The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Champions League.

  • PSG show off ahead of tie against Real Madrid

    PSG show off ahead of tie against Real Madrid

     

    Paris Saint-Germain will arrive for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid in some style as the Ligue 1 giants showed off the customised aeroplane they will be flying in on their journey to the Spanish capital.

    The special aeroplane includes huge images of some of the club’s major stars across the chassis and is coated with a splash of PSG red and blue.

    Neymar features in the centre alongside the club’s all-time record goalscorer Edinson Cavani while Kylian Mbappe is on the far left.

    Marco Verratti, Marquinhos and Adrien Rabiot make up the remaining PSG stars included on the Emirates aeroplane, who sponsor the Ligue 1 side.

    The club proudly showed off the image on their Instagram account as the team prepared to face the holders at the Bernabeu in their last-16 tie.

    Neymar scored the only goal of the game on Friday night as PSG beat Toulouse 1-0 last time out to go 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

    The Brazilian’s preparation for the Madrid clash included a visit to a tattoo parlour on Monday as he got inked with some Champions League-themed artwork.

    The world-record £198million star received a tattoo paying homage to his Champions League success in 2015 with former team Barcelona.

    Madrid meanwhile warmed up for the PSG tie with a 5-2 rout of Real Sociedad on Saturday evening with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging a hat-trick.

    Unai Emery’s side had topped a Champions League group featuring Bayern Munich to qualify for the knockout stages while defending champions Madrid finished second behind Tottenham in Group H.

    Reports in Spain suggest Neymar could make a move to Madrid in the future and current Real player Marcelo talked up the chances of his compatriot joining him.

    I think Neymar will play for Real Madrid one day,’ Marcelo told Esporte Interativo. ‘Would Neymar fit at Real Madrid? He would fit, for sure.

    ‘It would be great if he came to Real Madrid. ‘In my opinion the great players have to play at this club.’

  • Champions League: Bayern, Marriott dazzle fans

    Champions League: Bayern, Marriott dazzle fans

     

    Bayern Munich will offer fans a stunning new experience to watch the football match from a hotel suite after signing a

    multi-year partnership with Marriott International.

    The deal has seen Courtyard by Marriott become the official hotel partner for the Bundesliga champions and they will offer several once-in-a-lifetime football experiences to guests.

    The grand draw is the VIP match-day hospitality on offer. Fans will be able to stay in a modern, custom-built Courtyard by Marriott executive box at the Allianz Arena and watch the game from it.

    The suite offers a breathtaking view of the pitch with guests also having access to a Courtyard bar which serves crafted cocktails and elevated menu options. Certainly beats sitting in the turnstiles.

    It has not yet been announced how much this match-day experience will cost and when fans can book it.

    But to celebrate the launch of the partnership, Courtyard by Marriott are offering fans across Germany, France, and the UK the opportunity to win two VIP tickets to see Bayern take on rivals Borussia Dortmund on March 31.

    The winners will get exclusive access to match-day hospitality and a two-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center hotel.

    As well as the amazing hotel suite, the partnership will offer supporters exclusive access to Bayern’s domestic and European matches.

    These experiences include a chance to travel with the team to a European away game, have post-match dinner with the team, tickets to the game, and an overnight stay in the Bayern hotel.

    After the deal with Marriott international was announced the Bayern chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, said he was delighted the club will now be able to offer fans these experiences.

    He said: ‘We are delighted for two leading brands such as Courtyard by Marriott and FC Bayern to be entering into a

    long-term partnership.

    ‘With Marriott International being the world’s largest hotel chain and FC Bayern one of the world’s most successful football clubs, I am convinced that this is a perfect match and very authentic partnership.

    ‘I am particularly pleased that our fans can also benefit from this partnership, with our new official hotel partner providing them with attractive offers for both home and away matches.’

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Agege Stadium to be completed as scheduled – LASG

    Agege Stadium to be completed as scheduled – LASG

    Bolaji Yusuf, the Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sports Infrastructure, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the ongoing reconstruction of the Agege Township Stadium would be delivered as scheduled.

    Yusuf gave the assurance in an interview after an on the spot assessment to the stadium which, he said, the pace of work on it was satisfactory.

    Lagos State Government had directed speedy completion of the remodelling of the stadium ahead of the African Football Confederation    ( CAF ) inspection in December for the 2017/2018 Champions League.

    He said that there was a concerted effort to get the facility ready for MFM FC of Lagos for its CAF Champions League engagements next year.

    “We are on top of the reconstruction works on the facility and it is going on according to plans, we are expecting CAF inspection by December.

    Read also: MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    “I am sure that the stadium will get a pass mark. The new designs are diligently followed and we are sure to deliver the stadium.

    “Its part of the vision of the government to improve sports and a good sporting facility is also a catalyst for what we are talking about.

    “The stadium needs a facelift and that is what we are giving it. Lagos is known for standards and our sporting facilities will not be left out of the standard.

