Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named as the new manager of Al Sadd on a two-year deal, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Xavi, 39, made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain in his illustrious playing career before moving to the Qatari club in 2015 ahead of his transition into coaching.&nbsp;

He replaces Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who left Al Sadd after leading them to a 14th league title.&nbsp;

Coming through Barcelona's academy in 1998, Xavi soon became the heartbeat of the team's midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd.&nbsp;

Al Sadd confirmed Xavi will take charge of the pre-season training camp in Girona from July 14-29.&nbsp;

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named as the new manager of Al Sadd on a two-year deal, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Tuesday.

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named as the new manager of Al Sadd on a two-year deal, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Tuesday. Xavi, 39, made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain in his illustrious playing career before moving to the Qatari club in 2015 ahead of his transition into coaching. He replaces Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who left Al Sadd after leading them to a 14th league title. Coming through Barcelona's academy in 1998, Xavi soon became the heartbeat of the team's midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd. Al Sadd confirmed Xavi will take charge of the pre-season training camp in Girona from July 14-29.

Xavi Hernandez begins managerial career with Al Sadd

Valencia beat<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-goalkeeper-marc-andre-ter-stegen-to-miss-copa-del-rey-final-220904"> Barcelona</a> 2-1 to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, ending the Spanish champions` four-year winning streak in the competition and denying them a domestic double.

Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno struck first-half goals to give Marcelino`s dominant Valencia control of the final in Seville`s sweltering Benito Villamarin stadium.

Record 30-times Cup winners Barcelona struggled without injured forwards Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele but Lionel Messi pulled the Catalans back into the game with a close-range finish.

Goncalo Guedes missed a gilt-edged chance in stoppage-time for Valencia but they held on to win their first major trophy since last lifting the Cup in 2008.

"I`m so happy because for me, my family, it`s incredible," said Valencia captain Dani Parejo. "A club like Valencia deserves a lot more joy like this. I don`t have the words, it`s incredible.

"We`ve made history in a really significant year, our centenary year."

Valencia finished fourth in La Liga after a strong second half of the season, reaching the Europa League semi-finals and ending an impressive campaign with this victory.

By contrast, Barcelona`s campaign collapsed in the last fortnight as they threw away a three-goal Champions League semi-final lead to be eliminated by Liverpool before letting the Cup slip out of their hands.

Barcelona was bidding to lift themselves from their humiliation on Merseyside by securing the ninth domestic double in their history, but despite Messi`s efforts, they were over-run by a determined and well-drilled Valencia side.

Gerard Pique was forced to clear Rodrigo's effort off the line before Gameiro blasted Marcelino`s side ahead in the 22nd minute after good work from Jose Luis Gaya.

The Catalans failed to create openings and Rodrigo nodded home the second after Carlos Soler whipped a ball across the face of goal.

Messi struck the post with a delightful outside-of-the-boot effort before slotting home the rebound when Jaume Domenech saved Clement Lenglet`s header for his 51st goal of the season, but it was not enough.

"Valencia are worthy champions and it`s also been a good year for us," said Pique.&nbsp;

"It`s always a good year when you win La Liga but the expectation was to have an even better year and that`s not been the case. The season ends with a bittersweet feeling because it could have been better.

"We aren`t worried about the manager's future, we must analyse ourselves and try to improve. The other decisions aren`t in our hands, but we`ve said more than once that we would like him to stay on."

Valencia beat Barcelona 2-1 to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, ending the Spanish champions` four-year winning streak in the competition and denying them a domestic double.

Valencia beat Barcelona 2-1 to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, ending the Spanish champions` four-year winning streak in the competition and denying them a domestic double. Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno struck first-half goals to give Marcelino`s dominant Valencia control of the final in Seville`s sweltering Benito Villamarin stadium. Record 30-times Cup winners Barcelona struggled without injured forwards Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele but Lionel Messi pulled the Catalans back into the game with a close-range finish. Goncalo Guedes missed a gilt-edged chance in stoppage-time for Valencia but they held on to win their first major trophy since last lifting the Cup in 2008. "I`m so happy because for me, my family, it`s incredible," said Valencia captain Dani Parejo. "A club like Valencia deserves a lot more joy like this. I don`t have the words, it`s incredible. "We`ve made history in a really significant year, our centenary year." Valencia finished fourth in La Liga after a strong second half of the season, reaching the Europa League semi-finals and ending an impressive campaign with this victory. By contrast, Barcelona`s campaign collapsed in the last fortnight as they threw away a three-goal Champions League semi-final lead to be eliminated by Liverpool before letting the Cup slip out of their hands. Barcelona was bidding to lift themselves from their humiliation on Merseyside by securing the ninth domestic double in their history, but despite Messi`s efforts, they were over-run by a determined and well-drilled Valencia side. Gerard Pique was forced to clear Rodrigo's effort off the line before Gameiro blasted Marcelino`s side ahead in the 22nd minute after good work from Jose Luis Gaya. The Catalans failed to create openings and Rodrigo nodded home the second after Carlos Soler whipped a ball across the face of goal. Messi struck the post with a delightful outside-of-the-boot effort before slotting home the rebound when Jaume Domenech saved Clement Lenglet`s header for his 51st goal of the season, but it was not enough. "Valencia are worthy champions and it`s also been a good year for us," said Pique. "It`s always a good year when you win La Liga but the expectation was to have an even better year and that`s not been the case. The season ends with a bittersweet feeling because it could have been better. "We aren`t worried about the manager's future, we must analyse ourselves and try to improve. The other decisions aren`t in our hands, but we`ve said more than once that we would like him to stay on."

Valencia knock Barcelona off Copa del Rey throne

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday.

Messi earned the honour, which goes to the leading scorer in league matches in Europe's top divisions, for a record-extending sixth time after finding the net 36 times for Barcelona, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 33 goals after scoring PSG's only goal in a 3-1 loss at Stade de Reims.

While Messi's goal haul helped his side clinch the La Liga title last month the 31-year-old Argentine said earlier on Friday that he was not giving the Golden Shoe race much thought with the side still coming to terms with their Champions League semi-final elimination to Liverpool.

"I haven't been thinking about that prize at all, we are still coping with what happened against Liverpool and I'm not thinking about personal awards," Messi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday.

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday. Messi earned the honour, which goes to the leading scorer in league matches in Europe's top divisions, for a record-extending sixth time after finding the net 36 times for Barcelona, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 33 goals after scoring PSG's only goal in a 3-1 loss at Stade de Reims. While Messi's goal haul helped his side clinch the La Liga title last month the 31-year-old Argentine said earlier on Friday that he was not giving the Golden Shoe race much thought with the side still coming to terms with their Champions League semi-final elimination to Liverpool. "I haven't been thinking about that prize at all, we are still coping with what happened against Liverpool and I'm not thinking about personal awards," Messi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

Lionel Messi finishes Europe's top scorer for third straight year

Lionel&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

After winning La Liga by 11 points, Barca can complete a domestic double by beating Valencia in Seville, but even that will not erase the disappointment of throwing away a three-goal lead at Anfield.&nbsp;

Valverde conceded his future was uncertain after the loss but the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has since said the coach will remain in charge.

"I honestly believe the boss has done an impressive job during his time in charge,"&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;said at a press conference on Friday.&nbsp;

"I think that in the defeat to Liverpool, he is practically blameless, we are the only ones to blame for that match.

