Ilkay Gundogan has been named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The German midfielder has retained the award following another exceptional month in which Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.

During that period, Gundogan helped his team to break the domestic record for most consecutive wins (15), as well as the English top-flight record for wins from the start of the calendar year (9). His brace against Liverpool in City’s 4-1 win at Anfield helped to secure the first win there since 2003, before he notched a further two goals against Tottenham Hotspur in an impressive 3-0 triumph at the Etihad Stadium one week later.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-cricket-stars-bowled-over-by-vaccine-rollout-369925" hreflang="en">England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout</a>

The 30-year-old saw off competition from City team-mate Joao Cancelo, as well as Bruno Fernandes, Harvey Barnes and Jesse Lingard to become the first German to ever receive the Premier League accolade twice.

Gundogan said: “I am very proud to win this award again – but I am most proud of being part of this amazing team.

“To win all our games in February, like we did in January, is amazing. I get the sense we are playing really good football and being part of that makes me happy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/milan-grab-europa-league-last-16-edge-at-united-as-tottenham-arsenal-shine-369890" hreflang="en">Milan grab Europa League last 16 edge at United as Tottenham, Arsenal shine</a>

“Hopefully we can continue like this because, ultimately, winning trophies is what matters. I know all the squad want that to happen and we will try our best from now until the end of the season.”

Ilkay Gundogan has been named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The German midfielder has retained the award following another exceptional month in which Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan has been named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The German midfielder has retained the award following another exceptional month in which Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League. During that period, Gundogan helped his team to break the domestic record for most consecutive wins (15), as well as the English top-flight record for wins from the start of the calendar year (9). His brace against Liverpool in City’s 4-1 win at Anfield helped to secure the first win there since 2003, before he notched a further two goals against Tottenham Hotspur in an impressive 3-0 triumph at the Etihad Stadium one week later. ALSO READ: England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout The 30-year-old saw off competition from City team-mate Joao Cancelo, as well as Bruno Fernandes, Harvey Barnes and Jesse Lingard to become the first German to ever receive the Premier League accolade twice. Gundogan said: “I am very proud to win this award again – but I am most proud of being part of this amazing team. “To win all our games in February, like we did in January, is amazing. I get the sense we are playing really good football and being part of that makes me happy. ALSO READ: Milan grab Europa League last 16 edge at United as Tottenham, Arsenal shine “Hopefully we can continue like this because, ultimately, winning trophies is what matters. I know all the squad want that to happen and we will try our best from now until the end of the season.”

Ilkay Gundogan named Premier League Player of the Month twice in a row

Simon Kjaer's last-gasp equaliser gave AC Milan a dramatic 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday, handing the Italians a great chance of reaching the Europa League quarter-finals while Roma, Tottenham and Arsenal cruised closer to the last-eight.

Kjaer netted with a bullet header in the final seconds of stoppage time of the last 16, first leg encounter at Old Trafford, levelling the scores after Amad Diallo had opened in the 50th minute with his first United goal.

"This is a great result, we played really well, showed personality and I think we dominated," the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

Milan called the shots early on and had two goals disallowed, Rafael Leao's effort ruled offside and Franck Kessie's powerful 11th-minute finish chalked off after a VAR review showed the ball had glanced off the midfielder's arm before his shot.

Diallo's introduction at half-time proved an inspired move from United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the 18-year-old Ivorian, recently bought by United from Milan's Serie A rivals Atalanta, soon broke the deadlock.

Bruno Fernandes unfurled a delightful long pass towards Diallo, who made an incisive run behind the Milan defence and looped a clever backwards header over Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But United failed to build on that lead and Milan's intelligent play was rewarded with just seconds remaining when Kjaer powered his header past Dean Henderson from a corner.

<h2>- Roma, Spurs, and Arsenal cruise -</h2>

Milan's domestic rivals Roma made sure it was a good night for Italian football with a 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Lorenzo Pellegrini prodded home the opener in the 23rd minute after latching on to Pedro's through ball.&nbsp;

Shakhtar pressed for a leveller after the break but quick-fire goals from Stephan El Shaarawy -- his first for Roma since returning from China -- and Gianluca Mancini gave Paulo Fonseca's side a strong lead to defend in the second leg.

The win will have been particularly sweet for Fonseca, who came to Roma from Shakhtar in the summer of 2019.&nbsp;

A Harry Kane double helped Tottenham Hotspur ease to a 2-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb that continues a good run of form for Jose Mourinho's team.

Spurs have now won their last five matches in all competitions thanks to Thursday's victory in London.

"We had some ups and downs in the season but we come into an important period now and it is good to feel the players are ready to help the team," said Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.

Arsenal also came away with a win, 3-1 at Olympiakos which all but secures their passage into the quarters.

Martin Odegaard's first Arsenal goal was cancelled out by Youssef El-Arabi.

But two goals in six minutes from Gabriel Magalhaes and substitute Mohamed Elneny earned victory.

Molde's heartening European run looks to have come to an end after a 2-0 defeat at La Liga side Granada.

<h2>- Rangers, Ajax well placed -</h2>

Rangers are well placed to make the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw away to Slavia Prague.

Filip Helander's close-range finish in the first half levelled Nicolae Stanciu's superb opener and left Steve Gerrard's Rangers still in the hunt for a European trophy with the draw in Prague, days after winning their first Scottish League title in 10 years.

The highlight of the match however was Allan McGregor's stunning save near the end, the Scot somehow stopping and holding on to Lukas Masopust's thumping header, which looked destined for the bottom corner.

"I saw it a wee bit late. It's just one of these things," McGregor told BT Sport.

"You react to it, you stick your hand out and hope it doesn't go in, and it never, so happy days!"

Four-time European champions Ajax are almost guaranteed a place in the last eight after thumping Young Boys 3-0 in Amsterdam through goals from Davy Klaassen, Dusan Tadic and Brian Brobbey.

Villarreal also look good to make the quarters thanks to a 2-0 win at Dynamo Kiev.

Simon Kjaer's last-gasp equaliser gave AC Milan a dramatic 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday, handing the Italians a great chance of reaching the Europa League quarter-finals while Roma, Tottenham and Arsenal cruised closer to the last-eight.

Simon Kjaer's last-gasp equaliser gave AC Milan a dramatic 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday, handing the Italians a great chance of reaching the Europa League quarter-finals while Roma, Tottenham and Arsenal cruised closer to the last-eight. Kjaer netted with a bullet header in the final seconds of stoppage time of the last 16, first leg encounter at Old Trafford, levelling the scores after Amad Diallo had opened in the 50th minute with his first United goal. "This is a great result, we played really well, showed personality and I think we dominated," the defender told Sky Sport Italia. Milan called the shots early on and had two goals disallowed, Rafael Leao's effort ruled offside and Franck Kessie's powerful 11th-minute finish chalked off after a VAR review showed the ball had glanced off the midfielder's arm before his shot. Diallo's introduction at half-time proved an inspired move from United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the 18-year-old Ivorian, recently bought by United from Milan's Serie A rivals Atalanta, soon broke the deadlock. Bruno Fernandes unfurled a delightful long pass towards Diallo, who made an incisive run behind the Milan defence and looped a clever backwards header over Gianluigi Donnarumma. But United failed to build on that lead and Milan's intelligent play was rewarded with just seconds remaining when Kjaer powered his header past Dean Henderson from a corner. - Roma, Spurs, and Arsenal cruise - Milan's domestic rivals Roma made sure it was a good night for Italian football with a 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lorenzo Pellegrini prodded home the opener in the 23rd minute after latching on to Pedro's through ball. Shakhtar pressed for a leveller after the break but quick-fire goals from Stephan El Shaarawy -- his first for Roma since returning from China -- and Gianluca Mancini gave Paulo Fonseca's side a strong lead to defend in the second leg. The win will have been particularly sweet for Fonseca, who came to Roma from Shakhtar in the summer of 2019. A Harry Kane double helped Tottenham Hotspur ease to a 2-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb that continues a good run of form for Jose Mourinho's team. Spurs have now won their last five matches in all competitions thanks to Thursday's victory in London. "We had some ups and downs in the season but we come into an important period now and it is good to feel the players are ready to help the team," said Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris. Arsenal also came away with a win, 3-1 at Olympiakos which all but secures their passage into the quarters. Martin Odegaard's first Arsenal goal was cancelled out by Youssef El-Arabi. But two goals in six minutes from Gabriel Magalhaes and substitute Mohamed Elneny earned victory. Molde's heartening European run looks to have come to an end after a 2-0 defeat at La Liga side Granada. - Rangers, Ajax well placed - Rangers are well placed to make the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw away to Slavia Prague. Filip Helander's close-range finish in the first half levelled Nicolae Stanciu's superb opener and left Steve Gerrard's Rangers still in the hunt for a European trophy with the draw in Prague, days after winning their first Scottish League title in 10 years. The highlight of the match however was Allan McGregor's stunning save near the end, the Scot somehow stopping and holding on to Lukas Masopust's thumping header, which looked destined for the bottom corner. "I saw it a wee bit late. It's just one of these things," McGregor told BT Sport. "You react to it, you stick your hand out and hope it doesn't go in, and it never, so happy days!" Four-time European champions Ajax are almost guaranteed a place in the last eight after thumping Young Boys 3-0 in Amsterdam through goals from Davy Klaassen, Dusan Tadic and Brian Brobbey. Villarreal also look good to make the quarters thanks to a 2-0 win at Dynamo Kiev.

Milan grab Europa League last 16 edge at United as Tottenham, Arsenal shine

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola praised his players' powers of recovery to beat Southampton 5-2 despite being denied a blatant penalty when the game was delicately poised at 1-1.

City are now 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they close in on a third title in four years.

A 21-game winning run for Guardiola's men came to an end against Manchester United on Sunday.

But City offered the second-placed Red Devils little extra encouragement that there was a route back into the title race as Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne both struck twice.

Guardiola, though, was still furious after VAR did not intervene when Alex McCarthy wiped out Phil Foden after overrunning the ball.

The England midfielder tried to stay on his feet to tap into an empty net, but, after the chance slipped away, VAR did not tell referee Jon Moss to review the incident.

"Jon cannot see it but that the VAR is there and don't whistle the penalty is incredible," said Guardiola.

"You know after four years I don't talk about the referees, but this action is incredible.

"Maybe one day they will explain us really the rule for all the players, managers.

"That's why I am proud because in this club, I don't know in others, what we have done in these past years we won it ourselves that's for sure."

City's winning run had started against Southampton back in December when the Saints were flying high and above the now champions-elect in the table.

However, Ralph Hasenhuttl's men have taken just nine points from their last 15 games to tumble down to 14th.

The visitors made a bright start before their leaky defence began to creak when faced with City's array of attacking talent.

De Bruyne smashed home the opener off the underside of the bar after McCarthy had parried Foden's shot on 15 minutes.

The lead only lasted 10 minutes, though, as Jannik Vestegaard was hauled down by Aymeric Laporte after his initial header had been parried by Ederson.

James Ward-Prowse coolly converted the penalty straight down the middle.

Moments later came City's penalty appeal, but to their credit the home side turned their anger from that injustice into goals before the break.

The brilliant Mahrez pounced on a stray Che Adams pass before curling into the bottom corner on his favoured left foot.

<h2>- 'Quality of players' -</h2>

The Algerian was also the creator for City's third as his right-footed effort came back off the post and Ilkay Gundogan was in the right place to stroke home his 14th goal of the season.

"We won because of the quality of the players we had on the pitch," added Guardiola. "It's important for Kevin and Riyad to score goals. We need them."

Goals continued to flow at both ends after the break as Mahrez wriggled clear in the box again to fire in City's fourth.

A miserly defensive record had been key to the run that allowed Guardiola's side to streak clear at the top of the table.

But they have now conceded six goals in their last four games.

With John Stones rested, Laporte did little to further his chances of starting the big upcoming Champions League games. The Frenchman was again at fault as Adams drilled a loose ball home from close range.

Again City responded almost immediately as Foden teed up De Bruyne to score his second of the evening.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola praised his players' powers of recovery to beat Southampton 5-2 despite being denied a blatant penalty when the game was delicately poised at 1-1.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola praised his players' powers of recovery to beat Southampton 5-2 despite being denied a blatant penalty when the game was delicately poised at 1-1. City are now 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they close in on a third title in four years. A 21-game winning run for Guardiola's men came to an end against Manchester United on Sunday. But City offered the second-placed Red Devils little extra encouragement that there was a route back into the title race as Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne both struck twice. Guardiola, though, was still furious after VAR did not intervene when Alex McCarthy wiped out Phil Foden after overrunning the ball. The England midfielder tried to stay on his feet to tap into an empty net, but, after the chance slipped away, VAR did not tell referee Jon Moss to review the incident. "Jon cannot see it but that the VAR is there and don't whistle the penalty is incredible," said Guardiola. "You know after four years I don't talk about the referees, but this action is incredible. "Maybe one day they will explain us really the rule for all the players, managers. "That's why I am proud because in this club, I don't know in others, what we have done in these past years we won it ourselves that's for sure." City's winning run had started against Southampton back in December when the Saints were flying high and above the now champions-elect in the table. However, Ralph Hasenhuttl's men have taken just nine points from their last 15 games to tumble down to 14th. The visitors made a bright start before their leaky defence began to creak when faced with City's array of attacking talent. De Bruyne smashed home the opener off the underside of the bar after McCarthy had parried Foden's shot on 15 minutes. The lead only lasted 10 minutes, though, as Jannik Vestegaard was hauled down by Aymeric Laporte after his initial header had been parried by Ederson. James Ward-Prowse coolly converted the penalty straight down the middle. Moments later came City's penalty appeal, but to their credit the home side turned their anger from that injustice into goals before the break. The brilliant Mahrez pounced on a stray Che Adams pass before curling into the bottom corner on his favoured left foot. - 'Quality of players' - The Algerian was also the creator for City's third as his right-footed effort came back off the post and Ilkay Gundogan was in the right place to stroke home his 14th goal of the season. "We won because of the quality of the players we had on the pitch," added Guardiola. "It's important for Kevin and Riyad to score goals. We need them." Goals continued to flow at both ends after the break as Mahrez wriggled clear in the box again to fire in City's fourth. A miserly defensive record had been key to the run that allowed Guardiola's side to streak clear at the top of the table. But they have now conceded six goals in their last four games. With John Stones rested, Laporte did little to further his chances of starting the big upcoming Champions League games. The Frenchman was again at fault as Adams drilled a loose ball home from close range. Again City responded almost immediately as Foden teed up De Bruyne to score his second of the evening.

Five-goal Man City overcome 'incredible' penalty call to beat Southampton

Lionel Messi scored one stunning goal but then had a penalty saved as Barcelona failed in their attempt to produce a second Champions League comeback for the ages against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, a 1-1 draw taking the French side through to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate.

Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick as PSG stunned Barca 4-1 in the first leg last month, and he extended their advantage in this last-16 tie by netting a first-half penalty in the second leg to put last season's runners-up ahead on the night.

But Messi made it 1-1 with a ferocious strike from 30 metres and the Argentine had the chance to put the visitors ahead after Antoine Griezmann was fouled in the area, only for the outstanding Keylor Navas to tip his spot-kick onto the bar.

Barcelona certainly went for it, but there was to be no repeat of their infamous recovery against the same opponents four years ago, when they lost the first leg 4-0 but triumphed 6-1 in the return.

It is the first time they have gone out before the quarter-finals since 2007 and, after Juventus were knocked out on Tuesday, neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the last eight for the first time since 2005.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman can nevertheless be encouraged by the way his team played on a cold, wet and windy night at an empty Parc des Princes.

"We are out, and that is what counts in our sport, but we can feel good about it because we had chances to make life difficult for our opponents," Koeman told Movistar Plus.

"We deserved more, and things could have been different had it been 2-1 at half-time."

Barcelona have been a club in crisis for some time but they have a new president in Joan Laporta, who will hope to restore calm at boardroom level, and they can still hope to finish the season strongly domestically.

Meanwhile PSG are safely through to the quarter-finals as they look to go one better than last season and win the Champions League for the first time.

They will feel this tie marks another step forward in their quest to become Europe's dominant force, after three defeats at Barcelona's hands in knockout ties since the Qatar Sports Investments takeover of a decade ago.

<h2>- Mbappe's tie, Navas' night -</h2>

Victory was achieved despite Neymar missing both legs due to injury, with Mbappe providing enough stardust on his own.

Yet after lighting up the first leg, the French World Cup winner found the going tougher in the return, and coach Mauricio Pochettino will face some questions about his side's approach.

"We are in the quarter-finals and we are very happy," he told RMC Sport, adding: "Sometimes in football you need to be prepared to suffer."

There were jitters, with Barcelona dominating almost from the first minute and squandering chance after chance in the opening half-hour.

Poor decision-making from Ousmane Dembele did not help the away side, although he also saw one ball across the face of goal just escape the outstretched leg of Messi.

As an impromptu fireworks display broke out just outside the stadium, Navas then produced his first superb save midway through the first half when he turned Sergino Dest's shot onto the woodwork, and it was against the run of play that PSG went ahead.

Clement Lenglet caught the heel of Mauro Icardi in the area in the 28th minute, a foul that was almost invisible on first viewing but was confirmed by English referee Anthony Taylor after a VAR review.

