Five-time winners Liverpool take on Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the UEFA Champions League in Madrid. This is just the second all-English final in the history of the competition. Welsh coach and WION's Football expert Matt Holland analyses where the battle for glory in Europe's biggest club competition will be won.

UCL Final Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silverware-is-priority-for-liverpool-says-alexander-arnold-ahead-of-champions-league-final-against-tottenham-223223">Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool</a> are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-believes-fortune-has-favoured-tottenham-to-reach-champions-league-final-223317">Mauricio Pochettino</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hugo-lloris-eyes-winning-his-second-final-in-a-year-as-tottenham-face-liverpool-in-champions-league-final-223327">Tottenham</a> can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium.

For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season.

A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears.

Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in the 1950s.&nbsp;

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs.

"Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said.

In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.

In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium.

"We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino.

Kane to start?

Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury.

Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings.&nbsp;

Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach.

The German put a positive spin on that record.

"I am probably at the moment a&nbsp;world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it."

Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled.

Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury.

Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick.

That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue.

Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home.

But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets.

Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard.

Security challenge

The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid.

With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried.

Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event".

Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild.&nbsp;

Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs.

Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988.

If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the&nbsp;cup&nbsp;since Chelsea in 2012.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid. The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium. For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season. A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears. Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European Cup in the 1950s. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs. "Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said. In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005. In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium. "We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino. Kane to start? Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury. Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings. Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach. The German put a positive spin on that record. "I am probably at the moment a world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it." Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled. Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury. Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick. That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue. Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a World Cup and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home. But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets. Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard. Security challenge The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid. With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried. Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event". Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild. Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs. Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988. If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the cup since Chelsea in 2012.

Champions League: Liverpool and Tottenham set for the final showdown

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mohamed+Salah">Mohamed Salah</a> is keen to make a decisive contribution in Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur and help lay to rest the demons of Liverpool's nightmare defeat by Real Madrid a year ago.

Salah injured his shoulder in a coming together with Real defender Sergio Ramos during last year's final in Kiev and was forced to leave the field with half an hour played.

Liverpool went on to lose 3-1 and their Egyptian forward is fired up by the thought of scoring the winner this time around and helping his team claim their sixth European Cup.

"I hope I can play the full game this time. I'm very excited," Salah told reporters on Tuesday. "I hope we can right what happened last season, get a good result and win the competition.

"(Scoring the winner is) not just dream. I hope it becomes a reality and I score in the final."

Salah also said Liverpool had learnt their lessons from last year's disappointment and that the team was better off for the experience.

"This is our second final in a row," he added. "We lost the first but everything feels better this time around and we have more experience than last time.

"I hope we can win it. It will be tough. This is a final and no opponent would have been easy... It is harder because (Tottenham) is an English side."

Mohamed Salah is keen to make a decisive contribution in Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur and help lay to rest the demons of Liverpool's nightmare defeat by Real Madrid a year ago.

Mohamed Salah is keen to make a decisive contribution in Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur and help lay to rest the demons of Liverpool's nightmare defeat by Real Madrid a year ago. Salah injured his shoulder in a coming together with Real defender Sergio Ramos during last year's final in Kiev and was forced to leave the field with half an hour played. Liverpool went on to lose 3-1 and their Egyptian forward is fired up by the thought of scoring the winner this time around and helping his team claim their sixth European Cup. "I hope I can play the full game this time. I'm very excited," Salah told reporters on Tuesday. "I hope we can right what happened last season, get a good result and win the competition. "(Scoring the winner is) not just dream. I hope it becomes a reality and I score in the final." Salah also said Liverpool had learnt their lessons from last year's disappointment and that the team was better off for the experience. "This is our second final in a row," he added. "We lost the first but everything feels better this time around and we have more experience than last time. "I hope we can win it. It will be tough. This is a final and no opponent would have been easy... It is harder because (Tottenham) is an English side."

Liverpool's Salah seeks Champions League final redemption

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid. Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said, Klopp.

Robert Firmino 'will be fine' for final says Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-head-coach-massimiliano-allegri-praises-christiano-ronaldos-mental-strength-218734">Massimiliano Allegri </a>oversaw his final game as Juventus coach on Sunday, after guiding the team to an eighth consecutive Serie A title but paying the price for yet another Champions League failure despite the sensational signing of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was left out alongside a host of other starters as the Allegri era ended with the whimper of a 2-0 defeat at Sampdoria, having played 31 of 38 matches and closing the season as the team's top scorer with 21 league goals.

But helping the team to another Serie A title was not why the 34-year-old was signed last summer. Ronaldo had spent nine glittering seasons at Real Madrid, lifting a fourth Champions League trophy in five seasons before moving to Italy.

His arrival in Turin on a 100-million-euro ($115 million) deal, plus a reported 30 million euros a year, was hailed as "the deal of the century" by the Italian press.

But after a season in which they were expected to sweep all before them, Juventus have won less than the previous season, with their four-year reign as Coppa Italia holders ended in a 3-0 quarter-final defeat by Atalanta. Ronaldo single-handedly lifted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juves-allegri-may-have-been-victim-of-his-own-pragmatism-219580"> Juventus </a>into the Champions League quarter-finals with a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid.

But his hopes of a fourth straight European triumph were ended when they crashed out to daring Dutch Ajax in the last eight. 
Amid criticism of Allegri's tactics, Ronaldo, who has scored 124 goals in 160 Champions League appearances, reportedly said: "I don't work miracles".

"Cristiano showed us he could always score in the games that counted. But then you have to have a strong team behind him," said veteran defender Andrea Barzagli.

Money-spinner&nbsp; 
 
Despite the financial fallout of failing to advance in the Champions League, Ronaldo's signing has been a money-spinning one for Juventus. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the most followed sports star on social media with a global reach of over 340 million followers.

More fans ultimately mean more money, and suddenly Ronaldo's transfer fee does not look so extortionate. The club's value on the Milan stock exchange has rocketed by 133 per cent since his arrival last July.

Shares had been trading around 0.6 euro in mid-May, jumping to 1.8 euro during the session on September 20, before dipping slightly following rape allegations against Ronaldo in the United States dating back to 2009 which he vehemently denies.

Shares jumped by 30 per cent after his hat-trick catapulted the Italian football club into the quarterfinals of the Champions League in March.

Next season there will be a new coach on the bench with reports that Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, former coach of Napoli, Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino and Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi is among the candidates. On the pitch Welsh international midfielder Aaron Ramsey arrives in Turin from Arsenal.&nbsp;