"That can happen one year. but two years in a row is unforgivable. The boss will obviously be partly to blame but it is the players even more.&nbsp;

"I would like him to continue. Last year, we did the double and even though it was stained by getting knocked out of the Champions League, this year we can win the double again.&nbsp;

"If you look at his two years, there have been two bad games, but beyond those the rest has been good."&nbsp;

Valverde was also asked again about his future.&nbsp;

"I have no complaints from the president or the board," said Valverde, who added: "You seem very worried, don't worry so much."&nbsp;

Barcelona were desperate to win the Champions League, after failing to reach the final in four consecutive years while also watching Real Madrid lift the trophy three times in a row.&nbsp;

Since losing to Liverpool, Valverde's team have beaten Getafe 2-0 at Camp Nou before ending the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Eibar on Sunday.&nbsp;

"We are still recovering from the game against Liverpool, at least I am, I just want to win this final and finish the year with another title,"&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

'Hard blow'

"It was a very hard blow and both I and the whole club have had a hard time lifting ourselves, which I think has been shown in the matches we have played since.&nbsp;

"It was hard but that's it, this is a final, it is a title and we have the chance to do a double.

"We need to think that we have to win, like in any other final that we play. Obviously not winning this final would be make things even worse."&nbsp;

Barcelona are chasing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey triumph to go with their eight La Liga titles in the last 11 years.&nbsp;

"After a bump so big we have to face things with integrity," said Valverde.&nbsp;

"You cannot hide your head in a hole and disappear off the map. We responded after Anfield in La Liga and now we cannot wriggle out in the cup.&nbsp;

"We have to go all out for a title we have been pursuing since January."&nbsp;

Valverde said Nelson Semedo has recovered from his head injury and is likely to be available while late decisions will be made on Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho, who are close to shaking off hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.&nbsp;

But Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are all out, with Jasper Cillessen expected to start in goal.&nbsp;

Unlike Barcelona, Valencia are flying high after completing a late-season surge by finishing fourth in La Liga last weekend.&nbsp;

The club has not lifted &nbsp;trophy since they won the Copa del Rey in 2008.&nbsp;

"We have the experience that we have," coach Marcelino said on Friday. "There may be something missing in that regard but for sure, we have plenty of heart."&nbsp;

Lionel Messi wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Lionel Messi wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. After winning La Liga by 11 points, Barca can complete a domestic double by beating Valencia in Seville, but even that will not erase the disappointment of throwing away a three-goal lead at Anfield. Valverde conceded his future was uncertain after the loss but the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has since said the coach will remain in charge. "I honestly believe the boss has done an impressive job during his time in charge," Messi said at a press conference on Friday. "I think that in the defeat to Liverpool, he is practically blameless, we are the only ones to blame for that match. "That can happen one year. but two years in a row is unforgivable. The boss will obviously be partly to blame but it is the players even more. "I would like him to continue. Last year, we did the double and even though it was stained by getting knocked out of the Champions League, this year we can win the double again. "If you look at his two years, there have been two bad games, but beyond those the rest has been good." Valverde was also asked again about his future. "I have no complaints from the president or the board," said Valverde, who added: "You seem very worried, don't worry so much." Barcelona were desperate to win the Champions League, after failing to reach the final in four consecutive years while also watching Real Madrid lift the trophy three times in a row. Since losing to Liverpool, Valverde's team have beaten Getafe 2-0 at Camp Nou before ending the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Eibar on Sunday. "We are still recovering from the game against Liverpool, at least I am, I just want to win this final and finish the year with another title," Messi said. 'Hard blow' "It was a very hard blow and both I and the whole club have had a hard time lifting ourselves, which I think has been shown in the matches we have played since. "It was hard but that's it, this is a final, it is a title and we have the chance to do a double. "We need to think that we have to win, like in any other final that we play. Obviously not winning this final would be make things even worse." Barcelona are chasing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey triumph to go with their eight La Liga titles in the last 11 years. "After a bump so big we have to face things with integrity," said Valverde. "You cannot hide your head in a hole and disappear off the map. We responded after Anfield in La Liga and now we cannot wriggle out in the cup. "We have to go all out for a title we have been pursuing since January." Valverde said Nelson Semedo has recovered from his head injury and is likely to be available while late decisions will be made on Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho, who are close to shaking off hamstring and thigh injuries respectively. But Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are all out, with Jasper Cillessen expected to start in goal. Unlike Barcelona, Valencia are flying high after completing a late-season surge by finishing fourth in La Liga last weekend. The club has not lifted trophy since they won the Copa del Rey in 2008. "We have the experience that we have," coach Marcelino said on Friday. "There may be something missing in that regard but for sure, we have plenty of heart."

Lionel Messi backs Valverde but admits Barca are still hurting

Barcelona suffered from a mental block during the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League, having been scarred by the memory of a similar collapse to AS Roma last year, defender Gerard Pique has said.

Pique, who has won Europe's elite competition with Barca three times but not since 2015, described the semi-final second leg defeat which wiped out his side's 3-0 first-leg win as "a nightmare", saying it would take years to get over.

"You could see that the team just wasn't functioning, they were putting us under pressure and what had happened last year(against Roma) was very present in our minds," Pique said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais published on Friday.

"I'm sure it was a mental block, but we also didn't play good football. We lacked everything. They pressed us very high, they were very intense, and Anfield also played its role. We just couldn't cope, sometimes it happens."

Barca have romped to a second La Liga title in a row and could complete another successive double when they play Valencia in Saturday's Copa del Rey final.

But just as last season's 3-0 defeat at Roma after a 4-1 home win threatened to overshadow their campaign, Barca's failure to win what Lionel Messi called "that beautiful and desired trophy" has also had a terrible impact on the team.

Pique said his teammates had a sense of deja vu during the game at Anfield, which unfolded in a remarkably similar way to events at the Stadio Olimpico last year.

"I think on a mental level some of us were affected by what had happened in Rome, it was so recent. The first goal came very quickly, and suddenly the image of Rome appeared," Pique said, recalling Sadio Mane's goal in the 15th minute at Anfield.

"Then they scored two more goals in quick succession and it starts to look too similar to what happened a year ago. It was very tough, it has been very difficult to pull ourselves back up because the days go by and you can't forget this defeat.

"It's a slip up which is going to last a long time, but we need to take a step forward," Pique added.

"We cannot keep torturing ourselves. It was a nightmare and we have to deal with it because it could happen again.

"But we have to understand why it happened and let it help us in the future because we want to lift the Champions League again."

Barcelona suffered from a mental block during the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League, having been scarred by the memory of a similar collapse to AS Roma last year, defender Gerard Pique has said.

Barcelona suffered from a mental block during the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League, having been scarred by the memory of a similar collapse to AS Roma last year, defender Gerard Pique has said. Pique, who has won Europe's elite competition with Barca three times but not since 2015, described the semi-final second leg defeat which wiped out his side's 3-0 first-leg win as "a nightmare", saying it would take years to get over. "You could see that the team just wasn't functioning, they were putting us under pressure and what had happened last year(against Roma) was very present in our minds," Pique said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais published on Friday. "I'm sure it was a mental block, but we also didn't play good football. We lacked everything. They pressed us very high, they were very intense, and Anfield also played its role. We just couldn't cope, sometimes it happens." Barca have romped to a second La Liga title in a row and could complete another successive double when they play Valencia in Saturday's Copa del Rey final. But just as last season's 3-0 defeat at Roma after a 4-1 home win threatened to overshadow their campaign, Barca's failure to win what Lionel Messi called "that beautiful and desired trophy" has also had a terrible impact on the team. Pique said his teammates had a sense of deja vu during the game at Anfield, which unfolded in a remarkably similar way to events at the Stadio Olimpico last year. "I think on a mental level some of us were affected by what had happened in Rome, it was so recent. The first goal came very quickly, and suddenly the image of Rome appeared," Pique said, recalling Sadio Mane's goal in the 15th minute at Anfield. "Then they scored two more goals in quick succession and it starts to look too similar to what happened a year ago. It was very tough, it has been very difficult to pull ourselves back up because the days go by and you can't forget this defeat. "It's a slip up which is going to last a long time, but we need to take a step forward," Pique added. "We cannot keep torturing ourselves. It was a nightmare and we have to deal with it because it could happen again. "But we have to understand why it happened and let it help us in the future because we want to lift the Champions League again."

