Diego Simeone has backed Atletico Madrid to thrive under pressure in Wednesday's crucial Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.

Atletico have reached at least the last 16 in each of their previous four Champions League campaigns, but that run could be halted when they welcome Xabi Alonso's side to the Civitas Metropolitano.

Having failed to score in their last three Champions League games, Atletico will be eliminated from the competition if they fail to win and Porto beat Group B leaders Club Brugge.

However, Simeone has no concerns about his players' ability to handle the occasion.

"They are used to it, they know the demands we have," Simeone said at Tuesday's pre-match news conference.

"They are no different from the ones we always have in LaLiga, the cup or the competition that we have in front of us. 

"We need to win. All that pressure will be generated in the best way to hurt the rival. I feel that the team is growing, and it's a pleasure; hopefully it can be seen tomorrow."

Atletico have never failed to score in four consecutive Champions League games under Simeone, only doing so under Abel Resino between March and October 2009.

Meanwhile, Wednesday's match features the two sides who have underperformed their expected goals (xG) totals by the widest in the Champions League this season. Atletico have scored twice from chances amounting to 6.3 xG, while Leverkusen have netted the same number from 6.7 xG.

Simeone's team have faced heavy criticism for their attacking failings this season, but winger Yannick Carrasco expects them to come good. 

"It's true that there are games that don't go the way we want, but we have a good team, we follow the coach's orders 100 per cent, and we work hard," Carrasco said.

"I think it's normal for the fans, as we have a good squad and a good team, to expect us to win every game, but it's not like that in football. Surely tomorrow is a final for all of us. It's very important."

Eric Garcia says he is not affected by criticism that "is lacking respect" ahead of Barcelona's Champions League showdown with Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Spain defender has come under fire for his performances in a 3-3 draw with Inter and the 3-1 Clasico loss at Real Madrid.

Garcia was dropped to the bench for a 3-0 LaLiga defeat of Villarreal before returning to the starting line-up in a 4-0 rout of Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barca head coach Xavi backed the centre-back after the loss to Madrid, stating: "For me, Eric is a guarantee."

The 21-year-old, who returned to Camp Nou after his Manchester City contract expired last year, says he is not bothered about harsh assessments of his credentials.

"Obviously I gave the penalty away against Madrid, and against Inter I could have been better," Garcia said on the eve of the clash with Bundesliga champions Bayern.

"I am 21, I have room to improve. The criticism, which is lacking respect, does not concern me. I accept constructive criticism. I know when I play well and when I don't. I have people around me that tell me.

"As for the rest, people can say what they want, but it does not affect me."

Even a win over Group C leaders Bayern may not keep alive Barca's chances of qualifying for the round of 16, with second-placed Inter sure to advance if they beat Viktoria Plzen.

Fiorentina have hit out at "plainly false" media reports accusing club president Rocco Commisso of "aggressive and intimidating" behaviour towards Inter players and staff after Saturday's Serie A meeting.

Inter were 4-3 winners at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, but the game was subsequently marred by claims in the press of ugly scenes off the pitch.

It was claimed Commisso aggressively banged on the door to Inter's changing room, while Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta and Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone were said to have engaged in a heated disagreement.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) began an investigation into the alleged incidents on Monday, but Fiorentina have since released a statement insisting the media reports were false, with Inter president Steven Zhang apparently assuring Viola officials the stories did not come from him or his staff.

Fiorentina's statement read: "ACF Fiorentina can confirm that Inter president Steven Zhang has spoken to Fiorentina general manager Giuseppe Barone.

"The Nerazzurri president clarified that neither he nor any other [Inter] club directors ever claimed – at any time or to any individual – what was published by some newspapers on Saturday evening after the Fiorentina v Inter match. These reports alleged that president Rocco Commisso behaved in an aggressive and intimidating manner in the away dressing room. This never took place.

"Fiorentina has taken note of what president Zhang said and would like to highlight that some members of the press are quick to portray president Rocco Commisso in a bad light without carrying out due and diligent checks on the reliability of their information and sources, publicly attributing bad behaviour to Fiorentina's president which has no factual grounding.

