The Instagram account of the fourth official in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir has been apparently hacked as his profile picture was replaced by an image of Istanbul Basaksehir’s assistant manager Pierre Webo, whom Coltescu allegedly identified using the Romanian word for black.

As per reports, the hackers, who appeared to be Turkish, further changed Coltescu’s bio to include a “No To Racism” hashtag.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ref" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="896d14ae-f6c7-49cc-bb7b-8e126375fe39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/36628434-9033883-The_Instagram_account_of_the_Romanian_fourth_official_Sebastian_-a-26_1607502603593.jpg" />

Coltescu’s alleged use of racism language triggered both Basaksehir and PSG walking off the pitch as a sign of protest at the Parc des Princes.

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-from-demba-bas-reaction-to-fourth-officials-explanation-how-psg-vs-istanbul-basaksehir-racism-row-unfurled-348514" hreflang="en">Watch - From Demba Ba's reaction to fourth official's explanation: How PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir racism row unfurled</a>

With the match paused at 24 minutes, the remaining 76 minutes of the Group H match between PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir has been rescheduled for Wednesday evening with a different set of UEFA refereeing team appointed for the encounter.

Webo vocally protested a decision on the touchline during the first half of the match.

As the referee came over, footage appeared to show Coltescu identifying Webo by saying: 'The black one over there. Go and check who he is. The black one over there, it's not possible to act like that'.

It is being reported that Coltescu said&nbsp;a Romanian word for black. Webo overheard the match official in an empty stadium and immediately accused Coltescu of racism and was shown a straight red card.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-basaksehir-stage-champions-league-walk-out-over-officials-alleged-racism-348492" hreflang="en">PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism</a>

Former Chelsea forward Demba Ba, on the substitute bench for Istanbul Basaksehir, questioned Webo why he had used the discriminatory word to identify Webo.

He said: 'You never say "this white guy", you say "this guy", so why when you're mentioning him... listen to me... why when you mention a black guy, why do you say "this black guy."'

Players and staff of both Basaksehir and PSG were pretty vocal about the incident and left the pitch after around 10 minutes of discussion with the main referee Ovidiu Hategan.

TV footage also showed PSG's French defender Presnel Kimpembe saying: 'Is he serious? We are heading in. We're heading in. That's it, we're heading in.' Basaksehir coach Okan Buruk was heard saying ‘you are racist’ to Coltescu.

After a long wait, the match was called off on Tuesday and will resume from the same point on Wednesday.

Istanbul Basaksehir took to Twitter: 'Our players have taken a decision NOT TO go back on the pitch after our Assistant Coach Pierre Webo has been exposed to racist behaviour by the 4th Official.'

The incident has led to staunch criticism of racial acts in the world of football with former England international Rio Ferdinand saying “football is at the tipping point” and higher authorities should take some strong action if they want to put an end to discrimination. 
&nbsp;

The Instagram account of the fourth official in the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir has been apparently hacked as his profile picture was replaced by an image of Istanbul Basaksehir’s assistant manager Pierre Webo, whom Coltescu allegedly identified using the Romanian word for black.

The Instagram account of the fourth official in the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir has been apparently hacked as his profile picture was replaced by an image of Istanbul Basaksehir’s assistant manager Pierre Webo, whom Coltescu allegedly identified using the Romanian word for black. As per reports, the hackers, who appeared to be Turkish, further changed Coltescu’s bio to include a “No To Racism” hashtag. Coltescu’s alleged use of racism language triggered both Basaksehir and PSG walking off the pitch as a sign of protest at the Parc des Princes. TRENDING | Watch - From Demba Ba's reaction to fourth official's explanation: How PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir racism row unfurled With the match paused at 24 minutes, the remaining 76 minutes of the Group H match between PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir has been rescheduled for Wednesday evening with a different set of UEFA refereeing team appointed for the encounter. Webo vocally protested a decision on the touchline during the first half of the match. As the referee came over, footage appeared to show Coltescu identifying Webo by saying: 'The black one over there. Go and check who he is. The black one over there, it's not possible to act like that'. It is being reported that Coltescu said a Romanian word for black. Webo overheard the match official in an empty stadium and immediately accused Coltescu of racism and was shown a straight red card. ALSO READ: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism Former Chelsea forward Demba Ba, on the substitute bench for Istanbul Basaksehir, questioned Webo why he had used the discriminatory word to identify Webo. He said: 'You never say "this white guy", you say "this guy", so why when you're mentioning him... listen to me... why when you mention a black guy, why do you say "this black guy."' Players and staff of both Basaksehir and PSG were pretty vocal about the incident and left the pitch after around 10 minutes of discussion with the main referee Ovidiu Hategan. TV footage also showed PSG's French defender Presnel Kimpembe saying: 'Is he serious? We are heading in. We're heading in. That's it, we're heading in.' Basaksehir coach Okan Buruk was heard saying ‘you are racist’ to Coltescu. After a long wait, the match was called off on Tuesday and will resume from the same point on Wednesday. Istanbul Basaksehir took to Twitter: 'Our players have taken a decision NOT TO go back on the pitch after our Assistant Coach Pierre Webo has been exposed to racist behaviour by the 4th Official.' The incident has led to staunch criticism of racial acts in the world of football with former England international Rio Ferdinand saying “football is at the tipping point” and higher authorities should take some strong action if they want to put an end to discrimination.

PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Romanian fourth official Sebastian Coltescu's Instagram hacked after racism row

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday.

The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term.

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✊🏻✊🏿 NO TO RACISM | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Respect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Respect</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ic1BzfANoi">pic.twitter.com/Ic1BzfANoi</a>
— İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibfk2014/status/1336407284029730818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The moment Istanbul Basaksehir's Demba Ba reports the racist abuse by the fourth official at Paris Saint-Germain<a href="https://t.co/RlLAmtQUUF">pic.twitter.com/RlLAmtQUUF</a>
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1336413648558972930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-basaksehir-stage-champions-league-walk-out-over-officials-alleged-racism-348492" hreflang="en">PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism</a>

Television microphones picked up an agitated Webo continuously asking why the racist term was used to describe him. Star striker Demba Ba was also seen giving furious wordings to the referee.&nbsp;

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PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir has been suspended following an alleged racist incident involving the 4th official towards Istanbul's assistant manager. <a href="https://t.co/mLIkZiPK7u">pic.twitter.com/mLIkZiPK7u</a>
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLonCBSSports/status/1336409907570982916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-utd-stumble-out-of-champions-league-with-loss-in-leipzig-348496" hreflang="en">Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig</a>

While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident.

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Temsilcimiz Başakşehir’in teknik ekibinden Pierre Webo'ya karşı sarf edilen ırkçı sözleri şiddetle kınıyor, UEFA tarafından gereken adımların atılacağına inanıyorum. 
 
Sporda ve hayatın tüm alanlarında ırkçılığa ve ayrımcılığa kayıtsız şartsız karşıyız. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Notoracism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Notoracism</a>
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1336421579438350338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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This response from İstanbul Başakşehir is exactly how teams should handle racist incidents. 
 
Leave the pitch. Don’t stand for it. The fourth official accused has now been replaced by the VAR official in their game against PSG. <a href="https://t.co/Qzpm8qBFR4">pic.twitter.com/Qzpm8qBFR4</a>
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDNFootbalI/status/1336413829153120256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

UEFA has been working strongly to kill racial discrimination from the sport and has strict sanctions against those found guilty of discrimination. “Say No To Racism” has been a go-to slogan in UEFA competitions for many years now.&nbsp;

While the fourth official was spotted agreeing that he used the racist term to describe Webo, there was someone, who was not spotted on the camera, saying there could have been a language issue as the fourth official was a Romanian.

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This is the 4th official attempting to explain what he said in the Paris St Germain match versus Istanbul Basaksehir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGIBFK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGIBFK</a> <a href="https://t.co/NX6Geh17Gy">pic.twitter.com/NX6Geh17Gy</a>
— Brett Cullen (@iambrettcullen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iambrettcullen/status/1336417588574892034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, such incidents are a complete disgrace to the sport loved by billions around the world. &nbsp; 
In a statement, UEFA confirmed the game would, "on an exceptional basis", restart from where it was stopped on Wednesday at 1755 GMT, "with a new team of match officials".

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LOUD &amp; CLEAR ✊🏾 <a href="https://t.co/0VQVplti4D">https://t.co/0VQVplti4D</a>
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sterling7/status/1336424855181332480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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✊🏻✊🏿 <a href="https://t.co/4G873kjKUk">pic.twitter.com/4G873kjKUk</a>
— Aymeric Laporte (@Laporte) <a href="https://twitter.com/Laporte/status/1336432042297466880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) <a href="https://twitter.com/richarlison97/status/1336412392377487361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PSG, who advanced following United's loss, will claim top spot with a victory.

The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday.

The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday. The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term. ✊🏻✊🏿 NO TO RACISM | #Respect pic.twitter.com/Ic1BzfANoi — İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) December 8, 2020 × The moment Istanbul Basaksehir's Demba Ba reports the racist abuse by the fourth official at Paris Saint-Germainpic.twitter.com/RlLAmtQUUF — Rob Harris (@RobHarris) December 8, 2020 × ALSO READ: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism Television microphones picked up an agitated Webo continuously asking why the racist term was used to describe him. Star striker Demba Ba was also seen giving furious wordings to the referee. PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir has been suspended following an alleged racist incident involving the 4th official towards Istanbul's assistant manager. pic.twitter.com/mLIkZiPK7u — Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 8, 2020 × Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee. ALSO READ: Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident. Temsilcimiz Başakşehir’in teknik ekibinden Pierre Webo'ya karşı sarf edilen ırkçı sözleri şiddetle kınıyor, UEFA tarafından gereken adımların atılacağına inanıyorum. Sporda ve hayatın tüm alanlarında ırkçılığa ve ayrımcılığa kayıtsız şartsız karşıyız. #Notoracism — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) December 8, 2020 × This response from İstanbul Başakşehir is exactly how teams should handle racist incidents. Leave the pitch. Don’t stand for it. The fourth official accused has now been replaced by the VAR official in their game against PSG. pic.twitter.com/Qzpm8qBFR4 — LDN (@LDNFootbalI) December 8, 2020 × UEFA has been working strongly to kill racial discrimination from the sport and has strict sanctions against those found guilty of discrimination. “Say No To Racism” has been a go-to slogan in UEFA competitions for many years now. While the fourth official was spotted agreeing that he used the racist term to describe Webo, there was someone, who was not spotted on the camera, saying there could have been a language issue as the fourth official was a Romanian. This is the 4th official attempting to explain what he said in the Paris St Germain match versus Istanbul Basaksehir #PSGIBFK pic.twitter.com/NX6Geh17Gy — Brett Cullen (@iambrettcullen) December 8, 2020 × However, such incidents are a complete disgrace to the sport loved by billions around the world. In a statement, UEFA confirmed the game would, "on an exceptional basis", restart from where it was stopped on Wednesday at 1755 GMT, "with a new team of match officials". LOUD & CLEAR ✊🏾 https://t.co/0VQVplti4D — Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) December 8, 2020 × ✊🏻✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/4G873kjKUk — Aymeric Laporte (@Laporte) December 8, 2020 × ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 — Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) December 8, 2020 × PSG, who advanced following United's loss, will claim top spot with a victory.

