Liverpool showed they are back as one of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldos-hat-trick-against-atletico-madrid-powers-juventus-into-quarter-finals-202975"> European football's powerhouses</a> after dispatching Bayern Munich 3-1 in the German champions' back yard on Wednesday, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Liverpool, five-times European champions and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-seven-up-for-manchester-city-as-they-demolish-schalke-203025">last season's Champions League</a> runners-up, eased past the Bavarians and into the quarter-finals with two goals from Sadio Mane and one from Virgil van Dijk after a goalless first leg at Anfield.

In a dominant performance, Liverpool shrugged off an early ankle injury to captain Jordan Henderson and kept their cool after Bayern's equaliser through Joel Matip's own goal late in the first half.

Liverpool then scored with headers from Van Dijk in the 69th minute and Mane in the 84th to book their spot in the last eight.

"It is an important (win) for different reasons. Important money-wise but also confidence-wise," Klopp told reporters.

"Liverpool's self-awareness now must be 'we are back. We are back on the landscape. Back in big football'.

"That was part of the plan when we started the project," Klopp said. "We still have space for improvement but beating Bayern here is a big one."

Liverpool, who have slipped behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race in recent weeks, had lost all their away games in the Champions League competition this season prior to Wednesday.

Yet their victory saw them join Manchester City and Manchester United as well as Tottenham Hotspur in the last eight while Germany will be without a quarter-finalist for the first time in 11 years.

"We scored a wonderful goal in the first half, outstanding," Klopp said. "We conceded one, but everyone could see it was possible (for us to win). The second half I was really happy by how mature the performance was, how strong we looked, how good we defended."

"It's a big step for us. We have set a mark that this wonderful club is really at the top of the landscape of European football."

"I am really proud of the boys because it is a massive achievement. We are on a good way and I like what the boys did tonight."

Liverpool showed they are back as one of European football's powerhouses after dispatching Bayern Munich 3-1 in the German champions' back yard on Wednesday, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Liverpool showed they are back as one of European football's powerhouses after dispatching Bayern Munich 3-1 in the German champions' back yard on Wednesday, manager Juergen Klopp said. Liverpool, five-times European champions and last season's Champions League runners-up, eased past the Bavarians and into the quarter-finals with two goals from Sadio Mane and one from Virgil van Dijk after a goalless first leg at Anfield. In a dominant performance, Liverpool shrugged off an early ankle injury to captain Jordan Henderson and kept their cool after Bayern's equaliser through Joel Matip's own goal late in the first half. Liverpool then scored with headers from Van Dijk in the 69th minute and Mane in the 84th to book their spot in the last eight. "It is an important (win) for different reasons. Important money-wise but also confidence-wise," Klopp told reporters. "Liverpool's self-awareness now must be 'we are back. We are back on the landscape. Back in big football'. "That was part of the plan when we started the project," Klopp said. "We still have space for improvement but beating Bayern here is a big one." Liverpool, who have slipped behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race in recent weeks, had lost all their away games in the Champions League competition this season prior to Wednesday. Yet their victory saw them join Manchester City and Manchester United as well as Tottenham Hotspur in the last eight while Germany will be without a quarter-finalist for the first time in 11 years. "We scored a wonderful goal in the first half, outstanding," Klopp said. "We conceded one, but everyone could see it was possible (for us to win). The second half I was really happy by how mature the performance was, how strong we looked, how good we defended." "It's a big step for us. We have set a mark that this wonderful club is really at the top of the landscape of European football." "I am really proud of the boys because it is a massive achievement. We are on a good way and I like what the boys did tonight."

Champions League: Liverpool outplay Bayern Munich to reach quarter-finals

Who is better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Champions League will decide

Juventus forward <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-won-five-champions-leagues-and-these-guys-zero-says-ronaldo-after-defeat-to-atletico-madrid-198786">Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed</a> a hat-trick against his favourite opponents Atletico Madrid as the Italians overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to win 3-0 and reached the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-want-to-compare-real-madrid-with-juventus-says-cristiano-ronaldo-172952">Ronaldo blasted home</a> the decisive goal from a penalty with four minutes left to seal a 3-2 overall triumph having made the breakthrough in the 27th minute and levelled the aggregate score three minutes after halftime with another towering header.

It was his eighth hat-trick in the Champions League, pulling him level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, and took the Portugal international's tally in his favourite club competition, where he is the all-time leading scorer, to 124.

The former Real Madrid player, aiming to win the Champions League for the sixth time with his third different club, having also lifted the trophy with Manchester United, took his tally against Atletico to 25 goals in 33 matches in all competitions.

"This was why Juventus brought me here, to help do things that they have never done before," said Ronaldo, now 34. "This is the mentality you need to win in the Champions League."

Shell-shocked Atletico failed to muster a shot on target as they paid the price for an ultra-cautious approach by defensive-minded coach Diego Simeone in the last-16 second leg tie.

"Simply an epic match," said Juve's Giorgio Chiellini. "The best way to celebrate my 500th appearance for the club."

Defender Chiellini had the ball in the visitors' net after just four minutes following a goalmouth scramble but it was disallowed for foul by Ronaldo on goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

The Serie A side bombarded the Atletico area with crosses but made little headway against a packed defence until Federico Bernardeschi switched to the left and floated a cross to the far post where Ronaldo outjumped Juanfran to head in.

With Atletico making little effort to look for the away goal that could have changed the complexion of the tie, Juventus continued to press forward.

Bernardeschi curled a free kick over the crossbar and also produced an ambitious bicycle kick which flew wide before Chiellini had a header tipped over by Oblak.

Atletico's first real chance fell to on-loan striker Alvaro Morata who got between two defenders to meet Koke's cross from the right only to head over.