Barca haunted by ghosts of Rome in 'nightmare' loss to Liverpool: Gerard Pique

Paris Saint Germain's Kylian Mbappe said that Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year despite Barcelona's exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-final.&nbsp;

On being asked about who will win the Ballon d'Or this year, Kylian Mbappe said, "(Lionel) Messi, despite the elimination, it does not change anything. He is the number one. He has shown he was the best player this year.

"The year will take us up to December but I'm not worried about him, he is going to play until December," he added.&nbsp;

Mbappe made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to named both player of the year and young player of the year at the prestigious Trophees UNFP (French Professional Footballers Association) awards ceremony in Paris.&nbsp;

The French striker has also cast doubts on his intentions for next season as he said he wanted "more responsibility" in the future either at PSG or "somewhere else".&nbsp;

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🤙🏽🏆❤️... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Troph%C3%A9esUNFP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrophéesUNFP</a> <a href="https://t.co/tsjW9YP6pF">pic.twitter.com/tsjW9YP6pF</a>
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😄🔝 
 
🏆 Joueur de l’année 
🏆 Meilleur Espoir 
🏆Équipe Type de la saison 
 
Un grand merci pour l’ensemble des votes et du soutien. 
Je tiens à remercier mes coéquipiers, le staff, le club et ma famille 😍 <a href="https://t.co/okKHSndENA">pic.twitter.com/okKHSndENA</a>
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Mbappe has scored 32 goals in Ligue 1 this season.&nbsp;

Paris Saint Germain's Kylian Mbappe said that Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year despite Barcelona's exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Paris Saint Germain's Kylian Mbappe said that Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year despite Barcelona's exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-final. On being asked about who will win the Ballon d'Or this year, Kylian Mbappe said, "(Lionel) Messi, despite the elimination, it does not change anything. He is the number one. He has shown he was the best player this year. "The year will take us up to December but I'm not worried about him, he is going to play until December," he added. Mbappe made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to named both player of the year and young player of the year at the prestigious Trophees UNFP (French Professional Footballers Association) awards ceremony in Paris. The French striker has also cast doubts on his intentions for next season as he said he wanted "more responsibility" in the future either at PSG or "somewhere else". 🤙🏽🏆❤️... #TrophéesUNFP pic.twitter.com/tsjW9YP6pF — Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) May 20, 2019 × 😄🔝 🏆 Joueur de l’année 🏆 Meilleur Espoir 🏆Équipe Type de la saison Un grand merci pour l’ensemble des votes et du soutien. Je tiens à remercier mes coéquipiers, le staff, le club et ma famille 😍 pic.twitter.com/okKHSndENA — Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) May 19, 2019 × Mbappe has scored 32 goals in Ligue 1 this season.

Lionel Messi 'favourite to win Ballon d'Or', says Kylian Mbappe

Norwegian Ada Hegerberg fired Olympique Lyon to an unprecedented fourth straight Women's Champions League title with a first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Barcelona in Saturday's final at Budapest's Groupama Arena.

The French side, packed with some of the finest international talent in the women's game, proved far too strong for a Barcelona team playing in their first Champions League final.

Hegerberg struck her three goals in a blistering 16-minute spell midway through the first half as Lyon swept aside the Spaniards.

"It was almost a perfect match and that is rare in a final as a lot of things come into play, such as emotions. We managed to put that to one side," said Lyon coach Reyneld Pedros, who said his team were "writing history".

"It's a lot of work but a lot of fun, too. If you look at this match, you can only be happy about what we've achieved," he said.

Stronger, faster, smarter and more clinical, Lyon with 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg in deadly form, showed exactly why they have reached eight finals in the past 10 seasons and are the undisputed powerhouse of European women's football.

Starting as underdogs, Barcelona knew they would have to deliver the performance of their lives to have a chance against Reynald Pedros's expensively-assembled team and they had an early opportunity but their Liverpool-born forward Toni Duggan dragged her shot wide of Sarah Bouhaddi’s right-hand post.

Lyon responded to that early warning in swift and decisive fashion, taking a fifth-minute lead when Dutch winger Shanice van de Senden's low cross was confidently converted by Budapest-born German international Dzsenifer Marozsan, to the delight of Hungarian fans in a 19,487 crowd.

Nine minutes later Hegerberg made no mistake from another low cross from Van de Senden after England's Lucy Bronze had set up the counter-attack with a strong breakout from the back.

Barca were struggling to get any kind of foothold in the game and it was 3-0 in the 19th minute when Amel Majri's ball from the left was driven home first time by 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg.

Barca were unable to deal with Lyon's high press and physical presence in the centre of midfield while, at the back, the low balls in from Lyon continued to prove fruitful.

The 23-year-old Hegerberg completed her hat-trick on the half-hour after the overlapping Bronze whipped in a ball from the right and Hegerberg took full advantage of the opportunity to beat Sandra Panos again.

It was little more than a damage-limitation exercise for the Spaniards after the break and when they did get a sniff of a chance, Lieke Martens and Vicky Losada were unable to find the target.

They gained some consolation however when substitute Asisat Oshoala pulled a goal back in the 89th minute after a clever through ball from Lieke Martens.

"The main message I want to convey to the team is that they should be proud of their achievement," said Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes.

"We should work to make sure next year we are closer. We don't have the final experience of Lyon. It was the first for all of us and that counted against us in the early minutes."

Norwegian Ada Hegerberg fired Olympique Lyon to an unprecedented fourth straight Women's Champions League title with a first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Barcelona in Saturday's final at Budapest's Groupama Arena.

Norwegian Ada Hegerberg fired Olympique Lyon to an unprecedented fourth straight Women's Champions League title with a first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Barcelona in Saturday's final at Budapest's Groupama Arena. The French side, packed with some of the finest international talent in the women's game, proved far too strong for a Barcelona team playing in their first Champions League final. Hegerberg struck her three goals in a blistering 16-minute spell midway through the first half as Lyon swept aside the Spaniards. "It was almost a perfect match and that is rare in a final as a lot of things come into play, such as emotions. We managed to put that to one side," said Lyon coach Reyneld Pedros, who said his team were "writing history". "It's a lot of work but a lot of fun, too. If you look at this match, you can only be happy about what we've achieved," he said. Stronger, faster, smarter and more clinical, Lyon with 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg in deadly form, showed exactly why they have reached eight finals in the past 10 seasons and are the undisputed powerhouse of European women's football. Starting as underdogs, Barcelona knew they would have to deliver the performance of their lives to have a chance against Reynald Pedros's expensively-assembled team and they had an early opportunity but their Liverpool-born forward Toni Duggan dragged her shot wide of Sarah Bouhaddi’s right-hand post. Lyon responded to that early warning in swift and decisive fashion, taking a fifth-minute lead when Dutch winger Shanice van de Senden's low cross was confidently converted by Budapest-born German international Dzsenifer Marozsan, to the delight of Hungarian fans in a 19,487 crowd. Nine minutes later Hegerberg made no mistake from another low cross from Van de Senden after England's Lucy Bronze had set up the counter-attack with a strong breakout from the back. Barca were struggling to get any kind of foothold in the game and it was 3-0 in the 19th minute when Amel Majri's ball from the left was driven home first time by 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg. Barca were unable to deal with Lyon's high press and physical presence in the centre of midfield while, at the back, the low balls in from Lyon continued to prove fruitful. The 23-year-old Hegerberg completed her hat-trick on the half-hour after the overlapping Bronze whipped in a ball from the right and Hegerberg took full advantage of the opportunity to beat Sandra Panos again. It was little more than a damage-limitation exercise for the Spaniards after the break and when they did get a sniff of a chance, Lieke Martens and Vicky Losada were unable to find the target. They gained some consolation however when substitute Asisat Oshoala pulled a goal back in the 89th minute after a clever through ball from Lieke Martens. "The main message I want to convey to the team is that they should be proud of their achievement," said Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes. "We should work to make sure next year we are closer. We don't have the final experience of Lyon. It was the first for all of us and that counted against us in the early minutes."

