<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-milestone-with-700th-career-goal-256054">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> continued his hot streak as his towering header gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Parma to put Juventus top of the table as Gianluigi Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini's Serie A appearance record.

Ronaldo met Alex Sandro's looping cross with an incredible leap and header just before half-time to put Juve on 42 points, three ahead of Inter ahead of their match with struggling Genoa on Saturday.

"I'm really happy with the result... It was a really good goal also because it was the one that won the three points," said Ronaldo, who earlier in the season was off-form amid injury concerns.

"Like I said before I'd had pain in my knee for around a month, but now I'm OK and now I want to help Juventus win trophies."&nbsp;

His 10th league goal of the season came after Samp's Gianluca Caprari had levelled Paulo Dybala's superb volleyed opener.

The Argentine met Alex Sandro's raking cross in the 19th minute with the most delicate of volleys, caressing the ball past Emil Audero from the edge of the box.

Maurizio Sarri's side had so much of the ball they already looked home and dry but they failed to capitalise on their possession and were punished by Gianluca Caprari 10 minutes before the break, the Italian pouncing after Sandro was caught on the ball to crash his finish past Buffon.

However Ronaldo soon sparked into action, first fizzing in a cross that both Gonzalo Higuain and Dybala just only just failed to get contact on.

The Portugal forward then put the away side back in front in the final minute of the half with his sixth goal in five matches in all competitions, a hanging header from another pinpoint Sandro cross.

The 34-year-old twice came close to a second in the dying seconds, first when he was ruled to be in an offside position after latching on to Aaron Ramsey's through ball and tapping past an onrushing Audero.

He then flashed a curling shot just wide in added time as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Juventus</a> closed out what was a tight match against Claudio Ranieri's side, who sit just two points above the relegation zone.

Buffon landmark&nbsp;

The win, gained early in the week ahead of Sunday's Italian Super Cup clash with Lazio in Riyadh, was a further source of happiness for Buffon, who made his 647th Serie A appearance in place of the injured Wojciech Szczesny.

The 41-year-old also became Juve's all-time record appearance maker on 479 matches, one ahead of Alessandro Del Piero.

Buffon began his professional career as a teenager in 1995 at Parma, where he won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1999 before moving to Juve two years later.

He has won nine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-chief-apologises-for-anti-racism-ape-artwork-268895">Serie A</a> titles and the Coppa Italia four times in Turin but has failed to conquer Europe despite reaching two Champions League finals under previous coach Massimiliano Allegri.

However he will have another chance at winning Europe's top club competition after returning to Juve in the summer following a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain.

His team cruised into the last 16 after qualifying from Group D unbeaten, six points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.

The former Italy captain also holds the appearance record for his national team, with 176 caps between 1997-2018, winning the 2006 World Cup.

Later on Wednesday, Brescia missed out on a chance to escape the relegation zone when they lost 2-0 at home to Sassuolo.

The game was a rescheduled week seven fixture that was postponed following the death of Sassuolo president Giorgio Squinzi.

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his hot streak as his towering header gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Parma to put Juventus top of the table as Gianluigi Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini's Serie A appearance record.

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his hot streak as his towering header gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Parma to put Juventus top of the table as Gianluigi Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini's Serie A appearance record. Ronaldo met Alex Sandro's looping cross with an incredible leap and header just before half-time to put Juve on 42 points, three ahead of Inter ahead of their match with struggling Genoa on Saturday. "I'm really happy with the result... It was a really good goal also because it was the one that won the three points," said Ronaldo, who earlier in the season was off-form amid injury concerns. "Like I said before I'd had pain in my knee for around a month, but now I'm OK and now I want to help Juventus win trophies." His 10th league goal of the season came after Samp's Gianluca Caprari had levelled Paulo Dybala's superb volleyed opener. The Argentine met Alex Sandro's raking cross in the 19th minute with the most delicate of volleys, caressing the ball past Emil Audero from the edge of the box. Maurizio Sarri's side had so much of the ball they already looked home and dry but they failed to capitalise on their possession and were punished by Gianluca Caprari 10 minutes before the break, the Italian pouncing after Sandro was caught on the ball to crash his finish past Buffon. However Ronaldo soon sparked into action, first fizzing in a cross that both Gonzalo Higuain and Dybala just only just failed to get contact on. The Portugal forward then put the away side back in front in the final minute of the half with his sixth goal in five matches in all competitions, a hanging header from another pinpoint Sandro cross. The 34-year-old twice came close to a second in the dying seconds, first when he was ruled to be in an offside position after latching on to Aaron Ramsey's through ball and tapping past an onrushing Audero. He then flashed a curling shot just wide in added time as Juventus closed out what was a tight match against Claudio Ranieri's side, who sit just two points above the relegation zone. Buffon landmark The win, gained early in the week ahead of Sunday's Italian Super Cup clash with Lazio in Riyadh, was a further source of happiness for Buffon, who made his 647th Serie A appearance in place of the injured Wojciech Szczesny. The 41-year-old also became Juve's all-time record appearance maker on 479 matches, one ahead of Alessandro Del Piero. Buffon began his professional career as a teenager in 1995 at Parma, where he won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1999 before moving to Juve two years later. He has won nine Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia four times in Turin but has failed to conquer Europe despite reaching two Champions League finals under previous coach Massimiliano Allegri. However he will have another chance at winning Europe's top club competition after returning to Juve in the summer following a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain. His team cruised into the last 16 after qualifying from Group D unbeaten, six points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid. The former Italy captain also holds the appearance record for his national team, with 176 caps between 1997-2018, winning the 2006 World Cup. Later on Wednesday, Brescia missed out on a chance to escape the relegation zone when they lost 2-0 at home to Sassuolo. The game was a rescheduled week seven fixture that was postponed following the death of Sassuolo president Giorgio Squinzi.

Flying Cristiano Ronaldo fires Juventus top as Buffon equals Maldini's Serie A record

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-sights-on-flamengo-as-firmino-takes-reds-into-club-world-cup-final-269087">Liverpool</a> did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Red Bull Salzburg</a>&nbsp;on January&nbsp;1.

"It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," Minamino told Liverpool's website in a statement.

"To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.

"But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it."

Minamino, who has scored 11 goals in 22 matches for Japan, previously played for Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top flight.

Liverpool did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the Red Bull Salzburg on January 1.

Liverpool did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the Red Bull Salzburg on January 1. "It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," Minamino told Liverpool's website in a statement. "To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League. "But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it." Minamino, who has scored 11 goals in 22 matches for Japan, previously played for Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top flight.

Liverpool reach agreement with Salzburg to sign Minamino

Pablo Sarabia, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ligue-1-mbappe-and-neymar-on-target-as-psg-sink-nantes-266408">Kylian Mbappe</a> and Angel Di-Maria scored for the record eight-time tournament winners inside the opening 48 minutes as Harisson Manzala responded for the hosts in the final edition of the competition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/st-etienne-hit-with-stadium-ban-over-fireworks-during-psg-match-268949">PSG</a> coach Thomas Tuchel chose to leave the world's most expensive player - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-and-neymar-dazzle-as-psg-thrash-galatasaray-267850">Neymar Jr</a> -&nbsp;who has suffered from injuries since the start of the season, in Paris as the German-made eight changes from the side which hammered Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

"I think it was a game that we had to win," said Tuchel.

"We played with players who lacked rhythm. I didn't expect too much from my team. We could have scored more goals.

"But we are happy -&nbsp;no injuries and now is the time to prepare to play Amiens at the weekend."

Le Mans coach Richard Dezire handed the club's record goal-scorer Vincent Crehin a start after the striker came off the bench to grab the winner against Ligue 2's bottom side Orleans on Friday.

Last year's quarter-finalists began the brightest at the MMArena as Spain attacker Sarabia, starting just his third game of the season, opened the scoring after 21 minutes.

Choupo-Moting added a second on the 41-minute mark and Mbappe side-footed home a third less than 90 seconds later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ligue-1-icardi-di-maria-hand-psg-victory-on-neymars-latest-return-263994">Di Maria</a> hit a fourth three minutes into the second half as Le Mans' goalkeeper Pierre Patron fumbled the Argentina attacker's effort into his own goal.

DR Congo youth international Harisson Manzala claimed a consolation effort with 35 minutes to play by scoring for the first time this term.

Mbappe was substituted for Mauro Icardi on the 68-minute mark with Tuchel turning his focus to Saturday's Ligue 1 fixture against Amiens, a final game before a two-week winter break.

Elsewhere, Lyon, who are&nbsp;yet to win the trophy, hammered Toulouse 4-1 without <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lyon-beat-angers-to-consolidate-ligue-1-third-place-211979">Memphis Depay</a> who has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury.

Pablo Sarabia, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di-Maria scored for the record eight-time tournament winners inside the opening 48 minutes as Harisson Manzala responded for the hosts in the final edition of the competition.

