Thibaut Courtois proved the hero on Sunday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-keep-pace-with-barca-as-bale-suffers-hostile-reception-264159">Real Madrid</a> beat city rivals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-super-cup-atletico-madrid-beat-fc-barcelona-exciting-game-play-ends-with-nail-biting-finish-273311">Atletico Madrid</a> in a penalty shoot-out in Saudi Arabia to win their 11th Spanish Super Cup.

Courtois and Jan Oblak were both imperious during a goalless final in Jeddah but the Belgian came up trumps, saving Thomas Partey's penalty after Saul Niguez had already hit the post.

Sergio Ramos tucked away the winning spot-kick to ensure Real Madrid clinched their first trophy of the season, with La Liga and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-16-draw-date-rules-possible-scenarios-for-english-teams-and-all-you-need-to-know-268455">Champions League</a> next in their sights.

"I went through their takers on the bench," said Courtois. "Saul's surprised me but Thomas' I read, and he's got a very hard shot."

Atletico might have won it in extra-time when Alvaro Morata went through one-on-one but Real's Federico Valverde took a red card in exchange for cynically fouling the striker from behind.

"It was something you shouldn't do and I apologised to Alvaro but it was the only option I had left," said Valverde.

"It was the most important moment of the match," added Atletico coach Diego Simeone.&nbsp;

"If he had gone through it was a goal but I told him that anyone would have done the same in his position."

Victory maintains Zinedine Zidane's spotless record as a coach in finals.&nbsp;

He has now led Madrid to success three times in the Champions League, and two each in the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and now <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-super-cups-format-relocation-to-saudi-arabia-due-to-footballs-desire-for-money-says-valverde-273188">Spanish Super Cup</a>.

"I have won many things as a player and now as a coach," said Zidane. "But I congratulate the players. You can achieve anything if you work hard enough."

The focus before the tournament was more on the decision of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to move this year's Super Cup a four-team competition rather than a straight final away from Spain and to Saudi Arabia, despite the country's long-criticised treatment of women and record on human rights.

Before the final, RFEF president Luis Rubiales said he was "very happy" with how the format had panned out. "We have to improve things because it is a country that has just started organising these sorts of events," he added.

For all the controversy off the pitch, on the pitch, the tournament has delivered.&nbsp;

Real Madrid played brilliantly to beat Valencia on Wednesday while a pulsating 3-2 win for Atletico on Thursday has put Barcelona coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ernesto-valverde-backs-griezmann-to-connect-with-messi-suarez-238867">Ernesto Valverde</a> on the brink of the sack.&nbsp;

And although the final lacked goals and quality finishing, there was drama until the end and joy on the faces of Real Madrid's players as Ramos hoisted another trophy under the fireworks.

Ramos had been guilty of sloppiness early on and Atletico should have capitalised.&nbsp;

The defender played a pass straight to Joao Felix on the edge of the area but Felix dragged wide and then Ferland Mendy gave the ball away, only for Morata to look for contact from Courtois and a penalty when there was neither.

Both teams had good chances to win it late on, with Luka Jovic's deflected cross finding Valverde free five yards out but the midfielder's header hit his own knee before drifting harmlessly over.

Then Atletico might have nicked it as Kieran Trippier clipped an excellent pass over the top for Morata, who opted for accuracy rather than power and Courtois was able to push away.&nbsp;

Into extra-time and, with 105 minutes on the clock, Courtois did well to flash out a leg and block Morata's acrobatic effort while Oblak twice denied Real, first a curling shot from Luka Modric and then a follow-up from Mariano Diaz.

Yet the most dramatic moment was still to come as Saul sent Morata clean through, with only Courtois to beat, before the chasing Valverde scythed him down from behind.&nbsp;

The red card was inevitable but Atletico only had a free-kick and, for four minutes, a one-man advantage. Trippier hit the free-kick into the wall and Real held on for penalties.&nbsp;

Carvajal found the corner but Saul struck the post, despite sending Courtois the wrong way. Rodrygo coolly put Real two ahead and Thomas missed, this time Courtois diving right and palming clear.&nbsp;

Modric swept into the corner before Trippier did the same. It was left to Ramos to hit the winning shot.&nbsp;

Thibaut Courtois proved the hero on Sunday as Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico Madrid in a penalty shoot-out in Saudi Arabia to win their 11th Spanish Super Cup.

Thibaut Courtois proved the hero on Sunday as Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico Madrid in a penalty shoot-out in Saudi Arabia to win their 11th Spanish Super Cup. Courtois and Jan Oblak were both imperious during a goalless final in Jeddah but the Belgian came up trumps, saving Thomas Partey's penalty after Saul Niguez had already hit the post. Sergio Ramos tucked away the winning spot-kick to ensure Real Madrid clinched their first trophy of the season, with La Liga and the Champions League next in their sights. "I went through their takers on the bench," said Courtois. "Saul's surprised me but Thomas' I read, and he's got a very hard shot." Atletico might have won it in extra-time when Alvaro Morata went through one-on-one but Real's Federico Valverde took a red card in exchange for cynically fouling the striker from behind. "It was something you shouldn't do and I apologised to Alvaro but it was the only option I had left," said Valverde. "It was the most important moment of the match," added Atletico coach Diego Simeone. "If he had gone through it was a goal but I told him that anyone would have done the same in his position." Victory maintains Zinedine Zidane's spotless record as a coach in finals. He has now led Madrid to success three times in the Champions League, and two each in the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and now Spanish Super Cup. "I have won many things as a player and now as a coach," said Zidane. "But I congratulate the players. You can achieve anything if you work hard enough." The focus before the tournament was more on the decision of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to move this year's Super Cup a four-team competition rather than a straight final away from Spain and to Saudi Arabia, despite the country's long-criticised treatment of women and record on human rights. Before the final, RFEF president Luis Rubiales said he was "very happy" with how the format had panned out. "We have to improve things because it is a country that has just started organising these sorts of events," he added. For all the controversy off the pitch, on the pitch, the tournament has delivered. Real Madrid played brilliantly to beat Valencia on Wednesday while a pulsating 3-2 win for Atletico on Thursday has put Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde on the brink of the sack. And although the final lacked goals and quality finishing, there was drama until the end and joy on the faces of Real Madrid's players as Ramos hoisted another trophy under the fireworks. Ramos had been guilty of sloppiness early on and Atletico should have capitalised. The defender played a pass straight to Joao Felix on the edge of the area but Felix dragged wide and then Ferland Mendy gave the ball away, only for Morata to look for contact from Courtois and a penalty when there was neither. Both teams had good chances to win it late on, with Luka Jovic's deflected cross finding Valverde free five yards out but the midfielder's header hit his own knee before drifting harmlessly over. Then Atletico might have nicked it as Kieran Trippier clipped an excellent pass over the top for Morata, who opted for accuracy rather than power and Courtois was able to push away. Into extra-time and, with 105 minutes on the clock, Courtois did well to flash out a leg and block Morata's acrobatic effort while Oblak twice denied Real, first a curling shot from Luka Modric and then a follow-up from Mariano Diaz. Yet the most dramatic moment was still to come as Saul sent Morata clean through, with only Courtois to beat, before the chasing Valverde scythed him down from behind. The red card was inevitable but Atletico only had a free-kick and, for four minutes, a one-man advantage. Trippier hit the free-kick into the wall and Real held on for penalties. Carvajal found the corner but Saul struck the post, despite sending Courtois the wrong way. Rodrygo coolly put Real two ahead and Thomas missed, this time Courtois diving right and palming clear. Modric swept into the corner before Trippier did the same. It was left to Ramos to hit the winning shot.

Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties to lift 11th Spanish Super Cup

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in Saturday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-end-sensational-year-as-roberto-firminos-extra-time-goal-seals-club-world-cup-269525">Club World Cup final</a>, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

The midfielder landed awkwardly on his ankle during the 1-0 win over Flamengo and was substituted in the 75th minute. Klopp confirmed the 26-year-old would not play during the busy festive period when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-hunger-for-titles-like-an-addiction-lallana-269291">Liverpool</a> play three times in eight days.

"You have three ligaments on the outside of the ankle, one of them is damaged," Klopp told reporters ahead of Thursday's top-of-the-table clash at Leicester City.

"Now we have to see how quickly we can fix that. I don't know exactly. I had that injury myself, but it was years ago and it can take a while or can be quick.

"No chance for Thursday and no chance for this year. Oxlade will not play anymore (in 2019), that's clear."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpool-manager-klopp-extends-contract-to-2024-268150">Klopp</a> also said midfielder Fabinho and centre backs Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were recovering well but not fit for the upcoming games.

"There is no news on anyone else, which is good news," Klopp added.

Liverpool played two games in Qatar last week as they lifted their third trophy of the year following their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Champions League</a> and UEFA Super Cup triumphs. But Klopp said fatigue would not be a factor when they prepare for the trip to Leicester.

"The way to Qatar was difficult sleeping-wise but on the way back it was completely normal," Klopp said. "Yesterday we had the day off, and I'm pretty sure the boys slept as much as they could.

&nbsp;

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in Saturday's Club World Cup final, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in Saturday's Club World Cup final, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday. The midfielder landed awkwardly on his ankle during the 1-0 win over Flamengo and was substituted in the 75th minute. Klopp confirmed the 26-year-old would not play during the busy festive period when Liverpool play three times in eight days. "You have three ligaments on the outside of the ankle, one of them is damaged," Klopp told reporters ahead of Thursday's top-of-the-table clash at Leicester City. "Now we have to see how quickly we can fix that. I don't know exactly. I had that injury myself, but it was years ago and it can take a while or can be quick. "No chance for Thursday and no chance for this year. Oxlade will not play anymore (in 2019), that's clear." Klopp also said midfielder Fabinho and centre backs Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were recovering well but not fit for the upcoming games. "There is no news on anyone else, which is good news," Klopp added. Liverpool played two games in Qatar last week as they lifted their third trophy of the year following their Champions League and UEFA Super Cup triumphs. But Klopp said fatigue would not be a factor when they prepare for the trip to Leicester. "The way to Qatar was difficult sleeping-wise but on the way back it was completely normal," Klopp said. "Yesterday we had the day off, and I'm pretty sure the boys slept as much as they could.

Football: Liverpool's Oxlade-Chamberlain sidelined with ankle injury

Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman's knee injury which he sustained in Wednesday's Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur, will keep him sidelined until January as it looked worse than it actually was, the club said.

The Frenchman, who has suffered several severe knee injuries in the past seasons, was injured during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846/amp">Bayern's 3-1 home victory</a> over Tottenham that sent them through to the competition's knockout stages as group winners with a perfect record of six wins in six games.

"Obviously we were all shocked at the moment he sustained the injury but Kingsley had a lot of luck," club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt said in a statement. "The checks showed that he will miss only three matches and he will be able to do the entire preparation in Doha."

Coman, 23, opened the scoring in the 14th minute but jarred his knee just over 10 minutes later and left the pitch in considerable pain.

He tore a capsule in his left knee and also damaged a tendon and jarred the knee joint, forcing him to wear a knee splint. The Bundesliga pauses on December&nbsp;22 and resumes about a month later following a winter break.

The five-time European champions became the first German team, and only the seventh in all, to win all six group games in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">Champions League</a>, giving them a much-needed lift after their domestic struggles this season.

Bayern have won the German top-flight title a record 29 times, including the last seven seasons in a row, but are currently seventh in the standings, seven points behind leaders Borussia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">Moenchengladbach</a>.

The champions parted company with coach Niko Kovac last month and interim boss Hansi Flick said they would immediately switch focus to putting things right in the league, where they have lost their last two games.

"We didn't get everything right today, but we won and that's a sign that we have to keep going. We now have three games until the winter break to switch our attention to," he added.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hailed Bayern's "historic" achievement in Europe, but said the team were already looking ahead to Saturday's home league match against Werder Bremen.

"We didn't just want to break the record in the group, we want to win every game," Neuer added. "Now we have three more important games and we have to put our all into winning all of them."

Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman's knee injury which he sustained in Wednesday's Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur, will keep him sidelined until January as it looked worse than it actually was, the club said.

Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman's knee injury which he sustained in Wednesday's Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur, will keep him sidelined until January as it looked worse than it actually was, the club said. The Frenchman, who has suffered several severe knee injuries in the past seasons, was injured during Bayern's 3-1 home victory over Tottenham that sent them through to the competition's knockout stages as group winners with a perfect record of six wins in six games. "Obviously we were all shocked at the moment he sustained the injury but Kingsley had a lot of luck," club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt said in a statement. "The checks showed that he will miss only three matches and he will be able to do the entire preparation in Doha." Coman, 23, opened the scoring in the 14th minute but jarred his knee just over 10 minutes later and left the pitch in considerable pain. He tore a capsule in his left knee and also damaged a tendon and jarred the knee joint, forcing him to wear a knee splint. The Bundesliga pauses on December 22 and resumes about a month later following a winter break. The five-time European champions became the first German team, and only the seventh in all, to win all six group games in the Champions League, giving them a much-needed lift after their domestic struggles this season. Bayern have won the German top-flight title a record 29 times, including the last seven seasons in a row, but are currently seventh in the standings, seven points behind leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach. The champions parted company with coach Niko Kovac last month and interim boss Hansi Flick said they would immediately switch focus to putting things right in the league, where they have lost their last two games. "We didn't get everything right today, but we won and that's a sign that we have to keep going. We now have three games until the winter break to switch our attention to," he added. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hailed Bayern's "historic" achievement in Europe, but said the team were already looking ahead to Saturday's home league match against Werder Bremen. "We didn't just want to break the record in the group, we want to win every game," Neuer added. "Now we have three more important games and we have to put our all into winning all of them."