Ada Hegerberg hat-trick fires Lyon to fourth straight Champions League

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-reliance-on-messi-or-over-confidence-what-went-wrong-for-barcelona-against-liverpool-217025">Barcelona</a> president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ernesto-valverde-never-thought-about-resigning-218447">Ernesto Valverde</a> remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits.

Valverde has signed a new contract with Barca until 2020 with the option of another season and has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the Catalans as well as taking his side to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Valencia on May 25.

His position has come under scrutiny though after his side spurned a 3-0 lead over Liverpool by losing 4-0 at Anfield in a semi-final second leg.

The result felt even more painful after they threw away a three-goal lead over AS Roma to exit last year's competition.

"Valverde said it the other day, he has the support of the president and the board. He is the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at a book promotion on Thursday.

"This is a long-term project, he has a contract and we are very happy with him. We're already planning for next season, we've signed some players and after the final we'll have more discussions."

Bartomeu said the club was still reeling from the painful Champions League elimination but he emphasised the importance of winning the league title and urged the players to focus on beating Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

"The first objective is always to win La Liga and then the Cup and Champions League. It has been a great season, we won the league with games to spare but we all want more," he added.

"Next up we have the Copa del Rey final and we go into after a very painful defeat, but now is the time to come to terms with it and get our spirit back."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach Ernesto Valverde remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach Ernesto Valverde remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits. Valverde has signed a new contract with Barca until 2020 with the option of another season and has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the Catalans as well as taking his side to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Valencia on May 25. His position has come under scrutiny though after his side spurned a 3-0 lead over Liverpool by losing 4-0 at Anfield in a semi-final second leg. The result felt even more painful after they threw away a three-goal lead over AS Roma to exit last year's competition. "Valverde said it the other day, he has the support of the president and the board. He is the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at a book promotion on Thursday. "This is a long-term project, he has a contract and we are very happy with him. We're already planning for next season, we've signed some players and after the final we'll have more discussions." Bartomeu said the club was still reeling from the painful Champions League elimination but he emphasised the importance of winning the league title and urged the players to focus on beating Valencia in the Copa del Rey final. "The first objective is always to win La Liga and then the Cup and Champions League. It has been a great season, we won the league with games to spare but we all want more," he added. "Next up we have the Copa del Rey final and we go into after a very painful defeat, but now is the time to come to terms with it and get our spirit back."

Ernesto Valverde is the coach we want, says Barcelona president

Spain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-posts-record-financial-figures-217311">La Liga</a> is in danger because of a proposal from European soccer body UEFA to create a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Champions+League">Champions League</a> that would be largely closed off to outsiders, its president Javier Tebas said Monday.

UEFA is working with the European Club Association (ECA), whose members includes Europe's biggest clubs, to redesign the Champions League from 2024 onwards but has not given any details on proposals, saying discussions are at an early stage.

However, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Reuters that there was a concrete proposal to create a European league with three divisions, with promotion and relegation between each.

The top division would be the equivalent of the current Champions League and would have 32 teams, but divided into four groups of eight rather then eight groups of four. This would mean teams playing 14 group stage games instead of six.

Twenty-four teams would qualify automatically for the following year's competition with four more promoted from

the second tier, currently the Europa League, and only four places open to champions of Europe's 54 domestic leagues.

This would break with the tradition that teams qualify for European competition through their domestic leagues.

"They are talking about a reform of the Champions, but really it is a new competition. The (domestic) leagues have been the way of qualifying for the Champions League but that won't be the case any more," Tebas said during a progamme on the Gol television channel.

"A number of clubs will be established who are always among the 32. On a scale out of 10, my level of worry is seven to eight."

"Is La Liga in danger? Yes, without doubt. UEFA can't do this and we want to convince other institutions that this cannot go ahead. We are working on a strategy."

Referring to the proposed competition as a Super League, he added, "The broadcast rights in Europe will change. There will be less money to share around the other clubs....and, in four or five years, the inequality will be enormous."

Last week, Lars-Christer Olsson, head of the European Leagues umbrella grouping which includes La Liga, said the current situation was more worrying than in the 1990s, when the top clubs threatened to form a breakaway league.

"The problem is that the discussions are taking place between the clubs and UEFA and that would mean a closed league under the umbrella of UEFA," he said.

Both Olsson and Tebas have said that only a small number of big clubs are in favour of the reported UEFA proposals.

UEFA could not immediately be reached for comment.

Spain's La Liga is in danger because of a proposal from European soccer body UEFA to create a Champions League that would be largely closed off to outsiders, its president Javier Tebas said Monday.

Spain's La Liga is in danger because of a proposal from European soccer body UEFA to create a Champions League that would be largely closed off to outsiders, its president Javier Tebas said Monday. UEFA is working with the European Club Association (ECA), whose members includes Europe's biggest clubs, to redesign the Champions League from 2024 onwards but has not given any details on proposals, saying discussions are at an early stage. However, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Reuters that there was a concrete proposal to create a European league with three divisions, with promotion and relegation between each. The top division would be the equivalent of the current Champions League and would have 32 teams, but divided into four groups of eight rather then eight groups of four. This would mean teams playing 14 group stage games instead of six. Twenty-four teams would qualify automatically for the following year's competition with four more promoted from the second tier, currently the Europa League, and only four places open to champions of Europe's 54 domestic leagues. This would break with the tradition that teams qualify for European competition through their domestic leagues. "They are talking about a reform of the Champions, but really it is a new competition. The (domestic) leagues have been the way of qualifying for the Champions League but that won't be the case any more," Tebas said during a progamme on the Gol television channel. "A number of clubs will be established who are always among the 32. On a scale out of 10, my level of worry is seven to eight." "Is La Liga in danger? Yes, without doubt. UEFA can't do this and we want to convince other institutions that this cannot go ahead. We are working on a strategy." Referring to the proposed competition as a Super League, he added, "The broadcast rights in Europe will change. There will be less money to share around the other clubs....and, in four or five years, the inequality will be enormous." Last week, Lars-Christer Olsson, head of the European Leagues umbrella grouping which includes La Liga, said the current situation was more worrying than in the 1990s, when the top clubs threatened to form a breakaway league. "The problem is that the discussions are taking place between the clubs and UEFA and that would mean a closed league under the umbrella of UEFA," he said. Both Olsson and Tebas have said that only a small number of big clubs are in favour of the reported UEFA proposals. UEFA could not immediately be reached for comment.

Without doubt La Liga in danger, says Javier Tebas

La Liga champions Barcelona signed off their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Catalans also ended Getafe's hopes of a maiden top-four finish in the league table.&nbsp;

The result sees Barca end in marginally better spirits a miserable week which saw them being knocked out of the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Liverpool in the semi-final second-leg.&nbsp;

Liverpool overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit as the Redmen produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history.&nbsp;

They advanced to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.&nbsp;

A defeat that has led to intense speculation as to whether coach Ernesto Valverde and a host of senior players will still be at the club next season.&nbsp;

But Valverde denied that he is thinking about resigning from the post of Barcelona manager.&nbsp;

In the post-match presentation, Valverde said that he is "absolutely not" thinking about leaving the job.&nbsp;

Barcelona were booed by their own crowd and on being asked about whether he was expecting a negative reaction from the supporters, the coach replied, "Yes!"