Massimiliano Allegri oversaw his final game as Juventus coach on Sunday, after guiding the team to an eighth consecutive Serie A title but paying the price for yet another Champions League failure despite the sensational signing of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Massimiliano Allegri oversaw his final game as Juventus coach on Sunday, after guiding the team to an eighth consecutive Serie A title but paying the price for yet another Champions League failure despite the sensational signing of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was left out alongside a host of other starters as the Allegri era ended with the whimper of a 2-0 defeat at Sampdoria, having played 31 of 38 matches and closing the season as the team's top scorer with 21 league goals. But helping the team to another Serie A title was not why the 34-year-old was signed last summer. Ronaldo had spent nine glittering seasons at Real Madrid, lifting a fourth Champions League trophy in five seasons before moving to Italy. His arrival in Turin on a 100-million-euro ($115 million) deal, plus a reported 30 million euros a year, was hailed as "the deal of the century" by the Italian press. But after a season in which they were expected to sweep all before them, Juventus have won less than the previous season, with their four-year reign as Coppa Italia holders ended in a 3-0 quarter-final defeat by Atalanta. Ronaldo single-handedly lifted Juventus into the Champions League quarter-finals with a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid. But his hopes of a fourth straight European triumph were ended when they crashed out to daring Dutch Ajax in the last eight. Amid criticism of Allegri's tactics, Ronaldo, who has scored 124 goals in 160 Champions League appearances, reportedly said: "I don't work miracles". "Cristiano showed us he could always score in the games that counted. But then you have to have a strong team behind him," said veteran defender Andrea Barzagli. Money-spinner Despite the financial fallout of failing to advance in the Champions League, Ronaldo's signing has been a money-spinning one for Juventus. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the most followed sports star on social media with a global reach of over 340 million followers. More fans ultimately mean more money, and suddenly Ronaldo's transfer fee does not look so extortionate. The club's value on the Milan stock exchange has rocketed by 133 per cent since his arrival last July. Shares had been trading around 0.6 euro in mid-May, jumping to 1.8 euro during the session on September 20, before dipping slightly following rape allegations against Ronaldo in the United States dating back to 2009 which he vehemently denies. Shares jumped by 30 per cent after his hat-trick catapulted the Italian football club into the quarterfinals of the Champions League in March. Next season there will be a new coach on the bench with reports that Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, former coach of Napoli, Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino and Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi is among the candidates. On the pitch Welsh international midfielder Aaron Ramsey arrives in Turin from Arsenal.

Ronaldo not enough as Juve extend Italian domination but fall short in Europe

Former European Cup&nbsp;winners&nbsp;AC&nbsp;Milan&nbsp;endured a bittersweet 3-2&nbsp;win&nbsp;at&nbsp;SPAL&nbsp;in the last round of the Serie A,&nbsp;finishing the campaign&nbsp;outside the&nbsp;top&nbsp;four&nbsp;after their nearest rivals both booked their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-arsenal-top-four-hopes-all-but-over-after-brighton-draw-216202">Champions League</a> berths on Sunday.

The result left&nbsp;Milan&nbsp;fifth on 68 points, one behind third-placed Atalanta and&nbsp;fourth-placed city rivals Inter, meaning they will have to be content with the Europa League next season.

Atalanta came from behind to beat Sassuolo 3-1 at home while Inter eked&nbsp;out&nbsp;a 2-1&nbsp;win&nbsp;against relegated Empoli at the San Siro.

"I am happy with the development of my players, I think many of them have improved a lot," said&nbsp;AC&nbsp;Milan&nbsp;coach Gennaro Gattuso, whose future with the club is uncertain. "We can still get better although it will not be easy to improve this season's 68 points.

"The biggest regret is that in the last few months we have not played well and we have lost too many points, but all in all our work has been good," he added. "There are regrets but also pride. I've congratulated the squad for what they have given me this season."

Hakan Calhanoglu fired&nbsp;Milan&nbsp;ahead in the 18th minute with a first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area after Franck Kessie played the ball into the Turkey midfielder's strike from the left flank.

Kessie doubled&nbsp;Milan's lead shortly afterwards when poor&nbsp;SPAL&nbsp;defending gave the Ivorian playmaker time and space to tee himself up for a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from close range.

The home side pulled one back in the 28th minute after left-back Francesco Vicari found the&nbsp;top&nbsp;left the corner with a glancing header and levelled early in the second half, Mohamed Fares meeting Alessandro Murgia's cross with a thumping header.

Kessie converted a 66th-minute penalty after Krzysztof Piatek was hauled down to rekindle&nbsp;Milan's hopes of earning Champions League football next season but their joy was short-lived as news of the other results came through.

Former European Cup winners AC Milan endured a bittersweet 3-2 win at SPAL in the last round of the Serie A, finishing the campaign outside the top four after their nearest rivals both booked their Champions League berths on Sunday.

Former European Cup winners AC Milan endured a bittersweet 3-2 win at SPAL in the last round of the Serie A, finishing the campaign outside the top four after their nearest rivals both booked their Champions League berths on Sunday. The result left Milan fifth on 68 points, one behind third-placed Atalanta and fourth-placed city rivals Inter, meaning they will have to be content with the Europa League next season. Atalanta came from behind to beat Sassuolo 3-1 at home while Inter eked out a 2-1 win against relegated Empoli at the San Siro. "I am happy with the development of my players, I think many of them have improved a lot," said AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso, whose future with the club is uncertain. "We can still get better although it will not be easy to improve this season's 68 points. "The biggest regret is that in the last few months we have not played well and we have lost too many points, but all in all our work has been good," he added. "There are regrets but also pride. I've congratulated the squad for what they have given me this season." Hakan Calhanoglu fired Milan ahead in the 18th minute with a first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area after Franck Kessie played the ball into the Turkey midfielder's strike from the left flank. Kessie doubled Milan's lead shortly afterwards when poor SPAL defending gave the Ivorian playmaker time and space to tee himself up for a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from close range. The home side pulled one back in the 28th minute after left-back Francesco Vicari found the top left the corner with a glancing header and levelled early in the second half, Mohamed Fares meeting Alessandro Murgia's cross with a thumping header. Kessie converted a 66th-minute penalty after Krzysztof Piatek was hauled down to rekindle Milan's hopes of earning Champions League football next season but their joy was short-lived as news of the other results came through.

AC Milan miss out on top-four finish despite SPAL win

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has entered the final stages of recovery from an ankle injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic the striker will be fit enough to play in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/losing-champions-league-final-would-be-painful-says-tottenhams-son-heung-min-218869">Champions League final</a> in Madrid.

Kane sustained what appeared to be a season-ending ligament injury against Manchester City in the quarter-finals but Pochettino believes he now has a good chance of at least making the bench against Liverpool on June 1.

"(Kane) is training and has entered the final stage of his recovery," the Argentine told reporters in Spain on Thursday.

"We're hoping he'll be able to give us a hand, either from the start, from the bench, or if not, then by giving us moral support in the dressing room. But we're optimistic he'll be able to help us on the pitch."

Pochettino said his team had defied expectations by reaching the final, which he expects to be an emotionally charged affair.

"Everyone's expecting a tactical battle, but I think the emotional side will be decisive -- that will dictate how the game develops," he added.

"(Liverpool) have invested in their squad to be able to compete for the Champions League but we are there too and on our own merit. Nobody expected Tottenham to be in the final... We have the chance to make history.

"You don't play finals, you win them and we're preparing to win it."

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has entered the final stages of recovery from an ankle injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic the striker will be fit enough to play in the Champions League final in Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has entered the final stages of recovery from an ankle injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic the striker will be fit enough to play in the Champions League final in Madrid. Kane sustained what appeared to be a season-ending ligament injury against Manchester City in the quarter-finals but Pochettino believes he now has a good chance of at least making the bench against Liverpool on June 1. "(Kane) is training and has entered the final stage of his recovery," the Argentine told reporters in Spain on Thursday. "We're hoping he'll be able to give us a hand, either from the start, from the bench, or if not, then by giving us moral support in the dressing room. But we're optimistic he'll be able to help us on the pitch." Pochettino said his team had defied expectations by reaching the final, which he expects to be an emotionally charged affair. "Everyone's expecting a tactical battle, but I think the emotional side will be decisive -- that will dictate how the game develops," he added. "(Liverpool) have invested in their squad to be able to compete for the Champions League but we are there too and on our own merit. Nobody expected Tottenham to be in the final... We have the chance to make history. "You don't play finals, you win them and we're preparing to win it."