Watch - From Demba Ba's reaction to fourth official's explanation: How PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir racism row unfurled

Danny Ings returned from injury to score a controversial winner from the penalty spot as Southampton came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in the Premier League.

Brighton took the lead from the spot, with Pascal Gross sending goalkeeper Alex McCarthy the wrong way after James Ward-Prowse handled the ball in the area.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's men found an equaliser just before half-time, when Jan Vestergaard produced a towering header from a Ward-Prowse corner.

Then, with nine minutes remaining, substitute Ings fired home after Southampton were awarded a spot-kick, with Brighton players claiming the foul took place outside the area.

Hasenhuttl was delighted to see his team grind out a win while not at their best.

"I didn't see the first penalty," he said. "For the second one, that is why we have VAR, especially when it is about decisions if it is in or not then you need this.&nbsp;

"I think it was clear inside the box. It is not nice to get a penalty against you but the decision from what I have seen was relatively clear."

Brighton started the match brightly in front of 2,000 supporters -- back in the stadium for the first time in nine months after the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

They took the lead in the 26th minute when referee David Coote pointed to the spot after a Danny Welbeck cross hit the raised arms of Ward-Prowse and Gross converted.

Brighton looked to get forward at every opportunity while Southampton struggled to get going but Saints were level just before the break.&nbsp;

Ward-Prowse continued his impressive record from set-pieces, crossing the ball from a corner for Vestergaard to head past powerfully past Mat Ryan.

Ings, who had been out of action for five weeks, was brought on at the start of the second half.

With 13 minutes to go, Kyle Walker-Peters was brought down by Solly March. The referee initially awarded a free-kick before a lengthy VAR intervention changed the decision to a penalty.

Ings made no mistake and his side held on for the victory, which lifts Southampton to 20 points, one behind fourth-placed Leicester. Brighton stay 16th on 10 points.

Disappointed Brighton boss Graham Potter said the first challenge appeared to take place outside the box.&nbsp;

"I don't know if there was a second but that's what the referee seemed to think," he told Sky Sports.

"I thought it was quite an even game so I'm disappointed with the result. If it's factual and the offence is inside and they've proved that's the case, then that's what it's there for and it's what you have to accept."

Danny Ings returned from injury to score a controversial winner from the penalty spot as Southampton came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in the Premier League.

Danny Ings returned from injury to score a controversial winner from the penalty spot as Southampton came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in the Premier League. Brighton took the lead from the spot, with Pascal Gross sending goalkeeper Alex McCarthy the wrong way after James Ward-Prowse handled the ball in the area. Ralph Hasenhuttl's men found an equaliser just before half-time, when Jan Vestergaard produced a towering header from a Ward-Prowse corner. Then, with nine minutes remaining, substitute Ings fired home after Southampton were awarded a spot-kick, with Brighton players claiming the foul took place outside the area. Hasenhuttl was delighted to see his team grind out a win while not at their best. "I didn't see the first penalty," he said. "For the second one, that is why we have VAR, especially when it is about decisions if it is in or not then you need this. "I think it was clear inside the box. It is not nice to get a penalty against you but the decision from what I have seen was relatively clear." Brighton started the match brightly in front of 2,000 supporters -- back in the stadium for the first time in nine months after the easing of coronavirus restrictions. They took the lead in the 26th minute when referee David Coote pointed to the spot after a Danny Welbeck cross hit the raised arms of Ward-Prowse and Gross converted. Brighton looked to get forward at every opportunity while Southampton struggled to get going but Saints were level just before the break. Ward-Prowse continued his impressive record from set-pieces, crossing the ball from a corner for Vestergaard to head past powerfully past Mat Ryan. Ings, who had been out of action for five weeks, was brought on at the start of the second half. With 13 minutes to go, Kyle Walker-Peters was brought down by Solly March. The referee initially awarded a free-kick before a lengthy VAR intervention changed the decision to a penalty. Ings made no mistake and his side held on for the victory, which lifts Southampton to 20 points, one behind fourth-placed Leicester. Brighton stay 16th on 10 points. Disappointed Brighton boss Graham Potter said the first challenge appeared to take place outside the box. "I don't know if there was a second but that's what the referee seemed to think," he told Sky Sports. "I thought it was quite an even game so I'm disappointed with the result. If it's factual and the offence is inside and they've proved that's the case, then that's what it's there for and it's what you have to accept."

Danny Ings scores controversial VAR penalty as Southampton climb to fifth in Premier League

The Football Association announced on Monday that it is investigating following the booing of players taking a knee at two English Football League games at the weekend.

A number of fans at the match in the second-tier Championship between Millwall and Derby and at Colchester's League Two home clash with Grimsby booed the players' anti-racism gesture before kick-off.

"The FA can confirm that investigations are under way into crowd-related incidents at both The Den and JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday 5 December 2020," English football's governing body said in a statement.

The booing from Millwall fans led interim Derby boss Wayne Rooney to condemn their "disgraceful and mindless behaviour".

And Colchester owner Robbie Cowling, whose side play in the fourth tier, has told supporters who want to boo players taking a knee they are not welcome at the club.

"Those taking the knee, and supporting the taking of the knee, not only show their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression but force it to be a talking point even when it's uncomfortable," he said.

The Professional Footballers' Association described the booing as "a sad indictment of the lack of understanding and empathy for the players' fight against racism and discrimination".

It urged London-based Millwall to "act swiftly to identify the section of the crowd who booed the players".

Players from Millwall and Queens Park Rangers will stand arm-in-arm with each other in a show of solidarity for football’s fight against discrimination ahead of kick-off at The Den on Tuesday

The two teams will hold a banner to show their collective commitment towards ongoing efforts to rid the game of racism.

"Millwall believe that this gesture, which the club hopes to repeat with other visiting teams in the coming weeks and months, will help to unify people throughout society in the battle to root out all forms of discrimination," the club said in a statement.

The Football Association announced on Monday that it is investigating following the booing of players taking a knee at two English Football League games at the weekend.

The Football Association announced on Monday that it is investigating following the booing of players taking a knee at two English Football League games at the weekend. A number of fans at the match in the second-tier Championship between Millwall and Derby and at Colchester's League Two home clash with Grimsby booed the players' anti-racism gesture before kick-off. "The FA can confirm that investigations are under way into crowd-related incidents at both The Den and JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday 5 December 2020," English football's governing body said in a statement. The booing from Millwall fans led interim Derby boss Wayne Rooney to condemn their "disgraceful and mindless behaviour". And Colchester owner Robbie Cowling, whose side play in the fourth tier, has told supporters who want to boo players taking a knee they are not welcome at the club. "Those taking the knee, and supporting the taking of the knee, not only show their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression but force it to be a talking point even when it's uncomfortable," he said. The Professional Footballers' Association described the booing as "a sad indictment of the lack of understanding and empathy for the players' fight against racism and discrimination". It urged London-based Millwall to "act swiftly to identify the section of the crowd who booed the players". Players from Millwall and Queens Park Rangers will stand arm-in-arm with each other in a show of solidarity for football’s fight against discrimination ahead of kick-off at The Den on Tuesday The two teams will hold a banner to show their collective commitment towards ongoing efforts to rid the game of racism. "Millwall believe that this gesture, which the club hopes to repeat with other visiting teams in the coming weeks and months, will help to unify people throughout society in the battle to root out all forms of discrimination," the club said in a statement.

English FA probes booing of players taking a knee

Real Madrid value success in the Champions League above all else, but the 13-time champions head into Wednesday's game against Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Should they suffer a humiliating group stage exit, ending their remarkable run as the only team to ever avoid elimination at this phase, coach Zinedine Zidane’s future will be at risk.

A win for either side in the Spanish capital will guarantee them passage through to the last 16 from Group B.&nbsp;

If Madrid draw and Shakhtar win or draw with Inter Milan in the other group match, the Spanish giants will be out.

Reports in the Spanish capital have linked Madrid with former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, currently without a club, should they part ways with Zidane, while Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, a prolific striker for the club in the past, has been touted as a 'plan B’.

The Frenchman’s predecessor Santiago Solari was sacked after the humiliating last-16 exit against Ajax in the Champions League in 2019, paving the way for him to return just 10 months after his sudden departure.

Last season’s elimination at the same phase by Manchester City was mitigated by the team’s strong domestic performance, as they ground their way to the Spanish title, but another early failure in Europe may prove to be the final straw for trigger-happy president Florentino Perez.

"Zizou is a magnificent coach, a good friend and will do everything possible to have Madrid in the best position possible,” said former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defending the coach against the mounting speculation over his future.&nbsp;

"You cannot live in the past, but he has earned the right to lead Madrid."

<h2>- Ramos returns -</h2>

However, despite his success during two stints in charge, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and two Club World Cups among other silverware, and his fine history as a player, a defeat could make Zidane Madrid’s eighth managerial casualty in 10 years.&nbsp;

He is at least boosted by the return of captain Sergio Ramos and right back Dani Carvajal. The Spanish duo are important parts of Madrid’s defence.

Ramos in particular is essential, with Madrid having lost eight of their last 10 European games in which the 35-year-old has not played, including the Ajax and Manchester City eliminations.

Zidane got a boost after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, Real's first Liga win since October.

"The last few days have been very tough but this team has a lot of character and loves challenges,” Zidane said.

"Today's win is very important for what is coming next. We know when we don’t play well we will be criticised but we have to focus on the positives and keep trying to find consistency."

Madrid almost fell to defeat in Germany in October but last-gasp goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro helped them earn a 2-2 draw after Marcus Thuram’s double put Gladbach ahead.

A pair of wins against Antonio Conte’s underwhelming Inter Milan got Madrid back on track but a dismal 2-0 away defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of December left Zidane desperately needing a victory this week.

Madrid then host league leaders Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Saturday, another crucial match in a week which could define the Spanish champions' season, and their coach's future.

After the Shakhtar defeat Zidane insisted he had no intention of resigning, but if the team stumble against Marco Rose’s Gladbach, that decision may be taken out of his hands.