Valverde said, "I was expecting it. It's true that at the beginning they whistled us (booed us) a little, but how can you think they are not going to do it? When you suffer a defeat like the one we suffered, people let you know. And it is normal."

"We were expecting this kind of criticism, but we also knew that our fans were going to support us if we did a good match and most of all if we accepted our responsibilities," he concluded.&nbsp;

La Liga champions Barcelona signed off their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Catalans also ended Getafe's hopes of a maiden top-four finish in the league table.

La Liga champions Barcelona signed off their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Catalans also ended Getafe's hopes of a maiden top-four finish in the league table. The result sees Barca end in marginally better spirits a miserable week which saw them being knocked out of the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Liverpool in the semi-final second-leg. Liverpool overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit as the Redmen produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history. They advanced to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. A defeat that has led to intense speculation as to whether coach Ernesto Valverde and a host of senior players will still be at the club next season. But Valverde denied that he is thinking about resigning from the post of Barcelona manager. In the post-match presentation, Valverde said that he is "absolutely not" thinking about leaving the job. Barcelona were booed by their own crowd and on being asked about whether he was expecting a negative reaction from the supporters, the coach replied, "Yes!" Valverde said, "I was expecting it. It's true that at the beginning they whistled us (booed us) a little, but how can you think they are not going to do it? When you suffer a defeat like the one we suffered, people let you know. And it is normal." "We were expecting this kind of criticism, but we also knew that our fans were going to support us if we did a good match and most of all if we accepted our responsibilities," he concluded.

Ernesto Valverde 'never thought about resigning'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

Klopp's men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions' 13 games winning run to come to an end at Brighton if they are to win the league.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjml92Z85DiAhUK3Y8KHdCBCy0QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3K59Gqsg8ZeTJHPWWrkhl3">Liverpool are in high spirits after a stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona</a> on Tuesday booked their place in a second consecutive Champions League final.

Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out with a groin tear as &nbsp;Wolves visit Anfield.

Klopp said he hopes the Brazilian will be ready for the Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1.

Salah missed the Barcelona game after suffering a concussion in a 3-2 win at Newcastle last weekend.

"Mo looked good around the celebrations after the game, to be honest," said Klopp.

"The day before yesterday and yesterday he was running outside and will be part of training today", Klopp added.

Robertson had to be replaced at half-time against Barca and Henderson required a pain-killing injection at the break after taking a kick on the knee late in the first half.

"The famous three words of this week in the dressing room were&nbsp;'It's only pain,'" added Klopp.

"Very important for all the young lads to learn, I've said that already to the boys. Hendo said, 'It's only pain', Robbo said, 'It's only pain' - but it was real pain, wow!",Klopp said.

"Unfortunately, Robbo could deal with the pain but only the rest of his body couldn't because he couldn't really activate the muscle anymore, some nerve hit or whatever. They should be fine (for Sunday)", Liverpool boss said.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title. Klopp's men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions' 13 games winning run to come to an end at Brighton if they are to win the league. Liverpool are in high spirits after a stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday booked their place in a second consecutive Champions League final. Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out with a groin tear as Wolves visit Anfield. Klopp said he hopes the Brazilian will be ready for the Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1. Salah missed the Barcelona game after suffering a concussion in a 3-2 win at Newcastle last weekend. "Mo looked good around the celebrations after the game, to be honest," said Klopp. "The day before yesterday and yesterday he was running outside and will be part of training today", Klopp added. Robertson had to be replaced at half-time against Barca and Henderson required a pain-killing injection at the break after taking a kick on the knee late in the first half. "The famous three words of this week in the dressing room were 'It's only pain,'" added Klopp. "Very important for all the young lads to learn, I've said that already to the boys. Hendo said, 'It's only pain', Robbo said, 'It's only pain' - but it was real pain, wow!",Klopp said. "Unfortunately, Robbo could deal with the pain but only the rest of his body couldn't because he couldn't really activate the muscle anymore, some nerve hit or whatever. They should be fine (for Sunday)", Liverpool boss said.

'It's only pain' says Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp; hopeful on Mo Salah's return for Premier League finale

Spain's football league, La Liga, announced on Thursday that their clubs had posted record revenue of €4.479 billion ($5.01 billion) for the 2017-18 season.

The number marks a 20.6 per cent growth from the previous campaign (€3.6 billion) and therefore becomes the best in the competition's history.

Crucially, it has not been bloated by a new TV deal given the figures come from the second of a three-year domestic cycle on audio-visual rights, which will come up for renewal in the 2019-20 season.

The current figure of audio-visual turnover surpassed the €1.5 billion mark for the first time in this set of financial results.

Commercial revenue - up 34.1 per cent with an €838m turnover - and revenue from player transfers - up 104.3 to 1.02 billion - were the two main contributors to the league's strong annual growth, with higher sums forecast next year.

La Liga's professional structure means it produces an impact on Spain's national GDP equivalent to almost 1.4 per cent, employing 185,000 people both directly and indirectly with a tax contribution of more than €4 billion per year.

Spain's football league, La Liga, announced on Thursday that their clubs had posted record revenue of €4.479 billion ($5.01 billion) for the 2017-18 season. The number marks a 20.

Spain's football league, La Liga, announced on Thursday that their clubs had posted record revenue of €4.479 billion ($5.01 billion) for the 2017-18 season. The number marks a 20.6 per cent growth from the previous campaign (€3.6 billion) and therefore becomes the best in the competition's history. Crucially, it has not been bloated by a new TV deal given the figures come from the second of a three-year domestic cycle on audio-visual rights, which will come up for renewal in the 2019-20 season. The current figure of audio-visual turnover surpassed the €1.5 billion mark for the first time in this set of financial results. Commercial revenue - up 34.1 per cent with an €838m turnover - and revenue from player transfers - up 104.3 to 1.02 billion - were the two main contributors to the league's strong annual growth, with higher sums forecast next year. La Liga's professional structure means it produces an impact on Spain's national GDP equivalent to almost 1.4 per cent, employing 185,000 people both directly and indirectly with a tax contribution of more than €4 billion per year.

La Liga posts record financial figures

Liverpool produced one of the most stunning comebacks in Champions League history as Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice to beat Barcelona 4-0 and progress to the final for the second consecutive year 4-3 on aggregate.

Liverpool 'giants' stun Barca to make Champions League final

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">4-0 win over Barcelona</a> on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final.

The German was clearly swept up in the emotion at the end of the game as a delirious Anfield crowd sang the club's anthem "You'll never walk alone" with the players lined up in front of the Kop.

"When I saw the boys after the game and saw the tears in their eyes, that’s football and they are professionals and it’s still like this," said Klopp.

"This club touches you like crazy, it’s like you feel much more than others in these moments. It’s really great, I love it.

"It’s a special night, very special. Winning against Barcelona is obviously one of the most difficult things in the world of football. Winning against Barcelona when you are actually 3-0 down makes it not easier.

"We had to score four goals and (were) not allowed to concede. That made it, again, more difficult. So we didn’t really think about it, to be 100 per cent honest.

"We tried to build on the performance at Barcelona, all the good things we did there, and tried to win the game step by step.

"We have the ball, we attack with whatever we have -- they have the ball, we defend with whatever we have. And that made it a really special game. It was really difficult to play against us tonight."

Liverpool took a seventh minute lead through Divock Origi and then struck twice after the break courtesy of substitute Georginio Wijnaldum before Origi got the crucial fourth goal.

Throughout the match, Liverpool played with pulsating energy and gritty determination, while still being able to carve open a trembling Barcelona defence.

"What the boys did -- this mix, again, of big heart and football skills -- is unbelievable," Klopp added.

"But ... we didn’t learn it in the first game, we knew it before already.

"I said to the boys before the game, 'I don’t think it’s possible but because it’s you I think we have a chance' -- is because they are really mentality giants.

