UEFA announced the&nbsp;full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">Atletico Madrid</a>&nbsp;procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">&nbsp;Bayern Munich</a>&nbsp;became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Draw was&nbsp;live-streamed on the UEFA website from&nbsp;UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and&nbsp;determine the match fixtures for the next year.

Liverpool will return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League triumph after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Monday.

The two-legged tie which includes one fixture at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano, where Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the trophy in June and another at Anfield will be one of the highlights of the opening knockout stage.

Another will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Real Madrid</a>'s clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who are trying to win the European crown for the first time.

Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain, who have fallen at the last 16 stage in the last three seasons, were pitted against Borussia Dortmund while Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea face European masters Bayern Munich.

Last season's beaten finalists Tottenham, now led by Jose Mourinho, must beat German side Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldo-and-higuain-on-target-as-juventus-beat-leverkusen-2-0-267848">Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus</a> face France's other representatives, Lyon.

Barcelona will play Napoli and surprise Italian qualifiers Atalanta were drawn against Valencia.

Here is the full draw for the Champions League last 16:

Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)&nbsp;

Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG)

Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG)&nbsp;

Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Lyon (FRA)&nbsp;v Juventus (ITA)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER)

Napoli (ITA)&nbsp;v Barcelona (ESP)&nbsp;

The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET.&nbsp;

The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

UEFA announced the full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.

UEFA announced the full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches. The Draw was live-streamed on the UEFA website from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and determine the match fixtures for the next year. Liverpool will return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League triumph after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Monday. The two-legged tie which includes one fixture at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano, where Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the trophy in June and another at Anfield will be one of the highlights of the opening knockout stage. Another will be Real Madrid's clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who are trying to win the European crown for the first time. Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain, who have fallen at the last 16 stage in the last three seasons, were pitted against Borussia Dortmund while Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea face European masters Bayern Munich. Last season's beaten finalists Tottenham, now led by Jose Mourinho, must beat German side Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus face France's other representatives, Lyon. Barcelona will play Napoli and surprise Italian qualifiers Atalanta were drawn against Valencia. Here is the full draw for the Champions League last 16: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG) Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP) Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG) Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER) Lyon (FRA) v Juventus (ITA) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER) Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP) The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020. (With inputs from AFP)

Champions League last 16 fixtures: Liverpool to clash with Atletico Madrid; City to face Real Madrid

Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record breaking group stage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">Bayern Munich</a> on Wednesday became the first German club to win all of their six group matches in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-masterstroke-pays-off-as-tottenham-spurs-hit-back-to-win-264816">Champions League</a> when they swept to a 3-1 home victory over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-bans-spurs-players-from-watching-bayern-thrashing-267565">Jose Mourinho'</a>s Tottenham.

Both sides had already made sure of their progress to the last 16, but victory would have been a relief to caretaker-coach Hansi Flick after the German giants had lost their last two Bundesliga games.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-clear-kingsley-coman-for-liverpool-champions-league-match-197787">Kingsley Coman</a>, who suffered two ankle injuries in 2018, put Bayern ahead at the Allianz Arena before needing to be helped off on 27 minutes after badly twisting his knee.

Coman's injury "cast a big shadow on this game," said Flick.&nbsp;

"Kingsley left the stadium to go for tests, we can only hope it's not that bad."

Although teenager Ryan Sessegnon equalised with his first goal for Spurs, Coman's replacement Thomas Mueller restored Bayern's lead when he tapped home with half-time approaching.

With an hour gone, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/philippe-coutinho-joins-bayern-munich-new-challenges-await-brazilian-star-244151">Philippe Coutinho</a> bagged Bayern's third goal by firing an excellent shot into the far corner of the Spurs net.

"(We) really wanted to win to confirm to ourselves that what we are doing is right," said Mueller.&nbsp;

"Sometimes we were a little unlucky."

"We can only cross our fingers for Kingsley, his injury didn't look good at all," Mueller added of Frenchman Coman.

Bayern ran riot with a 7-2 thrashing of Spurs in north London when the clubs last met in October, but this was a far more subdued affair with both teams resting their star strikers.

As he had hinted Tuesday, Mourinho rested several stars with Lucas Moura taking the place of England striker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-making-same-old-mistakes-says-harry-kane-250773">Harry Kane</a>.

"I would have preferred a different result, but I am happy about the information I have learned about the players I used," said Mourinho.

"I am happy with the decisions I made and I hope the supporters understand that," he added after Dele Alli also did not make the trip to Munich.

Flick left Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, the competition's top-scorer with 10 goals in five games, on Bayern's bench.

The hosts went ahead on 13 minutes when Serge Gnabry spotted Coman unmarked to sweep the ball in and score his first Bayern goal for nearly three months.

However, Spurs drew level on 20 minutes when winger Sessegnon fired home the visitors' first clear chance to claim his first goal for the club since joining from Fulham.

Bayern then lost Coman, who was in clear distress after twisting his knee and had to be helped off.

Spurs midfielder Moussa Sissoko squandered a great chance when he got in behind the defence, but overhit his cross with Sessegnon unmarked on the far side.

Gnabry then hit the woodwork for Bayern and just before the break, left-back Alphonso Davies hit the post, but Mueller was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Coutinho then netted his first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabriel-jesus-hat-trick-gives-man-city-4-1-win-at-dinamo-zagreb-267832">Champions League</a> goal since joining Bayern on loan from Barcelona when he picked his spot in the far corner in the 64th minute.

Spurs' most dangerous moment of the second half saw Christian Eriksen's free-kick saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Bayern Munich on Wednesday became the first German club to win all of their six group matches in the Champions League when they swept to a 3-1 home victory over Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.

Bayern Munich on Wednesday became the first German club to win all of their six group matches in the Champions League when they swept to a 3-1 home victory over Jose Mourinho's Tottenham. Both sides had already made sure of their progress to the last 16, but victory would have been a relief to caretaker-coach Hansi Flick after the German giants had lost their last two Bundesliga games. Kingsley Coman, who suffered two ankle injuries in 2018, put Bayern ahead at the Allianz Arena before needing to be helped off on 27 minutes after badly twisting his knee. Coman's injury "cast a big shadow on this game," said Flick. "Kingsley left the stadium to go for tests, we can only hope it's not that bad." Although teenager Ryan Sessegnon equalised with his first goal for Spurs, Coman's replacement Thomas Mueller restored Bayern's lead when he tapped home with half-time approaching. With an hour gone, Philippe Coutinho bagged Bayern's third goal by firing an excellent shot into the far corner of the Spurs net. "(We) really wanted to win to confirm to ourselves that what we are doing is right," said Mueller. "Sometimes we were a little unlucky." "We can only cross our fingers for Kingsley, his injury didn't look good at all," Mueller added of Frenchman Coman. Bayern ran riot with a 7-2 thrashing of Spurs in north London when the clubs last met in October, but this was a far more subdued affair with both teams resting their star strikers. As he had hinted Tuesday, Mourinho rested several stars with Lucas Moura taking the place of England striker Harry Kane. "I would have preferred a different result, but I am happy about the information I have learned about the players I used," said Mourinho. "I am happy with the decisions I made and I hope the supporters understand that," he added after Dele Alli also did not make the trip to Munich. Flick left Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, the competition's top-scorer with 10 goals in five games, on Bayern's bench. The hosts went ahead on 13 minutes when Serge Gnabry spotted Coman unmarked to sweep the ball in and score his first Bayern goal for nearly three months. However, Spurs drew level on 20 minutes when winger Sessegnon fired home the visitors' first clear chance to claim his first goal for the club since joining from Fulham. Bayern then lost Coman, who was in clear distress after twisting his knee and had to be helped off. Spurs midfielder Moussa Sissoko squandered a great chance when he got in behind the defence, but overhit his cross with Sessegnon unmarked on the far side. Gnabry then hit the woodwork for Bayern and just before the break, left-back Alphonso Davies hit the post, but Mueller was on hand to tap home the rebound. Coutinho then netted his first Champions League goal since joining Bayern on loan from Barcelona when he picked his spot in the far corner in the 64th minute. Spurs' most dangerous moment of the second half saw Christian Eriksen's free-kick saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Champions League: Bayern brush aside Mourinho's Spurs to claim perfect six

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-lionel-messi-sinks-atletico-as-barcelona-return-to-the-top-265656">Atletico Madrid</a> comfortably beat Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 at home on Wednesday to end a barren run of four games without a win and advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League for the sixth time in seven years.

Club record signing Joao Felix calmly converted a penalty to put Diego Simeone's side ahead in the 17th minute after Kieran Trippier had squandered an opportunity from the spot, while defender Felipe made sure of the win with a volley in the 54th.

The victory meant Atletico finished second in Group D with 10 points behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-fires-inter-top-of-serie-a-as-juventus-slip-up-265660">Juventus</a> who ended on 16 by winning 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen.

"We had gone too long without winning and we're glad to finally be able to celebrate with our supporters," Atletico captain Koke told reporters.

"From the start, we tried to take the game to them and went looking for a goal and this time we were able to score a couple."

Atletico had a slender lead of one point over Leverkusen heading into their final match and only a victory would guarantee they remained in Europe's top competition, which they narrowly missed out on winning in 2014 and 2016.

It seemed a simple enough task except for the fact Atletico had won only one of their previous eight games in all competitions and had failed to score in their last three outings despite firing 50 shots at goal.

They got off to an ideal start as they were awarded a penalty with the game less than a minute old when Portugal forward Felix shuffled into the area and was felled by visiting goalkeeper Anton Kochenkov.

England defender Trippier chose power over placement and Kochenkov beat the shot away with his left hand, but Atletico were not discouraged by the early mishap and earned a second penalty for a handball after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-rule-makers-look-at-ways-of-providing-more-information-about-var-decisions-266170">VAR review</a>.

Felix, their 126-million-euro signing, sent Kochenkov the wrong way from the spot and Atletico rarely looked back, eventually sealing the win through Felipe's goal after Morata had an effort chalked off for offside after a VAR review.

"We really needed a victory like this because we have been playing well recently but our results have not been good," added Koke.

"We're going to be a difficult opponent for anyone in the next round."

Atletico Madrid comfortably beat Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 at home on Wednesday to end a barren run of four games without a win and advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League for the sixth time in seven years.

Atletico Madrid comfortably beat Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 at home on Wednesday to end a barren run of four games without a win and advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League for the sixth time in seven years. Club record signing Joao Felix calmly converted a penalty to put Diego Simeone's side ahead in the 17th minute after Kieran Trippier had squandered an opportunity from the spot, while defender Felipe made sure of the win with a volley in the 54th. The victory meant Atletico finished second in Group D with 10 points behind Juventus who ended on 16 by winning 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen. "We had gone too long without winning and we're glad to finally be able to celebrate with our supporters," Atletico captain Koke told reporters. "From the start, we tried to take the game to them and went looking for a goal and this time we were able to score a couple." Atletico had a slender lead of one point over Leverkusen heading into their final match and only a victory would guarantee they remained in Europe's top competition, which they narrowly missed out on winning in 2014 and 2016. It seemed a simple enough task except for the fact Atletico had won only one of their previous eight games in all competitions and had failed to score in their last three outings despite firing 50 shots at goal. They got off to an ideal start as they were awarded a penalty with the game less than a minute old when Portugal forward Felix shuffled into the area and was felled by visiting goalkeeper Anton Kochenkov. England defender Trippier chose power over placement and Kochenkov beat the shot away with his left hand, but Atletico were not discouraged by the early mishap and earned a second penalty for a handball after a VAR review. Felix, their 126-million-euro signing, sent Kochenkov the wrong way from the spot and Atletico rarely looked back, eventually sealing the win through Felipe's goal after Morata had an effort chalked off for offside after a VAR review. "We really needed a victory like this because we have been playing well recently but our results have not been good," added Koke. "We're going to be a difficult opponent for anyone in the next round."

Atletico Madrid stroll into Champions League knockouts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-flex-financial-muscle-to-leave-manchester-united-lagging-behind-266573">Manchester&nbsp;City&nbsp;</a>striker Gabriel&nbsp;Jesus&nbsp;netted a superb&nbsp;hat-trick&nbsp;as they came from behind to beat Croatian title holders<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/juve-wrap-up-top-spot-with-dinamo-victory-9883">&nbsp;Dinamo&nbsp;Zagreb</a> 4-1 away in an entertaining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-masterstroke-pays-off-as-tottenham-spurs-hit-back-to-win-264816">Champions League</a> Group C clash on Wednesday.

City, who had already secured the group's top spot, finished with 14 points from six games, seven ahead of Atalanta who joined them in the last 16 after a 3-0&nbsp;win&nbsp;at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Third-placed Shakhtar, who collected six points, will carry on in the Europa League's last 32 while&nbsp;Dinamo&nbsp;(five points) were eliminated from European competition.

City&nbsp;manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-defends-bernardo-silva-over-tweet-to-mendy-251960">Pep Guardiola</a>, who fielded a strong side despite the match being a dead rubber for the English champions, was pleased after they amassed 501 goals in 199 games under his tenure in all competitions.

"In the first half we struggled a bit, but we played 75 minutes very, very well overall, so a good result," he told BT Sport.

"We'd qualified but we came here for the club, for the prestige, to learn to play in this competition."

Jesus&nbsp;added: "It’s special, when I’m young I think about playing and scoring in the Champions League so it’s very special to score goals and a&nbsp;hat-trick&nbsp;as well."

Aiming to reach the Champions League knockout stages for the first time,&nbsp;Dinamo&nbsp;made a bright start as Spanish forward Dani Olmo fired them into a 10th-minute lead with a sumptuous volley.

Jesus&nbsp;levelled in the 34th after Ilkay Gundogan had gone close amid some sustained pressure from&nbsp;City, rising above two markers to head home a Riyad Mahrez cross from the left.

The Brazilian then produced a jinking run after a one-two with Phil Foden in the 50th minute, weaving his way past several defenders on the left before beating home keeper Dominik Livakovic with a neat finish.

The irrepressible&nbsp;Jesus&nbsp;completed his one-man&nbsp;show four minutes later with a clinical side-footed shot from close range after left-back Benjamin Mendy delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left.

City&nbsp;took their foot off the pedal after&nbsp;Jesus&nbsp;was substituted in the 65th minute but Foden added some gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages as he swept in a fine pass by Bernardo Silva.

Dinamo&nbsp;boss Nenad Bjelica was pleased with his team's effort throughout the group stage.

"I've got a top bunch of lads here and I am proud to be in charge of them," he told a news conference.

"We've restored the fans' faith in&nbsp;Dinamo&nbsp;and they've flocked back to the terraces this season. We played well in the first half against&nbsp;City&nbsp;but their quickfire goals sent us reeling and we were unable to recover."

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus netted a superb hat-trick as they came from behind to beat Croatian title holders Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 away in an entertaining Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday.

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus netted a superb hat-trick as they came from behind to beat Croatian title holders Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 away in an entertaining Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday. City, who had already secured the group's top spot, finished with 14 points from six games, seven ahead of Atalanta who joined them in the last 16 after a 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk. Third-placed Shakhtar, who collected six points, will carry on in the Europa League's last 32 while Dinamo (five points) were eliminated from European competition. City manager Pep Guardiola, who fielded a strong side despite the match being a dead rubber for the English champions, was pleased after they amassed 501 goals in 199 games under his tenure in all competitions. "In the first half we struggled a bit, but we played 75 minutes very, very well overall, so a good result," he told BT Sport. "We'd qualified but we came here for the club, for the prestige, to learn to play in this competition." Jesus added: "It’s special, when I’m young I think about playing and scoring in the Champions League so it’s very special to score goals and a hat-trick as well." Aiming to reach the Champions League knockout stages for the first time, Dinamo made a bright start as Spanish forward Dani Olmo fired them into a 10th-minute lead with a sumptuous volley. Jesus levelled in the 34th after Ilkay Gundogan had gone close amid some sustained pressure from City, rising above two markers to head home a Riyad Mahrez cross from the left. The Brazilian then produced a jinking run after a one-two with Phil Foden in the 50th minute, weaving his way past several defenders on the left before beating home keeper Dominik Livakovic with a neat finish. The irrepressible Jesus completed his one-man show four minutes later with a clinical side-footed shot from close range after left-back Benjamin Mendy delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left. City took their foot off the pedal after Jesus was substituted in the 65th minute but Foden added some gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages as he swept in a fine pass by Bernardo Silva. Dinamo boss Nenad Bjelica was pleased with his team's effort throughout the group stage. "I've got a top bunch of lads here and I am proud to be in charge of them," he told a news conference. "We've restored the fans' faith in Dinamo and they've flocked back to the terraces this season. We played well in the first half against City but their quickfire goals sent us reeling and we were unable to recover."