    “The government has committed huge sums of money for the reconstruction to upgrade it to a place where international matches can be held,’’ he said.

    Yusuf said that all the necessary adjustment on the stadium was in line with the recommendations from the CAF, adding that the plans would be followed strictly.

    “The stadium needs an upgrade as advised by CAF and all the remodelling plans will be followed strictly.

    “We expect people to see a brand new stadium when the work is done on it and it will also be a pride for everyone.

    “The stadium remodelling is not only for the team that wants to play continental matches there but others as well,’’ he said.

    Lagos-based MFM secured a ticket to play in the money-spinning CAF Champions League in the stadium which necessitated the upgrade.

    NAN

  • Champions League last 16 Draw: Chelsea face Barça, Real Madrid land PSG

    Champions League last 16 Draw: Chelsea face Barça, Real Madrid land PSG

    See The Full UEFA Champions League last-16 draw below

    Juventus vs Tottenham Hotspur

    Basle vs Manchester City

    Porto vs Liverpool

    Sevilla vs Manchester United

    Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain

    Shakhtar Donetsk vs Roma

    Chelsea vs Barcelona

    Bayern Munich vs Besiktas

  • Bayern fined €20,000 for fake notes thrown by fans

    Bayern fined €20,000 for fake notes thrown by fans

     

    Bayern Munich have been fined €20,000 after fans threw fake notes on the pitch during a Champions League clash with Anderlecht last month.

    Supporters threw rolls of mock-up €500 bills at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in protest against the high cost of tickets.

    They also held a banner apparently criticising UEFA for their pricing policy, which read: ‘Is your gr€€d now finally satisfied?’.

    Travelling fans were angered after some reportedly paid as much as €100 for match tickets.

    European football’s governing body has decided to fine them after they were charged with throwing objects and displaying illicit banners.

    Spartak Moscow have also been fined €3,000 for setting off fireworks in their draw with Maribor.

    Bayern are still basking in the euphoria of their 3-1 Champions League victory over PSG, with manager

    Jupp Heynckes believing that the victory proves the Bundesliga side are back among favorites to win the competition this season

    Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday’s trip to Eintracht Frankfurt, Heynckes said: “Certainly there are others who are the favourites, but as we have proven ourselves, we belong to the extended circle of favourites.

    “I wanted to achieve with the game, and I also think it’s positive that one or two of the players still wanted to play to make it 4-1 or 5-1.

    “I was always sure that things would work out, but I was not so forward-thinking.

    “It was positive against PSG, but I’m not going to let myself be over-praised and overlook the weaknesses that weren’t exploited.

    “We have to improve further. Some injured players still have to reach their optimum performance. At the moment, I’m still not satisfied as there is still room for improvement and we have not yet reached our peak.”

    Heynckes also spoke about the importance of time with respect to the development of young players and coaches.

    “I became a Bundesliga coach at the age of 43,” he said. “I had to learn a lot.

    “Give the young coaches a chance. A clear plan is important, you give a team structure.

    “There’s good offspring in Germany. You have to give the young trainers the time, even though they do not often get it.

    “Also, players need time to develop. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm were not world-class at 21.

    “Kingsley Coman has been here for three years now, Corentin Tolisso since the summer, and Schweinsteiger played on the left wing in the beginning.”

  • Liverpool Seven Goals Up, Spurs Score Three, Man City Losing

    Liverpool Seven Goals Up, Spurs Score Three, Man City Losing

    FULL-TIME

    LIVERPOOL 7-0 SPARTAK

    The referee decides enough is enough and blows his whistle on 90 minutes. Emphatic stuff from Liverpool. All of the front four got in on the act. Coutinho netted a hat-trick, Mane a double and one each for Firmino and Salah. They finish top of Group E.

    FULL-TIME

    TOTTENHAM 3-0 APOEL

    Job done for Spurs. Goals from Llorente, Son and Nkoudou and it’s a comfortable win to end their Group H campaign at Wembley. All eyes on the last-16 draw on Monday!

    FULL-TIME

    SHAKHTAR 2-1 MAN CITY

    FT: No time added on! Shakhtar have what they crave, a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

    And for City, they lose for the first time in 28 games, and their winning streak of 20 games also comes to an end.

    With all group tables decided, Pep Guardiola’s side will face either Bayern Munich, Basel, Juventus, Sevilla, Porto or holders Real Madrid. The draw is on Monday.

    FULL-TIME

    REAL MADRID 3-2 DORTMUND

    That’s it, all over here and Madrid have their win, Ronaldo has his record and Dortmund are through to the Europa League.

    GOAL – Shakhtar 2-1 Manchester City

    Sergio Aguero (Pen 90 mins)

    He runs up and slices it in with the outside of his foot! Superb from Sergio Aguero.

     

    GOAL – Liverpool 7 (seven)-0 Spartak Moscow

    Mohamed Salah (85 mins)

    Emre Can over the top, James Milner left unmarked to head down, Mohamed Salah sells three men a dummy and then rifles into the roof of the net!