"It’s unbelievable after the season we played, the games we had, the injuries we have now in this moment."

The German said few would have believed his team could get the result the needed to reach the final, where they will play Ajax Amsterdam or Tottenham Hotspur.

"If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting (in) a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," he said.

"I’m really proud to be the manager of this team. What they did tonight is so special and I will remember it forever. I don’t know if it happened before and I don’t know if it can happen again. The boys did it and it was brilliant."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final. The German was clearly swept up in the emotion at the end of the game as a delirious Anfield crowd sang the club's anthem "You'll never walk alone" with the players lined up in front of the Kop. "When I saw the boys after the game and saw the tears in their eyes, that’s football and they are professionals and it’s still like this," said Klopp. "This club touches you like crazy, it’s like you feel much more than others in these moments. It’s really great, I love it. "It’s a special night, very special. Winning against Barcelona is obviously one of the most difficult things in the world of football. Winning against Barcelona when you are actually 3-0 down makes it not easier. "We had to score four goals and (were) not allowed to concede. That made it, again, more difficult. So we didn’t really think about it, to be 100 per cent honest. "We tried to build on the performance at Barcelona, all the good things we did there, and tried to win the game step by step. "We have the ball, we attack with whatever we have -- they have the ball, we defend with whatever we have. And that made it a really special game. It was really difficult to play against us tonight." Liverpool took a seventh minute lead through Divock Origi and then struck twice after the break courtesy of substitute Georginio Wijnaldum before Origi got the crucial fourth goal. Throughout the match, Liverpool played with pulsating energy and gritty determination, while still being able to carve open a trembling Barcelona defence. "What the boys did -- this mix, again, of big heart and football skills -- is unbelievable," Klopp added. "But ... we didn’t learn it in the first game, we knew it before already. "I said to the boys before the game, 'I don’t think it’s possible but because it’s you I think we have a chance' -- is because they are really mentality giants. "It’s unbelievable after the season we played, the games we had, the injuries we have now in this moment." The German said few would have believed his team could get the result the needed to reach the final, where they will play Ajax Amsterdam or Tottenham Hotspur. "If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting (in) a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," he said. "I’m really proud to be the manager of this team. What they did tonight is so special and I will remember it forever. I don’t know if it happened before and I don’t know if it can happen again. The boys did it and it was brilliant."

Emotional Juergen Klopp hails 'unbelievable' triumph over Barcelona

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-two-students-open-fire-at-colorado-school-wounding-eight-schoolmates-216856">US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded</a>

Two male students&nbsp;armed with guns&nbsp;burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final</a>

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-promised-to-guarantee-safety-of-us-interests-from-iran-says-pompeo-in-baghdad-216862">Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad</a>

Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of&nbsp;US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866">Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court</a>

Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition&nbsp;leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-indicate-china-building-third-aircraft-carrier-us-think-tank-216863">Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank</a>

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its&nbsp;third aircraft carrier&nbsp;is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the&nbsp;Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said. Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks. Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt. Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool</a> in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final.&nbsp;

In a similar fashion, Barcelona were ousted last season in the quarter-finals. The Catalans beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals.&nbsp;

As per the reports, Messi was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room and he was further humiliated when coach Ernesto Valverde left for Liverpool's John Lennon Airport without him after Messi's drug test took longer than expected.&nbsp;

Messi was selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials.&nbsp;

Barcelona were leading 3-0 following the first leg in the Camp Nou before a collapse at Anfield saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">Jurgen Klopp</a>'s men advance to their second consecutive final.

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Lionel Messi's night: 
 
Cries in a corridor 😭 
Has drugs test 💦 
Misses team bus 🚌 <a href="https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq">https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq</a>
— Jack Wilson (@JackWilson_5) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackWilson_5/status/1126079459881299970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Two goals apiece for Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw Liverpool complete a miraculous turnaround with Suarez later saying his side "looked like kids" when describing the manner in which they defended as Origi struck Liverpool's winner.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final.

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final. In a similar fashion, Barcelona were ousted last season in the quarter-finals. The Catalans beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals. As per the reports, Messi was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room and he was further humiliated when coach Ernesto Valverde left for Liverpool's John Lennon Airport without him after Messi's drug test took longer than expected. Messi was selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials. Barcelona were leading 3-0 following the first leg in the Camp Nou before a collapse at Anfield saw Jurgen Klopp's men advance to their second consecutive final. Lionel Messi's night: Cries in a corridor 😭 Has drugs test 💦 Misses team bus 🚌 https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq — Jack Wilson (@JackWilson_5) May 8, 2019 × Two goals apiece for Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw Liverpool complete a miraculous turnaround with Suarez later saying his side "looked like kids" when describing the manner in which they defended as Origi struck Liverpool's winner.

Lionel Messi broke down in tears in dressing room after Barcelona's Champions League exit

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messi-completes-600-goals-for-barcelona-with-super-free-kick-in-champions-league-tie-against-liverpool-215203">left Lionel Messi and Barcelona</a> utterly shell-shocked after a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination.

Juergen Klopp's side will play the winner of Wednesday's other semi-final between Ajax Amsterdam and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dutch side leading 1-0 from the first leg in London.

"It was overwhelming. I would say it's impossible," said Klopp, amid wild celebrations at the final whistle when his team stood in front of their famous Kop stand to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with fans.

"Playing against the best team in the world. Winning with a clean sheet, I don't know how the boys did it. It's unbelievable," added the German.

"I saw James Milner crying after the game on the pitch. It means so much to all of us. There are more important things in the world but creating this emotional atmosphere together is so special."

Liverpool became only the third team in the history of the European Cup or Champions League to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress after Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona themselves in 1985-86.

It was a night that will be remembered by Liverpool fans alongside their fifth European Cup win in Istanbul in 2005, when they came back from 3-0 down at halftime to win on penalties.

For Barca, who went out on away goals to AS Roma in the quarter-finals last year, after winning the first-leg 4-1, it was a bitter occasion that will raise many questions for coach Ernesto Valverde.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">Messi, whose two goals</a> in the first leg had given his team a seemingly comfortable advantage, was unable to influence the game with an away goal that would have been decisive.

The scoreline was remarkable enough in itself, but the fact that Liverpool overcame five-times European champions Barcelona without two thirds of their usual strike force made it extraordinary.

With inspirational Egyptian Mohamed Salah and key Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino injured, Juergen Klopp had to play Belgian reserve Origi alongside Sadio Mane, with Swiss attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri also given a rare start.

Klopp had said before the game that he wanted his side to "fail in the most beautiful way" if they were to go out of the Champions League

Yet the Anfield crowd wanted glory -- they roared their team on to the field and greeted Barcelona, especially their former Liverpool players Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, with boos.

The Liverpool players responded, taking the game to Barca and then grabbing a seventh-minute lead when a poor headed clearance from Jordi Alba fell at the feet of Jordan Henderson, who burst goalwards.

His low shot was parried out by Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but straight to Origi who slotted home.

Barca had openings in the first half but when Messi twice got space around the box he fired wide of the target and when Jordi Alba burst through just before halftime, Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker was out quickly to nullify the danger.

Yet the game took a remarkable turn following the introduction at the break of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for injured left back Andy Robertson.

The Dutchman drove home a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which Barca keeper Ter Stegen should have saved, to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute.

Two minutes later Wijnaldum rose to meet a Shaqiri cross with a powerful header to make it 3-3 on aggregate.

Liverpool then grabbed an extraordinary fourth goal with a quickly-taken corner from Alexander-Arnold, catching the Barca defence asleep with a low ball that was turned in at the near post by Origi.

That sent Anfield wild and meant Klopp's side suddenly needed to switch mindset and defend a lead as Barca slipped, belatedly, into their trademark possession game.