"Sadly, once again we are left to rue the fact that the club and its fans have fallen victim to inaccurate reporting by certain members of the media, who reported plainly false information which has caused serious damage to the image of the club and the president.

"We reiterate that Fiorentina has the greatest respect for journalists and their work and expects this to be reciprocated with the club and its employees by not publishing unverified stories which have no basis in reality."

Zion Williamson has been ruled out of the New Orleans Pelicans' meeting with the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday after suffering a posterior hip contusion, joining team-mate Brandon Ingram on the sideline.

Williamson was originally listed as questionable after sustaining the injury as a result of a heavy fall in Sunday's 122-121 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz.

Coach Willie Green said Williamson's injury did not seem serious on Monday, but the team have now revealed he will miss Tuesday's game.

Williamson is averaging 22.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season after missing the entirety of the last campaign with a foot injury.

The Pelicans, who won their first two games of the season after being tipped to mount a challenge in the Western Conference, will now be missing several key men for Tuesday's encounter.

Forward Ingram is subject to the NBA's return-to-participation protocol after suffering a concussion against Utah, while Herb Jones has also been ruled out after hyperextending his right knee.

Aaron Finch was left with mixed emotions after Australia beat Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup but he "couldn't hit the ball" in a "poor" innings.

Australia started the defence of their title by suffering an 89-run defeat to New Zealand in a repeat of last year's final, but the hosts responded with a seven-wicket victory at Perth Stadium on Tuesday.

Marcus Stoinis was the star of the show, blasting a record-breaking unbeaten 59 from only 18 balls to get the holders home with 21 balls to spare and move them into fourth place in Group 1.

The powerful all-rounder cleared the rope six times and struck another four boundaries to register Australia's fastest T20I half-century and the joint-second quickest in a T20 World Cup, passing 50 from only 17 deliveries.

Finch finished on 31 not out from 42 balls after watching Stoinis cut loose at the other end, and the captain gave a frank assessment of his scratchy knock.

He said in the post-match presentation: "I'm very happy [with the win]. Obviously my innings was unusual. It was poor. I just couldn't hit the ball. But I thought the way that we approached it with the bat was fine.

"It would've been nice if I could've kicked on earlier and made the chase a bit easier but all in all, pretty clinical, I think with the ball as well.

"They bowled a hard length. It was tough. It's such a big ground that you feel as though it's hard to just stand and deliver. Especially with a bit of extra bounce and when the ball is seaming slightly, you feel it's just not quite as easy to hit the middle of the bat. That's no excuse for the way I played, but it's nice to get two points."

The opener praised Stoinis following his sensational exhibition of clean striking.

"It was a pretty special innings," skipper Finch said. "To come out with that intent is the main thing. When you walk out to bat and you have that presence at the crease, that's half the battle in T20 cricket. When you have the skill and the strength that he's got, that's a pretty good combo."

Australia's next assignment will a mouthwatering clash with England at the MCG on Friday.

Barcelona should expect no Champions League favours from Bayern Munich, according to the Bavarians' chief executive Oliver Kahn, who says his team will give nothing away in their bid to top Group C.

Bayern have already secured their place in the competition's last 16 ahead of Wednesday's trip to Camp Nou, where they could condemn Barca to a humiliating early exit.

Having failed to beat Inter in back-to-back meetings earlier this month, the Blaugrana are on the verge of suffering successive group-stage eliminations from the Champions League for just the second time (also in 1997-98 and 1998-99).

Bayern sealed Barca's European fate last season with a 3-0 win over Xavi's side at the Allianz Arena, and Kahn says they are highly motivated to repeat the trick.

"We have nothing to give away in Barcelona. We want to achieve our goal and finish first in the group," Kahn told reporters on Tuesday.

"It is the strongest group, someone had to pay; Bayern, Inter or Barcelona. It's not over yet. We have the utmost respect for Barcelona. 

"The performances they show in the league are strong, they're outstanding. It is always a very important match between two great teams in Europe."

Bayern have won each of their last five Champions League meetings with Barca, and their desire to continue that run will likely have been increased by Robert Lewandowski's acrimonious move to Camp Nou in July.