Gabriel Jesus hat-trick gives Manchester City 4-1 win at Dinamo Zagreb

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool </a>manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Juergen Klopp</a> praised Mohamed Salah for showing self-belief after he spurned several straightforward chances before scoring from a tight angle to help the defending champions reach the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-advance-to-last-16-with-2-0-win-in-salzburg-267561">Champions League</a> knockout stages on Tuesday.

Liverpool beat Salzburg 2-0 to advance as Group E winners, with Salah adding to midfielder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-win-feisty-manchester-derby-as-liverpool-secure-christmas-no1-266926">Naby Keita's</a> opener after rounding opposition goalkeeper Cican Stankovic.

"He played really well but didn't score in the situations we expect him usually to score, but staying on track and making such a decisive and very difficult finish, that probably says much more about him than all of the other goals he has scored," said Klopp.

"Staying concentrated, belief in the next moment, it was brilliant. A very, very difficult goal but a sensational finish."

Salah's goal was his 11th for Liverpool this season and took him to 20 Champions League goals for the club.

Liverpool next host basement-side Watford in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Premier League </a>on Saturday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp praised Mohamed Salah for showing self-belief after he spurned several straightforward chances before scoring from a tight angle to help the defending champions reach the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp praised Mohamed Salah for showing self-belief after he spurned several straightforward chances before scoring from a tight angle to help the defending champions reach the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday. Liverpool beat Salzburg 2-0 to advance as Group E winners, with Salah adding to midfielder Naby Keita's opener after rounding opposition goalkeeper Cican Stankovic. "He played really well but didn't score in the situations we expect him usually to score, but staying on track and making such a decisive and very difficult finish, that probably says much more about him than all of the other goals he has scored," said Klopp. "Staying concentrated, belief in the next moment, it was brilliant. A very, very difficult goal but a sensational finish." Salah's goal was his 11th for Liverpool this season and took him to 20 Champions League goals for the club. Liverpool next host basement-side Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Juergen Klopp hails Salah's 'sensational finish'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tottenham-hotspur-name-mourinho-as-manager-263339">Tottenham Hotspur</a> manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-makes-instant-impact-as-tottenham-defeat-west-ham-264133">Jose Mourinho</a> has banned his players from watching replays of their 7-2 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Champions League</a> home defeat by Bayern Munich earlier in the campaign as they prepare to face the Germans in the reverse fixture later on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-rashford-double-as-united-spoil-mourinhos-return-266316">Mauricio Pochettino</a> was in charge of the demolition by the German champions on October 1&nbsp;and while Mourinho, who replaced the Argentine last month, has watched a video of the match he said he did not want the players reminded of it.

"I forbid any image of it," Mourinho said at his pre-match news conference. "I watched it a couple of times: me, my staff and analysts try to go through every single aspect of that but not one single image for the boys. No. Not at all.

"There is a certain way that we try to play football and try to develop our principles of play and we're totally focused on us."

Both teams are already through to the knockout rounds and Mourinho, who has left Dele Alli, Serge Aurier, Harry Kane and Jan Vertonghen at home, said he would use the game to assess several fringe players.

"I arrive in mid-season, without four, five, six weeks to work and know the players&nbsp;so we have to do everything while we are running," he added.

"It's very important to me that the players are coachable and open. I think the boys need me and my job is to help them."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has banned his players from watching replays of their 7-2 Champions League home defeat by Bayern Munich earlier in the campaign as they prepare to face the Germans in the reverse fixture later on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has banned his players from watching replays of their 7-2 Champions League home defeat by Bayern Munich earlier in the campaign as they prepare to face the Germans in the reverse fixture later on Wednesday. Mauricio Pochettino was in charge of the demolition by the German champions on October 1 and while Mourinho, who replaced the Argentine last month, has watched a video of the match he said he did not want the players reminded of it. "I forbid any image of it," Mourinho said at his pre-match news conference. "I watched it a couple of times: me, my staff and analysts try to go through every single aspect of that but not one single image for the boys. No. Not at all. "There is a certain way that we try to play football and try to develop our principles of play and we're totally focused on us." Both teams are already through to the knockout rounds and Mourinho, who has left Dele Alli, Serge Aurier, Harry Kane and Jan Vertonghen at home, said he would use the game to assess several fringe players. "I arrive in mid-season, without four, five, six weeks to work and know the players so we have to do everything while we are running," he added. "It's very important to me that the players are coachable and open. I think the boys need me and my job is to help them."

Jose Mourinho bans Spurs players from watching Bayern thrashing

Chelsea manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Frank&nbsp;Lampard&nbsp;</a>says he hopes to sign a forward in&nbsp;January&nbsp;to make up for the loss of Belgian Eden Hazard, who moved to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Real Madrid</a> in the close season.

Chelsea was cleared to sign players in the next transfer window last week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport halved a ban for breaching rules on the international transfer and registration of players under 18.

"I will look at all areas of the team,"&nbsp;Lampard&nbsp;told reporters after his team reached the last 16 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Champions League</a> by beating Lille 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

"But I think it was quite clear in the summer that you lose <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-real-madrid-go-top-with-gutsy-win-against-alaves-265514">Eden Hazard</a>, who was a huge part of scoring or creating our goals last season and the season before that, the high level of player he is.

"We've found ways as a team where we can still be competitive but going forward if we're looking at if we can get even better in forwarding areas to help competition then I think we'll always look at that."

Lampard&nbsp;did not think that signing another striker might affect the confidence of younger players like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-abraham-return-helps-chelsea-beat-villa-266321">Tammy Abraham</a>, who has scored 13 goals for the club this season.

"I don't think it is a concern at all because they are here to stay, I truly believe in that," he added. "I believe in the quality of all the young players here."

Chelsea's&nbsp;next match is at home against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says he hopes to sign a forward in January to make up for the loss of Belgian Eden Hazard, who moved to Real Madrid in the close season.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says he hopes to sign a forward in January to make up for the loss of Belgian Eden Hazard, who moved to Real Madrid in the close season. Chelsea was cleared to sign players in the next transfer window last week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport halved a ban for breaching rules on the international transfer and registration of players under 18. "I will look at all areas of the team," Lampard told reporters after his team reached the last 16 of the Champions League by beating Lille 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. "But I think it was quite clear in the summer that you lose Eden Hazard, who was a huge part of scoring or creating our goals last season and the season before that, the high level of player he is. "We've found ways as a team where we can still be competitive but going forward if we're looking at if we can get even better in forwarding areas to help competition then I think we'll always look at that." Lampard did not think that signing another striker might affect the confidence of younger players like Tammy Abraham, who has scored 13 goals for the club this season. "I don't think it is a concern at all because they are here to stay, I truly believe in that," he added. "I believe in the quality of all the young players here." Chelsea's next match is at home against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Lampard keen to strengthen Chelsea's attack in January

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> moved into the last 16 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Champions League</a> with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg on Tuesday as a potentially tricky encounter turned into a second-half cruise with quickfire goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah.

Juergen Klopp's side needed a point in Austria to be sure of qualification and after missing several good chances in the first half, they ended up with a comfortable win which should have been by a more convincing margin.

Two goals inside two second-half minutes from Keita and Salah, with the Egyptian finding the net with an exquisite finish from a tight angle, helped Liverpool finish top of Group E with 13 points.

That was one point ahead of Napoli, who beat Genk 4-0, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-erratic-napoli-held-by-salzburg-as-haaland-strikes-again-260255">Salzburg</a>, who finished third with seven points, will continue in the Europa League.

"It was a tough game but we were there - that's what I love from my team. Salzburg did so many smart things, but we had big chances. It was a very intense game. In the second half they obviously couldn't cope with that intensity," said Klopp.

Although the away defeat and a home draw with Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli had left Liverpool on edge going into the final round of games, their superior quality showed in the end.

With much at stake for two attacking sides, the game began in a frantic and open fashion and Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker had to be alert in the seventh minute to keep out a close-range effort from South Korean <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-erratic-napoli-held-by-salzburg-as-haaland-strikes-again-260255">Hwang Hee-chan </a>after good work from the lively Japanese forward Takumi Minamino.

Mane missed a good opportunity, curling wide from the edge of the box and then brought Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic into action with a diagonal drive.

Highly-rated Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, failed to make the most of space inside the box and his low shot was easily dealt with by the Liverpool keeper.

The biggest chance of the half came in the 29th minute when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-nicolas-pepe-to-cedric-bakambu-top-five-transfers-featuring-african-players-240159">Keita</a> put in Salah, but unmarked and inside the box, the Egyptian's shot was badly off target.

The 19-year-old Haaland missed another opportunity, six minutes after the interval, but Liverpool were beginning to get a grip on midfield and dictate the tempo.

The runaway Premier League leaders settled their nerves when Keita headed them in front, against his former club, in the 57th minute.

Andy Robertson fed Mane who burst down the left past <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-arsenal-slump-to-defeat-against-french-club-rennes-201871">Jerome Onguene</a> and he rounded Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic, who had rushed out of his area, before lofting a cross into the box which was firmly headed home by Keita.

A minute later, Stankovic's readiness to leave his area was behind the second goal, as Salah, wide on the right, pushed the ball around him and then impressively slotted home from the tightest possible angle.

Liverpool were in firm control from then on and wasted several chances to add to their total with Salah and Mane both missing opportunities.

Salzburg will take some comfort from their enterprising first-half performance and their overall displays in the group stage, which earned praise from Klopp.

"I couldn't have more respect for what Salzburg are doing. When you see how good they were in the first game, against Napoli and against Genk. We could have come here as reigning champions and misunderstood the situation, but I love how smart we were against them," he said.

Liverpool moved into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg on Tuesday as a potentially tricky encounter turned into a second-half cruise with quickfire goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool moved into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg on Tuesday as a potentially tricky encounter turned into a second-half cruise with quickfire goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah. Juergen Klopp's side needed a point in Austria to be sure of qualification and after missing several good chances in the first half, they ended up with a comfortable win which should have been by a more convincing margin. Two goals inside two second-half minutes from Keita and Salah, with the Egyptian finding the net with an exquisite finish from a tight angle, helped Liverpool finish top of Group E with 13 points. That was one point ahead of Napoli, who beat Genk 4-0, while Salzburg, who finished third with seven points, will continue in the Europa League. "It was a tough game but we were there - that's what I love from my team. Salzburg did so many smart things, but we had big chances. It was a very intense game. In the second half they obviously couldn't cope with that intensity," said Klopp. Although the away defeat and a home draw with Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli had left Liverpool on edge going into the final round of games, their superior quality showed in the end. With much at stake for two attacking sides, the game began in a frantic and open fashion and Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker had to be alert in the seventh minute to keep out a close-range effort from South Korean Hwang Hee-chan after good work from the lively Japanese forward Takumi Minamino. Mane missed a good opportunity, curling wide from the edge of the box and then brought Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic into action with a diagonal drive. Highly-rated Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, failed to make the most of space inside the box and his low shot was easily dealt with by the Liverpool keeper. The biggest chance of the half came in the 29th minute when Keita put in Salah, but unmarked and inside the box, the Egyptian's shot was badly off target. The 19-year-old Haaland missed another opportunity, six minutes after the interval, but Liverpool were beginning to get a grip on midfield and dictate the tempo. The runaway Premier League leaders settled their nerves when Keita headed them in front, against his former club, in the 57th minute. Andy Robertson fed Mane who burst down the left past Jerome Onguene and he rounded Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic, who had rushed out of his area, before lofting a cross into the box which was firmly headed home by Keita. A minute later, Stankovic's readiness to leave his area was behind the second goal, as Salah, wide on the right, pushed the ball around him and then impressively slotted home from the tightest possible angle. Liverpool were in firm control from then on and wasted several chances to add to their total with Salah and Mane both missing opportunities. Salzburg will take some comfort from their enterprising first-half performance and their overall displays in the group stage, which earned praise from Klopp. "I couldn't have more respect for what Salzburg are doing. When you see how good they were in the first game, against Napoli and against Genk. We could have come here as reigning champions and misunderstood the situation, but I love how smart we were against them," he said.

Champions League: Liverpool advance to last 16 with 2-0 win in Salzburg

Inter Milan crashed out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-masterstroke-pays-off-as-tottenham-spurs-hit-back-to-win-264816">Champions League</a> on Tuesday after 17-year-old Ansu Fati became the youngest scorer in the competition’s history by firing in a late winner to seal&nbsp;Barcelona's 2-1 victory at San Siro.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde rested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/messi-nets-sublime-hat-trick-as-barcelona-rout-mallorca-266927">Lionel Messi</a> and several other key players for the trip to Milan, having already secured top spot in Group F, but Carles Perez put the Spaniards in front on his Champions League debut after just 23 minutes before Romelu Lukaku levelled on the stroke of halftime.

Inter striker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-fires-inter-top-of-serie-a-as-juventus-slip-up-265660">Lautaro Martinez</a> had the ball in the net twice after the break, only for both goals to be disallowed for offside, before Fati smashed in a sublime finish inside the final five minutes.

The Italian side needed to at least match Borussia Dortmund’s result against Slavia Prague to maintain second place, but the Germans won 2-1 to move into the runner-up spot and consign Inter to a Europa League place.

Barcelona&nbsp;top the group with 14 points ahead of Dortmund on 10, while Inter finishes third on seven ahead of rock-bottom Slavia Prague on two.

Valverde left Messi, Sergi Roberto, and Gerard Pique at home and the likes of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Frenkie de Jong on the bench as he fielded a youthful side in an experimental 3-5-2 formation that mirrored Inter’s tactical set-up.

"There were many new things, between the players and the system. I made my choices based on the players I had available," Valverde said while praising Fati as a "born goalscorer".

"At the start, Inter put us under great pressure, but little by little that intensity reduced and we managed to get into their half," he added.

The hosts started with intent, as a last-gasp Clement Lenglet block denied Lukaku’s close-range effort before&nbsp;Barcelona’s debutant goalkeeper Neto was forced into a good save to deny <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/biraghi-gives-italy-stoppage-time-win-in-poland-171558">Cristiano Biraghi</a>’s rasping shot.

However, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock against the run of play on the 23rd minute, when Antoine Griezmann’s drilled pass was diverted into the path of Perez and the 21-year-old made no mistake from close range.

Inter’s partnership of Martinez and Lukaku looked threatening throughout the first half and they combined for the equaliser on the brink of half-time when Martinez showed great strength to hold off a defender and tee up the Belgian, whose low strike flew into the bottom corner.

Lukaku had a great chance to put the hosts in front on the hour mark when he outmuscled a defender to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Neto was out quickly to charge down his shot.

Martinez thought he had found the breakthrough when he chested down a through ball and fired home, before being denied by the offside flag, and Inter again had a goal chalked off when Lukaku was in an offside position before Martinez prodded in from close range.

“We had the chances to win the game, we created those opportunities, but lacked that clinical edge to convert them,” Inter coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-inter-milan-return-to-serie-a-duel-as-napoli-try-to-snap-winless-run-265161">Antonio Conte</a> told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have no complaints to make, as my players gave their all. We just lacked a goal and instead conceded at the other end to go 2-1 down, which really killed us."

It was Fati - 17 years and 40 days old - who stole the show just a minute after coming off the bench, exchanging passes with Suarez on the edge of the area before the winger arrowed his low shot in off the post.

Inter Milan crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday after 17-year-old Ansu Fati became the youngest scorer in the competition’s history by firing in a late winner to seal Barcelona's 2-1 victory at San Siro.