Real Madrid value success in the Champions League above all else, but the 13-time champions head into Wednesday's game against Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Real Madrid value success in the Champions League above all else, but the 13-time champions head into Wednesday's game against Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Should they suffer a humiliating group stage exit, ending their remarkable run as the only team to ever avoid elimination at this phase, coach Zinedine Zidane’s future will be at risk. A win for either side in the Spanish capital will guarantee them passage through to the last 16 from Group B. If Madrid draw and Shakhtar win or draw with Inter Milan in the other group match, the Spanish giants will be out. Reports in the Spanish capital have linked Madrid with former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, currently without a club, should they part ways with Zidane, while Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, a prolific striker for the club in the past, has been touted as a 'plan B’. The Frenchman’s predecessor Santiago Solari was sacked after the humiliating last-16 exit against Ajax in the Champions League in 2019, paving the way for him to return just 10 months after his sudden departure. Last season’s elimination at the same phase by Manchester City was mitigated by the team’s strong domestic performance, as they ground their way to the Spanish title, but another early failure in Europe may prove to be the final straw for trigger-happy president Florentino Perez. "Zizou is a magnificent coach, a good friend and will do everything possible to have Madrid in the best position possible,” said former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defending the coach against the mounting speculation over his future. "You cannot live in the past, but he has earned the right to lead Madrid." - Ramos returns - However, despite his success during two stints in charge, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and two Club World Cups among other silverware, and his fine history as a player, a defeat could make Zidane Madrid’s eighth managerial casualty in 10 years. He is at least boosted by the return of captain Sergio Ramos and right back Dani Carvajal. The Spanish duo are important parts of Madrid’s defence. Ramos in particular is essential, with Madrid having lost eight of their last 10 European games in which the 35-year-old has not played, including the Ajax and Manchester City eliminations. Zidane got a boost after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, Real's first Liga win since October. "The last few days have been very tough but this team has a lot of character and loves challenges,” Zidane said. "Today's win is very important for what is coming next. We know when we don’t play well we will be criticised but we have to focus on the positives and keep trying to find consistency." Madrid almost fell to defeat in Germany in October but last-gasp goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro helped them earn a 2-2 draw after Marcus Thuram’s double put Gladbach ahead. A pair of wins against Antonio Conte’s underwhelming Inter Milan got Madrid back on track but a dismal 2-0 away defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of December left Zidane desperately needing a victory this week. Madrid then host league leaders Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Saturday, another crucial match in a week which could define the Spanish champions' season, and their coach's future. After the Shakhtar defeat Zidane insisted he had no intention of resigning, but if the team stumble against Marco Rose’s Gladbach, that decision may be taken out of his hands.

Real Madrid and Zidane brace for crucial European night

Barcelona are set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou as action in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21</a> group stage continues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other for the first time since 2018 when the latter left Real Madrid to make a stunning move to Juventus. Since then, the footballing world has been dreaming to see the two legends take the pitch again together.&nbsp;

Talking about Group G, Barcelona and Juventus both have qualified to the knockout stage with 15 and 12 points respectively with the former topping the group given their first-leg 2-0 win over Juventus – a match which Ronaldo missed after testing positive for the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Despite it being a dead rubber, the eyes of the entire footballing world will be locked on Ronaldo and Messi for the 90 minutes as the iconic duo take the pitch again, resuming a rivalry of more than a decade.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-face-cristiano-ronaldo-as-iconic-rivalry-resumes-in-champions-league-348376" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi to face Cristiano Ronaldo as iconic rivalry resumes in Champions League</a>

<h2>When will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) begin?</h2>

The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will begin at 1:30 AM IST on December 9.

<h2>Where will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) be played?</h2>

The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) match will be held at the Camp Nou.

<h2>Which channel will telecast Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)?</h2>

The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will have a live telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten HD.

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)?</h2>

The live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Barcelona are set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou as action in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage continues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other for the first time since 2018 when the latter left Real Madrid to make a stunning move to Juventus.

Barcelona are set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou as action in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage continues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other for the first time since 2018 when the latter left Real Madrid to make a stunning move to Juventus. Since then, the footballing world has been dreaming to see the two legends take the pitch again together. Talking about Group G, Barcelona and Juventus both have qualified to the knockout stage with 15 and 12 points respectively with the former topping the group given their first-leg 2-0 win over Juventus – a match which Ronaldo missed after testing positive for the coronavirus. Despite it being a dead rubber, the eyes of the entire footballing world will be locked on Ronaldo and Messi for the 90 minutes as the iconic duo take the pitch again, resuming a rivalry of more than a decade. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to face Cristiano Ronaldo as iconic rivalry resumes in Champions League When will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) begin? The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will begin at 1:30 AM IST on December 9. Where will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) be played? The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) match will be held at the Camp Nou. Which channel will telecast Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)? The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will have a live telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten HD. How to watch the live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)? The live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

Barcelona vs Juventus, Champions League Live Streaming: When and where to watch BAR vs JUV match?

In what has been one of the most awaited matches in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> 2020-21 group stage, Barcelona is set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to face each other for the first time since the latter left Real Madrid in 2018. The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Messi will take on each other for the 36th time in their career – an on-field rivalry which has left the footballing world at the edge of their seats for more than a decade.

While Messi and Ronaldo were to face each other in their first encounter in Turin, Ronaldo was ruled out of the match after testing positive for COVID-19. Messi went on to score a 90th-minute penalty to seal a 2-0 win for the Blaugrana.

Interestingly, Ronaldo, who is the highest-ever score in UCL history, is yet to score against Messi’s Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League whereas Messi has three goals against Ronaldo in the elite tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fans-back-atletico-ac-milan-european-football-talking-points-348179" hreflang="en">Fans back, Atletico, AC Milan: European football talking points</a>

Notably, Messi has been on the losing side only once in five matches played between the duo in Champions League. Overall, Messi and Ronaldo have played 35 times in all competitions (for club and country) with the Barcelona ace leading the race with 16 wins whereas Ronaldo has tasted success 10 times. Messi has 22 goals and 12 assists to his name as compared to Ronaldo’s 19 goals and one assist.

In trophy race, Messi leads Ronaldo with 36-32. Even in the Ballon d’Or race, Messi holds the edge with six golden balls to Ronaldo’s five. However, in the international stage, Ronaldo won the Euro 206 and Nations League final titles for Portugal but Messi has lost four finals with Argentina. Ronaldo has more UCL trophies (five) to Messi’s four.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-set-to-renew-stellar-rivalry-in-champions-league-348069" hreflang="en">Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League</a>

With both the giants of the footballing world set to collide again, all eyes will be set on the duo to determine who has the final laugh in what promises to be an enticing battle.

In what has been one of the most awaited matches in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage, Barcelona is set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to face each other for the first time since the latter left Real Madrid in 2018.

In what has been one of the most awaited matches in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage, Barcelona is set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to face each other for the first time since the latter left Real Madrid in 2018. The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Messi will take on each other for the 36th time in their career – an on-field rivalry which has left the footballing world at the edge of their seats for more than a decade. While Messi and Ronaldo were to face each other in their first encounter in Turin, Ronaldo was ruled out of the match after testing positive for COVID-19. Messi went on to score a 90th-minute penalty to seal a 2-0 win for the Blaugrana. Interestingly, Ronaldo, who is the highest-ever score in UCL history, is yet to score against Messi’s Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League whereas Messi has three goals against Ronaldo in the elite tournament. ALSO READ: Fans back, Atletico, AC Milan: European football talking points Notably, Messi has been on the losing side only once in five matches played between the duo in Champions League. Overall, Messi and Ronaldo have played 35 times in all competitions (for club and country) with the Barcelona ace leading the race with 16 wins whereas Ronaldo has tasted success 10 times. Messi has 22 goals and 12 assists to his name as compared to Ronaldo’s 19 goals and one assist. In trophy race, Messi leads Ronaldo with 36-32. Even in the Ballon d’Or race, Messi holds the edge with six golden balls to Ronaldo’s five. However, in the international stage, Ronaldo won the Euro 206 and Nations League final titles for Portugal but Messi has lost four finals with Argentina. Ronaldo has more UCL trophies (five) to Messi’s four. ALSO READ: Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League With both the giants of the footballing world set to collide again, all eyes will be set on the duo to determine who has the final laugh in what promises to be an enticing battle.

Lionel Messi to face Cristiano Ronaldo as iconic rivalry resumes in Champions League

Manchester United face a herculean task of defeating German club RB Leipzig in their crunch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> match on Tuesday as the Premier League club will be without the servives of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial.

Manchester United will qualify if they avoid a defeat against Leipzig but the duo of Cavani and Martial – who helped the Red Devils win 3-1 at West Ham this weekend, will miss out due to ‘minor niggles’.

The Ole Gunnar Solskjaer-managed side lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain last week and pressure will be on the English club when they take the field to face Leipzig.&nbsp;

"David (De Gea) is back in travelling, Luke (Shaw) is travelling," said Solskjaer, who is without Fred through suspension.

"Edinson and Anthony they've only minor niggles but they won't be making the trip." 
Manchester United started the UCL group stage action with an impressive win against PSG followed by a 5-0 hammering of Leipzig at home. However, a defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir threw the group open.

"Knockout games or games like this that mean you can go through or not are big," he said.

"The players are here, they are Man United players, because they have qualities that we've looked for and I'm sure that tomorrow night will prove that's the reason why they're here, they will show it.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-set-to-renew-stellar-rivalry-in-champions-league-348069" hreflang="en">Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League</a>

"I think the character of the group is getting better and better and we're looking forward to the game." 
Manchester United, who last lifted the coveted UCL in 2008, will need to be self-motivated by their away form this season.&nbsp;

"It's something that we want, games like this," said Solskjaer. "It's a tradition for Man United -- we never make it easy for ourselves.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/next-year-we-have-to-do-it-neymar-keen-for-messi-reunion-347119" hreflang="en">'Next year we have to do it': Neymar keen for Messi reunion</a>

"Of course we look at the games, especially the away game against Istanbul (Basaksehir) that we could have got three points, but that's just the way we do things.

"We do make it hard for ourselves. That's been ever since I played and that's a long, long time ago."

Manchester United face a herculean task of defeating German club RB Leipzig in their crunch UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday as the Premier League club will be without the servives of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial.