Leon Goretzka recently said Lewandowski had been "spoiled" by Bayern's Champions League consistency during his time in Germany, but Kahn refused to repeat the midfielder's taunts.

"If you look at FC Bayern and the results in the Champions League in recent years, it's a success story, no question. [We've] always qualified for at least the round of 16," Kahn said.

"I don't know what Robert thinks about it – you'll have to ask him yourself."

Meanwhile, Kahn offered an update on the fitness of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is thought to be close to a return following a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

"With him, you just have to wait and see how things develop from day to day," former keeper Kahn added. "It's a painful story, but I don't think it's anything that serious. I think he should be ready again soon."

Marcus Stoinis hit a half-century in record time to propel Australia to a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday and get his side back on track in the T20 World Cup.

The tournament hosts were heavily beaten by New Zealand in their opener and were then set a competitive target by Sri Lanka, who reached 157-6 from their 20 overs.

Pathum Nissanka (40) top-scored for Sri Lanka, albeit using 45 balls, and Charith Asalanka (38) also contributed in an up-and-down innings that saw the Lions hit just two sixes.

Australia still had work to do with the pressure on, and they struggled early on, with David Warner (11) and Mitchell Marsh (17) falling to leave their side 60-2 in the ninth over.

However, Stoinis turned on the style by reaching his half-century in just 17 deliveries – the fastest fifty by an Australian in T20I history – en route to an unbeaten 59 from 18 balls.

Australia reached their target with 21 balls to spare in Perth for what turned out to be a run-rate-boosting win, despite Aaron Finch (31 from 42) failing to impress.

Australia back on track

This victory was Australia's third in a row against Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup and sets up an intriguing contest against England at the MCG on Friday.

Sri Lanka had won eight of their past nine T20Is, including their Group 1 opener against Ireland, and must now dust themselves down ahead of facing New Zealand.

Stoinis stars as Finch falters

Finch scored no fours and only one six, though it did not matter thanks to the brilliant batting of Stoinis, who by comparison hit four fours and six sixes.

Stoinis overtook team-mate Warner's 18 off 50 against West Indies in 2010 as the fastest Australian to reach his half-century in the format, while only Yuvraj Singh (12 balls against England in 2007) has done so faster in the T20 World Cup.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is "concentrated on the present" ahead of his team's Champions League clash against Sporting CP, saying any discussions about his long-term future must wait.

Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League to Manchester United and Newcastle United have knocked the north London side out of their rhythm.

It is three league defeats in the last five for Tottenham after going unbeaten in their opening seven games, and the loss of domestic league form comes alongside uncertainty around Conte's future.

The Italian head coach, appointed last November, has yet to sign a new deal and his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Asked about being prepared to stay for the long haul, Conte said at Tuesday's press conference: "This is a topic we will go to face at the club at the right moment.

"I think in this moment we have to be concentrated and focused on the present and to try to do our best.

"This season will be much more difficult than last season, because after the transfer market you have seen that many, many teams have improved a lot. You have to face a lot of big, big teams.

"For sure, it will be the time to speak to the club, at the right time, to understand what is the best solution for us."

As for whether his Spurs side remain in transition, Conte said: "Since November now and after one year I understand a lot of things that at the first moment for me were really difficult to understand.

"Now I am going into the Tottenham world, and I'm understanding well what is our situation, what is our position, and what is our starting point. How long is the path to be competitive and to fight for something important.

"Now, for sure, my knowledge about Tottenham, I have more, it is more complete, and for this reason I would be prepared at the moment that we are going to speak with the club to understand what is best for the future.

"But for now we have to focus on the present because we want to do our best in the present. My desire, my will, is with my players to do my best. We have to do everything to give satisfaction to our fans. This must be the best aspiration for everybody, then for the other situation we'll see at the right moment."

While domestic form is cause for concern, Spurs have fared better in the Champions League and victory against Sporting on Wednesday would seal their spot in the last 16, which Conte signalled as being hugely significant.

"It is important for everybody. It is important for the club, for the fans, for everybody. We are talking about a big, big competition," he said.

"The most important [competition] in Europe and for this reason everybody has great desire, great will to go into the next round and especially because we want to show we deserve it."