Pablo Sarabia, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di-Maria scored for the record eight-time tournament winners inside the opening 48 minutes as Harisson Manzala responded for the hosts in the final edition of the competition. PSG coach Thomas Tuchel chose to leave the world's most expensive player - Neymar Jr - who has suffered from injuries since the start of the season, in Paris as the German-made eight changes from the side which hammered Saint-Etienne on Sunday. "I think it was a game that we had to win," said Tuchel. "We played with players who lacked rhythm. I didn't expect too much from my team. We could have scored more goals. "But we are happy - no injuries and now is the time to prepare to play Amiens at the weekend." Le Mans coach Richard Dezire handed the club's record goal-scorer Vincent Crehin a start after the striker came off the bench to grab the winner against Ligue 2's bottom side Orleans on Friday. Last year's quarter-finalists began the brightest at the MMArena as Spain attacker Sarabia, starting just his third game of the season, opened the scoring after 21 minutes. Choupo-Moting added a second on the 41-minute mark and Mbappe side-footed home a third less than 90 seconds later. Di Maria hit a fourth three minutes into the second half as Le Mans' goalkeeper Pierre Patron fumbled the Argentina attacker's effort into his own goal. DR Congo youth international Harisson Manzala claimed a consolation effort with 35 minutes to play by scoring for the first time this term. Mbappe was substituted for Mauro Icardi on the 68-minute mark with Tuchel turning his focus to Saturday's Ligue 1 fixture against Amiens, a final game before a two-week winter break. Elsewhere, Lyon, who are yet to win the trophy, hammered Toulouse 4-1 without Memphis Depay who has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury.

PSG cruise into League Cup quarters without rested Neymar

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee&nbsp;came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side.

It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. &nbsp;

In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-forward-coman-out-until-january-with-knee-injury-268037">left-wing</a>, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season –&nbsp;and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign.

The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end.

After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances.

Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846">Bayern</a> keeper Manuel Neuer no chance.

Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing.

The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">Leipzig</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">Borussia Moenchengladbach</a>.

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&nbsp;

Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl.

Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak.

In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals.

After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays.

Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen.

The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone.

Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat.

Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic.

Bosz gave Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netherlands-shock-stunned-germany-in-4-2-comeback-win-248233">Jonathan Tah</a> a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension.

Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter.

Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal.

For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing.

The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season. Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side. It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the left-wing, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring. It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season – and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign. The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end. After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances. Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer no chance. Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing. The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind Leipzig and Borussia Moenchengladbach. ⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee ⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 🤷‍♂️#SCFFCB pic.twitter.com/pIqsxRrddN — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 18, 2019 × Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl. Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years. Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak. In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals. After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays. Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen. The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone. Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat. Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic. Bosz gave Germany's Jonathan Tah a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension. Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter. Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal. For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing. The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

Football: Teenager Zirkzee sparks Bayern's winning late show

Mourinho&nbsp;has been the opposing manager scheming against the club he led to three Premier League titles during spells with Inter Milan and Manchester United.

But the sight of him leading bitter rivals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846">Tottenham</a> is not something diehard Chelsea fans ever thought they would witness and the reaction of some on Sunday is likely to X-rated.

To add another level of intrigue, Frank Lampard, one of Mourinho's loyal lieutenants during his two spells in charge, will be the man trying to outfox him, knowing defeat would see Spurs leapfrog his side into the top four.

Premier League leaders Liverpool take time out from their title surge as they face Flamengo in FIFA's World Club Cup final in Qatar on Saturday.

The clubs immediately below them, Leicester City and champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-not-on-par-with-european-elite-says-guardiola-267118">Manchester City</a>, clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Leicester's eight-match winning run in the league ended last week when they drew with Norwich City but victory over City would see them cut Liverpool's advantage to seven points.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-everton-sack-manager-silva-after-merseyside-derby-humbling-266568">Everton</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-guardiola-expects-quick-decision-on-arteta-over-arsenal-move-268874">Arsenal</a>, both trying to secure new managers, meet in the early kickoff at Goodison Park. Bottom club Watford host Manchester United on Sunday.

All eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, where Spurs will aim to continue their revival under Mourinho. Having won only three of their opening 12 league games, a run that led to the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, they have won four out of five under Mourinho to climb to fifth and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

In that time they have reduced an 11-point gap between themselves and Chelsea to three points.

Winning streak&nbsp;

While Tottenham have been buoyant and Mourinho has been all smiles, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lampard-keen-to-strengthen-chelseas-attack-in-january-267569">Lampard</a> is wearing a frown after his young Chelsea team have hit the buffers. After a seven-match winning streak in the league, they have lost four of the last five and suddenly their place in the top four is under threat.

Worryingly for Chelsea, Mourinho's record at home against sides he has managed is incredible.

He has won 12 of 13 of such fixtures, drawing one, and all three against Chelsea, twice with United and once with Inter.

Tottenham have also won three of their last five Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, as many as they had in their previous 20 against them in the competition.

While Tottenham were fortunate to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, they are clearly enjoying the Mourinho 'bounce' and former captain Ledley King believes the key has been Mourinho restoring Tottenham's self-belief.

"Confidence plays a big part, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-have-the-momentum-heading-into-chelsea-clash-kane-268958">Spurs</a> seemed to be stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment in time when Mauricio went," King said. "Mourinho is a winner. He's won everything.

"From my experience, if someone like that comes into your club you listen, you take everything on board and you try to soak up as much as you can."

Mourinho has been the opposing manager scheming against the club he led to three Premier League titles during spells with Inter Milan and Manchester United. But the sight of him leading bitter rivals Tottenham is not something diehard Chelsea fans ever thought they would witness and the reaction of some on Sunday is likely to X-rated.

Mourinho has been the opposing manager scheming against the club he led to three Premier League titles during spells with Inter Milan and Manchester United. But the sight of him leading bitter rivals Tottenham is not something diehard Chelsea fans ever thought they would witness and the reaction of some on Sunday is likely to X-rated. To add another level of intrigue, Frank Lampard, one of Mourinho's loyal lieutenants during his two spells in charge, will be the man trying to outfox him, knowing defeat would see Spurs leapfrog his side into the top four. Premier League leaders Liverpool take time out from their title surge as they face Flamengo in FIFA's World Club Cup final in Qatar on Saturday. The clubs immediately below them, Leicester City and champions Manchester City, clash at the Etihad Stadium. Leicester's eight-match winning run in the league ended last week when they drew with Norwich City but victory over City would see them cut Liverpool's advantage to seven points. Everton and Arsenal, both trying to secure new managers, meet in the early kickoff at Goodison Park. Bottom club Watford host Manchester United on Sunday. All eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, where Spurs will aim to continue their revival under Mourinho. Having won only three of their opening 12 league games, a run that led to the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, they have won four out of five under Mourinho to climb to fifth and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League. In that time they have reduced an 11-point gap between themselves and Chelsea to three points. Winning streak While Tottenham have been buoyant and Mourinho has been all smiles, Lampard is wearing a frown after his young Chelsea team have hit the buffers. After a seven-match winning streak in the league, they have lost four of the last five and suddenly their place in the top four is under threat. Worryingly for Chelsea, Mourinho's record at home against sides he has managed is incredible. He has won 12 of 13 of such fixtures, drawing one, and all three against Chelsea, twice with United and once with Inter. Tottenham have also won three of their last five Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, as many as they had in their previous 20 against them in the competition. While Tottenham were fortunate to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, they are clearly enjoying the Mourinho 'bounce' and former captain Ledley King believes the key has been Mourinho restoring Tottenham's self-belief. "Confidence plays a big part, Spurs seemed to be stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment in time when Mauricio went," King said. "Mourinho is a winner. He's won everything. "From my experience, if someone like that comes into your club you listen, you take everything on board and you try to soak up as much as you can."

Football: Jose Mourinho aiming to add to Chelsea's woes

Dortmund, who led 2-0 and 3-2, had only themselves to blame as they failed to close the gap to the top, staying four points behind&nbsp;Leipzig&nbsp;in third place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-hakimi-shines-as-dortmund-fight-back-to-beat-inter-milan-260262">Dortmund</a>, having won their previous three league games, looked to be cruising to victory when Julian Weigl fired in to give them the&nbsp;lead&nbsp;in the 23rd minute.

Julian Brandt then added a second after a stunning 180-degree turn in the box in the 34th, as the visitors were completely outclassed in the first half.

Leipzig&nbsp;twice went close in first-half stoppage time, forcing&nbsp;two&nbsp;consecutive fine saves from&nbsp;Dortmund's Roman Buerki.

Yet the Swiss keeper was beaten&nbsp;two&nbsp;minutes after the restart when he tried to head the ball away outside his box, but failed to get enough distance on his clearance and instead allowed Timo Werner to sneak in and score.

Werner then added a second in the 53rd, after a mistake from Brandt, to take his league&nbsp;goal&nbsp;tally to 18, joining Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski as top scorer, but Jadon Sancho put the hosts back in front&nbsp;two&nbsp;minutes later.

Dortmund&nbsp;looked to be back in control until Patrik Schick was left unmarked to stab in the equaliser on the rebound in the 78th.

"We did not do it well in the second half," said&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;captain Marco Reus. "All three&nbsp;goals could have been avoided.

"It was a good game from both but a point from this game is far too little for us."