Inter Milan crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday after 17-year-old Ansu Fati became the youngest scorer in the competition’s history by firing in a late winner to seal Barcelona's 2-1 victory at San Siro. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde rested Lionel Messi and several other key players for the trip to Milan, having already secured top spot in Group F, but Carles Perez put the Spaniards in front on his Champions League debut after just 23 minutes before Romelu Lukaku levelled on the stroke of halftime. Inter striker Lautaro Martinez had the ball in the net twice after the break, only for both goals to be disallowed for offside, before Fati smashed in a sublime finish inside the final five minutes. The Italian side needed to at least match Borussia Dortmund’s result against Slavia Prague to maintain second place, but the Germans won 2-1 to move into the runner-up spot and consign Inter to a Europa League place. Barcelona top the group with 14 points ahead of Dortmund on 10, while Inter finishes third on seven ahead of rock-bottom Slavia Prague on two. Valverde left Messi, Sergi Roberto, and Gerard Pique at home and the likes of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Frenkie de Jong on the bench as he fielded a youthful side in an experimental 3-5-2 formation that mirrored Inter’s tactical set-up. "There were many new things, between the players and the system. I made my choices based on the players I had available," Valverde said while praising Fati as a "born goalscorer". "At the start, Inter put us under great pressure, but little by little that intensity reduced and we managed to get into their half," he added. The hosts started with intent, as a last-gasp Clement Lenglet block denied Lukaku’s close-range effort before Barcelona’s debutant goalkeeper Neto was forced into a good save to deny Cristiano Biraghi’s rasping shot. However, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock against the run of play on the 23rd minute, when Antoine Griezmann’s drilled pass was diverted into the path of Perez and the 21-year-old made no mistake from close range. Inter’s partnership of Martinez and Lukaku looked threatening throughout the first half and they combined for the equaliser on the brink of half-time when Martinez showed great strength to hold off a defender and tee up the Belgian, whose low strike flew into the bottom corner. Lukaku had a great chance to put the hosts in front on the hour mark when he outmuscled a defender to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Neto was out quickly to charge down his shot. Martinez thought he had found the breakthrough when he chested down a through ball and fired home, before being denied by the offside flag, and Inter again had a goal chalked off when Lukaku was in an offside position before Martinez prodded in from close range. “We had the chances to win the game, we created those opportunities, but lacked that clinical edge to convert them,” Inter coach Antonio Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “I have no complaints to make, as my players gave their all. We just lacked a goal and instead conceded at the other end to go 2-1 down, which really killed us." It was Fati - 17 years and 40 days old - who stole the show just a minute after coming off the bench, exchanging passes with Suarez on the edge of the area before the winger arrowed his low shot in off the post.

Teenager Fati makes history as Barcelona knock Inter out of Champions League

Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe's most successful coaches, on Tuesday, three hours after the Serie A club beat Genk 4-0 to qualify for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-hold-on-against-lille-to-advance-in-champions-league-267628">Champions League</a> round of 16 and end a nine-match winless run.

The club confirmed it had dismissed the 60-year-old coach, who has won domestic league titles in England, France, Germany and Italy and the Champions League three times, in a statement on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
La Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli ha deciso di revocare l’incarico di responsabile tecnico della prima squadra al signor Carlo Ancelotti. 
Rimangono intatti i rapporti di amicizia, stima e rispetto reciproco tra la società, il suo presidente Aurelio De Laurentiis e Carlo Ancelotti
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) <a href="https://twitter.com/sscnapoli/status/1204530838588854272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He had been in charge for just under one-and-a-half seasons.

"Napoli has decided to revoke the position of first-team coach from Carlo Ancelotti," it read. "The relationship of friendship, esteem and mutual respect between the club, its president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Carlo Ancelotti remain intact."

The decision followed a tense few weeks at the club during which Ancelotti criticised a decision by De Laurentiis, Napoli's flamboyant owner, to confine the team to a training-camp for a week.

The players broke off the camp halfway through, refusing to stay in the hotel although they continued to train.

At the same time, Napoli, runners-up in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/see-you-soon-in-italy-ibrahimovic-fuels-talk-of-serie-a-return-266184">Serie A</a> for three of the last four seasons, suffered a slump in form which saw them drop to seventh in Serie A and out of the title race.

Ancelotti's dismissal had been widely predicted by the Italian media who said Napoli had lined up Gennaro Gattuso, fired by AC Milan at the end of last season, as his replacement.

Ancelotti described their Champions League campaign, which saw them complete Group E unbeaten, as "one of the few satisfactions we’ve had this season and much of that is our fault."

He has denied throughout that there has been conflict within the squad or between the players and the club's management.

"The problem here is that the team has not been able to express its full value, but there were no clashes, apart from isolated incidents that happen everywhere," he said.

Ancelotti was hired to replace Maurizio Sarri and his arrival, after nine years' coaching abroad, was regarded as a major coup by De Laurentiis who rescued Napoli from bankruptcy in 2004 and turned them into Serie A title contenders.

Sarri had turned Napoli into the neutrals’ favourite thanks to their flowing, attractive football but they always fell short of Juventus, who have won eight successive Serie A titles.

Napoli hoped that Ancelotti, who was also sacked in his previous job at Bayern Munich after less than two seasons, could give them the killer punch they had lacked under Sarri.

After finishing second last season while overhauling the side, Ancelotti had said he was ready to launch a serious bid for the title this term.

Yet their campaign imploded amid a run of matches which saw them miss chances, concede sloppy goals and the normally-placid Ancelotti sent off for disputing a VAR decision.

Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe's most successful coaches, on Tuesday, three hours after the Serie A club beat Genk 4-0 to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 and end a nine-match winless run.

Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti, one of Europe's most successful coaches, on Tuesday, three hours after the Serie A club beat Genk 4-0 to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 and end a nine-match winless run. The club confirmed it had dismissed the 60-year-old coach, who has won domestic league titles in England, France, Germany and Italy and the Champions League three times, in a statement on Twitter. La Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli ha deciso di revocare l’incarico di responsabile tecnico della prima squadra al signor Carlo Ancelotti. Rimangono intatti i rapporti di amicizia, stima e rispetto reciproco tra la società, il suo presidente Aurelio De Laurentiis e Carlo Ancelotti — Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) December 10, 2019 × He had been in charge for just under one-and-a-half seasons. "Napoli has decided to revoke the position of first-team coach from Carlo Ancelotti," it read. "The relationship of friendship, esteem and mutual respect between the club, its president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Carlo Ancelotti remain intact." The decision followed a tense few weeks at the club during which Ancelotti criticised a decision by De Laurentiis, Napoli's flamboyant owner, to confine the team to a training-camp for a week. The players broke off the camp halfway through, refusing to stay in the hotel although they continued to train. At the same time, Napoli, runners-up in Serie A for three of the last four seasons, suffered a slump in form which saw them drop to seventh in Serie A and out of the title race. Ancelotti's dismissal had been widely predicted by the Italian media who said Napoli had lined up Gennaro Gattuso, fired by AC Milan at the end of last season, as his replacement. Ancelotti described their Champions League campaign, which saw them complete Group E unbeaten, as "one of the few satisfactions we’ve had this season and much of that is our fault." He has denied throughout that there has been conflict within the squad or between the players and the club's management. "The problem here is that the team has not been able to express its full value, but there were no clashes, apart from isolated incidents that happen everywhere," he said. Ancelotti was hired to replace Maurizio Sarri and his arrival, after nine years' coaching abroad, was regarded as a major coup by De Laurentiis who rescued Napoli from bankruptcy in 2004 and turned them into Serie A title contenders. Sarri had turned Napoli into the neutrals’ favourite thanks to their flowing, attractive football but they always fell short of Juventus, who have won eight successive Serie A titles. Napoli hoped that Ancelotti, who was also sacked in his previous job at Bayern Munich after less than two seasons, could give them the killer punch they had lacked under Sarri. After finishing second last season while overhauling the side, Ancelotti had said he was ready to launch a serious bid for the title this term. Yet their campaign imploded amid a run of matches which saw them miss chances, concede sloppy goals and the normally-placid Ancelotti sent off for disputing a VAR decision.

Napoli sack coach Ancelotti after reaching Champions League last 16

The final round of group stage matches in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-and-napoli-left-with-work-to-do-after-anfield-draw-264987"> UEFA Champions League</a> gets underway today. Eight teams are already through to the knockouts, the eight others who will join them will be decided over the next two days.

Holders Liverpool is in a small group of heavyweights in danger of missing out as they travel to Austria to take on free-scoring Salzburg.

Jurgen Klopp's side would have sealed qualification with a game to spare if they had beaten Italian club Napoli two weeks ago but they were instead held to a 1-1 draw that leaves them needing at least one more point to guarantee progress.

Liverpool is unlikely to have it easy against Salzburg who gave them a mighty scare in a 4-3 defeat at Anfield earlier in the group stage.

Ahead of the match, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said: "Two weeks ago Salzburg were very happy that they won against Genk and we played a draw against Napoli so they thought now they have the final against us, adding, "Napoli was really happy that night because they got a point at Anfield and thought they only have to play Genk next week in a home game. So two weeks later everybody knows it's a final, so we knew it since two weeks and we are prepared."&nbsp;

Salzburg is currently third in the group but have the chance to enter the knockouts if they can become only the second team to beat Liverpool across competitions this season.

Liverpool is a point clear with second-placed Napoli favourites to join them in the knockouts.

The Italians managed by Carlo Ancelotti have not won any of their last nine matches though and that gives the Belgians hope of pulling off an upset.

Napoli needs at least a draw to guarantee qualification as well but will miss out if they lose, and Salzburg upset Liverpool.

It's all to play for in Group H with three teams - including last season's semi-finalists Ajax and Chelsea in with a chance of progressing.

Frank <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-thwarted-by-valencia-in-champions-league-thriller-264990">Lampard's Chelsea</a> know&nbsp;that only maximum points against the French side Lille at Stamford Bridge will guarantee them a spot in the round of 16.

Frank Lampard, Chelsea head coach said: "I think it would be a good achievement. I mean, I know there are expectations that we should get through a group, I get that."

"But it was a tough group and the slightly young feel to our team, you know, the fact we lost the first game, there are a few difficulties that we've had," he added.

"And I think we've dealt with them very well to get ourselves in this position. But there's still work to be done. So, yeah, we have to win, go out to win the game." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Group leaders Ajax require at least a draw against Valencia&nbsp;but if the Spaniards were to claim an unlikely win in Amsterdam, then they will be through to the last-16.

A draw will also be enough for the Spanish outfit, but only if Chelsea drop points.

The final round of group stage matches in the UEFA Champions League gets underway today. Eight teams are already through to the knockouts, the eight others who will join them will be decided over the next two days.

The final round of group stage matches in the UEFA Champions League gets underway today. Eight teams are already through to the knockouts, the eight others who will join them will be decided over the next two days. Holders Liverpool is in a small group of heavyweights in danger of missing out as they travel to Austria to take on free-scoring Salzburg. Jurgen Klopp's side would have sealed qualification with a game to spare if they had beaten Italian club Napoli two weeks ago but they were instead held to a 1-1 draw that leaves them needing at least one more point to guarantee progress. Liverpool is unlikely to have it easy against Salzburg who gave them a mighty scare in a 4-3 defeat at Anfield earlier in the group stage. Ahead of the match, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said: "Two weeks ago Salzburg were very happy that they won against Genk and we played a draw against Napoli so they thought now they have the final against us, adding, "Napoli was really happy that night because they got a point at Anfield and thought they only have to play Genk next week in a home game. So two weeks later everybody knows it's a final, so we knew it since two weeks and we are prepared." Salzburg is currently third in the group but have the chance to enter the knockouts if they can become only the second team to beat Liverpool across competitions this season. Liverpool is a point clear with second-placed Napoli favourites to join them in the knockouts. The Italians managed by Carlo Ancelotti have not won any of their last nine matches though and that gives the Belgians hope of pulling off an upset. Napoli needs at least a draw to guarantee qualification as well but will miss out if they lose, and Salzburg upset Liverpool. It's all to play for in Group H with three teams - including last season's semi-finalists Ajax and Chelsea in with a chance of progressing. Frank Lampard's Chelsea know that only maximum points against the French side Lille at Stamford Bridge will guarantee them a spot in the round of 16. Frank Lampard, Chelsea head coach said: "I think it would be a good achievement. I mean, I know there are expectations that we should get through a group, I get that." "But it was a tough group and the slightly young feel to our team, you know, the fact we lost the first game, there are a few difficulties that we've had," he added. "And I think we've dealt with them very well to get ourselves in this position. But there's still work to be done. So, yeah, we have to win, go out to win the game." Group leaders Ajax require at least a draw against Valencia but if the Spaniards were to claim an unlikely win in Amsterdam, then they will be through to the last-16. A draw will also be enough for the Spanish outfit, but only if Chelsea drop points.

Champions League: Liverpool in eye of storm against Salzburg

The balance of football power in Manchester has swung comprehensively to City from United on the field and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-slump-to-first-home-defeat-by-brighton-266535">Premier League</a> champions are now on the verge of toppling their neighbours in the financial stakes as well.

Despite failing to hit the heights of their past two title-winning campaigns, City host United on Saturday already 11 points ahead of their local rivals just 15 games into the league season.

The Red Devils sit sixth, eight points adrift of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Champions League</a> places, and facing a huge fight to get back into that highly lucrative competition next season.

As City try and win the Champions League for the first time, having already booked their place in the last 16 for a seventh consecutive season, United's finances are suffering as they play Europa League football for the second time in four years.

United posted record revenues of £627 million ($818 million) for last season as they reached the Champions League quarter-finals and finished sixth in the Premier League.

That was nearly £100 million more than City's £535 million for the 2018/19 campaign despite the blue half of Manchester winning an unprecedented domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

However, United predict their revenue will fall to between £560 million and £580 million this season due to the drastically smaller broadcasting deals and prize money on offer in the Europa League.

City's figures for this season will also be boosted by a £650 million kit sponsorship deal between parent company, the City Football Group (CFG), and Puma for the next 10 seasons.

That deal is still lower than United's £750 million 10-year deal signed with Adidas in 2014, but it signals the shrinking difference in the commercial value of the two clubs.

"I think the gap will narrow substantially," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. "From just under £100 million this year between the two clubs, that gap will be narrowed to £10-20 million for 2019/2020."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-jesus-double-gives-manchester-city-much-needed-win-at-burnley-266167">City's success</a> over the past decade has been bankrolled by the club's Abu Dhabi owners, who have at times fallen foul of UEFA's financial fair play rules with sponsorship deemed above market value such as shirt and stadium deals with Etihad Airways, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government.

However, the Puma contract shows that City's success on the field means they are no longer reliant on their commercial deals coming from the Middle East.

"They have also got sponsorship deals with the likes of Nissan and Nexen Tire," added Maguire. "On the back of winning the Premier League four times in the decade and having a global profile, they are not as dependant on the Middle East for sponsorship deals as they were compared to the initial Etihad deal."

City's rise was reflected when US equity firm Silver Lake acquired just over a 10 percent stake of CFG for $500 million last week.

That gave CFG a global record valuation for a&nbsp;sports&nbsp;franchise of $4.8 billion.

By comparison, United's market capitalisation is just over $3 billion, but also jumped on the news of the investment in City.

"In the 24 hours following the Silver Lake investment, United's market capitalisation itself went up by 11 percent, so perhaps the markets are saying we have undervalued United's valuation and potential," said Maguire.

Days after the Silver Lake investment, CFG announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-owners-to-add-mumbai-team-to-their-collection-265061">Mumbai City</a> would become the eighth club in a global empire that already contains New York City FC, Melbourne City, Yokohama Marinos in Japan, Sichuan Jiuniu in China, Spanish second division side Girona and Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay.

"They see growth in the overseas markets," added Maguire. "Silver Lake would not have put the money in unless they thought there was greater growth potential in the City Group."

United were the club that pioneered the commercialisation of football on the back of their success under Alex Ferguson in the 1990s.

But since Ferguson's retirement in 2013, United have finished below their local rivals every season.

Now it is City, with their web of clubs around the globe and trophy-laden years under Pep Guardiola, who are leaving Manchester's traditional giant trailing on and off the field.

The balance of football power in Manchester has swung comprehensively to City from United on the field and the Premier League champions are now on the verge of toppling their neighbours in the financial stakes as well.