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Brittney Griner had her appeal against a nine-year prison sentence rejected by a Russian court on Tuesday.

The WNBA star was jailed in August for drug possession and drug smuggling with criminal intent.

Griner was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport on February 17 for bringing under a gram of cannabis oil into Russia in vape cartridges, with the American stating she had made an "honest mistake."

The eight-time WNBA All-Star was, her lawyers argued, using cannabis for medicinal purposes to treat chronic pain sustained over the course of her career and was not aware cannabis oil was outlawed in Russia.

Exactly a week after her 32nd birthday, Griner on Tuesday took part in the hearing via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow, where she has been imprisoned.

The Phoenix Mercury player once again apologised for an "honest mistake" when she spoke to an appeals court of three judges, saying it had been a "very, very stressful" time for her.

She said: "I really hope that the court will adjust this sentence because it has been very, very stressful and very traumatic. People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given."

Griner was unsuccessful with her appeal, with the judge stating the verdict was upheld "without changes" except for time served in pre-trial detention as part of the sentence.

The United States national security advisor Jake Sullivan responded to the verdict by stating: "We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today.

"President [Joe] Biden has been very clear that Brittney should be released immediately. In recent weeks, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to engage with Russia through every available channel and make every effort to bring home Brittney as well as to support and advocate for other Americans detained in Russia, including fellow wrongful detainee Paul Whelan.

"The President has demonstrated that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths and make tough decisions to bring Americans home, as his Administration has done successfully from countries around the world. The Administration remains in regular touch with representatives of the families, and we continue to admire their courage in the face of these unimaginable circumstances."

Simone Inzaghi is optimistic Inter can keep hold of Milan Skriniar as they look to clinch a Champions League last-16 spot and eliminate Barcelona.

Slovakian defender Skriniar was wanted by Paris Saint-Germain during the last transfer window, and they could return to sign him on a free transfer next year.

That is because Skriniar's contract with Inter expires after this season, but head coach Inzaghi is backing club officials to negotiate an extension before then.

It has been suggested that in order to do a deal, Inter might need the financial boost a run in the Champions League can provide.

Should Inter beat Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday at San Siro, that would assure the Serie A giants of a last-16 place while ending Barcelona's hopes of reaching the knock-out phase.

Asked about the Skriniar situation, Inzaghi said: "I am fortunate to have excellent directors who are already thinking about this.

"We have other players in the same situation, I hope everything can be resolved.

"Skriniar is clearly improving, he resumed his summer training late after an injury with the national team. He is showing clear improvement, like the whole team ".

Romelu Lukaku is close to a first-team return after almost two months on the sidelines with a thigh injury, as he looks to get fit and match sharp in time for Belgium's World Cup campaign.

Inzaghi said Lukaku, who is on loan from Chelsea, "is working with great enthusiasm" and close to featuring again in the first team.

The World Cup is inevitably on the minds of many, and Inzaghi pointed to expecting seven players from his squad to be involved in the Qatar 2022 finals.

Marcel Brozovic, the Croatian midfielder is among those, and like Lukaku he has been sidelined with thigh trouble of late.

"But I see all the others working well," Inzaghi said. "They all think about Inter and are working hard, also to be ready when they go to the World Cup."

For now, Inter are focused on escaping what was considered a 'group of death' when the draw was made, with German champions Bayern Munich the other side involved.

Bayern have raced away at the top of the group, as expected, and Inter qualifying for the next round ahead of Barcelona would register as a surprise to many.

"Qualification was a very distant thing in everyone's mind on the day of the draw, except for me and my players who have always worked for this," Inzaghi said.

"We hope to give great satisfaction to the fans and to the club. We know how much we have worked in these four games: we have to show that we are a great team."

Justin Tipuric has been named as Wales captain for the Autumn Nations Series next month.

The flanker takes over as skipper in the absence of Dan Biggar, who misses the Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Australia due to a knee injury.

Tipuric is relishing the opportunity to lead the side at Principality Stadium, where New Zealand will be their first opponents on November 5.

"I am honoured and didn't quite expect it, to be honest," said Tipuric.

The 33-year-old missed last season due to a shoulder injury but has returned to full fitness.