Leipzig&nbsp;stay top on 34 points, with second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who host bottom club Paderborn on Wednesday, on 31.&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;are third on 30 while champions Bayern Munich are in fifth on 27 and travel to Freiburg on Wednesday. All three top teams of the German Bundesliga have qualified for the last-16 leg of the famed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-league-gears-up-for-final-16-draw-after-record-breaking-group-stage-268079">Champion's</a> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-16-draw-date-rules-possible-scenarios-for-english-teams-and-all-you-need-to-know-268455">League</a>.

Dortmund, who led 2-0 and 3-2, had only themselves to blame as they failed to close the gap to the top, staying four points behind Leipzig in third place. Dortmund, having won their previous three league games, looked to be cruising to victory when Julian Weigl fired in to give them the lead in the 23rd minute.

Dortmund, who led 2-0 and 3-2, had only themselves to blame as they failed to close the gap to the top, staying four points behind Leipzig in third place. Dortmund, having won their previous three league games, looked to be cruising to victory when Julian Weigl fired in to give them the lead in the 23rd minute. Julian Brandt then added a second after a stunning 180-degree turn in the box in the 34th, as the visitors were completely outclassed in the first half. Leipzig twice went close in first-half stoppage time, forcing two consecutive fine saves from Dortmund's Roman Buerki. Yet the Swiss keeper was beaten two minutes after the restart when he tried to head the ball away outside his box, but failed to get enough distance on his clearance and instead allowed Timo Werner to sneak in and score. Werner then added a second in the 53rd, after a mistake from Brandt, to take his league goal tally to 18, joining Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski as top scorer, but Jadon Sancho put the hosts back in front two minutes later. Dortmund looked to be back in control until Patrik Schick was left unmarked to stab in the equaliser on the rebound in the 78th. "We did not do it well in the second half," said Dortmund captain Marco Reus. "All three goals could have been avoided. "It was a good game from both but a point from this game is far too little for us." Leipzig stay top on 34 points, with second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who host bottom club Paderborn on Wednesday, on 31. Dortmund are third on 30 while champions Bayern Munich are in fifth on 27 and travel to Freiburg on Wednesday. All three top teams of the German Bundesliga have qualified for the last-16 leg of the famed Champion's League.

Football: Dortmund loose out on two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with RB Leipzig

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's youngest-ever side 5-0 with a double by Jonathan Kodjia helping them into the League Cup semi-finals on a strange night at Villa Park on Tuesday.

With runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-no-pressure-to-land-club-world-cup-crown-says-liverpools-klopp-261550">FIFA's Club World Cup</a> 24 hours later in Doha, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players with an average age of 19.4, a club record.

While they acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side, which showed 10 changes from the weekend Premier League defeat by Sheffield United, they were taught a harsh lesson in Liverpool's heaviest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-may-pull-liverpool-out-of-league-cup-over-fixture-pile-up-258925">League Cup defeat</a>.

The Merseyside club's senior players and manager Juergen Klopp, watching on TV in Qatar where they face Monterrey in the semis on Wednesday, would have been impressed over the way their team started with 16-year-old Harvey Elliott catching the eye.

But Villa took the lead in the 14th minute when Conor Hourihane's free-kick went through a crowded area and into the net with Kodjia initially claiming a touch.

Morgan Boyes, one of five Liverpool debutants to start, deflected Ahmed Elmohamady's free-kick over his own keeper Caoimhin Kelleher three minutes later before 30-year-old Kodjia ran through on his own to slot home the third goal in the 37th.

Villa's Ivory Coast striker Kodjia made it 4-0 from close range just before halftime to end the tie as a contest, although Liverpool carved out several good chances after the break with some neat build-up play.

Villa added a fifth goal in stoppage time with record signing Wesley finishing clinically, having been sent clear by Trezeguet after coming off the bench.

Hollow victory&nbsp;

Villa have reached the semi-finals for the first time since the 2012-13 season but the victory felt hollow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Liverpool</a> have won the League Cup a record eight times but sacrificed the chance of making it nine as they focused on the game in Doha against Mexican club Monterrey.

Questions will be asked about their decision to involve no senior players and the scheduling but despite the scoreline, Liverpool had more shots and more possession than Villa.

Liverpool's Under-23 manager Neil Critchley, in charge fo the team in Klopp's absence, said his players, who had only 16 first-team appearances between them, had been magnificent.

"We were fantastic from the start, we had a couple of chances from the first whistle," he said.

"We were really unfortunate to concede and find ourselves 2-0 down. It was an incredible night and no one wanted it to end. The support we had was unbelievable.

"Some of them showed the potential to one day play for us, or in the Premier League. They will know it was just part of their journey. My overwhelming feeling was of immense pride."

The other three quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with holders Manchester City at third-tier Oxford United, Manchester United hosting fourth-tier Colchester United and Everton at home to Leicester City.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's youngest-ever side 5-0 with a double by Jonathan Kodjia helping them into the League Cup semi-finals on a strange night at Villa Park on Tuesday.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's youngest-ever side 5-0 with a double by Jonathan Kodjia helping them into the League Cup semi-finals on a strange night at Villa Park on Tuesday. With runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in FIFA's Club World Cup 24 hours later in Doha, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players with an average age of 19.4, a club record. While they acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side, which showed 10 changes from the weekend Premier League defeat by Sheffield United, they were taught a harsh lesson in Liverpool's heaviest League Cup defeat. The Merseyside club's senior players and manager Juergen Klopp, watching on TV in Qatar where they face Monterrey in the semis on Wednesday, would have been impressed over the way their team started with 16-year-old Harvey Elliott catching the eye. But Villa took the lead in the 14th minute when Conor Hourihane's free-kick went through a crowded area and into the net with Kodjia initially claiming a touch. Morgan Boyes, one of five Liverpool debutants to start, deflected Ahmed Elmohamady's free-kick over his own keeper Caoimhin Kelleher three minutes later before 30-year-old Kodjia ran through on his own to slot home the third goal in the 37th. Villa's Ivory Coast striker Kodjia made it 4-0 from close range just before halftime to end the tie as a contest, although Liverpool carved out several good chances after the break with some neat build-up play. Villa added a fifth goal in stoppage time with record signing Wesley finishing clinically, having been sent clear by Trezeguet after coming off the bench. Hollow victory Villa have reached the semi-finals for the first time since the 2012-13 season but the victory felt hollow. Liverpool have won the League Cup a record eight times but sacrificed the chance of making it nine as they focused on the game in Doha against Mexican club Monterrey. Questions will be asked about their decision to involve no senior players and the scheduling but despite the scoreline, Liverpool had more shots and more possession than Villa. Liverpool's Under-23 manager Neil Critchley, in charge fo the team in Klopp's absence, said his players, who had only 16 first-team appearances between them, had been magnificent. "We were fantastic from the start, we had a couple of chances from the first whistle," he said. "We were really unfortunate to concede and find ourselves 2-0 down. It was an incredible night and no one wanted it to end. The support we had was unbelievable. "Some of them showed the potential to one day play for us, or in the Premier League. They will know it was just part of their journey. My overwhelming feeling was of immense pride." The other three quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with holders Manchester City at third-tier Oxford United, Manchester United hosting fourth-tier Colchester United and Everton at home to Leicester City.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's kids to reach League Cup semis

St Etienne have been ordered to play their Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors until further notice for "wide use of fireworks" in the stands during Sunday's home defeat by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-and-neymar-dazzle-as-psg-thrash-galatasaray-267850">Paris St Germain</a>, the French Football League (LFP) said.

The home supporters set off flares and fireworks at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as PSG forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-rules-out-move-for-france-superstar-mbappe-261033">Kylian Mbappe</a> fired home an 89th-minute goal in a 4-0 win for the visitors.

The referee was forced to blow the whistle in the last minute and stoppage time was not played.

"In view of the particularly serious facts, there will be a total closed-door measure," the LFP said in a statement.

Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 standings to seven points with a game in hand, courtesy of two goals from Mbappe and one each from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-glimpse-of-psg-star-neymars-new-5-storey-mansion-436">Neymar</a> and Mauro Icardi.

St Etienne have been ordered to play their Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors until further notice for "wide use of fireworks" in the stands during Sunday's home defeat by Paris St Germain, the French Football League (LFP) said.

St Etienne have been ordered to play their Ligue 1 matches behind closed doors until further notice for "wide use of fireworks" in the stands during Sunday's home defeat by Paris St Germain, the French Football League (LFP) said. The home supporters set off flares and fireworks at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as PSG forward Kylian Mbappe fired home an 89th-minute goal in a 4-0 win for the visitors. The referee was forced to blow the whistle in the last minute and stoppage time was not played. "In view of the particularly serious facts, there will be a total closed-door measure," the LFP said in a statement. Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 standings to seven points with a game in hand, courtesy of two goals from Mbappe and one each from Neymar and Mauro Icardi.

Football: St Etienne hit with stadium ban over fireworks during PSG match

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184.

The 36-year-old striker will have an opportunity to surpass Wambach's mark in February when Canada attempts to secure a spot at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-unveils-50-official-sport-pictograms-202813">2020 Tokyo</a> Summer Games through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament.