Mbappe scored from the spot for his fourth goal in the tie and his 26th of the season.

Barcelona kept coming though, and Messi equalised with a shot from range that was like a tracer bullet that whistled into the top corner, not the kind of goal he scores often.

It was his 25th this season, and he could have scored again in first-half stoppage time as Layvin Kurzawa was penalised for catching Griezmann in the box.

However, Messi was denied by Navas, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper dousing Barcelona's hopes as he continued to do in the second half.

"Navas had a brilliant game. He is a world-class goalkeeper and you saw that tonight," said Pochettino.

Lionel Messi scored one stunning goal but then had a penalty saved as Barcelona failed in their attempt to produce a second Champions League comeback for the ages against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, a 1-1 draw taking the French side through to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate.

Lionel Messi scored one stunning goal but then had a penalty saved as Barcelona failed in their attempt to produce a second Champions League comeback for the ages against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, a 1-1 draw taking the French side through to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate. Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick as PSG stunned Barca 4-1 in the first leg last month, and he extended their advantage in this last-16 tie by netting a first-half penalty in the second leg to put last season's runners-up ahead on the night. But Messi made it 1-1 with a ferocious strike from 30 metres and the Argentine had the chance to put the visitors ahead after Antoine Griezmann was fouled in the area, only for the outstanding Keylor Navas to tip his spot-kick onto the bar. Barcelona certainly went for it, but there was to be no repeat of their infamous recovery against the same opponents four years ago, when they lost the first leg 4-0 but triumphed 6-1 in the return. It is the first time they have gone out before the quarter-finals since 2007 and, after Juventus were knocked out on Tuesday, neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the last eight for the first time since 2005. Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman can nevertheless be encouraged by the way his team played on a cold, wet and windy night at an empty Parc des Princes. "We are out, and that is what counts in our sport, but we can feel good about it because we had chances to make life difficult for our opponents," Koeman told Movistar Plus. "We deserved more, and things could have been different had it been 2-1 at half-time." Barcelona have been a club in crisis for some time but they have a new president in Joan Laporta, who will hope to restore calm at boardroom level, and they can still hope to finish the season strongly domestically. Meanwhile PSG are safely through to the quarter-finals as they look to go one better than last season and win the Champions League for the first time. They will feel this tie marks another step forward in their quest to become Europe's dominant force, after three defeats at Barcelona's hands in knockout ties since the Qatar Sports Investments takeover of a decade ago. - Mbappe's tie, Navas' night - Victory was achieved despite Neymar missing both legs due to injury, with Mbappe providing enough stardust on his own. Yet after lighting up the first leg, the French World Cup winner found the going tougher in the return, and coach Mauricio Pochettino will face some questions about his side's approach. "We are in the quarter-finals and we are very happy," he told RMC Sport, adding: "Sometimes in football you need to be prepared to suffer." There were jitters, with Barcelona dominating almost from the first minute and squandering chance after chance in the opening half-hour. Poor decision-making from Ousmane Dembele did not help the away side, although he also saw one ball across the face of goal just escape the outstretched leg of Messi. As an impromptu fireworks display broke out just outside the stadium, Navas then produced his first superb save midway through the first half when he turned Sergino Dest's shot onto the woodwork, and it was against the run of play that PSG went ahead. Clement Lenglet caught the heel of Mauro Icardi in the area in the 28th minute, a foul that was almost invisible on first viewing but was confirmed by English referee Anthony Taylor after a VAR review. Mbappe scored from the spot for his fourth goal in the tie and his 26th of the season. Barcelona kept coming though, and Messi equalised with a shot from range that was like a tracer bullet that whistled into the top corner, not the kind of goal he scores often. It was his 25th this season, and he could have scored again in first-half stoppage time as Layvin Kurzawa was penalised for catching Griezmann in the box. However, Messi was denied by Navas, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper dousing Barcelona's hopes as he continued to do in the second half. "Navas had a brilliant game. He is a world-class goalkeeper and you saw that tonight," said Pochettino.

Messi misses penalty as Barcelona fail in latest PSG comeback attempt

Liverpool eased past RB Leipzig into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win in Budapest Wednesday that coach Jurgen Klopp said helps his side put their Premier League woes to one side. &nbsp;

Repeating their rapid-fire double act from the first leg, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane again struck within four second-half minutes to give the Reds a 4-0 aggregate win and keep alive Liverpool's hopes of rescuing their miserable domestic season with European glory.

After six successive defeats at Anfield and dropping to eighth place in the Premier League, Klopp's men looked relieved to be away from home, with the second leg also played in the Hungarian capital due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

"They were outstanding. We had to switch off the Premier League stuff to get here and to try. To give it a proper try," Klopp told BT Sport.

"The boys really enjoyed themselves tonight which is important," said Klopp.

"It is a big result for us," said Salah.

"We lost a few games in the Premier League, the team is not in the best shape but we want to fight in the Champions League," he said.

"It's been tough in the Premier League, everybody can see that. The last couple of years we were winning, we were flying. This year we had a couple of injuries so we were unlucky, we are trying to fix that but it is hard," he added.

While the Reds showed attacking intent from the off, they squandered a string of chances throughout the first half.

"First-half we created massive chances and didn't score which is a thing we have in 2021," said Klopp.

Unmarked at a corner, Diogo Jota should have opened their account in the 18th minute but the Portuguese striker headed straight at Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi who tipped over.

Midway through the period, an acrobatic scissor kick by Thiago Alcantara released Salah on the left but his left-footed effort was blocked by Gulacsi with Mane unable to convert the rebound.

<h2>- Leipzig miss chances -</h2>

Then on the half-hour, the onrushing Salah couldn't finish from close range after meeting a cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold who was sent clear on the right by a slide-rule pass by Mane.

Roused at last by the narrow escapes, Leipzig began to venture beyond Liverpool's high line and managed to carve out some chances of their own.

Kevin Kampl forced a save from Alisson Becker with a curler from distance, while a minute later Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg, back from injury, clipped a snapshot just wide of the post.

Still, with Brazil's Fabinho back in the starting side and directing affairs in midfield, the better chances fell to Liverpool.

Jota again fired straight at Gulacsi just before the break and then into the side-netting on the whistle after a slip by French defender Dayot Upamecano.

Leipzig, flying domestically on the back of six straight Bundesliga wins but nervy in Budapest, urgently needed a goal to rattle Liverpool but continued to lack penetration in the second half.

In truth, Julian Nagelsmann's men, who dumped Tottenham out at this stage of the competition last year and Manchester United in the group stage this season, rarely looked like claiming an even bigger scalp by turning the tie around.

Their last opportunity arrived on 65 minutes but Alexander Sorloth's header from a cross by Hwang Hee-chan spun over Alisson's fingertips only to rebound off the bar.

Soon after, Salah and Mane ruthlessly took advantage of the let-off by securing Liverpool's berth in the last eight.

In the 70th minute, the Egyptian fired a shot past Gulacsi, then four minutes later Mane turned a cross by substitute Divock Origi past the hapless Hungarian.

"The best thing that the boys did is that no one could see how good Leipzig can be," said Klopp.&nbsp;

"We defended them really well because they are a monster. They usually are so powerful," he said.

"We want to win football games, we feel it now for the first time in a while and it is a massive difference."

Liverpool eased past RB Leipzig into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win in Budapest Wednesday that coach Jurgen Klopp said helps his side put their Premier League woes to one side.

Liverpool eased past RB Leipzig into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win in Budapest Wednesday that coach Jurgen Klopp said helps his side put their Premier League woes to one side. Repeating their rapid-fire double act from the first leg, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane again struck within four second-half minutes to give the Reds a 4-0 aggregate win and keep alive Liverpool's hopes of rescuing their miserable domestic season with European glory. After six successive defeats at Anfield and dropping to eighth place in the Premier League, Klopp's men looked relieved to be away from home, with the second leg also played in the Hungarian capital due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. "They were outstanding. We had to switch off the Premier League stuff to get here and to try. To give it a proper try," Klopp told BT Sport. "The boys really enjoyed themselves tonight which is important," said Klopp. "It is a big result for us," said Salah. "We lost a few games in the Premier League, the team is not in the best shape but we want to fight in the Champions League," he said. "It's been tough in the Premier League, everybody can see that. The last couple of years we were winning, we were flying. This year we had a couple of injuries so we were unlucky, we are trying to fix that but it is hard," he added. While the Reds showed attacking intent from the off, they squandered a string of chances throughout the first half. "First-half we created massive chances and didn't score which is a thing we have in 2021," said Klopp. Unmarked at a corner, Diogo Jota should have opened their account in the 18th minute but the Portuguese striker headed straight at Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi who tipped over. Midway through the period, an acrobatic scissor kick by Thiago Alcantara released Salah on the left but his left-footed effort was blocked by Gulacsi with Mane unable to convert the rebound. - Leipzig miss chances - Then on the half-hour, the onrushing Salah couldn't finish from close range after meeting a cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold who was sent clear on the right by a slide-rule pass by Mane. Roused at last by the narrow escapes, Leipzig began to venture beyond Liverpool's high line and managed to carve out some chances of their own. Kevin Kampl forced a save from Alisson Becker with a curler from distance, while a minute later Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg, back from injury, clipped a snapshot just wide of the post. Still, with Brazil's Fabinho back in the starting side and directing affairs in midfield, the better chances fell to Liverpool. Jota again fired straight at Gulacsi just before the break and then into the side-netting on the whistle after a slip by French defender Dayot Upamecano. Leipzig, flying domestically on the back of six straight Bundesliga wins but nervy in Budapest, urgently needed a goal to rattle Liverpool but continued to lack penetration in the second half. In truth, Julian Nagelsmann's men, who dumped Tottenham out at this stage of the competition last year and Manchester United in the group stage this season, rarely looked like claiming an even bigger scalp by turning the tie around. Their last opportunity arrived on 65 minutes but Alexander Sorloth's header from a cross by Hwang Hee-chan spun over Alisson's fingertips only to rebound off the bar. Soon after, Salah and Mane ruthlessly took advantage of the let-off by securing Liverpool's berth in the last eight. In the 70th minute, the Egyptian fired a shot past Gulacsi, then four minutes later Mane turned a cross by substitute Divock Origi past the hapless Hungarian. "The best thing that the boys did is that no one could see how good Leipzig can be," said Klopp. "We defended them really well because they are a monster. They usually are so powerful," he said. "We want to win football games, we feel it now for the first time in a while and it is a massive difference."

Liverpool 'switch off' domestic woes to ease into Champions League last eight

Hundreds of Argentine football fans demonstrated on Wednesday in Buenos Aires to demand justice for superstar player Diego Maradona, who died on November 25 in circumstances under investigation.

"Maradona has been left to die and it is not fair, it is not fair that a person who gave us Argentines so much ends up like that," Abel Chorolque, a 44-year-old cab driver, told AFP at the protest.&nbsp;

Maradona, who was 60, died of a heart attack just weeks after undergoing brain surgery on a blood clot.

Investigators are looking into the health treatment he received prior to his death to determine whether or not to bring a case of wrongful death, a conviction for which would result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

The "10M" demonstration was organized on social media by different Maradona fan groups under the slogan "Justice for Diego, he did not die, he was killed."&nbsp;

Two of his adult daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, as well as the youngest of his five children -- Diego Fernando, 8 -- were at the protest, though they had to leave as the atmosphere turned tense.

As darkness fell some in the crowd chanted death threats against Matias Morla, Maradona's last lawyer, who would have appointed the medical team that treated him at the end of his life.&nbsp;

Maradona underwent surgery on November 3, just four days after he celebrated his 60th birthday at the club he coached, Gimnasia y Esgrima.

However, he appeared in poor health then and had trouble speaking.

Maradona had battled cocaine and alcohol addictions during his life. He was suffering from liver, kidney and cardiovascular disorders when he died.

A panel of experts, made up of 10 official specialists and 10 more selected by the interested parties, is due to deliver its findings on his cause of death in two or three weeks.

Maradona's neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Diaz are under investigation as well as two nurses, a nursing coordinator and a medical coordinator.

Hundreds of Argentine football fans demonstrated on Wednesday in Buenos Aires to demand justice for superstar player Diego Maradona, who died on November 25 in circumstances under investigation.

Hundreds of Argentine football fans demonstrated on Wednesday in Buenos Aires to demand justice for superstar player Diego Maradona, who died on November 25 in circumstances under investigation. "Maradona has been left to die and it is not fair, it is not fair that a person who gave us Argentines so much ends up like that," Abel Chorolque, a 44-year-old cab driver, told AFP at the protest. Maradona, who was 60, died of a heart attack just weeks after undergoing brain surgery on a blood clot. Investigators are looking into the health treatment he received prior to his death to determine whether or not to bring a case of wrongful death, a conviction for which would result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The "10M" demonstration was organized on social media by different Maradona fan groups under the slogan "Justice for Diego, he did not die, he was killed." Two of his adult daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, as well as the youngest of his five children -- Diego Fernando, 8 -- were at the protest, though they had to leave as the atmosphere turned tense. As darkness fell some in the crowd chanted death threats against Matias Morla, Maradona's last lawyer, who would have appointed the medical team that treated him at the end of his life. Maradona underwent surgery on November 3, just four days after he celebrated his 60th birthday at the club he coached, Gimnasia y Esgrima. However, he appeared in poor health then and had trouble speaking. Maradona had battled cocaine and alcohol addictions during his life. He was suffering from liver, kidney and cardiovascular disorders when he died. A panel of experts, made up of 10 official specialists and 10 more selected by the interested parties, is due to deliver its findings on his cause of death in two or three weeks. Maradona's neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Diaz are under investigation as well as two nurses, a nursing coordinator and a medical coordinator.

Argentine fans demonstrate to demand 'justice' for Diego Maradona

After a year of games behind closed doors, Bundesliga clubs are contemplating losses of a "billion euros" as players and coaches wonder when Germany's football grounds will be full again in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

"They feel like training games at times," Freiburg striker Nils Petersen has said of matches behind closed doors.

Borussia Moenchengladbach's 2-1 win over Cologne on March 11, 2020, was the first ever Bundesliga game played without spectators.

Two days later, all Bundesliga matches stopped as Germany went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After a two-and-a-half month hiatus, the league resumed in May with the last nine rounds of matches void of fans so the 2019/20 season could be finished.

Since then, the stadiums in Germany's top flight have largely remained empty.

A few thousand supporters were allowed into 33 games in certain grounds for matches at the start of this season, but Germany's second wave of coronavirus put paid to that.

Bundesliga matches have been played behind closed doors since November when Germany went into a second lockdown, which is still in place.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Just the beginning' -</h2>

The 36 clubs in Germany's top two leagues are counting the financial cost of lost matchday revenue with their combined turnover plummeting by 300 million euros ($358 million) in 2019/20 compared to the previous season.

"And this is just the beginning," warned Christian Seifert, the CEO of the German Football League (DFL), on Tuesday.

With no end to the current lockdown in sight, Germany's top clubs are forecast to lose a billion euros this season compared to figures before the crisis.

"It's no longer the same job as it was before the pandemic," said Werder's coach Florian Kohfeldt.&nbsp;

"I can't get used to it and I don't want to get used to it," he said of games without fans - dubbed 'Geisterspiele' (ghost games) in German.

"What makes you so enjoy doing your job is totally missing: the emotions in the stadium.

"It's like going to work in a normal job without these extraordinary moments."

Rising stars who made their Bundesliga debuts in the last 12 months, like Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, and Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe, 19, have never experienced the atmosphere of playing in a packed stadium.

"Our sport has become colder. More objective," said Union Berlin goalkeeper Andreas Luthe.

<h2>- 'Privileged position' -</h2>

However, German football enjoys the privileged position of being able to continue when the lockdown has forced many business to close.

"You couldn't imagine what this pandemic would do to many people and companies," Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich told magazine Kicker.

"We are in a privileged position in football because we are allowed to practice our profession. Many others cannot do that."

Champions Bayern Munich have not played in front of fans at the Allianz Arena since March 8, 2020.

The lack of noise from supporters means every word can be heard on the pitch -- and from the opposing bench.

"That's not always nice," says Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who admits sometimes finding it "a very big challenge" not to react to heckling from the opposition's bench.

There has also been an impact on the pitch.

Without home fans cheering their team on, the host club has won only a third of Bundesliga matches over the last year,&nbsp;according to a study by magazine Kicker.

In the preceeding 12 months up to March 2020, just under half of matches were won by the home team.

"Our work has changed", said Kohfeldt.

"Whether you play away or at home, it has neutralised itself to a certain extent."

However, the lack of passionate fans also seems to have calmed players' tempers.

Half as many red cards were dished out over the last year compared to the same period in the preceding 12 months.