Mauricio Pochettino optimistic Harry Kane will play in Champions League final

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

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

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

Without doubt La Liga in danger, says Javier Tebas

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

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

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

La Liga posts record financial figures

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

Liverpool 'giants' stun Barca to make Champions League final

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arsenal's hopes of claiming a Champions League place via a top-four finish are all but over after Unai Emery's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton &amp; Hove Albion on Sunday.

Needing victory to keep their top-four chances realistically alive after Chelsea had earlier beaten Watford, Arsenal got the perfect start when referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot after Alireza Jahanbakhsh impeded Nacho Monreal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made no mistake with the penalty to notch up his 20th league goal of the season.

There was a nervousness about Arsenal, however, and Brighton grew into the game, with the threat of relegation removed by Cardiff City's defeat on Saturday.

The visitors were level in the 61st minute when the dangerous Solly March made a strong goalwards run and Granit Xhaka was panicked into conceding a penalty that Murray converted.

In an end-to-end climax both teams went close to scoring but the final whistle was met with stunned silence by the Emirates crowd.

With one game left, Arsenal are four points adrift of third-placed Chelsea and three behind Tottenham Hotspur, whose goal difference is eight better than the Gunners.

Arsenal's hopes of claiming a Champions League place via a top-four finish are all but over after Unai Emery's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Arsenal's hopes of claiming a Champions League place via a top-four finish are all but over after Unai Emery's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Needing victory to keep their top-four chances realistically alive after Chelsea had earlier beaten Watford, Arsenal got the perfect start when referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot after Alireza Jahanbakhsh impeded Nacho Monreal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made no mistake with the penalty to notch up his 20th league goal of the season. There was a nervousness about Arsenal, however, and Brighton grew into the game, with the threat of relegation removed by Cardiff City's defeat on Saturday. The visitors were level in the 61st minute when the dangerous Solly March made a strong goalwards run and Granit Xhaka was panicked into conceding a penalty that Murray converted. In an end-to-end climax both teams went close to scoring but the final whistle was met with stunned silence by the Emirates crowd. With one game left, Arsenal are four points adrift of third-placed Chelsea and three behind Tottenham Hotspur, whose goal difference is eight better than the Gunners.

Champions League: Arsenal top-four hopes all but over after Brighton draw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Klopp also referred to the English Premier League where the second-placed Liverpool are in a close contest with their rivals Manchester City for the league title.&nbsp;

On the eve of the UCL clash, Klopp said, "Messi would be for me – as a player I saw – the number one, 100 per cent, that's me."&nbsp;

"Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see. I saw… I have coached a few really good players, but they didn't finish their careers so we have to… they still have time to develop."&nbsp;

"My father always said it's Pele, but I didn't see Pele live – I am too young for that. But there are lot of good players around, but that's my ranking – Leo (Messi) is, for me, the best," he added.&nbsp;

Back in August Messi, in his first public address as Barcelona captain, told a packed stadium before a friendly against Boca Juniors he and the players had made it their ambition to win the trophy for the sixth time.&nbsp;

"We promise that this season we will do all we can to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Camp Nou,"&nbsp;Messi to the Barca fans.&nbsp;

But Klopp said that it's not only about Messi, but there are also other 10 game changers as well.&nbsp;

"It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well,"&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments but if we only concentrate on him there are 10 other world-class players who can decide the game as well.&nbsp;

"Messi said before the season, 'we want to bring back that cup'. That sounds like a threat to me. Now we did it, now we are here and all I can say is we want to go to the final as well," Klopp added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday. Klopp also referred to the English Premier League where the second-placed Liverpool are in a close contest with their rivals Manchester City for the league title. On the eve of the UCL clash, Klopp said, "Messi would be for me – as a player I saw – the number one, 100 per cent, that's me." "Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see. I saw… I have coached a few really good players, but they didn't finish their careers so we have to… they still have time to develop." "My father always said it's Pele, but I didn't see Pele live – I am too young for that. But there are lot of good players around, but that's my ranking – Leo (Messi) is, for me, the best," he added. Back in August Messi, in his first public address as Barcelona captain, told a packed stadium before a friendly against Boca Juniors he and the players had made it their ambition to win the trophy for the sixth time. "We promise that this season we will do all we can to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Camp Nou," Messi to the Barca fans. But Klopp said that it's not only about Messi, but there are also other 10 game changers as well. "It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well," Klopp said. "Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments but if we only concentrate on him there are 10 other world-class players who can decide the game as well. "Messi said before the season, 'we want to bring back that cup'. That sounds like a threat to me. Now we did it, now we are here and all I can say is we want to go to the final as well," Klopp added.

Messi 'best player ever' but we have a chance, says Klopp ahead of UCL tie

Major takeaways from Tottenham 0-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League semi-final first leg

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Erik ten Hag's youthful Ajax side, featuring several players polished in the Dutch club's famed academy, were too energetic for a laboured Spurs team who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes of their first European Cup semi-final for 57 years.

Such was Ajax's domination in the early stages that they could already have virtually sealed a place in the final -- but they had to be content with Van de Beek's 15th-minute goal.

Tottenham badly missed injured striker Harry Kane and the suspended Son Heung-min and managed only one shot on target.

Had David Neres's shot not bounced back off the base of the post late on it would have been an even more calamitous night for Mauricio Pochettino's struggling side.

As it stands they will go to Amsterdam next week with a glimmer of hope, even if only one club have ever reached the final by overturning a first-leg home loss.

"The away goal was the most important. Unfortunately, Neres hit the upright. If that had gone in, it would have been even better," Ajax's 19-year-old skipper Matthijs de Ligt said.

"But we must be satisfied with the 1-0 score. It was a tough battle but we were fortunately very sharp tonight."

Christian Eriksen, one of four former Ajax players in Tottenham's team, summed up the home mood.

"We were under-par, we didn't play our best at all. In the first 20 minutes, we were ball-watchers. We need to change it up a lot for the next game," the Dane said.

"We're lucky they hit the post and hopefully we can turn things around in Amsterdam."

Too Good

Ajax have already proved too good for Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition this season and were streets ahead of Spurs in the first half on a perfect night for football.

Tottenham were chasing shadows and fell behind after a quarter of an hour when Ajax sliced through the home defence with their quick-passing game.

Hakim Ziyech threaded the ball through to Van de Beek and the midfielder calmly placed his shot past keeper Hugo Lloris.

There was a suspicion of offside but unlike in Tottenham's epic quarter-final win over Manchester City, when Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was ruled out, VAR could not save the London side this time as the Ajax fans celebrated.

Van de Beek should have made it 2-0 from Dusan Tadic's pass as Ajax dominated and when Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the 39th minute after a clash of heads with teammate and fellow former Ajax player Toby Alderweireld, it seemed nothing was going right for the hosts.

Tottenham's 34-year-old striker Fernando Llorente did his best to lead a blunt attack with little service, but the Spaniard headed wide from Kieran Trippier's cross.

The introduction of midfield powerhouse Sissoko injected some much-needed energy into a flagging Tottenham side and he fizzed a shot wide from Llorente's knockdown before halftime.

Spurs enjoyed their best spell early in the second period as they switched to a more direct approach and Dele Alli had a couple of half chances.

But Ajax showed they can defend as well as attack and rarely looked stretched as the hosts huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser.