"Christine Sinclair is a once-in-a-generation athlete that has been at the heart of Canadian sport for over 20 years but what she accomplished in the past 10 years has changed the sport forever in our country,” said Canada Soccer president Steven Reed in a statement.

“Christine is the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade and unquestionably one of the greatest and most-loved athletes Canada has ever watched."

The honour is the latest of many for Sinclair, who won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in 2012 and was Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics.

A four-time finalist for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fifa-251742">FIFA</a> World Player of the Year, Sinclair has been crowned Canada soccer's female player of the year 14 times.

The first soccer player appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the first to have her name engraved on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Sinclair has played in five World Cups scoring 10 goals in 21 matches.

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184.

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184. The 36-year-old striker will have an opportunity to surpass Wambach's mark in February when Canada attempts to secure a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. "Christine Sinclair is a once-in-a-generation athlete that has been at the heart of Canadian sport for over 20 years but what she accomplished in the past 10 years has changed the sport forever in our country,” said Canada Soccer president Steven Reed in a statement. “Christine is the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade and unquestionably one of the greatest and most-loved athletes Canada has ever watched." The honour is the latest of many for Sinclair, who won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in 2012 and was Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics. A four-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year, Sinclair has been crowned Canada soccer's female player of the year 14 times. The first soccer player appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the first to have her name engraved on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Sinclair has played in five World Cups scoring 10 goals in 21 matches.

Sinclair named Canada's soccer player of the decade

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-denies-presence-of-break-clause-in-contract-with-manchester-city-268224">Guardiola</a>&nbsp;said&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabriel-jesus-hat-trick-gives-man-city-4-1-win-at-dinamo-zagreb-267832">City</a>'s League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.

"I think it (the&nbsp;decision) is going to happen&nbsp;quick,"&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;was quoted as saying by the BBC. "Why not [go]? It's a good argument."

Former&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;captain&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;is the leading candidate to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unai-emery-axed-as-arsenal-boss-after-worst-run-in-decades-265245">Unai Emery</a> as&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;manager after the London club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was pictured outside the 37-year-old's house in the early hours of Monday morning.

"Mikel is travelling to Oxford with us tomorrow,"&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;earlier told reporters. We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He's an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That's why he is what he is.

"He's talking with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Arsenal</a>&nbsp;so I don't know. Now he is part of our group and staff and he is here. When we have new news, I will know and you will know. Now he is here, tomorrow travelling. He trained today and that's all."

Spaniard&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;made 149 appearances for&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;before joining City's coaching staff in 2016 where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to&nbsp;Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles&nbsp;over&nbsp;the last two seasons.

Guardiola&nbsp;said he had spoken to&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mesut-ozil-deceived-by-fake-news-will-be-pleased-to-see-him-go-to-xinjiang-china-268547">Arsenal</a>&nbsp;opportunity and would not stand in his way.

"I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually," he said.

"Mikel knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more."

Guardiola said Arteta will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.

Guardiola said Arteta will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man. "I think it (the decision) is going to happen quick," Guardiola was quoted as saying by the BBC. "Why not [go]? It's a good argument." Former Arsenal captain Arteta is the leading candidate to succeed Unai Emery as Arsenal manager after the London club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was pictured outside the 37-year-old's house in the early hours of Monday morning. "Mikel is travelling to Oxford with us tomorrow," Guardiola earlier told reporters. We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He's an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That's why he is what he is. "He's talking with Arsenal so I don't know. Now he is part of our group and staff and he is here. When we have new news, I will know and you will know. Now he is here, tomorrow travelling. He trained today and that's all." Spaniard Arteta made 149 appearances for Arsenal before joining City's coaching staff in 2016 where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles over the last two seasons. Guardiola said he had spoken to Arteta about the Arsenal opportunity and would not stand in his way. "I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually," he said. "Mikel knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more."

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola expects quick decision on Arteta over Arsenal move

The imagery by artist Simone Fugazzotto featured three&nbsp;apes with different colour eyes and detailing.

"We realised it was inappropriate," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-inter-milan-return-to-serie-a-duel-as-napoli-try-to-snap-winless-run-265161">league</a>'s&nbsp;chief&nbsp;executive Luigi De Siervo said in a statement on Tuesday.

Italian clubs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-match-preview-of-liverpool-vs-as-roma-132620">AS Roma</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ac-milan-offer-ibrahimovic-six-month-deal-reports-263650">AC Milan</a> have criticised the choice of imagery that the league initially said: "aims to spread the values of integration, multiculturalism and brotherhood".

Fugazzotto, who uses&nbsp;apes in much of his work, defended his creation, saying "we are all monkeys".

The imagery by artist Simone Fugazzotto featured three apes with different colour eyes and detailing. "We realised it was inappropriate," the league's chief executive Luigi De Siervo said in a statement on Tuesday.

The imagery by artist Simone Fugazzotto featured three apes with different colour eyes and detailing. "We realised it was inappropriate," the league's chief executive Luigi De Siervo said in a statement on Tuesday. Italian clubs AS Roma and AC Milan have criticised the choice of imagery that the league initially said: "aims to spread the values of integration, multiculturalism and brotherhood". Fugazzotto, who uses apes in much of his work, defended his creation, saying "we are all monkeys".

Serie-A chief apologises for anti-racism ape artwork

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended&nbsp;women's&nbsp;soccer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-australia-new-zealand-join-forces-for-2023-womens-world-cup-bid-268042">World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in&nbsp;2023</a>, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;the tournament, officials said on Tuesday.

The trans-Tasman neighbours last week launched a joint bid backed by both governments to bring the tournament to the southern hemisphere for the first time in&nbsp;2023.

Their official bid book was presented to&nbsp;world&nbsp;governing body <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-invest-1billion-in-womens-football-in-the-next-four-years-infantino-257832">FIFA</a> last Friday.

Brazil, Colombia and Japan also submitted formal bids to host the tournament, the first to feature 32 teams.

This year's 24-team&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in France, won by the United States, set&nbsp;records for attendance and attracted unprecedented viewing figures on television.

Average attendance in France was about 23,500, with the final in Lyon attracting 57,900. The 2015 tournament in Canada sold a&nbsp;record&nbsp;total of 1.35 million tickets.

New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said their bid, which is marketed with the tag-line 'As One', was also built on providing a legacy for soccer in both countries and throughout the South Pacific.

"Moving the dial for&nbsp;women's&nbsp;football across our confederations and beyond sits at the very heart of our vision for the FIFA&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;2023, as well as leading the way for gender equity and creating strong role models for women in leadership," Wood said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We stand ready 'As&nbsp;One'&nbsp;to deliver FIFA the most successful&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;ever, a ground-breaking tournament whose impact will reverberate across the globe."

The pool phase for the joint&nbsp;Australasian bid would be split evenly with four groups in each country.

Auckland's Eden Park, the site of two men's rugby&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;finals, would host the opening ceremony and first match.

Australia, with its bigger stadia, would then host the majority of the knockout matches with five of the eight second round games, three quarter-finals, one semi-final and the playoff for third.

Sydney's redeveloped Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, would be the venue for the final.

The&nbsp;Australasian bid is the first that crosses the boundaries of FIFA's six confederations. Australia realigned with the Asian confederation in early 2006, while New Zealand remained in the much smaller Oceania region.

The&nbsp;2023&nbsp;hosts will be decided by FIFA next year.

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended women's soccer World Cup in 2023, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are awarded the tournament, officials said on Tuesday.

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended women's soccer World Cup in 2023, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are awarded the tournament, officials said on Tuesday. The trans-Tasman neighbours last week launched a joint bid backed by both governments to bring the tournament to the southern hemisphere for the first time in 2023. Their official bid book was presented to world governing body FIFA last Friday. Brazil, Colombia and Japan also submitted formal bids to host the tournament, the first to feature 32 teams. This year's 24-team World Cup in France, won by the United States, set records for attendance and attracted unprecedented viewing figures on television. Average attendance in France was about 23,500, with the final in Lyon attracting 57,900. The 2015 tournament in Canada sold a record total of 1.35 million tickets. New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said their bid, which is marketed with the tag-line 'As One', was also built on providing a legacy for soccer in both countries and throughout the South Pacific. "Moving the dial for women's football across our confederations and beyond sits at the very heart of our vision for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, as well as leading the way for gender equity and creating strong role models for women in leadership," Wood said in a statement on Tuesday. "We stand ready 'As One' to deliver FIFA the most successful Women's World Cup ever, a ground-breaking tournament whose impact will reverberate across the globe." The pool phase for the joint Australasian bid would be split evenly with four groups in each country. Auckland's Eden Park, the site of two men's rugby World Cup finals, would host the opening ceremony and first match. Australia, with its bigger stadia, would then host the majority of the knockout matches with five of the eight second round games, three quarter-finals, one semi-final and the playoff for third. Sydney's redeveloped Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, would be the venue for the final. The Australasian bid is the first that crosses the boundaries of FIFA's six confederations. Australia realigned with the Asian confederation in early 2006, while New Zealand remained in the much smaller Oceania region. The 2023 hosts will be decided by FIFA next year.