Football: Bayern forward Coman out until January with knee injury

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ligue-1-mbappe-and-neymar-on-target-as-psg-sink-nantes-266408">Kylian Mbappe and Neymar</a> were at their brilliant best as Paris St Germain demolished Galatasaray 5-0 in their final Champions League Group A game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Both Mbappe and Neymar scored one and set up two other goals as the French champions, who had already made sure they would end the group phase on top, finished with 16 points, five ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Real Madrid</a> after the 13-time champions beat Club Brugge 3-1 away.

Galatasaray, who also conceded goals by Pablo Sarabia, Mauro Icardi and Edinson Cavani and ended with two points, were eliminated from all European competitions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">PSG</a> and Galatasaray fans clashed briefly before kickoff outside the stadium with one supporter being taken to hospital with a minor injury, a police source said.

Despite having midfielder Marco Verratti and keeper Keylor Navas on the bench and Angel Di Maria out with a last-minute injury, PSG dominated and were rewarded in the 32nd minute.

Neymar played Mbappe through and the French international flicked the ball into the path of Icardi who poked home the ball to put the hosts ahead with his fifth <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 this season,&nbsp;his 12th in his last 13 games in all competitions.

Sarabia made it 2-0 three minutes later with an angled shot after being set up by Neymar. The Brazilian found the back of the net himself two minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike into the far corner after being set up by a Mbappe backheel.

Mbappe, who has now scored 19 goals and set up 11 in 30 Champions League games, increased the advantage in the 63rd with a cool finish from another Neymar assist.

Fan favourite Cavani, who came on as a second-half substitute, rounded it off with a penalty in the 84th minute after Ryan Donk had brought down Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were at their brilliant best as Paris St Germain demolished Galatasaray 5-0 in their final Champions League Group A game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were at their brilliant best as Paris St Germain demolished Galatasaray 5-0 in their final Champions League Group A game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Both Mbappe and Neymar scored one and set up two other goals as the French champions, who had already made sure they would end the group phase on top, finished with 16 points, five ahead of Real Madrid after the 13-time champions beat Club Brugge 3-1 away. Galatasaray, who also conceded goals by Pablo Sarabia, Mauro Icardi and Edinson Cavani and ended with two points, were eliminated from all European competitions. PSG and Galatasaray fans clashed briefly before kickoff outside the stadium with one supporter being taken to hospital with a minor injury, a police source said. Despite having midfielder Marco Verratti and keeper Keylor Navas on the bench and Angel Di Maria out with a last-minute injury, PSG dominated and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. Neymar played Mbappe through and the French international flicked the ball into the path of Icardi who poked home the ball to put the hosts ahead with his fifth Champions League goal this season, his 12th in his last 13 games in all competitions. Sarabia made it 2-0 three minutes later with an angled shot after being set up by Neymar. The Brazilian found the back of the net himself two minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike into the far corner after being set up by a Mbappe backheel. Mbappe, who has now scored 19 goals and set up 11 in 30 Champions League games, increased the advantage in the 63rd with a cool finish from another Neymar assist. Fan favourite Cavani, who came on as a second-half substitute, rounded it off with a penalty in the 84th minute after Ryan Donk had brought down Mbappe.

Champions League: Mbappe and Neymar dazzle as PSG thrash Galatasaray

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-skips-ballon-dor-to-receive-serie-a-player-of-the-year-award-in-italy-266021">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Gonzalo Higuain scored late goals as already-qualified Juventus beat hosts Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the <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> Group D finale on Wednesday to eliminate the Germans from the competition.

Ronaldo tapped in from close range in the 75th minute after having missed an almost identical chance in the first half and Higuain scored in stoppage time to put Juve top of the group on 16 points.

Atletico Madrid, on 10, also advanced with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">2-0 win over Lokomotiv</a> Moscow, leaving Leverkusen in third place on six points and with a spot in the Europa League the next year.

Leverkusen started strongly and looked for an early goal but it was the Italians who came agonisingly close when Higuain cut into the box and Ronaldo was a fraction too late.

Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby then let fly from 20 metres and seemed set to beat 41-year-old keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was making his first Champions League appearance this season, but the ball bounced off the post.

After the break, Juve controlled the pace with the hosts growing more desperate.

Ronaldo, who ended his goal drought earlier this month and also scored in the league at the weekend, struck with 15 minutes left, tapping in substitute <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-juventus-dybala-sinks-milan-as-angry-ronaldo-substituted-261314">Paulo Dybala'</a>s cross to end any lingering hopes of qualifying for the Germans.

Dybala then set up Higuain for their second goal with the Argentine scoring with a low drive.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain scored late goals as already-qualified Juventus beat hosts Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the Champions League Group D finale on Wednesday to eliminate the Germans from the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain scored late goals as already-qualified Juventus beat hosts Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the Champions League Group D finale on Wednesday to eliminate the Germans from the competition. Ronaldo tapped in from close range in the 75th minute after having missed an almost identical chance in the first half and Higuain scored in stoppage time to put Juve top of the group on 16 points. Atletico Madrid, on 10, also advanced with a 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow, leaving Leverkusen in third place on six points and with a spot in the Europa League the next year. Leverkusen started strongly and looked for an early goal but it was the Italians who came agonisingly close when Higuain cut into the box and Ronaldo was a fraction too late. Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby then let fly from 20 metres and seemed set to beat 41-year-old keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was making his first Champions League appearance this season, but the ball bounced off the post. After the break, Juve controlled the pace with the hosts growing more desperate. Ronaldo, who ended his goal drought earlier this month and also scored in the league at the weekend, struck with 15 minutes left, tapping in substitute Paulo Dybala's cross to end any lingering hopes of qualifying for the Germans. Dybala then set up Higuain for their second goal with the Argentine scoring with a low drive.

Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain on target as Juventus beat Leverkusen 2-0

<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/lampard-keen-to-strengthen-chelseas-attack-in-january-267569">Chelsea</a> survived a nerve-jangling finale to their 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, eventually holding on to clinch a place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea, who needed a victory to make sure of qualification, had gone five <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-advance-to-last-16-with-2-0-win-in-salzburg-267561">Champions League</a> games at Stamford Bridge without a victory, their longest such run at home in the competition.

They dominated almost the entire game yet Lille, who were already condemned to the bottom spot of Group H and fielded an under-strength side, scored in the 78th minute and came close to a late equaliser that would have eliminated Chelsea.

Victory left Chelsea second in the group on 11 points behind Valencia, who won 1-0 at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/onana-passed-fit-but-ajax-miss-injured-striker-promes-267387">Ajax Amsterdam</a>, consigning the Dutch champions to third place and elimination. Lille ended with just one point.

"It did get twitchy," Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said. "We need to take our chances better. At 2-0, I thought it was not quite done and when Lille scored it made it a more nervy finish to the game than it needed to be."

After dominating the opening proceedings in a downpour and swirling wind, Chelsea went ahead in the 19th minute when U.S. striker Christian Pulisic darted forward to feed Willian and the Brazilian's cut-back cross was turned in by Abraham.

The Londoners doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Azpilicueta shook off his marker to score with a close-range header from a corner by Emerson.

But what had looked like being a comfortable night for the Blues proved anything but once former Chelsea striker Loic Remy pulled a goal back for Lille with his shot going in off the underside of the bar.

Remy then wasted a chance to equalise when he shot straight at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in injury time.

Lille coach Christophe Galtier said his team had struggled in the opening 30 minutes to cope with Chelsea and the heavy rain and wind that swept around Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea seemed to play a bit less in the second half. We got more of the ball and we deserved to get our goal," he said. "It made the match more interesting than what went before it. We could have scored a second goal."

The result meant all four English teams in this season's Champions League - Liverpool, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-not-on-par-with-european-elite-says-guardiola-267118">Manchester City</a> and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Chelsea - have reached the last 16 of the competition.

There was further good news for Chelsea as they welcomed back central defender Antonio Rudiger who had previously played only 45 minutes this season due to injuries.

Chelsea survived a nerve-jangling finale to their 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, eventually holding on to clinch a place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea survived a nerve-jangling finale to their 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, eventually holding on to clinch a place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and captain Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea, who needed a victory to make sure of qualification, had gone five Champions League games at Stamford Bridge without a victory, their longest such run at home in the competition. They dominated almost the entire game yet Lille, who were already condemned to the bottom spot of Group H and fielded an under-strength side, scored in the 78th minute and came close to a late equaliser that would have eliminated Chelsea. Victory left Chelsea second in the group on 11 points behind Valencia, who won 1-0 at Ajax Amsterdam, consigning the Dutch champions to third place and elimination. Lille ended with just one point. "It did get twitchy," Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said. "We need to take our chances better. At 2-0, I thought it was not quite done and when Lille scored it made it a more nervy finish to the game than it needed to be." After dominating the opening proceedings in a downpour and swirling wind, Chelsea went ahead in the 19th minute when U.S. striker Christian Pulisic darted forward to feed Willian and the Brazilian's cut-back cross was turned in by Abraham. The Londoners doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Azpilicueta shook off his marker to score with a close-range header from a corner by Emerson. But what had looked like being a comfortable night for the Blues proved anything but once former Chelsea striker Loic Remy pulled a goal back for Lille with his shot going in off the underside of the bar. Remy then wasted a chance to equalise when he shot straight at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in injury time. Lille coach Christophe Galtier said his team had struggled in the opening 30 minutes to cope with Chelsea and the heavy rain and wind that swept around Stamford Bridge. "Chelsea seemed to play a bit less in the second half. We got more of the ball and we deserved to get our goal," he said. "It made the match more interesting than what went before it. We could have scored a second goal." The result meant all four English teams in this season's Champions League - Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Chelsea - have reached the last 16 of the competition. There was further good news for Chelsea as they welcomed back central defender Antonio Rudiger who had previously played only 45 minutes this season due to injuries.

Chelsea hold on against Lille to advance in Champions League

Goalkeeper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-chelsea-and-nine-man-ajax-share-spoils-in-thrilling-4-4-draw-260245">Andre&nbsp;Onana&nbsp;</a>has been&nbsp;passed&nbsp;fit&nbsp;to play in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-chelsea-and-nine-man-ajax-share-spoils-in-thrilling-4-4-draw-260245">Ajax&nbsp;Amsterdam</a>'s key Champions League tie against Valencia on Tuesday but&nbsp;striker&nbsp;Quincy&nbsp;Promes&nbsp;is ruled out, coach Erik ten Hag said on Monday.

Onana&nbsp;had a scan on a hamstring injury suffered in training on Saturday and was given the all-clear to play in Tuesday's Group H game at the Amsterdam Arena, where&nbsp;Ajax&nbsp;still need a draw to guarantee progress to the last 16.

Promes&nbsp;has not recovered from a calf injury suffered on Friday when leaders&nbsp;Ajax, surprisingly, lost 2-0 at home to Willem II, losing their season's unbeaten league record although they remain three points clear at the top.

"We were annoyed but we quickly let it go. We changed focus quickly towards tomorrow's match," said Ten Hag.

A win would ensure top place in the group for&nbsp;Ajax, who have 10 points from five games, but a draw could see them usurped by Chelsea and finish second.

Defeat to Valencia could even see last year's semi-finalists exit the competition, should Chelsea beat Lille in the other group match.

"We know what outcome we need but we will go out to play our game and to go for the win," said Dutch international Donny van de Beek at Monday's pre-match press conference.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been passed fit to play in Ajax Amsterdam's key Champions League tie against Valencia on Tuesday but striker Quincy Promes is ruled out, coach Erik ten Hag said on Monday.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been passed fit to play in Ajax Amsterdam's key Champions League tie against Valencia on Tuesday but striker Quincy Promes is ruled out, coach Erik ten Hag said on Monday. Onana had a scan on a hamstring injury suffered in training on Saturday and was given the all-clear to play in Tuesday's Group H game at the Amsterdam Arena, where Ajax still need a draw to guarantee progress to the last 16. Promes has not recovered from a calf injury suffered on Friday when leaders Ajax, surprisingly, lost 2-0 at home to Willem II, losing their season's unbeaten league record although they remain three points clear at the top. "We were annoyed but we quickly let it go. We changed focus quickly towards tomorrow's match," said Ten Hag. A win would ensure top place in the group for Ajax, who have 10 points from five games, but a draw could see them usurped by Chelsea and finish second. Defeat to Valencia could even see last year's semi-finalists exit the competition, should Chelsea beat Lille in the other group match. "We know what outcome we need but we will go out to play our game and to go for the win," said Dutch international Donny van de Beek at Monday's pre-match press conference.

Football: Onana passed fit but Ajax miss injured striker Promes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-players-that-led-manchester-city-to-english-premier-league-glory-218210">Manchester&nbsp;City</a>&nbsp;must accept that they may not be able to compete with the top teams in Europe at the moment, manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-defends-bernardo-silva-over-tweet-to-mendy-251960">Pep Guardiola</a> has said.

City's 2-1 defeat by&nbsp;Manchester&nbsp;United in the Premier League on Saturday was their fourth of the campaign and left the defending champions third 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola's side was ripped apart by United on the counter-attack and they looked a shadow of the side that won the domestic treble last season.

"That is the level we face, against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-ham-extend-away-day-blues-for-pitiful-manchester-united-251268">United</a>,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-lionel-messi-sinks-atletico-as-barcelona-return-to-the-top-265656"> Barcelona</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/6-reasons-for-real-madrid%27s-poor-performance-113364">Madrid</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-inter-milan-return-to-serie-a-duel-as-napoli-try-to-snap-winless-run-265161">Juventus</a> they are the teams we have to face and the reality is maybe we are not able now to compete with them," Guardiola told Sky Sports.