The balance of football power in Manchester has swung comprehensively to City from United on the field and the Premier League champions are now on the verge of toppling their neighbours in the financial stakes as well. Despite failing to hit the heights of their past two title-winning campaigns, City host United on Saturday already 11 points ahead of their local rivals just 15 games into the league season. The Red Devils sit sixth, eight points adrift of the Champions League places, and facing a huge fight to get back into that highly lucrative competition next season. As City try and win the Champions League for the first time, having already booked their place in the last 16 for a seventh consecutive season, United's finances are suffering as they play Europa League football for the second time in four years. United posted record revenues of £627 million ($818 million) for last season as they reached the Champions League quarter-finals and finished sixth in the Premier League. That was nearly £100 million more than City's £535 million for the 2018/19 campaign despite the blue half of Manchester winning an unprecedented domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. However, United predict their revenue will fall to between £560 million and £580 million this season due to the drastically smaller broadcasting deals and prize money on offer in the Europa League. City's figures for this season will also be boosted by a £650 million kit sponsorship deal between parent company, the City Football Group (CFG), and Puma for the next 10 seasons. That deal is still lower than United's £750 million 10-year deal signed with Adidas in 2014, but it signals the shrinking difference in the commercial value of the two clubs. "I think the gap will narrow substantially," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. "From just under £100 million this year between the two clubs, that gap will be narrowed to £10-20 million for 2019/2020." City's success over the past decade has been bankrolled by the club's Abu Dhabi owners, who have at times fallen foul of UEFA's financial fair play rules with sponsorship deemed above market value such as shirt and stadium deals with Etihad Airways, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. However, the Puma contract shows that City's success on the field means they are no longer reliant on their commercial deals coming from the Middle East. "They have also got sponsorship deals with the likes of Nissan and Nexen Tire," added Maguire. "On the back of winning the Premier League four times in the decade and having a global profile, they are not as dependant on the Middle East for sponsorship deals as they were compared to the initial Etihad deal." City's rise was reflected when US equity firm Silver Lake acquired just over a 10 percent stake of CFG for $500 million last week. That gave CFG a global record valuation for a sports franchise of $4.8 billion. By comparison, United's market capitalisation is just over $3 billion, but also jumped on the news of the investment in City. "In the 24 hours following the Silver Lake investment, United's market capitalisation itself went up by 11 percent, so perhaps the markets are saying we have undervalued United's valuation and potential," said Maguire. Days after the Silver Lake investment, CFG announced that Mumbai City would become the eighth club in a global empire that already contains New York City FC, Melbourne City, Yokohama Marinos in Japan, Sichuan Jiuniu in China, Spanish second division side Girona and Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay. "They see growth in the overseas markets," added Maguire. "Silver Lake would not have put the money in unless they thought there was greater growth potential in the City Group." United were the club that pioneered the commercialisation of football on the back of their success under Alex Ferguson in the 1990s. But since Ferguson's retirement in 2013, United have finished below their local rivals every season. Now it is City, with their web of clubs around the globe and trophy-laden years under Pep Guardiola, who are leaving Manchester's traditional giant trailing on and off the field.

Manchester City flex financial muscle to leave Manchester United lagging behind

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-draw-everton-in-fa-cup-third-round-265919">Everton</a> have sacked manager Marco Silva the day after dropping into the relegation zone following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">5-2 defeat</a> at Merseyside rivals Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Silva, who arrived at Goodison Park in May 2018, has left with the team languishing 18th in the table on 14 points after they lost nine of their 15 league games this season.

"Everton Football Club can confirm that manager Marco Silva has left the Club," Everton said on their website.&nbsp;

"Majority Shareholder Farhad Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright and the Board of Directors would like to thank Marco for his service over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future," the statement added.

"Duncan Ferguson has taken temporary charge of the first team and will manage the side for the game against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-abraham-return-helps-chelsea-beat-villa-266321">Chelsea</a> on Saturday. The Club aims to confirm a new permanent manager as swiftly as possible."

It is the latest managerial failure at Everton after Dutchman Ronald Koeman's ill-fated spell ended in October, 2017 and his replacement Sam Allardyce was dismissed with a year remaining on his contract before the club turned to Silva.

Silva was reported to have survived one round of emergency talks among the Everton hierarchy after the home loss to Norwich City last month but his dismissal was no surprise following defeats by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Leicester City and Liverpool</a>.

Everton conceded five league goals against Liverpool for the first time since 1982, and the Portuguese coach conceded his players had buckled under the pressure at Anfield.

British media reported that former Everton boss David Moyes is favourite to replace Silva at Goodison Park, although that would likely receive a mixed reaction from the fans.

Moyes, who had a successful 11-year stint in charge at Goodison Park from 2002-13, would likely be joined by former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill as part of his coaching staff.

Silva has now managed three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-slump-to-first-home-defeat-by-brighton-266535">Premier League</a> clubs after a spell with Hull City, which ended in relegation and his departure, and at Watford, where he was sacked after interest from Everton but also a poor run of results.

The 42-year-old's failure to bring success to Goodison will have disappointed Moshiri who found himself in a bitter row with Watford to gain the services of the Portuguese.

After Silva was eventually fired by Watford, he was given significant investment in new players with Everton looking to break into the top six and push for a Champions League place.

They have spent over 200 million pounds&nbsp;in the past two close-season transfer windows but few of the players brought in have made a positive impact and the club instead faces a battle at the wrong end of the table.

The on-the-field troubles come at a time when Everton plan to move to a new stadium and are in marked contrast to the fortunes of neighbours Liverpool, who are European champions and current runaway Premier League leaders.

Former striker Ferguson, a long-time member of the Everton coaching staff under various managers, is not viewed as a major contender for the top job.

Everton have sacked manager Marco Silva the day after dropping into the relegation zone following a 5-2 defeat at Merseyside rivals Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Everton have sacked manager Marco Silva the day after dropping into the relegation zone following a 5-2 defeat at Merseyside rivals Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Thursday. Silva, who arrived at Goodison Park in May 2018, has left with the team languishing 18th in the table on 14 points after they lost nine of their 15 league games this season. "Everton Football Club can confirm that manager Marco Silva has left the Club," Everton said on their website. "Majority Shareholder Farhad Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright and the Board of Directors would like to thank Marco for his service over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future," the statement added. "Duncan Ferguson has taken temporary charge of the first team and will manage the side for the game against Chelsea on Saturday. The Club aims to confirm a new permanent manager as swiftly as possible." It is the latest managerial failure at Everton after Dutchman Ronald Koeman's ill-fated spell ended in October, 2017 and his replacement Sam Allardyce was dismissed with a year remaining on his contract before the club turned to Silva. Silva was reported to have survived one round of emergency talks among the Everton hierarchy after the home loss to Norwich City last month but his dismissal was no surprise following defeats by Leicester City and Liverpool. Everton conceded five league goals against Liverpool for the first time since 1982, and the Portuguese coach conceded his players had buckled under the pressure at Anfield. British media reported that former Everton boss David Moyes is favourite to replace Silva at Goodison Park, although that would likely receive a mixed reaction from the fans. Moyes, who had a successful 11-year stint in charge at Goodison Park from 2002-13, would likely be joined by former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill as part of his coaching staff. Silva has now managed three Premier League clubs after a spell with Hull City, which ended in relegation and his departure, and at Watford, where he was sacked after interest from Everton but also a poor run of results. The 42-year-old's failure to bring success to Goodison will have disappointed Moshiri who found himself in a bitter row with Watford to gain the services of the Portuguese. After Silva was eventually fired by Watford, he was given significant investment in new players with Everton looking to break into the top six and push for a Champions League place. They have spent over 200 million pounds in the past two close-season transfer windows but few of the players brought in have made a positive impact and the club instead faces a battle at the wrong end of the table. The on-the-field troubles come at a time when Everton plan to move to a new stadium and are in marked contrast to the fortunes of neighbours Liverpool, who are European champions and current runaway Premier League leaders. Former striker Ferguson, a long-time member of the Everton coaching staff under various managers, is not viewed as a major contender for the top job.

Football: Everton sack manager Silva after Merseyside derby humbling

A freak goal from Valencia's Daniel Wass earned the Spanish side a 2-2 draw in an epic encounter against England's Chelsea on Wednesday that left both sides waiting to book their place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Champions League</a>'s knockout stage.

Valencia, who missed a glut of chances, had taken the lead through Carlos Soler but goals from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic flipped the match on its head.

The Spaniards missed a penalty through Dani Parejo, but drew level late on when Wass netted a remarkable effort, shaping to centre before finding the net with a finish across goal.

The draw means both sides are on eight points after five games but Valencia have a better head-to-head record and so are second in Group H, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-chelsea-and-nine-man-ajax-share-spoils-in-thrilling-4-4-draw-260245">Chelsea in third</a>.

Ajax Amsterdam sit top on 10 points after winning 2-0 at Lille, who are bottom with one.

Valencia visit last season's semi-finalists Ajax in their final group game and will have to win there to ensure they qualify, while Chelsea will book their place in the last-16 if they beat Lille at home.

"We nearly won it, nearly lost it. It was end to end, not that we wanted it to be," Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said.

Valencia coach Albert Celades added: "The sensation in our dressing room is that we have missed a very good chance to qualify for the next round. But to get to the last game with our fate in our hands is not bad."

Victory for either side at Mestalla would have sent them through and Valencia went ahead when Soler scored in the 40th minute after team mate Maxi Gomez had missed two gilt-edged opportunities.

Yet Kovacic levelled for Chelsea two minutes later, netting for the first time in 122 club games.

Chelsea's top scorer Tammy Abraham was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking injury before halftime, although Lampard said after the game the striker had only suffered a knock to the hip.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-valencia-roar-back-in-second-half-to-thrash-lille-260253">Valencia</a> defender Jose Gaya was also taken off on a stretcher after fulltime having collapsed on the pitch.

United States international Pulisic put Lampard's side ahead in the 50th minute after a lengthy VAR review ruled him onside.

Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno missed an open goal later in the half and then the home side were awarded a penalty.

But captain Parejo was denied from the spot by Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, spurning a second penalty in the competition after also missing in the defeat to Ajax Amsterdam.

The Spaniards eventually levelled in the 82nd minute with a remarkable goal from Danish midfielder Wass, who looked set to cross from the right wing but instead flummoxed Arrizabalaga by firing a shot across goal which bounced off the far post and into the net.

Valencia should have won the game in added time but Rodrigo failed to connect properly with a cross from close range, while Chelsea had a shot cleared off the line before then and Valencia keeper Jasper Cillessen denied Michy Batshuayi.

"Parts of our performance I'm not mad on. We gave away too many chances. We missed a lot as well," said Lampard.

"They were arriving in our box too much. Credit to the players for their work-rate and hanging on in there, but sometimes you have to be more secure than that."

Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay added: "We had a lot of chances and we deserved to win but we have to believe we can win and go through in Amsterdam."

A freak goal from Valencia's Daniel Wass earned the Spanish side a 2-2 draw in an epic encounter against England's Chelsea on Wednesday that left both sides waiting to book their place in the Champions League's knockout stage.

A freak goal from Valencia's Daniel Wass earned the Spanish side a 2-2 draw in an epic encounter against England's Chelsea on Wednesday that left both sides waiting to book their place in the Champions League's knockout stage. Valencia, who missed a glut of chances, had taken the lead through Carlos Soler but goals from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic flipped the match on its head. The Spaniards missed a penalty through Dani Parejo, but drew level late on when Wass netted a remarkable effort, shaping to centre before finding the net with a finish across goal. The draw means both sides are on eight points after five games but Valencia have a better head-to-head record and so are second in Group H, with Chelsea in third. Ajax Amsterdam sit top on 10 points after winning 2-0 at Lille, who are bottom with one. Valencia visit last season's semi-finalists Ajax in their final group game and will have to win there to ensure they qualify, while Chelsea will book their place in the last-16 if they beat Lille at home. "We nearly won it, nearly lost it. It was end to end, not that we wanted it to be," Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said. Valencia coach Albert Celades added: "The sensation in our dressing room is that we have missed a very good chance to qualify for the next round. But to get to the last game with our fate in our hands is not bad." Victory for either side at Mestalla would have sent them through and Valencia went ahead when Soler scored in the 40th minute after team mate Maxi Gomez had missed two gilt-edged opportunities. Yet Kovacic levelled for Chelsea two minutes later, netting for the first time in 122 club games. Chelsea's top scorer Tammy Abraham was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking injury before halftime, although Lampard said after the game the striker had only suffered a knock to the hip. Valencia defender Jose Gaya was also taken off on a stretcher after fulltime having collapsed on the pitch. United States international Pulisic put Lampard's side ahead in the 50th minute after a lengthy VAR review ruled him onside. Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno missed an open goal later in the half and then the home side were awarded a penalty. But captain Parejo was denied from the spot by Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, spurning a second penalty in the competition after also missing in the defeat to Ajax Amsterdam. The Spaniards eventually levelled in the 82nd minute with a remarkable goal from Danish midfielder Wass, who looked set to cross from the right wing but instead flummoxed Arrizabalaga by firing a shot across goal which bounced off the far post and into the net. Valencia should have won the game in added time but Rodrigo failed to connect properly with a cross from close range, while Chelsea had a shot cleared off the line before then and Valencia keeper Jasper Cillessen denied Michy Batshuayi. "Parts of our performance I'm not mad on. We gave away too many chances. We missed a lot as well," said Lampard. "They were arriving in our box too much. Credit to the players for their work-rate and hanging on in there, but sometimes you have to be more secure than that." Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay added: "We had a lot of chances and we deserved to win but we have to believe we can win and go through in Amsterdam."

Chelsea thwarted by Valencia in Champions League thriller

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Champions League</a> group matches.

A Dejan Lovren header in the 65th minute cancelled out Dries Mertens' first-half opener for Napoli, who will head home the happier after another disciplined performance in which they defended deep but posed questions on the counter-attack.

European champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mane-the-main-man-as-liverpool-close-on-champions-league-knockouts-264551">Liverpool lead Group E</a> on 10 points with Napoli a point behind and Salzburg on seven. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Juergen Klopp</a>'s side are away to Salzburg in their final game while Napoli host bottom club Genk.

Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli will now expect to secure their place in the knockout stage with a win over a Genk side with a solitary point who were beaten 4-1 at home by Salzburg on Wednesday.

Liverpool though will need at least a point in Austria on December&nbsp;10 to avoid elimination and given their fixture congestion next month,&nbsp;in which they will feature in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-no-pressure-to-land-club-world-cup-crown-says-liverpools-klopp-261550">Club World Cup in Qatar</a>,&nbsp;this was a frustrating result.

"In [the Napoli] dressing room they feel like they are already through and maybe they are," said Klopp.

"Everybody here thinks, 'Oh my god, it will be tough' and it will be tough, that much is clear."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">Premier League</a> leaders, who could have wrapped up top spot with a game to spare, had to come from behind to get their point and never truly settled into the kind of rhythm for which they have become known.

The night began badly with Liverpool's Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho limping off in the 19th minute with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

"It's early and we all hope it's not too serious but it's pretty painful and in an area you don't want to have pain, around the ankle," said Klopp.

Matters got worse for Klopp when Belgian Mertens put Napoli ahead in the 21st minute with a sweet strike from a tight angle after running on to a through-ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Liverpool's defence was opened up too easily down their left and the Anfield crowd's agitation increased as two separate VAR reviews were needed before the goal was confirmed.

Klopp was certainly losing his cool and, on the stroke of halftime, he was booked for protesting, shortly after Liverpool had appealed in vain for a penalty after Sadio Mane went down in the box.

The nearest Liverpool came to a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes was in the final moments of the half when James Milner jinked into the box and blasted at the near post but Napoli keeper Alex Meret did well to parry.

There was more intensity about Liverpool after the break and they went close to levelling when Roberto Firmino hooked the ball goalwards but Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly did well to clear off the line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Mohamed Salah</a> shot straight at Napoli keeper Alex Meret after good work from Andy Robertson and then Firmino headed wide from a promising position.

The equaliser finally came when Lovren headed home from a James Milner corner in the 65th minute and while there was plenty of pressure from the home side in the latter stages they were frustrated by Ancelotti's well-marshalled defence.

Napoli looked much better than their seventh place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Serie A </a>suggests and showed no sign of the internal problems that have beset them in recent weeks.

"I saw a lot of commitment and personality," said Ancelotti.

"I was sure we would play well against a fantastic team. Of course, I knew we would suffer at times but I also knew we could cause them problems too with the way we play.

"Maybe it was not such an aesthetically pleasing match but we put in a strong performance."

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final Champions League group matches.