Australasia promise record crowds if awarded 2023 Women's World Cup

By Mallika Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/semi-finalists-of-uefa-champions-league-211419">UEFA Champions League</a> record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">Atletico Madrid</a> procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760"> Bayern Munich</a> became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Champions League 2019-20 now gears up for the Final 16 Draw which is set to take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 16 December and is to determine the match fixtures for the next year.&nbsp;

The draw that is to be live-streamed on the UEFA website will feature all the seeded teams (group winners) and the unseeded teams (group runners-up) who are to be placed in separate pots.&nbsp;

Seeded teams:&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA: Group A)

Bayern München (GER: Group B)

Manchester City (ENG: Group C)

Juventus (ITA: Group D)

Liverpool (ENG, holders: Group E)

Barcelona (ESP: Group F)

Leipzig (GER: Group G)

Valencia (ESP: Group H)

Unseeded teams:

Real Madrid (ESP: Group A)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG: Group B)

Atalanta (ITA: Group C)

Atlético (ESP: Group D)

Napoli (ITA: Group E)

Dortmund (GER: Group F)

Lyon (FRA: Group G)

Chelsea (ENG: Group H)

In Pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-league-gears-up-for-final-16-draw-after-record-breaking-group-stage-268079">Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record-breaking group stage</a>

The seeded teams are to play at home grounds in the second leg. No team can play a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a side who plays from the same national league. Further restrictions are to be confirmed before the draw.&nbsp;

Four Premier League teams have qualified into the Final 16 with Liverpool (Titleholders) and Manchester City (English Champions) finishing at the top of their groups and Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs qualifying as runner ups from their respective groups.&nbsp;

Here are the five potential opponents for each team that they can be drawn against for the next round:&nbsp;

Liverpool: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon.

Manchester City: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Lyon.

Chelsea: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich.Tottenham Tottenham Hotspurs: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Valencia.

Other European powerhouses could each potentially face the following:&nbsp;

Barcelona: Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham&nbsp;

Bayern Munich: Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Real Madrid

Juventus: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur

Leipzig: Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain: Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur

Valencia: Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur

Atalanta: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia

Atletico Madrid: Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain

Dortmund: Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia

Lyon: Barcelona, Bayern, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Valencia

Napoli: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia

Real Madrid: Bayern, Juventus, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City

The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET.&nbsp;

The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

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

By Mallika Singh UEFA Champions League record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches. Champions League 2019-20 now gears up for the Final 16 Draw which is set to take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 16 December and is to determine the match fixtures for the next year. The draw that is to be live-streamed on the UEFA website will feature all the seeded teams (group winners) and the unseeded teams (group runners-up) who are to be placed in separate pots. Seeded teams: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA: Group A) Bayern München (GER: Group B) Manchester City (ENG: Group C) Juventus (ITA: Group D) Liverpool (ENG, holders: Group E) Barcelona (ESP: Group F) Leipzig (GER: Group G) Valencia (ESP: Group H) Unseeded teams: Real Madrid (ESP: Group A) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG: Group B) Atalanta (ITA: Group C) Atlético (ESP: Group D) Napoli (ITA: Group E) Dortmund (GER: Group F) Lyon (FRA: Group G) Chelsea (ENG: Group H) In Pictures: Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record-breaking group stage The seeded teams are to play at home grounds in the second leg. No team can play a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a side who plays from the same national league. Further restrictions are to be confirmed before the draw. Four Premier League teams have qualified into the Final 16 with Liverpool (Titleholders) and Manchester City (English Champions) finishing at the top of their groups and Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs qualifying as runner ups from their respective groups. Here are the five potential opponents for each team that they can be drawn against for the next round: Liverpool: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon. Manchester City: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Lyon. Chelsea: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich.Tottenham Tottenham Hotspurs: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Valencia. Other European powerhouses could each potentially face the following: Barcelona: Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham Bayern Munich: Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Real Madrid Juventus: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur Leipzig: Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur Paris Saint-Germain: Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur Valencia: Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur Atalanta: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia Atletico Madrid: Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain Dortmund: Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia Lyon: Barcelona, Bayern, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Valencia Napoli: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia Real Madrid: Bayern, Juventus, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

Champions League Final 16 Draw: Date, rules, possible scenarios for English teams and all you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Football: Bayern forward Coman out until January with knee injury

Liverpool manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juergen-klopp-hails-salahs-sensational-finish-267582">Juergen Klopp</a> has agreed on a contract extension until 2024, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp took the reins at Liverpool in October 2015 and guided them to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning their sixth European cup last season.

"For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve," Klopp said in a statement on the club's website.

"When the call (to manage Liverpool) came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other. If anything, now I feel I underestimated that.

"It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024."

The club said the German manager's assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders had also agreed on new deals.

Klopp took <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-advance-to-last-16-with-2-0-win-in-salzburg-267561">Liverpool</a> to the brink of their first-ever <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Premier League</a> title last season, finishing a point behind champions Manchester City.

This season, they are well poised to end their 30-year wait for a top-flight league title after going unbeaten in the first 16 games, with an eight-point lead over second-placed Leicester City.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has agreed on a contract extension until 2024, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp took the reins at Liverpool in October 2015 and guided them to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning their sixth European cup last season.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has agreed on a contract extension until 2024, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp took the reins at Liverpool in October 2015 and guided them to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning their sixth European cup last season. "For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve," Klopp said in a statement on the club's website. "When the call (to manage Liverpool) came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other. If anything, now I feel I underestimated that. "It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024." The club said the German manager's assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders had also agreed on new deals. Klopp took Liverpool to the brink of their first-ever Premier League title last season, finishing a point behind champions Manchester City. This season, they are well poised to end their 30-year wait for a top-flight league title after going unbeaten in the first 16 games, with an eight-point lead over second-placed Leicester City.

Football: Liverpool manager Klopp extends contract to 2024

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ligue-1-mbappe-and-neymar-on-target-as-psg-sink-nantes-266408">Kylian Mbappe and Neymar</a> were at their brilliant best as Paris St Germain demolished Galatasaray 5-0 in their final Champions League Group A game at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Both Mbappe and Neymar scored one and set up two other goals as the French champions, who had already made sure they would end the group phase on top, finished with 16 points, five ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Real Madrid</a> after the 13-time champions beat Club Brugge 3-1 away.

Galatasaray, who also conceded goals by Pablo Sarabia, Mauro Icardi and Edinson Cavani and ended with two points, were eliminated from all European competitions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">PSG</a> and Galatasaray fans clashed briefly before kickoff outside the stadium with one supporter being taken to hospital with a minor injury, a police source said.

Despite having midfielder Marco Verratti and keeper Keylor Navas on the bench and Angel Di Maria out with a last-minute injury, PSG dominated and were rewarded in the 32nd minute.

Neymar played Mbappe through and the French international flicked the ball into the path of Icardi who poked home the ball to put the hosts ahead with his fifth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabriel-jesus-hat-trick-gives-man-city-4-1-win-at-dinamo-zagreb-267832">Champions League</a> goal this season,&nbsp;his 12th in his last 13 games in all competitions.

Sarabia made it 2-0 three minutes later with an angled shot after being set up by Neymar. The Brazilian found the back of the net himself two minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike into the far corner after being set up by a Mbappe backheel.

Mbappe, who has now scored 19 goals and set up 11 in 30 Champions League games, increased the advantage in the 63rd with a cool finish from another Neymar assist.

Fan favourite Cavani, who came on as a second-half substitute, rounded it off with a penalty in the 84th minute after Ryan Donk had brought down Mbappe.

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

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

Champions League: Mbappe and Neymar dazzle as PSG thrash Galatasaray

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-skips-ballon-dor-to-receive-serie-a-player-of-the-year-award-in-italy-266021">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Gonzalo Higuain scored late goals as already-qualified Juventus beat hosts Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabriel-jesus-hat-trick-gives-man-city-4-1-win-at-dinamo-zagreb-267832">Champions League</a> Group D finale on Wednesday to eliminate the Germans from the competition.

Ronaldo tapped in from close range in the 75th minute after having missed an almost identical chance in the first half and Higuain scored in stoppage time to put Juve top of the group on 16 points.

Atletico Madrid, on 10, also advanced with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">2-0 win over Lokomotiv</a> Moscow, leaving Leverkusen in third place on six points and with a spot in the Europa League the next year.

Leverkusen started strongly and looked for an early goal but it was the Italians who came agonisingly close when Higuain cut into the box and Ronaldo was a fraction too late.

Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby then let fly from 20 metres and seemed set to beat 41-year-old keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was making his first Champions League appearance this season, but the ball bounced off the post.

After the break, Juve controlled the pace with the hosts growing more desperate.

Ronaldo, who ended his goal drought earlier this month and also scored in the league at the weekend, struck with 15 minutes left, tapping in substitute <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-juventus-dybala-sinks-milan-as-angry-ronaldo-substituted-261314">Paulo Dybala'</a>s cross to end any lingering hopes of qualifying for the Germans.

