Kylian Mbappe scored on his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid as the holders started their trophy defence with a 3-1 win over Stuttgart on Tuesday.

UEFA, the European game's governing body, sensed the need for change at a time when the traditional group stage was becoming more predictable and the continent's biggest clubs were threatening to break away and form their own Super League.

"Something big is coming," Neuer told reporters ahead of Tuesday's opening clash with Dinamo Zagreb at home.

"Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games," Alisson told reporters.

Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and defender Eder Militao are set to be available for the match at the Santiago Bernabeu despite Militao missing training as he required an extra day to recover fully.

Guardiola's side are bracing for a whirlwind two days before they host Serie A champions Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The format may be new, but few would bet against the winner staying the same.

The draw of the UEFA Champions League for the 2024-2025 season will take place at 10.00pm.

The updated version of the Champions League will see 36 clubs feature in the competition proper, an increase from 32 under the old format.

Ronaldo’s achievements in Europe’s premier club competition – accomplished over the course of more than 18 years – will be recognised during the inaugural 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 29 August at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Real Madrid confirmed the sale of Spain striker Joselu to Qatari side Al-Gharafa on Friday after buying him from Espanyol by activating a clause in his loan deal.

Brazil's poor performance in their goalless draw against Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on Monday has dampened the enthusiasm surrounding their new manager and a revamped squad headlined by Vinicius Jr.

Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic will leave his job with immediate effect after asking for his contract to be terminated, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday.

Brazilian forward Vinicius scored six goals and made five assists in Real's victorious campaign, including the second in the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on Saturday.

"Vinicius, Ballon d'Or" chants were heard at intervals from fans throughout the afternoon, after the Brazilian netted Madrid's second goal in the final to clinch victory.

“When you don’t kill Real Madrid, Real Madrid kill you,” Xavi Hernandez, who had to come up against Real Madrid a number of times in his career both as a Barcelona player and manager, had said just last year.

"Here there's no danger of our stomachs being too full... tomorrow this club will enjoy another fantastic day with our fans, then to rest, the players will go to the Euros, the Copa America, then we will return with the same desire and hope as ever," pledged Ancelotti.

Pass master Kroos played a key role as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.

Real Madrid withstood a Borussia Dortmund barrage to win the Champions League for the 15th time as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior struck late in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund veteran Mats Hummels said he was "proud" of his side after Saturday's 2-0 Champions League final loss but lamented Real Madrid's never-say-die attitude.