After a year of games behind closed doors, Bundesliga clubs are contemplating losses of a "billion euros" as players and coaches wonder when Germany's football grounds will be full again in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

After a year of games behind closed doors, Bundesliga clubs are contemplating losses of a "billion euros" as players and coaches wonder when Germany's football grounds will be full again in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. "They feel like training games at times," Freiburg striker Nils Petersen has said of matches behind closed doors. Borussia Moenchengladbach's 2-1 win over Cologne on March 11, 2020, was the first ever Bundesliga game played without spectators. Two days later, all Bundesliga matches stopped as Germany went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After a two-and-a-half month hiatus, the league resumed in May with the last nine rounds of matches void of fans so the 2019/20 season could be finished. Since then, the stadiums in Germany's top flight have largely remained empty. A few thousand supporters were allowed into 33 games in certain grounds for matches at the start of this season, but Germany's second wave of coronavirus put paid to that. Bundesliga matches have been played behind closed doors since November when Germany went into a second lockdown, which is still in place. - 'Just the beginning' - The 36 clubs in Germany's top two leagues are counting the financial cost of lost matchday revenue with their combined turnover plummeting by 300 million euros ($358 million) in 2019/20 compared to the previous season. "And this is just the beginning," warned Christian Seifert, the CEO of the German Football League (DFL), on Tuesday. With no end to the current lockdown in sight, Germany's top clubs are forecast to lose a billion euros this season compared to figures before the crisis. "It's no longer the same job as it was before the pandemic," said Werder's coach Florian Kohfeldt. "I can't get used to it and I don't want to get used to it," he said of games without fans - dubbed 'Geisterspiele' (ghost games) in German. "What makes you so enjoy doing your job is totally missing: the emotions in the stadium. "It's like going to work in a normal job without these extraordinary moments." Rising stars who made their Bundesliga debuts in the last 12 months, like Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, and Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe, 19, have never experienced the atmosphere of playing in a packed stadium. "Our sport has become colder. More objective," said Union Berlin goalkeeper Andreas Luthe. - 'Privileged position' - However, German football enjoys the privileged position of being able to continue when the lockdown has forced many business to close. "You couldn't imagine what this pandemic would do to many people and companies," Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich told magazine Kicker. "We are in a privileged position in football because we are allowed to practice our profession. Many others cannot do that." Champions Bayern Munich have not played in front of fans at the Allianz Arena since March 8, 2020. The lack of noise from supporters means every word can be heard on the pitch -- and from the opposing bench. "That's not always nice," says Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who admits sometimes finding it "a very big challenge" not to react to heckling from the opposition's bench. There has also been an impact on the pitch. Without home fans cheering their team on, the host club has won only a third of Bundesliga matches over the last year, according to a study by magazine Kicker. In the preceeding 12 months up to March 2020, just under half of matches were won by the home team. "Our work has changed", said Kohfeldt. "Whether you play away or at home, it has neutralised itself to a certain extent." However, the lack of passionate fans also seems to have calmed players' tempers. Half as many red cards were dished out over the last year compared to the same period in the preceding 12 months.

Billion-euro nightmare as German football counts cost of year behind closed doors

Former Real Madrid and AC Milan forward Robinho's nine-year prison sentence for his role in a gang-rape has been upheld after judges of Milan's Court of Appeal determined that the Brazilian forward “belittled” and "brutally humiliated" an&nbsp;Albanian woman in Milan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Robinho, 37, was originally found guilty for his role in a gang rape in 2017 before he was sentenced in December. The gang-rape of a 23-year-old Albanian woman took place in Milan, Italy in 2013&nbsp;at a nightclub on her birthday. Robinho denied the charges and went on to appeal the verdict.&nbsp;

However, according to a report in Globo, fresh details have&nbsp;emerged from the Court of Appeal in which it has been alleged that Robinho and his representatives "attempted to deceive investigators”&nbsp;by providing different accounts on&nbsp;“previously agreed facts”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/djokovic-and-family-celebrate-in-belgrade-as-serb-sets-all-time-record-as-world-no-1-369081" hreflang="en">Djokovic and family celebrate in Belgrade as Serb sets all-time record as world No. 1</a>

Robinho's conviction was upheld with his friend Richard Falco also being charged for the offence.&nbsp;

But with Robinho residing in Brazil, it is unlikely that the former Real Madrid forward will be incarcerated in Italy. Brazil doesn't extradite its own citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, the crucial evidence that was used to convict the Brazilian in the year 2020 consisted of intercepted phone calls and messages between Robinho and those allegedly involved in the alleged gang&nbsp;rape in which the footballer allegedly said&nbsp;'the woman was completely drunk'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, following the upheld verdict,&nbsp;Robinho has 45 days to submit a further appeal to the highest court of appeal in Italy – the Supreme Court. Notably, no prison sentence enforced in Italy&nbsp;until&nbsp;all of the appeals has been exhausted by the convict.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-jurgen-klopp-replace-joachim-loew-as-germany-coach-liverpool-manager-responds-369199" hreflang="en">Will Jurgen Klopp replace Joachim Loew as Germany coach? Liverpool manager responds</a>

Robinho's contract with Brazilian club Santon was suspended in the build-up to the hearing with club president Orlando Rollo confirming that the player will be sacked if the decision is upheld.&nbsp;

Robinho was playing for Italian giants AC Milan at the time of the incident.&nbsp;

Former Real Madrid and AC Milan forward Robinho's nine-year prison sentence for his role in a gang-rape has been upheld after judges of Milan's Court of Appeal determined that the Brazilian forward “belittled” and "brutally humiliated" an Albanian woman in Milan.

Former Real Madrid and AC Milan forward Robinho's nine-year prison sentence for his role in a gang-rape has been upheld after judges of Milan's Court of Appeal determined that the Brazilian forward “belittled” and "brutally humiliated" an Albanian woman in Milan. Robinho, 37, was originally found guilty for his role in a gang rape in 2017 before he was sentenced in December. The gang-rape of a 23-year-old Albanian woman took place in Milan, Italy in 2013 at a nightclub on her birthday. Robinho denied the charges and went on to appeal the verdict. However, according to a report in Globo, fresh details have emerged from the Court of Appeal in which it has been alleged that Robinho and his representatives "attempted to deceive investigators” by providing different accounts on “previously agreed facts”. ALSO READ: Djokovic and family celebrate in Belgrade as Serb sets all-time record as world No. 1 Robinho's conviction was upheld with his friend Richard Falco also being charged for the offence. But with Robinho residing in Brazil, it is unlikely that the former Real Madrid forward will be incarcerated in Italy. Brazil doesn't extradite its own citizens. Earlier, the crucial evidence that was used to convict the Brazilian in the year 2020 consisted of intercepted phone calls and messages between Robinho and those allegedly involved in the alleged gang rape in which the footballer allegedly said 'the woman was completely drunk'. Meanwhile, following the upheld verdict, Robinho has 45 days to submit a further appeal to the highest court of appeal in Italy – the Supreme Court. Notably, no prison sentence enforced in Italy until all of the appeals has been exhausted by the convict. ALSO READ: Will Jurgen Klopp replace Joachim Loew as Germany coach? Liverpool manager responds Robinho's contract with Brazilian club Santon was suspended in the build-up to the hearing with club president Orlando Rollo confirming that the player will be sacked if the decision is upheld. Robinho was playing for Italian giants AC Milan at the time of the incident.

Brazilian footballer Robinho sentenced to 9-year jail for ‘brutally humiliating gang-rape victim’

Neymar will miss Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last 16 second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday after failing to shake off a thigh injury, the French champions confirmed.

PSG said on Tuesday the Brazil attacker would continue to train individually and would be assessed again "in the coming days".

"We have not had to make a decision, it is simply the state of fitness of a player, in this case 'Ney', who can't make it," coach Mauricio Pochettino said during a virtual press conference ahead of the game at the Parc des Princes.

"He is not fit enough to play a competitive game. This is just a reality, a fact.

"It's a shame because he had been really looking forward to this game. It is a difficult moment for him because he had been expecting to recover but clearly he is still a few days away from being able to help the team."

The 29-year-old has not played since picking up the injury in a French Cup victory over Caen in early February.&nbsp;

He also missed the first leg of the Champions League tie at the Camp Nou, which PSG won 4-1 with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick, due to the issue.

That result puts Pochettino's team in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals going into the return leg, although the former Tottenham Hotspur coach preached caution in front of the media.

"We still need to play a game of football, and be focused on that," he said. "We have to attack and win the game. That is what we have prepared for."

Pochettino added that Italy right-back Alessandro Florenzi could return after sitting out the last three games due to injury.

Moise Kean, who scored in the first leg, is still missing after testing positive last week for Covid-19.

Neymar will miss Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last 16 second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday after failing to shake off a thigh injury, the French champions confirmed.

Neymar will miss Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last 16 second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday after failing to shake off a thigh injury, the French champions confirmed. PSG said on Tuesday the Brazil attacker would continue to train individually and would be assessed again "in the coming days". "We have not had to make a decision, it is simply the state of fitness of a player, in this case 'Ney', who can't make it," coach Mauricio Pochettino said during a virtual press conference ahead of the game at the Parc des Princes. "He is not fit enough to play a competitive game. This is just a reality, a fact. "It's a shame because he had been really looking forward to this game. It is a difficult moment for him because he had been expecting to recover but clearly he is still a few days away from being able to help the team." The 29-year-old has not played since picking up the injury in a French Cup victory over Caen in early February. He also missed the first leg of the Champions League tie at the Camp Nou, which PSG won 4-1 with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick, due to the issue. That result puts Pochettino's team in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals going into the return leg, although the former Tottenham Hotspur coach preached caution in front of the media. "We still need to play a game of football, and be focused on that," he said. "We have to attack and win the game. That is what we have prepared for." Pochettino added that Italy right-back Alessandro Florenzi could return after sitting out the last three games due to injury. Moise Kean, who scored in the first leg, is still missing after testing positive last week for Covid-19.

Neymar loses battle to be fit for PSG's Barcelona showdown

Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16 for the second year running on Tuesday, losing to 10-man Porto on away goals despite winning the second leg 3-2 in Turin.

Sergio Oliveira's extra-time free-kick sent twice former winners Porto through to the quarter-finals as the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal, Oliveira's first-half penalty increased Porto's advantage but Juventus levelled the tie through two goals from Federico Chiesa, which came either side of Porto striker Mehdi Taremi's red card.

Oliveira then rifled home a low free-kick on 115 minutes, which passed through the legs of Ronaldo, with Adrien Rabiot's header in reply coming in vain for Juventus.&nbsp;

"When you make four big errors over two legs in the Champions League last 16, you can get eliminated," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo.&nbsp;

"It will take a few days to wipe this game from our minds, but then we must play every game with the right attitude, realise we're still only in March and have time to climb the Serie A table."

Juventus had been counting on Portuguese striker Ronaldo, the competition's record goalscorer, and in-form Spaniard Alvaro Morata, who had scored six goals in the competition this season, to pull them through.

But Juventus' Champions League heartache stretching back 25 years continued, falling in the first knockout round the second consecutive year after losing to French club Lyon last season.

"The work of the whole team was important to go through in a manner that was fully deserved," said veteran Porto defender Pepe.

"It's hard to explain by words the way we managed to react (playing with 10 men). Today we showed lots of character: the players were focused and that made it easy for us."

Pirlo, in his first season as Juventus coach, had regained several injured players including midfielder Arthur and defender Leonardo Bonucci, but captain Giorgio Chiellini remained on the bench with Danilo suspended.

Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin produced a sharp early save to turn away a Morata header, while Taremi nodded against the crossbar at the other end in a lively start to the game.&nbsp;

The Italian champions fell behind on the night when Merih Demiral conceded a penalty after bundling over Taremi in the box, with Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers pointing to the spot.

Oliveira made no mistake, sending Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way to give the visitors a 3-1 advantage overall.

Marchesin continued his heroics, the Argentine blocking from Morata on 26 minutes and Rabiot minutes later after the French midfielder took aim from distance.

<h2>- Chiesa revives Juve hopes -</h2>

Juve hit back after the break thanks to Chiesa's double, the first on 49 minutes when Ronaldo controlled and knocked it back for Chiesa to curl in past Marchesin from a tight angle.

Porto soon went a man down with Taremi sent off for two quick yellow cards, the second for recklessly kicking the ball away.

Despite the Iranian's absence Porto managed to hold on, with Pepe intervening brilliantly to force Chiesa into striking the post after rounding Marchesin.

Chiesa made no mistake just after the hour getting his head to another perfect Juan Cuadrado cross which Marchesin again got a hand to but could not stop as Juve pulled level 3-3 on aggregate.

Ronaldo missed a chance to add to his tally of 134 Champions League goals after heading a Cuadrado delivery wide with 12 minutes to go.

It was end to end action with Marchesin denying Chiesa a hat-trick, while Morata had a goal ruled out for offside in injury time before Cuadrado was desperately unlucky to see his curling shot smack back off the bar.

Porto had the best chance of the first 15 minutes in extra time with Szczesny blocking a Moussa Marega header.&nbsp;

But Oliviera won a free-kick and fired in low to beat Szczesny on 115 minutes amid wild celebrations from the Portuguese bench.

Two minutes later Rabiot headed Juventus back into contention but the hosts could not snatch another goal as their European adventure ended prematurely once more.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16 for the second year running on Tuesday, losing to 10-man Porto on away goals despite winning the second leg 3-2 in Turin.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16 for the second year running on Tuesday, losing to 10-man Porto on away goals despite winning the second leg 3-2 in Turin. Sergio Oliveira's extra-time free-kick sent twice former winners Porto through to the quarter-finals as the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate. Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal, Oliveira's first-half penalty increased Porto's advantage but Juventus levelled the tie through two goals from Federico Chiesa, which came either side of Porto striker Mehdi Taremi's red card. Oliveira then rifled home a low free-kick on 115 minutes, which passed through the legs of Ronaldo, with Adrien Rabiot's header in reply coming in vain for Juventus. "When you make four big errors over two legs in the Champions League last 16, you can get eliminated," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo. "It will take a few days to wipe this game from our minds, but then we must play every game with the right attitude, realise we're still only in March and have time to climb the Serie A table." Juventus had been counting on Portuguese striker Ronaldo, the competition's record goalscorer, and in-form Spaniard Alvaro Morata, who had scored six goals in the competition this season, to pull them through. But Juventus' Champions League heartache stretching back 25 years continued, falling in the first knockout round the second consecutive year after losing to French club Lyon last season. "The work of the whole team was important to go through in a manner that was fully deserved," said veteran Porto defender Pepe. "It's hard to explain by words the way we managed to react (playing with 10 men). Today we showed lots of character: the players were focused and that made it easy for us." Pirlo, in his first season as Juventus coach, had regained several injured players including midfielder Arthur and defender Leonardo Bonucci, but captain Giorgio Chiellini remained on the bench with Danilo suspended. Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin produced a sharp early save to turn away a Morata header, while Taremi nodded against the crossbar at the other end in a lively start to the game. The Italian champions fell behind on the night when Merih Demiral conceded a penalty after bundling over Taremi in the box, with Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers pointing to the spot. Oliveira made no mistake, sending Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way to give the visitors a 3-1 advantage overall. Marchesin continued his heroics, the Argentine blocking from Morata on 26 minutes and Rabiot minutes later after the French midfielder took aim from distance. - Chiesa revives Juve hopes - Juve hit back after the break thanks to Chiesa's double, the first on 49 minutes when Ronaldo controlled and knocked it back for Chiesa to curl in past Marchesin from a tight angle. Porto soon went a man down with Taremi sent off for two quick yellow cards, the second for recklessly kicking the ball away. Despite the Iranian's absence Porto managed to hold on, with Pepe intervening brilliantly to force Chiesa into striking the post after rounding Marchesin. Chiesa made no mistake just after the hour getting his head to another perfect Juan Cuadrado cross which Marchesin again got a hand to but could not stop as Juve pulled level 3-3 on aggregate. Ronaldo missed a chance to add to his tally of 134 Champions League goals after heading a Cuadrado delivery wide with 12 minutes to go. It was end to end action with Marchesin denying Chiesa a hat-trick, while Morata had a goal ruled out for offside in injury time before Cuadrado was desperately unlucky to see his curling shot smack back off the bar. Porto had the best chance of the first 15 minutes in extra time with Szczesny blocking a Moussa Marega header. But Oliviera won a free-kick and fired in low to beat Szczesny on 115 minutes amid wild celebrations from the Portuguese bench. Two minutes later Rabiot headed Juventus back into contention but the hosts could not snatch another goal as their European adventure ended prematurely once more.

Ronaldo silenced as Porto knock Juventus out of Champions League

Erling Braut Haaland scored twice as Borussia Dortmund held off a late Sevilla fightback to reach the Champions League quarter-finals with a 'crazy, amazing' 5-4 aggregate win after a frantic 2-2 second-leg draw on Tuesday.

Haaland, who also netted a double in Dortmund's 3-2 last 16 first-leg victory, tapped in a first-half opener and scored a retaken penalty after the break behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park.

"It was a hard game –- I'm tired now, but to be in the next round feels very good," Haaland told Sky.

"It was a crazy game and a crazy, amazing win."

Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri scored a 69th-minute spot-kick and a last-gasp equaliser but Dortmund clung on.

"We're not happy with the result. Truth is, we didn't have any luck –- they had one chance and they scored," En-Nesyri told Movistar.

"We fought until the last minute."

Haaland, the man of the match, is the competition's top-scorer this season with 10 goals in six games.

The 20-year-old is the youngest player to reach 20 Champions League goals, in just 14 appearances, breaking the previous mark set by Kylian Mbappe.

"We have been punished by a player (Haaland) who will make his mark on this era," predicted Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui.&nbsp;

Although they had lost three of their four previous games, Sevilla dominated the opening exchanges and Dortmund had to withstand intense early pressure before taking the lead against the run of play.