"We have to improve and accept it and move forward. Maybe we need to live that as a club to improve, to accept the reality now and improve."

City's backline has been ravaged by injury, with Guardiola fielding defensive midfielder Fernando in central defence in recent games.

"The reality is we are 14 points behind for the mistakes we have done, for the quality of our opponents and especially, as well, the things we cannot control," he said.

"We are at the beginning of December and we have other competitions to play in and other games to fight and improve on."

City&nbsp;are back in action on Wednesday when they visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/juve-wrap-up-top-spot-with-dinamo-victory-9883">Dynamo Zagreb</a> 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>, where they have already sealed progress to the knockout rounds as Group C winners.

Manchester City must accept that they may not be able to compete with the top teams in Europe at the moment, manager Pep Guardiola has said. City's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday was their fourth of the campaign and left the defending champions third 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Manchester City must accept that they may not be able to compete with the top teams in Europe at the moment, manager Pep Guardiola has said. City's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday was their fourth of the campaign and left the defending champions third 14 points behind leaders Liverpool. Guardiola's side was ripped apart by United on the counter-attack and they looked a shadow of the side that won the domestic treble last season. "That is the level we face, against Liverpool, United, Barcelona, Madrid, Juventus they are the teams we have to face and the reality is maybe we are not able now to compete with them," Guardiola told Sky Sports. "We have to improve and accept it and move forward. Maybe we need to live that as a club to improve, to accept the reality now and improve." City's backline has been ravaged by injury, with Guardiola fielding defensive midfielder Fernando in central defence in recent games. "The reality is we are 14 points behind for the mistakes we have done, for the quality of our opponents and especially, as well, the things we cannot control," he said. "We are at the beginning of December and we have other competitions to play in and other games to fight and improve on." City are back in action on Wednesday when they visit Dynamo Zagreb in the Champions League, where they have already sealed progress to the knockout rounds as Group C winners.

Football: Manchester City not on par with European elite, says Pep Guardiola

Lionel Messi scored in his 700th match for Barcelona and also set up goals for Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann as the Catalans beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 on Wednesday to seal a spot in the Champions League knockout stages as Group F winners.

Lionel Messi scored in his 700th match for Barcelona and also set up goals for Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann as the Catalans beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 on Wednesday to seal a spot in the Champions League knockout stages as Group F winners. Messi set up Suarez to put Barca ahead at a packed Camp Nou in the 29th minute before the Uruguayan returned the compliment for the Argentine to establish another Champions League record on his landmark night four minutes later. Messi's left-foot strike meant he had scored against a 34th different team in the Champions League, surpassing the mark that he had shared with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul. "Messi moves so well between the lines and when he receives the ball he is almost unstoppable," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre, whose side struck a late consolation goal through substitute Jadon Sancho. "Sometimes all you can do is try to foul him because he is so explosive. He is also deadly whenever he makes a final ball." Substitute Griezmann finished off a defence-splitting pass from Messi to further stretch Barca's lead in the 67th minute, a much-needed goal for the Frenchman's confidence after failing to score in his previous six appearances for the club. Griezmann had been left out of the starting line-up but came on midway through the first half when his injury-prone compatriot Ousmane Dembele was forced off with a third muscle problem of the campaign. Dortmund's England forward Sancho also began the game on the bench but made an impact when introduced after halftime, firing in an impressive consolation strike for the Germans in the 77th minute after pouncing on a loose ball inside the area. The 19-year-old then forced Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to turn a powerful shot on to the crossbar in a strong finish from the German side, whose coach Favre is under pressure due to the team's poor domestic results. But it did not tarnish what was a therapeutic win for Barca, who had come in for scathing criticism for their recent poor displays against Leganes, Levante and Slavia Prague, even though they are top of La Liga and their Champions League group. Ernesto Valverde's side lead the standings with 11 points from five games, Inter Milan are second on seven while Dortmund are third, also on seven, with Slavia bottom with two. "We were in the toughest group in the competition and once again we have qualified for the latter stages with a game to spare," said Valverde. "Our first objective was to qualify as group winners but we also wanted to show a real improvement in our play," added Suarez.

Champions League: Messi scores in 700th match as Barcelona ease into knockout stages

Atletico Madrid produced a typically spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday's heavyweight Champions League Group D opener.

Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera levelled in the 90th minute with a thumping header from a corner after defender Stefan Savic had pulled a goal back for the Spaniards in the 70th with a header from close range following a free-kick.

The Spaniards were the brighter side in the first half but Juve went ahead in the 48th minute when Juan Cuadrado sent an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner after a break engineered by a punt forward from defender Leonardo Bonucci.

The Italian champions doubled their lead in the 65th minute following another quick counter as midfielder Blaise Matuidi headed home a cross from Alex Sandro.

But with bullish coach Diego Simeone motivating them from the sidelines and a typically boisterous Wanda Metropolitano crowd roaring them on, Atletico refused to give in.

Atletico and Juve have a point each while Lokomotiv Moscow top Group D after beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 away from home.

"This game will do us a lot of good for the rest of the season, as it makes us believe in the character of the team," Simeone told reporters.

"We started well then they hit us twice and we were out of the game but we never caved in."

Juve's Bonucci did not hide his disappointment at the fact his side could not see out the victory.

"It’s a real shame to concede two goals from set-plays. We had a great performance, but we’ve got to be more focussed, because this has happened too many times now," he said.

"Everyone has to be more concentrated. A side like ours cannot keep conceding this many goals from set plays."

Savic's scrappy goal galvanised Atletico and moments later Spain forward Vitolo forced Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny to make an acrobatic save.

Atletico was denied a penalty when the ball hit the arm of Bonucci, with Diego Costa earning a yellow card for his loud protests at the decision.

Instant hero

Substitute Herrera made himself an instant hero 14 minutes into his competitive debut for the club by escaping his marker and heading home Kieran Trippier's corner to spark jubilant scenes in the stands and around the Atletico dugout.

"This team is renowned for suffering and fighting until the end. This result tastes better than most draws, of course, we wanted to win but a draw is good given how tough Juventus are," said Herrera, who joined Atleti from Porto in the close season.

"A draw isn't bad at all given the team we were up against and we were better than them in many moments of the game. I'm so happy to have made my debut and to help the team."

Juve forward Cristiano Ronaldo had an unusually quiet game after scoring a hat-trick against Atletico in last year's competition, although he came within inches of grabbing a last-gasp winner when he sent a shot just past the far post.

Visiting coach Maurizio Sarri was left with a bittersweet feeling in his first Champions League match in charge of Juve.

"I feel good about the character we showed, the performance we gave and the two goals, but I feel a sense of anger because we had the game under control and we let it slip," he said.

Atletico Madrid produced a typically spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday's heavyweight Champions League Group D opener.

Atletico Madrid produced a typically spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday's heavyweight Champions League Group D opener. Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera levelled in the 90th minute with a thumping header from a corner after defender Stefan Savic had pulled a goal back for the Spaniards in the 70th with a header from close range following a free-kick. The Spaniards were the brighter side in the first half but Juve went ahead in the 48th minute when Juan Cuadrado sent an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner after a break engineered by a punt forward from defender Leonardo Bonucci. The Italian champions doubled their lead in the 65th minute following another quick counter as midfielder Blaise Matuidi headed home a cross from Alex Sandro. But with bullish coach Diego Simeone motivating them from the sidelines and a typically boisterous Wanda Metropolitano crowd roaring them on, Atletico refused to give in. Atletico and Juve have a point each while Lokomotiv Moscow top Group D after beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 away from home. "This game will do us a lot of good for the rest of the season, as it makes us believe in the character of the team," Simeone told reporters. "We started well then they hit us twice and we were out of the game but we never caved in." Juve's Bonucci did not hide his disappointment at the fact his side could not see out the victory. "It’s a real shame to concede two goals from set-plays. We had a great performance, but we’ve got to be more focussed, because this has happened too many times now," he said. "Everyone has to be more concentrated. A side like ours cannot keep conceding this many goals from set plays." Savic's scrappy goal galvanised Atletico and moments later Spain forward Vitolo forced Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny to make an acrobatic save. Atletico was denied a penalty when the ball hit the arm of Bonucci, with Diego Costa earning a yellow card for his loud protests at the decision. Instant hero Substitute Herrera made himself an instant hero 14 minutes into his competitive debut for the club by escaping his marker and heading home Kieran Trippier's corner to spark jubilant scenes in the stands and around the Atletico dugout. "This team is renowned for suffering and fighting until the end. This result tastes better than most draws, of course, we wanted to win but a draw is good given how tough Juventus are," said Herrera, who joined Atleti from Porto in the close season. "A draw isn't bad at all given the team we were up against and we were better than them in many moments of the game. I'm so happy to have made my debut and to help the team." Juve forward Cristiano Ronaldo had an unusually quiet game after scoring a hat-trick against Atletico in last year's competition, although he came within inches of grabbing a last-gasp winner when he sent a shot just past the far post. Visiting coach Maurizio Sarri was left with a bittersweet feeling in his first Champions League match in charge of Juve. "I feel good about the character we showed, the performance we gave and the two goals, but I feel a sense of anger because we had the game under control and we let it slip," he said.

Champions League: Atletico Madrid dig deep to snatch draw with Juventus

Angel Di Maria was hailed as "exceptional" after scoring twice against his former club as Paris Saint-Germain shrugged off the absences of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 on Wednesday to get off to the perfect start in the Champions League.

Di Maria beat Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at his near post to put PSG ahead in the 14th minute at the Parc des Princes, but it was his second goal just after the half-hour that really lit up this encounter.

The Argentine, who starred for Real for four years and won the Champions League with them in 2014 before moving to Manchester United, gave Courtois no chance with a left-footed shot from 20 yards out that arrowed into the corner.

Thomas Meunier added the gloss at the death but it was Di Maria who had cleared the way, stepping into the gap left by the injured Mbappe and Edinson Cavani as well as suspended Neymar.

"We can't be too surprised because he has been showing for more than a year now that he is capable of performances like that," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "He was exceptional tonight. He is always dangerous."

After a summer dominated by the saga of whether Neymar would leave, it was a reminder that the French champions have others capable of winning such games.

These two clubs are trying to recover some of their lustre after disappointing campaigns in Europe last season, but for PSG this result is a measure of revenge for their defeat at the hands of Real in the last 16 the previous year.

They remain unbeaten at home in the Champions League group stage since 2004 and they are already in control of Group A before facing Galatasaray and Club Brugge, who drew 0-0 on Wednesday.

"Everyone was saying how could we win with all these players out but maybe that meant we were not the favourites and it can also help when you don't feel too much pressure," Tuchel added.

'No intensity'

Real remain far from convincing since Zinedine Zidane's return for a second spell as coach of the 13-time European Cup winners. There is still much work to be done if they are to go deep in this competition again after being humbled by Ajax in the last 16 last spring.

"PSG are a good team and created lots of chances but what worries me is that my team played without any intensity," Zidane lamented as his team failed to muster a shot on target.

"We didn't really ever get going. We usually create lots of chances and today, well we scored two goals but both were disallowed. Apart from that there was nothing."&nbsp;

Hazard makes little impact

They had a Gareth Bale goal disallowed for handball after a VAR review just after going two behind, while Eden Hazard struggled to make an impact on his first start since his move from Chelsea.

Madrid were also handicapped by the absences of Sergio Ramos, Nacho and Marcelo in defence as well as Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric in midfield.

PSG, confusingly wearing white while the visitors wore dark blue, opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Di Maria latched onto a Juan Bernat cutback from the left byline and fired in.

Hazard shot just wide at the other end moments later and Bale curled a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the area. Just after that, in the 33rd minute, Di Maria took a touch and smashed a shot into the right-hand corner to make it 2-0.

Then came Bale's disallowed goal, and the Welshman came close again in first-half stoppage time, yet the Spanish giants created little in the second half apart from a Karim Benzema goal that was ruled out for offside.

Hazard, meanwhile, departed 20 minutes from time having failed to make his mark, and PSG scored again in stoppage time, Meunier exchanging passes with Bernat before finishing.

Both sides should still make it through but for now it is PSG, six months on from their horror show against Manchester United, who have more reason to be optimistic. Especially with so much firepower still to return.

Angel Di Maria was hailed as "exceptional" after scoring twice against his former club as Paris Saint-Germain shrugged off the absences of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 on Wednesday to get off to the perfect start in the Champions League.