Juve went straight back on the attack after the break and quickly levelled the aggregate score at 2-2.

Ronaldo met Joao Cancelo's cross with another powerful header and although Oblak clawed the ball away, goal line technology showed that it had crossed the line by centimetres and the referee signalled a goal.

Atletico brought on Vitolo and Angel Correa in an attempt to add more bite to their attack but to no avail.

With extra-time looming, Bernardeschi powered into the area and was pushed in the back by Correa, leaving Ronaldo to blast home the penalty to the delight of the Juve supporters.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick against his favourite opponents Atletico Madrid as the Italians overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to win 3-0 and reached the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick against his favourite opponents Atletico Madrid as the Italians overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to win 3-0 and reached the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday. Ronaldo blasted home the decisive goal from a penalty with four minutes left to seal a 3-2 overall triumph having made the breakthrough in the 27th minute and levelled the aggregate score three minutes after halftime with another towering header. It was his eighth hat-trick in the Champions League, pulling him level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, and took the Portugal international's tally in his favourite club competition, where he is the all-time leading scorer, to 124. The former Real Madrid player, aiming to win the Champions League for the sixth time with his third different club, having also lifted the trophy with Manchester United, took his tally against Atletico to 25 goals in 33 matches in all competitions. "This was why Juventus brought me here, to help do things that they have never done before," said Ronaldo, now 34. "This is the mentality you need to win in the Champions League." Shell-shocked Atletico failed to muster a shot on target as they paid the price for an ultra-cautious approach by defensive-minded coach Diego Simeone in the last-16 second leg tie. "Simply an epic match," said Juve's Giorgio Chiellini. "The best way to celebrate my 500th appearance for the club." Defender Chiellini had the ball in the visitors' net after just four minutes following a goalmouth scramble but it was disallowed for foul by Ronaldo on goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Serie A side bombarded the Atletico area with crosses but made little headway against a packed defence until Federico Bernardeschi switched to the left and floated a cross to the far post where Ronaldo outjumped Juanfran to head in. With Atletico making little effort to look for the away goal that could have changed the complexion of the tie, Juventus continued to press forward. Bernardeschi curled a free kick over the crossbar and also produced an ambitious bicycle kick which flew wide before Chiellini had a header tipped over by Oblak. Atletico's first real chance fell to on-loan striker Alvaro Morata who got between two defenders to meet Koke's cross from the right only to head over. Juve went straight back on the attack after the break and quickly levelled the aggregate score at 2-2. Ronaldo met Joao Cancelo's cross with another powerful header and although Oblak clawed the ball away, goal line technology showed that it had crossed the line by centimetres and the referee signalled a goal. Atletico brought on Vitolo and Angel Correa in an attempt to add more bite to their attack but to no avail. With extra-time looming, Bernardeschi powered into the area and was pushed in the back by Correa, leaving Ronaldo to blast home the penalty to the delight of the Juve supporters.

Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Atletico Madrid powers Juventus into quarter-finals

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.

Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski.

"It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday. "There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.'&nbsp;

"That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago."

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Join us LIVE with the boss, ahead of our clash with <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernEN</a>. 
 
Klopp gives the latest team news and updates as <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> football returns to Anfield. 🙌 
 
▶️ Enjoy more on <a href="https://twitter.com/LFCTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFCTV</a> GO: <a href="https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4">https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWtv04CR89">https://t.co/mWtv04CR89</a>
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Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago.

Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015.

"The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp.

"Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet."

Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has defensive problems to resolve.

Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing.

However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time.

"In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp.

"Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday. Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012. Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski. "It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday. "There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.' "That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago." Join us LIVE with the boss, ahead of our clash with @FCBayernEN. Klopp gives the latest team news and updates as @ChampionsLeague football returns to Anfield. 🙌 ▶️ Enjoy more on @LFCTV GO: https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4 https://t.co/mWtv04CR89 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 18, 2019 × Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago. Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015. "The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp. "Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet." Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has defensive problems to resolve. Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing. However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time. "In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp. "Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."

'Nothing personal' in beating Bayern for Jurgen Klopp

Bayern Munich's on-form striker Kingsley Coman has been given the green light to face Liverpool in the Champions League after fears he had sustained ligament damage in the 3-2 Bundesliga win over Augsburg were dispelled on Saturday.

Coman, 22, put in an outstanding display on Friday, scoring twice and making the third goal, as Bayern twice came from behind despite conceding an own goal with just 13 seconds gone.

Bayern, who face Liverpool at Anfield at Tuesday in the last 16 first leg match, were left holding their breath on Coman's fitness.

Coach Niko Kovac seemed pessimistic Friday and said it would be "annoying" if the Frenchman, who only returned from injury in December, missed the Liverpool match.

But on Saturday Bayern gave Coman the go-ahead.

"After a thorough examination conducted by the Bayern medical staff Saturday morning we can say it was a false alert," the club said on its website.

Coman only returned to full fitness in December after tearing ligaments in the same ankle last August.

"When he was injured (on the opening day of the season), we missed him a lot," said Kovac.

"So I hope he can play (against Liverpool)."

Bayern's away victory on Friday saw the defending champions cut the gap on leaders Borussia Dortmund to just two points. Dortmund play bottom side Nuremberg on Monday.

Bayern Munich's on-form striker Kingsley Coman has been given the green light to face Liverpool in the Champions League after fears he had sustained ligament damage in the 3-2 Bundesliga win over Augsburg were dispelled on Saturday.