When the Spaniards lost possession in their own half, Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud slipped a pass to Marco Reus, who sprinted to reach the ball at the byline and Haaland diverted in his cut-back.

<h2>- 'Turbulent' finish -</h2>

He had the ball in the net again just after the interval, but the goal was disallowed after the referee decided Haaland had fouled Sevilla defender Fernando before firing home from a tight angle after consulting the pitchside monitor.

However, the referee also awarded a penalty after spotting a foul on Haaland earlier in the build-up.

Reus, Dortmund's usual penalty taker, stepped aside to allow Haaland to take the spot-kick.

Although his first effort was tipped onto the post by Yassine Bounou, the Sevilla goalkeeper moved before the kick was taken and Haaland made no mistake with his second attempt.

Both Haaland and Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan were booked for some pushing and shoving, with the La Liga side angered by Haaland's celebrations.

"I missed the first penalty, but if he'd stood on the line I'd have scored, but he cheated," added Haaland.

"I was a little bit nervous on the second penalty, but I knew it would be nice to score a second goal."

Dortmund defender Emre Can also earned a yellow card and gave away a penalty for a blatant push on Sevilla forward Luuk de Jong, which Morocco striker En-Nesyri blasted home.

With five minutes left, Bounou produced a stunning reflex save from Dahoud's shot in the area.

However, Sevilla were not finished and En-Nesyri netted again with a powerful header just before the final whistle as Dortmund weathered a late storm.

"It was a turbulent game," said Dortmund caretaker coach Edin Terzic.

"It's not a given for us to get this far, so now to be among the best eight in Europe makes us very happy. Erling Haaland was just outstanding."

Erling Braut Haaland scored twice as Borussia Dortmund held off a late Sevilla fightback to reach the Champions League quarter-finals with a 'crazy, amazing' 5-4 aggregate win after a frantic 2-2 second-leg draw on Tuesday.

Erling Braut Haaland scored twice as Borussia Dortmund held off a late Sevilla fightback to reach the Champions League quarter-finals with a 'crazy, amazing' 5-4 aggregate win after a frantic 2-2 second-leg draw on Tuesday. Haaland, who also netted a double in Dortmund's 3-2 last 16 first-leg victory, tapped in a first-half opener and scored a retaken penalty after the break behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park. "It was a hard game –- I'm tired now, but to be in the next round feels very good," Haaland told Sky. "It was a crazy game and a crazy, amazing win." Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri scored a 69th-minute spot-kick and a last-gasp equaliser but Dortmund clung on. "We're not happy with the result. Truth is, we didn't have any luck –- they had one chance and they scored," En-Nesyri told Movistar. "We fought until the last minute." Haaland, the man of the match, is the competition's top-scorer this season with 10 goals in six games. The 20-year-old is the youngest player to reach 20 Champions League goals, in just 14 appearances, breaking the previous mark set by Kylian Mbappe. "We have been punished by a player (Haaland) who will make his mark on this era," predicted Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui. Although they had lost three of their four previous games, Sevilla dominated the opening exchanges and Dortmund had to withstand intense early pressure before taking the lead against the run of play. When the Spaniards lost possession in their own half, Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud slipped a pass to Marco Reus, who sprinted to reach the ball at the byline and Haaland diverted in his cut-back. - 'Turbulent' finish - He had the ball in the net again just after the interval, but the goal was disallowed after the referee decided Haaland had fouled Sevilla defender Fernando before firing home from a tight angle after consulting the pitchside monitor. However, the referee also awarded a penalty after spotting a foul on Haaland earlier in the build-up. Reus, Dortmund's usual penalty taker, stepped aside to allow Haaland to take the spot-kick. Although his first effort was tipped onto the post by Yassine Bounou, the Sevilla goalkeeper moved before the kick was taken and Haaland made no mistake with his second attempt. Both Haaland and Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan were booked for some pushing and shoving, with the La Liga side angered by Haaland's celebrations. "I missed the first penalty, but if he'd stood on the line I'd have scored, but he cheated," added Haaland. "I was a little bit nervous on the second penalty, but I knew it would be nice to score a second goal." Dortmund defender Emre Can also earned a yellow card and gave away a penalty for a blatant push on Sevilla forward Luuk de Jong, which Morocco striker En-Nesyri blasted home. With five minutes left, Bounou produced a stunning reflex save from Dahoud's shot in the area. However, Sevilla were not finished and En-Nesyri netted again with a powerful header just before the final whistle as Dortmund weathered a late storm. "It was a turbulent game," said Dortmund caretaker coach Edin Terzic. "It's not a given for us to get this far, so now to be among the best eight in Europe makes us very happy. Erling Haaland was just outstanding."

Haaland double fires Dortmund into Champions League quarter-finals

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Tuesday ruled himself out of contention to replace Joachim Loew as Germany manager, saying he intended to see out his contract at the Premier League champions.

The German football association said Loew would step down from his role as national team boss following the delayed Euro 2020, which ends in July.

Loew will leave with a year left on his deal, having signed up until the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

Klopp was immediately installed as one of the favourites but the 53-year-old German said he was not available at a Champions League press conference on Tuesday.

"I have three years left at Liverpool, that's a simple statement, a simple situation," he said.

"You sign a contract and you normally try to stick to that contract don't you? I had a contract in Mainz where I stuck with them even though there was interest from other Bundesliga teams with more money.

"It is just timing and if it doesn't work out you don't have to lose any sleep over it.

"Someone else will do the job and I am pretty sure with the amount of really good German managers at the moment the German FA will find a good solution."

The 61-year-old Loew, nicknamed "Jogi", has been in charge of Germany since 2006 and won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

But he has faced three years of criticism since holders Germany crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the group stage.

"Jogi Loew did an incredible job for so many years, I think he is the longest servant we had in Germany but for sure one of the most successful," added Klopp.

"I understand that he wants to have this highlight for him of the European Championships and try to squeeze everything out that he can from this tournament."

<h2>- Liverpool slump -</h2>

Klopp's Liverpool play Bundesliga high-fliers RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday after winning the first leg 2-0.

Liverpool's "home" match against Leipzig will be played in the Puskas Arena in Budapest as a result of Covid-19 travel restrictions. It is the same stadium that hosted the first leg.

Klopp, whose team have lost their past six Premier League home games, was asked whether Liverpool could become European champions for a seventh time.

"Two things -- the quality and football in general," he said. "You always have a chance in the next game.

"It's half-time (in the tie), we have to play the game. I have no doubt about us. We will give it a proper fight, we have 95 minutes to use."

And he bemoaned the absence of fans during the coronavirus pandemic, which has deprived the side of passionate home support at Anfield.

"Football would not be the game we love if no one could watch it in the stadium," said Klopp.

"We have missed fans as we've had one of the best atmospheres in the world. That is no excuse, but in difficult times that can help. I can't wait for the day people are allowed (back)."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Tuesday ruled himself out of contention to replace Joachim Loew as Germany manager, saying he intended to see out his contract at the Premier League champions.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Tuesday ruled himself out of contention to replace Joachim Loew as Germany manager, saying he intended to see out his contract at the Premier League champions. The German football association said Loew would step down from his role as national team boss following the delayed Euro 2020, which ends in July. Loew will leave with a year left on his deal, having signed up until the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar. Klopp was immediately installed as one of the favourites but the 53-year-old German said he was not available at a Champions League press conference on Tuesday. "I have three years left at Liverpool, that's a simple statement, a simple situation," he said. "You sign a contract and you normally try to stick to that contract don't you? I had a contract in Mainz where I stuck with them even though there was interest from other Bundesliga teams with more money. "It is just timing and if it doesn't work out you don't have to lose any sleep over it. "Someone else will do the job and I am pretty sure with the amount of really good German managers at the moment the German FA will find a good solution." The 61-year-old Loew, nicknamed "Jogi", has been in charge of Germany since 2006 and won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. But he has faced three years of criticism since holders Germany crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the group stage. "Jogi Loew did an incredible job for so many years, I think he is the longest servant we had in Germany but for sure one of the most successful," added Klopp. "I understand that he wants to have this highlight for him of the European Championships and try to squeeze everything out that he can from this tournament." - Liverpool slump - Klopp's Liverpool play Bundesliga high-fliers RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday after winning the first leg 2-0. Liverpool's "home" match against Leipzig will be played in the Puskas Arena in Budapest as a result of Covid-19 travel restrictions. It is the same stadium that hosted the first leg. Klopp, whose team have lost their past six Premier League home games, was asked whether Liverpool could become European champions for a seventh time. "Two things -- the quality and football in general," he said. "You always have a chance in the next game. "It's half-time (in the tie), we have to play the game. I have no doubt about us. We will give it a proper fight, we have 95 minutes to use." And he bemoaned the absence of fans during the coronavirus pandemic, which has deprived the side of passionate home support at Anfield. "Football would not be the game we love if no one could watch it in the stadium," said Klopp. "We have missed fans as we've had one of the best atmospheres in the world. That is no excuse, but in difficult times that can help. I can't wait for the day people are allowed (back)."

Will Jurgen Klopp replace Joachim Loew as Germany coach? Liverpool manager responds

Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City squad are "on fire" in training as they look to get back to winning ways against Southampton on Wednesday.

The Premier League leaders' record 21-game winning streak in all competitions was ended by Manchester United in Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium.

Asked on Tuesday about the mood in the camp since the weekend, the City manager said his players were determined to return to winning ways.

"A mix of disappointment and sadness but, at the same time, the second day a bit better and today completely on fire to try to do a good game tomorrow," he said.

"It's a normal process when you lose the games. The reaction is common."

City, seeking to win their third Premier League title in four seasons, are 11 points clear of United with 10 games to go but Guardiola said there was still work to do.

"When the option is open everything can happen in football," he said. "Nobody thought we could win 21 in a row. Anything can happen. United can do it.

"We have 10 games left and we have to win six or seven games to be champions mathematically. We're going to try to win the first one tomorrow."

Guardiola routinely makes changes and Phil Foden and Sergio Aguero could be in contention for starting roles at the Etihad on Wednesday.

He said: "Maybe, I will decide tomorrow. I have an idea in general of the guys who will play but I have a few doubts."

Asked if these were injury doubts, Guardiola said: "No, everybody is OK."

Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City squad are "on fire" in training as they look to get back to winning ways against Southampton on Wednesday. The Premier League leaders' record 21-game winning streak in all competitions was ended by Manchester United in Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City squad are "on fire" in training as they look to get back to winning ways against Southampton on Wednesday. The Premier League leaders' record 21-game winning streak in all competitions was ended by Manchester United in Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium. Asked on Tuesday about the mood in the camp since the weekend, the City manager said his players were determined to return to winning ways. "A mix of disappointment and sadness but, at the same time, the second day a bit better and today completely on fire to try to do a good game tomorrow," he said. "It's a normal process when you lose the games. The reaction is common." City, seeking to win their third Premier League title in four seasons, are 11 points clear of United with 10 games to go but Guardiola said there was still work to do. "When the option is open everything can happen in football," he said. "Nobody thought we could win 21 in a row. Anything can happen. United can do it. "We have 10 games left and we have to win six or seven games to be champions mathematically. We're going to try to win the first one tomorrow." Guardiola routinely makes changes and Phil Foden and Sergio Aguero could be in contention for starting roles at the Etihad on Wednesday. He said: "Maybe, I will decide tomorrow. I have an idea in general of the guys who will play but I have a few doubts." Asked if these were injury doubts, Guardiola said: "No, everybody is OK."

Man City 'on fire' in training after derby defeat, says Guardiola

In an exclusive interview with WION, Mumbai City FC striker and former Premier League player, Adam le Fondre, talked about a range of things: from experience in the Indian Super League (ISL), mental wellbeing inside bio-secure bubble, comparison of ISL with other football leagues, the impact of City Football Group (CFG), Sergio Lobera and more.

Exclusive: Mumbai City FC's Adam le Fondre on ISL, impact of CFG on Indian football and more!

Germany's World Cup-winning head coach Joachim Loew will step down after the European championships this July, the German FA confirmed Tuesday.

In a statement, Loew said he was "full of pride and enormous gratitude" after nearly 15 years as national coach and that he was "motivated" for his swansong at the European championships from June 11-July 11.

The 61-year-old has been in charge of Germany since 2006 and lifted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil at the height of his tenure.

However, he has been heavily criticised since Germany exited the group stages at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Germany's World Cup-winning head coach Joachim Loew will step down after the European championships this July, the German FA confirmed Tuesday. In a statement, Loew said he was "full of pride and enormous gratitude" after nearly 15 years as national coach and that he was "motivated" for his swansong at the European championships from June 11-July 11.

Germany's World Cup-winning head coach Joachim Loew will step down after the European championships this July, the German FA confirmed Tuesday. In a statement, Loew said he was "full of pride and enormous gratitude" after nearly 15 years as national coach and that he was "motivated" for his swansong at the European championships from June 11-July 11. The 61-year-old has been in charge of Germany since 2006 and lifted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil at the height of his tenure. However, he has been heavily criticised since Germany exited the group stages at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Germany coach Loew to step down after this year's Euro

Milan Skriniar scored the only goal as Inter Milan moved back six points clear in Serie A with a 1-0 win over Atalanta on Monday.

Inter extended their winning streak to seven league games as they push for a first title since 2010.

Antonio Conte's side are ahead of second-placed AC Milan, who beat Hellas Verona 2-0 on Sunday, with champions Juventus 10 points off top spot, with a game in hand, after a 3-1 win over Lazio.

Skriniar found a way through after 54 minutes sending in off fellow defender Alessandro Bastoni after a corner resulted in a scramble on front of goal in the San Siro.

"Knowing that the closest direct pursuers had won it's inevitable that there was pressure, these are three important points," said Conte.

Atalanta are fifth, outside the Champions League berths, and 13 points off top spot with 12 games left to play this season.

"We put in a great performance and lost on a corner," lamented coach Gian Piero Gasperini whose side are one point off fourth-placed Roma.

"Against Inter and Juventus we always lack that little detail we don't yet have, but we are close."&nbsp;

In a clash between the two biggest scoring teams in Serie A the defenders decided the tie with Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti giving little space to the Inter attackers.

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez lead the Inter attack, the best in the Italian top-flight with 63 goals.

Atalanta are second best with 60, with forward Duvan Zapata starting up front, being replaced by fellow Colombian Luis Muriel for the final 20 minutes.

Chances were few in the first half.

Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello used his head to clear for a corner off a Cristian Romero cross after quarter of an hour.

Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic denied a Zapata header six minutes before the break and Marcelo Brozovic was cleared off the line just after.

Josip Ilicic replaced Ruslan Malinovskyi after the break for Atalanta with Conte sending on Christian Eriksen in place of Arturo Vidal.

And the Dane's corner which resulted in the goal, Skriniar's third in the league this season.

Inter threated a second just after but Romero slid in to deny a Lukaku finish just before the hour.

"One goal but we missed sensational opportunities," said Conte.

"It was a very tactical match."

Atalanta broke their four-match winning run in Serie A as they remain in the running in the Champions League and the Italian Cup final.

Inter are without European commitments with nothing left to target but the league and are next at relegation-threatened Torino.

Atalanta play at home against promoted Spezia before their Champions League last 16, second leg visit to Real Madrid.

Milan Skriniar scored the only goal as Inter Milan moved back six points clear in Serie A with a 1-0 win over Atalanta on Monday. Inter extended their winning streak to seven league games as they push for a first title since 2010.

Milan Skriniar scored the only goal as Inter Milan moved back six points clear in Serie A with a 1-0 win over Atalanta on Monday. Inter extended their winning streak to seven league games as they push for a first title since 2010. Antonio Conte's side are ahead of second-placed AC Milan, who beat Hellas Verona 2-0 on Sunday, with champions Juventus 10 points off top spot, with a game in hand, after a 3-1 win over Lazio. Skriniar found a way through after 54 minutes sending in off fellow defender Alessandro Bastoni after a corner resulted in a scramble on front of goal in the San Siro. "Knowing that the closest direct pursuers had won it's inevitable that there was pressure, these are three important points," said Conte. Atalanta are fifth, outside the Champions League berths, and 13 points off top spot with 12 games left to play this season. "We put in a great performance and lost on a corner," lamented coach Gian Piero Gasperini whose side are one point off fourth-placed Roma. "Against Inter and Juventus we always lack that little detail we don't yet have, but we are close." In a clash between the two biggest scoring teams in Serie A the defenders decided the tie with Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti giving little space to the Inter attackers. Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez lead the Inter attack, the best in the Italian top-flight with 63 goals. Atalanta are second best with 60, with forward Duvan Zapata starting up front, being replaced by fellow Colombian Luis Muriel for the final 20 minutes. Chances were few in the first half. Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello used his head to clear for a corner off a Cristian Romero cross after quarter of an hour. Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic denied a Zapata header six minutes before the break and Marcelo Brozovic was cleared off the line just after. Josip Ilicic replaced Ruslan Malinovskyi after the break for Atalanta with Conte sending on Christian Eriksen in place of Arturo Vidal. And the Dane's corner which resulted in the goal, Skriniar's third in the league this season. Inter threated a second just after but Romero slid in to deny a Lukaku finish just before the hour. "One goal but we missed sensational opportunities," said Conte. "It was a very tactical match." Atalanta broke their four-match winning run in Serie A as they remain in the running in the Champions League and the Italian Cup final. Inter are without European commitments with nothing left to target but the league and are next at relegation-threatened Torino. Atalanta play at home against promoted Spezia before their Champions League last 16, second leg visit to Real Madrid.