Manchester United face a herculean task of defeating German club RB Leipzig in their crunch UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday as the Premier League club will be without the servives of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial. Manchester United will qualify if they avoid a defeat against Leipzig but the duo of Cavani and Martial – who helped the Red Devils win 3-1 at West Ham this weekend, will miss out due to ‘minor niggles’. The Ole Gunnar Solskjaer-managed side lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain last week and pressure will be on the English club when they take the field to face Leipzig. "David (De Gea) is back in travelling, Luke (Shaw) is travelling," said Solskjaer, who is without Fred through suspension. "Edinson and Anthony they've only minor niggles but they won't be making the trip." Manchester United started the UCL group stage action with an impressive win against PSG followed by a 5-0 hammering of Leipzig at home. However, a defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir threw the group open. "Knockout games or games like this that mean you can go through or not are big," he said. "The players are here, they are Man United players, because they have qualities that we've looked for and I'm sure that tomorrow night will prove that's the reason why they're here, they will show it. ALSO READ: Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League "I think the character of the group is getting better and better and we're looking forward to the game." Manchester United, who last lifted the coveted UCL in 2008, will need to be self-motivated by their away form this season. "It's something that we want, games like this," said Solskjaer. "It's a tradition for Man United -- we never make it easy for ourselves. ALSO READ: 'Next year we have to do it': Neymar keen for Messi reunion "Of course we look at the games, especially the away game against Istanbul (Basaksehir) that we could have got three points, but that's just the way we do things. "We do make it hard for ourselves. That's been ever since I played and that's a long, long time ago."

UCL: Without Cavani and Martial, Manchester United face tricky task against RB Leipzig

The fans returned in England, the top-of-the-table clash in Germany ended in a draw, La Liga has an unfamiliar look and AC Milan are five points clear in Serie A.

AFP looks at five talking points from around the continent this weekend.

<h2>- The sound of a few fans clapping -</h2>

Fans were allowed back into games in the Britain for the first time since March, but only in those regions where the latest coronavirus wave is deemed less serious.

That meant 2,000 fans at the three Premier League games in London and at Liverpool.

"When we came out we all had goosebumps," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.&nbsp;

Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea all responded with comfortable victories to remain in that order at the top of the table.&nbsp;

The fans did their best to make a noise. "You'll Never Walk Alone", poignant in the circumstances, rang out at Anfield as Liverpool beat Wolves.&nbsp;

"It was very emotional, after 10 months without that it is a wonderful, wonderful sign," said Klopp. "I never knew it could feel that good."

But there was also a reminder of English football's troubled history with its fan base as masked supporters at second-tier Millwall booed as players took a knee before kick-off.

<h2>- Atletico profit -</h2>

In recent years, Atletico Madrid have been the third contender in a two-team league. Their La Liga title in 2014 marks the only interruption in the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly since 2005.

But Atletico moved to the top this weekend after beating Valladolid 2-0 on Saturday and helped by the failings of others.

The immediate victims were Real Sociedad, who started the weekend in first but deprived of injured striker Mikel Oyarzabal could only draw 0-0 at Alaves.

But Atletico are profiting from the inconsistency of Real Madrid, who reversed a series of bad results by eking out a 1-0 win at Sevilla to stay fourth and the Liga meltdown at Barcelona who lost 2-1 at Cadiz and are ninth.

Atletico meanwhile are settling into a menacing groove. They have won seven straight in La Liga and conceded just two goals in 10 league games.

However, coach Diego Simeone is not prepared to talk about titles. "In football we live for what is going to happen in the next week," he said.

<h2>- Rivals keep heat on PSG -</h2>

Five points separate the top six in France, where defending champions Paris Saint-Germain find themselves under increasing pressure from in-form Lyon and Marseille, as well as Lille.&nbsp;

Late goals from Moise Kean and Kylian Mbappe, his 100th for the club, secured a 3-1 win at Montpellier to keep PSG top after they were in danger of going three Ligue 1 games without a victory for the first time since April 2019.&nbsp;

Lyon and Lille will both have the chance to test PSG's mettle later this month while Marseille, despite their woeful Champions League campaign, could supplant their bitter rivals in first place by winning their two games in hand.

<h2>- Do AC Milan dare to dream? -</h2>

AC Milan are doggedly holding onto their five-point lead at the top of Serie A after beating Sampdoria 2-1 on Sunday and their success-starved supporters might finally be starting to dream.

Franck Kessie's penalty just before half-time and Samu Castillejo's goal in the 77th minute were enough for the seven-time European champions to keep local rivals Inter Milan firmly in second place. They didn't even need the absent Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Milan dominated Italian and European football in the 1990s, winning five Serie A titles in eight years with a sparkling team including Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi.

But their last Italian title dates back to 2011.

<h2>- Leverkusen going under the radar -</h2>

Peter Bosz's Bayer Leverkusen have quietly emerged as the closest challengers to Bayern Munich in Germany, despite the sale of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland.&nbsp;

Leverkusen are one of two unbeaten teams in the Bundesliga, along with Wolfsburg, and made it six wins in seven with Sunday's 3-0 defeat of hapless Schalke, leaving them a point adrift of Bayern.

They have largely relied on the goals of Argentine striker Lucas Alario, although had to make do without their top scorer this weekend due to injury.

Instead, Patrik Schick, the club's headline summer signing, scored his first goal since returning from a spell of his own on the sidelines.

The fans returned in England, the top-of-the-table clash in Germany ended in a draw, La Liga has an unfamiliar look and AC Milan are five points clear in Serie A.

The fans returned in England, the top-of-the-table clash in Germany ended in a draw, La Liga has an unfamiliar look and AC Milan are five points clear in Serie A. AFP looks at five talking points from around the continent this weekend. - The sound of a few fans clapping - Fans were allowed back into games in the Britain for the first time since March, but only in those regions where the latest coronavirus wave is deemed less serious. That meant 2,000 fans at the three Premier League games in London and at Liverpool. "When we came out we all had goosebumps," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea all responded with comfortable victories to remain in that order at the top of the table. The fans did their best to make a noise. "You'll Never Walk Alone", poignant in the circumstances, rang out at Anfield as Liverpool beat Wolves. "It was very emotional, after 10 months without that it is a wonderful, wonderful sign," said Klopp. "I never knew it could feel that good." But there was also a reminder of English football's troubled history with its fan base as masked supporters at second-tier Millwall booed as players took a knee before kick-off. - Atletico profit - In recent years, Atletico Madrid have been the third contender in a two-team league. Their La Liga title in 2014 marks the only interruption in the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly since 2005. But Atletico moved to the top this weekend after beating Valladolid 2-0 on Saturday and helped by the failings of others. The immediate victims were Real Sociedad, who started the weekend in first but deprived of injured striker Mikel Oyarzabal could only draw 0-0 at Alaves. But Atletico are profiting from the inconsistency of Real Madrid, who reversed a series of bad results by eking out a 1-0 win at Sevilla to stay fourth and the Liga meltdown at Barcelona who lost 2-1 at Cadiz and are ninth. Atletico meanwhile are settling into a menacing groove. They have won seven straight in La Liga and conceded just two goals in 10 league games. However, coach Diego Simeone is not prepared to talk about titles. "In football we live for what is going to happen in the next week," he said. - Rivals keep heat on PSG - Five points separate the top six in France, where defending champions Paris Saint-Germain find themselves under increasing pressure from in-form Lyon and Marseille, as well as Lille. Late goals from Moise Kean and Kylian Mbappe, his 100th for the club, secured a 3-1 win at Montpellier to keep PSG top after they were in danger of going three Ligue 1 games without a victory for the first time since April 2019. Lyon and Lille will both have the chance to test PSG's mettle later this month while Marseille, despite their woeful Champions League campaign, could supplant their bitter rivals in first place by winning their two games in hand. - Do AC Milan dare to dream? - AC Milan are doggedly holding onto their five-point lead at the top of Serie A after beating Sampdoria 2-1 on Sunday and their success-starved supporters might finally be starting to dream. Franck Kessie's penalty just before half-time and Samu Castillejo's goal in the 77th minute were enough for the seven-time European champions to keep local rivals Inter Milan firmly in second place. They didn't even need the absent Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Milan dominated Italian and European football in the 1990s, winning five Serie A titles in eight years with a sparkling team including Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi. But their last Italian title dates back to 2011. - Leverkusen going under the radar - Peter Bosz's Bayer Leverkusen have quietly emerged as the closest challengers to Bayern Munich in Germany, despite the sale of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland. Leverkusen are one of two unbeaten teams in the Bundesliga, along with Wolfsburg, and made it six wins in seven with Sunday's 3-0 defeat of hapless Schalke, leaving them a point adrift of Bayern. They have largely relied on the goals of Argentine striker Lucas Alario, although had to make do without their top scorer this weekend due to injury. Instead, Patrik Schick, the club's headline summer signing, scored his first goal since returning from a spell of his own on the sidelines.

Fans back, Atletico, AC Milan: European football talking points

The footballing world was left shocked to see Millwall supporters boo players taking a knee before their match to Derby County on Saturday. However, Millwall’s official fan club has said that boos were not motivated by racism.

Millwall fans were heavily slammed by the Football Association (FA), Kick it Out – a campaign to free the English game of racism – and many others including former players, pundits and fans at Saturday’s Championship match.

Millwall said they were “dismayed and saddened” by the boos of the fans while adding that the players would continue to take a knee before the matches in a bid “to support the drive for change, not just in football but in society generally”.

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Millwall booing the knee😐 <a href="https://t.co/v3qfXRmf0Z">pic.twitter.com/v3qfXRmf0Z</a>
— Oliver⚒🎄 (@HammerzOliver) <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerzOliver/status/1335244473069088774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Millwall Supporters’ Club, in a statement on Sunday, said the boos were aimed at the ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) organisation, which it said held “extreme political views”.

"We fervently believe that the motives of those behind the booing were not racist," the Supporters' club said in a statement here.

“However, at a time of heightened awareness and with the country watching, the choice of those individuals was always going to damage their club and be perceived by the media as racist.

“Anyone who believes it was a racist act should read the views of those who booed and see they were doing it in reaction to the war memorials and statues of (Winston) Churchill defaced by the BLM organisation and the extreme political views they hold and for which ‘taking the knee’ is associated with.”

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Players in England, including the ones participating in the Premier League, have been taking a knee before matches since June in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement which spread worldwide following the death of George Floyd under police custody in Minneapolis in May.

The Premier League and Football League have since tied the kneeling gesture to their anti-racism campaigns, including ‘No Room for Racism’.&nbsp;

“These same fans have never booed the Kick It Out campaigns on our pitch or the huge work of the Millwall Community Trust and its many anti-racism campaigns,” added the supporters’ club.

However, it backed calls for steps to deal with racism and said “the action needed was not to boo the gesture.”

Not just that, fans also booed the kneeling gesture at Colchester United’s League Two (fourth-tier) match at home to Grimsby Town on Saturday with the club’s owner and chairman Robbie Cowling saying that fans opposing the anti-racism movement were not welcome at matches.&nbsp;

"Maybe those that booed on Saturday might now understand what this gesture means to our club and will at the very least remain silent during future games whilst the players continue to take the knee before each kick-off," he wrote in a statement here on the club's website.