Yet with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip outstanding in the centre of defence and Brazilian Fabinho making some crucial interventions in midfield, Liverpool held on for one of their most famous wins.

Klopp's side, who lost to Real Madrid in last year's final in Kiev, remain in with a chance of a double triumph as they head into Sunday's final round of Premier League games trailing leaders Manchester City by just a point.

After their defeat in Barcelona, Sunday was expected to be the conclusion of a Liverpool season that promised so much but would ultimately conclude with Klopp's side finishing empty-handed.

Now their campaign has been extended until the June 1 final in Madrid where they will have a chance of a sixth European Cup -- which would move them above Barca on the all-time winners list.

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum left Lionel Messi and Barcelona utterly shell-shocked after a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination. Juergen Klopp's side will play the winner of Wednesday's other semi-final between Ajax Amsterdam and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dutch side leading 1-0 from the first leg in London. "It was overwhelming. I would say it's impossible," said Klopp, amid wild celebrations at the final whistle when his team stood in front of their famous Kop stand to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with fans. "Playing against the best team in the world. Winning with a clean sheet, I don't know how the boys did it. It's unbelievable," added the German. "I saw James Milner crying after the game on the pitch. It means so much to all of us. There are more important things in the world but creating this emotional atmosphere together is so special." Liverpool became only the third team in the history of the European Cup or Champions League to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress after Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona themselves in 1985-86. It was a night that will be remembered by Liverpool fans alongside their fifth European Cup win in Istanbul in 2005, when they came back from 3-0 down at halftime to win on penalties. For Barca, who went out on away goals to AS Roma in the quarter-finals last year, after winning the first-leg 4-1, it was a bitter occasion that will raise many questions for coach Ernesto Valverde. Messi, whose two goals in the first leg had given his team a seemingly comfortable advantage, was unable to influence the game with an away goal that would have been decisive. The scoreline was remarkable enough in itself, but the fact that Liverpool overcame five-times European champions Barcelona without two thirds of their usual strike force made it extraordinary. With inspirational Egyptian Mohamed Salah and key Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino injured, Juergen Klopp had to play Belgian reserve Origi alongside Sadio Mane, with Swiss attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri also given a rare start. Klopp had said before the game that he wanted his side to "fail in the most beautiful way" if they were to go out of the Champions League Yet the Anfield crowd wanted glory -- they roared their team on to the field and greeted Barcelona, especially their former Liverpool players Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, with boos. The Liverpool players responded, taking the game to Barca and then grabbing a seventh-minute lead when a poor headed clearance from Jordi Alba fell at the feet of Jordan Henderson, who burst goalwards. His low shot was parried out by Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but straight to Origi who slotted home. Barca had openings in the first half but when Messi twice got space around the box he fired wide of the target and when Jordi Alba burst through just before halftime, Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker was out quickly to nullify the danger. Yet the game took a remarkable turn following the introduction at the break of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for injured left back Andy Robertson. The Dutchman drove home a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which Barca keeper Ter Stegen should have saved, to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute. Two minutes later Wijnaldum rose to meet a Shaqiri cross with a powerful header to make it 3-3 on aggregate. Liverpool then grabbed an extraordinary fourth goal with a quickly-taken corner from Alexander-Arnold, catching the Barca defence asleep with a low ball that was turned in at the near post by Origi. That sent Anfield wild and meant Klopp's side suddenly needed to switch mindset and defend a lead as Barca slipped, belatedly, into their trademark possession game. Yet with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip outstanding in the centre of defence and Brazilian Fabinho making some crucial interventions in midfield, Liverpool held on for one of their most famous wins. Klopp's side, who lost to Real Madrid in last year's final in Kiev, remain in with a chance of a double triumph as they head into Sunday's final round of Premier League games trailing leaders Manchester City by just a point. After their defeat in Barcelona, Sunday was expected to be the conclusion of a Liverpool season that promised so much but would ultimately conclude with Klopp's side finishing empty-handed. Now their campaign has been extended until the June 1 final in Madrid where they will have a chance of a sixth European Cup -- which would move them above Barca on the all-time winners list.

Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez thanked former club Liverpool for raising the standard of his game during a three-and-a-half-year spell at Merseyside, but the Uruguayan is focused on knocking them out of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.

'If I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it', says Luis Suarez

Liverpool will be without their Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Anfield, manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday.

Klopp could also be without another key forward in Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;after the Egyptian was carried off with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-regain-premier-league-lead-with-3-2-win-at-newcastle-216048">head injury in Saturday's 3-2 win at Newcastle</a>.

Firmino, who has a muscular injury, was not included in the matchday squad for Saturday's game at St. James' Park and Klopp said he will not feature against the Spaniards as Liverpool look to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg.

"He will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest we will see,” said Klopp, whose side face Wolves in their final Premier League game on May 12.

Klopp said it was too soon to say whether&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;would be able to play against Barca.

"What I heard, he got the hip of the goalie on his head," Klopp said.

"He was then on the ground and the doc had to make a decision 'on the pitch or off the pitch', and the decision was off the pitch. We accept that of course.

"When we came in he was sitting in the dressing room watching the game on television. So he was then fine, but of course we have to wait. He got a proper knock, obviously, in that situation."

Divock Origi, who grabbed the 86th-minute winner at Newcastle, could start against Barca while Daniel Sturridge, who started on Saturday, would be another option.

Liverpool will be without their Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Anfield, manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday.

Liverpool will be without their Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Anfield, manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday. Klopp could also be without another key forward in Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian was carried off with a head injury in Saturday's 3-2 win at Newcastle. Firmino, who has a muscular injury, was not included in the matchday squad for Saturday's game at St. James' Park and Klopp said he will not feature against the Spaniards as Liverpool look to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg. "He will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest we will see,” said Klopp, whose side face Wolves in their final Premier League game on May 12. Klopp said it was too soon to say whether Salah would be able to play against Barca. "What I heard, he got the hip of the goalie on his head," Klopp said. "He was then on the ground and the doc had to make a decision 'on the pitch or off the pitch', and the decision was off the pitch. We accept that of course. "When we came in he was sitting in the dressing room watching the game on television. So he was then fine, but of course we have to wait. He got a proper knock, obviously, in that situation." Divock Origi, who grabbed the 86th-minute winner at Newcastle, could start against Barca while Daniel Sturridge, who started on Saturday, would be another option.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino out of Barcelona visit, Mohamed Salah at risk

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades.

Xavi, who has made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain, confirmed his retirement plans in an open letter sent to members of the Spanish media on Thursday.

"This is my last season as a player but I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach," wrote Xavi, who has been playing for Qatari side Al Sadd since leaving Barca in 2015.

"It has been a privilege to play football until 39 years of age and now I would like to finish the season on a high by winning the Emir Cup and by getting to the next phase of the Asian Champions League", said Xavi.

Xavi made his debut for Barca in 1998 after coming through the club's famed La Masia academy and soon became the heartbeat of the team`s midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd.

He was one of the key players when Spain won their first and only World Cup in 2010 as well as their European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, eventually retiring from the national team after a disappointing 2014 World Cup.

Last month he helped Al Sadd win the Qatar Stars League, the country`s top flight division, and has reached the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup with the team. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades.

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades. Xavi, who has made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain, confirmed his retirement plans in an open letter sent to members of the Spanish media on Thursday. "This is my last season as a player but I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach," wrote Xavi, who has been playing for Qatari side Al Sadd since leaving Barca in 2015. "It has been a privilege to play football until 39 years of age and now I would like to finish the season on a high by winning the Emir Cup and by getting to the next phase of the Asian Champions League", said Xavi. Xavi made his debut for Barca in 1998 after coming through the club's famed La Masia academy and soon became the heartbeat of the team`s midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd. He was one of the key players when Spain won their first and only World Cup in 2010 as well as their European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, eventually retiring from the national team after a disappointing 2014 World Cup. Last month he helped Al Sadd win the Qatar Stars League, the country`s top flight division, and has reached the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup with the team.