Tottenham were vulnerable to the counter, however, and Ajax came close to doubling the lead, and leaving Spurs with a near-impossible task in the second leg, after 78 minutes when Tadic linked up with Neres whose side-footed shot struck the post.

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday. Erik ten Hag's youthful Ajax side, featuring several players polished in the Dutch club's famed academy, were too energetic for a laboured Spurs team who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes of their first European Cup semi-final for 57 years. Such was Ajax's domination in the early stages that they could already have virtually sealed a place in the final -- but they had to be content with Van de Beek's 15th-minute goal. Tottenham badly missed injured striker Harry Kane and the suspended Son Heung-min and managed only one shot on target. Had David Neres's shot not bounced back off the base of the post late on it would have been an even more calamitous night for Mauricio Pochettino's struggling side. As it stands they will go to Amsterdam next week with a glimmer of hope, even if only one club have ever reached the final by overturning a first-leg home loss. "The away goal was the most important. Unfortunately, Neres hit the upright. If that had gone in, it would have been even better," Ajax's 19-year-old skipper Matthijs de Ligt said. "But we must be satisfied with the 1-0 score. It was a tough battle but we were fortunately very sharp tonight." Christian Eriksen, one of four former Ajax players in Tottenham's team, summed up the home mood. "We were under-par, we didn't play our best at all. In the first 20 minutes, we were ball-watchers. We need to change it up a lot for the next game," the Dane said. "We're lucky they hit the post and hopefully we can turn things around in Amsterdam." Too Good Ajax have already proved too good for Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition this season and were streets ahead of Spurs in the first half on a perfect night for football. Tottenham were chasing shadows and fell behind after a quarter of an hour when Ajax sliced through the home defence with their quick-passing game. Hakim Ziyech threaded the ball through to Van de Beek and the midfielder calmly placed his shot past keeper Hugo Lloris. There was a suspicion of offside but unlike in Tottenham's epic quarter-final win over Manchester City, when Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was ruled out, VAR could not save the London side this time as the Ajax fans celebrated. Van de Beek should have made it 2-0 from Dusan Tadic's pass as Ajax dominated and when Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the 39th minute after a clash of heads with teammate and fellow former Ajax player Toby Alderweireld, it seemed nothing was going right for the hosts. Tottenham's 34-year-old striker Fernando Llorente did his best to lead a blunt attack with little service, but the Spaniard headed wide from Kieran Trippier's cross. The introduction of midfield powerhouse Sissoko injected some much-needed energy into a flagging Tottenham side and he fizzed a shot wide from Llorente's knockdown before halftime. Spurs enjoyed their best spell early in the second period as they switched to a more direct approach and Dele Alli had a couple of half chances. But Ajax showed they can defend as well as attack and rarely looked stretched as the hosts huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser. Tottenham were vulnerable to the counter, however, and Ajax came close to doubling the lead, and leaving Spurs with a near-impossible task in the second leg, after 78 minutes when Tadic linked up with Neres whose side-footed shot struck the post.

Champions League: Ajax edge Tottenham in semi-final first leg

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club.&nbsp; 
 
The Catalan side is set to host England's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-best-player-ever-but-we-have-a-chance-says-jurgen-klopp-ahead-of-champions-league-tie-against-barcelona-214977">Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals</a> on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
 
"When the captain says one thing, all the others are to follow the path he has set for the team, he takes the lead and we follow him," Rakitic said at a pre-game press conference in the club's grounds.&nbsp; 
 
The Champions League is the competition that Messi highlighted in a pre-season interview as his side's first priority this season, as Barcelona is keen to bring the trophy back to Camp Nou, four years after it last won the trophy.&nbsp; 
 
The Croatian midfielder said that the squad is ready to compete at the highest level in the difficult tie against its English rival. 
 
"We are confident and eager, the team is very switched on and now comes the most beautiful game," he said.&nbsp; 
 
"We are prepared and with an incredible desire to win, it will be very important to score and keep a clean sheet."&nbsp; 
 
Having secured the La Liga cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, Rakitic said he hopes Barcelona will have a perfect season by winning a treble.&nbsp; 
 
Head coach Ernesto Valverde warned that Liverpool is able to pose a threat in attack.&nbsp; 
 
"Liverpool is a very powerful team, who play with a great level of pressure and rhythm," he said. 
 
"They will be a very difficult opponent to beat." 
 
He added: "Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring. We have to play two good matches." 
 
Valverde said he believes that the current Liverpool squad "is not so different" from the team that played in the final last season, against eventual champion Real Madrid.&nbsp; 
 
"It has changed some players, but it is similar in style and personality, recognizable and fearsome," he added. 
 
The Spanish coach called on fans to continue their support for the team. 
 
"The crowd at Camp Nou is already playing a decisive role," he said. 
 
"For several weeks now, more than 90,000 fans attend the stadium, and that is what we notice and (our) rivals too."

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club. The Catalan side is set to host England's Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday.

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club. The Catalan side is set to host England's Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday. "When the captain says one thing, all the others are to follow the path he has set for the team, he takes the lead and we follow him," Rakitic said at a pre-game press conference in the club's grounds. The Champions League is the competition that Messi highlighted in a pre-season interview as his side's first priority this season, as Barcelona is keen to bring the trophy back to Camp Nou, four years after it last won the trophy. The Croatian midfielder said that the squad is ready to compete at the highest level in the difficult tie against its English rival. "We are confident and eager, the team is very switched on and now comes the most beautiful game," he said. "We are prepared and with an incredible desire to win, it will be very important to score and keep a clean sheet." Having secured the La Liga cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, Rakitic said he hopes Barcelona will have a perfect season by winning a treble. Head coach Ernesto Valverde warned that Liverpool is able to pose a threat in attack. "Liverpool is a very powerful team, who play with a great level of pressure and rhythm," he said. "They will be a very difficult opponent to beat." He added: "Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring. We have to play two good matches." Valverde said he believes that the current Liverpool squad "is not so different" from the team that played in the final last season, against eventual champion Real Madrid. "It has changed some players, but it is similar in style and personality, recognizable and fearsome," he added. The Spanish coach called on fans to continue their support for the team. "The crowd at Camp Nou is already playing a decisive role," he said. "For several weeks now, more than 90,000 fans attend the stadium, and that is what we notice and (our) rivals too."

Rakitic on Lionel Messi: 'Our captain takes the lead and we follow him'

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United.

The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6 through injury, but told match officials "to go fuck yourselves" on social media after watching on from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes.

Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football's governing body announced in a statement after opening an inquiry into his outburst on March 22.

The 27-year-old, who will now miss half of PSG's group stage matches in the Champions League next season, was angry with the award of a decisive injury-time penalty which Marcus Rashford scored to send United through.

"It's a disgrace. They get four guys who don't understand football to watch a slow-motion replay in front of the TV," Neymar wrote in Portuguese on Instagram after the game.

He had watched on incredulous from the sidelines&nbsp;as United were awarded the spot-kick for a debatable handball via the video assistant referee (VAR) system, allowing Rashford to fire United into the quarter-finals on away goals.

Neymar was reportedly so enraged by the decision to give the penalty that he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering the referee's dressing room.

United were given the spot-kick after Presnel Kimpembe was judged to have handled Diogo Dalot's shot.

PSG made Neymar the world's most expensive player in 2017 by signing him from Barcelona for 222 million euros as they stepped up their bid to win a maiden Champions League title, but they have now lost in the last 16 in three straight seasons.

Injury has already ruled Neymar out of several key European matches for PSG, the forward missing the last 16-second leg tie against Real Madrid in 2018, then both legs against Man United at the same stage this season.