Skriniar sends Inter back six points clear in Serie A

As Lionel Messi comes to Paris this week with Barcelona in the Champions League, the inevitable temptation is to think ahead to next season and wonder if the Argentine might be a regular fixture in the French capital.

That remains the nightmare scenario for Barcelona fans, even if their new president Joan Laporta announced following his election victory on Sunday that he was "convinced he wants to stay".

Barcelona, like Real Madrid, fear the threat to their status at the top of the European game posed by Qatar-owned PSG and Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City.

On the evidence of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, PSG have bypassed Barca. Their 4-1 win at the Camp Nou means it would take a stunning turnaround in Wednesday's return to stop them reaching the quarter-finals.

A move to one of Spain's giants was long seen as the pinnacle for any player, but times have changed, as proven by Neymar's transfer to Paris for a world record 222 million euros ($264m at the time) in 2017.

PSG and City are probably the only likely destinations for Messi should he leave. But could a switch to Paris really happen?

<h2>- 'Reserved a seat just in case' -</h2>

"Great players like Messi will always be on PSG's list," insisted the French champions' sporting director Leonardo in a January interview with France Football magazine.

"We are sat at the big table with all those who are keeping a close eye on it. Well, we are not sat down yet, but we have reserved a seat just in case."

Neymar would be delighted to team up with the Argentine again. "It's what I most want," he told ESPN in December.

PSG would not need to pay a transfer fee, and Messi -- who turns 34 in June -- would be joining a club surely better placed in the short term to win the Champions League.

He would also be teaming up with a coach in Mauricio Pochettino who is a fellow Argentine.

Indeed, Pochettino was born in Murphy in the province of Santa Fe, just 150 kilometres from Messi's home city, Rosario. Both started playing at Newell's Old Boys.

"I have to be careful not to talk about players who are at other clubs," Pochettino said of Messi in an interview with AFP last week.

"In any case it is an easy answer. Great players can play for any team."

Yet Messi does not represent the future. Kylian Mbappe, scorer of a hat-trick in the first leg, does. He is 22, the age Messi was when he won his first Ballon d'Or.

<h2>- New contracts for Mbappe and Neymar? -</h2>

PSG's energy and finances need to be focused on the future of Mbappe and the 29-year-old Neymar.

Both are out of contract at the end of next season. Leonardo recently said a new deal for the Brazilian was "on the right track".

Meanwhile Mbappe has admitted he is still mulling over what to do next.

"I am very happy here. I have always been very happy," he declared recently. "But I want to think about what I want to do in the coming years, where I want to be."

According to documents released in 2018 by Football Leaks, Neymar's existing after-tax salary is 30 million euros ($35.8m) a year while Mbappe's was due to rise to 11 million euros this year. It is safe to assume neither will be taking a wage reduction to stay.

Meanwhile, in January El Mundo published details of Messi's current contract, which it said is worth up to 555 million euros over four years.

PSG are rich but are far from immune to the economic crisis hitting football due to the pandemic and also the collapse of France's domestic television deal.

The latest Deloitte Football Money League put their revenue last season at 540.6 million euros, a drop of almost 100 million on the previous season. According to L'Equipe, PSG expect to lose 204 million euros this season.

Money may have once proven no obstacle for PSG, but the current climate means signing Messi could be beyond even them.

A place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, at Messi's expense, should not be.

As Lionel Messi comes to Paris this week with Barcelona in the Champions League, the inevitable temptation is to think ahead to next season and wonder if the Argentine might be a regular fixture in the French capital.

As Lionel Messi comes to Paris this week with Barcelona in the Champions League, the inevitable temptation is to think ahead to next season and wonder if the Argentine might be a regular fixture in the French capital. That remains the nightmare scenario for Barcelona fans, even if their new president Joan Laporta announced following his election victory on Sunday that he was "convinced he wants to stay". Barcelona, like Real Madrid, fear the threat to their status at the top of the European game posed by Qatar-owned PSG and Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City. On the evidence of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, PSG have bypassed Barca. Their 4-1 win at the Camp Nou means it would take a stunning turnaround in Wednesday's return to stop them reaching the quarter-finals. A move to one of Spain's giants was long seen as the pinnacle for any player, but times have changed, as proven by Neymar's transfer to Paris for a world record 222 million euros ($264m at the time) in 2017. PSG and City are probably the only likely destinations for Messi should he leave. But could a switch to Paris really happen? - 'Reserved a seat just in case' - "Great players like Messi will always be on PSG's list," insisted the French champions' sporting director Leonardo in a January interview with France Football magazine. "We are sat at the big table with all those who are keeping a close eye on it. Well, we are not sat down yet, but we have reserved a seat just in case." Neymar would be delighted to team up with the Argentine again. "It's what I most want," he told ESPN in December. PSG would not need to pay a transfer fee, and Messi -- who turns 34 in June -- would be joining a club surely better placed in the short term to win the Champions League. He would also be teaming up with a coach in Mauricio Pochettino who is a fellow Argentine. Indeed, Pochettino was born in Murphy in the province of Santa Fe, just 150 kilometres from Messi's home city, Rosario. Both started playing at Newell's Old Boys. "I have to be careful not to talk about players who are at other clubs," Pochettino said of Messi in an interview with AFP last week. "In any case it is an easy answer. Great players can play for any team." Yet Messi does not represent the future. Kylian Mbappe, scorer of a hat-trick in the first leg, does. He is 22, the age Messi was when he won his first Ballon d'Or. - New contracts for Mbappe and Neymar? - PSG's energy and finances need to be focused on the future of Mbappe and the 29-year-old Neymar. Both are out of contract at the end of next season. Leonardo recently said a new deal for the Brazilian was "on the right track". Meanwhile Mbappe has admitted he is still mulling over what to do next. "I am very happy here. I have always been very happy," he declared recently. "But I want to think about what I want to do in the coming years, where I want to be." According to documents released in 2018 by Football Leaks, Neymar's existing after-tax salary is 30 million euros ($35.8m) a year while Mbappe's was due to rise to 11 million euros this year. It is safe to assume neither will be taking a wage reduction to stay. Meanwhile, in January El Mundo published details of Messi's current contract, which it said is worth up to 555 million euros over four years. PSG are rich but are far from immune to the economic crisis hitting football due to the pandemic and also the collapse of France's domestic television deal. The latest Deloitte Football Money League put their revenue last season at 540.6 million euros, a drop of almost 100 million on the previous season. According to L'Equipe, PSG expect to lose 204 million euros this season. Money may have once proven no obstacle for PSG, but the current climate means signing Messi could be beyond even them. A place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, at Messi's expense, should not be.

Messi to Paris: Barcelona's nightmare, and PSG's unattainable dream?

A match official in the December Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir that was suspended after allegations of racism has been banned for the rest of the season for "inappropriate behaviour", UEFA announced on Monday.

Sebastian Coltescu, from Romania, was banned from carrying out "any referee's function until the end of the 2020/21 season, i.e. until 30 June 2021" for "inappropriate behaviour" but was not found to have breached UEFA articles covering racism and other discriminatory conduct.

The game was stopped, and then finished a day later, after a touchline argument erupted over accusations Coltescu, who was the fourth official, had described Basaksehir's Cameroonian assistant coach Pierre Webo as "black", or "negru" in Romanian.

A match official in the December Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir that was suspended after allegations of racism has been banned for the rest of the season for "inappropriate behaviour", UEFA announced on Monday.

A match official in the December Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir that was suspended after allegations of racism has been banned for the rest of the season for "inappropriate behaviour", UEFA announced on Monday. Sebastian Coltescu, from Romania, was banned from carrying out "any referee's function until the end of the 2020/21 season, i.e. until 30 June 2021" for "inappropriate behaviour" but was not found to have breached UEFA articles covering racism and other discriminatory conduct. The game was stopped, and then finished a day later, after a touchline argument erupted over accusations Coltescu, who was the fourth official, had described Basaksehir's Cameroonian assistant coach Pierre Webo as "black", or "negru" in Romanian.

Official in suspended PSG-Basaksehir game banned for rest of season - UEFA

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes a change of competition will give his side a break from their wretched Premier League form that has put their chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy.

A sixth successive home league defeat, the latest to struggling Fulham on Sunday, left the Reds well adrift of Champions League qualification, having played more matches than the teams immediately above them.

On Wednesday they will play in Budapest again -- the "home" second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig, holding a 2-0 lead.

Not playing at Anfield, due to coronavirus travel restrictions, could be a relief to Klopp following his team's dismal run.

"If we can go through, which is not guaranteed, then that could give confidence," said the German manager. &nbsp;

"Then we have Wolves, which is a tough one, and then we have a couple of weeks off because of the international break and all these kind of things.

"We have to use that time, we have to hope all the boys who go to their national teams come back healthy, like always.

"Then I think there are another nine or 10 games to go, sounds like 27 or 30 points, so a lot to go for and we will try."

Diogo Jota and Fabinho are both likely to start against Leipzig after returning from lengthy injury spells but Klopp does not believe his side will be able to recover the swagger they had over the past two seasons until everyone is fit again.

Captain Jordan Henderson should play again this season after groin surgery but centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been ruled out of the remainder of the current campaign.

"For being the successful team again, for being the team we can be in the best possible way, of course we have to be complete," said Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first English top-flight title for 30 years last season.

James Milner, captaining the side in the absence of Henderson, said Liverpool, who were top of the table at Christmas, were letting their fans down.

"It definitely hurts," he told Sky Sports. "When you're playing for a club with the history of Liverpool, the history we've created as a group of players, the standards we've set, we're not hitting them at this moment in time and it's not good enough.

"It's disappointing and hard when you're letting the club down and letting the fans down.

"It's for us to keep pushing and dig ourselves out of the mess."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes a change of competition will give his side a break from their wretched Premier League form that has put their chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes a change of competition will give his side a break from their wretched Premier League form that has put their chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy. A sixth successive home league defeat, the latest to struggling Fulham on Sunday, left the Reds well adrift of Champions League qualification, having played more matches than the teams immediately above them. On Wednesday they will play in Budapest again -- the "home" second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig, holding a 2-0 lead. Not playing at Anfield, due to coronavirus travel restrictions, could be a relief to Klopp following his team's dismal run. "If we can go through, which is not guaranteed, then that could give confidence," said the German manager. "Then we have Wolves, which is a tough one, and then we have a couple of weeks off because of the international break and all these kind of things. "We have to use that time, we have to hope all the boys who go to their national teams come back healthy, like always. "Then I think there are another nine or 10 games to go, sounds like 27 or 30 points, so a lot to go for and we will try." Diogo Jota and Fabinho are both likely to start against Leipzig after returning from lengthy injury spells but Klopp does not believe his side will be able to recover the swagger they had over the past two seasons until everyone is fit again. Captain Jordan Henderson should play again this season after groin surgery but centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been ruled out of the remainder of the current campaign. "For being the successful team again, for being the team we can be in the best possible way, of course we have to be complete," said Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first English top-flight title for 30 years last season. James Milner, captaining the side in the absence of Henderson, said Liverpool, who were top of the table at Christmas, were letting their fans down. "It definitely hurts," he told Sky Sports. "When you're playing for a club with the history of Liverpool, the history we've created as a group of players, the standards we've set, we're not hitting them at this moment in time and it's not good enough. "It's disappointing and hard when you're letting the club down and letting the fans down. "It's for us to keep pushing and dig ourselves out of the mess."

Klopp hopes for Champions League respite for struggling Liverpool

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona president on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay.&nbsp;

Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the hugely successful appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble-winning team of 2008/9.&nbsp;

In total, the club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge.

The 58-year-old will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa, the other two candidates to gain enough support to make the final stage.&nbsp;

Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 and Freixa 4,769 from a total of 55,611 lodged by the club's members.

Amid champagne celebrations shared with his team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted with a grin on his face: "Now let's go to Paris and see if we can make another 'remontada' happen!"&nbsp;

Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg.&nbsp;

Longer-term, Laporta's task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic, its reputation damaged and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer.&nbsp;

He has said he will do everything possible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and campaigned heavily on the idea he was the best-placed candidate to convince the Argentinian, owing to their relationship during his previous time in charge.&nbsp;

In his victory speech, Laporta picked up on Messi showing up to vote earlier in the day. "Seeing Leo, the best player in the world, come to vote with his son is for me a sign of what we have said all along," Laporta said.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Leo loves Barca' -</h2>

"Leo loves Barca and knows that we are a big family. Hopefully that can help us encourage him to stay."

A change of regime also leaves coach Ronald Koeman's position uncertain, with Laporta insisting the Dutchman "deserves respect" for his work this season while maintaining his future will depend on results.

Koeman's contract runs until 2022.&nbsp;

"I am not worried because I have a contract and when we know who is going to be the president of course we will talk and I want him to show me his way," Koeman said on Friday.&nbsp;

Laporta's main rival for the presidency was Font, who was the early favourite after claiming he would bring former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach.&nbsp;

But the team's progress under Koeman and Laporta's superior campaign cast doubt over the promise, with Laporta questioning last week why Xavi had not come out in support of Font publicly.&nbsp;

Xavi may have been keen to keep his options open and the Spaniard caused a stir on Sunday by liking, and then unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta casting his ballot.&nbsp;

Laporta will also have to make decisions on Xavi's other former team-mates still at the club like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have contributed so much but whose peak years are now behind them.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Great family' -</h2>

Perhaps most importantly, his job will be to heal the deep mistrust that has developed between the board of directors and the dressing room, led by Messi and Pique.&nbsp;

"We are a great family," Laporta said. "We have a feeling of belonging to this club and that feeling will make us all go together to face the challenges that lie ahead."

The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club's members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him.&nbsp;

But Bartomeu quit before facing the vote after overseeing a disastrous final year that included Messi attempting to leave, the team being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 billion euros.&nbsp;

Bartomeu spent the night in prison last Monday after being arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption.&nbsp;

Voters had been due to go to the polls on January 24 but were prevented due to restrictions in relating to the pandemic, meaning the election was postponed.

Ballots on Sunday were held at six different polling stations in Catalonia and Andorra between 9am and 9pm, while just over 22,000 voters were able to vote by post for the first time.&nbsp;

Laporta's victory was confirmed officially by the club at just before midnight.&nbsp;

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona president on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay.

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona president on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay. Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the hugely successful appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble-winning team of 2008/9. In total, the club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge. The 58-year-old will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa, the other two candidates to gain enough support to make the final stage. Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 and Freixa 4,769 from a total of 55,611 lodged by the club's members. Amid champagne celebrations shared with his team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted with a grin on his face: "Now let's go to Paris and see if we can make another 'remontada' happen!" Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg. Longer-term, Laporta's task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic, its reputation damaged and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer. He has said he will do everything possible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and campaigned heavily on the idea he was the best-placed candidate to convince the Argentinian, owing to their relationship during his previous time in charge. In his victory speech, Laporta picked up on Messi showing up to vote earlier in the day. "Seeing Leo, the best player in the world, come to vote with his son is for me a sign of what we have said all along," Laporta said. - 'Leo loves Barca' - "Leo loves Barca and knows that we are a big family. Hopefully that can help us encourage him to stay." A change of regime also leaves coach Ronald Koeman's position uncertain, with Laporta insisting the Dutchman "deserves respect" for his work this season while maintaining his future will depend on results. Koeman's contract runs until 2022. "I am not worried because I have a contract and when we know who is going to be the president of course we will talk and I want him to show me his way," Koeman said on Friday. Laporta's main rival for the presidency was Font, who was the early favourite after claiming he would bring former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach. But the team's progress under Koeman and Laporta's superior campaign cast doubt over the promise, with Laporta questioning last week why Xavi had not come out in support of Font publicly. Xavi may have been keen to keep his options open and the Spaniard caused a stir on Sunday by liking, and then unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta casting his ballot. Laporta will also have to make decisions on Xavi's other former team-mates still at the club like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have contributed so much but whose peak years are now behind them. - 'Great family' - Perhaps most importantly, his job will be to heal the deep mistrust that has developed between the board of directors and the dressing room, led by Messi and Pique. "We are a great family," Laporta said. "We have a feeling of belonging to this club and that feeling will make us all go together to face the challenges that lie ahead." The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club's members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him. But Bartomeu quit before facing the vote after overseeing a disastrous final year that included Messi attempting to leave, the team being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 billion euros. Bartomeu spent the night in prison last Monday after being arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption. Voters had been due to go to the polls on January 24 but were prevented due to restrictions in relating to the pandemic, meaning the election was postponed. Ballots on Sunday were held at six different polling stations in Catalonia and Andorra between 9am and 9pm, while just over 22,000 voters were able to vote by post for the first time. Laporta's victory was confirmed officially by the club at just before midnight.

Barca given fresh start as Laporta elected new club president

Borussia Dortmund do not expect "crazy things to happen" this summer despite a host of Europe's biggest clubs reported to be queueing up to try and sign striker Erling Braut Haaland.