Bayern Munich's on-form striker Kingsley Coman has been given the green light to face Liverpool in the Champions League after fears he had sustained ligament damage in the 3-2 Bundesliga win over Augsburg were dispelled on Saturday. Coman, 22, put in an outstanding display on Friday, scoring twice and making the third goal, as Bayern twice came from behind despite conceding an own goal with just 13 seconds gone. Bayern, who face Liverpool at Anfield at Tuesday in the last 16 first leg match, were left holding their breath on Coman's fitness. Coach Niko Kovac seemed pessimistic Friday and said it would be "annoying" if the Frenchman, who only returned from injury in December, missed the Liverpool match. But on Saturday Bayern gave Coman the go-ahead. "After a thorough examination conducted by the Bayern medical staff Saturday morning we can say it was a false alert," the club said on its website. Coman only returned to full fitness in December after tearing ligaments in the same ankle last August. "When he was injured (on the opening day of the season), we missed him a lot," said Kovac. "So I hope he can play (against Liverpool)." Bayern's away victory on Friday saw the defending champions cut the gap on leaders Borussia Dortmund to just two points. Dortmund play bottom side Nuremberg on Monday.

Bayern Munich clear Kingsley Coman for Liverpool Champions League match

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">Maduro making </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">terrible</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250"> mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump</a>

The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sweden-sign-agreement-for-greater-cooperation-on-technology-manufacturing-197256">India, Sweden sign key pacts on technology, manufacturing</a>

The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gully-boy-quick-review-you-dont-have-to-be-a-fan-of-hip-hop-to-like-this-film-197233">'Gully Boy' quick review: You don't have to be a fan of hip-hop to like this film</a>

'Gully Boy' is the story of an honest, diligent Murad who may share a cube-like home with his large family in Dharavi but who also harbours dreams of becoming the next big thing in hip-hop.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pak-saudi-arabia-sri-lanka-in-european-commission-blacklist-for-terror-financing-money-laundering-197258">Pak, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka in European Commission blacklist for terror financing, money laundering</a>

The European Commission had added Saudi Arabia, Panama, Nigeria and other jurisdictions to a blacklist of nations seen as posing a threat because of lax controls on terrorism financing and money laundering.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-edge-out-ajax-as-asensio-scores-late-winner-197252">Champions League: Real Madrid edge out Ajax as Asensio scores late winner</a>

Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax.

Maduro making terrible mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro.

Maduro making terrible mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro. India, Sweden sign key pacts on technology, manufacturing The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing. 'Gully Boy' quick review: You don't have to be a fan of hip-hop to like this film 'Gully Boy' is the story of an honest, diligent Murad who may share a cube-like home with his large family in Dharavi but who also harbours dreams of becoming the next big thing in hip-hop. Pak, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka in European Commission blacklist for terror financing, money laundering The European Commission had added Saudi Arabia, Panama, Nigeria and other jurisdictions to a blacklist of nations seen as posing a threat because of lax controls on terrorism financing and money laundering. Champions League: Real Madrid edge out Ajax as Asensio scores late winner Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Ajax Amsterdam, who were left to rue a goal disallowed by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/var-gets-ready-for-champions-league-debut-197008">Video Assistant Referee (VAR)</a> in their Champions League last-16, first leg on Wednesday.

Asensio netted in the 87th minute from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/champions-league-psg-take-charge-with-2-0-win-at-united-pogba-sent-off-197032">Dani Carvajal’s excellent cross </a>to give Real the advantage heading into the return leg on March 5.

Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax, who created more than enough chances to win comfortably on the night.

They were also denied a first-half opener when Nicolas Tagliafico headed home only for the goal to be chalked off after a VAR check in a Champions League first as Dusan Tadic was judged offside.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose blushes were spared by the VAR decision after his error led to the disallowed goal, felt the officials got it right.

"The correct decision? I think so," he told reporters. "When it happened I thought it could be offside. When the guy headed it I wanted to go and catch it.

"Because of his (Tadic's) intention I made a quick movement. Luckily for VAR because nobody would have seen it."

Sergio Ramos, making his 600th appearance for Real, backed the intervention of VAR and warned Ajax they will face a daunting task in the second leg.

"I have said many times that I am a great defender of the VAR because it will make football fairer little by little," Ramos said.

"We knew how to suffer, read the game and create spaces against them to take advantage of our speed. We achieved a great result and now it's up to them to suffer in our stadium."

The home side thought they had profited from a horror error by Courtois, who allowed a Donny van de Beek header to spill from his grasp and Tagliafico nodded the rebound into an empty net.

Yet referee Damir Skomina called for a VAR check and after a number of replays, ruled that Tadic had been standing in an offside position when the goal was scored.

Benzema put Real in front when he netted on the hour-mark, but Ajax got the goal their play deserved with 15 minutes remaining as Ziyech side-footed home after a sweeping move.

Yet Asensio had the final word, scoring at the back post from Carvajal’s cross.

"As a team we did well, it was too bad that our goal is rejected. Perhaps something like that is easy to do in favour of the big club," Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong said.

"But we have continued well and have received our opportunities afterwards. Too bad it did not yield a better result."

 
&nbsp;

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Ajax Amsterdam, who were left to rue a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in their Champions League last-16, first leg on Wednesday.