In June last year, his teammate Gianluigi Buffon was handed a three-match suspension after a tirade against referee Michael Oliver following his former club Juventus' similarly dramatic quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid.

Former PSG defender Serge Aurier was the first player to be banned by UEFA for comments made on social media in 2015.

Neymar's ban comes on the eve of his return to PSG's starting line-up after injury for Saturday's French Cup final against Rennes.

He made his first appearance since January 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown in seven years.

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United.

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United. The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6 through injury, but told match officials "to go fuck yourselves" on social media after watching on from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes. Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football's governing body announced in a statement after opening an inquiry into his outburst on March 22. The 27-year-old, who will now miss half of PSG's group stage matches in the Champions League next season, was angry with the award of a decisive injury-time penalty which Marcus Rashford scored to send United through. "It's a disgrace. They get four guys who don't understand football to watch a slow-motion replay in front of the TV," Neymar wrote in Portuguese on Instagram after the game. He had watched on incredulous from the sidelines as United were awarded the spot-kick for a debatable handball via the video assistant referee (VAR) system, allowing Rashford to fire United into the quarter-finals on away goals. Neymar was reportedly so enraged by the decision to give the penalty that he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering the referee's dressing room. United were given the spot-kick after Presnel Kimpembe was judged to have handled Diogo Dalot's shot. PSG made Neymar the world's most expensive player in 2017 by signing him from Barcelona for 222 million euros as they stepped up their bid to win a maiden Champions League title, but they have now lost in the last 16 in three straight seasons. Injury has already ruled Neymar out of several key European matches for PSG, the forward missing the last 16-second leg tie against Real Madrid in 2018, then both legs against Man United at the same stage this season. In June last year, his teammate Gianluigi Buffon was handed a three-match suspension after a tirade against referee Michael Oliver following his former club Juventus' similarly dramatic quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid. Former PSG defender Serge Aurier was the first player to be banned by UEFA for comments made on social media in 2015. Neymar's ban comes on the eve of his return to PSG's starting line-up after injury for Saturday's French Cup final against Rennes. He made his first appearance since January 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown in seven years.

Neymar banned for three Champions League matches

Manchester United manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everton-loss-not-worthy-of-a-manchester-united-team-solskjaer-212449">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> looked frustrated after suffering an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-thrashed-4-0-by-everton-in-fresh-blow-to-top-four-hopes-212446">embarrassing 0-4 loss to Everton</a> at Goodison Park on Sunday. He even said that the team need to apologise to their fans after a shocking performance.&nbsp;

After the match, Solskjaer admitted that he "didn't know" if he could be confident that his players cared enough to want to play for the club.&nbsp;

On being asked about whether players mind after their hopes of Champions League football next season suffered another huge blow, Solskjaer said, "You're not going to get the answer from me. Of course, if you want to play at this club, it has to mean more. I've said it as well."

He further added, "I want my team to be the hardest-working team in the league. That's what we were under Sir Alex (Ferguson). That's what we've always been."&nbsp;

This is the sixth defeat in eight games in all competitions for manchester United that&nbsp;means they remain two points adrift of the top four in sixth.&nbsp;

Solskjaer said, "Every single week, a shift up and down that pitch for your team-mates. We have to stick together as a team and we can't change the whole squad."&nbsp;

"But it's got to be one step at a time and I've said all along, I'm going to be successful here and there are players there that won't be part of that successful team. But there players there that of course, many of these do have it," he added.&nbsp;

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked frustrated after suffering an embarrassing 0-4 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. He even said that the team need to apologise to their fans after a shocking performance.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked frustrated after suffering an embarrassing 0-4 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. He even said that the team need to apologise to their fans after a shocking performance. After the match, Solskjaer admitted that he "didn't know" if he could be confident that his players cared enough to want to play for the club. On being asked about whether players mind after their hopes of Champions League football next season suffered another huge blow, Solskjaer said, "You're not going to get the answer from me. Of course, if you want to play at this club, it has to mean more. I've said it as well." He further added, "I want my team to be the hardest-working team in the league. That's what we were under Sir Alex (Ferguson). That's what we've always been." This is the sixth defeat in eight games in all competitions for manchester United that means they remain two points adrift of the top four in sixth. Solskjaer said, "Every single week, a shift up and down that pitch for your team-mates. We have to stick together as a team and we can't change the whole squad." "But it's got to be one step at a time and I've said all along, I'm going to be successful here and there are players there that won't be part of that successful team. But there players there that of course, many of these do have it," he added.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unsure 'if the players care' to play for the club

Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes Champions League spot next season is still in his team's hands even their top-four finish were dented after suffering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenals-top-four-bid-rocked-by-crystal-palace-212441">a 2-3 loss to Crystal Palace</a> on Sunday.&nbsp;

In the post-match presentation, Emery said, "We can be today frustrated, but tomorrow we'll stand up and prepare for the game on Wednesday against Wolverhampton (Wanderers) and know it is going to be very difficult. And also, it's in our hands."&nbsp;

He further added, "I have the confidence in our way and I want to be positive today. because we, in this season we were working and finding to be in this moment, in this key moment with the opportunity to be in the top four and we are."

Although they another chance to reach the competition by winning the Europa League. As Emery mentioned, "We are in the semi-final of the Europa League and we can be proud of all (of this). Not today, but yes for all the season and continuing."

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Arsenal sit in fourth place, level on points with Chelsea, who might go above them if they avoid defeat against Burnley on Monday.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes Champions League spot next season is still in his team's hands even their top-four finish were dented after suffering a 2-3 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes Champions League spot next season is still in his team's hands even their top-four finish were dented after suffering a 2-3 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday. In the post-match presentation, Emery said, "We can be today frustrated, but tomorrow we'll stand up and prepare for the game on Wednesday against Wolverhampton (Wanderers) and know it is going to be very difficult. And also, it's in our hands." He further added, "I have the confidence in our way and I want to be positive today. because we, in this season we were working and finding to be in this moment, in this key moment with the opportunity to be in the top four and we are." Although they another chance to reach the competition by winning the Europa League. As Emery mentioned, "We are in the semi-final of the Europa League and we can be proud of all (of this). Not today, but yes for all the season and continuing." Mouth-watering...#PL pic.twitter.com/gjkFFJGHX9 — Premier League (@premierleague) April 21, 2019 × Arsenal sit in fourth place, level on points with Chelsea, who might go above them if they avoid defeat against Burnley on Monday.

Unai Emery believes 'top four in Arsenal's hands'

Liverpool's James Milner is confident his side can beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final and said the Premier League club's style of play can cause the Spanish champions problems.

Liverpool, who comfortably eased past Porto to reach the semi-finals, will travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg on May 1 with the return leg at Anfield a week later on May 7.

"We can beat Barca but we know it will very tough," Milner told reporters. "They're a strong team and it is a tough place to go but I don't think they will have played too many teams with the style we play either.

"I've been there a couple of times in the knockout stages with (Manchester) City and not got the right result, so hopefully it is third time lucky for me. They're a team full of great individual talent and a great side too.

"The Camp Nou is a fantastic stadium and a fantastic place to play with a great atmosphere. It will be very tough and we'll have to be at our best but (it's) tough for them too."

Barcelona, who eliminated Manchester United with a 4-0 aggregate score to advance, are eyeing the treble this season. The Catalans have a nine-point lead in the La Liga standings and are also in the final of the Copa del Rey.