The Norwegian became the first player to reach 10 Champions League goals in just seven games for a single club when he netted twice in Dortmund's 3-2 win at Sevilla in the last 16, first leg.

The German side, who host Sevilla on Tuesday in the return game, have often relied this season on the 20-year-old Haaland.

There is reportedly a release clause in his contract which applies from the summer of 2022 for around 105 million euros ($125 million).

But Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky this weekend he does not expect "crazy things to happen" in the transfer market after this season.

But if and when Haaland leaves, Dortmund stand to make at least five times the 20 million euros they paid Salzburg for his services in January 2020.

And Watzke did not rule out losing either Haaland or England winger Jadon Sancho if "extraordinary things happen".

Haaland has scored eight goals in just five Champions League appearances this season to take his career tally in the competition to 18 in 13 games for Dortmund and Salzburg.

He netted two early goals at Bayern Munich on Saturday before the club world champions fought back to claim a 4-2 win as Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick.

Despite coming off with a cut ankle at the Allianz Arena, Haaland is expected to be fit to face Sevilla.

His record of 29 goals in 28 games this season has unsurprisingly attracted the attention of Europe's top teams.

"Only a maximum of 10 clubs can afford to buy him and give him the platform he wants after his time in Dortmund," Haaland's agent Mino Raiola said recently.

Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly at the head of the queue, eager to buy Haaland out of his contract, which expires in June 2024.

<h2>- Benzema replacement? -</h2>

According to German magazine Sport Bild, Haaland admires Real, who are seeking a replacement for Karim Benzema, 33, whose contract expires next year, although the La Liga champions have long been linked with France star Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester City, owned by Sheikh Mansour, have the financial clout to sign Haaland, with their first-choice striker Sergio Aguero out of contract in June, and plagued by injuries this season.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would see the Leeds-born striker follow in the footsteps of his father Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for City from 2000-03.

Even Bayern have expressed interest in Haaland as a potential replacement for Lewandowski.

"Lots and lots of things are possible, you can't rule anything out," Bayern coach Hansi Flick said Saturday when asked about signing Haaland.

"But that is something for the future. He has a long-term contract at Dortmund and a lot of clubs come into play."

German daily Bild echoed Dortmund fans on Sunday by insisting: "Under no circumstances should Haaland be sold this summer, even if a sheikh is waving 100 or 200 million euros.

"Haaland is Dortmund's life insurance policy."

It could be that Haaland is not the only star to leave Dortmund this year, as Sancho has been targeted by Manchester United in previous transfer windows.

Like Haaland, fleet-footed Sancho has a market value of around 100 million euros.

According to Sport1, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants to buy both Haaland and Sancho, having been given a transfer budget of 260 million euros by Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Clubs are counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic, but as Watzke points out, the biggest teams have wealthy owners who "find ways and means to pump money into them".

Borussia Dortmund do not expect "crazy things to happen" this summer despite a host of Europe's biggest clubs reported to be queueing up to try and sign striker Erling Braut Haaland.

Borussia Dortmund do not expect "crazy things to happen" this summer despite a host of Europe's biggest clubs reported to be queueing up to try and sign striker Erling Braut Haaland. The Norwegian became the first player to reach 10 Champions League goals in just seven games for a single club when he netted twice in Dortmund's 3-2 win at Sevilla in the last 16, first leg. The German side, who host Sevilla on Tuesday in the return game, have often relied this season on the 20-year-old Haaland. There is reportedly a release clause in his contract which applies from the summer of 2022 for around 105 million euros ($125 million). But Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky this weekend he does not expect "crazy things to happen" in the transfer market after this season. But if and when Haaland leaves, Dortmund stand to make at least five times the 20 million euros they paid Salzburg for his services in January 2020. And Watzke did not rule out losing either Haaland or England winger Jadon Sancho if "extraordinary things happen". Haaland has scored eight goals in just five Champions League appearances this season to take his career tally in the competition to 18 in 13 games for Dortmund and Salzburg. He netted two early goals at Bayern Munich on Saturday before the club world champions fought back to claim a 4-2 win as Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick. Despite coming off with a cut ankle at the Allianz Arena, Haaland is expected to be fit to face Sevilla. His record of 29 goals in 28 games this season has unsurprisingly attracted the attention of Europe's top teams. "Only a maximum of 10 clubs can afford to buy him and give him the platform he wants after his time in Dortmund," Haaland's agent Mino Raiola said recently. Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly at the head of the queue, eager to buy Haaland out of his contract, which expires in June 2024. - Benzema replacement? - According to German magazine Sport Bild, Haaland admires Real, who are seeking a replacement for Karim Benzema, 33, whose contract expires next year, although the La Liga champions have long been linked with France star Kylian Mbappe. Manchester City, owned by Sheikh Mansour, have the financial clout to sign Haaland, with their first-choice striker Sergio Aguero out of contract in June, and plagued by injuries this season. A move to the Etihad Stadium would see the Leeds-born striker follow in the footsteps of his father Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for City from 2000-03. Even Bayern have expressed interest in Haaland as a potential replacement for Lewandowski. "Lots and lots of things are possible, you can't rule anything out," Bayern coach Hansi Flick said Saturday when asked about signing Haaland. "But that is something for the future. He has a long-term contract at Dortmund and a lot of clubs come into play." German daily Bild echoed Dortmund fans on Sunday by insisting: "Under no circumstances should Haaland be sold this summer, even if a sheikh is waving 100 or 200 million euros. "Haaland is Dortmund's life insurance policy." It could be that Haaland is not the only star to leave Dortmund this year, as Sancho has been targeted by Manchester United in previous transfer windows. Like Haaland, fleet-footed Sancho has a market value of around 100 million euros. According to Sport1, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants to buy both Haaland and Sancho, having been given a transfer budget of 260 million euros by Blues owner Roman Abramovich. Clubs are counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic, but as Watzke points out, the biggest teams have wealthy owners who "find ways and means to pump money into them".

Can Borussia Dortmund keep hold of Erling Braut Haaland?

Leicester moved into second in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday, while Arsenal's top-four chances now look forlorn after being held 1-1 by Burnley.

Depleted by a series of injuries to key players, Leicester have looked fatigued in recent weeks and fell behind after 10 minutes when Adam Lallana swept home his first Brighton goal.

The Seagulls have made a habit of dominating games without making it count and once again paid for failing to build on their lead as Lallana struck the woodwork and Neal Maupay had a goal ruled out for offside.

Leicester looked lifeless for the first 45 minutes without James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, but they bounced back after the break for a first win in four games.

"First half we weren't good enough, we didn't press the game well enough and didn't pass it well," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.

"Second half I thought we were brilliant. We stopped them playing, then we showed our quality. By the end we deserved to win."

Youri Tielemans's brilliant pass unlocked the home defence for Kelechi Iheanacho to coolly dink home the equaliser on 62 minutes.

Kasper Schmeichel then denied Lallana again with a fine save before a goalkeeping error at the other end handed Rodgers's men a vital victory.

Robert Sanchez flapped at Marc Albrighton's corner and Daniel Amartey headed into the unguarded net.

Leicester now have a seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Everton as they aim to not make the same mistake as last season when they crashed out of the top four at the business end of the campaign.

A fifth game without a win leaves Brighton still just three points above the relegation zone.

<h2>- 'Anything can happen' -</h2>

Arsenal's best hope of a return to the Champions League for the first time in five years now lies in winning the Europa League after letting two more points slip away at Turf Moor.

Mikel Arteta's men remain in 10th, nine points adrift of the top four and with that gap certain to grow on Sunday when fourth plays fifth as Chelsea take on Everton.

Arsenal could not have asked for a better start as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took advantage of some sluggish defending and a slow reaction from England goalkeeper Nick Pope to squeeze home his 14th goal of the season after just six minutes.

Granit Xhaka was stupidly sent off when the sides last met in December in the midst of a run of one win in 10 games that gave Arsenal a mountain to climb to get back in the race for a European place.

The Swiss midfielder had another afternoon to forget as six minutes before half-time he inexplicably fired the ball into the midriff of Chris Wood and the ball ricocheted into the net off the New Zealand striker.

"If you are giving something to the opponent anything can happen," said Arteta. "This is where we have the biggest margin for improvement."

<h2>- Saints sigh of relief -</h2>

Southampton ended a nine-game winless run by beating bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United 2-0 to move 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's men topped the table in November, but a run of one point from a possible 27 had them looking over their shoulders.

However, the Championship-bound Blades proved the perfect opponents for Southampton as James Ward-Prowse's penalty and Che Adams's first goal in 17 games earned a long-awaited win.

Aston Villa's unexpected challenge for the top four is also faltering after a 0-0 draw with Wolves left them seven points adrift of Chelsea in ninth.

Villa again lacked the creativity of injured captain Jack Grealish as it was Wolves who twice came closest to a winner through their skipper Conor Coady.

Leicester moved into second in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday, while Arsenal's top-four chances now look forlorn after being held 1-1 by Burnley.

Leicester moved into second in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday, while Arsenal's top-four chances now look forlorn after being held 1-1 by Burnley. Depleted by a series of injuries to key players, Leicester have looked fatigued in recent weeks and fell behind after 10 minutes when Adam Lallana swept home his first Brighton goal. The Seagulls have made a habit of dominating games without making it count and once again paid for failing to build on their lead as Lallana struck the woodwork and Neal Maupay had a goal ruled out for offside. Leicester looked lifeless for the first 45 minutes without James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, but they bounced back after the break for a first win in four games. "First half we weren't good enough, we didn't press the game well enough and didn't pass it well," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers. "Second half I thought we were brilliant. We stopped them playing, then we showed our quality. By the end we deserved to win." Youri Tielemans's brilliant pass unlocked the home defence for Kelechi Iheanacho to coolly dink home the equaliser on 62 minutes. Kasper Schmeichel then denied Lallana again with a fine save before a goalkeeping error at the other end handed Rodgers's men a vital victory. Robert Sanchez flapped at Marc Albrighton's corner and Daniel Amartey headed into the unguarded net. Leicester now have a seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Everton as they aim to not make the same mistake as last season when they crashed out of the top four at the business end of the campaign. A fifth game without a win leaves Brighton still just three points above the relegation zone. - 'Anything can happen' - Arsenal's best hope of a return to the Champions League for the first time in five years now lies in winning the Europa League after letting two more points slip away at Turf Moor. Mikel Arteta's men remain in 10th, nine points adrift of the top four and with that gap certain to grow on Sunday when fourth plays fifth as Chelsea take on Everton. Arsenal could not have asked for a better start as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took advantage of some sluggish defending and a slow reaction from England goalkeeper Nick Pope to squeeze home his 14th goal of the season after just six minutes. Granit Xhaka was stupidly sent off when the sides last met in December in the midst of a run of one win in 10 games that gave Arsenal a mountain to climb to get back in the race for a European place. The Swiss midfielder had another afternoon to forget as six minutes before half-time he inexplicably fired the ball into the midriff of Chris Wood and the ball ricocheted into the net off the New Zealand striker. "If you are giving something to the opponent anything can happen," said Arteta. "This is where we have the biggest margin for improvement." - Saints sigh of relief - Southampton ended a nine-game winless run by beating bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United 2-0 to move 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Ralph Hasenhuttl's men topped the table in November, but a run of one point from a possible 27 had them looking over their shoulders. However, the Championship-bound Blades proved the perfect opponents for Southampton as James Ward-Prowse's penalty and Che Adams's first goal in 17 games earned a long-awaited win. Aston Villa's unexpected challenge for the top four is also faltering after a 0-0 draw with Wolves left them seven points adrift of Chelsea in ninth. Villa again lacked the creativity of injured captain Jack Grealish as it was Wolves who twice came closest to a winner through their skipper Conor Coady.

Leicester bounce back to go second, Xhaka shocker costs Arsenal

Manchester City have history in their sights as the runaway leaders bid to take a huge step towards the Premier League title in Sunday's showdown with fading challengers Manchester United.

City are 14 points clear of United with 11 games left and victory in the derby would effectively end their second placed rivals' faint hopes of catching them.

Pep Guardiola's side have been so dominant since the end of last year that it is the landmarks they can shatter on the way to a third title in four seasons that now hold the greatest interest.

They are unbeaten in 28 games and will set a new club record if they avoid defeat this weekend.

That could be the first of many milestones to fall for City, who are on an English top-flight record run of 21 successive wins in all competitions.

The only teams from the top five European leagues ever to record longer winning streaks in all competitions are Bayern Munich (23) and Real Madrid (22).

City can edge closer to Bayern's tally if they clinch a 16th successive Premier League victory this weekend, which would also take them to the brink of their own record of 18 consecutive Premier League wins, a mark shared with Liverpool.

Guardiola's team are six wins short of equalling the world record for consecutive victories in all competitions by a top-flight side -- set by Welsh team The New Saints in 2016.

City's incredible run is all the more remarkable given their troubled start to the season.

When they were held to a 0-0 draw at United in December, they were a point behind their rivals in ninth place and the death knell was ringing for their title hopes.

But, aided by some clever tactical tweaks from Guardiola, including the use of full-backs Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker as auxiliary attackers, they have been perfect since then.

City have not trailed in a league fixture for 19 games despite being without the injured Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne for long periods.

While United's inconsistencies and the collapse of champions Liverpool have contributed to City's surge to the top, the leaders' supremacy has not been restricted to the league.

<h2>- 'Something special' -</h2>

An unprecedented quadruple is within City's reach, but Guardiola is determined to keep his players from getting complacent.

"To do what we have done in these four years, still winning, these guys have something special like my time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich," he said.

"We are in a really good position. I did not expect to be in this position two or three months ago but we need to be calm."

United have stumbled recently, drawing four of their past five league games, and their title ambitions faded into the south London fog during Wednesday's goalless stalemate at Crystal Palace.

Even so, United are unbeaten in their past 21 away league games and Guardiola is well aware of the threat they could pose.

United are the only side in any of the top five European leagues yet to lose an away league match this season, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won on both of his visits to the Etihad since taking charge in 2019.

"I know how difficult United are," said Guardiola. "More than one year not losing away and they have good results at the Etihad."

Realistically United, who are five points clear of fifth-placed Everton, have to focus on qualifying for the Champions League, either via a top-four finish or winning the Europa League.&nbsp;

"Our focus is just on this one game and not where we're going to end up," Solskjaer said.

"They're ahead of us by a fair distance at the moment, so Sunday is a chance to test ourselves against a very good team."

<h2>Fixtures (GMT)</h2>

Saturday

Burnley v Arsenal (1230), Sheffield United v Southampton (1500), Aston Villa v Wolves (1730), Brighton v Leicester (2000)

Sunday

West Brom v Newcastle (1200), Liverpool v Fulham (1400), Manchester City v Manchester United (1630), Tottenham v Crystal Palace (1915)

Monday

Chelsea v Everton (1800), West Ham v Leeds (2000)

Manchester City have history in their sights as the runaway leaders bid to take a huge step towards the Premier League title in Sunday's showdown with fading challengers Manchester United.

Manchester City have history in their sights as the runaway leaders bid to take a huge step towards the Premier League title in Sunday's showdown with fading challengers Manchester United. City are 14 points clear of United with 11 games left and victory in the derby would effectively end their second placed rivals' faint hopes of catching them. Pep Guardiola's side have been so dominant since the end of last year that it is the landmarks they can shatter on the way to a third title in four seasons that now hold the greatest interest. They are unbeaten in 28 games and will set a new club record if they avoid defeat this weekend. That could be the first of many milestones to fall for City, who are on an English top-flight record run of 21 successive wins in all competitions. The only teams from the top five European leagues ever to record longer winning streaks in all competitions are Bayern Munich (23) and Real Madrid (22). City can edge closer to Bayern's tally if they clinch a 16th successive Premier League victory this weekend, which would also take them to the brink of their own record of 18 consecutive Premier League wins, a mark shared with Liverpool. Guardiola's team are six wins short of equalling the world record for consecutive victories in all competitions by a top-flight side -- set by Welsh team The New Saints in 2016. City's incredible run is all the more remarkable given their troubled start to the season. When they were held to a 0-0 draw at United in December, they were a point behind their rivals in ninth place and the death knell was ringing for their title hopes. But, aided by some clever tactical tweaks from Guardiola, including the use of full-backs Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker as auxiliary attackers, they have been perfect since then. City have not trailed in a league fixture for 19 games despite being without the injured Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne for long periods. While United's inconsistencies and the collapse of champions Liverpool have contributed to City's surge to the top, the leaders' supremacy has not been restricted to the league. - 'Something special' - An unprecedented quadruple is within City's reach, but Guardiola is determined to keep his players from getting complacent. "To do what we have done in these four years, still winning, these guys have something special like my time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich," he said. "We are in a really good position. I did not expect to be in this position two or three months ago but we need to be calm." United have stumbled recently, drawing four of their past five league games, and their title ambitions faded into the south London fog during Wednesday's goalless stalemate at Crystal Palace. Even so, United are unbeaten in their past 21 away league games and Guardiola is well aware of the threat they could pose. United are the only side in any of the top five European leagues yet to lose an away league match this season, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won on both of his visits to the Etihad since taking charge in 2019. "I know how difficult United are," said Guardiola. "More than one year not losing away and they have good results at the Etihad." Realistically United, who are five points clear of fifth-placed Everton, have to focus on qualifying for the Champions League, either via a top-four finish or winning the Europa League. "Our focus is just on this one game and not where we're going to end up," Solskjaer said. "They're ahead of us by a fair distance at the moment, so Sunday is a chance to test ourselves against a very good team." Fixtures (GMT) Saturday Burnley v Arsenal (1230), Sheffield United v Southampton (1500), Aston Villa v Wolves (1730), Brighton v Leicester (2000) Sunday West Brom v Newcastle (1200), Liverpool v Fulham (1400), Manchester City v Manchester United (1630), Tottenham v Crystal Palace (1915) Monday Chelsea v Everton (1800), West Ham v Leeds (2000)

Man City face Man Utd test on march towards history

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 31 Bundesliga goals this season and seal Bayern Munich's 4-2 comeback home win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Germany's 'Klassiker'.