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final Champions League group matches. A Dejan Lovren header in the 65th minute cancelled out Dries Mertens' first-half opener for Napoli, who will head home the happier after another disciplined performance in which they defended deep but posed questions on the counter-attack. European champions Liverpool lead Group E on 10 points with Napoli a point behind and Salzburg on seven. Juergen Klopp's side are away to Salzburg in their final game while Napoli host bottom club Genk. Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli will now expect to secure their place in the knockout stage with a win over a Genk side with a solitary point who were beaten 4-1 at home by Salzburg on Wednesday. Liverpool though will need at least a point in Austria on December 10 to avoid elimination and given their fixture congestion next month, in which they will feature in the Club World Cup in Qatar, this was a frustrating result. "In [the Napoli] dressing room they feel like they are already through and maybe they are," said Klopp. "Everybody here thinks, 'Oh my god, it will be tough' and it will be tough, that much is clear." The Premier League leaders, who could have wrapped up top spot with a game to spare, had to come from behind to get their point and never truly settled into the kind of rhythm for which they have become known. The night began badly with Liverpool's Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho limping off in the 19th minute with what appeared to be an ankle injury. "It's early and we all hope it's not too serious but it's pretty painful and in an area you don't want to have pain, around the ankle," said Klopp. Matters got worse for Klopp when Belgian Mertens put Napoli ahead in the 21st minute with a sweet strike from a tight angle after running on to a through-ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Liverpool's defence was opened up too easily down their left and the Anfield crowd's agitation increased as two separate VAR reviews were needed before the goal was confirmed. Klopp was certainly losing his cool and, on the stroke of halftime, he was booked for protesting, shortly after Liverpool had appealed in vain for a penalty after Sadio Mane went down in the box. The nearest Liverpool came to a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes was in the final moments of the half when James Milner jinked into the box and blasted at the near post but Napoli keeper Alex Meret did well to parry. There was more intensity about Liverpool after the break and they went close to levelling when Roberto Firmino hooked the ball goalwards but Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly did well to clear off the line. Mohamed Salah shot straight at Napoli keeper Alex Meret after good work from Andy Robertson and then Firmino headed wide from a promising position. The equaliser finally came when Lovren headed home from a James Milner corner in the 65th minute and while there was plenty of pressure from the home side in the latter stages they were frustrated by Ancelotti's well-marshalled defence. Napoli looked much better than their seventh place in Serie A suggests and showed no sign of the internal problems that have beset them in recent weeks. "I saw a lot of commitment and personality," said Ancelotti. "I was sure we would play well against a fantastic team. Of course, I knew we would suffer at times but I also knew we could cause them problems too with the way we play. "Maybe it was not such an aesthetically pleasing match but we put in a strong performance."

Liverpool on thin ice after draw against Napoli in Champions League

Eric Dier became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to discover <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tottenham-hotspur-name-mourinho-as-manager-263339">Jose Mourinho</a>'s ruthless streak as the Portuguese manager's decision to haul off the midfielder after half an hour ultimately proved a masterstroke on Tuesday.

Mourinho's first home game in charge after replacing Mauricio Pochettino was turning ugly as Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus led 2-0 inside 20 minutes of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">Champions League</a> Group B game.

But twice Champions League winner Mourinho acted decisively, sacrificing Dier's defensive shield, and sent on Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen who, just as on Saturday in Mourinho's debut <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-makes-instant-impact-as-tottenham-defeat-west-ham-264133">win over West Ham</a> United, had been left on the bench.

It took a while for the tactical switch to work but Dele Alli levelled on the stroke of halftime and the second half saw Tottenham run riot with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mourinho-aiming-to-take-spurs-and-kane-to-the-next-level-263998">Harry Kane</a> scoring twice either side of a thumping effort by Serge Aurier.

Tottenham, runners-up in June under Pochettino, have qualified for the last 16 and in Mourinho's first two games in charge they have scored seven and conceded four, perhaps confounding those who said he would bring boring football to north London.

While the Dier/Eriksen swap worked a treat, Mourinho said it had been the hardest part of his evening.

"The most difficult moment for me was not the goals but the change I had to make," the 56-year-old, whose tactical acumen has earned him silverware at every club he has managed, told reporters. "It hurt the player but also hurt me. It was not easy for the player or me.

"But it's important the player understood and I was fortunate that it was a very intelligent boy who understood it was about the team not the performance. I apologised to Eric and made it clear I didn't do it to hurt him.

"Christian gave us what we needed at that time."

Mourinho, sacked by Manchester United last season after his reign there turned sour, has been charm personified since swapping punditry for the Tottenham job.

As well as praising his players' response to adversity on Tuesday, and the fans, he also waxed lyrical about a ball boy, whose sharp thinking allowed Serge Aurier to take a quick throw-in that ultimately led to Harry Kane's 50th-minute equaliser.

"To do that you have to be a very good ball boy," Mourinho said with a straight face. "I was, between 10 and 16 years old a very good ball boy and he was a very good ball boy.

"He was reading the game and wasn't looking at the stands. I wanted to invite him to the dressing room to celebrate with the players but he had disappeared."

Tottenham's performance rather summed up their season. They were caught cold and were lucky that a defensive howler allowed Alli to reduce the arrears before the interval.

In the second half, with Eriksen providing the ammunition for Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, Tottenham were ruthless.

With a home game against Bournemouth this weekend, Mourinho has every chance of starting with three straight wins.

"Next game at home I expect the boys to start without ghosts, open and confident" he said.

Eric Dier became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to discover Jose Mourinho's ruthless streak as the Portuguese manager's decision to haul off the midfielder after half an hour ultimately proved a masterstroke on Tuesday.

Eric Dier became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to discover Jose Mourinho's ruthless streak as the Portuguese manager's decision to haul off the midfielder after half an hour ultimately proved a masterstroke on Tuesday. Mourinho's first home game in charge after replacing Mauricio Pochettino was turning ugly as Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus led 2-0 inside 20 minutes of the Champions League Group B game. But twice Champions League winner Mourinho acted decisively, sacrificing Dier's defensive shield, and sent on Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen who, just as on Saturday in Mourinho's debut win over West Ham United, had been left on the bench. It took a while for the tactical switch to work but Dele Alli levelled on the stroke of halftime and the second half saw Tottenham run riot with Harry Kane scoring twice either side of a thumping effort by Serge Aurier. Tottenham, runners-up in June under Pochettino, have qualified for the last 16 and in Mourinho's first two games in charge they have scored seven and conceded four, perhaps confounding those who said he would bring boring football to north London. While the Dier/Eriksen swap worked a treat, Mourinho said it had been the hardest part of his evening. "The most difficult moment for me was not the goals but the change I had to make," the 56-year-old, whose tactical acumen has earned him silverware at every club he has managed, told reporters. "It hurt the player but also hurt me. It was not easy for the player or me. "But it's important the player understood and I was fortunate that it was a very intelligent boy who understood it was about the team not the performance. I apologised to Eric and made it clear I didn't do it to hurt him. "Christian gave us what we needed at that time." Mourinho, sacked by Manchester United last season after his reign there turned sour, has been charm personified since swapping punditry for the Tottenham job. As well as praising his players' response to adversity on Tuesday, and the fans, he also waxed lyrical about a ball boy, whose sharp thinking allowed Serge Aurier to take a quick throw-in that ultimately led to Harry Kane's 50th-minute equaliser. "To do that you have to be a very good ball boy," Mourinho said with a straight face. "I was, between 10 and 16 years old a very good ball boy and he was a very good ball boy. "He was reading the game and wasn't looking at the stands. I wanted to invite him to the dressing room to celebrate with the players but he had disappeared." Tottenham's performance rather summed up their season. They were caught cold and were lucky that a defensive howler allowed Alli to reduce the arrears before the interval. In the second half, with Eriksen providing the ammunition for Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, Tottenham were ruthless. With a home game against Bournemouth this weekend, Mourinho has every chance of starting with three straight wins. "Next game at home I expect the boys to start without ghosts, open and confident" he said.

Champions League: Mourinho masterstroke as Tottenham destroy Olympiakos

A subdued <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-owner-to-sell-500-million-stake-valuing-itself-at-48-billion-financial-times-264809">Manchester City</a> reached the Champions League's last 16 and secured top spot in their group despite an unconvincing 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Ilkay Gundogan had fired City ahead in the 56th minute but Shakhtar earned a potentially valuable point after Israeli substitute Manor Solomon equalised in the 69th.

Atalanta's 2-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in Group C's other game meant that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-guardiola-is-the-best-manager-in-the-world-juergen-klopp-260679">Pep Guardiola</a>'s side are guaranteed to finish top.

City have 11 points at the summit ahead of their final group game away to Dinamo with Shakhtar in second place on six points. Dinamo have five points and Atalanta four.

Yet while the goal of qualification was secured, it was a far from impressive performance from a team which harbours ambitions of a first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">Champions League</a> triumph this season.

In recent weeks the crispness and sharpness of City's pass-and-move play has not been up to its established standard and their defending remains a concern.

At a subdued Etihad, City survived a scare in the 15th minute when their Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson raced out of his area and completely missed the ball as he attempted to clear.

That allowed Tete to break towards the unguarded goal, but Fernandinho did superbly to cover the near post and block his compatriot's shot.

Moments later, Ederson raced outside his box again but this time his intervention was well-timed and clean, as he slid to clear the danger with Tete threatening once more.

After a mostly uneventful remainder of the first half, City got themselves in front when Gabriel Jesus twisted and turned in the box before poking the ball to Gundogan who slotted home.

Yet Shakhtar drew level with a perfectly-constructed break that ended with Israeli substitute Manor Solomon drilling past Ederson after an excellent pull-back from Dodo.

"The target was to qualify and we have done it," said Guardiola who was facing Shakhtar for the 13th time in his career.

"They always have quality players. In general, we created chances but the draw was enough in the end. Now we have one competition already done, and now our focus will be the Premier League," he said. City are third in the domestic league and trail leaders Liverpool by nine points.

For Shakhtar everything is still to play for in their final match, at home to Atalanta on December&nbsp;11, with all three teams in the group still having a chance to join City in the knockout stage.

The result was particularly impressive for Shakhtar given they were without two key players in Taison and Marlos.

"To get a draw at City is fantastic," said Shakhtar's Portuguese coach Luis Castro.

"We have a family atmosphere in our team and we all get on with each other. We’ve nothing won but we’ve nothing lost yet either."

A subdued Manchester City reached the Champions League's last 16 and secured top spot in their group despite an unconvincing 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

A subdued Manchester City reached the Champions League's last 16 and secured top spot in their group despite an unconvincing 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Ilkay Gundogan had fired City ahead in the 56th minute but Shakhtar earned a potentially valuable point after Israeli substitute Manor Solomon equalised in the 69th. Atalanta's 2-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in Group C's other game meant that Pep Guardiola's side are guaranteed to finish top. City have 11 points at the summit ahead of their final group game away to Dinamo with Shakhtar in second place on six points. Dinamo have five points and Atalanta four. Yet while the goal of qualification was secured, it was a far from impressive performance from a team which harbours ambitions of a first Champions League triumph this season. In recent weeks the crispness and sharpness of City's pass-and-move play has not been up to its established standard and their defending remains a concern. At a subdued Etihad, City survived a scare in the 15th minute when their Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson raced out of his area and completely missed the ball as he attempted to clear. That allowed Tete to break towards the unguarded goal, but Fernandinho did superbly to cover the near post and block his compatriot's shot. Moments later, Ederson raced outside his box again but this time his intervention was well-timed and clean, as he slid to clear the danger with Tete threatening once more. After a mostly uneventful remainder of the first half, City got themselves in front when Gabriel Jesus twisted and turned in the box before poking the ball to Gundogan who slotted home. Yet Shakhtar drew level with a perfectly-constructed break that ended with Israeli substitute Manor Solomon drilling past Ederson after an excellent pull-back from Dodo. "The target was to qualify and we have done it," said Guardiola who was facing Shakhtar for the 13th time in his career. "They always have quality players. In general, we created chances but the draw was enough in the end. Now we have one competition already done, and now our focus will be the Premier League," he said. City are third in the domestic league and trail leaders Liverpool by nine points. For Shakhtar everything is still to play for in their final match, at home to Atalanta on December 11, with all three teams in the group still having a chance to join City in the knockout stage. The result was particularly impressive for Shakhtar given they were without two key players in Taison and Marlos. "To get a draw at City is fantastic," said Shakhtar's Portuguese coach Luis Castro. "We have a family atmosphere in our team and we all get on with each other. We’ve nothing won but we’ve nothing lost yet either."

Champions League: Manchester City secure top 16 berth despite draw with Shakhtar Donetsk

Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Champions League comeback </a>on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A.

Madrid dominated the majority of a pulsating contest at the Santiago Bernabeu and looked to have sewn up an impressive victory when Karim Benzema scored his second goal in the 79th minute.

But PSG pulled off an unlikely turnaround as Mbappe capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pull one back in the 81st minute before Pablo Sarabia, once of Real, drove into the top corner second later.

"Real were better for long periods," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We were lucky but that's not a crime."

Gareth Bale, who came on as a substitute to a mixed reception from the home fans, almost won it in injury-time when his bending free-kick struck the post.

The draw means PSG will go through as group winners while Madrid are guaranteed to finish second after Club Brugge drew 1-1 at Galatasaray in the early kick-off.

Madrid's late capitulation tarnished an excellent display that highlighted their transformation since the 3-0 thrashing at the Parc des Princes in September.

"It was a great performance," said Zinedine Zidane. "The players are not happy with the result but you have to be happy with what we have done for 80 minutes. I'd take that performance all day long."

There was also the worrying sight of Eden Hazard hobbling off with what looked like an ankle injury in the second half, with the Clasico against Barcelona only three weeks away.

"It's more than just a knock but I hope the twist is a minor one," said Zidane.

Neymar was also left on the bench by Tuchel despite recovering from a hamstring injury, only to be brought on at half-time. It was his dummy that led to Sarabia's equaliser.

"I didn't want to risk him," said Tuchel. "I prefered to be sure he could finish the match."

Zidane's press conference on Monday became another ode to Mbappe, who will reportedly be Madrid's number one target next summer.

The Frenchman, in his 100th game for PSG, looked like he wanted to put on a show, puffing out his chest after an early foul by Sergio Ramos and squeezing Zidane's hand as he fetched a ball from behind his back.

The threat of Mbappe hung over the match but Madrid were much the better side, slicker in their passing, faster with the ball and more aggressive in winning it back.

Their opening goal came in the 17th minute and Hazard started it, skipping between Thomas Meunier and Marquinhos before switching to the right. Isco struck Fede Valverde's pull-back against the post before Benzema showed a cool head to find the corner.

On the back foot for most of the half, PSG twice went close towards the end of it. Mbappe, slipped through by Angel Di Maria, opted to shoot when he might have squared for Mauro Icardi.

Icardi was then brought down in the area after nipping around Thibaut Courtois. Referee Artur Dias pointed to the spot and showed the goalkeeper a red card but a VAR review showed Idrissa Gueye had pushed Marcelo in the build-up.

Madrid looked to have put the game to bed when Luka Modric ghosted clear and Marcelo's cross found the deadly Benzema free at the back post.

But the celebrations had barely finished when Mbappe pulled one back, a gift as Courtois and Raphael Varane allowed Meunier's cross to slip between them, leaving the 21-year-old with an open goal.

It felt like a consolation but PSG had other ideas as a clever dummy from Neymar fooled the entire home defence and the ball cannoned out to Sarabia, who swept it into the top corner.&nbsp;

Both teams looked for a winner and PSG went close, Mbappe firing into the side-netting before Bale's bending free-kick hit the post deep into injury-time.

Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic Champions League comeback on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A.

Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic Champions League comeback on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A. Madrid dominated the majority of a pulsating contest at the Santiago Bernabeu and looked to have sewn up an impressive victory when Karim Benzema scored his second goal in the 79th minute. But PSG pulled off an unlikely turnaround as Mbappe capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pull one back in the 81st minute before Pablo Sarabia, once of Real, drove into the top corner second later. "Real were better for long periods," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We were lucky but that's not a crime." Gareth Bale, who came on as a substitute to a mixed reception from the home fans, almost won it in injury-time when his bending free-kick struck the post. The draw means PSG will go through as group winners while Madrid are guaranteed to finish second after Club Brugge drew 1-1 at Galatasaray in the early kick-off. Madrid's late capitulation tarnished an excellent display that highlighted their transformation since the 3-0 thrashing at the Parc des Princes in September. "It was a great performance," said Zinedine Zidane. "The players are not happy with the result but you have to be happy with what we have done for 80 minutes. I'd take that performance all day long." There was also the worrying sight of Eden Hazard hobbling off with what looked like an ankle injury in the second half, with the Clasico against Barcelona only three weeks away. "It's more than just a knock but I hope the twist is a minor one," said Zidane. Neymar was also left on the bench by Tuchel despite recovering from a hamstring injury, only to be brought on at half-time. It was his dummy that led to Sarabia's equaliser. "I didn't want to risk him," said Tuchel. "I prefered to be sure he could finish the match." Zidane's press conference on Monday became another ode to Mbappe, who will reportedly be Madrid's number one target next summer. The Frenchman, in his 100th game for PSG, looked like he wanted to put on a show, puffing out his chest after an early foul by Sergio Ramos and squeezing Zidane's hand as he fetched a ball from behind his back. The threat of Mbappe hung over the match but Madrid were much the better side, slicker in their passing, faster with the ball and more aggressive in winning it back. Their opening goal came in the 17th minute and Hazard started it, skipping between Thomas Meunier and Marquinhos before switching to the right. Isco struck Fede Valverde's pull-back against the post before Benzema showed a cool head to find the corner. On the back foot for most of the half, PSG twice went close towards the end of it. Mbappe, slipped through by Angel Di Maria, opted to shoot when he might have squared for Mauro Icardi. Icardi was then brought down in the area after nipping around Thibaut Courtois. Referee Artur Dias pointed to the spot and showed the goalkeeper a red card but a VAR review showed Idrissa Gueye had pushed Marcelo in the build-up. Madrid looked to have put the game to bed when Luka Modric ghosted clear and Marcelo's cross found the deadly Benzema free at the back post. But the celebrations had barely finished when Mbappe pulled one back, a gift as Courtois and Raphael Varane allowed Meunier's cross to slip between them, leaving the 21-year-old with an open goal. It felt like a consolation but PSG had other ideas as a clever dummy from Neymar fooled the entire home defence and the ball cannoned out to Sarabia, who swept it into the top corner. Both teams looked for a winner and PSG went close, Mbappe firing into the side-netting before Bale's bending free-kick hit the post deep into injury-time.