     

    GOAL! REAL MADRID 3-2 DORTMUND (Lucas Vazquez 81)

    Dortmund fail to deal with a high ball into the box and the ball is knocked down to Vazquez, who volleys with the outside of his boot and the ball squirts into the far corner.

     

    GOAL!! LIVERPOOL 6-0 SPARTAK (Mane, 76)

    What a night of counter attacking football.

    This time Sturridge gets down the left. He has the option of either shooting or squaring it to Mane…he goes for the latter. It’s slightly behind Mane but he manages to cleverly bundle the ball home. Six of the best!

    GOAL! TOTTENHAM 3-0 APOEL (Nkoudou, 80)

    That should be that. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou gets on the scoresheet as he twists and turns in the box before having a pop, which takes a massive deflection off a defender before finding the back of the net.

    GOAL – Liverpool 6-0 Spartak Moscow

    Sadio Mane (76 mins)

    A goal which sums up the game. Spartak have possession in the centre circle, Sadio Mane charges in to dispossess them and three passes later the ball is in the net!

    Mohamed Salah feeds Daniel Sturridge, who is just onside and does well to pick out Mane bursting through the middle. The pass is just behind the forward but he does well to adjust and hook into the net. His second, Liverpool have six!

    Sadio Mane

    GOAL – Liverpool 5-0 Spartak Moscow

    Philippe Coutinho HAT-TRICK (50 mins)

    Rampant. That’s 10 goals in a few days now for Liverpool.

    James Milner does the damage again on the left, teeing up Philippe Coutinho just inside the area. His shot takes a huge deflection off of Salvatore Bocchetti and sneaks in at the near post.

    Liverpool are now the highest-scoring English side in a group stage (21).

    Mo Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino

    GOAL – Liverpool 4-0 Spartak Moscow

    Sadio Mane (47 mins)

    Sadio Mane

    What a goal that is!

    James Milner has the freedom of Liverpool on the left wing and floats in a deep cross, nobody is marking Sadio Mane, but the ball is still at an awkward height. Maybe waist height?

    He watches it all the way and then pummels a volley into the roof of the net. What a hit!

    Sadio Mane

    Liverpool 3-0 Spartak Moscow

    Liverpool play Everton on Sunday so I’m sure Jurgen Klopp will be keen to rest a couple of his big four if he can. Although maybe he’ll wait for a fourth goal.

    Oh…

    GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-2 DORTMUND (Aubameyang 48)

    Aubamayang shows a sublime touch to level this game! Incredible fightback from the visitors. The Madrid backline stops, wanting an offside flag on the striker, but it doesn’t come and he looks to have a great chance to score. He dithers a little though and Navas saves his initial effort, but the ball falls to him again and he produces a delicious chipped finish. Lovely stuff. He was offside though.

    HALF-TIME

    REAL MADRID 2-1 DORTMUND

    45: Pulisic tumbles in the area after a nudge in the back from Hernandez, but no penalty. There was contact, but it would have been soft, and that’s half-time.

    HALF-TIME

    Liverpool 3-0 Spartak Moscow

    So, so easy for Liverpool. A job very well done so far. As if they would ever throw away a 3-0 lead in Europe eh?

    HALF-TIME

    Shakhtar 2-0 Manchester City

    Are we on for a rare City defeat?

    Manchester City

    HALF-TIME

    Tottenham 2-0 Apoel

    Goals and more goals are being scored as  the Wednesday UEFA Champions League gets underway. Follow up for the goals updates.

     

    GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-1 DORTMUND (Aubameyang 43)

    A terrific header by Aubameyang, who has the freedom of the box to steer a header past Navas after being picked out by Schmelzer as Madrid get a bit sloppy playing out of defence and lose the ball. You sensed Madrid’s complacency would be their biggest enemy.

    GOAL – Tottenham 2-0 Apoel

    Son Heung-min (37 mins)

    Excellent goal. Son plays a one-two with Fernando Llorente and just bends it home left-footed from the edge of the area. Made that look very, very easy indeed.

    Son

    GOAL! SHAKHTAR 2-0 MAN CITY (Ismaily 32)

    Wow, City have a mountain to climb to defend their unbeaten record this season.

    Bernard plays a lovely ball over the top for Ismaily on the left, with Danilo yards away from his man.

    Ederson comes rushing out, in a bad area, and misses the ball as Ismaily steals in and rolls into the empty net!

    GOAL – Shakhtar 1-0 Manchester City

    Bernard (26 mins)

    Oh yes! That’s a class finish from Brazil international Bernard. Marlos does the damage with a penetrating run through the middle before finding Bernard on the left-hand side of the area. There doesn’t look too much on but he shapes a curling shot around Danilo, and into the top corner.