Dortmund raced into a 2-0 lead as Erling Braut Haaland netted twice in the first nine minutes behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena.

However Lewandowksi then struck twice, the second from the penalty spot, to haul Bayern level before the break.

Leon Goretzka put Bayern ahead for the first time with two minutes left before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick on 90 minutes.

"The quality is certainly there, that's our DNA," said Thomas Mueller of Bayern's fightback.

The win leaves Bayern two points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table.

"We shook ourselves up at 2-0 down and deserved to win because we were the dominant team for (the last) 60 minutes," said Bayern coach Hansi Flick.

Bayern have won the last five meetings between the clubs.

<h2>- 'Not good enough' -</h2>

"We weren't good enough. We started well, but didn't play good enough football. We should have been more brave," said Dortmund midfielder Emre Can.

The match delivered on its billing as the battle of the Bundesliga's star strikers.

Haaland scored with just two minutes gone when his shot clipped the heel of Jerome Boateng.

Bayern were reeling after nine minutes when Thorgan Hazard flicked the ball back inside for Haaland to again smash the ball home.

Dortmund could have been 3-0 up on 25 minutes but Thomas Meunier squandered the chance to shoot.

A minute later, Bayern pulled a goal back when Leroy Sane squared the ball for Lewandowski to score.

Bayern went into the break level when Mahmoud Dahoud brought down Kingsley Coman in the area and Lewandowski converted the penalty.

After a frantic first-half, the tempo dropped in the second as both teams suffered key injuries.&nbsp;

"We started great and ended very badly," admitted Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.

Haaland came off after an hour gone with a cut on the back of his ankle.

With ten minutes left, Boateng had to be helped off in clear discomfort after twisting his knee.

Dortmund were left fuming for what captain Marco Reus claimed was a clear foul on Can late on.

"It was a clear foul - if that had been against Bayern, it would have been given," fumed Marco Reus.

Bayern settled the matter when Goretzka pinged his shot in off the post before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with an outstanding low drive.

With ten games left, Lewandowski threatens to break Gerd Mueller's all-time record of 40 Bundesliga goals in the 1971/72 season.

<h2>- Leipzig romp -</h2>

Earlier RB Leipzig briefly climbed top of the table with a 3-0 romp at Freiburg thanks to goals by Christopher Nkunku, Alexander Sorloth and Emil Forsberg.&nbsp;

Leipzig impressed in their final tune-up before facing Liverpool in Budapest next Wednesday in the last 16 of the Champions League having lost the first leg 2-0.

Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann said goal-scoring left-back Angelino will "probably" miss the Liverpool game with a leg injury. &nbsp;

Third-placed Wolfsburg are now ten points adrift of Bayern having stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at mid-table Hoffenheim whose striker Andrej Kramaric scored the winning goal just before half-time.

Eintracht Frankfurt stay fourth after Filip Kostic equalised for the home team in a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart.&nbsp;

A late goal by Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick sealed their 1-0 win at Moenchengladbach, who drop to 10th as their miserable run continues.

Gladbach have now lost all fives games since it was announced head coach Marco Rose will take charge of Dortmund next season.

The away win eases the pressure on Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz. His fifth-placed side had failed to win any of their five previous games in all competitions.&nbsp;

Dodi Lukebakio converted a late penalty to seal Hertha Berlin's 2-1 home win over Augsburg.

It was Hertha's first victory in 10 games which pulled them up to 14th and away from the relegation fight.

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 31 Bundesliga goals this season and seal Bayern Munich's 4-2 comeback home win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Germany's 'Klassiker'.

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 31 Bundesliga goals this season and seal Bayern Munich's 4-2 comeback home win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Germany's 'Klassiker'. Dortmund raced into a 2-0 lead as Erling Braut Haaland netted twice in the first nine minutes behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena. However Lewandowksi then struck twice, the second from the penalty spot, to haul Bayern level before the break. Leon Goretzka put Bayern ahead for the first time with two minutes left before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick on 90 minutes. "The quality is certainly there, that's our DNA," said Thomas Mueller of Bayern's fightback. The win leaves Bayern two points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table. "We shook ourselves up at 2-0 down and deserved to win because we were the dominant team for (the last) 60 minutes," said Bayern coach Hansi Flick. Bayern have won the last five meetings between the clubs. - 'Not good enough' - "We weren't good enough. We started well, but didn't play good enough football. We should have been more brave," said Dortmund midfielder Emre Can. The match delivered on its billing as the battle of the Bundesliga's star strikers. Haaland scored with just two minutes gone when his shot clipped the heel of Jerome Boateng. Bayern were reeling after nine minutes when Thorgan Hazard flicked the ball back inside for Haaland to again smash the ball home. Dortmund could have been 3-0 up on 25 minutes but Thomas Meunier squandered the chance to shoot. A minute later, Bayern pulled a goal back when Leroy Sane squared the ball for Lewandowski to score. Bayern went into the break level when Mahmoud Dahoud brought down Kingsley Coman in the area and Lewandowski converted the penalty. After a frantic first-half, the tempo dropped in the second as both teams suffered key injuries. "We started great and ended very badly," admitted Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. Haaland came off after an hour gone with a cut on the back of his ankle. With ten minutes left, Boateng had to be helped off in clear discomfort after twisting his knee. Dortmund were left fuming for what captain Marco Reus claimed was a clear foul on Can late on. "It was a clear foul - if that had been against Bayern, it would have been given," fumed Marco Reus. Bayern settled the matter when Goretzka pinged his shot in off the post before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with an outstanding low drive. With ten games left, Lewandowski threatens to break Gerd Mueller's all-time record of 40 Bundesliga goals in the 1971/72 season. - Leipzig romp - Earlier RB Leipzig briefly climbed top of the table with a 3-0 romp at Freiburg thanks to goals by Christopher Nkunku, Alexander Sorloth and Emil Forsberg. Leipzig impressed in their final tune-up before facing Liverpool in Budapest next Wednesday in the last 16 of the Champions League having lost the first leg 2-0. Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann said goal-scoring left-back Angelino will "probably" miss the Liverpool game with a leg injury. Third-placed Wolfsburg are now ten points adrift of Bayern having stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at mid-table Hoffenheim whose striker Andrej Kramaric scored the winning goal just before half-time. Eintracht Frankfurt stay fourth after Filip Kostic equalised for the home team in a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart. A late goal by Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick sealed their 1-0 win at Moenchengladbach, who drop to 10th as their miserable run continues. Gladbach have now lost all fives games since it was announced head coach Marco Rose will take charge of Dortmund next season. The away win eases the pressure on Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz. His fifth-placed side had failed to win any of their five previous games in all competitions. Dodi Lukebakio converted a late penalty to seal Hertha Berlin's 2-1 home win over Augsburg. It was Hertha's first victory in 10 games which pulled them up to 14th and away from the relegation fight.

Lewandowski hat-trick tops Haaland double as Bayern beat Dortmund

Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi set up both goals in Pamplona as Jordi Alba hammered home in the first half before the 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba came off the bench to curl in an impressive shot late in the second.&nbsp;

"Thankfully Leo gave me the pass and I don't know how I cut in and shot with my left foot, I'm just glad it went in," Ilaix said. "I will never forget it, I will take that goal to my grave."

Ilaix's strike was his first goal in La Liga and another breakthrough moment for a Barca youngster, 24 hours before the club hopes a brighter future can begin under a new president.&nbsp;

Before the winner of the elections -- contested by Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa -- is confirmed on Sunday night, Atletico will face Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Barcelona will surely be hoping for anything other than a home win.&nbsp;

A few weeks ago, Ronald Koeman's side looked too far adrift in the title race but 10 victories out of 11 have shot them back into contention, even if Atletico remain in the driving seat with two games in hand.&nbsp;

"Any result is good for us," said Koeman.

After coming from two goals down to beat Sevilla after extra-time in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, Barcelona now have one trophy, and perhaps even a domestic double, in their sights.&nbsp;

Their success in recent months has owed much to a talented crop of youngsters, with Ilaix -- a dynamic but technically gifted midfielder -- the latest to emerge.

"Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra," said Koeman. "Because of his personality, his energy, most of all he's good with the ball, and physically he's a strong boy. He's gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team."

Barca faced some nervy moments early on as Jonathan Calleri tried an ambitious lob from distance before Ruben Garcia's curler from the edge of the area required an athletic save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.&nbsp;

Messi shot wide and then set up the opener, drifting in from the right and spotting the scuttling Alba racing in behind on the opposite side. Messi clipped a pass through three Osasuna defenders for Alba to collect and he lashed it high and in from the angle.&nbsp;

Garcia deserved an equaliser soon after for his first touch alone, a sumptuous cushioning of a long ball forward, but Ter Stegen was again there to deny the finish.&nbsp;

There was more control about the second half but Barcelona needed a second to make it comfortable and substitute Ilaix seized his moment, shaping to shoot with his right before coolly rolling onto his left and whipping his shot into the corner.&nbsp;

While Barcelona sustained momentum from their midweek victory in the cup, Sevilla failed to bounce back, instead sinking to another loss away at Elche earlier on Saturday.

Raul Guti and Guido Carrillo sealed a crucial 2-1 win for Elche, with Luuk de Jong adding a late consolation for Sevilla, who have now lost three consecutive matches in eight days.

They sit six points ahead of Real Sociedad in fifth. Elche climb to 17th, two points above the bottom three.

Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Lionel Messi set up both goals in Pamplona as Jordi Alba hammered home in the first half before the 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba came off the bench to curl in an impressive shot late in the second. "Thankfully Leo gave me the pass and I don't know how I cut in and shot with my left foot, I'm just glad it went in," Ilaix said. "I will never forget it, I will take that goal to my grave." Ilaix's strike was his first goal in La Liga and another breakthrough moment for a Barca youngster, 24 hours before the club hopes a brighter future can begin under a new president. Before the winner of the elections -- contested by Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa -- is confirmed on Sunday night, Atletico will face Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Barcelona will surely be hoping for anything other than a home win. A few weeks ago, Ronald Koeman's side looked too far adrift in the title race but 10 victories out of 11 have shot them back into contention, even if Atletico remain in the driving seat with two games in hand. "Any result is good for us," said Koeman. After coming from two goals down to beat Sevilla after extra-time in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, Barcelona now have one trophy, and perhaps even a domestic double, in their sights. Their success in recent months has owed much to a talented crop of youngsters, with Ilaix -- a dynamic but technically gifted midfielder -- the latest to emerge. "Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra," said Koeman. "Because of his personality, his energy, most of all he's good with the ball, and physically he's a strong boy. He's gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team." Barca faced some nervy moments early on as Jonathan Calleri tried an ambitious lob from distance before Ruben Garcia's curler from the edge of the area required an athletic save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Messi shot wide and then set up the opener, drifting in from the right and spotting the scuttling Alba racing in behind on the opposite side. Messi clipped a pass through three Osasuna defenders for Alba to collect and he lashed it high and in from the angle. Garcia deserved an equaliser soon after for his first touch alone, a sumptuous cushioning of a long ball forward, but Ter Stegen was again there to deny the finish. There was more control about the second half but Barcelona needed a second to make it comfortable and substitute Ilaix seized his moment, shaping to shoot with his right before coolly rolling onto his left and whipping his shot into the corner. While Barcelona sustained momentum from their midweek victory in the cup, Sevilla failed to bounce back, instead sinking to another loss away at Elche earlier on Saturday. Raul Guti and Guido Carrillo sealed a crucial 2-1 win for Elche, with Luuk de Jong adding a late consolation for Sevilla, who have now lost three consecutive matches in eight days. They sit six points ahead of Real Sociedad in fifth. Elche climb to 17th, two points above the bottom three.

Barcelona raise the stakes in Madrid derby after Osasuna win

Polling opened on Sunday morning for a presidential election at crisis-hit Barcelona, where the winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the club's finances and squad.

Voting started at 09.00 local time (0800 GMT) in an election reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic.

The three candidates are former president Joan Laporta, the favourite according to the Catalan press, Toni Freixa and Victor Font.

They are running to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned in October and was briefly taken in for questioning following police raids on the club on Monday into the 'Barcagate' scandal which revolves around allegations that Barcelona carried out a defamation campaign against current and former players critical of club leadership.&nbsp;

"These are the most important elections in the history of Barca," Laporta told the club web site after voting.

Barcelona is in crisis on and off the field.&nbsp;

In October, it announced losses of announced losses of 97 million euros ($114 million) for last season and debts that had more than doubled to 488 million euros. Star player Lionel Messi is out of contract in the summer. In the Champions League, Barcelona travel to Paris on Wednesday trailing Paris Saint-Germain &nbsp;4-1 after a humiliating first-leg home loss. Form in La Liga has improved and on Saturday Barcelona climbed to second, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand.&nbsp;

In previous elections, members have cast their votes in person at the club's Nou Camp headquarters, but because of Covid-19 members have also been allowed to apply for postal votes.

The club said that of the 110,920 members, 22,811 had applied to vote remotely.

Polling stations have also been set up in Girona, Tarragona, Tortosa and Lleida in Catalonia and in Andorra but the club said that 78,987 members had indicated they would vote, as they always have, at the Camp Nou.

Even though it began to rain in Barcelona shortly after the polls opened, the club reported on their web site at 09.45 that "the large influx of members to the stadium continues." The club posted a photo of queueing supporters wearing masks and rubbing gel on their hands.

"Members should have no doubt about coming to vote," said &nbsp;Carles Tusquets, head of the interim management committee that has run the club since Bartomeu resigned on October 27.&nbsp;

The polling will continue until 21.00 local time and the result is expected before midnight. &nbsp;

Polling opened on Sunday morning for a presidential election at crisis-hit Barcelona, where the winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the club's finances and squad.

Polling opened on Sunday morning for a presidential election at crisis-hit Barcelona, where the winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the club's finances and squad. Voting started at 09.00 local time (0800 GMT) in an election reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic. The three candidates are former president Joan Laporta, the favourite according to the Catalan press, Toni Freixa and Victor Font. They are running to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned in October and was briefly taken in for questioning following police raids on the club on Monday into the 'Barcagate' scandal which revolves around allegations that Barcelona carried out a defamation campaign against current and former players critical of club leadership. "These are the most important elections in the history of Barca," Laporta told the club web site after voting. Barcelona is in crisis on and off the field. In October, it announced losses of announced losses of 97 million euros ($114 million) for last season and debts that had more than doubled to 488 million euros. Star player Lionel Messi is out of contract in the summer. In the Champions League, Barcelona travel to Paris on Wednesday trailing Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 after a humiliating first-leg home loss. Form in La Liga has improved and on Saturday Barcelona climbed to second, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand. In previous elections, members have cast their votes in person at the club's Nou Camp headquarters, but because of Covid-19 members have also been allowed to apply for postal votes. The club said that of the 110,920 members, 22,811 had applied to vote remotely. Polling stations have also been set up in Girona, Tarragona, Tortosa and Lleida in Catalonia and in Andorra but the club said that 78,987 members had indicated they would vote, as they always have, at the Camp Nou. Even though it began to rain in Barcelona shortly after the polls opened, the club reported on their web site at 09.45 that "the large influx of members to the stadium continues." The club posted a photo of queueing supporters wearing masks and rubbing gel on their hands. "Members should have no doubt about coming to vote," said Carles Tusquets, head of the interim management committee that has run the club since Bartomeu resigned on October 27. The polling will continue until 21.00 local time and the result is expected before midnight.

Polls open for presidential election at troubled Barcelona

Former Barcelona president&nbsp;Josep&nbsp;Maria Bartomeu and his former advisor Jaume Masferrer were released after appearing before a judge&nbsp;investigating 2020’s ‘Barcagate’ scandal, a Spanish court said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Both Bartomeu and Masferrer were arrested on Monday and&nbsp;"exercised their right not to speak". The judge ordered a conditional release as the investigation continues, the Barcelona court said in a statement.&nbsp;

The court added that the judge had sought to question them as part of the ‘Barcagate’ scandal investigation, which was opened&nbsp;in May 2020, into the suspected crime of business corruption and false administration.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/argentines-bring-legend-diego-maradona-back-to-life-with-mosaics-366369" hreflang="en">Argentines bring legend Diego Maradona back to life with mosaics</a>

Whereas two other club official – Barca’s current chief executive Oscar Grau and head of legal services Roma Gomez Ponti were released on Monday. Notably, the series of arrest and the operation comes less than a week before Barcelona presidential elections are&nbsp;to be held.&nbsp;

The ‘Barcagate’ scandal includes allegations that the Catalan club made payments to a company named I3 Ventures in a bid to boost the image of the club on social media platforms. A part of the campaign included&nbsp;criticising&nbsp;the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Pep Guardiola among other notable personalities associated with the club.&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;had&nbsp;described the controversy as "strange" in an interview with Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fc-barcelona-release-statement-after-josep-bartomeus-arrest-over-barcagate-scandal-367314" hreflang="en">FC Barcelona release statement after Josep Bartomeu's arrest over 'Barcagate' scandal</a>

Bartomeu maintained the company had been hired only to monitor posts on social media&nbsp;before resigning in October 2020. Bartomeu’s successor at the club is due to be elected on Sunday with three candidates – Joan Laporta, Toni&nbsp;Freixa&nbsp;and Victor Font – involved in the elections.&nbsp;

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his former advisor Jaume Masferrer were released after appearing before a judge investigating 2020’s ‘Barcagate’ scandal, a Spanish court said on Tuesday.