Angel Di Maria was hailed as "exceptional" after scoring twice against his former club as Paris Saint-Germain shrugged off the absences of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 on Wednesday to get off to the perfect start in the Champions League. Di Maria beat Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at his near post to put PSG ahead in the 14th minute at the Parc des Princes, but it was his second goal just after the half-hour that really lit up this encounter. The Argentine, who starred for Real for four years and won the Champions League with them in 2014 before moving to Manchester United, gave Courtois no chance with a left-footed shot from 20 yards out that arrowed into the corner. Thomas Meunier added the gloss at the death but it was Di Maria who had cleared the way, stepping into the gap left by the injured Mbappe and Edinson Cavani as well as suspended Neymar. "We can't be too surprised because he has been showing for more than a year now that he is capable of performances like that," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "He was exceptional tonight. He is always dangerous." After a summer dominated by the saga of whether Neymar would leave, it was a reminder that the French champions have others capable of winning such games. These two clubs are trying to recover some of their lustre after disappointing campaigns in Europe last season, but for PSG this result is a measure of revenge for their defeat at the hands of Real in the last 16 the previous year. They remain unbeaten at home in the Champions League group stage since 2004 and they are already in control of Group A before facing Galatasaray and Club Brugge, who drew 0-0 on Wednesday. "Everyone was saying how could we win with all these players out but maybe that meant we were not the favourites and it can also help when you don't feel too much pressure," Tuchel added. 'No intensity' Real remain far from convincing since Zinedine Zidane's return for a second spell as coach of the 13-time European Cup winners. There is still much work to be done if they are to go deep in this competition again after being humbled by Ajax in the last 16 last spring. "PSG are a good team and created lots of chances but what worries me is that my team played without any intensity," Zidane lamented as his team failed to muster a shot on target. "We didn't really ever get going. We usually create lots of chances and today, well we scored two goals but both were disallowed. Apart from that there was nothing." Hazard makes little impact They had a Gareth Bale goal disallowed for handball after a VAR review just after going two behind, while Eden Hazard struggled to make an impact on his first start since his move from Chelsea. Madrid were also handicapped by the absences of Sergio Ramos, Nacho and Marcelo in defence as well as Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric in midfield. PSG, confusingly wearing white while the visitors wore dark blue, opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Di Maria latched onto a Juan Bernat cutback from the left byline and fired in. Hazard shot just wide at the other end moments later and Bale curled a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the area. Just after that, in the 33rd minute, Di Maria took a touch and smashed a shot into the right-hand corner to make it 2-0. Then came Bale's disallowed goal, and the Welshman came close again in first-half stoppage time, yet the Spanish giants created little in the second half apart from a Karim Benzema goal that was ruled out for offside. Hazard, meanwhile, departed 20 minutes from time having failed to make his mark, and PSG scored again in stoppage time, Meunier exchanging passes with Bernat before finishing. Both sides should still make it through but for now it is PSG, six months on from their horror show against Manchester United, who have more reason to be optimistic. Especially with so much firepower still to return.

Champions League: Angel Di Maria stars as Paris Saint-Germain tear apart Real Madrid

Valencia spoiled Frank Lampard's managerial debut in the Champions League by earning a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Chelsea on Tuesday after Ross Barkley spurned a chance to equalise by missing from the penalty spot.

Spain forward Rodrigo Moreno gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 74th minute of the Group H game, getting the slightest of touches on a free kick from Dani Parejo to send the ball into the roof of the net.

Chelsea continued to threaten and were awarded a penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Valencia defender Daniel Wass.

But Barkley sent the resulting spot-kick on to the crossbar and over and Europa League holders Chelsea fell to their first home defeat in European competition since losing to Paris St Germain in March 2016.

"We shouldn't lose the game. Clearly," Lampard told reporters.

"We had a fair few chances and then the penalty, which we miss. We have to keep our heads up. There is a long way to go and this is a lesson that teams at this level can hurt you."

Lampard became the first Chelsea manager to lose his debut Champions League match in charge –- 10 of the previous 11 had won, while Gianluca Vialli drew with AC Milan in 1999.

Valencia travelled to London reeling from a stinging 5-2 league loss at Barcelona in coach Albert Celades's first game in charge after the much-loved Marcelino was sacked, despite overseeing two top-four finishes and winning the Copa del Rey.

His dismissal bewildered the players, who began a media blackout after the decision, while influential defender Ezequiel Garay fiercely criticised the move in an angry post on social media.

Celades&nbsp;'hugely impressed'

But the Spanish side leave the English capital emboldened and with three points after producing a solid, professional display and celebrating their triumph with their small band of travelling supporters tucked in a corner of Stamford Bridge.

"It's difficult to forget about everything that has happened but I thank the players for welcoming me and their professionalism," coach Celades said.

"We are going to get back to normality little by little and I was hugely impressed by the effort we put in today. It was not the ideal situation but we have tried to close ranks and look forward."

Lampard's side went into the game in confident mood after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-2 in the Premier League on Saturday and their supporters belted out the manager's name in his first Champions League game as a coach, after he won the competition in 2012 as a Chelsea player.

Visiting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen was forced to make a pair of impressive saves to prevent the Londoners from taking the lead, turning away a powerful strike from Willian right before halftime.

The Dutchman then twice thwarted Marcos Alonso, parrying a low free kick early in the second half and tipping another set-piece effort from the Spaniard over the bar in stoppage time.

Chelsea were also dealt a setback with an ankle injury to in-form midfielder Mason Mount, who had to be taken off in the first half after a rash challenge from Valencia's Francis Coquelin.

Valencia spoiled Frank Lampard's managerial debut in the Champions League by earning a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Chelsea on Tuesday after Ross Barkley spurned a chance to equalise by missing from the penalty spot.

Valencia spoiled Frank Lampard's managerial debut in the Champions League by earning a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Chelsea on Tuesday after Ross Barkley spurned a chance to equalise by missing from the penalty spot. Spain forward Rodrigo Moreno gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 74th minute of the Group H game, getting the slightest of touches on a free kick from Dani Parejo to send the ball into the roof of the net. Chelsea continued to threaten and were awarded a penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by Valencia defender Daniel Wass. But Barkley sent the resulting spot-kick on to the crossbar and over and Europa League holders Chelsea fell to their first home defeat in European competition since losing to Paris St Germain in March 2016. "We shouldn't lose the game. Clearly," Lampard told reporters. "We had a fair few chances and then the penalty, which we miss. We have to keep our heads up. There is a long way to go and this is a lesson that teams at this level can hurt you." Lampard became the first Chelsea manager to lose his debut Champions League match in charge –- 10 of the previous 11 had won, while Gianluca Vialli drew with AC Milan in 1999. Valencia travelled to London reeling from a stinging 5-2 league loss at Barcelona in coach Albert Celades's first game in charge after the much-loved Marcelino was sacked, despite overseeing two top-four finishes and winning the Copa del Rey. His dismissal bewildered the players, who began a media blackout after the decision, while influential defender Ezequiel Garay fiercely criticised the move in an angry post on social media. Celades 'hugely impressed' But the Spanish side leave the English capital emboldened and with three points after producing a solid, professional display and celebrating their triumph with their small band of travelling supporters tucked in a corner of Stamford Bridge. "It's difficult to forget about everything that has happened but I thank the players for welcoming me and their professionalism," coach Celades said. "We are going to get back to normality little by little and I was hugely impressed by the effort we put in today. It was not the ideal situation but we have tried to close ranks and look forward." Lampard's side went into the game in confident mood after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-2 in the Premier League on Saturday and their supporters belted out the manager's name in his first Champions League game as a coach, after he won the competition in 2012 as a Chelsea player. Visiting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen was forced to make a pair of impressive saves to prevent the Londoners from taking the lead, turning away a powerful strike from Willian right before halftime. The Dutchman then twice thwarted Marcos Alonso, parrying a low free kick early in the second half and tipping another set-piece effort from the Spaniard over the bar in stoppage time. Chelsea were also dealt a setback with an ankle injury to in-form midfielder Mason Mount, who had to be taken off in the first half after a rash challenge from Valencia's Francis Coquelin.

Champions League: Barkley misses penalty in Chelsea home defeat to Valencia

Juergen Klopp was frustrated by Liverpool’s poor finishing after his side began their Champions League title defence with a 2-0 defeat away to Napoli, who scored two late goals at the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday.

Dries Mertens scored from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining after Andy Robertson tripped Jose Callejon inside the box and Napoli substitute Fernando Llorente added a second in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt.

Klopp's side became the first competition winners to lose the opening game of their Champions League defence since AC Milan were defeated by Ajax Amsterdam in 1994 and the German was concerned by his players' wastefulness.

"It should hurt because there were opportunities for us,” he told BT Sport.

“It was an open game with a lot of counter-attacks, but we didn't finish them off and that is a problem. In the second half, it was a wild game, they were running and we were running."

Klopp was also unhappy about the penalty awarded to the home side after Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Callejon.

"I don't think it's a penalty,” he said. “What can I say, for me, it is clear and obvious no penalty. He jumps before any contact, we can't change that.”

Napoli's Hirving Lozano headed in from close range early on but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside, before Sadio Mane forced home keeper Alex Meret into a save and Roberto Firmino flashed a header wide before the break.

Liverpool keeper Adrian denied Mertens with a superb reaction stop early in the second half before Meret dived to direct Mohamed Salah's effort wide.

But the late double from Mertens and Llorente secured the three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who also beat Liverpool at home at the same stage last season.

“We worked hard to defend and attack as a unit, because at times football means adapting to situations and I think we did it well,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.

“We felt confident on the second goal, it was near the end and we were a goal up. You can press high at times, not at others, it’s about maintaining your identity and also being able to do everything. I liked our quality, but also how we played ugly when we needed to.”

In the other Group E game, Salzburg made an impressive start with a 6-2 victory at home to Genk.

Erling Haaland scored a first-half hat-trick for the Austrian champions, becoming the third-youngest player to net a Champions League treble at the age of 19 years and 58 days, behind Raul (18y 113d) and Wayne Rooney (18y 340d).

Juergen Klopp was frustrated by Liverpool’s poor finishing after his side began their Champions League title defence with a 2-0 defeat away to Napoli, who scored two late goals at the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday.

Juergen Klopp was frustrated by Liverpool’s poor finishing after his side began their Champions League title defence with a 2-0 defeat away to Napoli, who scored two late goals at the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday. Dries Mertens scored from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining after Andy Robertson tripped Jose Callejon inside the box and Napoli substitute Fernando Llorente added a second in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt. Klopp's side became the first competition winners to lose the opening game of their Champions League defence since AC Milan were defeated by Ajax Amsterdam in 1994 and the German was concerned by his players' wastefulness. "It should hurt because there were opportunities for us,” he told BT Sport. “It was an open game with a lot of counter-attacks, but we didn't finish them off and that is a problem. In the second half, it was a wild game, they were running and we were running." Klopp was also unhappy about the penalty awarded to the home side after Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Callejon. "I don't think it's a penalty,” he said. “What can I say, for me, it is clear and obvious no penalty. He jumps before any contact, we can't change that.” Napoli's Hirving Lozano headed in from close range early on but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside, before Sadio Mane forced home keeper Alex Meret into a save and Roberto Firmino flashed a header wide before the break. Liverpool keeper Adrian denied Mertens with a superb reaction stop early in the second half before Meret dived to direct Mohamed Salah's effort wide. But the late double from Mertens and Llorente secured the three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who also beat Liverpool at home at the same stage last season. “We worked hard to defend and attack as a unit, because at times football means adapting to situations and I think we did it well,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia. “We felt confident on the second goal, it was near the end and we were a goal up. You can press high at times, not at others, it’s about maintaining your identity and also being able to do everything. I liked our quality, but also how we played ugly when we needed to.” In the other Group E game, Salzburg made an impressive start with a 6-2 victory at home to Genk. Erling Haaland scored a first-half hat-trick for the Austrian champions, becoming the third-youngest player to net a Champions League treble at the age of 19 years and 58 days, behind Raul (18y 113d) and Wayne Rooney (18y 340d).

Champions League: Napoli stun holders Liverpool

Germany's Bayern Munich want to kick off their Champions League campaign against Red Star Belgrade with a win on Wednesday as they set their sights on at least the quarter-finals, coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday.

The Bavarians, who have won the last seven league titles in Germany, last lifted Europe's top club trophy in 2013.

Last season they suffered an unusually early exit, eliminated by eventual winners Liverpool in the Round of 16.

"We have a new season, and we have new luck so our first aim is to go past the group stage and then as a second aim to go further than last season," Kovac told a news conference.

Bayern have not enjoyed a dominant start to their season, losing the German Super Cup to Borussia Dortmund and lying in fourth place in the Bundesliga after four matches, two points off the top.

Kovac, in his second season at Bayern, said everyone was "100 per cent fit and ready" apart from fullback David Alaba, who was injured during warmup ahead of their 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig on Saturday and is expected to be out for three weeks.

"We have analysed Red Star. We know that at home in Belgrade they are a different team with different potential with such amazing crowd support."

Group B also includes Olympiakos and Tottenham Hotspur.

"Tomorrow we have the task of playing our game. In Leipzig we showed we can do it," he said.

Bayern played a scintillating first half against Leipzig, taking the lead and having 73 per cent possession and a bagful of scoring chances.

"If we bring the same form tomorrow then we can win it," Kovac said.

In-form keeper Manuel Neuer has set his sights even higher that the quarter-finals.

"The Champions League is a long and rocky road. We experienced last season how bitter it is, and that was way too early an exit for us," Germany keeper Neuer said.

"The motivation and drive in the team is high. We want to improve and go further than last season. We want at least to reach the semi-finals."

Germany's Bayern Munich want to kick off their Champions League campaign against Red Star Belgrade with a win on Wednesday as they set their sights on at least the quarter-finals, coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday.

Germany's Bayern Munich want to kick off their Champions League campaign against Red Star Belgrade with a win on Wednesday as they set their sights on at least the quarter-finals, coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday. The Bavarians, who have won the last seven league titles in Germany, last lifted Europe's top club trophy in 2013. Last season they suffered an unusually early exit, eliminated by eventual winners Liverpool in the Round of 16. "We have a new season, and we have new luck so our first aim is to go past the group stage and then as a second aim to go further than last season," Kovac told a news conference. Bayern have not enjoyed a dominant start to their season, losing the German Super Cup to Borussia Dortmund and lying in fourth place in the Bundesliga after four matches, two points off the top. Kovac, in his second season at Bayern, said everyone was "100 per cent fit and ready" apart from fullback David Alaba, who was injured during warmup ahead of their 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig on Saturday and is expected to be out for three weeks. "We have analysed Red Star. We know that at home in Belgrade they are a different team with different potential with such amazing crowd support." Group B also includes Olympiakos and Tottenham Hotspur. "Tomorrow we have the task of playing our game. In Leipzig we showed we can do it," he said. Bayern played a scintillating first half against Leipzig, taking the lead and having 73 per cent possession and a bagful of scoring chances. "If we bring the same form tomorrow then we can win it," Kovac said. In-form keeper Manuel Neuer has set his sights even higher that the quarter-finals. "The Champions League is a long and rocky road. We experienced last season how bitter it is, and that was way too early an exit for us," Germany keeper Neuer said. "The motivation and drive in the team is high. We want to improve and go further than last season. We want at least to reach the semi-finals."