    GOAL – Tottenham 1-0 Apoel

    Fernando Llorente (20 mins)

    Fernando Llorente

    There it is! Fernando Llorente has his first goal for Spurs, and he took it well. It’s all about the pass from Serge Aurier though, wonderful low cross on the run from the right-back. Llorente is able to control, swivel, and score in one fluid movement from about six yards out.

    Could Liverpool have asked for a better start? It’s a dream. And you can tell Jurgen Klopp’s pretty happy because he’s hardly had to move since kick off. Just stand back and watch the goals fly in.

    His side have all but sealed a place in the Champions League last 16. I bet he could get used to this.

    GOAL – Liverpool 3-0 Spartak Moscow

    Roberto Firmino (18 mins)

    You have to wonder whether Spartak have watched Liverpool play at all this season? They lose the ball cheaply and again leave three on three at the back.

    Sadio Mane crosses in, it hits the arm of Serdar Tasci and pops up invitingly for Roberto Firmino, who crashes in on the bounce with the outside of his boot.

    Roberto Firmino

    GOAL – Liverpool 2-0 Spartak Moscow

    Philippe Coutinho

    Total voetbal

    GOAL – Tottenham 1-0 Apoel

    Fernando Llorente (20 mins)

    There it is! Fernando Llorente has his first goal for Spurs, and he took it well. It’s all about the pass from Serge Aurier though, wonderful low cross on the run from the right-back. Llorente is able to control, swivel, and score in one fluid movement from about six yards out.

     

    GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-0 DORTMUND (Ronaldo 12)

    Dormund haven’t touched the ball for a few minutes here. They can’t get close. Nacho beats his man down the right and his cross falls to Ronaldo, who takes a touch and whips a wonderful shot from just outside the edge of the area past Burki.

     

    GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 DORTMUND (Mayoral 8)

    It’s all a bit easy for Madrid, this as Ronaldo cuts in off the left and drifts inside. He feeds the ball into Vazquez, whose touch on the turn allows the ball to fall to Mayoral and he’s left with a simple dinked finish over the keeper for his first European goal.

  • Wow! Chelsea to Face Barcelona in the Last 16?

    Wow! Chelsea to Face Barcelona in the Last 16?

    Chelsea v Barcelona in the last 16?

    Group D

    The champions League is getting more interesting as top football sides are gunning for war.

    Chelsea’s failure to win at home against Atletico Madrid means Antonio Conte’s side could now face La Liga leaders Barcelona in the last 16.

    Barca, who had already guaranteed top spot before today, ended their group campaign with a 2-0 win against Europa League-bound Sporting Lisbon. Paco Alcacer and a late own goal from Sporting’s Jeremy Mathieu give Barca the win at the Nou Camp.

    Elsewhere in Group D, Juventus win 2-0 against Olympiakos to take second spot. Juan Cuadrado and Federico Bernardeschi with the goals in that one.

    Who has qualified?

    With eight matches left in the group stage tomorrow, here’s who has booked a place in the last 16:

    Barcelona, Basel, Bayern Munich, Besiktas, Chelsea, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris St-Germain, Real Madrid, Roma, Tottenham Hotspur.

    FULL-TIME

    Bayern Munich 3-1 PSG

    PSG lose for the first time in the group but they still win the group.

    FULL-TIME

    Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid

    Chelsea finish second in the group, Atletico are in the Europa League.

    FULL-TIME

    Roma 1-0 Qarabag

    Roma will win the group unless Chelsea can find a winner in the next 60 seconds or so…

    FULL-TIME

    Manchester United 2-1 CSKA Moscow

    Job done. Manchester United advance into the last 16 of the Champions League.

    They came from behind to beat CSKA Moscow 2-1 thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford. Fifteen points out of a potential 18 and United win Group A.

    You’d have to say it has been an excellent night for united.

    It’s been very comfortable for them and there’s been no fresh injuries, a victory and they have momentum.

    Shaw has been lively and Mata was terrific in stages. All in all, a fantastic night for Manchester United.

    FULL-TIME

    Celtic 0-1 Anderlecht

    Celtic lose but they will be in the Europa League.

    As it stands

    Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid

    Chelsea will still finish second have face a trickier draw (in theory). They need to win to come top because Roma are winning.

    1. Roma
    2. Chelsea
    3. Atletico Madrid

    GOAL – Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid

    Stefan Savic (OG 75 mins)

    Chelsea level! Atletico this time fail to deal with a corner, Cesc Fabregas crosses back in deep, Eden Hazard fires it across goal and former Manchester City man Stefan Savic can only turn it into his own net.

    GOAL – Bayern 3-1 PSG

    Corentin Tolisso (69 mins)

    Another lovely goal, this has been a high class game. David Alaba causes damage down the left, Robert Lewandowski occupies the PSG defence allowing Corentin Tolisso to arrive at pace like a peak Bryan Robson or David Platt and slam the cutback into the net from just inside the area. He’s now on a hat-trick.