“Alternatively, they should just stay away from our club because anyone that still wants to boo now that I have explained the purpose and importance of the taking of the knee is not welcome at our club.”

The footballing world was left shocked to see Millwall supporters boo players taking a knee before their match to Derby County on Saturday. However, Millwall’s official fan club has said that boos were not motivated by racism.

The footballing world was left shocked to see Millwall supporters boo players taking a knee before their match to Derby County on Saturday. However, Millwall’s official fan club has said that boos were not motivated by racism. Millwall fans were heavily slammed by the Football Association (FA), Kick it Out – a campaign to free the English game of racism – and many others including former players, pundits and fans at Saturday’s Championship match. Millwall said they were “dismayed and saddened” by the boos of the fans while adding that the players would continue to take a knee before the matches in a bid “to support the drive for change, not just in football but in society generally”. Millwall booing the knee😐 pic.twitter.com/v3qfXRmf0Z — Oliver⚒🎄 (@HammerzOliver) December 5, 2020 × ALSO READ: England's tour of South Africa called off after COVID-19 outbreak Millwall Supporters’ Club, in a statement on Sunday, said the boos were aimed at the ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) organisation, which it said held “extreme political views”. "We fervently believe that the motives of those behind the booing were not racist," the Supporters' club said in a statement here. “However, at a time of heightened awareness and with the country watching, the choice of those individuals was always going to damage their club and be perceived by the media as racist. “Anyone who believes it was a racist act should read the views of those who booed and see they were doing it in reaction to the war memorials and statues of (Winston) Churchill defaced by the BLM organisation and the extreme political views they hold and for which ‘taking the knee’ is associated with.” ALSO READ: Liverpool spark Anfield party to join Spurs at top of Premier League Players in England, including the ones participating in the Premier League, have been taking a knee before matches since June in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement which spread worldwide following the death of George Floyd under police custody in Minneapolis in May. The Premier League and Football League have since tied the kneeling gesture to their anti-racism campaigns, including ‘No Room for Racism’. “These same fans have never booed the Kick It Out campaigns on our pitch or the huge work of the Millwall Community Trust and its many anti-racism campaigns,” added the supporters’ club. However, it backed calls for steps to deal with racism and said “the action needed was not to boo the gesture.” Not just that, fans also booed the kneeling gesture at Colchester United’s League Two (fourth-tier) match at home to Grimsby Town on Saturday with the club’s owner and chairman Robbie Cowling saying that fans opposing the anti-racism movement were not welcome at matches. "Maybe those that booed on Saturday might now understand what this gesture means to our club and will at the very least remain silent during future games whilst the players continue to take the knee before each kick-off," he wrote in a statement here on the club's website. “Alternatively, they should just stay away from our club because anyone that still wants to boo now that I have explained the purpose and importance of the taking of the knee is not welcome at our club.”

Millwall fans club says booing players taking a knee to support BLM was not racist

Liverpool turned on the style for their returning fans on Sunday, beating Wolves 4-0 to join Tottenham at the top of the Premier League after another episode of the Son Heung-min and Harry Kane show.

Jurgen Klopp's men had not had the chance to play in front of their supporters since they ended their 30-year wait to be crowned English champions but made up for lost time.

"You'll Never Walk Alone" rang out around Anfield as 2,000 home fans -- the maximum allowed under coronavirus rules -- witnessed strikes from Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joel Matip and an own goal.

Earlier, Jose Mourinho's Spurs beat faltering Arsenal 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Leicester, who ended the day in fourth spot, struck late to beat rock-bottom Sheffield United 2-1.

Liverpool and Wolves both looked dangerous on the counter-attack in the early stages of the late game at Anfield, with the home side taking the lead when Salah capitalised on an error by Wolves captain Conor Coady.

Wijnaldum made it 2-0 with a wonderful curled finish shortly before the hour mark and Matip put the game beyond Wolves with a close-range header before the late own goal from Nelson Semedo.

Liverpool have now won 31 of their past 32 home league games, scoring 93 goals while conceding just 25.

"The game, the atmosphere, it was so nice I had goosebumps," an emotional Klopp told the BBC. "They started 'You'll Never Walk Alone' -- really nice. I never knew it could feel that good.

"This started in February and we were waiting to get normality back. Normality is good -- I don't think we appreciated it as much. It was very, very touching."

<h2>- Deadly duo -</h2>

The Spurs-Arsenal match was dominated by Son and Kane, who have shredded defences this season.

Tottenham took the lead in the north London derby in the 13th minute with a wonder goal from the South Korean, who curled a brilliant long-range effort into the top corner after being set free down the left by Kane.

The home side, also playing in front of fans, doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as they took apart their local rivals on the break.

Giovani Lo Celso played in Son, who returned the earlier favour to tee up Kane to smash in from close range.

Son and Kane have now combined for 31 Premier League goals, the second most of any pair after Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (36).

Tottenham, who have not lost a league match since the opening day of the season, now have 24 points after 11 matches, level with Liverpool and two clear of Chelsea.

Mourinho praised his star forwards for their all-round contribution.

"Harry Kane clearing balls in the box, Sonny for the first 60 minutes as a winger and then a second striker -- it is not just about scoring goals and being world-class players," he told Sky Sports. "It is about being great guys and doing your best for the team.

"We grew up. I can imagine lots of people can imagine three matches in a row -- against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal -- would be a moment for us to drop points and go back to 'normality' but we didn't go back to 'normality', we are there."

Arsenal, by contrast, are now 15th in the Premier League following their sixth defeat of the season, and struggling badly for goals.

Leicester ended a four-game winless run in all competitions at an empty Bramall Lane to push the Blades closer to a return to the Championship.

Clubs in tier-three areas of England, with tougher coronavirus restrictions, still have to play behind closed doors, while tier-two zones such as London and Liverpool can have crowds of up to 2,000.

Jamie Vardy kept his cool when through one-on-one and beat Aaron Ramsdale with a confident right-foot finish in the 90th minute.

Ayoze Perez had put Brendan Rodgers's men in front before Oli McBurnie headed an equaliser for Sheffield United, who now have just one point from 11 games.

In the first match of the day, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke both scored twice as Crystal Palace made West Brom pay for Matheus Pereira's first-half red card in a 5-1 rout at the Hawthorns.

&nbsp;

Liverpool turned on the style for their returning fans on Sunday, beating Wolves 4-0 to join Tottenham at the top of the Premier League after another episode of the Son Heung-min and Harry Kane show.

Liverpool turned on the style for their returning fans on Sunday, beating Wolves 4-0 to join Tottenham at the top of the Premier League after another episode of the Son Heung-min and Harry Kane show. Jurgen Klopp's men had not had the chance to play in front of their supporters since they ended their 30-year wait to be crowned English champions but made up for lost time. "You'll Never Walk Alone" rang out around Anfield as 2,000 home fans -- the maximum allowed under coronavirus rules -- witnessed strikes from Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joel Matip and an own goal. Earlier, Jose Mourinho's Spurs beat faltering Arsenal 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Leicester, who ended the day in fourth spot, struck late to beat rock-bottom Sheffield United 2-1. Liverpool and Wolves both looked dangerous on the counter-attack in the early stages of the late game at Anfield, with the home side taking the lead when Salah capitalised on an error by Wolves captain Conor Coady. Wijnaldum made it 2-0 with a wonderful curled finish shortly before the hour mark and Matip put the game beyond Wolves with a close-range header before the late own goal from Nelson Semedo. Liverpool have now won 31 of their past 32 home league games, scoring 93 goals while conceding just 25. "The game, the atmosphere, it was so nice I had goosebumps," an emotional Klopp told the BBC. "They started 'You'll Never Walk Alone' -- really nice. I never knew it could feel that good. "This started in February and we were waiting to get normality back. Normality is good -- I don't think we appreciated it as much. It was very, very touching." - Deadly duo - The Spurs-Arsenal match was dominated by Son and Kane, who have shredded defences this season. Tottenham took the lead in the north London derby in the 13th minute with a wonder goal from the South Korean, who curled a brilliant long-range effort into the top corner after being set free down the left by Kane. The home side, also playing in front of fans, doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as they took apart their local rivals on the break. Giovani Lo Celso played in Son, who returned the earlier favour to tee up Kane to smash in from close range. Son and Kane have now combined for 31 Premier League goals, the second most of any pair after Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (36). Tottenham, who have not lost a league match since the opening day of the season, now have 24 points after 11 matches, level with Liverpool and two clear of Chelsea. Mourinho praised his star forwards for their all-round contribution. "Harry Kane clearing balls in the box, Sonny for the first 60 minutes as a winger and then a second striker -- it is not just about scoring goals and being world-class players," he told Sky Sports. "It is about being great guys and doing your best for the team. "We grew up. I can imagine lots of people can imagine three matches in a row -- against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal -- would be a moment for us to drop points and go back to 'normality' but we didn't go back to 'normality', we are there." Arsenal, by contrast, are now 15th in the Premier League following their sixth defeat of the season, and struggling badly for goals. Leicester ended a four-game winless run in all competitions at an empty Bramall Lane to push the Blades closer to a return to the Championship. Clubs in tier-three areas of England, with tougher coronavirus restrictions, still have to play behind closed doors, while tier-two zones such as London and Liverpool can have crowds of up to 2,000. Jamie Vardy kept his cool when through one-on-one and beat Aaron Ramsdale with a confident right-foot finish in the 90th minute. Ayoze Perez had put Brendan Rodgers's men in front before Oli McBurnie headed an equaliser for Sheffield United, who now have just one point from 11 games. In the first match of the day, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke both scored twice as Crystal Palace made West Brom pay for Matheus Pereira's first-half red card in a 5-1 rout at the Hawthorns.

Liverpool spark Anfield party to join Spurs at top of Premier League

Lionel Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has enthralled football for the better part of a decade, and the pair will duel for potentially the final time when Barcelona host Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The two titans of the modern game, who split ownership of the Ballon d'Or between 2008-2017, were the talismans of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid until Ronaldo left the Spanish capital for Juventus in 2018.

After the Portuguese forward arrived from Manchester United in 2009, El Clasico became synonymous with his rivalry with Barcelona captain Messi.

Since Ronaldo's departure, the fixture has lost some of its glamour, leaving the football world eager for the pair to be pitted against each other again.

Those hopes were frustrated earlier in the group phase, with Ronaldo missing Barcelona's 2-0 win in Turin after testing positive for Covid-19. Messi scored with a penalty. They are poised to meet again this week.

Both sides have already qualified for the last 16 from Group G but Juventus can overtake Barcelona if they win at Camp Nou by three goals or more, or by any two-goal margin other than 2-0.