Bayern eye at least last eight in Champions League

A former bench-warmer at Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund sharpshooter Paco Alcacer is hoping to hurt his former club when the two teams meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Alcacer, 26, joined Dortmund in 2018 after struggling to hold down a place in the first team in two seasons at star-studded Barcelona.

He has flourished in the Bundesliga, bringing a killer instinct to Dortmund's young attack and regaining his place in the Spanish national team.

The striker now faces Barcelona in the middle of a purple patch for club and country, having scored 10 goals in his last eight matches.

His opener in a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday means he has scored in every game for Dortmund so far this term.

He also picked up three goals for Spain in Euro 2020 qualification wins over Romania and the Faroe Islands last week.

Alcacer's electric form is reminiscent of his explosive start to life at Dortmund as a loanee at the beginning of last season, when he fired in a record-breaking seven goals in his first four games.

That run prompted Dortmund to shell out 23 million euros to sign him on a permanent deal, and marked a turning point in Alcacer's career.

"It is a liberation to be playing, getting time on the pitch and enjoying my job," said the Spaniard at the time.

He had just arrived from two frustrating years at Barcelona, in which he was kept out of the team by an iconic attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.&nbsp;

After a move from boyhood club Valencia in 2016, he made just 23 starts for the Catalan giants, and played a full 90 minutes in just 10 matches.

'A special game' 

Yet as he prepares to meet his former team mates in Dortmund on Tuesday, Alcacer has insisted he has "no regrets" about his time in the Catalan capital.

"It will be a special game. It will be a joy to play against my former team, and it makes me want to play well," he told Barcelona newspaper Sport last week.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old said that despite his struggles, he learned a lot at the Camp Nou.

"When you play for Barca, you play high up the pitch and there is very little space. Before, I was quite slow in my decision-making, but now I can make quick decisions in tight spaces. I learned that at Barcelona."

That sharpness has certainly shown this season, as all five of Alcacer's Bundesliga goals so far have been first-time finishes.&nbsp;

While he insists there is no bad blood between him and Barcelona, the Spaniard has not ruled out celebrating if he scores against his former club on Tuesday.

"A lot of people treated me very well at Barcelona. I don't know what I will do (if I score). The joy will be huge," he told Sport.

If he does celebrate, it will be in trademark fashion, with his eyes and index fingers raised to the heavens.

The celebration is a tribute to Alcacer's father, who died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after watching his son's professional debut for Valencia in 2011.&nbsp;

"I know it would have made him happy to continue to watch me play," Alcacer told Westfaelischer Anzeiger newspaper last year.&nbsp;

The striker is determined to keep his career on an upward curve, and is eyeing silverware with Dortmund after narrowly missing out on the Bundesliga title last year.

"It is not enough to come second," he told Sky in August.

No doubt he intends to come out on top this Tuesday, and show Messi, Suarez and co. what they are missing.&nbsp;

A former bench-warmer at Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund sharpshooter Paco Alcacer is hoping to hurt his former club when the two teams meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

A former bench-warmer at Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund sharpshooter Paco Alcacer is hoping to hurt his former club when the two teams meet in the Champions League on Tuesday. Alcacer, 26, joined Dortmund in 2018 after struggling to hold down a place in the first team in two seasons at star-studded Barcelona. He has flourished in the Bundesliga, bringing a killer instinct to Dortmund's young attack and regaining his place in the Spanish national team. The striker now faces Barcelona in the middle of a purple patch for club and country, having scored 10 goals in his last eight matches. His opener in a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday means he has scored in every game for Dortmund so far this term. He also picked up three goals for Spain in Euro 2020 qualification wins over Romania and the Faroe Islands last week. Alcacer's electric form is reminiscent of his explosive start to life at Dortmund as a loanee at the beginning of last season, when he fired in a record-breaking seven goals in his first four games. That run prompted Dortmund to shell out 23 million euros to sign him on a permanent deal, and marked a turning point in Alcacer's career. "It is a liberation to be playing, getting time on the pitch and enjoying my job," said the Spaniard at the time. He had just arrived from two frustrating years at Barcelona, in which he was kept out of the team by an iconic attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. After a move from boyhood club Valencia in 2016, he made just 23 starts for the Catalan giants, and played a full 90 minutes in just 10 matches. 'A special game' Yet as he prepares to meet his former team mates in Dortmund on Tuesday, Alcacer has insisted he has "no regrets" about his time in the Catalan capital. "It will be a special game. It will be a joy to play against my former team, and it makes me want to play well," he told Barcelona newspaper Sport last week. The 26-year-old said that despite his struggles, he learned a lot at the Camp Nou. "When you play for Barca, you play high up the pitch and there is very little space. Before, I was quite slow in my decision-making, but now I can make quick decisions in tight spaces. I learned that at Barcelona." That sharpness has certainly shown this season, as all five of Alcacer's Bundesliga goals so far have been first-time finishes. While he insists there is no bad blood between him and Barcelona, the Spaniard has not ruled out celebrating if he scores against his former club on Tuesday. "A lot of people treated me very well at Barcelona. I don't know what I will do (if I score). The joy will be huge," he told Sport. If he does celebrate, it will be in trademark fashion, with his eyes and index fingers raised to the heavens. The celebration is a tribute to Alcacer's father, who died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after watching his son's professional debut for Valencia in 2011. "I know it would have made him happy to continue to watch me play," Alcacer told Westfaelischer Anzeiger newspaper last year. The striker is determined to keep his career on an upward curve, and is eyeing silverware with Dortmund after narrowly missing out on the Bundesliga title last year. "It is not enough to come second," he told Sky in August. No doubt he intends to come out on top this Tuesday, and show Messi, Suarez and co. what they are missing.

Paco Alcacer in electric form ahead of clash with former club Barcelona

While the battle for the Champions League of the future is fought behind the scenes, this week the continent's biggest clubs begin their latest quest for European glory with holders Liverpool dreaming of reaching another final in Istanbul.

The current 32-team group stage format leading to a knockout round of 16 was introduced in 2003. Since then, an ever smaller group of clubs has competed to win the trophy, with the last 15 champions coming from Spain, England, Germany or Italy.

There is a consensus that it is time for a change, and the European Club Association, chaired by Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli, has been busy working with UEFA on plans to completely revamp the competition from 2024.

Moves towards even more of a closed shop for the elite have stalled because of dissent from some clubs and from domestic leagues, but change is coming.

"We are confident of finding a good format for after 2024 that includes of course the big clubs, mid-size countries and also a possibility for, let's say, the smaller countries but also with history to find their place in the European football scene," said Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar last week.

Of course Ajax have extra determination to ensure their voice is heard. The Dutch champions enchanted Europe on their run to the semi-finals last season but entered this season's tournament in the third qualifying round. There was no special treatment for them.

Meanwhile, for the likes of Agnelli's Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the Champions League has become the be all and end all due to a lack of competition domestically.

More English domination?

It is easy to see why they might like more games against the best teams from around Europe, along with more money.

For now, the Champions League winners stand to take home around 75 million euros ($83 million; £66.6 million). On top of that will be added considerable sums from television along with money depending on each team's UEFA ranking.

This rewards past success, guaranteeing the top-ranked team, Real Madrid, a further 35.46 million euros. For holders Liverpool that added figure is nearer 27 million euros.

The financial strength of the Premier League's top clubs means they are less eager for change to the Champions League, and it also helps explain why all four European finalists last season were English.

After beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid to lift their sixth European Cup, can Liverpool reach a third straight final? This season's showpiece will be played in Istanbul, scene of their remarkable triumph in 2005.

"We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and I don't see us, the English teams, dominating. I really think a lot of teams have a good chance," insisted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool begin their campaign in Italy against Napoli in one of the standout early ties. There are plenty of games to whet the appetite, although the genuine, meaningful drama will not arrive until the knockout rounds.

The latter stages have arguably become more exciting than ever, epitomised by last season's semi-finals and sensational comebacks by Liverpool and Spurs against Barcelona and Ajax.&nbsp;

There have been more than three goals per game on average in the knockout rounds in each of the last three seasons.

But while Ajax's performance has shown the way forward for clubs from smaller leagues, predicting who reaches the last 16 this season may not prove too challenging.

New era 

We may be heading into a new era in another sense, as the two players who have defined the Champions League in the last decade edge towards their twilight years.

Either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been the top scorer in the competition in each of the last 12 years.

Messi, now 32, has scored 110 goals and won the trophy three times in that period, while Ronaldo, soon to be 35, has 123 goals in that time and five winner's medals.

The Argentine is in a hurry for more. As he said ominously to Barca fans in an interview with Catalan daily Sport last week: "I have no intention of going anywhere, but I want to keep on competing and winning."

Will this be his year again, or will a younger face like Kylian Mbappe or Joao Felix leave their mark?

The Champions League may be ripe for a revamp, but it remains the pinnacle in club football.

While the battle for the Champions League of the future is fought behind the scenes, this week the continent's biggest clubs begin their latest quest for European glory with holders Liverpool dreaming of reaching another final in Istanbul.

While the battle for the Champions League of the future is fought behind the scenes, this week the continent's biggest clubs begin their latest quest for European glory with holders Liverpool dreaming of reaching another final in Istanbul. The current 32-team group stage format leading to a knockout round of 16 was introduced in 2003. Since then, an ever smaller group of clubs has competed to win the trophy, with the last 15 champions coming from Spain, England, Germany or Italy. There is a consensus that it is time for a change, and the European Club Association, chaired by Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli, has been busy working with UEFA on plans to completely revamp the competition from 2024. Moves towards even more of a closed shop for the elite have stalled because of dissent from some clubs and from domestic leagues, but change is coming. "We are confident of finding a good format for after 2024 that includes of course the big clubs, mid-size countries and also a possibility for, let's say, the smaller countries but also with history to find their place in the European football scene," said Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar last week. Of course Ajax have extra determination to ensure their voice is heard. The Dutch champions enchanted Europe on their run to the semi-finals last season but entered this season's tournament in the third qualifying round. There was no special treatment for them. Meanwhile, for the likes of Agnelli's Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the Champions League has become the be all and end all due to a lack of competition domestically. More English domination? It is easy to see why they might like more games against the best teams from around Europe, along with more money. For now, the Champions League winners stand to take home around 75 million euros ($83 million; £66.6 million). On top of that will be added considerable sums from television along with money depending on each team's UEFA ranking. This rewards past success, guaranteeing the top-ranked team, Real Madrid, a further 35.46 million euros. For holders Liverpool that added figure is nearer 27 million euros. The financial strength of the Premier League's top clubs means they are less eager for change to the Champions League, and it also helps explain why all four European finalists last season were English. After beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid to lift their sixth European Cup, can Liverpool reach a third straight final? This season's showpiece will be played in Istanbul, scene of their remarkable triumph in 2005. "We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and I don't see us, the English teams, dominating. I really think a lot of teams have a good chance," insisted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool begin their campaign in Italy against Napoli in one of the standout early ties. There are plenty of games to whet the appetite, although the genuine, meaningful drama will not arrive until the knockout rounds. The latter stages have arguably become more exciting than ever, epitomised by last season's semi-finals and sensational comebacks by Liverpool and Spurs against Barcelona and Ajax. There have been more than three goals per game on average in the knockout rounds in each of the last three seasons. But while Ajax's performance has shown the way forward for clubs from smaller leagues, predicting who reaches the last 16 this season may not prove too challenging. New era We may be heading into a new era in another sense, as the two players who have defined the Champions League in the last decade edge towards their twilight years. Either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been the top scorer in the competition in each of the last 12 years. Messi, now 32, has scored 110 goals and won the trophy three times in that period, while Ronaldo, soon to be 35, has 123 goals in that time and five winner's medals. The Argentine is in a hurry for more. As he said ominously to Barca fans in an interview with Catalan daily Sport last week: "I have no intention of going anywhere, but I want to keep on competing and winning." Will this be his year again, or will a younger face like Kylian Mbappe or Joao Felix leave their mark? The Champions League may be ripe for a revamp, but it remains the pinnacle in club football.

Amid talk of revamp, Europe's giants begin Champions League assault

Last season's runners-up Arsenal were placed in the same section as Eintracht Frankfurt in the draw for the Europa League group stage in Monaco on Friday, while Manchester United face a long trip to Kazakhstan.

Unai Emery's Arsenal side lost to Chelsea in the final in Baku after Eintracht had been eliminated by the same side on penalties in the last four.

Ten-time Belgian champions Standard Liege and Portugal's Vitoria Guimaraes are also in Group F.

United, Europa League winners in 2017, will face Astana of Kazakhstan as well as Partizan Belgrade and former finalists AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands in Group L.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, the third English team in the draw, will take on Turkish side Besiktas in Group K.

In their first European campaign since 1980, Wolves have already come through three ties just to reach the group stage, including defeating Torino 5-3 on aggregate in the play-offs.

Nuno Espirito Santo's team will also take on Braga of Portugal and Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia.

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The 2019/20 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> group stage draw! 👊 
 
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While all three Premier League sides will be fancied to progress to the last 32, the draw was far less kind on the two Scottish representatives.