Milner is counting on Liverpool's European experience over the last two seasons to get them over the line. They beat Porto, Manchester City and AS Roma in the knockout stages last season to reach the final where they lost to Real Madrid.

"Over the last couple of seasons, with the teams we've beaten in the Champions League, we should go there with confidence no matter how tough it is going to be," Milner added.

"I'm sure you can see in this year's run and in games when things haven't been going well that we've got the experience. We have been there before and know how to get results."

Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to relegation-threatened Cardiff City on Sunday.

Liverpool's James Milner is confident his side can beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final and said the Premier League club's style of play can cause the Spanish champions problems.

Liverpool's James Milner is confident his side can beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final and said the Premier League club's style of play can cause the Spanish champions problems. Liverpool, who comfortably eased past Porto to reach the semi-finals, will travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg on May 1 with the return leg at Anfield a week later on May 7. "We can beat Barca but we know it will very tough," Milner told reporters. "They're a strong team and it is a tough place to go but I don't think they will have played too many teams with the style we play either. "I've been there a couple of times in the knockout stages with (Manchester) City and not got the right result, so hopefully it is third time lucky for me. They're a team full of great individual talent and a great side too. "The Camp Nou is a fantastic stadium and a fantastic place to play with a great atmosphere. It will be very tough and we'll have to be at our best but (it's) tough for them too." Barcelona, who eliminated Manchester United with a 4-0 aggregate score to advance, are eyeing the treble this season. The Catalans have a nine-point lead in the La Liga standings and are also in the final of the Copa del Rey. Milner is counting on Liverpool's European experience over the last two seasons to get them over the line. They beat Porto, Manchester City and AS Roma in the knockout stages last season to reach the final where they lost to Real Madrid. "Over the last couple of seasons, with the teams we've beaten in the Champions League, we should go there with confidence no matter how tough it is going to be," Milner added. "I'm sure you can see in this year's run and in games when things haven't been going well that we've got the experience. We have been there before and know how to get results." Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to relegation-threatened Cardiff City on Sunday.

Milner counts on Liverpool's style of play to beat Barca

Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels that&nbsp;a player like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lionel+Messi">Lionel Messi</a> deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion".&nbsp;

"I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina. It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion," Rivaldo was quoted by a sports website.&nbsp;

The 47-year-old said that Messi's performance in&nbsp;La Liga and&nbsp;Champions League should be&nbsp;recognised. &nbsp;

"He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised," he added.&nbsp;

Rivaldo also said that&nbsp;Messi deserves Ballon d'Or even if he doesn't win&nbsp;UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.&nbsp;

"Even if he doesn't win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d'Or," added Rivaldo.&nbsp;

The La Liga giants defeated Manchester United in the last eight of UCL to set up the semi-final clash with Liverpool.&nbsp;

With 10 goals, Messi is the leading goal scorers in the ongoing season of Champions League.&nbsp;

He also five Ballon d'Or under his belt and if he lifts this year's award, it will take his tally to six.&nbsp;

Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels that a player like Lionel Messi deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion". "I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina.

Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels that a player like Lionel Messi deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion". "I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina. It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion," Rivaldo was quoted by a sports website. The 47-year-old said that Messi's performance in La Liga and Champions League should be recognised. "He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised," he added. Rivaldo also said that Messi deserves Ballon d'Or even if he doesn't win UEFA Champions League with Barcelona. "Even if he doesn't win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d'Or," added Rivaldo. The La Liga giants defeated Manchester United in the last eight of UCL to set up the semi-final clash with Liverpool. With 10 goals, Messi is the leading goal scorers in the ongoing season of Champions League. He also five Ballon d'Or under his belt and if he lifts this year's award, it will take his tally to six.

World-class player like Lionel Messi must be world champion: Rivaldo

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his under-achieving Manchester United players there is no "hiding place" for them and they are playing for their futures at the club.

The United manager, whose side <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cristiano-ronaldos-struggle-to-lionel-messis-double-major-takeaways-from-uefa-champions-league-quarter-finals-211344#messi-feasts-on-english-foes-again-211325">exited the Champions League</a> this week in limp fashion against Barcelona, said he is looking to the likes of Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba to rediscover their best form as they battle to qualify for next season's Champions League.

United face three crucial league games with Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea that will have a huge say on whether they finish in the top four.

But with big-name stars such as Martial and Pogba desperately struggling for form in a run that has seen United lose five of their last seven league and cup games, the United manager has laid out demands to his players.

"I've learnt a lot about them over the months I've been here now and you get to know them," said Solskjaer.&nbsp;

"Most of them have really impressed me in their attitude and, of course, there are some who need to get a reality check of where they're at.

"Every day in training, every game when you're playing there's no hiding place and everyone can see what your level's at we're working with fantastic staff to create this culture."

'Have to be realistic'

Solskjaer, who has seen his side's fortunes slide since he was handed the job on a permanent basis after a sparkling start as interim manager, said tests such as Barcelona are good indicators of whether players are able to play at such a level.

"It is performances on the pitch that will determine where they're at in their careers, short term and long term, every single day," said Solskjaer.

"That's what we spoke about at Barca as well, when you're at big stadiums, you've got to step up, make good decisions and I'm looking forward to this period."

Martial, in particular, has been a frustration for the United manager, having scored just three goals in 2019 despite signing a lucrative new five-year contract in January.

Under Solskjaer's predecessor Jose Mourinho, the young Frenchman had seemed destined to leave Old Trafford only to show an improvement in attitude and form in the early games of the Norwegian's reign.

"I've spoken to individuals and they know, and Anthony is one I've spoken to, what we expect from them," said Solskjaer.&nbsp;

"Anthony's got a massive talent, signed a new contract and he knows we believe in him, so just keep working.

"I think anyone that plays for Man United has to deliver, to stay in the squad and stay in the team and Anthony is no different to Rashy (Rashford) or Rom (Lukaku) or Alexis (Sanchez) or the other forwards we have to choose from."&nbsp;

Despite some average business performed by his club in recent transfer windows, Solskjaer is confident they will be more successful in that area this summer.

"I've been speaking to the club, we know that we have to be realistic and have a job to be done there's no quick fix," he said.

"It's not like buy seven players and we're in the right shape."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his under-achieving Manchester United players there is no "hiding place" for them and they are playing for their futures at the club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his under-achieving Manchester United players there is no "hiding place" for them and they are playing for their futures at the club. The United manager, whose side exited the Champions League this week in limp fashion against Barcelona, said he is looking to the likes of Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba to rediscover their best form as they battle to qualify for next season's Champions League. United face three crucial league games with Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea that will have a huge say on whether they finish in the top four. But with big-name stars such as Martial and Pogba desperately struggling for form in a run that has seen United lose five of their last seven league and cup games, the United manager has laid out demands to his players. "I've learnt a lot about them over the months I've been here now and you get to know them," said Solskjaer. "Most of them have really impressed me in their attitude and, of course, there are some who need to get a reality check of where they're at. "Every day in training, every game when you're playing there's no hiding place and everyone can see what your level's at we're working with fantastic staff to create this culture." 'Have to be realistic' Solskjaer, who has seen his side's fortunes slide since he was handed the job on a permanent basis after a sparkling start as interim manager, said tests such as Barcelona are good indicators of whether players are able to play at such a level. "It is performances on the pitch that will determine where they're at in their careers, short term and long term, every single day," said Solskjaer. "That's what we spoke about at Barca as well, when you're at big stadiums, you've got to step up, make good decisions and I'm looking forward to this period." Martial, in particular, has been a frustration for the United manager, having scored just three goals in 2019 despite signing a lucrative new five-year contract in January. Under Solskjaer's predecessor Jose Mourinho, the young Frenchman had seemed destined to leave Old Trafford only to show an improvement in attitude and form in the early games of the Norwegian's reign. "I've spoken to individuals and they know, and Anthony is one I've spoken to, what we expect from them," said Solskjaer. "Anthony's got a massive talent, signed a new contract and he knows we believe in him, so just keep working. "I think anyone that plays for Man United has to deliver, to stay in the squad and stay in the team and Anthony is no different to Rashy (Rashford) or Rom (Lukaku) or Alexis (Sanchez) or the other forwards we have to choose from." Despite some average business performed by his club in recent transfer windows, Solskjaer is confident they will be more successful in that area this summer. "I've been speaking to the club, we know that we have to be realistic and have a job to be done there's no quick fix," he said. "It's not like buy seven players and we're in the right shape."