Ronaldo and Messi are in the latter phases of their careers, at 35 and 33 respectively, but both retain their elite status.

Messi has six Ballons d'Or to his name and is the current holder, while Ronaldo finished third in the 2019 awards, boasting five.

<h2>- Ronaldo thriving -</h2>

He is thriving in Italy, having quickly become key for Juventus, who presented him with a commemorative shirt on Saturday to recognise his 750th career goal, ahead of a 2-1 win over neighbours Torino.

"Ronaldo is the top player for mentality," his former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri told The Times.

"Ronaldo has a different head to everyone. He's won five Ballons d'Or, five Champions Leagues and one European Championship for Portugal, and that is so difficult, and it's always him making the difference. Every year he has a new objective."

Ronaldo netted 21 goals in his debut season for Allegri to take Juventus to the title, followed by 31 last season under Maurizio Sarri as they lifted the Scudetto for the 36th time.

With eight goals in six appearances this season for Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down. By contrast, Messi is struggling in Spain.

The Barcelona forward tried to escape this summer but his club refused to let him leave and Messi appears an uncomfortable fit in new coach Ronald Koeman's tactical plans, and far from his decisive best.

Barcelona are enduring their worst start to a league season for 33 years and Messi's inconsistency is part of the problem, with four goals in 10 appearances and two of those from the penalty spot.

Carles Tusquets, president of the managing board in charge before club elections in January, said he would have sold Messi in the summer, economically speaking.

"Financially, him leaving would been good for the club," Tusquets told Catalunya Radio. "We'd be better off because we said that his salary is the highest in the world. Nothing could be truer."

However, the Argentina forward, who failed to find the net in a dismal 2-1 defeat by promoted side Cadiz on Saturday, remains, and the chance to joust with his old foe Ronaldo may rouse him.

While Ronaldo was in Spain he and Messi drove each other to greater and greater heights, in what was football's greatest rivalry between individuals. On Tuesday, they cross swords once again, perhaps as a last encore.

Lionel Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has enthralled football for the better part of a decade, and the pair will duel for potentially the final time when Barcelona host Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has enthralled football for the better part of a decade, and the pair will duel for potentially the final time when Barcelona host Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday. The two titans of the modern game, who split ownership of the Ballon d'Or between 2008-2017, were the talismans of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid until Ronaldo left the Spanish capital for Juventus in 2018. After the Portuguese forward arrived from Manchester United in 2009, El Clasico became synonymous with his rivalry with Barcelona captain Messi. Since Ronaldo's departure, the fixture has lost some of its glamour, leaving the football world eager for the pair to be pitted against each other again. Those hopes were frustrated earlier in the group phase, with Ronaldo missing Barcelona's 2-0 win in Turin after testing positive for Covid-19. Messi scored with a penalty. They are poised to meet again this week. Both sides have already qualified for the last 16 from Group G but Juventus can overtake Barcelona if they win at Camp Nou by three goals or more, or by any two-goal margin other than 2-0. Ronaldo and Messi are in the latter phases of their careers, at 35 and 33 respectively, but both retain their elite status. Messi has six Ballons d'Or to his name and is the current holder, while Ronaldo finished third in the 2019 awards, boasting five. - Ronaldo thriving - He is thriving in Italy, having quickly become key for Juventus, who presented him with a commemorative shirt on Saturday to recognise his 750th career goal, ahead of a 2-1 win over neighbours Torino. "Ronaldo is the top player for mentality," his former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri told The Times. "Ronaldo has a different head to everyone. He's won five Ballons d'Or, five Champions Leagues and one European Championship for Portugal, and that is so difficult, and it's always him making the difference. Every year he has a new objective." Ronaldo netted 21 goals in his debut season for Allegri to take Juventus to the title, followed by 31 last season under Maurizio Sarri as they lifted the Scudetto for the 36th time. With eight goals in six appearances this season for Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down. By contrast, Messi is struggling in Spain. The Barcelona forward tried to escape this summer but his club refused to let him leave and Messi appears an uncomfortable fit in new coach Ronald Koeman's tactical plans, and far from his decisive best. Barcelona are enduring their worst start to a league season for 33 years and Messi's inconsistency is part of the problem, with four goals in 10 appearances and two of those from the penalty spot. Carles Tusquets, president of the managing board in charge before club elections in January, said he would have sold Messi in the summer, economically speaking. "Financially, him leaving would been good for the club," Tusquets told Catalunya Radio. "We'd be better off because we said that his salary is the highest in the world. Nothing could be truer." However, the Argentina forward, who failed to find the net in a dismal 2-1 defeat by promoted side Cadiz on Saturday, remains, and the chance to joust with his old foe Ronaldo may rouse him. While Ronaldo was in Spain he and Messi drove each other to greater and greater heights, in what was football's greatest rivalry between individuals. On Tuesday, they cross swords once again, perhaps as a last encore.

Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League

For the first time in 270 days, fans were back inside a Premier League ground as Arsenal welcomed 2,000 supporters into the Emirates for Thursday's routine 4-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.

The sparse crowd in a 60,000 capacity stadium were well distanced between two stands and in high spirits despite the Gunners' poor form of late in the English top-flight.

"I'm delighted to have fans back they make a huge difference," said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.

"We had 2,000 but they were loud and they were supportive to the team so thanks to them for coming and making the effort."

Outside the ground before kick-off fans held up a banner reading: "Home at last, Thank you NHS" in tribute to those working on the front line battling coronavirus in the health service.

Arsenal's last home match with a crowd was back in March prior to a three-month stoppage of the sport due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Since returning in June, English top-flight football has been played behind closed doors with Arsenal fans missing out on seeing their side win the FA Cup and Community Shield at Wembley.

"It's been a long nine months since the last game," said Javed Singh. "I'm excited, it's a bit of a dead rubber game but good to be back in the stadium. Just great to see a game in person."

Despite Arsenal having already booked their place in the Europa League knockout stages, demand from fans to be one of the lucky few back through the gates crashed the club website on Saturday morning.

"It's one of those games you will look back on that we were the first ones in the stadium," said Dan Anderson, who attended the game with his brother as normal.

"It's just getting back to normal. You work hard all week and to have that reward to be able to go to a game at the weekend or at night is what you want."

However, it was not a return to normality for everyone. Pubs that would typically be crammed with fans on matchday around the stadium remained shut with&nbsp;London still under tier two restrictions meaning alcohol cannot be served without food.

Restrictions remain even tighter in other parts of England in Tier three such as Manchester and Birmingham where fans remain shut out.

"Football is all about you, the fans - we have missed you and we are so happy to be welcoming you back," said Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a video played before kick-off.

<h2>- Gunnersauras saved from extinction -</h2>

Club mascot Gunnersaurus was also back after the controversy that saw the club employee, Jerry Quy, who played the role since 1993, let go amid cost-cutting measures before Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil stepped in to cover his salary.

Playing an entire season without crowds would cost Premier League clubs an estimated £700 million ($941 million) and the need to make the most of the fans' return was evident with Arsenal's "Armoury" club shop reopened.

The atmosphere inspired a much-changed side on the field as Arteta looked ahead of Sunday's North London derby against Premier League leaders Tottenham.

Spurs were the target of the first chants once the action got underway, showing some things never change no matter the circumstances.

There was soon something to cheer as Alexandre Lacazette smashed in a stunning long-range strike top open the scoring on 10 minutes and ran to celebrate in front of the fans.

"It's just great to have that sound back and have our 12th man back," said Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Pablo Mari quickly headed home a second on his first appearance since March.

Eddie Nketiah added a third before half-time before Kohya Kitagawa's consolation for the Austrians drew pantomime boos from the crowd.

Substitute Emile Smith Rowe rounded off the scoring on a night that will be best remembered for what happened off the field.

For the first time in 270 days, fans were back inside a Premier League ground as Arsenal welcomed 2,000 supporters into the Emirates for Thursday's routine 4-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.

For the first time in 270 days, fans were back inside a Premier League ground as Arsenal welcomed 2,000 supporters into the Emirates for Thursday's routine 4-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna. The sparse crowd in a 60,000 capacity stadium were well distanced between two stands and in high spirits despite the Gunners' poor form of late in the English top-flight. "I'm delighted to have fans back they make a huge difference," said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. "We had 2,000 but they were loud and they were supportive to the team so thanks to them for coming and making the effort." Outside the ground before kick-off fans held up a banner reading: "Home at last, Thank you NHS" in tribute to those working on the front line battling coronavirus in the health service. Arsenal's last home match with a crowd was back in March prior to a three-month stoppage of the sport due to the pandemic. Since returning in June, English top-flight football has been played behind closed doors with Arsenal fans missing out on seeing their side win the FA Cup and Community Shield at Wembley. "It's been a long nine months since the last game," said Javed Singh. "I'm excited, it's a bit of a dead rubber game but good to be back in the stadium. Just great to see a game in person." Despite Arsenal having already booked their place in the Europa League knockout stages, demand from fans to be one of the lucky few back through the gates crashed the club website on Saturday morning. "It's one of those games you will look back on that we were the first ones in the stadium," said Dan Anderson, who attended the game with his brother as normal. "It's just getting back to normal. You work hard all week and to have that reward to be able to go to a game at the weekend or at night is what you want." However, it was not a return to normality for everyone. Pubs that would typically be crammed with fans on matchday around the stadium remained shut with London still under tier two restrictions meaning alcohol cannot be served without food. Restrictions remain even tighter in other parts of England in Tier three such as Manchester and Birmingham where fans remain shut out. "Football is all about you, the fans - we have missed you and we are so happy to be welcoming you back," said Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a video played before kick-off. - Gunnersauras saved from extinction - Club mascot Gunnersaurus was also back after the controversy that saw the club employee, Jerry Quy, who played the role since 1993, let go amid cost-cutting measures before Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil stepped in to cover his salary. Playing an entire season without crowds would cost Premier League clubs an estimated £700 million ($941 million) and the need to make the most of the fans' return was evident with Arsenal's "Armoury" club shop reopened. The atmosphere inspired a much-changed side on the field as Arteta looked ahead of Sunday's North London derby against Premier League leaders Tottenham. Spurs were the target of the first chants once the action got underway, showing some things never change no matter the circumstances. There was soon something to cheer as Alexandre Lacazette smashed in a stunning long-range strike top open the scoring on 10 minutes and ran to celebrate in front of the fans. "It's just great to have that sound back and have our 12th man back," said Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Pablo Mari quickly headed home a second on his first appearance since March. Eddie Nketiah added a third before half-time before Kohya Kitagawa's consolation for the Austrians drew pantomime boos from the crowd. Substitute Emile Smith Rowe rounded off the scoring on a night that will be best remembered for what happened off the field.