Scottish champions Celtic meet Italian Cup holders Lazio and French Cup holders Rennes in Group E as well as CFR Cluj, the Romanian side to whom they lost in Champions League qualifying.

Celtic were in the same group as Rennes in the 2011-12 Europa League and took four points against the French club.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard's Rangers will take on former European Cup winners Porto and Feyenoord as well as Swiss champions Young Boys in Group G.

Rangers reached the group stage for the second season running after edging out Legia Warsaw in the play-off round.

The opening group games will be played on September 19. This season's final will be held in the Polish city of Gdansk on May 27, 2020.

Last season's runners-up Arsenal were placed in the same section as Eintracht Frankfurt in the draw for the Europa League group stage in Monaco on Friday, while Manchester United face a long trip to Kazakhstan.

Last season's runners-up Arsenal were placed in the same section as Eintracht Frankfurt in the draw for the Europa League group stage in Monaco on Friday, while Manchester United face a long trip to Kazakhstan. Unai Emery's Arsenal side lost to Chelsea in the final in Baku after Eintracht had been eliminated by the same side on penalties in the last four. Ten-time Belgian champions Standard Liege and Portugal's Vitoria Guimaraes are also in Group F. United, Europa League winners in 2017, will face Astana of Kazakhstan as well as Partizan Belgrade and former finalists AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands in Group L. Wolverhampton Wanderers, the third English team in the draw, will take on Turkish side Besiktas in Group K. In their first European campaign since 1980, Wolves have already come through three ties just to reach the group stage, including defeating Torino 5-3 on aggregate in the play-offs. Nuno Espirito Santo's team will also take on Braga of Portugal and Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia. The 2019/20 #UEL group stage draw! 👊 Which games are you excited for?#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/aZkjcfj4lD — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 30, 2019 × While all three Premier League sides will be fancied to progress to the last 32, the draw was far less kind on the two Scottish representatives. Scottish champions Celtic meet Italian Cup holders Lazio and French Cup holders Rennes in Group E as well as CFR Cluj, the Romanian side to whom they lost in Champions League qualifying. Celtic were in the same group as Rennes in the 2011-12 Europa League and took four points against the French club. Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard's Rangers will take on former European Cup winners Porto and Feyenoord as well as Swiss champions Young Boys in Group G. Rangers reached the group stage for the second season running after edging out Legia Warsaw in the play-off round. The opening group games will be played on September 19. This season's final will be held in the Polish city of Gdansk on May 27, 2020.

Arsenal drawn with Eintracht in Europa League, Man Utd head to Kazakhstan

Barcelona will have to come through a section containing both Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan after the three former winners all came out together in Thursday's UEFA&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;group stage draw in Monaco, while holders Liverpool will face Napoli again.

Barcelona, Dortmund and Inter, with nine European Cups between them, were drawn together in Group F along with the Czech&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Slavia Prague.

Beaten by Liverpool in the semi-finals last season, Lionel Messi and Barcelona remain favourites to advance as they seek a first&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;crown since 2015.

Dortmund won the trophy in 1997 and lost in the final in 2013. Now coached by Antonio Conte, Inter beat Barcelona in the semi-finals en route to winning the most recent of their three titles in 2010.

"That really is a very tough group, which makes it an even bigger challenge for us," said the Dortmund coach, Lucien Favre. His team host Barca in the opening round of matches on Tuesday, September 17.

Liverpool advanced from their group at the expense of Napoli last season on the way to lifting their sixth European Cup in Madrid, and Carlo Ancelotti's side now have a chance to gain revenge.

Beaten in Naples a year ago, Liverpool will head back to the San Paolo in their first match on September 17.

Both clubs will be fancied to progress from Group E, which is completed by Austrian&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Salzburg and Genk, the Belgian title-holders.

"Napoli again! I don't know how often I've now played against Napoli, but they're obviously a very experienced side," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who faced the Italians with Dortmund in the 2013-14 group stage.

Liverpool are hoping to return to this year's final which will be played in Istanbul, where they won their fifth title back in 2005.

After losing in last season's final, Tottenham Hotspur can look forward to a meeting with German&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Bayern Munich in Group B.

Tottenham entertain Bayern in London in their second group game on October 1, which will be the first meeting of the clubs since the 1983-84 UEFA Cup. They will then go to Munich in December.

The teams will also meet Greek&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Olympiakos and Red Star Belgrade of Serbia, the 1991 European Cup winners, in Group B.

After winning the Europa&nbsp;League, Chelsea are back in the&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;and can look forward to taking on last season's semi-finalists Ajax as well as former runners-up Valencia and Lille in Group H. Frank Lampard's team kick off at home to Valencia.

Ronaldo 'always confident'

Premier&nbsp;League&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Manchester City were handed the kindest draw of all four English representatives, with Pep Guardiola's men coming up against Italian debutants Atalanta along with Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb in Group C.

City beat Shakhtar 3-0 in Ukraine in last season's group stage before a 6-0 victory in the return. The teams meet in Kharkiv in their first game on September 18.

"We have to keep being strong in our country and if we do that, we know we will have a chance in this competition," said Txiki Begiristain, the director of football at City, who have lost in the quarter-finals in the last two seasons.

There will be glamour ties between familiar opponents elsewhere, with Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid renewing acquaintances with Paris Saint-Germain in Group A, the sides meeting in their opening game at the Parc des Princes.

Real eliminated the French&nbsp;champions&nbsp;in the last 16 on the way to winning the trophy two seasons ago.

Turkish&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Galatasaray and Club Brugge of Belgium complete Group A.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus will come up against Atletico Madrid again after beating the Spanish side in the last 16 last season. They will begin their campaign by clashing in Madrid and will also face Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moscow in Group D.

"I don't know what's going to happen this year but when the year starts I'm always confident. This year I'm not changing my mind," Ronaldo, whose side lost to Ajax in the quarter-finals last season, told BT Sport.

Perhaps the most balanced section sees Zenit Saint Petersburg, Benfica, Lyon and RB Leipzig clash in Group G.

Barcelona will have to come through a section containing both Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan after the three former winners all came out together in Thursday's UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco, while holders Liverpool will face Napoli again.

Barcelona will have to come through a section containing both Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan after the three former winners all came out together in Thursday's UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco, while holders Liverpool will face Napoli again. Barcelona, Dortmund and Inter, with nine European Cups between them, were drawn together in Group F along with the Czech champions Slavia Prague. Beaten by Liverpool in the semi-finals last season, Lionel Messi and Barcelona remain favourites to advance as they seek a first Champions League crown since 2015. Dortmund won the trophy in 1997 and lost in the final in 2013. Now coached by Antonio Conte, Inter beat Barcelona in the semi-finals en route to winning the most recent of their three titles in 2010. "That really is a very tough group, which makes it an even bigger challenge for us," said the Dortmund coach, Lucien Favre. His team host Barca in the opening round of matches on Tuesday, September 17. Liverpool advanced from their group at the expense of Napoli last season on the way to lifting their sixth European Cup in Madrid, and Carlo Ancelotti's side now have a chance to gain revenge. Beaten in Naples a year ago, Liverpool will head back to the San Paolo in their first match on September 17. Both clubs will be fancied to progress from Group E, which is completed by Austrian champions Salzburg and Genk, the Belgian title-holders. "Napoli again! I don't know how often I've now played against Napoli, but they're obviously a very experienced side," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who faced the Italians with Dortmund in the 2013-14 group stage. Liverpool are hoping to return to this year's final which will be played in Istanbul, where they won their fifth title back in 2005. After losing in last season's final, Tottenham Hotspur can look forward to a meeting with German champions Bayern Munich in Group B. Tottenham entertain Bayern in London in their second group game on October 1, which will be the first meeting of the clubs since the 1983-84 UEFA Cup. They will then go to Munich in December. The teams will also meet Greek champions Olympiakos and Red Star Belgrade of Serbia, the 1991 European Cup winners, in Group B. After winning the Europa League, Chelsea are back in the Champions League and can look forward to taking on last season's semi-finalists Ajax as well as former runners-up Valencia and Lille in Group H. Frank Lampard's team kick off at home to Valencia. Ronaldo 'always confident' Premier League champions Manchester City were handed the kindest draw of all four English representatives, with Pep Guardiola's men coming up against Italian debutants Atalanta along with Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb in Group C. City beat Shakhtar 3-0 in Ukraine in last season's group stage before a 6-0 victory in the return. The teams meet in Kharkiv in their first game on September 18. "We have to keep being strong in our country and if we do that, we know we will have a chance in this competition," said Txiki Begiristain, the director of football at City, who have lost in the quarter-finals in the last two seasons. There will be glamour ties between familiar opponents elsewhere, with Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid renewing acquaintances with Paris Saint-Germain in Group A, the sides meeting in their opening game at the Parc des Princes. Real eliminated the French champions in the last 16 on the way to winning the trophy two seasons ago. Turkish champions Galatasaray and Club Brugge of Belgium complete Group A. Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus will come up against Atletico Madrid again after beating the Spanish side in the last 16 last season. They will begin their campaign by clashing in Madrid and will also face Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moscow in Group D. "I don't know what's going to happen this year but when the year starts I'm always confident. This year I'm not changing my mind," Ronaldo, whose side lost to Ajax in the quarter-finals last season, told BT Sport. Perhaps the most balanced section sees Zenit Saint Petersburg, Benfica, Lyon and RB Leipzig clash in Group G.

Barcelona handed tough Champions League draw as Liverpool face Napoli again

Fans in Instanbul predicted the result of Wednesday's (August 14) UEFA Super Cup game between Chelsea and Liverpool. The Super Cup is an annual match between the winners of the Champions League and the Europa League.

Fans predict how Super Cup will play out

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-urges-manchester-city-to-strike-early-blow-against-liverpool-240382">Pep&nbsp;Guardiola</a> has dominated English football in his time at Manchester City, winning five of the six domestic trophies in the last two seasons, and once again is putting Premier League glory at the top of his list of ambitions for the new season.

On Sunday, City tackle Champions League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley in the traditional season curtain-raiser.

Liverpool won their sixth European Cup with victory over Tottenham in May, and while Guardiola does want to conquer Europe with City, he prefers the sustained excellence that a successful league campaign brings over the vagaries of the post-Christmas knockout rounds.

The 48-year-old Spaniard has won eight titles in ten seasons as a manager and he is now aiming to repeat the three straight league title wins he had at German giants Bayern Munich with City.

"The Champions League is an important tournament and difficult to win," he said.

"But it's seven games (the knockout stages). I am not going to go to the casino and gamble everything I have in my pocket on seven games. I don't want that.

"I want to be happy for 11 months and the Premier League makes me happy. Every game when we win, I am happy and I go to a restaurant feeling better.

"Why am I going to wait until February for seven games and put everything on black? From my point of view, that is too risky."

Guardiola, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool and Spurs in the past two seasons, said the title meant everything to him. &nbsp;

"To maintain the health and focus of the team, the most important thing is the Premier League," he said.

"It is the standout competition because it is every weekend. In the Champions League, many things can happen in one or two games.

"We will be closer to achieving in Europe when we have more Premier League titles. That is a nice process and the right process to do at Manchester City.

"If I could have one thing this season, right now, it would definitely be the title."

'Players were incredible'

The discussion has been had all summer about whose achievements were greater last season, Liverpool's Champions League glory or City winning the three domestic trophies -- Liverpool pushing City all the way in the Premier League title race -- in England plus the Community Shield.

But it was 3-0 in the Reds' favour in nominations for the best male player for the Best Fifa Football Awards, which were announced last Wednesday.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are on the ten-man shortlist.

It has left Guardiola wondering what City's players must do to receive wider acclaim for their performances.

"I cannot imagine Real Madrid or Barcelona winning four titles in one season and not having a single player there," he said.

"That is impossible. I am not going to say that the ten guys nominated don't deserve it, but I am a bit surprised we had no one because our players were incredible.

"For example I don't think any player made a better season than Bernardo Silva, who also won the Nations League with Portugal."

Guardiola had to acknowledge that success in Europe is the only remedy to resolving the conundrum.&nbsp;

"These awards are normally when you win the Champions League or are in the latter stages," he said.

"The other competitions do not count. So if we win the Champions League, our players will be there."&nbsp;

Pep Guardiola has dominated English football in his time at Manchester City, winning five of the six domestic trophies in the last two seasons, and once again is putting Premier League glory at the top of his list of ambitions for the new season.

Pep Guardiola has dominated English football in his time at Manchester City, winning five of the six domestic trophies in the last two seasons, and once again is putting Premier League glory at the top of his list of ambitions for the new season. On Sunday, City tackle Champions League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley in the traditional season curtain-raiser. Liverpool won their sixth European Cup with victory over Tottenham in May, and while Guardiola does want to conquer Europe with City, he prefers the sustained excellence that a successful league campaign brings over the vagaries of the post-Christmas knockout rounds. The 48-year-old Spaniard has won eight titles in ten seasons as a manager and he is now aiming to repeat the three straight league title wins he had at German giants Bayern Munich with City. "The Champions League is an important tournament and difficult to win," he said. "But it's seven games (the knockout stages). I am not going to go to the casino and gamble everything I have in my pocket on seven games. I don't want that. "I want to be happy for 11 months and the Premier League makes me happy. Every game when we win, I am happy and I go to a restaurant feeling better. "Why am I going to wait until February for seven games and put everything on black? From my point of view, that is too risky." Guardiola, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool and Spurs in the past two seasons, said the title meant everything to him. "To maintain the health and focus of the team, the most important thing is the Premier League," he said. "It is the standout competition because it is every weekend. In the Champions League, many things can happen in one or two games. "We will be closer to achieving in Europe when we have more Premier League titles. That is a nice process and the right process to do at Manchester City. "If I could have one thing this season, right now, it would definitely be the title." 'Players were incredible' The discussion has been had all summer about whose achievements were greater last season, Liverpool's Champions League glory or City winning the three domestic trophies -- Liverpool pushing City all the way in the Premier League title race -- in England plus the Community Shield. But it was 3-0 in the Reds' favour in nominations for the best male player for the Best Fifa Football Awards, which were announced last Wednesday. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are on the ten-man shortlist. It has left Guardiola wondering what City's players must do to receive wider acclaim for their performances. "I cannot imagine Real Madrid or Barcelona winning four titles in one season and not having a single player there," he said. "That is impossible. I am not going to say that the ten guys nominated don't deserve it, but I am a bit surprised we had no one because our players were incredible. "For example I don't think any player made a better season than Bernardo Silva, who also won the Nations League with Portugal." Guardiola had to acknowledge that success in Europe is the only remedy to resolving the conundrum. "These awards are normally when you win the Champions League or are in the latter stages," he said. "The other competitions do not count. So if we win the Champions League, our players will be there."