    Elsewhere…

    Benfica 0-2 Basel

    Basle have doubled their advantage in Portugal and now lead 2-0 against Benfica.

    The second goal came via a Dimitri Oberlin header and that should be enough to see the Swiss side join Manchester United in the next phase. CSKA Moscow are going to have to settle for the Europa League.

    GOAL – Manchester United 2-1 CSKA Moscow

    Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

    Two goals in three minutes and United lead.

    Marcus Rashford shot against the post earlier on, but he now has a goal of his own. It comes after a beautifully chipped pass from Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford hits it early, past Igor Akinfeev and now all that controversy about the CSKA Moscow goal counts for little.

    United ahead, United heading into the last 16 as group winners.

    Jose Mourinho is not all padded jacket after all – he celebrates with a modest fist pump and immediately hauled off Ander Herrera. Scott McTominay had been told to get stripped just before the Romelu Lukaku strike.

    Barca score at last

    Barcelona 1-0 Sporting Lisbon

    It’s been a pretty drab affair at the Nou Camp but Barcelona have the lead as Paco Alcacer’s glancing header from a corner finally breaks Sporting’s resistance.

    It came just as Lionel Messi, who started the night on the substitutes bench, was preparing to come on.

    That’s Barca’s first goal in more than four hours of Champions League action.

    GOAL – Manchester United 1-1 CSKA Moscow

    Romelu Lukaku

    And we are level. It comes from a delightful, floated ball in from Paul Pogba, Lukaku is too strong for Viktor Vasin and scores.=

    GOAL! CHELSEA 0-1 ATLETICO (Niguez 56)

    It’s been a dramatic start to the second half, and Atleti are ahead! It’s a corner from the right, outswinging and flicked on by Torres at the near post.

    It’s a lovely flick on, plum on the head of Niguez at the far post unmarked, and he makes no mistake! Atleti still heading out at this stage, but hope if Qarabag can get one back.

    Chelsea just forget how to defend a corner as Fernando Torres flicks it on at the near post and Saul is left in yards and yards of space inside the penalty area. The midfielder buries a header into the top corner!

    As it stands, Atletico are still heading out because of that Roma goal.

    Saul Niguez

    HT: Weird end to the half. A strange decision has given CSKA the lead. United have done little wrong, but they’ve lacked the final finish. Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have looked very sharp.

    United still will top the group if scores stay the same. Basel, who are winning in Benfica, will finish second. CSKA third. They need six more goals or a Benfica equaliser to progress.

    GOAL – Manchester United 0-1 CSKA Moscow

    Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow)

    Manchester United players are unhappy, and they have every reason to be. The Russian side lead at Old Trafford.

    A pull-back finds Brazilian Vitinho, whose shot bounces off the back of Alan Dzagoev, who looks to be standing in an offside position, but the ball is in the back of the net, the referee gives it and United trail.

    Champions League

    Well, well, well. United have dominated but are behind in controversial circumstances.

    Fernandes makes a fine run down the right and cuts a ball back for Chalov to strike from 15 yards. His effort looks to be swinging wide of the post until it flicks off Dzagoev – who is offside by two yards – and into the net. The whole stadium expect the flag to be raised, even the goalscorer, but there is no flag. The goal stands.

    CHELSEA 0-0 ATLETICO

    HT: That’s the half. Not great as far as entertainment is concerned, but it’s all set up for a dramatic last 45 minutes, particularly with Qarabag holding Roma in Rome.

    Chelsea have had the better of the chances, and would be ahead but for Jan Oblak, but neither side has really stepped into second gear as yet.

    CELTIC 0-0 ANDERLECHT

    HT: With nothing to add on, the referee calls time on the first period at Parkhead. Celtic are halfway there in terms of qualifying for the Europa League, but it’s been far from convincing as Anderlecht has dominated the game. Not the performance anyone associated with Celtic would have wanted, but there is another 45 minutes remaining for them to end this season’s Champions League adventure on a high. See you in 15…

    BARCELONA 0-0 SPORTING

    HALF-TIME! No stoppage time. Goalless at the break.

    BAYERN MUNICH 2-0 PSG

    HT: Cuneyt Cakir blows his whistle for half-time and Bayern go in 2-0 up.

    Lewandowski and Tolisso have struck for the Bavarians while James has been the standout player.

     

    GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-0 PSG (Tolisso, 37)

    Well, well, well… could PSG be about to throw away another commanding Champions League position?!

    Bayern are now just two unanswered goals away from topping the group and it was a beauty of a second goal too.

    James, whose delivery has been superb all evening, whipped a super cross into the box and Tolisso powered home his header emphatically.

    Game on!

     Juventus lead

    Olympiakos 0-1 Juventus

    Juventus have a vital goal in their away game at Olympiakos and it has come from former Chelsea man Juan Cuadrado, who has put the Italians 1-0 ahead after good work from Alex Sandro.

    That will be enough to take Juventus through, along with Group D winners Barcelona, who have already qualified, if it stays that way for the rest of the match.