He added: "I am just happy to get back in the squad, and to have the responsibility of leading such a great bunch of boys on to the field is one of those definite highlights of your career.

"It's very exciting to be back at the stadium. You take it for granted not playing there for a while, and I guess when you're out of the game for a while, you look back on it and shows how much you do miss it.

"It's one of the big things that you miss in rugby, and it's something you want to make the most of, whether it's one more game or 10 more minutes left to play there."

Alun Wyn Jones was included in Wayne Pivac's squad but was not selected as captain due to not being a guaranteed starter.

Pivac on Tuesday called up hooker Bradley Roberts after Dewi Lake was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

New Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery thanked Villarreal for allowing him to show his "best version" during two years with the Yellow Submarine.

Villa confirmed Emery as Steven Gerrard's successor on Monday, with the Basque coach set to formally take the reins on November 1.

Gerrard was sacked straight after last Thursday's chastening 3-0 Premier League defeat at Fulham, which left them with just nine points from 11 matches.

Emery's appointment sees him return to the Premier League after previously succeeding Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and spending 18 months with the Gunners before being dismissed in November 2019.

He joined Villarreal eight months later and enjoyed just over two years at Estadio de la Ceramica, leading them to Europa League success in 2021 – the fourth of his career, a record – and the Champions League semi-finals earlier this year.

Speaking at a farewell press conference on Tuesday, Emery paid tribute to Villarreal for giving him the backing and resources to be his best self.

"Here I have been very me," he told reporters in an emotional address.

"They gave me the conditions to be my best version of me, [but] you have to continue having challenges.

"In Villarreal I've had a home. I called Fernando [Roig, club president] on Friday to tell him the situation, that I wanted to play the game on Sunday and then on Monday to meet again.

"[On Monday] everything was unleashed. I called Fernando only when there was already something more serious going on."

On his move, Emery added: "It is a professional and personal decision.

"I always carry my baggage, with many complicated and beautiful moments. Here I found a very important family and I have felt something of heart again.

"But the profession is within me. I felt I had to take this option. It's a different challenge, but professionally a very good one."

First-team coach Aaron Danks took charge of Villa's 4-0 win over Brentford on Sunday and will remain at the helm for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

Emery's time at Villa will begin with back-to-back matches against Manchester United, first hosting them in the Premier League on November 6 before going to Old Trafford four days later in the EFL Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to training with Manchester United on Tuesday after Erik ten Hag backed the forward to play his way back into favour.

Superstar Ronaldo was dropped from United's squad for the game against Chelsea on Saturday, and briefly exiled from first-team involvement, after refusing to play as a substitute against Tottenham last week.

Leaving the bench before the final whistle and heading for the dressing room, before reportedly also heading out of the stadium early, also went down badly.

Yet Ronaldo, against many expectations, may still have a future with United.

His former team-mate Gary Neville has spoken of what appears an uneasy alliance between player and club, saying on Sky Sports that United and Ronaldo should "end it this week or create a truce to get to the World Cup and then end it".

The latter option may prove to be what United have opted for, given January presents an opportunity for Ronaldo to find another club, and a strong World Cup for Portugal might help to facilitate that.

Ten Hag said ahead of the Chelsea game that Ronaldo could still be "important" to United, though he stressed the 37-year-old's behaviour in the Tottenham game was "not acceptable". He indicated he would speak to Ronaldo before reintegrating him.

With Ronaldo now invited back to first-team training, it could mean he plays some part on Thursday when Moldovan side Sheriff visit Old Trafford in the Europa League.

United will book a place in the knock-out stage if they win, draw or avoid defeat by more than one goal.

After hitting 24 goals last season, his first term of a second spell with United, former Real Madrid and Juventus forward Ronaldo has just two goals to his credit in this campaign, including a penalty in United's 2-0 win over Sheriff in Chisinau last month.

Only two of Ronaldo's six starts this season have come in the Premier League, where he has featured six times as a substitute. In the Europa League, however, Ronaldo has started all four of United's games to date.

As well as seeing Ronaldo play a part on Tuesday, manager Ten Hag was boosted by the return to first-team training of Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all back from injury.