Dybala then set up Higuain for their second goal with the Argentine scoring with a low drive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atletico Madrid stroll into Champions League knockouts

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

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

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

Napoli sack coach Ancelotti after reaching Champions League last 16

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

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

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

Chelsea hold on against Lille to advance in Champions League

Manchester United forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-rashford-double-as-united-spoil-mourinhos-return-266316">Marcus Rashford</a> has all the attributes to be as good as five-times Ballon d'Or winner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-skips-ballon-dor-to-receive-serie-a-player-of-the-year-award-in-italy-266021">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

Rashford scored in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-win-feisty-manchester-derby-as-liverpool-secure-christmas-no1-266926">United's 2-1 win</a> over champions Manchester City at the weekend to take his tally to 10 league goals for the season, already equalling his best return in the top flight midway through the campaign.

The 22-year-old England international has 13 goals in his last 14 games for club and country and Solskjaer said he saw similarities with Portuguese forward Ronaldo, who scored 118 times in 292 appearances for United from 2003-2009.

"It's very easy to compare the two of them, yes," Solskjaer said. "Both with skills, body shape, attitude, attributes – everything. The boy has every chance in the world to become a top, top player. Let's hope he continues like this."

Rashford has previously been criticised for a perceived lack of composure in front of goal but he is flourishing under Solskjaer, who scored 126 goals in 366 appearances as a player for United.

The Norwegian said there was much more to come from Rashford.

"As long as he keeps being positive and being direct and thinking about getting in front of the goal and getting chances, he'll score goals," Solskjaer said.

United, who are fifth in the Premier League, face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unai-emery-reaches-breaking-point-as-arsenal-crash-in-europa-league-265159">Europa League</a> on Thursday.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has all the attributes to be as good as five-times Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has all the attributes to be as good as five-times Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. Rashford scored in United's 2-1 win over champions Manchester City at the weekend to take his tally to 10 league goals for the season, already equalling his best return in the top flight midway through the campaign. The 22-year-old England international has 13 goals in his last 14 games for club and country and Solskjaer said he saw similarities with Portuguese forward Ronaldo, who scored 118 times in 292 appearances for United from 2003-2009. "It's very easy to compare the two of them, yes," Solskjaer said. "Both with skills, body shape, attitude, attributes – everything. The boy has every chance in the world to become a top, top player. Let's hope he continues like this." Rashford has previously been criticised for a perceived lack of composure in front of goal but he is flourishing under Solskjaer, who scored 126 goals in 366 appearances as a player for United. The Norwegian said there was much more to come from Rashford. "As long as he keeps being positive and being direct and thinking about getting in front of the goal and getting chances, he'll score goals," Solskjaer said. United, who are fifth in the Premier League, face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday.

Football: Rashford can be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo, says Solskjaer

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-slump-to-first-home-defeat-by-brighton-266535">Arsenal</a> scored three quickfire second-half goals through Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to beat West Ham United 3-1 away as they ended a seven-match winless run in the Premier League on Monday.

After a poor start to the game by both sides, the Hammers took the lead seven minutes before the break when Angelo Ogbonna charged into a crowded box to head home a Pablo Fornals cross at the London Stadium.

But Arsenal, with interim coach Freddie Ljungberg searching for his first win since taking over from the sacked Unai Emery, equalised on the hour thanks to a sharp finish from Brazilian Martinelli, his first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/late-fernandez-strike-gives-newcastle-2-1-win-over-southampton-267124">Premier League</a> goal.

Six minutes later record signing Pepe put the visitors ahead with a superb curling shot into the far corner after being set up by a clever back-heel from Aubameyang.

The pair reversed roles for Arsenal's third with Frenchman Pepe chipping a cross into the box and Aubameyang volleying home on the turn after 69 minutes.

"It means so much for the players. They have been living under enormous pressure and you see it in their performances," said Ljungberg.

"You can see the players have been a bit low and you see in the dressing room the relief and how happy they are. We enjoy tonight and we continue working tomorrow. We have to work on our belief -- that was the difference," he said.

The win took Arsenal up to ninth on 22 points from 16 games, while West Ham's third straight home loss leaves them in 16th place on 16 points, only a point above the relegation zone, and increases the pressure on Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-not-on-par-with-european-elite-says-guardiola-267118">Manchester City</a> boss said he was sure he could turn the club's fortunes around, however.

"The pressure for me is exactly the same if we win or lose. When you don't have results things are more difficult. If I had not seen the team play the way they did in the first 65 minutes, I might have doubts," he added.

"For 60 minutes there was just one team on the pitch. But football can be like this.

"We made mistakes in moments of defending. The problem was a lack of patience and quality to decide the game with a second goal and we made important mistakes in defence," he added.

Arsenal scored three quickfire second-half goals through Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to beat West Ham United 3-1 away as they ended a seven-match winless run in the Premier League on Monday.

Arsenal scored three quickfire second-half goals through Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to beat West Ham United 3-1 away as they ended a seven-match winless run in the Premier League on Monday. After a poor start to the game by both sides, the Hammers took the lead seven minutes before the break when Angelo Ogbonna charged into a crowded box to head home a Pablo Fornals cross at the London Stadium. But Arsenal, with interim coach Freddie Ljungberg searching for his first win since taking over from the sacked Unai Emery, equalised on the hour thanks to a sharp finish from Brazilian Martinelli, his first Premier League goal. Six minutes later record signing Pepe put the visitors ahead with a superb curling shot into the far corner after being set up by a clever back-heel from Aubameyang. The pair reversed roles for Arsenal's third with Frenchman Pepe chipping a cross into the box and Aubameyang volleying home on the turn after 69 minutes. "It means so much for the players. They have been living under enormous pressure and you see it in their performances," said Ljungberg. "You can see the players have been a bit low and you see in the dressing room the relief and how happy they are. We enjoy tonight and we continue working tomorrow. We have to work on our belief -- that was the difference," he said. The win took Arsenal up to ninth on 22 points from 16 games, while West Ham's third straight home loss leaves them in 16th place on 16 points, only a point above the relegation zone, and increases the pressure on Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini. The former Manchester City boss said he was sure he could turn the club's fortunes around, however. "The pressure for me is exactly the same if we win or lose. When you don't have results things are more difficult. If I had not seen the team play the way they did in the first 65 minutes, I might have doubts," he added. "For 60 minutes there was just one team on the pitch. But football can be like this. "We made mistakes in moments of defending. The problem was a lack of patience and quality to decide the game with a second goal and we made important mistakes in defence," he added.

Premier League: Arsenal stage comeback to sink West Ham and end winless run

Everton are working with anti-discrimination group Kick It Out to investigate reports of homophobic chanting by fans during their 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-win-feisty-manchester-derby-as-liverpool-secure-christmas-no1-266926">Premier League</a> club said on Sunday.

Everton said the club and Kick It Out had received reports of a homophobic chant being aimed at Chelsea’s fans by a small section of the home crowd during Saturday's match.

"Homophobia has no place within our stadium, our club, our community or our game. The club strongly condemns such behaviour and is carrying out a thorough investigation which will include liaison with Merseyside Police," Everton said in a statement.

Saturday's victory, under caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, moved Everton up to 14th place with 17 points.

Everton are working with anti-discrimination group Kick It Out to investigate reports of homophobic chanting by fans during their 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

Everton are working with anti-discrimination group Kick It Out to investigate reports of homophobic chanting by fans during their 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park, the Premier League club said on Sunday. Everton said the club and Kick It Out had received reports of a homophobic chant being aimed at Chelsea’s fans by a small section of the home crowd during Saturday's match. "Homophobia has no place within our stadium, our club, our community or our game. The club strongly condemns such behaviour and is carrying out a thorough investigation which will include liaison with Merseyside Police," Everton said in a statement. Saturday's victory, under caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, moved Everton up to 14th place with 17 points.

Everton investigate 'homophobic' chants at Chelsea fans

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

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

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

Manchester City flex financial muscle to leave Manchester United lagging behind

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

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

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

Football: Everton sack manager Silva after Merseyside derby humbling

Arsenal lost to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion at home for the first time ever on Thursday night as goals by Adam Webster and Neal Maupay lifted the visitors to a 2-1 victory in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Premier League</a>.

Arsenal, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sacked-unai-emery-honoured-to-coach-arsenal-265333">fired Unai Emery</a> as manager last week and appointed former player Freddie Ljungberg as caretaker boss, now sit 10th in the table on 19 points, with Brighton a single point behind and three places below them.

"Of course, it's disappointing but we've got to keep on going," Ljungberg told reporters. "The players are low on confidence, I think you can see that.

"We're in a difficult situation. We started the game flat with no energy. It's my job to get them to be aggressive and play with energy."

Brighton had an early chance when Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin brought down Aaron Connolly on the edge of the area, but Pascal Gross blasted his free kick straight into the Arsenal wall.

The visitors poured forward, with Maupay whipping in a shot from a tight angle that raced narrowly past keeper Bernd Leno's far post.

Their pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute when centre back Webster pounced on the ball as it broke loose after a corner, poking home past Leno to give the visitors the lead.

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette equalised five minutes into the second half with a high looping header from a Mesut Ozil corner which bounced in off the far post.