Pep Guardiola values Premier League title above gambling all on Champions League

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane spoke to media after his side's 1-3 loss to Bayern Munich in an entertaining International Champions Cup match in Houston on Saturday. &nbsp;

Both Bayern and Real gave debuts to high-profile acquisitions in a game that featured appearances from 41 different players, however, Real Madrid's Welsh star Gareth Bale was left off.&nbsp;

During the post-match press conference, Zidane commented on Bale's future with the Real saying that "the club is working on his departure". &nbsp;

"He wasn't included in the squad because the club is working on his departure and that's why he didn't play," Zidane said.&nbsp;

"We'll have to see what happens in the coming days," he added.&nbsp;

"We'll have to see if it goes through tomorrow, if it does then all the better. Let's hope, for everyone's sake, that it happens soon," Zidane insisted.&nbsp;

"We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team," said the coach.&nbsp;

"I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done,"&nbsp;Zidane added.

Bale joined Real Madrid six seasons ago and has been linked to Tottenham, Manchester United and Bayern of&nbsp;late.&nbsp;

He has three seasons left on his deal.&nbsp;

Zidane gave a vague response to speculation surrounding Paul Pogba signing from Manchester United.&nbsp;

He said, "I have been asked this same question and I am going to answer the same."&nbsp;

English Premier League clubs can only buy and sell players up to 8th August.&nbsp;

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane spoke to media after his side's 1-3 loss to Bayern Munich in an entertaining International Champions Cup match in Houston on Saturday.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane spoke to media after his side's 1-3 loss to Bayern Munich in an entertaining International Champions Cup match in Houston on Saturday. Both Bayern and Real gave debuts to high-profile acquisitions in a game that featured appearances from 41 different players, however, Real Madrid's Welsh star Gareth Bale was left off. During the post-match press conference, Zidane commented on Bale's future with the Real saying that "the club is working on his departure". "He wasn't included in the squad because the club is working on his departure and that's why he didn't play," Zidane said. "We'll have to see what happens in the coming days," he added. "We'll have to see if it goes through tomorrow, if it does then all the better. Let's hope, for everyone's sake, that it happens soon," Zidane insisted. "We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team," said the coach. "I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done," Zidane added. Bale joined Real Madrid six seasons ago and has been linked to Tottenham, Manchester United and Bayern of late. He has three seasons left on his deal. Zidane gave a vague response to speculation surrounding Paul Pogba signing from Manchester United. He said, "I have been asked this same question and I am going to answer the same." English Premier League clubs can only buy and sell players up to 8th August.

'Nothing personal against him,' says Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid ready to move Gareth Bale

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson addressed media on Thursday ahead of their pre-season friendlies in the United States.&nbsp;

The Reds trained at the University of Notre Dame as they are set to face Borussia Dortmund on July 20 (5:30 am IST).&nbsp;

Champions League holders will play two more matches on their US tour against Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon before returning to the UK to continue their preparations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-manchester-city-to-kick-off-premier-league-season-at-west-ham-226813">Premier League</a> runners-up will begin the season with a home game against the newly-promoted Norwich on August 10.&nbsp;

Speaking to media about returning after UCL victory, Henderson said that winning the European title was a "special moment" that gave them a taste of success and the team wants more trophies.&nbsp;

"That was such a big achievement for us as a team. And it was a special moment, of course, se we've enjoyed our summer, I'm sure," said Henderson.&nbsp;

"But it also gives us that taste for success. And we want more, more trophies, more of that," he said.&nbsp;

"So, I think, I don't speak for me, I speak for the lot of the lads as well, we 're dying to get back in and get going again," the captain added.&nbsp;

Henderson also talked about the current team formation and summer transfers. "I feel very confident in squad that we've got. you Look at a place that have come back from a long, long injuries like ,and Adam, and even look at what&nbsp;is doing pre-season."

"I think players like that you have a big contribution this season, hopefully, if they can stay fit -- and everybody else as well. I think we've got a very good squad. I'm a capable of competing on all fronts and every competition that we're in," said&nbsp;Jordan Henderson.&nbsp;

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson addressed media on Thursday ahead of their pre-season friendlies in the United States. The Reds trained at the University of Notre Dame as they are set to face Borussia Dortmund on July 20 (5:30 am IST).

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson addressed media on Thursday ahead of their pre-season friendlies in the United States. The Reds trained at the University of Notre Dame as they are set to face Borussia Dortmund on July 20 (5:30 am IST). Champions League holders will play two more matches on their US tour against Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon before returning to the UK to continue their preparations. Premier League runners-up will begin the season with a home game against the newly-promoted Norwich on August 10. Speaking to media about returning after UCL victory, Henderson said that winning the European title was a "special moment" that gave them a taste of success and the team wants more trophies. "That was such a big achievement for us as a team. And it was a special moment, of course, se we've enjoyed our summer, I'm sure," said Henderson. "But it also gives us that taste for success. And we want more, more trophies, more of that," he said. "So, I think, I don't speak for me, I speak for the lot of the lads as well, we 're dying to get back in and get going again," the captain added. Henderson also talked about the current team formation and summer transfers. "I feel very confident in squad that we've got. you Look at a place that have come back from a long, long injuries like ,and Adam, and even look at what is doing pre-season." "I think players like that you have a big contribution this season, hopefully, if they can stay fit -- and everybody else as well. I think we've got a very good squad. I'm a capable of competing on all fronts and every competition that we're in," said Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool want more trophies, says captain Jordan Henderson

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-wants-barcelona-return-says-clubs-vice-president-230937&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7-duegq_jAhUIWCsKHWA4AUkQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15e2GHqJESvRzv616C0QdF">Barcelona </a>have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday.

The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side.

Financial details were not released but earlier reports said Barca would pay around $2.25 million&nbsp;for Abe, who made his senior international debut at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-koji-miyoshi-shines-japan-plays-2-2-draw-against-uruguay-229170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVg4qpgq_jAhXbad4KHelTCxYQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0lMGxWeUqY2tZIy176eb0w">Copa America</a> and appeared in all three of their matches.

"It was a difficult decision to leave (Kashima) mid-season, but I chose to make the move because I absolutely want to take on this new challenge at Barcelona," Kyodo news agency quoted Abe as saying in a statement.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday. The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday. The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side. Financial details were not released but earlier reports said Barca would pay around $2.25 million for Abe, who made his senior international debut at the Copa America and appeared in all three of their matches. "It was a difficult decision to leave (Kashima) mid-season, but I chose to make the move because I absolutely want to take on this new challenge at Barcelona," Kyodo news agency quoted Abe as saying in a statement.

Barcelona agree deal to sign Japan's Abe

Former <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-head-coach-massimiliano-allegri-praises-christiano-ronaldos-mental-strength-218734&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi4t63eyOjiAhVKM48KHRveCfIQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Fm594Rp1PID7x7Wpk-Y9o">Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri</a> has said he needs to recharge his batteries and will take a year off from football before returning to management.

The 51-year-old led Juventus to five consecutive Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and two Champions League runner-up finishes in his five years in charge but parted ways with the club at the end of the season.

"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/massimiliano-allegri-to-leave-juventus-at-end-of-season-219433&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi4t63eyOjiAhVKM48KHRveCfIQFjAGegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3goQfOKkIEF8PSnwCXVFif">I'm going to take a year off</a> to recharge the batteries and take my personal life back in hand," the BBC quoted Allegri as saying at an event in Milan. "The last 16 years have felt like being in a spin-dryer."

Allegri began his managerial career in 2004 in Italy's fourth division and also managed AC Milan, who he led to the Serie A title in 2011, before joining Juventus in 2014.

British and Italian media have reported that Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is close to being named as Allegri's replacement after Juventus reached an agreement in principle with the Premier League side to sign the Italian.

Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has said he needs to recharge his batteries and will take a year off from football before returning to management. The 51-year-old led Juventus to five consecutive Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and two Champions League runner-up finishes in his five years in charge but parted ways with the club at the end of the season.

Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has said he needs to recharge his batteries and will take a year off from football before returning to management. The 51-year-old led Juventus to five consecutive Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and two Champions League runner-up finishes in his five years in charge but parted ways with the club at the end of the season. "I'm going to take a year off to recharge the batteries and take my personal life back in hand," the BBC quoted Allegri as saying at an event in Milan. "The last 16 years have felt like being in a spin-dryer." Allegri began his managerial career in 2004 in Italy's fourth division and also managed AC Milan, who he led to the Serie A title in 2011, before joining Juventus in 2014. British and Italian media have reported that Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is close to being named as Allegri's replacement after Juventus reached an agreement in principle with the Premier League side to sign the Italian.

Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri wants year off from football

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Manchester+City">Manchester City</a> have launched a legal bid to stop UEFA banning them from the 2020-2021 Champions League, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday.

Abu Dhabi-owned City, who retained the Premier League title this season, are in danger of being kicked out of future editions of the Champions League after UEFA looked into reported Financial Fair Play breaches.

The investigation was triggered by European football's governing body in March after claims City had hidden revenue from overvalued commercial deals in order to meet the UEFA spending guidelines.

According to the Lausanne-based CAS the Premier League champions have now filed an appeal with the court ahead of an imminent sentencing decision from UEFA's Club Financial Control Body's (CFCB) adjudicatory chamber.

"The appeal is filed against decisions taken by the Investigatory Chamber (IC) of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) regarding MCFC's alleged non-compliance with UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations," CAS said in a statement.

CAS said it was involved in establishing a procedural calendar and that it was unable as yet to say when the matter would be settled.

It is believed the committee is unlikely to rule against the conclusions of chief investigator Yves Leterme, who signed over his probe into alleged payments deception two weeks ago and is thought to have recommended that City be banned from the Champions League.

The decision would leave Pep Guardiola's side out of Europe's elite club competition, potentially for the 2020-21 campaign.

But City are believed to be challenging UEFA's right to send the case to their adjudicatory chamber and its competence to judge on the club at all.

City did not respond to a request for comment, but the club have previously said the referral to the judicial branch "ignores a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence provided by Manchester City".

City, who added the FA Cup and League Cup this season for an unprecedented domestic treble, also said the allegations of wrongdoing were "entirely false" and there is "comprehensive proof" otherwise.

Manchester City have launched a legal bid to stop UEFA banning them from the 2020-2021 Champions League, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday.

Manchester City have launched a legal bid to stop UEFA banning them from the 2020-2021 Champions League, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday. Abu Dhabi-owned City, who retained the Premier League title this season, are in danger of being kicked out of future editions of the Champions League after UEFA looked into reported Financial Fair Play breaches. The investigation was triggered by European football's governing body in March after claims City had hidden revenue from overvalued commercial deals in order to meet the UEFA spending guidelines. According to the Lausanne-based CAS the Premier League champions have now filed an appeal with the court ahead of an imminent sentencing decision from UEFA's Club Financial Control Body's (CFCB) adjudicatory chamber. "The appeal is filed against decisions taken by the Investigatory Chamber (IC) of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) regarding MCFC's alleged non-compliance with UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations," CAS said in a statement. CAS said it was involved in establishing a procedural calendar and that it was unable as yet to say when the matter would be settled. It is believed the committee is unlikely to rule against the conclusions of chief investigator Yves Leterme, who signed over his probe into alleged payments deception two weeks ago and is thought to have recommended that City be banned from the Champions League. The decision would leave Pep Guardiola's side out of Europe's elite club competition, potentially for the 2020-21 campaign. But City are believed to be challenging UEFA's right to send the case to their adjudicatory chamber and its competence to judge on the club at all. City did not respond to a request for comment, but the club have previously said the referral to the judicial branch "ignores a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence provided by Manchester City". City, who added the FA Cup and League Cup this season for an unprecedented domestic treble, also said the allegations of wrongdoing were "entirely false" and there is "comprehensive proof" otherwise.

Manchester City appeal against possible Champions League ban

Liverpool's celebrations shifted to their home city on Sunday as tens of thousands of fans greeted the team who beat Tottenham to win the Champions League final in Madrid the night before.

Liverpool fans celebrate Champions League homecoming party

Major takeaways from UCL final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-beat-tottenham-to-win-champions-league-final-223520">UEFA Champions League final</a> match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur was halted for a few seconds when a female fan invaded the pitch, wearing a black swimsuit, in the first half of the game.&nbsp;

The female pitch invader later identified as a Russian swimsuit model Kinsey Wolanski, who is an Instagram model and her handle is @kinsey_sue.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohamed-salahs-penalty-strike-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-final-223514">Mohamed Salah's penalty strike against Tottenham Hotspur in Champions League final</a>

As per the reports, Wolanski is the girlfriend of YouTube prankster Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, popular for his YouTube name VitalyzdTV.&nbsp;

Zdorovetskiy is banned from major sporting&nbsp;events.&nbsp;

Watch the pitch invasion:

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Pitch Invader LOOOLL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ebKcQjatLd">pic.twitter.com/ebKcQjatLd</a>
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A penalty in 22 seconds 
 
Female pitch invader in a Champions League final... 
 