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Ajax Amsterdam, who were left to rue a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in their Champions League last-16, first leg on Wednesday. Asensio netted in the 87th minute from Dani Carvajal’s excellent cross to give Real the advantage heading into the return leg on March 5. Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax, who created more than enough chances to win comfortably on the night. They were also denied a first-half opener when Nicolas Tagliafico headed home only for the goal to be chalked off after a VAR check in a Champions League first as Dusan Tadic was judged offside. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose blushes were spared by the VAR decision after his error led to the disallowed goal, felt the officials got it right. "The correct decision? I think so," he told reporters. "When it happened I thought it could be offside. When the guy headed it I wanted to go and catch it. "Because of his (Tadic's) intention I made a quick movement. Luckily for VAR because nobody would have seen it." Sergio Ramos, making his 600th appearance for Real, backed the intervention of VAR and warned Ajax they will face a daunting task in the second leg. "I have said many times that I am a great defender of the VAR because it will make football fairer little by little," Ramos said. "We knew how to suffer, read the game and create spaces against them to take advantage of our speed. We achieved a great result and now it's up to them to suffer in our stadium." The home side thought they had profited from a horror error by Courtois, who allowed a Donny van de Beek header to spill from his grasp and Tagliafico nodded the rebound into an empty net. Yet referee Damir Skomina called for a VAR check and after a number of replays, ruled that Tadic had been standing in an offside position when the goal was scored. Benzema put Real in front when he netted on the hour-mark, but Ajax got the goal their play deserved with 15 minutes remaining as Ziyech side-footed home after a sweeping move. Yet Asensio had the final word, scoring at the back post from Carvajal’s cross. "As a team we did well, it was too bad that our goal is rejected. Perhaps something like that is easy to do in favour of the big club," Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong said. "But we have continued well and have received our opportunities afterwards. Too bad it did not yield a better result."

Champions League: Real Madrid edge out Ajax as Asensio scores late winner

Manchester United's Champions League hopes were hanging by a thread after a 2-0 home defeat by Paris St Germain in their round-of-16, first leg match on Tuesday, with talisman Paul Pogba sent off late in the game.

Second half goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe gave the impressive French side a clear advantage ahead of the return in Paris on March 6 and Pogba's dismissal for a second yellow card in the 89th minute makes the task even harder.

"We're happy, but it's only halftime," said Mbappe. "In the last 20 minutes, we were hit by fatigue. We now have three weeks to make sure we're ready to clinch our qualification."

United had never previously lost at home in European competition by a margin of more than one goal and history suggests their task in the second leg is extremely tough.

No team has ever progressed having lost the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie at home by two or more goals.

It was United's first defeat under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since he took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December and the Norwegian accepted it had been a reality check after 10 wins in 11 games domestically.

"When they got the first goal... they got the momentum and started to control the game," Solskjaer told BT Sport. "You can see we haven't played games at this level for a while and we'll have to learn from this experience.

Asked if United now had a mountain to climb in the second leg, Solskjaer said: "Mountains are there to be climbed. You cannot lay down and say this is over. Today was a kind of reality check on the level of these teams."

Aggressive start

United made a highly aggressive start to the game but too often their forwards chose the wrong option or failed to deliver the right pass, although Marcus Rashford and Pogba tested PSG's 41-year-old keeper Gianluigi Buffon with near-post shots.

Thomas Tuchel's side, who were without injured forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani, gradually gained the ascendancy - with Marco Verratti and Marquinhos dominant in midfield.

Mbappe should have hit the target when he was slipped through by Julian Draxler in the 28th minute but fired wide.

United had to play the second half without forwards Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, who picked up muscle injuries, and their night got worse in the 53rd minute when Kimpembe ghosted in at the back post to volley home a corner from Angel Di Maria.

Former United winger Di Maria, booed from the outset by sections of the crowd, had the last laugh when he collected a fine pass from Marquinhos and set up Mbappe for the second goal.

The Argentine broke down the left and delivered a low cross which was expertly turned in, first time, by 20-year-old France World Cup winner Mbappe who showed lightning speed to get ahead of the defence and turn the ball in with his right foot.

A disappointing night for United got worse when midfielder Pogba was sent off for a second booking after a foul on Dani Alves, leaving PSG in pole position to reach the last eight.

"It is a great achievement to come here and win," said Tuchel, who praised his team's confidence and work ethic.

"But we also know that United are capable of winning in Paris -- you can’t rest on your laurels and start thinking about the quarter-finals now….its only halftime," he said.

Manchester United's Champions League hopes were hanging by a thread after a 2-0 home defeat by Paris St Germain in their round-of-16, first leg match on Tuesday, with talisman Paul Pogba sent off late in the game.

Manchester United's Champions League hopes were hanging by a thread after a 2-0 home defeat by Paris St Germain in their round-of-16, first leg match on Tuesday, with talisman Paul Pogba sent off late in the game. Second half goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe gave the impressive French side a clear advantage ahead of the return in Paris on March 6 and Pogba's dismissal for a second yellow card in the 89th minute makes the task even harder. "We're happy, but it's only halftime," said Mbappe. "In the last 20 minutes, we were hit by fatigue. We now have three weeks to make sure we're ready to clinch our qualification." United had never previously lost at home in European competition by a margin of more than one goal and history suggests their task in the second leg is extremely tough. No team has ever progressed having lost the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie at home by two or more goals. It was United's first defeat under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since he took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December and the Norwegian accepted it had been a reality check after 10 wins in 11 games domestically. "When they got the first goal... they got the momentum and started to control the game," Solskjaer told BT Sport. "You can see we haven't played games at this level for a while and we'll have to learn from this experience. Asked if United now had a mountain to climb in the second leg, Solskjaer said: "Mountains are there to be climbed. You cannot lay down and say this is over. Today was a kind of reality check on the level of these teams." Aggressive start United made a highly aggressive start to the game but too often their forwards chose the wrong option or failed to deliver the right pass, although Marcus Rashford and Pogba tested PSG's 41-year-old keeper Gianluigi Buffon with near-post shots. Thomas Tuchel's side, who were without injured forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani, gradually gained the ascendancy - with Marco Verratti and Marquinhos dominant in midfield. Mbappe should have hit the target when he was slipped through by Julian Draxler in the 28th minute but fired wide. United had to play the second half without forwards Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, who picked up muscle injuries, and their night got worse in the 53rd minute when Kimpembe ghosted in at the back post to volley home a corner from Angel Di Maria. Former United winger Di Maria, booed from the outset by sections of the crowd, had the last laugh when he collected a fine pass from Marquinhos and set up Mbappe for the second goal. The Argentine broke down the left and delivered a low cross which was expertly turned in, first time, by 20-year-old France World Cup winner Mbappe who showed lightning speed to get ahead of the defence and turn the ball in with his right foot. A disappointing night for United got worse when midfielder Pogba was sent off for a second booking after a foul on Dani Alves, leaving PSG in pole position to reach the last eight. "It is a great achievement to come here and win," said Tuchel, who praised his team's confidence and work ethic. "But we also know that United are capable of winning in Paris -- you can’t rest on your laurels and start thinking about the quarter-finals now….its only halftime," he said.