No hiding place for out-of-form Manchester United stars: Solskjaer

Liverpool have taken a cue from Manchester United and hiked prices for away supporters when they host Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals to subsidise tickets for own fans travelling to the Nou Camp, the Premier League club have said.

Manchester United had hiked prices for their quarter-final tie with Barcelona when the Spanish club charged 102 pounds ($132.50), which British media reported was the most expensive ticket to a United game outside of a final.

Liverpool have been allocated 4,620 away tickets priced at 119 euros ($133.70) each for the first leg in Spain on May 1.

In response, the Merseyside club raised their ticket prices for Barcelona supporters travelling to Anfield to the same amount and will use the extra revenue to ensure Liverpool fans pay only 88 euros for the first leg.

"All away tickets are priced at 119 euros, which is in line with Barcelona's pricing structure for the knockout stages of this season's Champions League," Liverpool said in a statement https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tickets/346619-ticket-update-for-champions-league-semi-final.

"As a result, LFC will charge Barcelona supporters a reciprocal ticket price of 119 euros in the return leg at Anfield on Tuesday, May 7.

"The additional revenue from this higher ticket pricing will be used to subsidise Liverpool supporters for their tickets, reducing the price by 31 euros to 88 euros."

Tottenham Hotspur play Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final with the final scheduled at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium in the Spanish capital on June 1.

Liverpool have taken a cue from Manchester United and hiked prices for away supporters when they host Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals to subsidise tickets for own fans travelling to the Nou Camp, the Premier League club have said.

Liverpool have taken a cue from Manchester United and hiked prices for away supporters when they host Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals to subsidise tickets for own fans travelling to the Nou Camp, the Premier League club have said. Manchester United had hiked prices for their quarter-final tie with Barcelona when the Spanish club charged 102 pounds ($132.50), which British media reported was the most expensive ticket to a United game outside of a final. Liverpool have been allocated 4,620 away tickets priced at 119 euros ($133.70) each for the first leg in Spain on May 1. In response, the Merseyside club raised their ticket prices for Barcelona supporters travelling to Anfield to the same amount and will use the extra revenue to ensure Liverpool fans pay only 88 euros for the first leg. "All away tickets are priced at 119 euros, which is in line with Barcelona's pricing structure for the knockout stages of this season's Champions League," Liverpool said in a statement https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tickets/346619-ticket-update-for-champions-league-semi-final. "As a result, LFC will charge Barcelona supporters a reciprocal ticket price of 119 euros in the return leg at Anfield on Tuesday, May 7. "The additional revenue from this higher ticket pricing will be used to subsidise Liverpool supporters for their tickets, reducing the price by 31 euros to 88 euros." Tottenham Hotspur play Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final with the final scheduled at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium in the Spanish capital on June 1.

Liverpool match Barcelona's ticket price to subsidise own fans

Semi-finalists of UEFA Champions League 2018/19

After an astonishing encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on away goals following a 4-3 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Spurs, who won the first leg 1-0 and progressed after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate, will play Ajax Amsterdam for a place in the final against Liverpool or Barcelona after one of the most remarkable matches in the competition's history.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino predicted the meeting with the exciting and young Dutch side would be an "open and exciting game" but it will take something for it to offer more entertainment than this non-stop wave of drama and emotions.

It started in manic fashion with four goals in the opening 11 minutes of the game. It was a gripping spectacle right up until the dramatic finale when City had a stoppage-time goal from Raheem Sterling, which would have sent them through, ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

City fans had celebrated what looked like the goal that sent them into the last four before the replay confirmed that Sergio Aguero was offside in the build-up.

It was a perfect example of the benefits of using technology but it was also hard on Pep Guardiola's side who had been the stronger over the 90 minutes.

"It is cruel but it is what it is and we have to accept it," said Guardiola, whose dream of winning four titles this season is now over.

His counterpart, Pochettino, who was without his top scorer Harry Kane, said his team had shown all their character.

"My players are heroes. We made history," said the Argentine, whose team reach the last four for the first time since the creation of the Champions League and since their 1962 appearance in the semi-finals of the European Cup.

The contest exploded into life in the fourth minute when Sterling put City in front, receiving a ball from Kevin De Bruyne on the left flank and then cutting inside onto his right foot before beating Hugo Lloris with a beautiful, curling shot into the far corner.

Three minutes later though, Spurs drew level when City’s French defender Aymeric Laporte’s attempted clearance fell straight at the feet of Son Heung-min whose low shot flew in off the leg of City keeper Ederson.

Laporte was also at fault for Spurs' second in the 10th minute when he gifted the ball to Lucas Moura, the Brazilian feeding Christian Eriksen who found Son, the brilliant South Korean finishing superbly into the far corner.

Struck Again

There was no respite as City responded immediately as Aguero fed Bernardo Silva and the Portuguese winger's left-foot shot deflected off Danny Rose and beat the wrong-footed Lloris to make it 2-2 on the night.

The dangerous Sterling struck again in the 21st minute to level the aggregate score, ghosting in at the back post to convert a low cross from De Bruyne that had zipped across the face of the goal.

A thundering strike from Aguero in the 59th minute put City in the driving seat again -- the Argentine blasting in at Lloris's near post after a magnificent burst forward and perfectly weighted and timed pass from De Bruyne.

City, who went out at the same stage to Liverpool last season, were stunned though in the 73rd minute when Spurs substitute Fernando Llorente bundled in a Kieran Trippier corner to restore the London club's advantage through away goals.

With officials unsure if the ball had bounced off the Spaniard's hand or rolled off his hip in the goalmouth scramble, VAR was called into action and the goal stood for Spurs -- a decision Guardiola questioned after the game.

Then came the stoppage time video torture for the home support -- Aguero burst down the right flank and delivered a low cross for Sterling to slot home what would have been his hat-trick goal.

The VAR call was correct and the Premier League champions were out -- to the delight of Pochettino and his players who celebrated wildly in front of the travelling Spurs support.

"They deserve a lot of praise. I am so happy because the effort is massive from the squad who have lived with everything. If we have one thing to describe this team, we always keep the same spirit, ideas and philosophy and that is the most important thing," Pochettino said.

Now the pair will meet again on Saturday at the same venue in the Premier League, with plenty at stake for both teams.

It should be another classic but it is hard to see how it could be quite as engrossing as this one.

After an astonishing encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on away goals following a 4-3 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.