What a start 😂 <a href="https://t.co/67jaawUGbT">pic.twitter.com/67jaawUGbT</a>
— Football HQ (@FootbaII_HQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootbaII_HQ/status/1134904853707276289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwufP_oFRwz/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Good morning honey 🍯</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kinsey_sue/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kinsey Wolanski</a> (@kinsey_sue) on <time datetime="2019-04-26T17:01:18+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 26, 2019 at 10:01am PDT</time>
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In the match,&nbsp;Mohamed Salah's early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid.&nbsp;

Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko.&nbsp;

Belgian striker Origi, who scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Liverpool's remarkable semi-final comeback, sealed victory three minutes from time with a superb low finish.&nbsp;

The UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur was halted for a few seconds when a female fan invaded the pitch, wearing a black swimsuit, in the first half of the game.

The UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur was halted for a few seconds when a female fan invaded the pitch, wearing a black swimsuit, in the first half of the game. The female pitch invader later identified as a Russian swimsuit model Kinsey Wolanski, who is an Instagram model and her handle is @kinsey_sue. Watch: Mohamed Salah's penalty strike against Tottenham Hotspur in Champions League final As per the reports, Wolanski is the girlfriend of YouTube prankster Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, popular for his YouTube name VitalyzdTV. Zdorovetskiy is banned from major sporting events. Watch the pitch invasion: Pitch Invader LOOOLL #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ebKcQjatLd — 🔮™️ (@iseekwisdm) June 1, 2019 × A penalty in 22 seconds Female pitch invader in a Champions League final... What a start 😂 pic.twitter.com/67jaawUGbT — Football HQ (@FootbaII_HQ) June 1, 2019 × View this post on Instagram Good morning honey 🍯 A post shared by Kinsey Wolanski (@kinsey_sue) on Apr 26, 2019 at 10:01am PDT × In the match, Mohamed Salah's early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid. Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko. Belgian striker Origi, who scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Liverpool's remarkable semi-final comeback, sealed victory three minutes from time with a superb low finish.

UCLfinal: Female pitch invader's identity revealed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohamed-salahs-penalty-strike-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-final-223514">Mohamed Salah</a>'s early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid.

Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko.

Belgian striker Origi, who scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Liverpool's remarkable semi-final comeback, sealed victory three minutes from time with a superb low finish.

Salah&nbsp;scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history&nbsp;as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-female-pitch-invaders-identity-revealed-223518">Female pitch invader's identity revealed</a>

Italy great Paolo Maldini holds the record for the fastest goal after he scored with just 50 seconds gone in the 2005 final against Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah took on the responsibility and converted the penalty into a goal and became the first Egyptian to score in the Champions League final.&nbsp;

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🏆 CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/4W9diw8Q94">pic.twitter.com/4W9diw8Q94</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1134932974452056064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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🔴 Liverpool's name is on the trophy for the sixth time!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/9AJSZtAhUv">pic.twitter.com/9AJSZtAhUv</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1134930018910593025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Divock Origi 🙌 
 
Semi-final hero ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> hero ✅ <a href="https://t.co/2EETtC2U2k">pic.twitter.com/2EETtC2U2k</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1134929864849580032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A disappointing final never truly got going after that, but Liverpool will not care, as they saw Alisson Becker make several confident saves in the latter stages before substitute Origi drilled in the killer second in the 87th minute.

That led to an explosion of joy from their supporters inside the Metropolitano Stadium as Jurgen Klopp's side made up for their defeat in last year's final against Real Madrid and the deflation of missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Salah has his redemption after injury ruined his night against Real in Kiev, and the revered Klopp has his first trophy as Liverpool manager, three and a half years on from his arrival at the club. The German ends a run of six straight defeats in finals.

More importantly, Liverpool have their sixth European Cup, further cementing their status as one of football's most storied clubs.

They now have more than Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and twice as many as their great rivals Manchester United.

Perhaps the occasion was just too much for Tottenham in their first ever appearance in the Champions League final. Beating Liverpool was always going to be a big ask, and they have now lost all three meetings with these opponents this season, winning just one of their last 15 encounters.

Mauricio Pochettino's decision to start Harry Kane after nearly two months out did not pay off, and he is still looking for his first trophy after five years in charge.

Nevertheless, if they can keep him, and with the impetus from the move to their new stadium, maybe they will be back on such a stage before long.

That they were here at all was remarkable, Lucas Moura's sensational hat-trick that dumped out Ajax in the semi-finals capping a memorable Champions League season all round.

The stage was set for this match, only the second all-English final, but after all the hype and the stories of fans paying thousands for tickets for a game they simply could not miss, this was a strangely subdued affair between the two goals.

Kane gamble backfires

Perhaps the stakes were simply too high, or perhaps the three-week break since the end of the Premier League season was to blame.

Most likely the suffocating Madrid heat impacted on the players and prevented this from being like a typical Premier League clash.

However, it might also have been a result of the opening goal coming so early, badly affecting Tottenham's confidence.

Pochettino had opted to start Kane after an ankle injury, meaning Lucas was on the bench. Kane hardly touched the ball.

Eight members of Liverpool's team also started last season's final, when Salah went off injured and in tears in the first half.

This time Liverpool were the ones celebrating after a whirlwind start, Slovenian referee Damir Skomina pointing to the spot inside 25 seconds when Sissoko blocked Sadio Mane's cross with his arm.

Salah confidently blasted home the penalty for the second-fastest goal ever scored in the final of the modern Champions League.

The only faster effort was Paolo Maldini's effort for AC Milan against Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, when the Anfield side famously won on penalties.

Spurs just did not get going, and there was none of the frenzied pressing and attacking associated with Klopp's side, although Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both came close in the first half.

Pochettino's team did improve after the break, but Virgil van Dijk was immense for Liverpool and there was no way past Alisson, with the Brazilian saving well from Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen late on.

It was left to Origi, one of the heroes of the stunning semi-final win over Barcelona, to wrap it up with three minutes left as he swept home inside the box to end any doubt.

Mohamed Salah's early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid.

Mohamed Salah's early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid. Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko. Belgian striker Origi, who scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Liverpool's remarkable semi-final comeback, sealed victory three minutes from time with a superb low finish. Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko. Also Read: Female pitch invader's identity revealed Italy great Paolo Maldini holds the record for the fastest goal after he scored with just 50 seconds gone in the 2005 final against Liverpool. Mohamed Salah took on the responsibility and converted the penalty into a goal and became the first Egyptian to score in the Champions League final. 🏆 CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/4W9diw8Q94 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2019 × 🔴 Liverpool's name is on the trophy for the sixth time!#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/9AJSZtAhUv — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2019 × Divock Origi 🙌 Semi-final hero ✅#UCLfinal hero ✅ pic.twitter.com/2EETtC2U2k — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2019 × A disappointing final never truly got going after that, but Liverpool will not care, as they saw Alisson Becker make several confident saves in the latter stages before substitute Origi drilled in the killer second in the 87th minute. That led to an explosion of joy from their supporters inside the Metropolitano Stadium as Jurgen Klopp's side made up for their defeat in last year's final against Real Madrid and the deflation of missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City. Salah has his redemption after injury ruined his night against Real in Kiev, and the revered Klopp has his first trophy as Liverpool manager, three and a half years on from his arrival at the club. The German ends a run of six straight defeats in finals. More importantly, Liverpool have their sixth European Cup, further cementing their status as one of football's most storied clubs. They now have more than Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and twice as many as their great rivals Manchester United. Perhaps the occasion was just too much for Tottenham in their first ever appearance in the Champions League final. Beating Liverpool was always going to be a big ask, and they have now lost all three meetings with these opponents this season, winning just one of their last 15 encounters. Mauricio Pochettino's decision to start Harry Kane after nearly two months out did not pay off, and he is still looking for his first trophy after five years in charge. Nevertheless, if they can keep him, and with the impetus from the move to their new stadium, maybe they will be back on such a stage before long. That they were here at all was remarkable, Lucas Moura's sensational hat-trick that dumped out Ajax in the semi-finals capping a memorable Champions League season all round. The stage was set for this match, only the second all-English final, but after all the hype and the stories of fans paying thousands for tickets for a game they simply could not miss, this was a strangely subdued affair between the two goals. Kane gamble backfires Perhaps the stakes were simply too high, or perhaps the three-week break since the end of the Premier League season was to blame. Most likely the suffocating Madrid heat impacted on the players and prevented this from being like a typical Premier League clash. However, it might also have been a result of the opening goal coming so early, badly affecting Tottenham's confidence. Pochettino had opted to start Kane after an ankle injury, meaning Lucas was on the bench. Kane hardly touched the ball. Eight members of Liverpool's team also started last season's final, when Salah went off injured and in tears in the first half. This time Liverpool were the ones celebrating after a whirlwind start, Slovenian referee Damir Skomina pointing to the spot inside 25 seconds when Sissoko blocked Sadio Mane's cross with his arm. Salah confidently blasted home the penalty for the second-fastest goal ever scored in the final of the modern Champions League. The only faster effort was Paolo Maldini's effort for AC Milan against Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, when the Anfield side famously won on penalties. Spurs just did not get going, and there was none of the frenzied pressing and attacking associated with Klopp's side, although Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both came close in the first half. Pochettino's team did improve after the break, but Virgil van Dijk was immense for Liverpool and there was no way past Alisson, with the Brazilian saving well from Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen late on. It was left to Origi, one of the heroes of the stunning semi-final win over Barcelona, to wrap it up with three minutes left as he swept home inside the box to end any doubt.

Liverpool beat Tottenham to win Champions League final

Liverpool star striker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=salah">Mohamed Salah</a> scored in the second minute to give his side an advantage in the UEFA Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.&nbsp;

Salah&nbsp;scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history&nbsp;as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko.

Italy great Paolo Maldini holds the record for the fastest goal after he scored with just 50 seconds gone in the 2005 final against Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah took on the responsibility and converted the penalty into a goal and became the first Egyptian to score in the Champions League final.&nbsp;

Mo Salah seemed to have gotten over from the ghosts of last year's UCL final against Real Madrid when he was forced to leave the field after a shoulder injury.&nbsp;

Watch the goal here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLFinal</a> clean shot from no salah <a href="https://t.co/8M65vBI5Uz">pic.twitter.com/8M65vBI5Uz</a>
— N00B (@REAL_GAMING6X) <a href="https://twitter.com/REAL_GAMING6X/status/1134899339237699584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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For the match, Harry Kane returned from almost two months out with injury to start for Tottenham.&nbsp;

"I think we believed and we felt that in the last few weeks he was ready to compete," said Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino before kick-off.&nbsp;

"We give him time to feel that emotion and determination, and yesterday we confirmed that he was ready," he added.&nbsp;

Pochettino dropped Lucas Moura to make room for Kane, despite Moura scoring an incredible hat-trick as Tottenham came back to knock out Ajax in the semis.&nbsp;

Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min were selected behind Kane in attacking midfield.&nbsp;

Liverpool's own centre forward Roberto Firmino also made it into Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up at the Wanda Metropolitano.&nbsp;

Firmino had missed Liverpool's last three games with a groin injury, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane completing the front three.&nbsp;

James Milner dropped to the bench, as Klopp picked a midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum, who scored twice in Liverpool's stunning semi-final fightback against Barcelona.&nbsp;

Liverpool star striker Mohamed Salah scored in the second minute to give his side an advantage in the UEFA Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.

Liverpool star striker Mohamed Salah scored in the second minute to give his side an advantage in the UEFA Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid. Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko. Italy great Paolo Maldini holds the record for the fastest goal after he scored with just 50 seconds gone in the 2005 final against Liverpool. Mohamed Salah took on the responsibility and converted the penalty into a goal and became the first Egyptian to score in the Champions League final. Mo Salah seemed to have gotten over from the ghosts of last year's UCL final against Real Madrid when he was forced to leave the field after a shoulder injury. Watch the goal here: #UCL #UCLFinal clean shot from no salah pic.twitter.com/8M65vBI5Uz — N00B (@REAL_GAMING6X) June 1, 2019 × #UCLfinal Gooll Salah ⚽️ Tottenham 0 Liverpool 1 pic.twitter.com/3LrwpXsRpk — 💛❤ Yellow_Red_Lion💛❤ 🇹🇷🇧🇦 (@hsyn54hsyn) June 1, 2019 × For the match, Harry Kane returned from almost two months out with injury to start for Tottenham. "I think we believed and we felt that in the last few weeks he was ready to compete," said Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino before kick-off. "We give him time to feel that emotion and determination, and yesterday we confirmed that he was ready," he added. Pochettino dropped Lucas Moura to make room for Kane, despite Moura scoring an incredible hat-trick as Tottenham came back to knock out Ajax in the semis. Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min were selected behind Kane in attacking midfield. Liverpool's own centre forward Roberto Firmino also made it into Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up at the Wanda Metropolitano. Firmino had missed Liverpool's last three games with a groin injury, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane completing the front three. James Milner dropped to the bench, as Klopp picked a midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum, who scored twice in Liverpool's stunning semi-final fightback against Barcelona.

Watch: Mohamed Salah's penalty strike against Tottenham Hotspur in Champions League final

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