Champions League: PSG take charge with 2-0 win at United, Pogba sent off

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Neymar">Neymar</a> is doubtful for next month's Champions League clash against Manchester United after Paris St Germain confirmed the forward has injured a metatarsal in his right foot during their 2-0 French Cup win over Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Neymar, 26, left the pitch after twisting his foot and the club said initial examinations revealed a "reactivation of the lesion of the fifth right metatarsal", adding that treatment would depend on how the injury heals in the next few days.

The Brazilian had fractured the same metatarsal last February and required surgery that effectively ended his club campaign. He returned to action in May, in time for the World Cup in Russia.

"Neymar is worried, because it's the same foot, the right foot, in the same area," PSG manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters.

Tuchel criticised the referee for not protecting the Brazilian when Strasbourg's players repeatedly fouled him.

"The referee didn't whistle on one occasion, then two, then three and after that he ended up twisting his foot," he added.

PSG face United at Old Trafford for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash on Feb. 12.

PSG, who hold a 13-point lead in Ligue 1 with 53 points from 19 games, return to league action on Sunday when they host Rennes.

Neymar is doubtful for next month's Champions League clash against Manchester United after Paris St Germain confirmed the forward has injured a metatarsal in his right foot during their 2-0 French Cup win over Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Neymar is doubtful for next month's Champions League clash against Manchester United after Paris St Germain confirmed the forward has injured a metatarsal in his right foot during their 2-0 French Cup win over Strasbourg on Wednesday. Neymar, 26, left the pitch after twisting his foot and the club said initial examinations revealed a "reactivation of the lesion of the fifth right metatarsal", adding that treatment would depend on how the injury heals in the next few days. The Brazilian had fractured the same metatarsal last February and required surgery that effectively ended his club campaign. He returned to action in May, in time for the World Cup in Russia. "Neymar is worried, because it's the same foot, the right foot, in the same area," PSG manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters. Tuchel criticised the referee for not protecting the Brazilian when Strasbourg's players repeatedly fouled him. "The referee didn't whistle on one occasion, then two, then three and after that he ended up twisting his foot," he added. PSG face United at Old Trafford for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash on Feb. 12. PSG, who hold a 13-point lead in Ligue 1 with 53 points from 19 games, return to league action on Sunday when they host Rennes.

Foot injury makes Neymar a doubt for Champions League clash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho responded to his side's 3-1 derby <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-beat-manchester-united-to-go-top-of-premier-league-176716">defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City </a>on Sunday by saying his team had paid the price for their midweek Champions League exertions in beating Juventus.

United fought back for a 2-1 victory against the Italian champions in Turin on Wednesday while City cruised through a home game against Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 and the Portuguese manager was quick to point out that context.

He said the players were feeling it physically and mentally.

Mourinho was without French midfielder Paul Pogba, sidelined with injury, and while the United boss did not want to use that absence as an excuse, he said the need to play Marouane Fellaini had limited his later options.

Despite City largely controlling the game, it took a late third goal by their substitute Ilkay Gundogan to ensure there could be no repeat of United's dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in the same fixture last season.

United remain eighth, 12 points behind the leaders, and manager Mourinho refused to talk about his team still having any sort of title chances.

Pep Guardiola, City's manager, was quick to point out that Liverpool and Chelsea had also made strong starts to the campaign and said it was too early to be discussing where the title may be heading.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho responded to his side's 3-1 derby defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday by saying his team had paid the price for their midweek Champions League exertions in beating Juventus.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho responded to his side's 3-1 derby defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday by saying his team had paid the price for their midweek Champions League exertions in beating Juventus. United fought back for a 2-1 victory against the Italian champions in Turin on Wednesday while City cruised through a home game against Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 and the Portuguese manager was quick to point out that context. He said the players were feeling it physically and mentally. Mourinho was without French midfielder Paul Pogba, sidelined with injury, and while the United boss did not want to use that absence as an excuse, he said the need to play Marouane Fellaini had limited his later options. Despite City largely controlling the game, it took a late third goal by their substitute Ilkay Gundogan to ensure there could be no repeat of United's dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in the same fixture last season. United remain eighth, 12 points behind the leaders, and manager Mourinho refused to talk about his team still having any sort of title chances. Pep Guardiola, City's manager, was quick to point out that Liverpool and Chelsea had also made strong starts to the campaign and said it was too early to be discussing where the title may be heading.

Mourinho blames Man United's Juventus exertions for derby loss

Manchester United snatched an extraordinary and barely-deserved 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a late free kick from Juan Mata and a scrappy own goal reviving their hopes of reaching the last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have haunted the club which turned him into a global superstar when he volleyed in the opening goal in the 65th minute after Juventus had dominated proceedings and struck the woodwork twice.

Jose Mourinho's side had looked toothless in attack but after the Portuguese threw on Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford late in the game they staged the most unlikely of comebacks to revive memories of their epic 3-2 win from two goals down in Turin in the 1999 semi-finals.

Spaniard Mata equalised with a perfectly-executed free kick in the 86th minute and United caused bedlam in the Juve area with another set-piece, with the ball appearing to go into the net off Alex Sandro after a knockdown from Fellaini.