    GOAL – Bayern 1-0 PSG

    Robert Lewandowski (8 mins)

    Well played linesman! The now blonde Robert Lewandowski looks yards offside as he collects a flick on to score from close range but the officials got that spot on. He was onside.

    It all came after a good driving run down the left from Franck Ribery.

    Elsewhere…

    Benfica 0-1 Basel

    We have already had a goal in the other Group A match as Mohamed Elyounoussi heads in from Michael Lang’s cross to put Basel 1-0 ahead away at Benfica.

    It is terrible news for CSKA Moscow as they have a worse head-to-head record than Basel, so they will be heading out if it stays the same in Portugal, even if they win, unless, of course, they can beat Manchester United by a seven-goal margin.

    ‘You can be a great’

    Manchester United 0-0 CSKA Moscow

    Luke Shaw will be hoping to have the Manchester United career that another United left-back, Phil Neville, had. The ex-England man wishes Shaw luck tonight.

    Bayern Munich 0-0 PSG

    Kylian Mbappe is so exciting to watch! The PSG forward breezes past David Alaba with ease and hits a low shot which is saved by Sven Ulreich. Made Alaba look like a 35-year-old veteran there.

    HITS THE WOODWORK – Marcus Rashford

    Manchester United 0-0 CSKA Moscow

    Manchester United 0-0 CSKA Moscow

    Lots of empty seats at Old Trafford. CSKA Moscow at home on a cold December night, with qualification almost certainly secured, has not caught the attentions of everyone.

    Follow all the action as Chelsea aim to secure top spot against rivals Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge and also other actions for Tuesday Champions League. See Team News Below.

    MAN UTD TEAM NEWSTeam to play CSKA Moscow: Romero, Shaw, Lindelof, Smalling, Valencia, Herrera, Blind, Mata, Pogba, Rashford, Lukaku.Subs: Pereira, Darmian, Tuanzebe, Young, McTominay, Lingard, Martial.CSKA MOSCOW TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Manchester United: Akinfeev, Mario Fernandes, Ignashevich, Vasin, Berezutski, Nababkin, Kuchaev, Golovin, Dzagoev, Chalov, Vitinho

     

    CHELSEA TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Christensen, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Zappacosta, Fabregas, Kante, Bakayoko, Hazard, Moses, Morata

    Subs: Caballero, Rudiger, Alonso, Drinkwater, Willian, Pedro, Batshuayi.

    ATLETICO TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Chelsea: Oblak, Gimenez, Savic, Lucas, Luis, Koke, Thomas, Gabi, Saul, Torres, Griezmann

    Subs: Moya, Godin, Vrsaljko, Carrasco, Correa, Vietto, Gameiro

     

    SPORTING TEAM NEWS (Can still qualify – if they beat Barcelona and Juventus fail to win.)

    Starting XI: Patricio, Coates, Fernandes, Acuna, Ruiz, Cesar, Ristovski, Carvalho, Battaglia, Mathieu, Piccini

    Subs: Salin, Coentrao, Pinto, Podence, Dost, Palhinha, Martins

    BARCELONA TEAM NEWS

    Starting XI: Cillessen, Semedo, Pique, Vermaelen, Digne, Rakitic, Denis Suarez, Andre Gomes, Vidal, Luis Suarez, Alcacer

    Subs: Ter Stegen, Busquets, Messi, Paulinho, Deulofeu, Alba, Roberto

     

    PSG TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Bayern Munich: Areola, Alves, Silva, Marquinhos, Kurzawa, Verratti, Rabiot, Draxler, Mbappe, Neymar, Cavani

    Subs: Trapp, Meunier, Kimpembe, Berchiche, Di Maria, Lo Celso, Pastore.

    BAYERN TEAM NEWS

    Team to play PSG: Ulreich, Kimmich, Hummels, Sule, Alaba, Tolisso, Rudy, Coman, James, Ribery, Lewandowski

    Subs: Starke, Boateng, Friedl, Muller, Martinez, Rafinha, Vidal.

     

    Juventus: Victory over Olympiakos will guarantee their place in the last 16. A draw would be enough if Sporting fail to beat Barca. Olympiakos: Cannot even qualify for the Europa League after taking a single point from their opening five matches.

  • Chelsea Beats Qarabag 4-0, Reaches Champions League last 16

    Chelsea Beats Qarabag 4-0, Reaches Champions League last 16

    Willian scored twice in a 4-0 victory over 10-man Qarabag in the Wednesday UEFA Champions League.

    The win assured Chelsea of a top-two finish in Group C and left the 2012 European champion with a two-point lead over Roma, which plays Atletico Madrid later.

    The match turned on the 19th-minute sending-off of Qarabag defender Rashad F. Sadygov, who received a straight red card for tugging back Willian just inside the area as the Chelsea forward ran onto Eden Hazard’s pass.