Champions League: Mbappe stars as PSG snatch draw against Real Madrid

Paulo Dybala's ferocious curled free-kick earned&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;a 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid and top spot in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-masterstroke-pays-off-as-tottenham-spurs-hit-back-to-win-264816">Champions League</a> Group D.

The Italian champions had already booked their place for the last 16 with two games to spare but made sure of top spot with an impressive win on Tuesday.

Dybala struck two minutes into first-half injury time. His left-footed effort whipped into the net from a seemingly impossible angle leaving goalkeeper Jan Oblak with no chance.

Diego Simeone's Atletico will need to win their final group game against Lokomotiv Moscow in Madrid to be sure of advancing to the knockout rounds.

"I think Dybala scored a goal that we can't recommend," said his coach Maricio Sarri.

"The first thing a coach says when he sees someone trying to shoot from that position is 'but why the hell are you shooting from there!'&nbsp;

"He did something extraordinary, he deserved the applause," said Sarri. "It was an extraordinary piece of skill."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-back-against-favourite-enemy-atletico-264553">Cristiano Ronaldo returned</a> to the side and played for the entire match after missing last weekend's game against Atalanta and was substituted in their previous two games because of a slight knee problem.

"I haven't spoken to him yet about the pain in his knee, but he looked to be in good shape," added Sarri.

Juventus&nbsp;have 13 points from five games, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-atletico-madrid-dig-deep-to-snatch-draw-with-juventus-250480">Atletico</a> still on seven, one point ahead of third-placed Bayer Leverkusen who beat Lokomotiv 2-0.

"We had a good match against a great rival," said Simeone. "We had chances but we lacked a little efficiency.&nbsp;

"We &nbsp;didn't score ourselves, which is the most important thing in football, but we were always in the match."

Ronaldo was partnered up front by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-juventus-dybala-sinks-milan-as-angry-ronaldo-substituted-261314">Dybala</a> as in-form Gonzalo Higuain started on the bench.

Ronaldo had another injury scare in the first half, grimacing in pain and limping after colliding with the corner flag, but he played on.

Atletico had their chances in a balanced first half. Thomas Partey sent a long-range volley wide after 13 minutes.&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny got down low to smother a goal-bound Saul Niguez effort.

The 26-year-old Dybala was the standout player. &nbsp;He made the breakthrough just before the break when he curled in a superb strike from a tight angle to leave Atletico goalkeeper Oblak completely beaten.

Dybala's celebrations included a military-style salute to Turkish international teammate Merih Demiral.

"It was just a joke between us in the dressing room, there was no message in that," said the Argentine.

"It was a good goal from a tight angle, there were a lot of players on front of me," he added.

Ronaldo threatened after an hour, racing towards goal only to shoot wide. Then Federico Bernadeschi rattled the post after coming on for Welsh international Aaron Ramsey.

Dybala went off to a standing ovation and was replaced by Higuain for the last quarter of an hour.

Matthijs de Ligt, who had been a doubt after dislocating his shoulder at the weekend, pulled off a brilliant sliding tackle to steal the ball from the feet of a goal-bound Angel Correa with seven minutes to go.

Alvaro Morata missed the chance to poach a point in the final moments of the game.

Correa sent the ball across the face of goal but the former&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;striker failed to finish off on front of an empty goal.

Paulo Dybala's ferocious curled free-kick earned Juventus a 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid and top spot in Champions League Group D. The Italian champions had already booked their place for the last 16 with two games to spare but made sure of top spot with an impressive win on Tuesday.

Paulo Dybala's ferocious curled free-kick earned Juventus a 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid and top spot in Champions League Group D. The Italian champions had already booked their place for the last 16 with two games to spare but made sure of top spot with an impressive win on Tuesday. Dybala struck two minutes into first-half injury time. His left-footed effort whipped into the net from a seemingly impossible angle leaving goalkeeper Jan Oblak with no chance. Diego Simeone's Atletico will need to win their final group game against Lokomotiv Moscow in Madrid to be sure of advancing to the knockout rounds. "I think Dybala scored a goal that we can't recommend," said his coach Maricio Sarri. "The first thing a coach says when he sees someone trying to shoot from that position is 'but why the hell are you shooting from there!' "He did something extraordinary, he deserved the applause," said Sarri. "It was an extraordinary piece of skill." Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the side and played for the entire match after missing last weekend's game against Atalanta and was substituted in their previous two games because of a slight knee problem. "I haven't spoken to him yet about the pain in his knee, but he looked to be in good shape," added Sarri. Juventus have 13 points from five games, with Atletico still on seven, one point ahead of third-placed Bayer Leverkusen who beat Lokomotiv 2-0. "We had a good match against a great rival," said Simeone. "We had chances but we lacked a little efficiency. "We didn't score ourselves, which is the most important thing in football, but we were always in the match." Ronaldo was partnered up front by Dybala as in-form Gonzalo Higuain started on the bench. Ronaldo had another injury scare in the first half, grimacing in pain and limping after colliding with the corner flag, but he played on. Atletico had their chances in a balanced first half. Thomas Partey sent a long-range volley wide after 13 minutes. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny got down low to smother a goal-bound Saul Niguez effort. The 26-year-old Dybala was the standout player. He made the breakthrough just before the break when he curled in a superb strike from a tight angle to leave Atletico goalkeeper Oblak completely beaten. Dybala's celebrations included a military-style salute to Turkish international teammate Merih Demiral. "It was just a joke between us in the dressing room, there was no message in that," said the Argentine. "It was a good goal from a tight angle, there were a lot of players on front of me," he added. Ronaldo threatened after an hour, racing towards goal only to shoot wide. Then Federico Bernadeschi rattled the post after coming on for Welsh international Aaron Ramsey. Dybala went off to a standing ovation and was replaced by Higuain for the last quarter of an hour. Matthijs de Ligt, who had been a doubt after dislocating his shoulder at the weekend, pulled off a brilliant sliding tackle to steal the ball from the feet of a goal-bound Angel Correa with seven minutes to go. Alvaro Morata missed the chance to poach a point in the final moments of the game. Correa sent the ball across the face of goal but the former Juventus striker failed to finish off on front of an empty goal.

Champions League: Dybala stunner seals top-spot for Juventus but Atletico must wait

Sadio Mane has, in the words of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> teammate Andy Robertson, "taken his game to another level", stepping out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohamed-salah-brushes-off-rumours-related-to-rift-with-sadio-mane-249578">Mohamed Salah</a>'s shadow to become arguably the main man at Anfield.

The Senegal international shares star billing with Salah and Roberto Firmino as part of the European champions' electrifying and fluid front three.

But this year Mane is leading Liverpool's charge,&nbsp;his goal at Selhurst Park at the weekend was his 12th of the campaign and his 29th for the club in the calendar year.

Mane frightens defences with his pace, direct running and skill and his goal return has eased the burden on the shoulders of Salah.

Liverpool defender Robertson praised Mane after his goal in the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, which kept Liverpool eight points clear of second-placed Leicester in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">Premier League</a>.

On Wednesday he will train his sights on Napoli in the Champions League, with a win guaranteeing Liverpool top spot in the group.

"He has been fantastic," said Robertson. "Even when I came he was amazing but maybe did not have as much composure as he does now in front of goal.

"Now, every time he's in front of goal you don't think he'll miss. The one he had at the start of the second half (of the Palace game), we were surprised he didn't score and that is the type of player he is. You expect him to score and that is a good thing and he's popped up with another crucial goal."

"The others are pitching in as well but it's been a fantastic year for him and he's taken his game to another level," Robertson added.

Mane joined Liverpool in 2016, a year before Salah, but the Egyptian quickly became the alpha male at Anfield, scoring 44 goals in all competitions in a remarkable debut season in 2017/18.

Last season the two players shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the three forwards all scoring 22 goals.

And Salah has pipped his teammate to the African player of the year award over the past two seasons.&nbsp;

Both have been shortlisted again for this year's prize and Mane, who reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal this year, is seen as an outsider to win the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-dominates-ballon-dor-shortlist-with-seven-names-257421">Ballon d'Or</a>.

Mane has talked about how lucky he is to play alongside his two attacking comrades-in-arms.

"Every single player who plays alongside them would enjoy it because they are very good players and they make everything easy, so I just enjoy playing alongside them," he told the official Liverpool magazine.

Despite those warm words, there was a rare display of emotion from the 27-year-old earlier this season when he was substituted at Burnley, furious that Salah had not passed to him when he was in a better position.

It led to suggestions that all was not harmonious between the pair, but Mane was quick to correct any impression of an underlying problem.

"It can happen, he didn't see me and I was frustrated. We are really good friends," he said.

A 176-second hat-trick for Southampton in 2015 catapulted Mane to worldwide attention.

He joined Liverpool the following year for £34 million ($44 million) and was voted the club's player of the year in his debut season.

Last year the Senegalese signed a new deal committing him to the club until 2023.

At the time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-praises-liverpool-intensity-after-crucial-win-over-city-261303">Klopp</a> called him the "complete" attacking player and said he had improved season by season.

"The only criticism I could ever have of Sadio is that maybe at times he is the only one not to see just how good he is," said the Liverpool boss.&nbsp;

The question harassed defenders will be asking themselves is just how good he will be when he starts fully believing in himself.

Sadio Mane has, in the words of Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson, "taken his game to another level", stepping out of Mohamed Salah's shadow to become arguably the main man at Anfield.

Sadio Mane has, in the words of Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson, "taken his game to another level", stepping out of Mohamed Salah's shadow to become arguably the main man at Anfield. The Senegal international shares star billing with Salah and Roberto Firmino as part of the European champions' electrifying and fluid front three. But this year Mane is leading Liverpool's charge, his goal at Selhurst Park at the weekend was his 12th of the campaign and his 29th for the club in the calendar year. Mane frightens defences with his pace, direct running and skill and his goal return has eased the burden on the shoulders of Salah. Liverpool defender Robertson praised Mane after his goal in the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, which kept Liverpool eight points clear of second-placed Leicester in the Premier League. On Wednesday he will train his sights on Napoli in the Champions League, with a win guaranteeing Liverpool top spot in the group. "He has been fantastic," said Robertson. "Even when I came he was amazing but maybe did not have as much composure as he does now in front of goal. "Now, every time he's in front of goal you don't think he'll miss. The one he had at the start of the second half (of the Palace game), we were surprised he didn't score and that is the type of player he is. You expect him to score and that is a good thing and he's popped up with another crucial goal." "The others are pitching in as well but it's been a fantastic year for him and he's taken his game to another level," Robertson added. Mane joined Liverpool in 2016, a year before Salah, but the Egyptian quickly became the alpha male at Anfield, scoring 44 goals in all competitions in a remarkable debut season in 2017/18. Last season the two players shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the three forwards all scoring 22 goals. And Salah has pipped his teammate to the African player of the year award over the past two seasons. Both have been shortlisted again for this year's prize and Mane, who reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal this year, is seen as an outsider to win the Ballon d'Or. Mane has talked about how lucky he is to play alongside his two attacking comrades-in-arms. "Every single player who plays alongside them would enjoy it because they are very good players and they make everything easy, so I just enjoy playing alongside them," he told the official Liverpool magazine. Despite those warm words, there was a rare display of emotion from the 27-year-old earlier this season when he was substituted at Burnley, furious that Salah had not passed to him when he was in a better position. It led to suggestions that all was not harmonious between the pair, but Mane was quick to correct any impression of an underlying problem. "It can happen, he didn't see me and I was frustrated. We are really good friends," he said. A 176-second hat-trick for Southampton in 2015 catapulted Mane to worldwide attention. He joined Liverpool the following year for £34 million ($44 million) and was voted the club's player of the year in his debut season. Last year the Senegalese signed a new deal committing him to the club until 2023. At the time Klopp called him the "complete" attacking player and said he had improved season by season. "The only criticism I could ever have of Sadio is that maybe at times he is the only one not to see just how good he is," said the Liverpool boss. The question harassed defenders will be asking themselves is just how good he will be when he starts fully believing in himself.

Football: Mane the main man as Liverpool close on Champions League knockouts

Juventus star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-ronaldo-moves-onto-99-as-portugal-qualify-for-euro-2020-262792">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> warned he was 'back' and ready for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with old rivals Atletico Madrid in Turin.

Coach Maurizio Sarri said the 34-year-old Portugal international's fitness still had to be assessed before the Group D clash as he battles a knee problem.

But the 34-year-old showed his eagerness to play by posting a photo on Twitter with the caption: "I'm back," followed by an emoji of a flexed bicep.

Ronaldo has a long history with the Spanish side going back to his nine years with city rivals Real Madrid.

The five-time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-dominates-ballon-dor-shortlist-with-seven-names-257421">Ballon d'Or</a> winner scored 22 goals against Atletico for Real, including in the 2014 Champions League final triumph. He also hit the winning spot-kick as they were defeated in the final again two years later.

In last season's Champions League, the Spanish were 2-0 winners in the first leg of their last 16 tie, but a Ronaldo hat-trick in Turin in March denied them a quarter-final berth.

"I have five Champions Leagues, these guys zero," Ronaldo had declared after the defeat in Madrid, holding up five fingers to the home fans throughout the game.

This season Ronaldo has scored just once in the Champions League and was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-juventus-dybala-sinks-milan-as-angry-ronaldo-substituted-261314">furious after being substituted</a> by coach Maurizio Sarri in their last game against Lokomotiv Moscow, also being hauled off before the hour in the following game against AC Milan.

In characteristic defiant style he hit back with four goals to qualify holders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-ronaldo-moves-onto-99-as-portugal-qualify-for-euro-2020-262792">Portugal for Euro 2020.</a>

But he was rested for Saturday's Serie A game against Atalanta which Juventus won 2-1 thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain double to stay top of the Italian league.

"Cristiano trained with his teammates yesterday (Sunday)," Sarri told a press conference at the Juventus Stadium.&nbsp;

"It seems that his condition is improving but we still have to evaluate between today and tomorrow.

"The positive thing he was able to play throughout the training session with his teammates."

Atletico coach Diego Simeone knows what to expect from a player who holds the record of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League </a>goals with 127.

"Ronaldo is a champion, we have always suffered a lot against him. He is number one, but I don't think it's Ronaldo against Atletico because Juve is a great team.&nbsp;

"I have no doubt, Juventus will be the protagonist again this year."

Atletico midfielder Koke added: "We consider the team as a whole, not just Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo had scored a lot of goals against us, we'll see if he will play one of his typical matches tomorrow."

Sarri said he had "a good relationship with Ronaldo" despite the player's harsh words in his direction at being substituted.

"If a player who has won so much is angry about being substituted, it means he still has a lot of motivation, and this is something positive," said the former Chelsea and Napoli coach.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Juventus</a> are already through to the last 16 and want to finish top of their group with second-placed Atletico needing a win to guarantee their place.

The Italian champions will be without defender Matthijs de Ligt, with a dislocated shoulder, with forward Federico Bernardeschi, who bruised his chest, in doubt.

Atletico's Portugal forward Joao Felix is also fighting for fitness.

But Sarri conceded he was spoilt for choice up front between Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Higuain.

