last four games.

Santos secured a 1-0 victory over São Paulo in a recent Brazilian Championship match, with Guilherme scoring the decisive goal and celebrating the team's progress under new coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. The win at Vila Belmiro highlighted a positive start to Vojvoda's tenure, suggesting Santos has potential to improve in the league. Vojvoda, who took charge after the FIFA international break, had limited time initially but has since implemented changes with new reinforcements. The team showed evolution in previous matches, such as against Atlético-MG, and demonstrated a combative, dominant style against São Paulo, pressing aggressively and limiting the rival's attacking opportunities. Tactically, Vojvoda abandoned the ineffective 4-3-3 formation, opting for a more varied approach that improved creativity and defensive stability. Despite strong associations and game volume, Santos struggled with finishing, missing chances to score more goals and needing better decision-making in attack.

Tajon Buchanan, a former Syracuse Orange soccer player, started for Villarreal in their Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, which resulted in a 1-0 defeat for Villarreal. Buchanan has been a standout performer for Villarreal this season, scoring three goals in a hat trick against Girona and regularly starting as a left winger, making him an integral part of the team's lineup. The match's sole goal came from an unfortunate own goal by Villarreal's Luiz Junior, who mishandled a difficult shot from Tottenham's Richarlison. Buchanan was substituted in the 82nd minute after a quiet performance, mirroring Villarreal's overall attacking struggles, as they failed to register a single shot on target despite taking 10 attempts. The game was defensively oriented, with Tottenham posing little threat beyond the own goal, and a late handball incident added drama but did not change the outcome. Despite this loss, Villarreal is enjoying a strong season, currently sitting third in La Liga with only one defeat so far. Their upcoming fixtures include a league match against Athletic Bilbao, followed by a crucial game against Real Madrid, and further Champions League encounters with Juventus and Manchester City. Buchanan has also excelled internationally, playing a key role in Canada's recent friendly victories over Romania and Wales during the international break, contributing to wins even without scoring or assisting.

Following the midweek UEFA Champions League action, Europe's major football leagues resumed with key matches over the weekend. In the Premier League, Liverpool maintained their perfect start by winning the Merseyside Derby 2-1 against Everton, while Arsenal played to a draw with Manchester City. Manchester United returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. In LALIGA, Real Madrid and Barcelona both secured wins to hold the top two positions in the table. Juventus saw their 100% record in Serie A end with a loss to Hellas Verona, and Bayern Munich continued their dominance in the Bundesliga with a fourth consecutive win, keeping them at the top of the table. ESPN's By The Numbers highlighted several notable statistics from the weekend's matches. Casemiro became the first Manchester United player to score and be sent off in the first half of a Premier League game. Manchester United achieved consecutive home Premier League wins under the same manager, Erik ten Hag, for the first time since December 2023. Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the fifth minute against Manchester United, marking the earliest dismissal for a goalkeeper in the Premier League since February 1995. United extended their unbeaten run to 13 home league games against Chelsea, with six wins and seven draws in that span. Since joining the Premier League, Erling Haaland has scored the most goals (22) against 'Big Six' opponents, surpassing Mohamed Salah's 21.

Chelsea was delighted to witness loanee Kendry Paez make his mark in European football during Strasbourg's 3-2 victory over Paris FC in a Ligue 1 match, where Chelsea-affiliated players played key roles under manager Liam Rosenior. Paez scored his first goal for Strasbourg with a header in the first half, celebrating by mimicking Joao Pedro's gesture, marking a significant moment in his loan spell after a slow start to the season where he struggled to secure regular playing time. Despite the initial challenges, Paez's performance is improving, attributed to his dedication off the pitch, with reports indicating he has made substantial progress since pre-season and adapted well to Rosenior's complex system. Insider Graeme Bailey noted that Paez has impressed from the start of the season, alleviating earlier concerns within BlueCo about his adjustment, particularly with support from South American teammates at Strasbourg helping him excel. Some Chelsea fans have expressed frustration over Paez's loan, questioning why he wasn't retained at Stamford Bridge, especially after Chelsea signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton as an additional attacking option late in the transfer window. Buonanotte has already made a start for Chelsea and is expected to feature in the upcoming EFL Cup match against Lincoln, highlighting the club's strategic moves amid fan debates over player development.