    Hazard, who started as the lone striker with Alvaro Morata on the bench, stroked home the penalty for a sixth goal in his last seven games since returning from a broken ankle.

    The Belgium international turned provider in Chelsea’s well-worked team goal in the 36th minute, back-heeling the ball into the path of Willian as part of a one-two to allow the Brazilian to side-foot a finish into the bottom corner.

    There was little chance of Qarabag, the first Azeri team to reach the group stage of the Champions League, stopping Chelsea from becoming the seventh club into the last 16. And it was a damage-limitation exercise for the hosts thereafter.

    That suited Chelsea, which eased off in view of its tough-looking trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte even had the luxury of substituting left wing back Marcos Alonso and Hazard around the hour mark.

    That meant Hazard was off the field when Chelsea was awarded a second penalty, for a tug on Willian by Gara Garayev. Cesc Fabregas tucked his spot kick away, only for it to be ruled out for encroachment, but the midfielder converted at the second attempt, too.

    Willian made the victory even more emphatic by driving home a low finish from 25 meters in the 85th, taking Chelsea’s tally of goals against Qarabag in the group stage to 10. The English team won 6-0 at Stamford Bridge in September.

    Qarabag was used to playing with 10 men, having had players sent off in each of its last two Champions League outings — impressive draws home and away to Atletico.

    The home side, which had given Chelsea an early scare by hitting the crossbar through Michel in the 13th minute, has two points from its five games and cannot advance.

    Chelsea joined Tottenham, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Besiktas, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the knockout stage.

  • FULL TIME: Man City, Real Madrid, Tottenham, Leipzig, Napoli Win

    FULL TIME: Man City, Real Madrid, Tottenham, Leipzig, Napoli Win

    Tuesday UEFA Champions league actions just ended.

    It was rain of goals and unbelievable thrillers of the Tuesday UEFA Champions league.

    See table below for goal updates at full time.

    Sevilla 3-3 Liverpool

    THIRD GOAL (SEVILLA)

    GOAL – Sevilla 3-3 Liverpool

    Guido Pizarro

    LIVERPOOL HAVE CAVED IN!!

    Sevilla come back from 3-0 down at half-time to level the match at 3-3.

    Liverpool fail to clear the corner, Guido Pizarro takes a touch and stretches to convert low into the net.

    Pandemonium as the Sevilla staff pour on to the pitch to celebrate with their players.

    SECOND GOAL, (PENALTY, SEVILLA)

    Wissam Ben Yedder put the disallowed penalty right, and puts this one left.

    Game on.

    Half an hour remaining.

    FIRST GOAL (SEVILLA)

    A double error from Alberto Moreno, those wanting Andrew Robertson in the side can pipe up again.

    The Spaniard concedes a cheap free-kick down the left which allows Ever Banega to swing in the set-piece.

    Striker Wissam Ben Yedder, who scored at Anfield, gets across Moreno at the front post to flick home a header into the far corner.

    That has brought the home supporters back to life.

     

    THIRD GOAL(LIVERPOOL)

    One, two, three, oh, so easy.

    Sadio Mane runs on to a long punt forward and finds himself through on goal. No-one is catching him.

    Mane, looking for a second, opens his body up and shoots towards the bottom corner, but Sergio Rico pounces low to his left to keep the ball out.

    Instead, it is Roberto Firmino who manages to bag his second of the night, tucking in to an open net.

    SECOND GOAL(LIVERPOOL)

    The second goal was a carbon copy of the first goal!Roberto Firmino is through but his effort is well saved by Sergio Rico.

    The corner is arced in by Philippe Coutinho, Firmino flicks it on and Sadio Mane stoops at the back post with a diving header to double Liverpool’s lead.

    Sevilla fail to keep men at the far post and are punished…twice.

    Mane’s first goal since August and the Reds are heading to the knockout stages.

     

    FIRST GOAL(LIVERPOOL)

    Rem that Liverpool took the lead after 88 seconds.

    Philippe Coutinho swings in the corner, which little Gigi Wijnaldum flicks on at the front post.

    The home defenders have all fallen asleep, allowing Roberto Firmino a free tap-in from close range.

    Liverpool going through as it stands.

    APOEL 0-4 REAL MADRID
    First GOAL
    Keeper! It’s a good hit from Luka Modric, bang on the volley from 25 yards, but Nauzet Perez has got to do better and keep that out.

    Quite what Vinicius was playing at, backheeling a clearance out in teh first place, is anotehr question.

    The champions will be through with a win remember.

    SECOND GOAL 

    He’s been under pressure after a barren run of goals but give Karim Benzema a sniff and he usually delivers. It’s a lovely move too, Cristiano Ronaldo laying the ball back to Toni Kroos, Benzema darting in behind and Kroos finding him with a peach of a pass. Benzema takes a touch and steers home from 19 yards.

    Real safely through?

    THIRD GOAL

    Game, set and the match, surely.