Competition organisers UEFA later credited Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci with the goal, which meant United became the first English team to beat Juventus away from home in 15 years, when a previous United team, inspired by Ryan Giggs, won 3-0 at the old Stadio dello Alpi in 2003.

The stunning finale prevented Juventus from sealing their place in the last 16. They still lead Group H with nine points but United are second on seven, two ahead of Valencia in third place, while Young Boys are bottom of the group and can no longer finish in the top two.

Defeat would have likely obliged United to beat Young Boys at home and Valencia away to qualify. Now they can seal qualification for the last-16 with a victory against the Swiss side if Valencia fail to beat Juventus in their next fixture.

"We thought we were going to have two finals to play. Now we have one final. A win against Young Boys could do it. Let's hope we can qualify," Mourinho told reporters.

Despite the fact Juventus had squandered so many chances to score, the coach also insisted his side had played well.

"I'm really proud of my boys because their performance was really good. Juventus had one opportunity in the first half, but everything was under control," he said.

"Even if we had not been handed victory in the end I would have been pleased, because we played very well."

Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri cursed his side's inability to see out the game.

"It's a disappointing defeat, because the team played well. We need to improve our finishing, because we never manage to finish games off when we're in control," he said.

Juve's dominant performance at Old Trafford two weeks ago appeared to underline the current gulf in class between the two European greats, which was also reflected in their respective domestic results: Juve are riding high, six points clear at the top of Serie A, while United are seventh in the Premier League.

DEADLY VOLLEY

Juve began strongly and almost went ahead when Sami Khedira side-footed a cross from Ronaldo against the far post.

The Italian champions again struck the woodwork in the second half when Paulo Dybala clipped the crossbar from outside the area, and there was more than an air of inevitability about Ronaldo's deadly volley, created by a classy chipped pass from Bonucci, which broke the deadlock.

This time there was to be no muted celebration from the Portuguese who lifted his shirt to flex his chest muscles before high-fiving team mates.

He could hardly have envisaged the stirring comeback his old side would later conjure, which ended with Mourinho being booed off the pitch after appearing to taunt the home fans.

Manchester United snatched an extraordinary and barely-deserved 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a late free kick from Juan Mata and a scrappy own goal reviving their hopes of reaching the last 16.

Manchester United snatched an extraordinary and barely-deserved 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a late free kick from Juan Mata and a scrappy own goal reviving their hopes of reaching the last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have haunted the club which turned him into a global superstar when he volleyed in the opening goal in the 65th minute after Juventus had dominated proceedings and struck the woodwork twice. Jose Mourinho's side had looked toothless in attack but after the Portuguese threw on Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford late in the game they staged the most unlikely of comebacks to revive memories of their epic 3-2 win from two goals down in Turin in the 1999 semi-finals. Spaniard Mata equalised with a perfectly-executed free kick in the 86th minute and United caused bedlam in the Juve area with another set-piece, with the ball appearing to go into the net off Alex Sandro after a knockdown from Fellaini. Competition organisers UEFA later credited Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci with the goal, which meant United became the first English team to beat Juventus away from home in 15 years, when a previous United team, inspired by Ryan Giggs, won 3-0 at the old Stadio dello Alpi in 2003. The stunning finale prevented Juventus from sealing their place in the last 16. They still lead Group H with nine points but United are second on seven, two ahead of Valencia in third place, while Young Boys are bottom of the group and can no longer finish in the top two. Defeat would have likely obliged United to beat Young Boys at home and Valencia away to qualify. Now they can seal qualification for the last-16 with a victory against the Swiss side if Valencia fail to beat Juventus in their next fixture. "We thought we were going to have two finals to play. Now we have one final. A win against Young Boys could do it. Let's hope we can qualify," Mourinho told reporters. Despite the fact Juventus had squandered so many chances to score, the coach also insisted his side had played well. "I'm really proud of my boys because their performance was really good. Juventus had one opportunity in the first half, but everything was under control," he said. "Even if we had not been handed victory in the end I would have been pleased, because we played very well." Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri cursed his side's inability to see out the game. "It's a disappointing defeat, because the team played well. We need to improve our finishing, because we never manage to finish games off when we're in control," he said. Juve's dominant performance at Old Trafford two weeks ago appeared to underline the current gulf in class between the two European greats, which was also reflected in their respective domestic results: Juve are riding high, six points clear at the top of Serie A, while United are seventh in the Premier League. DEADLY VOLLEY Juve began strongly and almost went ahead when Sami Khedira side-footed a cross from Ronaldo against the far post. The Italian champions again struck the woodwork in the second half when Paulo Dybala clipped the crossbar from outside the area, and there was more than an air of inevitability about Ronaldo's deadly volley, created by a classy chipped pass from Bonucci, which broke the deadlock. This time there was to be no muted celebration from the Portuguese who lifted his shirt to flex his chest muscles before high-fiving team mates. He could hardly have envisaged the stirring comeback his old side would later conjure, which ended with Mourinho being booed off the pitch after appearing to taunt the home fans.

Champions League: Manchester United fight back to snatch unlikely late win at Juventus

Real Madrid snapped a run of five games without victory by earning a 2-1 win at home to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday yet were still booed off the pitch by their own supporters after an unconvincing performance.

Karim Benzema headed the stuttering triple European champions ahead early in the first half but they were fortunate not to concede an equaliser before the break as the Czechs somehow failed to capitalise on three clear opportunities.

Brazilian left-back Marcelo got Real's second goal with a coolly-taken dinked finish in the 55th minute and they then missed a glut of chances to extend the lead, which was cut by an ice-cool finish from Plzen's Patrik Hrosovsky in the 78th.