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his former advisor Jaume Masferrer were released after appearing before a judge investigating 2020’s ‘Barcagate’ scandal, a Spanish court said on Tuesday. Both Bartomeu and Masferrer were arrested on Monday and "exercised their right not to speak". The judge ordered a conditional release as the investigation continues, the Barcelona court said in a statement. The court added that the judge had sought to question them as part of the ‘Barcagate’ scandal investigation, which was opened in May 2020, into the suspected crime of business corruption and false administration. ALSO READ: Argentines bring legend Diego Maradona back to life with mosaics Whereas two other club official – Barca’s current chief executive Oscar Grau and head of legal services Roma Gomez Ponti were released on Monday. Notably, the series of arrest and the operation comes less than a week before Barcelona presidential elections are to be held. The ‘Barcagate’ scandal includes allegations that the Catalan club made payments to a company named I3 Ventures in a bid to boost the image of the club on social media platforms. A part of the campaign included criticising the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Pep Guardiola among other notable personalities associated with the club. Messi had described the controversy as "strange" in an interview with Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo. ALSO READ: FC Barcelona release statement after Josep Bartomeu's arrest over 'Barcagate' scandal Bartomeu maintained the company had been hired only to monitor posts on social media before resigning in October 2020. Bartomeu’s successor at the club is due to be elected on Sunday with three candidates – Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Victor Font – involved in the elections.

Ex-Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu released after appearing before judge

Everton boosted their bid to earn a top-four finish in the Premier League as Richarlison sealed a 1-0 win against struggling Southampton on Monday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side won for the first time in six home league games thanks to Richarlison's early goal.

Everton's last success at Goodison Park had come against Arsenal just before Christmas, but ending a run of three consecutive home league defeats lifted them to within two points of fourth-placed West Ham.

The seventh-placed Toffees have a game in hand on West Ham, as well as Liverpool and Chelsea, who occupy the places directly above them.

Fresh from beating Liverpool 2-0 to secure their first victory over their Merseyside rivals at Anfield since 1999, Everton are firmly in contention to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish.

"It's been a very good week. I really appreciate the teamwork. We were focused defensively and good combinations in front. The performance was good and we deserved to win," Ancelotti said.

"To fight for European places we need to improve the home run. This performance can help us.

"It will be a dream to be in the top four at the end of the season. We are quite close."

After leading the top flight in November for the first time since 1988, Southampton have gone into a dramatic decline that leaves them just seven points above the relegation zone.

Southampton are without a win in their last nine league games, losing eight times since their last victory against Liverpool in December.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "Thirty points are not enough to stay in the league. We need points.

"In the final third there was a lack of punch. That makes it difficult to win."

With Brazilian midfielder Allan making his first appearance since December after a hamstring injury, Everton were far more tenacious.

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster returned for just his second league appearance this season after Hasenhuttl dropped Alex McCarthy.

But Forster was soon picking the ball out of the net as Richarlison gave Everton the lead in the ninth minute.

Jordan Pickford's long kick was flicked on by Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison raced onto the midfielder's deft pass, rounded Forster and slotted into the empty net.

It was Richarlison's third goal in his last three games and his 11th of the season.

Michael Keane thought he had doubled Everton's advantage in the 25th minute, but the defender's header was disallowed by VAR after Mason Holgate was caught offside as he provided the assist.

Keane was a constant threat in the air and the England centre-back headed just wide from Sigurdsson's free-kick.

Rising to meet James Ward-Prowse's corner with a thumping header, Southampton's Mohammed Salisu went close to equalising against the run of play.

That triggered a late spell of Southampton pressure and Moussa Djenepo fired just wide before Jannik Vestergaard's close-range effort forced a superb save from Pickford.

Everton boosted their bid to earn a top-four finish in the Premier League as Richarlison sealed a 1-0 win against struggling Southampton on Monday. Carlo Ancelotti's side won for the first time in six home league games thanks to Richarlison's early goal.

Everton boosted their bid to earn a top-four finish in the Premier League as Richarlison sealed a 1-0 win against struggling Southampton on Monday. Carlo Ancelotti's side won for the first time in six home league games thanks to Richarlison's early goal. Everton's last success at Goodison Park had come against Arsenal just before Christmas, but ending a run of three consecutive home league defeats lifted them to within two points of fourth-placed West Ham. The seventh-placed Toffees have a game in hand on West Ham, as well as Liverpool and Chelsea, who occupy the places directly above them. Fresh from beating Liverpool 2-0 to secure their first victory over their Merseyside rivals at Anfield since 1999, Everton are firmly in contention to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish. "It's been a very good week. I really appreciate the teamwork. We were focused defensively and good combinations in front. The performance was good and we deserved to win," Ancelotti said. "To fight for European places we need to improve the home run. This performance can help us. "It will be a dream to be in the top four at the end of the season. We are quite close." After leading the top flight in November for the first time since 1988, Southampton have gone into a dramatic decline that leaves them just seven points above the relegation zone. Southampton are without a win in their last nine league games, losing eight times since their last victory against Liverpool in December. Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "Thirty points are not enough to stay in the league. We need points. "In the final third there was a lack of punch. That makes it difficult to win." With Brazilian midfielder Allan making his first appearance since December after a hamstring injury, Everton were far more tenacious. Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster returned for just his second league appearance this season after Hasenhuttl dropped Alex McCarthy. But Forster was soon picking the ball out of the net as Richarlison gave Everton the lead in the ninth minute. Jordan Pickford's long kick was flicked on by Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison raced onto the midfielder's deft pass, rounded Forster and slotted into the empty net. It was Richarlison's third goal in his last three games and his 11th of the season. Michael Keane thought he had doubled Everton's advantage in the 25th minute, but the defender's header was disallowed by VAR after Mason Holgate was caught offside as he provided the assist. Keane was a constant threat in the air and the England centre-back headed just wide from Sigurdsson's free-kick. Rising to meet James Ward-Prowse's corner with a thumping header, Southampton's Mohammed Salisu went close to equalising against the run of play. That triggered a late spell of Southampton pressure and Moussa Djenepo fired just wide before Jannik Vestergaard's close-range effort forced a superb save from Pickford.

Richarlison strikes to boost Everton's top-four bid

Liverpool said Tuesday they are "deeply saddened" by the death of former great Ian St John aged 82 after a long illness.

The Scotland international forward was a pivotal player in the first great Reds side built by Bill Shankly that won two league titles in 1964 and 1966.

St John won a place in Liverpool fans' hearts forever with one of the most iconic goals in their history as he netted the winner in extra time to secure their first ever FA Cup triumph against Leeds in 1965.

St John scored 118 goals in 425 appearances for Liverpool between 1961 and 1971.

He made an immediate impact after being bought from Motherwell for a then club-record fee of £37,500 in securing promotion to the First Division in the 1961/62 campaign.

Shankly described the arrival of St John and Ron Yeats years later as the "turning point" for the club.

"Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Reds legend Ian St John, aged 82," read a Liverpool statement.

St John, who scored nine goals in 21 appearances for Scotland from 1959-65, went on to manage Motherwell and Portsmouth after retiring as a player.

He then formed a popular partnership with former England star Jimmy Greaves on television in their 'Saint and Greavsie' programme.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather," read a statement form the St John family.

“He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.

"We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.

“The family would be grateful for privacy at this extremely sad time."

St John -- who was one of six children and worked for a while in a steelworks like his father Alex who had died when he was six-years-old -- had suffered from bladder cancer in 2014.

Motherwell, for whom he scored 80 goals in 113 league games, also issued a statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ian St John. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher who like St John has gone to become a respected pundit tweeted his own tribute.

"RIP Ian St John.

"Another Liverpool Legend sadly passes away. One of the players along with Bill Shankly who made this club what it is today.

"I'll remember him most on the best football show on tv, The Saint &amp; Greavsie. X"

Liverpool said Tuesday they are "deeply saddened" by the death of former great Ian St John aged 82 after a long illness. The Scotland international forward was a pivotal player in the first great Reds side built by Bill Shankly that won two league titles in 1964 and 1966.

Liverpool said Tuesday they are "deeply saddened" by the death of former great Ian St John aged 82 after a long illness. The Scotland international forward was a pivotal player in the first great Reds side built by Bill Shankly that won two league titles in 1964 and 1966. St John won a place in Liverpool fans' hearts forever with one of the most iconic goals in their history as he netted the winner in extra time to secure their first ever FA Cup triumph against Leeds in 1965. St John scored 118 goals in 425 appearances for Liverpool between 1961 and 1971. He made an immediate impact after being bought from Motherwell for a then club-record fee of £37,500 in securing promotion to the First Division in the 1961/62 campaign. Shankly described the arrival of St John and Ron Yeats years later as the "turning point" for the club. "Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Reds legend Ian St John, aged 82," read a Liverpool statement. St John, who scored nine goals in 21 appearances for Scotland from 1959-65, went on to manage Motherwell and Portsmouth after retiring as a player. He then formed a popular partnership with former England star Jimmy Greaves on television in their 'Saint and Greavsie' programme. "It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather," read a statement form the St John family. “He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside. "We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times. “The family would be grateful for privacy at this extremely sad time." St John -- who was one of six children and worked for a while in a steelworks like his father Alex who had died when he was six-years-old -- had suffered from bladder cancer in 2014. Motherwell, for whom he scored 80 goals in 113 league games, also issued a statement. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ian St John. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher who like St John has gone to become a respected pundit tweeted his own tribute. "RIP Ian St John. "Another Liverpool Legend sadly passes away. One of the players along with Bill Shankly who made this club what it is today. "I'll remember him most on the best football show on tv, The Saint & Greavsie. X"

Former Liverpool great St John dies aged 82

England is ready to host extra matches for this year's European football championships, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in an interview published on Tuesday.

Johnson told The Sun that his government's ambitions went further in a joint United Kingdom and Ireland candidacy to host the 2030 World Cup.

The Euros are set to be played in 12 cities across the continent from June 11, after being postponed last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The tabloid said ministers are holding talks with European football's governing body UEFA about hosting more games due to rising cases across the continent and the slow roll out of vaccines.

Britain has been one of the nations hardest-hit by the virus but has already vaccinated 20 million people with at least one dose and plans to finish the whole population by the end of July.&nbsp;

Johnson's spokesman last week dismissed talk about England hosting the whole tournament but Johnson indicated the country could take on more than just the semi-finals and final at Wembley.

"Any other matches they want hosted, we are certainly on for that!" he said. We are hosting the Euros. We are hosting the semis and the final.

"If there's, you know, if they want any other matches that they want hosted, we're certainly on for that but at the moment that's where we are with UEFA."

The Sun said finance minister Finance Rishi Sunak will announce in his Budget on Wednesday funds of £2.8 million ($3.9 million) to promote the UK and Ireland's bid for the 2030 World Cup.

England has hosted the tournament once before in 1966 -- the only time they have won the trophy -- and lost out for the hosting of the 2006 edition to Germany and the 2018 finals to Russia.

"We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030," said Johnson. "I do think it's the right place.

"It's the home of football, it's the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country."

An Irish government spokesman confirmed they were keen to be part of a joint bid, and an assessment would be made.

"We look forward to further extensive engagement and collaboration as we seek to refine our hosting proposals in the coming months," said prime minister Micheal Martin's spokesman.

England is ready to host extra matches for this year's European football championships, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in an interview published on Tuesday.

England is ready to host extra matches for this year's European football championships, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in an interview published on Tuesday. Johnson told The Sun that his government's ambitions went further in a joint United Kingdom and Ireland candidacy to host the 2030 World Cup. The Euros are set to be played in 12 cities across the continent from June 11, after being postponed last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The tabloid said ministers are holding talks with European football's governing body UEFA about hosting more games due to rising cases across the continent and the slow roll out of vaccines. Britain has been one of the nations hardest-hit by the virus but has already vaccinated 20 million people with at least one dose and plans to finish the whole population by the end of July. Johnson's spokesman last week dismissed talk about England hosting the whole tournament but Johnson indicated the country could take on more than just the semi-finals and final at Wembley. "Any other matches they want hosted, we are certainly on for that!" he said. We are hosting the Euros. We are hosting the semis and the final. "If there's, you know, if they want any other matches that they want hosted, we're certainly on for that but at the moment that's where we are with UEFA." The Sun said finance minister Finance Rishi Sunak will announce in his Budget on Wednesday funds of £2.8 million ($3.9 million) to promote the UK and Ireland's bid for the 2030 World Cup. England has hosted the tournament once before in 1966 -- the only time they have won the trophy -- and lost out for the hosting of the 2006 edition to Germany and the 2018 finals to Russia. "We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030," said Johnson. "I do think it's the right place. "It's the home of football, it's the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country." An Irish government spokesman confirmed they were keen to be part of a joint bid, and an assessment would be made. "We look forward to further extensive engagement and collaboration as we seek to refine our hosting proposals in the coming months," said prime minister Micheal Martin's spokesman.

England ready to host more Euro 2020 games: Johnson

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have no time to soak up the plaudits during their record-breaking run as the Premier League leaders chase an unprecedented quadruple.

City have set a record for an English top-flight team after reeling off 20 successive victories in all competitions.

It is the third-best winning streak among teams in Europe's leading five leagues, behind only Bayern Munich's 23 in a row in 2020 and Real Madrid's 22 successive victories in 2014.

City are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, face a League Cup final date with Tottenham and remain in contention to win the Champions League and FA Cup.

But City boss Guardiola has no intention of letting his players get distracted by the praise with a frantic schedule ahead of them.

"We don't have time," Guardiola said ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash with Wolves. "There are many games, every three days a game, so we have to rest and think of the next one.

"We are delighted with what we have done so far, we cannot deny it. If no team has done it before it means how difficult it is.

"But, at the end, what counts in the world is if you lift the trophies or not. Still we cannot sit down on the sofa and say how good everything is."

West Ham manager David Moyes described City as the best side in Europe after the London club were beaten 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

But Guardiola insisted that accolade was premature.

"The best team in Europe is Bayern Munich because they won everything, they are the best. In England the champions are Liverpool, they are the best," Guardiola said.

"The crown, if you want to take it, you have to win. In February, March no one is champion."

Guardiola, whose side are chasing a third English title in four seasons, said there were still a lot of points still to play for.

"There are tough opponents," said the Catalan. "When you have 10 points left, or 12 or 15, it is another issue but, with 36, it is many.

"We know how important this week is, with Wolves, (Manchester) United and Southampton before travelling to Fulham, these three games at home.

"If we are able to do what we want to do we will make an incredible step but we have to do many things still."

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have no time to soak up the plaudits during their record-breaking run as the Premier League leaders chase an unprecedented quadruple.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have no time to soak up the plaudits during their record-breaking run as the Premier League leaders chase an unprecedented quadruple. City have set a record for an English top-flight team after reeling off 20 successive victories in all competitions. It is the third-best winning streak among teams in Europe's leading five leagues, behind only Bayern Munich's 23 in a row in 2020 and Real Madrid's 22 successive victories in 2014. City are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, face a League Cup final date with Tottenham and remain in contention to win the Champions League and FA Cup. But City boss Guardiola has no intention of letting his players get distracted by the praise with a frantic schedule ahead of them. "We don't have time," Guardiola said ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash with Wolves. "There are many games, every three days a game, so we have to rest and think of the next one. "We are delighted with what we have done so far, we cannot deny it. If no team has done it before it means how difficult it is. "But, at the end, what counts in the world is if you lift the trophies or not. Still we cannot sit down on the sofa and say how good everything is." West Ham manager David Moyes described City as the best side in Europe after the London club were beaten 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. But Guardiola insisted that accolade was premature. "The best team in Europe is Bayern Munich because they won everything, they are the best. In England the champions are Liverpool, they are the best," Guardiola said. "The crown, if you want to take it, you have to win. In February, March no one is champion." Guardiola, whose side are chasing a third English title in four seasons, said there were still a lot of points still to play for. "There are tough opponents," said the Catalan. "When you have 10 points left, or 12 or 15, it is another issue but, with 36, it is many. "We know how important this week is, with Wolves, (Manchester) United and Southampton before travelling to Fulham, these three games at home. "If we are able to do what we want to do we will make an incredible step but we have to do many things still."

Guardiola says record-breaking Man City won't rest on their laurels

football-news

Football News, News on Football News, stories on Football News, articles on Football News, Football News stories at Wion, Football News news, Football News latest news

football news