    You don’t mind Real Madrid scoring beauties pas you but when you let one centre-half nod it on and the other one head in from two yards it’s a bit poor.

    Nacho on the end of it, onside, Three nil.

    FOURTH GOAL

    What a counter that is! Apoel have a corner, it’s cleared and Real Madrid suddenly have four men in on goal. Cristiano Ronaldo squares it unselfishly and it’s a tap-in for Karim Benzema.

    His second, Real going through.

    FIFTH GOAL

    Cristiano Ronaldo has so many talents that it’s easy to forget sometimes just how good he is in the air. That’s a stupendous header, up early and highest to meet Marcelo’s cross and bury a header into the roof of the net.

    Quite brilliant.

    SIXTH GOAL

    What’s the record Champions League win?

    There are still 35 minutes left in Cyprus. Karim Benzema is tackled by goalkeeper Nauzet Perez, the ball spins out to the left and Cristiano Ronaldo chases it down, you’d put money on him bringing the ball on to his right foot and facing up the defender but instead he clips a lazy left-footed finish into the net from 20 yards!

    NAPOLI 3-0 SHAKHTAR DONETSK
    FIRST GOAL!
    Lorenzo Insigne scored for Napoli in the 56th minutes.
    Piotr Zielinski scored the second goal in the 81 minutes.

    And Dries Mertens made it three at 83rd minute.

     It was goalless at the end of first half.
    MAN. CITY 1-0 FEYENOORD
    Man City has broken the deadlock at by Raheem Sterling at the 88th minute.
     It was deadlock at half time.
    MONACO 1-4 LEIPZIG
    At half time Leipzig humiliates Monaco by four goals to one. second half underway.
    DORTMUND 1-2TOTTENHAM

    FIRST GOAL (TOTTENHAM)

    The England combination does it for Spurs.

    Dortmund defender Jeremy Toljan gives the ball away in his own half and his punished.

    Dele Alli fizzes a pass into the feet of Harry Kane on the edge of the box.

    The Spurs striker sets himself before drilling a low finish into the bottom corner. No chance for Roman Burki.

    Six goals in five Champions League games for Kane now.

    FIRST GOAL(DORTMUND)

      The barren run is over.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strokes home low into the net for Borussia Dortmund after Andriy Yarmolenko’s sublime backheel put him through on goal.

    As it stands, Dortmund still going out as Real Madrid are leading against Apoel Nicosia.

    SECOND GOAL(TOTTENHAM)

    This is made by Dele Alli again.

    The England international gets a lucky ricochet off two defenders but keeps his cool to pick out his team-mate in the box.

    Son Heung-min, equally as composed, takes a touch and curls a finish into the top corner.

    Beautiful and Spurs are going through as group winners ahead of Real Madrid.

    SPARTAK MOSKVA 1–1 MARIBOR
    BEŞIKTAŞ 1–1  PORTO
  • MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    MFM FC of Lagos on Tuesday assured its teeming fans a good outing in the upcoming 2017/2018 CAF Champions League season campaign.

    The assurance was given by the club’s Media Officer, Olawale Quadri, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    MFM secured a place to represent Nigeria in the continental competition, after taking the second position in the Nigeria Professional Football League season.

    Plateau United surprisingly emerged as the NPFL’s champion, ahead of other renowned teams in the league.

    In recognition of their good outing at the just-concluded league, players and officials of the club were hosted by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode at Government House, Alausa.

    The governor promised to support the club with necessary logistics to enable it to prosecute assignments next season and outlined his government’s vision of providing a viable platform for youths to thrive.

    “We need to use sports as an instrument to build the economy of Lagos State and also direct the energy of our younger ones to things that are positive as exemplified by what is happening today,’’ Ambode had said.

    Speaking on the readiness of MFM for its maiden continental outing, Quadri said that the club was ready to justify the confidence placed on them by Lagos fans.

    “We so much appreciate the level of support we have received from Lagos fans since we gained promotion to the elite division even when we are in the lower league.

    “Lagos fans are passionate about football and we respect them a great deal; having this at the back of our minds, we promise not to let them down in the continent.

    “Our preparation towards our continental campaign is in top gear. Of course, we are shopping for some other good footballers to join us in our campaign at the CAF Champions League.

    “We need to reassure our fans that we will deliver a good outing during the continental campaign, we are ready to take on the clubs from Africa,’’ he said.

    On the issue of Stephen Odey who left the club mid-season for Europe, Quadri told NAN that it would be difficult to replace the striker.

    “Odey is an important player to us, considering his contributions towards our campaign in the league. He is the highest goal scorer and had since moved on to FC Zurich.

    “We miss him a lot and wish him well. It’s going to be hard to replace him, but we are trying to get a good replacement for him.

    “We will also shore up other departments too and we are presently scouting for good players to join the team. We have put the necessary machinery in place.

    “Some of the players are already aspiring to join the team, but we will ensure we pick the best out of them for the successful continental campaign,’’ Quadri said.