Real held on for a far-from-convincing win which keeps them level with Group G leaders AS Roma on six points after three games but failed to answer serious questions about their form ahead of Sunday's 'Clasico' away to arch-rivals Barcelona.

"We all needed to get a victory today which we deserved to get before," said under-pressure Real coach Julen Lopetegui.

"I can't say whether the crisis is over or not. All I can say is we had gone a lot of games without winning and it was vital we won. Points give you tranquillity and we have broken a spell of not winning. Now we have to kick on."

Precarious Position 

A run of five games without a win culminating in Saturday's shock 2-1 home defeat by Levante had left Lopetegui against the ropes and he faced repeated questions about his precarious position in the build-up to the game.

The former Spain manager had insisted he felt able to continue at the helm in Madrid yet could still not give any guarantees that he would remain in charge by the weekend.

Benzema's headed goal from a superb cross by Lucas Vazquez brought a sense of calm to a nervy Santiago Bernabeu crowd although there were howling whistles at halftime after Real had given up a third chance to the Czechs but got away with it.

The visitors had missed an early opportunity when Milan Petrzela was denied at the near post by goalkeeper Keylor Navas and then managed to send the rebound wide.

David Limbersky failed to hit the target after getting past Lucas Vazquez and Hrosovsky then missed an even easier opening before the break when Navas flapped but the midfielder lacked composure and sent the ball over the bar.

Real's Uruguayan youngster Federico Valverde gave the home side a huge lift moments after coming off the bench to make his debut, winning possession and finding Gareth Bale whose backheel helped the ball to Marcelo who calmly converted.

Real captain Sergio Ramos came close to scoring as the hosts sought a third goal to wrap up the points but instead had to see the game out after Hrosovsky made amends for his earlier miss.

The final whistle provided little relief to the edgy home supporters, who let out a cacophony of boos and whistles despite Real winning for the first time in over a month.

"This result will give us confidence, we know we're not playing well at the moment but we've got three points and now we can focus on Barcelona," said Real midfielder Casemiro.

"We have to be honest and say we are not playing well and are on a bad run but we have total confidence in the squad and the coach."

Real Madrid snapped a run of five games without victory by earning a 2-1 win at home to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday yet were still booed off the pitch by their own supporters after an unconvincing performance.

Real Madrid snapped a run of five games without victory by earning a 2-1 win at home to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday yet were still booed off the pitch by their own supporters after an unconvincing performance. Karim Benzema headed the stuttering triple European champions ahead early in the first half but they were fortunate not to concede an equaliser before the break as the Czechs somehow failed to capitalise on three clear opportunities. Brazilian left-back Marcelo got Real's second goal with a coolly-taken dinked finish in the 55th minute and they then missed a glut of chances to extend the lead, which was cut by an ice-cool finish from Plzen's Patrik Hrosovsky in the 78th. Real held on for a far-from-convincing win which keeps them level with Group G leaders AS Roma on six points after three games but failed to answer serious questions about their form ahead of Sunday's 'Clasico' away to arch-rivals Barcelona. "We all needed to get a victory today which we deserved to get before," said under-pressure Real coach Julen Lopetegui. "I can't say whether the crisis is over or not. All I can say is we had gone a lot of games without winning and it was vital we won. Points give you tranquillity and we have broken a spell of not winning. Now we have to kick on." Precarious Position A run of five games without a win culminating in Saturday's shock 2-1 home defeat by Levante had left Lopetegui against the ropes and he faced repeated questions about his precarious position in the build-up to the game. The former Spain manager had insisted he felt able to continue at the helm in Madrid yet could still not give any guarantees that he would remain in charge by the weekend. Benzema's headed goal from a superb cross by Lucas Vazquez brought a sense of calm to a nervy Santiago Bernabeu crowd although there were howling whistles at halftime after Real had given up a third chance to the Czechs but got away with it. The visitors had missed an early opportunity when Milan Petrzela was denied at the near post by goalkeeper Keylor Navas and then managed to send the rebound wide. David Limbersky failed to hit the target after getting past Lucas Vazquez and Hrosovsky then missed an even easier opening before the break when Navas flapped but the midfielder lacked composure and sent the ball over the bar. Real's Uruguayan youngster Federico Valverde gave the home side a huge lift moments after coming off the bench to make his debut, winning possession and finding Gareth Bale whose backheel helped the ball to Marcelo who calmly converted. Real captain Sergio Ramos came close to scoring as the hosts sought a third goal to wrap up the points but instead had to see the game out after Hrosovsky made amends for his earlier miss. The final whistle provided little relief to the edgy home supporters, who let out a cacophony of boos and whistles despite Real winning for the first time in over a month. "This result will give us confidence, we know we're not playing well at the moment but we've got three points and now we can focus on Barcelona," said Real midfielder Casemiro. "We have to be honest and say we are not playing well and are on a bad run but we have total confidence in the squad and the coach."

Real end winless run against Plzen but doubts remain

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite.

Paulo Dybala's 17th minute goal, a simple conversion after a low cross from the right by former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo, won the game but the dominant Italian champions could have won by a much more convincing margin.

United needed their Spanish keeper David de Gea to be in top form as he made a series of good saves, including an excellent effort to keep out a second-half strike from Ronaldo.

If United fans can see little hope of their side catching up the top trio in the Premier League they will also know after this game that there is precious chance of them doing better in continental action.

With four points leaving them second in their group, ahead of Valencia and Young Boys, United may still progress to the knockout stages but the gulf between them and a team equipped to reach the latter stages was all too evident.

United were unchanged from the team that drew at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday but the visitors very quickly demonstrated that they had no fear of the task in front of them.

Perhaps United's players would have been better joining their manager Jose Mourinho on the ten-minute walk from the team's hotel to the stadium than sitting in traffic for an hour on the team bus because they made a woefully slow start.