After an astonishing encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on away goals following a 4-3 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday. Spurs, who won the first leg 1-0 and progressed after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate, will play Ajax Amsterdam for a place in the final against Liverpool or Barcelona after one of the most remarkable matches in the competition's history. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino predicted the meeting with the exciting and young Dutch side would be an "open and exciting game" but it will take something for it to offer more entertainment than this non-stop wave of drama and emotions. It started in manic fashion with four goals in the opening 11 minutes of the game. It was a gripping spectacle right up until the dramatic finale when City had a stoppage-time goal from Raheem Sterling, which would have sent them through, ruled out for offside after a VAR review. City fans had celebrated what looked like the goal that sent them into the last four before the replay confirmed that Sergio Aguero was offside in the build-up. It was a perfect example of the benefits of using technology but it was also hard on Pep Guardiola's side who had been the stronger over the 90 minutes. "It is cruel but it is what it is and we have to accept it," said Guardiola, whose dream of winning four titles this season is now over. His counterpart, Pochettino, who was without his top scorer Harry Kane, said his team had shown all their character. "My players are heroes. We made history," said the Argentine, whose team reach the last four for the first time since the creation of the Champions League and since their 1962 appearance in the semi-finals of the European Cup. The contest exploded into life in the fourth minute when Sterling put City in front, receiving a ball from Kevin De Bruyne on the left flank and then cutting inside onto his right foot before beating Hugo Lloris with a beautiful, curling shot into the far corner. Three minutes later though, Spurs drew level when City’s French defender Aymeric Laporte’s attempted clearance fell straight at the feet of Son Heung-min whose low shot flew in off the leg of City keeper Ederson. Laporte was also at fault for Spurs' second in the 10th minute when he gifted the ball to Lucas Moura, the Brazilian feeding Christian Eriksen who found Son, the brilliant South Korean finishing superbly into the far corner. Struck Again There was no respite as City responded immediately as Aguero fed Bernardo Silva and the Portuguese winger's left-foot shot deflected off Danny Rose and beat the wrong-footed Lloris to make it 2-2 on the night. The dangerous Sterling struck again in the 21st minute to level the aggregate score, ghosting in at the back post to convert a low cross from De Bruyne that had zipped across the face of the goal. A thundering strike from Aguero in the 59th minute put City in the driving seat again -- the Argentine blasting in at Lloris's near post after a magnificent burst forward and perfectly weighted and timed pass from De Bruyne. City, who went out at the same stage to Liverpool last season, were stunned though in the 73rd minute when Spurs substitute Fernando Llorente bundled in a Kieran Trippier corner to restore the London club's advantage through away goals. With officials unsure if the ball had bounced off the Spaniard's hand or rolled off his hip in the goalmouth scramble, VAR was called into action and the goal stood for Spurs -- a decision Guardiola questioned after the game. Then came the stoppage time video torture for the home support -- Aguero burst down the right flank and delivered a low cross for Sterling to slot home what would have been his hat-trick goal. The VAR call was correct and the Premier League champions were out -- to the delight of Pochettino and his players who celebrated wildly in front of the travelling Spurs support. "They deserve a lot of praise. I am so happy because the effort is massive from the squad who have lived with everything. If we have one thing to describe this team, we always keep the same spirit, ideas and philosophy and that is the most important thing," Pochettino said. Now the pair will meet again on Saturday at the same venue in the Premier League, with plenty at stake for both teams. It should be another classic but it is hard to see how it could be quite as engrossing as this one.

Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur stun Manchester City to go through in seven-goal thriller

A resurgent Mohamed Salah scored one and set up another to inspire a clinical Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Porto in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday that teed up a last-four clash with Barcelona.

The Reds, who eased through 6-1 on aggregate, held off Porto in the early stages before Salah and Sadio Mane combined for the Senegalese to put them ahead with their first shot on target following a VAR review.

Egypt striker Salah doubled the tally after the break and goals from Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk wrapped it up late on.

Porto had briefly reduced the arrears through Eder Militao, but having lost the first leg 2-0 at Anfield, they never seemed in a position to overturn the deficit.

Barcelona advanced on Tuesday when they won 3-0 in their second-leg against Manchester United, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Five-times European champions Liverpool, who had produced a scintillating display to beat Porto 5-0 in the last-16 at the Dragao stadium last season, had a totally different approach this time.

They soaked up the pressure as Porto made an adventurous start, with Jesus Corona curling a powerful shot just over the bar in the opening minute.

Juergen Klopp's side looked temporarily toothless, but they were just waiting for their moment -- which came in the 26th minute.

Mane latched onto a cross from Salah to beat Iker Casillas from close range but he was initially flagged offside, only for referee Danny Makkelie to check the VAR.

After a two-minute review, the goal was eventually given.

Facing the huge task of scoring four goals to qualify, Porto looked stunned, despite having attempted 15 shots before the interval.

Salah, who endured a goal drought in March, confirmed he was getting close to his best again when he coolly slotted the ball past Casillas after collecting a perfect diagonal through ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 65th minute.

It was Salah's first Champions League goal since December, and his first away from Anfield in the competition in 12 months.

Militao soothed the home fans' suffering a little, beating Roberto Firmino in the air to head home in the 69th minute.

Brazilian Firmino, who had started on the bench as Klopp handed a rare start to Divock Origi, made it 3-1 with a downward header with 13 minutes left and Van Dijk headed home a fourth from a corner eight minutes later.

Tottenham Hotspur will face Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final tie.

A resurgent Mohamed Salah scored one and set up another to inspire a clinical Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Porto in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday that teed up a last-four clash with Barcelona.

A resurgent Mohamed Salah scored one and set up another to inspire a clinical Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Porto in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday that teed up a last-four clash with Barcelona. The Reds, who eased through 6-1 on aggregate, held off Porto in the early stages before Salah and Sadio Mane combined for the Senegalese to put them ahead with their first shot on target following a VAR review. Egypt striker Salah doubled the tally after the break and goals from Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk wrapped it up late on. Porto had briefly reduced the arrears through Eder Militao, but having lost the first leg 2-0 at Anfield, they never seemed in a position to overturn the deficit. Barcelona advanced on Tuesday when they won 3-0 in their second-leg against Manchester United, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory. Five-times European champions Liverpool, who had produced a scintillating display to beat Porto 5-0 in the last-16 at the Dragao stadium last season, had a totally different approach this time. They soaked up the pressure as Porto made an adventurous start, with Jesus Corona curling a powerful shot just over the bar in the opening minute. Juergen Klopp's side looked temporarily toothless, but they were just waiting for their moment -- which came in the 26th minute. Mane latched onto a cross from Salah to beat Iker Casillas from close range but he was initially flagged offside, only for referee Danny Makkelie to check the VAR. After a two-minute review, the goal was eventually given. Facing the huge task of scoring four goals to qualify, Porto looked stunned, despite having attempted 15 shots before the interval. Salah, who endured a goal drought in March, confirmed he was getting close to his best again when he coolly slotted the ball past Casillas after collecting a perfect diagonal through ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 65th minute. It was Salah's first Champions League goal since December, and his first away from Anfield in the competition in 12 months. Militao soothed the home fans' suffering a little, beating Roberto Firmino in the air to head home in the 69th minute. Brazilian Firmino, who had started on the bench as Klopp handed a rare start to Divock Origi, made it 3-1 with a downward header with 13 minutes left and Van Dijk headed home a fourth from a corner eight minutes later. Tottenham Hotspur will face Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final tie.

Champions League: Mohamed Salah shines as clinical Liverpool see off Porto

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