Arsenal win on fans' return to top level football in England

The inaugural Autumn Nations Cup finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham final on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators -- the first time since the coronavirus pandemic that fans have been let into the ground.

Below AFP Sport looks at some of the key issues heading into the tournament's concluding play-off matches:

<h2>'Le Crunch' loses its bite?</h2>

A final between Six Nations champions England and France, the only team to beat them this year, should be a cause for huge excitement yet it's generating fears of a mismatch.

Following a threat of legal action by the French Top 14 clubs, unhappy at the lack of consultation over the revised calendar created in response to the pandemic, it was agreed their France stars could feature on three match sheets during the six Tests that now constitute les Bleus' end-of-year schedule.

France started the international window with a warm-up win over Wales, a week before the Covid-interrupted Six Nations resumed.

Of the matchday 23 that day, only fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, an unused replacement, survives among a talented but youthful 31-man squad for the game at Twickenham.

Nevertheless, England coach Eddie Jones, who saw his side beaten 24-17 by France in Paris in February in their first match since their World Cup final loss to South Africa, said: "The French have always got a tough forward pack so we are going to have beat them up, up front.

"They were too good for us on that day (in February)."

Meanwhile, France coach Fabien Galthie said of an experienced England that they were "possibly the best team in the world right now because South Africa aren't playing".

The last time, however, there were so many fears for France's chances at Twickenham was a 1999 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand where, with Christophe Dominici -- who died aged 48 last week -- scoring one of their tries, they overturned a 14-point deficit to beat the All Blacks 43-31.

<h2>Ireland-Scotland intrigue</h2>

Saturday sees old rivals Ireland and Scotland contesting the third place play-off in Dublin, with the Irish looking for a morale-boosting win after several lacklustre displays since Andy Farrell succeeded Joe Schmidt as head coach following the World Cup.

Farrell has recalled Johnny Sexton after the fly-half missed an 18-7 defeat by England and last week's scrappy 23-10 win over Georgia with a hamstring strain.

"Johnny coming back is a big boost for the lads," said Farrell.

An improving Scotland will be bidding for a first win on Irish soil in 10 years after losing 19-1 in Dublin during the Six Nations.

<h2>Wales worries</h2>

Wales head into their match with Italy having lost seven of their nine Tests under coach Wayne Pivac and even a thumping win is unlikely to ease the pressure on the New Zealander.

George North, normally a wing, is in midfield after his last Wales start in the centres came during a 42-0 thrashing of Italy in February.

Wales' problems at the scrum are reflected in Pivac's decision to select a brand new front row following a 24-13 defeat by England.

"From the outset we wanted this campaign to be about giving players opportunity and we have done that," said Pivac.

Australia-born wing 'Monty' Ioane, the nephew of former Wallaby Digby Ioane, makes his Test debut for Italy, with Wales-born Stephen Varney their scrum-half.

<h2>Fiji feature at last</h2>

Fiji make a long-awaited tournament debut after coronavirus -- the reason for the tournament's existence after major southern hemisphere nations cancelled their European tours amid the pandemic -- wiped out all of their pool matches.

They will be up against a Georgia team whose gutsy showing against Ireland demonstrated the value of second-tier nations being exposed to a run of games against top-class opposition.

The inaugural Autumn Nations Cup finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham final on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators -- the first time since the coronavirus pandemic that fans have been let into the ground.

The inaugural Autumn Nations Cup finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham final on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators -- the first time since the coronavirus pandemic that fans have been let into the ground. Below AFP Sport looks at some of the key issues heading into the tournament's concluding play-off matches: 'Le Crunch' loses its bite? A final between Six Nations champions England and France, the only team to beat them this year, should be a cause for huge excitement yet it's generating fears of a mismatch. Following a threat of legal action by the French Top 14 clubs, unhappy at the lack of consultation over the revised calendar created in response to the pandemic, it was agreed their France stars could feature on three match sheets during the six Tests that now constitute les Bleus' end-of-year schedule. France started the international window with a warm-up win over Wales, a week before the Covid-interrupted Six Nations resumed. Of the matchday 23 that day, only fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, an unused replacement, survives among a talented but youthful 31-man squad for the game at Twickenham. Nevertheless, England coach Eddie Jones, who saw his side beaten 24-17 by France in Paris in February in their first match since their World Cup final loss to South Africa, said: "The French have always got a tough forward pack so we are going to have beat them up, up front. "They were too good for us on that day (in February)." Meanwhile, France coach Fabien Galthie said of an experienced England that they were "possibly the best team in the world right now because South Africa aren't playing". The last time, however, there were so many fears for France's chances at Twickenham was a 1999 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand where, with Christophe Dominici -- who died aged 48 last week -- scoring one of their tries, they overturned a 14-point deficit to beat the All Blacks 43-31. Ireland-Scotland intrigue Saturday sees old rivals Ireland and Scotland contesting the third place play-off in Dublin, with the Irish looking for a morale-boosting win after several lacklustre displays since Andy Farrell succeeded Joe Schmidt as head coach following the World Cup. Farrell has recalled Johnny Sexton after the fly-half missed an 18-7 defeat by England and last week's scrappy 23-10 win over Georgia with a hamstring strain. "Johnny coming back is a big boost for the lads," said Farrell. An improving Scotland will be bidding for a first win on Irish soil in 10 years after losing 19-1 in Dublin during the Six Nations. Wales worries Wales head into their match with Italy having lost seven of their nine Tests under coach Wayne Pivac and even a thumping win is unlikely to ease the pressure on the New Zealander. George North, normally a wing, is in midfield after his last Wales start in the centres came during a 42-0 thrashing of Italy in February. Wales' problems at the scrum are reflected in Pivac's decision to select a brand new front row following a 24-13 defeat by England. "From the outset we wanted this campaign to be about giving players opportunity and we have done that," said Pivac. Australia-born wing 'Monty' Ioane, the nephew of former Wallaby Digby Ioane, makes his Test debut for Italy, with Wales-born Stephen Varney their scrum-half. Fiji feature at last Fiji make a long-awaited tournament debut after coronavirus -- the reason for the tournament's existence after major southern hemisphere nations cancelled their European tours amid the pandemic -- wiped out all of their pool matches. They will be up against a Georgia team whose gutsy showing against Ireland demonstrated the value of second-tier nations being exposed to a run of games against top-class opposition.

England face depleted France in Nations Cup final flourish

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane takes his side to Sevilla in La Liga this weekend days insisting he is not planning on resigning despite a disastrous recent run.

Madrid have won just once in La Liga since October and also lost at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions on Tuesday and must beat Borussia Moenchengladbach next week to advance.

Real have drawn with in-form Villarreal, were edged out at lowly Alaves and were hammered at Valencia since their last league victory leaving the champions in fourth place, seven points off leaders Real Sociedad.&nbsp;

"I have the strength needed to turn the situation around and I am going to give everything to do that, so are the players," Zidane said after the loss in Ukraine.

"We have to lift ourselves up and think about the next match. We're on a bad run, there's nothing else to do other than think about the next match and go ahead.

"In difficult moments, you have to show character," he added.

Local press have linked former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Madrid forward Raul forward to the Frenchman's job.

According to newspaper AS captain Sergio Ramos called a squad meeting this week, with Zidane absent, telling team-mates to give "an extra push until the end of the year."

"This is Real Madrid, gentlemen. Together, we've come out of worse," Ramos reportedly said ahead of the trip to Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan where they have lost on six of their last eight visits.

Saturday's hosts went unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight throughout November after a sluggish start to the season under former Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.

Spain playmaker Suso is set to return for the Europa League champions after being sidelined for six weeks with a muscle injury.

<h2>Player to watch: Joao Felix</h2>

The Portugal attacker is on the verge of equalling his last season's goal tally for Atletico Madrid, when he hit nine.

His 126 million euros fee, second for a teenager behind the amount Paris Saint-Germain paid for Kylian Mbappe, put pressure on Felix and he failed to settle in his first campaign in the Spanish capital missing 13 games through injury.

On Saturday, Atletico host 17th-place Real Valladolid and a win could send them top temporarily with Sociedad heading to Alaves a day later.

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (2000)

Saturday

Levante v Getafe (1300), Sevilla v Real Madrid (1515), Atletico Madrid v Real Valladolid (1730), Cadiz v Barcelona (2000)

Sunday

Granada v Huesca (1300), Osasuna v Real Betis (1515), Villarreal v Elche (1730), Deportivo Alaves v Real Sociedad (2000)

Monday

Eibar v Valencia (2000)

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane takes his side to Sevilla in La Liga this weekend days insisting he is not planning on resigning despite a disastrous recent run.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane takes his side to Sevilla in La Liga this weekend days insisting he is not planning on resigning despite a disastrous recent run. Madrid have won just once in La Liga since October and also lost at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions on Tuesday and must beat Borussia Moenchengladbach next week to advance. Real have drawn with in-form Villarreal, were edged out at lowly Alaves and were hammered at Valencia since their last league victory leaving the champions in fourth place, seven points off leaders Real Sociedad. "I have the strength needed to turn the situation around and I am going to give everything to do that, so are the players," Zidane said after the loss in Ukraine. "We have to lift ourselves up and think about the next match. We're on a bad run, there's nothing else to do other than think about the next match and go ahead. "In difficult moments, you have to show character," he added. Local press have linked former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Madrid forward Raul forward to the Frenchman's job. According to newspaper AS captain Sergio Ramos called a squad meeting this week, with Zidane absent, telling team-mates to give "an extra push until the end of the year." "This is Real Madrid, gentlemen. Together, we've come out of worse," Ramos reportedly said ahead of the trip to Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan where they have lost on six of their last eight visits. Saturday's hosts went unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight throughout November after a sluggish start to the season under former Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui. Spain playmaker Suso is set to return for the Europa League champions after being sidelined for six weeks with a muscle injury. Player to watch: Joao Felix The Portugal attacker is on the verge of equalling his last season's goal tally for Atletico Madrid, when he hit nine. His 126 million euros fee, second for a teenager behind the amount Paris Saint-Germain paid for Kylian Mbappe, put pressure on Felix and he failed to settle in his first campaign in the Spanish capital missing 13 games through injury. On Saturday, Atletico host 17th-place Real Valladolid and a win could send them top temporarily with Sociedad heading to Alaves a day later. Fixtures Friday (all times GMT) Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (2000) Saturday Levante v Getafe (1300), Sevilla v Real Madrid (1515), Atletico Madrid v Real Valladolid (1730), Cadiz v Barcelona (2000) Sunday Granada v Huesca (1300), Osasuna v Real Betis (1515), Villarreal v Elche (1730), Deportivo Alaves v Real Sociedad (2000) Monday Eibar v Valencia (2000)

Under-fire Zidane asks Madrid players to stand up and be counted

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that star striker Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> match against Fulham as the Argentine continues to train with the team and is “getting better”.&nbsp;

Guardiola, who will be participating in his 700th match as a manager thanked his previous clubs – Barcelona and Bayern Munich – and his current employers along with all the players and staff he has worked with to achieve the “great number”.