Right from the outset, Massimiliano Allegri's side were sharper, faster, more precise and showed more purpose than Mourinho's men, who struggled to even match the tempo of the Italian champions.

The most disconcerted Juve looked in the early exchanges was when a fan invaded the pitch only to be apprehended by security before he could reach his apparent target, Ronaldo.

It was no surprise at all when, in the 17th minute, Juve took the lead.

Ronaldo broke down the right and put in a low cross towards the near post which Chris Smalling and Juan Cuadrado challenged for before the ball fell kindly to Dybala, who converted with ease.

Juve sensed the fear in their opponents and looked for a quick second as Joao Cancelo burst unchallenged into the area and then tested United De Gea with a fierce drive.

It was a busy opening half for the Spanish keeper -- Ronaldo struck a swerving free-kick straight at De Gea, who then did well to keep out the follow-up effort from Blaise Matuidi.

The halftime statistics showed a remarkable dominance for a visiting side at Old Trafford with Juve enjoying 67 per cent of possession and double the amount of passes.

Ronaldo, operating in a free role, roaming wide when he felt it would be fruitful, brought another fine save from De Gea seven minutes after the interval with a thundering shot after being set up by Cuadrado.

United's effort could not be faulted, however much guile and penetration they lacked, and they could have drawn level in the 75th minute when Paul Pogba, facing his former club, struck the post with a left foot shot from outside the box.

At the final whistle, another fan tried to greet Ronaldo and came up against security officers but the Portuguese insisted on taking a photograph with the interloper and left the field to the applause of both sets of fans.

Once again, United fans were left with a reminder of their glorious past in the shape of their old boy Ronaldo. It was their only consolation after a game in which their current weaknesses were so comprehensively exposed.

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite.

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite. Paulo Dybala's 17th minute goal, a simple conversion after a low cross from the right by former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo, won the game but the dominant Italian champions could have won by a much more convincing margin. United needed their Spanish keeper David de Gea to be in top form as he made a series of good saves, including an excellent effort to keep out a second-half strike from Ronaldo. If United fans can see little hope of their side catching up the top trio in the Premier League they will also know after this game that there is precious chance of them doing better in continental action. With four points leaving them second in their group, ahead of Valencia and Young Boys, United may still progress to the knockout stages but the gulf between them and a team equipped to reach the latter stages was all too evident. United were unchanged from the team that drew at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday but the visitors very quickly demonstrated that they had no fear of the task in front of them. Perhaps United's players would have been better joining their manager Jose Mourinho on the ten-minute walk from the team's hotel to the stadium than sitting in traffic for an hour on the team bus because they made a woefully slow start. Right from the outset, Massimiliano Allegri's side were sharper, faster, more precise and showed more purpose than Mourinho's men, who struggled to even match the tempo of the Italian champions. The most disconcerted Juve looked in the early exchanges was when a fan invaded the pitch only to be apprehended by security before he could reach his apparent target, Ronaldo. It was no surprise at all when, in the 17th minute, Juve took the lead. Ronaldo broke down the right and put in a low cross towards the near post which Chris Smalling and Juan Cuadrado challenged for before the ball fell kindly to Dybala, who converted with ease. Juve sensed the fear in their opponents and looked for a quick second as Joao Cancelo burst unchallenged into the area and then tested United De Gea with a fierce drive. It was a busy opening half for the Spanish keeper -- Ronaldo struck a swerving free-kick straight at De Gea, who then did well to keep out the follow-up effort from Blaise Matuidi. The halftime statistics showed a remarkable dominance for a visiting side at Old Trafford with Juve enjoying 67 per cent of possession and double the amount of passes. Ronaldo, operating in a free role, roaming wide when he felt it would be fruitful, brought another fine save from De Gea seven minutes after the interval with a thundering shot after being set up by Cuadrado. United's effort could not be faulted, however much guile and penetration they lacked, and they could have drawn level in the 75th minute when Paul Pogba, facing his former club, struck the post with a left foot shot from outside the box. At the final whistle, another fan tried to greet Ronaldo and came up against security officers but the Portuguese insisted on taking a photograph with the interloper and left the field to the applause of both sets of fans. Once again, United fans were left with a reminder of their glorious past in the shape of their old boy Ronaldo. It was their only consolation after a game in which their current weaknesses were so comprehensively exposed.

Champions League: Ronaldo's Juventus beat Manchester United

Manchester United were charged by UEFA for arriving late for their goalless draw at home to Valencia in the Champions League, on Tuesday.

The European soccer body said on Wednesday.

As per media reports, the United team bus had been held up in traffic on the way to Old Trafford and arrived only 45 minutes before kickoff of the Group H match.

The game was put back by five minutes.

UEFA said that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against the English Premier League side for late team arrival and late kick-off.

Valencia were also charged over the late kickoff, along with "kit infringement" and the setting-off of fireworks by their supporters, UEFA said.

A fourth successive winless game increased the pressure on United manager Jose Mourinho who cut a deflated figure afterwards.

Manchester United were charged by UEFA for arriving late for their goalless draw at home to Valencia in the Champions League, on Tuesday. The European soccer body said on Wednesday.

Manchester United were charged by UEFA for arriving late for their goalless draw at home to Valencia in the Champions League, on Tuesday. The European soccer body said on Wednesday. As per media reports, the United team bus had been held up in traffic on the way to Old Trafford and arrived only 45 minutes before kickoff of the Group H match. The game was put back by five minutes. UEFA said that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against the English Premier League side for late team arrival and late kick-off. Valencia were also charged over the late kickoff, along with "kit infringement" and the setting-off of fireworks by their supporters, UEFA said. A fourth successive winless game increased the pressure on United manager Jose Mourinho who cut a deflated figure afterwards.

Man United charged over late arrival for Champions League match against Valencia