"We have three very strong strikers for just two roles, I think it is an ideal situation," continued the Juventus coach.

"Playing Dybala, Higuain and Cristiano all together is difficult because of their characteristics, but all three know how to play really well and are comfortable with each other."&nbsp;

Higuain, who has scored five goals this season, said he was not trying to take Ronaldo's throne.

"I don't have to steal anything from anyone," said the 31-year-old, who played alongside Ronaldo at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-keep-pace-with-barca-as-bale-suffers-hostile-reception-264159">Real Madrid</a>.&nbsp;

"We know who Ronaldo is, a winner. I try to help the team win, we are all important and crucial, both those who play and those who don't play.

"In the long run, this is what leads a team to winning things."

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo warned he was 'back' and ready for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with old rivals Atletico Madrid in Turin. Coach Maurizio Sarri said the 34-year-old Portugal international's fitness still had to be assessed before the Group D clash as he battles a knee problem.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo warned he was 'back' and ready for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with old rivals Atletico Madrid in Turin. Coach Maurizio Sarri said the 34-year-old Portugal international's fitness still had to be assessed before the Group D clash as he battles a knee problem. But the 34-year-old showed his eagerness to play by posting a photo on Twitter with the caption: "I'm back," followed by an emoji of a flexed bicep. Ronaldo has a long history with the Spanish side going back to his nine years with city rivals Real Madrid. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored 22 goals against Atletico for Real, including in the 2014 Champions League final triumph. He also hit the winning spot-kick as they were defeated in the final again two years later. In last season's Champions League, the Spanish were 2-0 winners in the first leg of their last 16 tie, but a Ronaldo hat-trick in Turin in March denied them a quarter-final berth. "I have five Champions Leagues, these guys zero," Ronaldo had declared after the defeat in Madrid, holding up five fingers to the home fans throughout the game. This season Ronaldo has scored just once in the Champions League and was furious after being substituted by coach Maurizio Sarri in their last game against Lokomotiv Moscow, also being hauled off before the hour in the following game against AC Milan. In characteristic defiant style he hit back with four goals to qualify holders Portugal for Euro 2020. But he was rested for Saturday's Serie A game against Atalanta which Juventus won 2-1 thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain double to stay top of the Italian league. "Cristiano trained with his teammates yesterday (Sunday)," Sarri told a press conference at the Juventus Stadium. "It seems that his condition is improving but we still have to evaluate between today and tomorrow. "The positive thing he was able to play throughout the training session with his teammates." Atletico coach Diego Simeone knows what to expect from a player who holds the record of Champions League goals with 127. "Ronaldo is a champion, we have always suffered a lot against him. He is number one, but I don't think it's Ronaldo against Atletico because Juve is a great team. "I have no doubt, Juventus will be the protagonist again this year." Atletico midfielder Koke added: "We consider the team as a whole, not just Ronaldo. "Ronaldo had scored a lot of goals against us, we'll see if he will play one of his typical matches tomorrow." Sarri said he had "a good relationship with Ronaldo" despite the player's harsh words in his direction at being substituted. "If a player who has won so much is angry about being substituted, it means he still has a lot of motivation, and this is something positive," said the former Chelsea and Napoli coach. Juventus are already through to the last 16 and want to finish top of their group with second-placed Atletico needing a win to guarantee their place. The Italian champions will be without defender Matthijs de Ligt, with a dislocated shoulder, with forward Federico Bernardeschi, who bruised his chest, in doubt. Atletico's Portugal forward Joao Felix is also fighting for fitness. But Sarri conceded he was spoilt for choice up front between Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Higuain. "We have three very strong strikers for just two roles, I think it is an ideal situation," continued the Juventus coach. "Playing Dybala, Higuain and Cristiano all together is difficult because of their characteristics, but all three know how to play really well and are comfortable with each other." Higuain, who has scored five goals this season, said he was not trying to take Ronaldo's throne. "I don't have to steal anything from anyone," said the 31-year-old, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid. "We know who Ronaldo is, a winner. I try to help the team win, we are all important and crucial, both those who play and those who don't play. "In the long run, this is what leads a team to winning things."

Champions League: I'm back, warns Ronaldo as Juventus face Atletico Madrid

Sweden star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ibrahimovic-set-for-ac-milan-return-says-mls-chief-260667">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a> has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former Italian giants AC Milan, according to reports in Italy on Thursday.

The 38-year-old striker confirmed his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy last week following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs.

Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sports Italia reported that the former seven-time European champions have now made contact with the player's agent Mino Raiola.

The US-owned club want the former Swedish international for six months and are prepared to pay him six million euros ($6.6 million) if he remains for 18 months in total, Gazzetta claimed.

Milan finished fifth last season, missing out on a return to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League</a> football by just a point to city rivals Inter.

They have had a poor start to this campaign and are 14th after 12 games before they host last year's runners-up Napoli on Saturday in the San Siro.

Ibrahimovic played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances.

He also won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-juventus-dybala-sinks-milan-as-angry-ronaldo-substituted-261314">Juventus</a>, which were both revoked following the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal.

Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former Italian giants AC Milan, according to reports in Italy on Thursday.

Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former Italian giants AC Milan, according to reports in Italy on Thursday. The 38-year-old striker confirmed his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy last week following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs. Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sports Italia reported that the former seven-time European champions have now made contact with the player's agent Mino Raiola. The US-owned club want the former Swedish international for six months and are prepared to pay him six million euros ($6.6 million) if he remains for 18 months in total, Gazzetta claimed. Milan finished fifth last season, missing out on a return to Champions League football by just a point to city rivals Inter. They have had a poor start to this campaign and are 14th after 12 games before they host last year's runners-up Napoli on Saturday in the San Siro. Ibrahimovic played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances. He also won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with Juventus, which were both revoked following the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal.

AC Milan offer Ibrahimovic six-month deal - Reports

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-promises-to-improve-and-speed-up-var-use-262258">Premier League</a> club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings.

The 20-time English champions, who failed to qualify for this season's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League</a>, Europe's premier club competition, saw their revenue flat line in the quarter but stood by their annual revenue and core profit targets.

Financial performance was driven by an 8 per cent&nbsp;jump in sponsorship revenue largely due to new deals with well-known brands, highlighting the club's commercial appeal even as they misfire on the pitch.

Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward promised significant investment over the coming transfer windows to add "world-class acquisitions" to a relatively young squad made up of several academy graduates.

United sit in seventh place after 12 matches in the Premier League, outside the automatic European qualification spots. They have also qualified for the knockout round of the continent's less lucrative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-brush-partizan-aside-to-reach-last-32-260704">Europa League</a>.

Woodward, a former investment banker who advised the American Glazer family on its takeover of United in 2005, has often come under fire from fans who claim that he puts commercial interests above success on the pitch.

Manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-hails-manchester-uniteds-best-performance-of-season-against-brighton-261327">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> has relied heavily on players coming through the youth academy to try and turn the team's fortunes around, putting the spotlight on academy graduates including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood.

United have a history of success with youthful squads, most notably under Matt Busby in the 1950s and 1960s and Alex Ferguson's class of 1992, which included the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

Since Ferguson's retirement after the 2012-13 season, United have failed to challenge for the league title, while rivals Manchester City have won three championships and traditional foes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> are now top of the standings.

United's core profit rose 18.4 per cent&nbsp;to 34.8 million pounds ($45.05 million) for the three months to September&nbsp;30, as employee costs also fell nearly 9 per cent.

The club had warned in September that annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years as they will not be able to capitalise on UEFA's broadcasting revenue distribution system.

Revenue from broadcasting dropped by nearly a quarter, and the club said the majority of the full-year impact from missing out on the Champions League would occur in the second quarter.

The company's New York-listed shares were up 2.5 per cent&nbsp;at $16.65 in premarket trading.

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the Premier League club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings.

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the Premier League club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings. The 20-time English champions, who failed to qualify for this season's Champions League, Europe's premier club competition, saw their revenue flat line in the quarter but stood by their annual revenue and core profit targets. Financial performance was driven by an 8 per cent jump in sponsorship revenue largely due to new deals with well-known brands, highlighting the club's commercial appeal even as they misfire on the pitch. Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward promised significant investment over the coming transfer windows to add "world-class acquisitions" to a relatively young squad made up of several academy graduates. United sit in seventh place after 12 matches in the Premier League, outside the automatic European qualification spots. They have also qualified for the knockout round of the continent's less lucrative Europa League. Woodward, a former investment banker who advised the American Glazer family on its takeover of United in 2005, has often come under fire from fans who claim that he puts commercial interests above success on the pitch. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has relied heavily on players coming through the youth academy to try and turn the team's fortunes around, putting the spotlight on academy graduates including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood. United have a history of success with youthful squads, most notably under Matt Busby in the 1950s and 1960s and Alex Ferguson's class of 1992, which included the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. Since Ferguson's retirement after the 2012-13 season, United have failed to challenge for the league title, while rivals Manchester City have won three championships and traditional foes Liverpool are now top of the standings. United's core profit rose 18.4 per cent to 34.8 million pounds ($45.05 million) for the three months to September 30, as employee costs also fell nearly 9 per cent. The club had warned in September that annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years as they will not be able to capitalise on UEFA's broadcasting revenue distribution system. Revenue from broadcasting dropped by nearly a quarter, and the club said the majority of the full-year impact from missing out on the Champions League would occur in the second quarter. The company's New York-listed shares were up 2.5 per cent at $16.65 in premarket trading.

Manchester United sponsorships march on despite on-field slip ups

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky.

The price is in line with the current three-year contract but BT said it covered an additional 77 matches as well as the rights to highlights and in-match clips.

The renegotiation had been seen as a test of the appetite of BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen, who took on the role in February, to spend on sports rights.

The deal also covers matches from the Europa League and a planned third competition for European clubs, BT said in a statement on Friday.

"We're delighted to remain the home of UEFA Champions League in the UK," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT's Consumer Division

BT has had the rights to European club soccer since 2015 after ousting Sky and ITV. Sky, now owned by U.S. media group Comcast, had been expected to bid to win back the rights.

The news helped BT shares to make up some lost ground after Britain's opposition Labour Party said it would nationalise BT's fixed line network to provide free full-fibre broadband for all if it wins the election next month.

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky.

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky. The price is in line with the current three-year contract but BT said it covered an additional 77 matches as well as the rights to highlights and in-match clips. The renegotiation had been seen as a test of the appetite of BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen, who took on the role in February, to spend on sports rights. The deal also covers matches from the Europa League and a planned third competition for European clubs, BT said in a statement on Friday. "We're delighted to remain the home of UEFA Champions League in the UK," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT's Consumer Division BT has had the rights to European club soccer since 2015 after ousting Sky and ITV. Sky, now owned by U.S. media group Comcast, had been expected to bid to win back the rights. The news helped BT shares to make up some lost ground after Britain's opposition Labour Party said it would nationalise BT's fixed line network to provide free full-fibre broadband for all if it wins the election next month.

BT keeps Champions League soccer rights in $1.5 billion UK deal

Bayern Munich clinched their place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> last 16 by beating Olympiakos 2-0 at home on Wednesday as second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic secured their fourth win in Group B.

Playing their first game since coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">Niko Kovac was sacked</a> after the humiliating 5-1 drubbing at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern out-played the Greek champions but lacked composure in the area for large parts of the game.

They finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through Lewandowski, who continued his remarkable run of scoring in every Bundesliga and Champions League game this season.

The Polish striker prodded home a cross from Kingsley Coman from close range for his 21st strike in all competitions, setting interim boss Hansi Flick on the way to victory in his first game since being put in temporary charge.

Croatian winger Perisic claimed Bayern's second in the 89th to seal the win, slamming the ball home with his first touch less than 60 seconds after coming off the bench.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-must-pull-themselves-together-after-kovac-sacking-260232">Bayer</a>n top Group B with 12 points from four games and will be confirmed as group winners if Red Star Belgrade's match with Tottenham Hotspur later on Wednesday ends in a draw.

"I'm very happy with the performance and that we have progressed. The situation hasn't been easy for the team but we managed to put into practice all the things we have been working on in training," Flick said.

"I think in the first half we didn't create enough clear-cut chances, so we need to try to do better there.

"The win was important as we wanted to qualify for the last 16 today. We managed that. It was also important how we played."

Olympiakos coach Pedro Martins was not pleased with his side's display as they struggled to work Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

"Bayern pressured us a lot, constricting us on the pitch," he said. "We should have been faster in order to escape their stranglehold. We lost many balls. I was expecting more from my team. We could have done better."

Bayern Munich clinched their place in the Champions League last 16 by beating Olympiakos 2-0 at home on Wednesday as second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic secured their fourth win in Group B.

Bayern Munich clinched their place in the Champions League last 16 by beating Olympiakos 2-0 at home on Wednesday as second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic secured their fourth win in Group B. Playing their first game since coach Niko Kovac was sacked after the humiliating 5-1 drubbing at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern out-played the Greek champions but lacked composure in the area for large parts of the game. They finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through Lewandowski, who continued his remarkable run of scoring in every Bundesliga and Champions League game this season. The Polish striker prodded home a cross from Kingsley Coman from close range for his 21st strike in all competitions, setting interim boss Hansi Flick on the way to victory in his first game since being put in temporary charge. Croatian winger Perisic claimed Bayern's second in the 89th to seal the win, slamming the ball home with his first touch less than 60 seconds after coming off the bench. Bayern top Group B with 12 points from four games and will be confirmed as group winners if Red Star Belgrade's match with Tottenham Hotspur later on Wednesday ends in a draw. "I'm very happy with the performance and that we have progressed. The situation hasn't been easy for the team but we managed to put into practice all the things we have been working on in training," Flick said. "I think in the first half we didn't create enough clear-cut chances, so we need to try to do better there. "The win was important as we wanted to qualify for the last 16 today. We managed that. It was also important how we played." Olympiakos coach Pedro Martins was not pleased with his side's display as they struggled to work Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "Bayern pressured us a lot, constricting us on the pitch," he said. "We should have been faster in order to escape their stranglehold. We lost many balls. I was expecting more from my team. We could have done better."

Champions League: Bayern seal last-16 berth as Lewandowski strikes again

Substitute Douglas Costa scored an exquisite stoppage-time goal to give Juventus a 2-1 win away to Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday, which clinched their place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> round of 16 with two games to spare.

The Brazilian collected the ball outside the area and raced past three defenders, exchanged passes with Gonzalo Higuain who backheeled the return to him and then left two more players in his wake before beating goalkeeper Guilherme to silence the Lokomotiv stadium.

Juventus top Group D with 10 points, three ahead of Atletico Madrid who are away to Bayer Leverkusen later on Wednesday while Lokomotiv have three points and Leverkusen none. The Serie A champions remain unbeaten in all competitions under Maurizio Sarri who took over during the close season.

Guilherme had gifted Juventus the lead after four minutes when he allowed Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful free kick from an unlikely position near the touchline to squirm through his legs before Aaron Ramsey touched the ball over the line.

Juventus forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was substituted in the second half for Paulo Dybala after feeling a twinge in his knee, according to Juventus coach Sarri.

"He's been feeling it for a few days and I preferred to take him off to avoid running any risks, even though he was angry," Sarri said.

"It wasn't one of our best performances. We allowed the opposition to win too many balls, we were too open in the first half and in the second we were too slow in moving the ball around."

Aleksei Miranchuk levelled eight minutes later for the Railwayman, scoring from the rebound after his own header hit the post.

On a rainy Moscow evening, Guilherme then atoned for his mistake by making two saves in quick succession from Higuain.

The Brazil-born goalkeeper was almost caught out after another Ronaldo free kick bounced awkwardly in front of him early in the second half but then made another brilliant save to turn away the Portuguese forward's powerful drive.

Far from outclassed, Lokomotiv nearly went ahead in the 78th minute but Joao Mario saw his shot cleared off the line by Leonardo Bonucci with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny caught out of his ground.

In the end, Sarri's substitutions paid off as Juventus took all the points thanks to an inspired moment from Costa.

"We had chances to win this game and I think I would have been happy with a draw," said Lokomotiv's 72-year-old coach Yuri Semin, who is in his fourth stint in the job. "We played a really good match, defended well, but it was still not enough in the end."

Substitute Douglas Costa scored an exquisite stoppage-time goal to give Juventus a 2-1 win away to Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday, which clinched their place in the Champions League round of 16 with two games to spare.

