Vincent Kompany is eyeing a place in the top eight of the new Champions League format with Bayern Munich despite back-to-back losses in the competition.
Bayern welcome Benfica to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, hoping to recover from defeats to Aston Villa and Barcelona, the first time they have failed to win consecutive games in the competition since April 2017.
Kompany's started their Champions League campaign with a 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb, but have since plummeted down the new league table.
They find themselves 23rd after three matches. However, they have fared better in the Bundesliga, sitting three points clear at the top of the table after nine games.
"What we know is you have to win around six (of eight) games to reach the top eight," Kompany said.
"You have to win three games and that should be enough for the playoffs. My goal is to reach the top eight."
Bayern last failed to reach the Champions League knockout stages in 2002-03, finishing bottom of a group that featured Deportivo La Coruna, Lens and Milan.
But despite their stuttering start in the competition so far, Kompany said the new format plays no role in the team's planning.
"I don't want to think too far ahead because we have enough games," Kompany said.
"We have to win against Benfica. I don't want to spend too much time thinking about what could happen in January.
"No one knows how it will work. We only know we want to win tomorrow. We play at home. That is my only goal."
Bayern, however, have every confidence of getting their European campaign back on track, with the German outfit boasting an impressive record against Benfica.
They have played 12 major European matches against Benfica and have never lost (W9 D3).
But Bruno Lage's side will be looking to buck that trend, having beaten Atletico Madrid and Red Star Belgrade so far, but they did lose to Feyenoord last time out.
"We have a lot of confidence going into this game. We will always adapt and take the steps that are right for the team," Kompany said.
"But to say we will change everything is not serious. We just want to win again at home.
Leverkusen's Schick to miss St. Pauli clash, confirms Alonso
Patrik Schick will miss Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga encounter with St. Pauli due to injury, Xabi Alonso confirmed on Friday.
Schick was forced off during Leverkusen's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal in midweek, despite only being introduced at half-time for Robert Andrich.
The Czech has been in impressive form in the absence of Victor Boniface, netting five goals in his last three league appearances, including a hat-trick against Heidenheim.
His goal against Union Berlin last time out saw him net his 48th Bundesliga goal on his 100th appearance in the competition, equalling Ulf Kirsten's club record.
"Patrik won't be there tomorrow, everyone else is fit," Alonso said.
Alonso will also be without Amine Adli, Jonas Hofmann and Boniface, who are all long-term absentees, for Saturday's encounter at the BayArena.
Leverkusen enter the weekend in third, seven points behind leaders Bayern, but will be confident of closing the gap to Vincent Kompany's side against St. Pauli.
They are unbeaten in their last 10 competitive home games against Saturday's opponents (W6 D4), only losing at home to them in professional football in their very first clash (3-2 defeat in March 1976).
Leverkusen have also lost only one of their last 20 Bundesliga fixtures against promoted sides (W15 D4), last losing to Arminia Bielefeld in March 2021.
Since then, the Werkself are on a 13-game unbeaten run in such fixtures (W10, D3 – only RB Leipzig’s 33-game streak is longer), an ongoing club record in the top flight.
Despite recent results being in Leverkusen's favour, Alonso was expecting a tough test for his side on home soil.
"After the DFB-Pokal, we're back in Bundesliga mode," Alonso said. "After the win in Berlin, we want to take the next step. We're expecting a strong opponent.
"We still have four games until the end of the year. The two wins against Heidenheim and Union have done us good.
"We have a good feeling and are more efficient than before. We want to build on that and keep going."
Reggae Girl Kiki Van Zanten signs two-year extension with Houston Dash
Reggae Girl Kiki Van Zanten has signed a two-year contract extension with the Houston Dash, the club announced on Friday. The new deal will keep the 23-year-old midfielder with the NWSL side through the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027.
Van Zanten’s rookie season was cut short after just four appearances (one start) due to a season-ending foot injury in April. Despite the setback, the Dash remain confident in her potential and versatility.
"Kiki's resilience has stood out as she navigated her return from injury, and we are excited about what she can bring to the team next season," said interim general manager Erik Ustruck. "Her versatility is invaluable as we mold a new identity for the club, and players like Kiki will play a key role in building on the foundation we are establishing."
Drafted with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Van Zanten brought an impressive collegiate resume from Notre Dame, where she tallied 27 goals and nine assists in 95 matches between 2019 and 2023.
Internationally, the Illinois-born midfielder represents Jamaica, earning one goal in nine appearances for the Reggae Girlz, further showcasing her talent on the global stage.
The Dash are optimistic about Van Zanten's ability to make an impact upon her return in 2025, as they continue to shape their squad for the future. Her signing reflects the club’s commitment to fostering young talent and building a competitive roster.
With her blend of technical ability, international experience, and determination to overcome adversity, Van Zanten is set to play a pivotal role for both Houston and Jamaica in the coming years.
Inter 3-1 Parma: Mkhitaryan stars as hosts extend unbeaten run
Inter moved to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli after easing to a 3-1 win over Parma at the San Siro, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.
Simone Inzaghi's side moved up to 31 points after 14 games of their season, but Napoli could restore their four-point cushion over Inter with victory over Lazio on Sunday.
Inter were awarded a penalty with eight minutes on the clock after Mandela Keita clipped the heels of Lautaro Martinez, but after a VAR review, it was changed to a free-kick.
But the hosts found themselves in front five minutes before the break when Federico Dimarco sensationally took the ball on his back foot before firing past Zion Suzuki.
Inter doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute through Nicolo Barella, who picked up Henrikh Mkhitaryan's through ball before sitting down Emanuele Valeri, staying composed to roll the ball confidently home.
The victory was sealed just after the hour-mark when Yann Bisseck flicked Hakan Calhanoglu's corner to Thuram, who volleyed home his 10th league goal of the season.
Parma did, however, net a late consolation when Matteo Darmian tussled with Dennis Man following Hernani's ball forward, only for the former Manchester United defender to inadvertently bundle the ball beyond Yann Sommer.
Data Debrief: Mkhitaryan masterclass
Inter have now scored at least three goals in a Serie A match for the seventh time this season, with only Paris Saint-Germain (nine), Bayern Munich and Barcelona (both eight) scoring three or more goals more often than the Nerazzurri.
But their victory was inspired by the brilliance of Mkhitaryan, with the Armenian notching the assists for Dimarco and Barella on Friday.
Since his arrival at Inter in 2022, only Charles De Ketelaere and Luis Alberto (both 14) have registered more assists than Mkhitaryan (12), while he also created more chances (four) than any other player on the pitch during the game.
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