Responding to a query from Spanish judges, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA had broken EU law by abusing its "dominant position" in European football to stifle an upstart breakaway league of elite clubs.

Defender Vazquez headed home to lift Madrid above Girona to the number one spot after this season's surprise packages were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis earlier in the day.

The proposal was announced soon after the European Court of Justice said soccer ruling bodies UEFA and FIFA had contravened EU law by preventing the formation of a Super League.

UEFA went on: "It rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA's pre-authorisation framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022."

"It's been tough here without the family for these four months, without the kids and without the wife," he added.

Curtis Jones scored twice and Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah were also on the scoresheet for Jurgen Klopp's dominant team, who were trophyless last season.

His birthday was made even more memorable when his 16-year-old brother Ethan came on for his senior debut in stoppage time.

Brazil's top scorer underwent surgery last month after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October.

Girona have been the surprise package of the season and have stretched their unbeaten streak to 11 league games.

Girona, part-owned by the owners of Manchester City, opened up a two-point lead over Real Madrid after a straightforward victory.

The Major League Soccer club announced on Monday that they would host Newell's at their DRV PNK Stadium on February 15.

Barcelona will face Napoli, while Arsenal were drawn against Porto, with the first legs to take place in mid-February and the return matches in March.

With the win, the Kings have now equalled Mohammedan’s tally of three titles in the Independence Cup.

The draw features the 16 teams that advanced from the group stage – the champions and runners-ups of eight groups

A year ago, on this day, Lionel Messi’s Argentina triumphed over France in a final for the ages to lift their third FIFA World Cup.

“On paper, Bashundhara Kings are a better side than Mohammedan and we are the underdogs,” said Mohammedan coach Alfaz Ahmed

It meant Antwerp avoided losing all six of their group games in their Champions League debut but they still finished bottom of the standings.

PSG drew 1-1 away to Group F winners Borussia Dortmund to go through as runners-up after Milan came from behind to beat Newcastle at St James' Park and eliminate Eddie Howe's side.

The 34th edition of the tournament will get underway on December 26

The Italian champions qualified second in Group C behind Real Madrid thanks to Serder Saatci's clumsy own goal and Victor Osimhen's first strike since early October, both which came in the first half.