Substitute Douglas Costa scored an exquisite stoppage-time goal to give Juventus a 2-1 win away to Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday, which clinched their place in the Champions League round of 16 with two games to spare. The Brazilian collected the ball outside the area and raced past three defenders, exchanged passes with Gonzalo Higuain who backheeled the return to him and then left two more players in his wake before beating goalkeeper Guilherme to silence the Lokomotiv stadium. Juventus top Group D with 10 points, three ahead of Atletico Madrid who are away to Bayer Leverkusen later on Wednesday while Lokomotiv have three points and Leverkusen none. The Serie A champions remain unbeaten in all competitions under Maurizio Sarri who took over during the close season. Guilherme had gifted Juventus the lead after four minutes when he allowed Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful free kick from an unlikely position near the touchline to squirm through his legs before Aaron Ramsey touched the ball over the line. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted in the second half for Paulo Dybala after feeling a twinge in his knee, according to Juventus coach Sarri. "He's been feeling it for a few days and I preferred to take him off to avoid running any risks, even though he was angry," Sarri said. "It wasn't one of our best performances. We allowed the opposition to win too many balls, we were too open in the first half and in the second we were too slow in moving the ball around." Aleksei Miranchuk levelled eight minutes later for the Railwayman, scoring from the rebound after his own header hit the post. On a rainy Moscow evening, Guilherme then atoned for his mistake by making two saves in quick succession from Higuain. The Brazil-born goalkeeper was almost caught out after another Ronaldo free kick bounced awkwardly in front of him early in the second half but then made another brilliant save to turn away the Portuguese forward's powerful drive. Far from outclassed, Lokomotiv nearly went ahead in the 78th minute but Joao Mario saw his shot cleared off the line by Leonardo Bonucci with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny caught out of his ground. In the end, Sarri's substitutions paid off as Juventus took all the points thanks to an inspired moment from Costa. "We had chances to win this game and I think I would have been happy with a draw," said Lokomotiv's 72-year-old coach Yuri Semin, who is in his fourth stint in the job. "We played a really good match, defended well, but it was still not enough in the end."

Champions League: Costa's stoppage-time gem sends Juventus into last 16

Mauro Icardi was again in the right place at the right time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-0 home victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday as the French champions booked their spot in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> last 16.

Icardi netted his eighth goal in his last seven games to put PSG on a maximum 12 points in Group A, five ahead of Real Madrid who thrashed Galatasaray 6-0.

Brugge, who missed a second-half penalty, are third on two points with Galatasaray eliminated on one point.

PSG travel to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-benzema-stars-as-real-madrid-put-five-past-limp-leganes-258930">Real Madrid</a> and the Belgian side face Galatasaray away in the penultimate round of matches on Nov. 26.

Icardi was preferred up front to Edinson Cavani alongside Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe, and the Argentine forward struck in the 22nd minute, tapping in from Colin Dagba's cross.

Now unbeaten in their last 23 group home games in the competition, PSG showed little in the second half as the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser but Keylor Navas made sure the Ligue 1 side kept their perfect defensive record in the group.

Brugge were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Thiago Silva brought down Mbaye Diagne in the area, only for Navas to block the Senegalese's spot-kick.

While Icardi had another night to remember, Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, proved clumsy throughout and was replaced by Julian Draxler seven minutes from time.

Mauro Icardi was again in the right place at the right time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-0 home victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday as the French champions booked their spot in the Champions League last 16.

Mauro Icardi was again in the right place at the right time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-0 home victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday as the French champions booked their spot in the Champions League last 16. Icardi netted his eighth goal in his last seven games to put PSG on a maximum 12 points in Group A, five ahead of Real Madrid who thrashed Galatasaray 6-0. Brugge, who missed a second-half penalty, are third on two points with Galatasaray eliminated on one point. PSG travel to Real Madrid and the Belgian side face Galatasaray away in the penultimate round of matches on Nov. 26. Icardi was preferred up front to Edinson Cavani alongside Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe, and the Argentine forward struck in the 22nd minute, tapping in from Colin Dagba's cross. Now unbeaten in their last 23 group home games in the competition, PSG showed little in the second half as the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser but Keylor Navas made sure the Ligue 1 side kept their perfect defensive record in the group. Brugge were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Thiago Silva brought down Mbaye Diagne in the area, only for Navas to block the Senegalese's spot-kick. While Icardi had another night to remember, Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, proved clumsy throughout and was replaced by Julian Draxler seven minutes from time.

Champions League: Icardi strikes again as PSG beat Brugge to reach last 16

Bayer Leverkusen sprang to life in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> group as they picked up their first points with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in a bad-tempered game on Wednesday.

Despite suffering a late fright and red card, Leverkusen were worthy winners and must have left their supporters wondering why they could not have produced similar displays earlier in the group.

Atletico would have clinched their place in the round of 16 with a win but failed to produce a single shot on target in the first half of the Group D game and fell behind to an own goal by Thomas Partey four minutes before halftime.

Charles Aranguiz lofted the ball over from the right and the Ghanaian headed into his own net as he tried to clear.

Leverkusen extended their lead 10 minutes after the break. Karim Bellarabi fired over a low cross from the right, Felipe failed to cut it out and Kevin Volland controlled the ball and drilled his shot past Jan Oblak.

There were ugly moments after that and, at one point, a huge scuffle broke out in the Atletico area involving around a dozen players which led to four players being booked.

Shortly afterwards, Leverkusen had Nadiem Amiri sent off for a late, sliding tackle, leaving the Bundesliga side to play the last six minutes with 10 men.

Alvaro Morata pulled one back in the fourth minute of stoppage time and, incredibly, Atletico nearly snatched an equaliser. In their next attack, the ball again fell perfectly for Morata in the penalty area but goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky saved the shot with his legs.

Leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Juventus</a> have qualified with 10 points from four games while Atletico have seven and Lokomotiv Moscow and Leverkusen three apiece.

Bayer Leverkusen sprang to life in their Champions League group as they picked up their first points with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in a bad-tempered game on Wednesday.

Bayer Leverkusen sprang to life in their Champions League group as they picked up their first points with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in a bad-tempered game on Wednesday. Despite suffering a late fright and red card, Leverkusen were worthy winners and must have left their supporters wondering why they could not have produced similar displays earlier in the group. Atletico would have clinched their place in the round of 16 with a win but failed to produce a single shot on target in the first half of the Group D game and fell behind to an own goal by Thomas Partey four minutes before halftime. Charles Aranguiz lofted the ball over from the right and the Ghanaian headed into his own net as he tried to clear. Leverkusen extended their lead 10 minutes after the break. Karim Bellarabi fired over a low cross from the right, Felipe failed to cut it out and Kevin Volland controlled the ball and drilled his shot past Jan Oblak. There were ugly moments after that and, at one point, a huge scuffle broke out in the Atletico area involving around a dozen players which led to four players being booked. Shortly afterwards, Leverkusen had Nadiem Amiri sent off for a late, sliding tackle, leaving the Bundesliga side to play the last six minutes with 10 men. Alvaro Morata pulled one back in the fourth minute of stoppage time and, incredibly, Atletico nearly snatched an equaliser. In their next attack, the ball again fell perfectly for Morata in the penalty area but goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky saved the shot with his legs. Leaders Juventus have qualified with 10 points from four games while Atletico have seven and Lokomotiv Moscow and Leverkusen three apiece.

Champions League: Leverkusen spring to life with win over Atletico

Real Madrid's teenage forward Rodrygo scored a blistering hat-trick as his side pummelled Galatasaray 6-0 at home on Wednesday to take a giant step towards qualifying for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> knockout stages.

The 18-year-old Brazilian put the 13-times European champions ahead in the fourth minute by turning two defenders in the area and firing into the bottom corner to score for the first time in Europe's elite competition.

Rodrygo struck again in the seventh by nodding home a cross from compatriot Marcelo, completing the fastest double in Champions League history.

Real did not ease off after their rampant start and extended their lead in the 13th minute with a typically cheeky 'Panenka' penalty from captain Sergio Ramos.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-benzema-stars-as-real-madrid-put-five-past-limp-leganes-258930">Karim Benzema</a> netted their fourth on the stroke of halftime, knocking the ball into the net after another thrilling piece of play from Rodrygo.

Benzema struck again from close range in the second half to move on to 50 Champions League goals for his club, moving ahead of Real great Alfredo Di Stefano as the Spanish side's third top scorer in Europe's top competition.

But the night belonged to Rodrygo, who rounded off a dream home European debut at the Santiago Bernabeu by completing his treble in added time, racing towards goal and exchanging passes with Benzema before tapping into the net.

The Brazilian, who became the second-youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League after Real great Raul, was serenaded by the home crowd.

"Hearing the Bernabeu singing my name is a dream come true," Rodrygo said. "I'm so happy, it has been a joyous night but I must try and stay calm."

Benzema, a veteran of great European nights at Real's home, was delighted for his strike partner.

"Rodrygo is only 18 years old but he is fearless. I love to see a young footballer play this way," the Frenchman said.

"We scored six goals and didn't concede any so we are in a party mood tonight."

Real, who picked up only one point from their first two games in the competition, are second in Group A with seven points from four matches.

Their next opponents Paris St Germain are top with 12, with Club Bruges third on two and Galatasaray bottom on one.

Victory over PSG, who have reached the last 16, would send Real into the knockout stage with a game to spare.

Real Madrid's teenage forward Rodrygo scored a blistering hat-trick as his side pummelled Galatasaray 6-0 at home on Wednesday to take a giant step towards qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.

Real Madrid's teenage forward Rodrygo scored a blistering hat-trick as his side pummelled Galatasaray 6-0 at home on Wednesday to take a giant step towards qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages. The 18-year-old Brazilian put the 13-times European champions ahead in the fourth minute by turning two defenders in the area and firing into the bottom corner to score for the first time in Europe's elite competition. Rodrygo struck again in the seventh by nodding home a cross from compatriot Marcelo, completing the fastest double in Champions League history. Real did not ease off after their rampant start and extended their lead in the 13th minute with a typically cheeky 'Panenka' penalty from captain Sergio Ramos. Karim Benzema netted their fourth on the stroke of halftime, knocking the ball into the net after another thrilling piece of play from Rodrygo. Benzema struck again from close range in the second half to move on to 50 Champions League goals for his club, moving ahead of Real great Alfredo Di Stefano as the Spanish side's third top scorer in Europe's top competition. But the night belonged to Rodrygo, who rounded off a dream home European debut at the Santiago Bernabeu by completing his treble in added time, racing towards goal and exchanging passes with Benzema before tapping into the net. The Brazilian, who became the second-youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League after Real great Raul, was serenaded by the home crowd. "Hearing the Bernabeu singing my name is a dream come true," Rodrygo said. "I'm so happy, it has been a joyous night but I must try and stay calm." Benzema, a veteran of great European nights at Real's home, was delighted for his strike partner. "Rodrygo is only 18 years old but he is fearless. I love to see a young footballer play this way," the Frenchman said. "We scored six goals and didn't concede any so we are in a party mood tonight." Real, who picked up only one point from their first two games in the competition, are second in Group A with seven points from four matches. Their next opponents Paris St Germain are top with 12, with Club Bruges third on two and Galatasaray bottom on one. Victory over PSG, who have reached the last 16, would send Real into the knockout stage with a game to spare.

Champions League: Rampant Rodrygo leads Real rout of Galatasaray

Tottenham Hotspur closed in on a berth in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> knockout stages after two goals from Son Heung-min and one each by Giovani Lo Celso and Christian Eriksen gave them a resounding 4-0 Group B win at Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

The result left Spurs second in the group on seven points from four games, five behind leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">Bayern Munich</a> who sealed a last-16 berth with two games to spare after a 2-0 home win over Olympiakos Piraeus.

Third-placed Red Star have three points and Olympiakos one.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with his team's performance in a raucous atmosphere and praised the home fans, whose die-hard end applauded Red Star players off the pitch despite a crushing defeat.

"It’s a difficult place to come to but we executed the game plan to dominate from the start superbly and I am so happy," the Argentine told a news conference.

"The approach was very good and our positional play in the opposition half was fantastic. We were a bit lucky in the first half because we scored and they didn’t take their chances.

"The atmosphere was great and the home fans were fantastic. Hopefully we will play here in the Champions League again."

Tottenham, who thrashed Red Star 5-0 in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, almost fell behind in the 23rd minute after Red Star striker Milan Pavkov powered his into the penalty area before keeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied him with a reflex save.

Lo Celso, who is on loan from Spanish side Real Betis, fired the visitors ahead in the 34th with his first goal for Spurs after a pinball-styled scramble in Red Star's six-yard box which left both sets of fans momentarily baffled.

Harry Kane hit the post while Son had one shot cleared off the line and saw another crash against the underside of the bar before Lo Celso turned the ball in from close range.

Red Star came closing to equalising on the stroke of halftime in almost identical fashion as Dutch forward Rajiv Van la Parra hit the post and the rebound cannoned off Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez on to the crossbar.

Son made it 2-0 in the 57th minute when he buried a left-footed shot from eight metres into the roof of the net from a flowing move as Spurs broke out of their own half, with Dele Alli feeding the Korean forward.

With Red Star reeling, Son added the third four minutes later after another lightning Spurs break, blasting in a first-time shot at the far post following an inch-perfect low cross by left back Danny Rose.

Late substitute Eriksen added the gloss when he tucked the ball past goalkeeper Milan Borjan after another fine assist by the lively Rose.

Many Red Star fans left the acoustic Rajko Mitic stadium in a hurry before the final whistle, with several hundred visiting Spurs supporters in full swing.

Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic conceded there was a gulf in class between the two teams.

"I can only congratulate Tottenham, they punished us after we squandered some first-half opportunities," he said.

"We tried to close them down but we got beaten by an outstanding team and though the defeat leaves a bitter taste, it is part of a learning curve."

Tottenham Hotspur closed in on a berth in the Champions League knockout stages after two goals from Son Heung-min and one each by Giovani Lo Celso and Christian Eriksen gave them a resounding 4-0 Group B win at Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur closed in on a berth in the Champions League knockout stages after two goals from Son Heung-min and one each by Giovani Lo Celso and Christian Eriksen gave them a resounding 4-0 Group B win at Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. The result left Spurs second in the group on seven points from four games, five behind leaders Bayern Munich who sealed a last-16 berth with two games to spare after a 2-0 home win over Olympiakos Piraeus. Third-placed Red Star have three points and Olympiakos one. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with his team's performance in a raucous atmosphere and praised the home fans, whose die-hard end applauded Red Star players off the pitch despite a crushing defeat. "It’s a difficult place to come to but we executed the game plan to dominate from the start superbly and I am so happy," the Argentine told a news conference. "The approach was very good and our positional play in the opposition half was fantastic. We were a bit lucky in the first half because we scored and they didn’t take their chances. "The atmosphere was great and the home fans were fantastic. Hopefully we will play here in the Champions League again." Tottenham, who thrashed Red Star 5-0 in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, almost fell behind in the 23rd minute after Red Star striker Milan Pavkov powered his into the penalty area before keeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied him with a reflex save. Lo Celso, who is on loan from Spanish side Real Betis, fired the visitors ahead in the 34th with his first goal for Spurs after a pinball-styled scramble in Red Star's six-yard box which left both sets of fans momentarily baffled. Harry Kane hit the post while Son had one shot cleared off the line and saw another crash against the underside of the bar before Lo Celso turned the ball in from close range. Red Star came closing to equalising on the stroke of halftime in almost identical fashion as Dutch forward Rajiv Van la Parra hit the post and the rebound cannoned off Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez on to the crossbar. Son made it 2-0 in the 57th minute when he buried a left-footed shot from eight metres into the roof of the net from a flowing move as Spurs broke out of their own half, with Dele Alli feeding the Korean forward. With Red Star reeling, Son added the third four minutes later after another lightning Spurs break, blasting in a first-time shot at the far post following an inch-perfect low cross by left back Danny Rose. Late substitute Eriksen added the gloss when he tucked the ball past goalkeeper Milan Borjan after another fine assist by the lively Rose. Many Red Star fans left the acoustic Rajko Mitic stadium in a hurry before the final whistle, with several hundred visiting Spurs supporters in full swing. Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic conceded there was a gulf in class between the two teams. "I can only congratulate Tottenham, they punished us after we squandered some first-half opportunities," he said. "We tried to close them down but we got beaten by an outstanding team and though the defeat leaves a bitter taste, it is part of a learning curve."

Champions League: Spurs close in on last-16 berth with 4-0 rout of Red Star