The home side briefly thought they had taken the lead when David Luiz shanked the ball home from a free kick, only for the Brazilian to be found clearly offside by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-rule-makers-look-at-ways-of-providing-more-information-about-var-decisions-266170">VAR</a>.

Instead, Brighton's Maupay headed a cross from Aaron Mooy into the far corner past Leno in the 80th minute to give Potter's side a historic win in north London.

"It's fantastic to get the three points here tonight," Potter told reporters.

"I'm proud of the players. They stuck at it and managed the situations quite well, and played well against some talented players, and a nice winning goal - a bit of quality from us," he added.

"Maybe it gives us confidence that we're on the path to doing something."

Arsenal lost to Brighton & Hove Albion at home for the first time ever on Thursday night as goals by Adam Webster and Neal Maupay lifted the visitors to a 2-1 victory in the Premier League.

Arsenal lost to Brighton & Hove Albion at home for the first time ever on Thursday night as goals by Adam Webster and Neal Maupay lifted the visitors to a 2-1 victory in the Premier League. Arsenal, who fired Unai Emery as manager last week and appointed former player Freddie Ljungberg as caretaker boss, now sit 10th in the table on 19 points, with Brighton a single point behind and three places below them. "Of course, it's disappointing but we've got to keep on going," Ljungberg told reporters. "The players are low on confidence, I think you can see that. "We're in a difficult situation. We started the game flat with no energy. It's my job to get them to be aggressive and play with energy." Brighton had an early chance when Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin brought down Aaron Connolly on the edge of the area, but Pascal Gross blasted his free kick straight into the Arsenal wall. The visitors poured forward, with Maupay whipping in a shot from a tight angle that raced narrowly past keeper Bernd Leno's far post. Their pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute when centre back Webster pounced on the ball as it broke loose after a corner, poking home past Leno to give the visitors the lead. Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette equalised five minutes into the second half with a high looping header from a Mesut Ozil corner which bounced in off the far post. The home side briefly thought they had taken the lead when David Luiz shanked the ball home from a free kick, only for the Brazilian to be found clearly offside by VAR. Instead, Brighton's Maupay headed a cross from Aaron Mooy into the far corner past Leno in the 80th minute to give Potter's side a historic win in north London. "It's fantastic to get the three points here tonight," Potter told reporters. "I'm proud of the players. They stuck at it and managed the situations quite well, and played well against some talented players, and a nice winning goal - a bit of quality from us," he added. "Maybe it gives us confidence that we're on the path to doing something."

Premier League: Arsenal slump to first home defeat by Brighton

Vijay starrer 'Bigil' is facing troubles getting a digital release. A court in Hyderabad has issued an interim injunction order barring the digital release of the Tamil movie and its Telugu version 'Whistle' after a petition was filed by Hyderabad-based filmmaker Nandi Chinni Kumar, who had sought orders to stop its theatrical, satellite and digital release. 
 
The film was scheduled to be screened on Amazon Prime Video later this month. 
 
"The court had restrained Amazon Prime from uploading and streaming the film `Bigil/Whistle` on YouTube or other modes of the broadcasting system until further orders," Kumar told a news agency on Thursday.

Claiming that he had acquired exclusive copyrights for making a film on the life of slum-footballer Akhilesh Paul, Kumar had given complaints of copyright infringement against makers of 'Bigil' to the Telangana Cinema Writers Association, the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, the Tamil Film Producers Council, and the regional officer of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Chennai.

Kumar filed a lawsuit against the film`s director Atlee and actor Vijay, apart from the film`s producers, stating they have violated a copyright agreement which he had signed with Akhilesh Paul.

He claimed that there are striking similarities between the main character and plot events of 'Bigil' and the exclusive life story copyright of Akhilesh Paul.

Kumar had earlier served a legal notice to Akhilesh Paul, Hindi movie 'Jhund' makers Nagraj Manjule, Bhushan Kumar (who is also CMD of T-Series), Savita Raj, and megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He alleged cheating, criminal intimidation, breach of contract and copyright infringement.

Kumar who is an independent filmmaker, also sent notice to Slum Soccer founder Vijay Barse, on whose life the film is said to be based on.

Alleging that he was cheated and criminally intimidated by makers of the film, Kumar plans to move the court to stop the screening of the movie in theatres, television and all digital platforms.

The filmmaker claims that he bought exclusive rights in 2017 to make a movie on the life of Akhilesh Paul, a slum soccer player who was the Indian captain at the Homeless World Cup.

He claimed to have registered the story and script with Telangana Cinema Writers Association on June 11, 2018.

(With inputs from agency)

Vijay starrer 'Bigil' is facing troubles getting a digital release. A court in Hyderabad has issued an interim injunction order barring the digital release of the Tamil movie and its Telugu version 'Whistle' after a petition was filed by Hyderabad-based filmmaker Nandi Chinni Kumar, who had sought orders to stop its theatrical, satellite and digital release.

Vijay starrer 'Bigil' is facing troubles getting a digital release. A court in Hyderabad has issued an interim injunction order barring the digital release of the Tamil movie and its Telugu version 'Whistle' after a petition was filed by Hyderabad-based filmmaker Nandi Chinni Kumar, who had sought orders to stop its theatrical, satellite and digital release. The film was scheduled to be screened on Amazon Prime Video later this month. "The court had restrained Amazon Prime from uploading and streaming the film `Bigil/Whistle` on YouTube or other modes of the broadcasting system until further orders," Kumar told a news agency on Thursday. Claiming that he had acquired exclusive copyrights for making a film on the life of slum-footballer Akhilesh Paul, Kumar had given complaints of copyright infringement against makers of 'Bigil' to the Telangana Cinema Writers Association, the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, the Tamil Film Producers Council, and the regional officer of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Chennai. Kumar filed a lawsuit against the film`s director Atlee and actor Vijay, apart from the film`s producers, stating they have violated a copyright agreement which he had signed with Akhilesh Paul. He claimed that there are striking similarities between the main character and plot events of 'Bigil' and the exclusive life story copyright of Akhilesh Paul. Kumar had earlier served a legal notice to Akhilesh Paul, Hindi movie 'Jhund' makers Nagraj Manjule, Bhushan Kumar (who is also CMD of T-Series), Savita Raj, and megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He alleged cheating, criminal intimidation, breach of contract and copyright infringement. Kumar who is an independent filmmaker, also sent notice to Slum Soccer founder Vijay Barse, on whose life the film is said to be based on. Alleging that he was cheated and criminally intimidated by makers of the film, Kumar plans to move the court to stop the screening of the movie in theatres, television and all digital platforms. The filmmaker claims that he bought exclusive rights in 2017 to make a movie on the life of Akhilesh Paul, a slum soccer player who was the Indian captain at the Homeless World Cup. He claimed to have registered the story and script with Telangana Cinema Writers Association on June 11, 2018. (With inputs from agency)

Vijay starrer 'Bigil' to not get a digital release?

Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. As reported by multiple media outlets, Mokhiber has said this in his resignation letter in addition to other serious assertions.

Saying that this will be his last communication to UN High Commissioner in Geneva Volker Turk, Mokhiber has said that the United Nations was "failing" to do its duty as Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues.

He alleged that the US, the UK and large number of countries in Europe were "wholly complicit in the horrific assault". Mokhiber wrote to the UN high commissioner on October 28.

“Once again we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes and the organization we serve appears powerless to stop it,” he said as reported by The Guardian.

In his letter, Mokhiber also said the there have been number of occasions in past when the United Nations has failed to stop a genocide mentioning the Rwandan genocide, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rohingya in Myanmar.

Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have?

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“The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people, rooted in an ethno-nationalist colonial settler ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs … leaves no room for doubt.”

Mokhiber stated that not only the West was "refusing to meet their treaty obligation" under Geneva Conventions but were also arming Israel in addition to providing political and diplomatic cover.

“We must support the establishment of a single, democratic secular state in all of historic Palestine, with equal rights for Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” he wrote, adding: “and, therefore, the dismantling of the deeply racist, settler-colonial project and an end to apartheid across the land.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-anti-israel-protesters-jailed-over-anti-israel-riot-at-russian-airport-653986">15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riots at Russian airport</a>

Mokhiber has been part of the UN since 1992. He served in a number of prominent roles. He has served as a senior human rights adviser in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan..

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-says-massacre-by-israel-is-to-hide-its-setback-654021">Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says 'massacre' by Israel is to hide its setback</a>

The resignation letter has expectedly stirred conversation on social media. Several journalists and academics have begun posting the resignation letter on social media platforms like X.&nbsp;

The Guardian has quoted a UN spokesperson who said that these were Mokhiber's "personal views".

“I can confirm that he is retiring today. He informed the UN in March 2023 of his upcoming retirement, which takes effect tomorrow. The views in his letter made public today are his personal views,” said the spokesperson.

Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. As reported by multiple media outlets, Mokhiber has said this in his resignation letter in addition to other serious assertions. Saying that this will be his last communication to UN High Commissioner in Geneva Volker Turk, Mokhiber has said that the United Nations was "failing" to do its duty as Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues. He alleged that the US, the UK and large number of countries in Europe were "wholly complicit in the horrific assault". Mokhiber wrote to the UN high commissioner on October 28. “Once again we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes and the organization we serve appears powerless to stop it,” he said as reported by The Guardian. In his letter, Mokhiber also said the there have been number of occasions in past when the United Nations has failed to stop a genocide mentioning the Rwandan genocide, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rohingya in Myanmar. Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have? × “The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people, rooted in an ethno-nationalist colonial settler ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs … leaves no room for doubt.” Mokhiber stated that not only the West was "refusing to meet their treaty obligation" under Geneva Conventions but were also arming Israel in addition to providing political and diplomatic cover. “We must support the establishment of a single, democratic secular state in all of historic Palestine, with equal rights for Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” he wrote, adding: “and, therefore, the dismantling of the deeply racist, settler-colonial project and an end to apartheid across the land.” Also Read | 15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riots at Russian airport Mokhiber has been part of the UN since 1992. He served in a number of prominent roles. He has served as a senior human rights adviser in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan.. Also Read | Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says 'massacre' by Israel is to hide its setback The resignation letter has expectedly stirred conversation on social media. Several journalists and academics have begun posting the resignation letter on social media platforms like X. The Guardian has quoted a UN spokesperson who said that these were Mokhiber's "personal views". “I can confirm that he is retiring today. He informed the UN in March 2023 of his upcoming retirement, which takes effect tomorrow. The views in his letter made public today are his personal views,” said the spokesperson.

Pele's last Number 10 Brazil jersey sold for 30,000 euros in Italy

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says smiles are back on the faces of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-flex-financial-muscle-to-leave-manchester-united-lagging-behind-266573">Manchester United</a> players after their victory against Tottenham as he prepares to take on defending champions Manchester City.

United ruined Jose Mourinho's Old Trafford return on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-rashford-double-as-united-spoil-mourinhos-return-266316">winning 2-1</a> to end their former manager's perfect start to his reign at Spurs.

They are sixth in the table, still, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, but Solskjaer said the win was a shot in the arm for his team after two disappointing draws.

"Confidence is a strange&nbsp;thing in football," he said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. "You can get performances and results like Wednesday night and it boosts it so much.

"And I know our boys will be up for it, energy-wise they should be fine, 24 hours less recovery time shouldn't matter (City played on Tuesday), go on adrenaline. I expect them to have had a good night's sleep and the smiles are back on faces."

The Norwegian described City as "arguably the&nbsp;best team in England" even though they trail <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Premier League leaders</a> Liverpool by 11 points.

"I said it before (Spurs) that this is a chance for everyone. It was doom and gloom, but it's a chance to turn that doubt into belief and, for us, if we can manage to get another performance the confidence, the way we played against Tottenham, if we can do that at the Etihad we can come out of it with a result.

"People say 'why do you not have better results in other games?'. But the Premier League is hard.

"No matter who you play, it's margins, I think it's a compliment to the league. You've got City, Liverpool, Leicester consistent, but the other games are really tight."

One man playing at the top of his game is forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-rashford-double-as-united-spoil-mourinhos-return-266316">Marcus Rashford</a>, who has scored 12 goals in his past 13 games for club and country.

"He's consistently now scoring, but it's not like four in one and two or three without," said Solskjaer.

"It's not just in spurts, but he's consistently getting chances, into better positions, and on Wednesday night he was unbelievable and hope to see that again."

Solskjaer moved to Old Trafford in 1996, just after City had been relegated to the second tier of English football.

And it was not until 2001 that the Norwegian faced them in a 1-1 home draw.

"At least we play every year now," he said about his derby memories. "Took many years before I played a Manchester derby myself, it's changed in a way.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-jesus-double-gives-manchester-city-much-needed-win-at-burnley-266167">Man City</a> are a better team now than when I was playing. Football has changed quite a lot, was allowed a few more proper tackles.

"With every little angle everything is being scrutinised now. It's more of a technical, tactical game than physical or mental. A derby should be played as a derby. We don't play basketball and we're ready if that happens.

"Manchester derbies are always special games, but you can't say it matters more. For the fans, of course. We're up for it."

Paul Pogba will be absent again following his ankle injury but Anthony Martial returns to the squad.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says smiles are back on the faces of his Manchester United players after their victory against Tottenham as he prepares to take on defending champions Manchester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says smiles are back on the faces of his Manchester United players after their victory against Tottenham as he prepares to take on defending champions Manchester City. United ruined Jose Mourinho's Old Trafford return on Wednesday, winning 2-1 to end their former manager's perfect start to his reign at Spurs. They are sixth in the table, still, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, but Solskjaer said the win was a shot in the arm for his team after two disappointing draws. "Confidence is a strange thing in football," he said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. "You can get performances and results like Wednesday night and it boosts it so much. "And I know our boys will be up for it, energy-wise they should be fine, 24 hours less recovery time shouldn't matter (City played on Tuesday), go on adrenaline. I expect them to have had a good night's sleep and the smiles are back on faces." The Norwegian described City as "arguably the best team in England" even though they trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 11 points. "I said it before (Spurs) that this is a chance for everyone. It was doom and gloom, but it's a chance to turn that doubt into belief and, for us, if we can manage to get another performance the confidence, the way we played against Tottenham, if we can do that at the Etihad we can come out of it with a result. "People say 'why do you not have better results in other games?'. But the Premier League is hard. "No matter who you play, it's margins, I think it's a compliment to the league. You've got City, Liverpool, Leicester consistent, but the other games are really tight." One man playing at the top of his game is forward Marcus Rashford, who has scored 12 goals in his past 13 games for club and country. "He's consistently now scoring, but it's not like four in one and two or three without," said Solskjaer. "It's not just in spurts, but he's consistently getting chances, into better positions, and on Wednesday night he was unbelievable and hope to see that again." Solskjaer moved to Old Trafford in 1996, just after City had been relegated to the second tier of English football. And it was not until 2001 that the Norwegian faced them in a 1-1 home draw. "At least we play every year now," he said about his derby memories. "Took many years before I played a Manchester derby myself, it's changed in a way. "Man City are a better team now than when I was playing. Football has changed quite a lot, was allowed a few more proper tackles. "With every little angle everything is being scrutinised now. It's more of a technical, tactical game than physical or mental. A derby should be played as a derby. We don't play basketball and we're ready if that happens. "Manchester derbies are always special games, but you can't say it matters more. For the fans, of course. We're up for it." Paul Pogba will be absent again following his ankle injury but Anthony Martial returns to the squad.

Solskjaer says 'smiles back on Manchester United faces' ahead of derby

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-keep-pace-with-barca-as-bale-suffers-hostile-reception-264159">Gareth Bale</a> "is not ecstatic" with life at Real Madrid but has never asked to leave the club, the Welsh forward's agent has said.

Bale's commitment to the 13-times European champions came under the microscope last month after he helped his nation qualify for Euro 2020 and then joined his team mates dancing alongside a banner saying 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'.

He was booed by real fans during last month's match against Real Sociedad.

The 30-year-old forward was also involved in a tense stand-off with coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-to-be-the-player-we-know-he-is-zinedine-zidane-245111">Zinedine Zidane</a> in the off-season, with the Frenchman stating he was keen for Bale to leave, although a reported move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning was scrapped.

"He's not ecstatic," Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett told the BBC's Euro Leagues Podcast. "He has got a contract and as long as he is a Real Madrid player he will play at 100 per cent&nbsp;- and do very well.

"He has never asked to leave. If the right opportunity came along for him and it's something he wants to do we have to have a chat with the president of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-real-madrid-go-top-with-gutsy-win-against-alaves-265514">Real Madrid</a> and see where we are."

Bale was absent from training on Thursday and Spanish newspaper Marca said he would miss Saturday's La Liga match with Espanyol as well as Wednesday's Champions League game at Club Bruges due to a hamstring strain.

Gareth Bale "is not ecstatic" with life at Real Madrid but has never asked to leave the club, the Welsh forward's agent has said. Bale's commitment to the 13-times European champions came under the microscope last month after he helped his nation qualify for Euro 2020 and then joined his team mates dancing alongside a banner saying 'Wales.

Gareth Bale "is not ecstatic" with life at Real Madrid but has never asked to leave the club, the Welsh forward's agent has said. Bale's commitment to the 13-times European champions came under the microscope last month after he helped his nation qualify for Euro 2020 and then joined his team mates dancing alongside a banner saying 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'. He was booed by real fans during last month's match against Real Sociedad. The 30-year-old forward was also involved in a tense stand-off with coach Zinedine Zidane in the off-season, with the Frenchman stating he was keen for Bale to leave, although a reported move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning was scrapped. "He's not ecstatic," Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett told the BBC's Euro Leagues Podcast. "He has got a contract and as long as he is a Real Madrid player he will play at 100 per cent - and do very well. "He has never asked to leave. If the right opportunity came along for him and it's something he wants to do we have to have a chat with the president of Real Madrid and see where we are." Bale was absent from training on Thursday and Spanish newspaper Marca said he would miss Saturday's La Liga match with Espanyol as well as Wednesday's Champions League game at Club Bruges due to a hamstring strain.

Gareth Bale has never asked to leave Real Madrid, says agent

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