Spain legend Xavi Hernandez to retire at end of season

Major takeaways from Liverpool 0-3 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side</a> in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.&nbsp;

With the two goals, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-boss-jurgen-klopp-hails-unstoppable-lionel-messi-after-losing-to-barcelona-215192">Messi</a> completed a tally of 600 goals for his senior club.&nbsp;

Messi, who is currently La Liga's Pichichi top scorer and the European Golden Boot leader, has taken 683 matches to reach the new mark (0.88 goals per match).&nbsp;

He made the record on a very special day, it was the 14th anniversary of his first official goal for the Barcelona.&nbsp;

The Argentine's milestone goal was a moment of brilliance as he curled a dazzling free kick into the top corner from distance to add gloss to a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play.&nbsp;

Besides scoring, Messi created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second.&nbsp;

Watch Messi's magnificent free-kick:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Amazing as always! Messi 👍🏻 <a href="https://t.co/5P8uklU9LL">pic.twitter.com/5P8uklU9LL</a>
— Luckycherub (@luckycherub) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckycherub/status/1123745170510548992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Messi's brain : "the velocity of wind is 44,79 km/h, the pressure is 1,7928 atm, the temperature is 19,456244°C, the ball pressure is 8,4628264 atm. OK just kick it to the left." <a href="https://t.co/Ngq5ncepIV">pic.twitter.com/Ngq5ncepIV</a>
— 🥚 (@ndoggdadar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndoggdadar/status/1123750579384270849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Here's Messi's other goal, watch:

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Messi hit a great goal!! <a href="https://t.co/AqgA7sOjTn">pic.twitter.com/AqgA7sOjTn</a>
— Hikaari (@Hikaari3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hikaari3/status/1123742859692265473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.&nbsp;

For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015.&nbsp;

The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. With the two goals, Messi completed a tally of 600 goals for his senior club. Messi, who is currently La Liga's Pichichi top scorer and the European Golden Boot leader, has taken 683 matches to reach the new mark (0.88 goals per match). He made the record on a very special day, it was the 14th anniversary of his first official goal for the Barcelona. The Argentine's milestone goal was a moment of brilliance as he curled a dazzling free kick into the top corner from distance to add gloss to a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play. Besides scoring, Messi created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second. Watch Messi's magnificent free-kick: Amazing as always! Messi 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/5P8uklU9LL — Luckycherub (@luckycherub) May 2, 2019 × Messi's brain : "the velocity of wind is 44,79 km/h, the pressure is 1,7928 atm, the temperature is 19,456244°C, the ball pressure is 8,4628264 atm. OK just kick it to the left." pic.twitter.com/Ngq5ncepIV — 🥚 (@ndoggdadar) May 2, 2019 × Here's Messi's other goal, watch: Messi hit a great goal!! pic.twitter.com/AqgA7sOjTn — Hikaari (@Hikaari3) May 2, 2019 × The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid. For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015. The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

Watch: Messi completes 600 goals for Barca with super free-kick in Champions League tie against Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp admitted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-best-player-ever-but-we-have-a-chance-says-jurgen-klopp-ahead-of-champions-league-tie-against-barcelona-214977">Lionel Messi</a> was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final.

Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final</a> first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield.

"He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. What a strike. He's a world-class player but I knew that already. It's no surprise."

Klopp could only smile after Messi's curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side.&nbsp;

They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi's brilliant brace, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post.&nbsp;

"I said to the boys I was&nbsp;proud of how we played against a side like this," Klopp said. "If you lose away it's not a massive problem as long as you score a goal. That's our problem tonight - it doesn't make our life any easier."

Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions.&nbsp;

It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe's most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert.&nbsp;

The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday.

"They can still make us suffer," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "The result is good but the tie is open."

Scintillating

Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left.&nbsp;

The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi's finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from sprinting clear.&nbsp;

Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson.&nbsp;

A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in.

Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson's cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over.&nbsp;

Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson.&nbsp;

But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Salah, and held a Milner drive.&nbsp;

Then Messi intervened, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only knee the ball against the crossbar but it came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net.&nbsp;

Two was tough on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out. He whipped it over the wall and into the top corner.

Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post. It could have been a lifeline. Liverpool are on the brink.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield. "He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. What a strike. He's a world-class player but I knew that already. It's no surprise." Klopp could only smile after Messi's curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side. They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi's brilliant brace, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post. "I said to the boys I was proud of how we played against a side like this," Klopp said. "If you lose away it's not a massive problem as long as you score a goal. That's our problem tonight - it doesn't make our life any easier." Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions. It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe's most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert. The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday. "They can still make us suffer," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "The result is good but the tie is open." Scintillating Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left. The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi's finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from sprinting clear. Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson. A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in. Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson's cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over. Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson. But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Salah, and held a Milner drive. Then Messi intervened, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only knee the ball against the crossbar but it came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net. Two was tough on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out. He whipped it over the wall and into the top corner. Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post. It could have been a lifeline. Liverpool are on the brink.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hails 'unstoppable' Lionel Messi after losing to Barcelona

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie.

The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.

For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015.

The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

The Argentine superstar created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second.

Liverpool, who lost Naby Keita to injury in the 24th minute, continue to surge forward, but without posing any real danger to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal.

Two minutes after Jordan Henderson came in for Keita, Coutinho nudged the ball to Jordi Alba charging down the left flank. The defender's cross found Luis Suarez in the box and the Uruguay international got his first goal in Champions League play since April 4, 2018.

Wounded, the visitors continued to put pressure on the Barca defence and were poised to pull level when Henderson slipped the ball to Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese striker to send his shot over the top of the net.

Liverpool were aggressive to start the second half and Ter Stegen had to turn aside shots from James Milner and Mo Salah.

Barca responded by putting aside their usual emphasis on possession, deciding to rely instead on the direct attack, and the initiative seemed to be with the visitors until a run by Messi in the 75th minute.

Reds midfielder Fabinho confronted Messi, but his successful challenge sent the ball on a path that ended with Suarez.

While the Uruguayan's volley bounced off the cross-bar, Messi pushed in the rebound to put Barcelona up 2-0. Eight minutes later, the captain put the final nail in Liverpool's coffin with a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute.

A Salah strike that looked bound for the back of Ter Stegen's net hit the post, denying Barcelona the consolation of an away goal.

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid. For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015. The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups. The Argentine superstar created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second. Liverpool, who lost Naby Keita to injury in the 24th minute, continue to surge forward, but without posing any real danger to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal. Two minutes after Jordan Henderson came in for Keita, Coutinho nudged the ball to Jordi Alba charging down the left flank. The defender's cross found Luis Suarez in the box and the Uruguay international got his first goal in Champions League play since April 4, 2018. Wounded, the visitors continued to put pressure on the Barca defence and were poised to pull level when Henderson slipped the ball to Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese striker to send his shot over the top of the net. Liverpool were aggressive to start the second half and Ter Stegen had to turn aside shots from James Milner and Mo Salah. Barca responded by putting aside their usual emphasis on possession, deciding to rely instead on the direct attack, and the initiative seemed to be with the visitors until a run by Messi in the 75th minute. Reds midfielder Fabinho confronted Messi, but his successful challenge sent the ball on a path that ended with Suarez. While the Uruguayan's volley bounced off the cross-bar, Messi pushed in the rebound to put Barcelona up 2-0. Eight minutes later, the captain put the final nail in Liverpool's coffin with a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute. A Salah strike that looked bound for the back of Ter Stegen's net hit the post, denying Barcelona the consolation of an away goal.

Lionel Messi leads Barcelona over Liverpool in Champions League semi-final first leg

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