"700 games. I will do 700 more, then retire. I never expected it. It's good to have 700 games with few defeats in these games, for all the players and staff we had in Barca B, first team, Bayern and Man City. It's a great number, with all the people we made incredible things together and hopefully, we can do more in the future,” Guardiola said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-know-leos-situation-ronald-koeman-irked-by-lionel-messi-and-money-talk-at-barcelona-347563" hreflang="en">'We know Leo's situation': Ronald Koeman irked by Lionel Messi and money talk at Barcelona</a>

Addressing a press conference ahead of Man City’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday, Guardiola also touched upon the rise in form of defender John Stones, who has struggled to cement his spot in the playing XI due to fitness concerns and vulnerability to mistakes, has looked a much more confident figure in the heart of Man City’s defence.

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"After five years together we know each other incredibly well - it depends on him. We know he's got incredible skills. He struggled the last season, he needs continuity to be fit, training, be ready,” Guardiola said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-win-on-fans-return-to-top-level-football-in-england-347421" hreflang="en">Arsenal win on fans' return to top level football in England</a>

"Since day one he played against Wolves and was excellent. Unfortunately, he was injured, struggled to come back because Ruben gave us stability. He's a special guy, so sensitive. All of the backroom staff are so happy for him."

Manchester City are sitting 11th in the Premier League 2020-21 standings with four wins, three draws and two defeats. They have 15 points in nine matches and will take on Fulham next, who are 17th in the table with seven matches.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that star striker Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham as the Argentine continues to train with the team and is “getting better”.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that star striker Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham as the Argentine continues to train with the team and is “getting better”. Guardiola, who will be participating in his 700th match as a manager thanked his previous clubs – Barcelona and Bayern Munich – and his current employers along with all the players and staff he has worked with to achieve the “great number”. "700 games. I will do 700 more, then retire. I never expected it. It's good to have 700 games with few defeats in these games, for all the players and staff we had in Barca B, first team, Bayern and Man City. It's a great number, with all the people we made incredible things together and hopefully, we can do more in the future,” Guardiola said. ALSO READ: 'We know Leo's situation': Ronald Koeman irked by Lionel Messi and money talk at Barcelona Addressing a press conference ahead of Man City’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday, Guardiola also touched upon the rise in form of defender John Stones, who has struggled to cement his spot in the playing XI due to fitness concerns and vulnerability to mistakes, has looked a much more confident figure in the heart of Man City’s defence. × "After five years together we know each other incredibly well - it depends on him. We know he's got incredible skills. He struggled the last season, he needs continuity to be fit, training, be ready,” Guardiola said. ALSO READ: Arsenal win on fans' return to top level football in England "Since day one he played against Wolves and was excellent. Unfortunately, he was injured, struggled to come back because Ruben gave us stability. He's a special guy, so sensitive. All of the backroom staff are so happy for him." Manchester City are sitting 11th in the Premier League 2020-21 standings with four wins, three draws and two defeats. They have 15 points in nine matches and will take on Fulham next, who are 17th in the table with seven matches.

I will do 700 more, then retire: Pep Guardiola ecstatic to touch iconic milestone as manager

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman on Friday expressed his annoyance with interim&nbsp;president Carles Tusquets who on Thursday said that Barca should have sold Lionel Messi in the summer transfer window given the dire financial situation of the club.&nbsp;

"The comments from outside do not interest me and those from inside the club do not help us to have the tranquillity to do our job, which is to win the games," Koeman said at a press conference ahead of Saturday's Liga game against Cadiz.&nbsp;

"We cannot control the statements from outside, but those from inside the club, I believe that it is different," he said.

Tusquets of Thursday said that "economically speaking, I would have sold Messi in the summer. Economically speaking, it would have been desirable".

Messi wanted to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window after submitting an official request.

However, he backed down saying he doesn’t want to hurt Barcelona and the fans. He will be allowed to leave for free in 2021.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/24-billion-tokyo-olympics-to-cost-whopping-sum-over-postponed-games-347454" hreflang="en">$2.4 billion! Tokyo Olympics to cost whopping sum over postponed Games</a>

Koeman said he considered Tusquets' statements "a personal opinion and I respect any opinion, but Leo has this season with Barca and he will decide his future. Hopefully it will be here". &nbsp;

"We know Leo's situation and he is the one who must decide his future.

"I don't know any more about figures, it's not my job. My job is to prepare the team, play well and win," said Koeman.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, PSG star Neymar said he would like to have a reunion with Messi after leaving the Catalan club for a world record deal in 2017.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-win-on-fans-return-to-top-level-football-in-england-347421" hreflang="en">Arsenal win on fans' return to top level football in England</a>

"What I want most is to have fun with him on the pitch again," Neymar told ESPN. "I want to play with him for sure. Next year we have to do it."

However, Tusquets has ruled out buying back Neymar. PSG are one of the candidates to sign Messi from Camp Nou but Manchester City remain favourites to sign the Argentine.

Messi and Neymar played together for Barca and when asked whether he would like to have the duo in the club again, Koeman said:

"I don't like to talk about the individual but as a club, as a coach, as a Barcelona fan, you always want to have the best players in the world."&nbsp;

Tusquets also warned about Barcelona’s finances, which have been stretched by the lack of spectators due to COVID-19 pandemic. Barcelona players will not be paid in January.&nbsp; 
Koeman said, "the players and I as a coach have reached an agreement with the club".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman on Friday expressed his annoyance with interim president Carles Tusquets who on Thursday said that Barca should have sold Lionel Messi in the summer transfer window given the dire financial situation of the club.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman on Friday expressed his annoyance with interim president Carles Tusquets who on Thursday said that Barca should have sold Lionel Messi in the summer transfer window given the dire financial situation of the club. "The comments from outside do not interest me and those from inside the club do not help us to have the tranquillity to do our job, which is to win the games," Koeman said at a press conference ahead of Saturday's Liga game against Cadiz. "We cannot control the statements from outside, but those from inside the club, I believe that it is different," he said. Tusquets of Thursday said that "economically speaking, I would have sold Messi in the summer. Economically speaking, it would have been desirable". Messi wanted to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window after submitting an official request. However, he backed down saying he doesn’t want to hurt Barcelona and the fans. He will be allowed to leave for free in 2021. ALSO READ: $2.4 billion! Tokyo Olympics to cost whopping sum over postponed Games Koeman said he considered Tusquets' statements "a personal opinion and I respect any opinion, but Leo has this season with Barca and he will decide his future. Hopefully it will be here". "We know Leo's situation and he is the one who must decide his future. "I don't know any more about figures, it's not my job. My job is to prepare the team, play well and win," said Koeman. Earlier this week, PSG star Neymar said he would like to have a reunion with Messi after leaving the Catalan club for a world record deal in 2017. ALSO READ: Arsenal win on fans' return to top level football in England "What I want most is to have fun with him on the pitch again," Neymar told ESPN. "I want to play with him for sure. Next year we have to do it." However, Tusquets has ruled out buying back Neymar. PSG are one of the candidates to sign Messi from Camp Nou but Manchester City remain favourites to sign the Argentine. Messi and Neymar played together for Barca and when asked whether he would like to have the duo in the club again, Koeman said: "I don't like to talk about the individual but as a club, as a coach, as a Barcelona fan, you always want to have the best players in the world." Tusquets also warned about Barcelona’s finances, which have been stretched by the lack of spectators due to COVID-19 pandemic. Barcelona players will not be paid in January. Koeman said, "the players and I as a coach have reached an agreement with the club".

'We know Leo's situation': Ronald Koeman irked by Lionel Messi and money talk at Barcelona

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 750th goal of his remarkable career in a 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday as Stephanie Frappart became the first female referee to take charge of a Champions League match.

Federico Chiesa, with his first-ever Champions League goal, and Alvaro Morata were also on target while Ronaldo reached another milestone although it was far from his most spectacular goal as the ball appeared to go in off his shin.

The 35-year-old has scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 118 for Manchester United, 102 for Portugal, 75 for Juventus and five for his first club, Sporting.

Ronaldo said on Instagram: “750 goals, 750 happy moments, 750 smiles on the faces of our fans. Thanks to all the players and coaches who have helped me reach this incredible number, thanks to all my loyal opponents who have made me work harder and harder every day.”

“Next stop: 800.”

TWith Juventus already qualified from Group G and Dynamo Kyiv already eliminated, the main interest was focused on Frappart but the Frenchwoman was barely noticed -- usually regarded as a good sign for a referee’s performance.

Frappart, who made her Ligue 1 debut in April last year, booked three players and ignored one penalty shout from the Ukrainians in the first half when Benjamin Verbic went down under a challenge from Leonardo Bonucci.

Juve, second in the group with 12 points and three behind Barcelona, went ahead in the 21st minute when Chiesa scored with a textbook downward header from Alex Sandro’s teasing cross.

His first goal in the competition came just over 20 years after his father Enrico scored his last, for Fiorentina against Bordeaux.

Ronaldo side-footed against the bar before halftime but, as usual, the Portuguese was not to be denied and was on target in the 57th minute with his tenth goal in eight games this season.

Chiesa whipped in a low cross, goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan palmed it against Morata and Ronaldo scored from close range. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review.

Chiesa was also involved in setting up the third goal for Morata in the 66th minute to round off a convincing Juventus display.

“I can’t say we played well but our defensive mistakes did cost us a lot,” said Dynamo coach Mircea Lucescu. “It’s very hard when you have players aged 21 and 18 in your back line. Those errors were costly for us. It’s just a lack of experience.”

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 750th goal of his remarkable career in a 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday as Stephanie Frappart became the first female referee to take charge of a Champions League match.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 750th goal of his remarkable career in a 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday as Stephanie Frappart became the first female referee to take charge of a Champions League match. Federico Chiesa, with his first-ever Champions League goal, and Alvaro Morata were also on target while Ronaldo reached another milestone although it was far from his most spectacular goal as the ball appeared to go in off his shin. The 35-year-old has scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 118 for Manchester United, 102 for Portugal, 75 for Juventus and five for his first club, Sporting. Ronaldo said on Instagram: “750 goals, 750 happy moments, 750 smiles on the faces of our fans. Thanks to all the players and coaches who have helped me reach this incredible number, thanks to all my loyal opponents who have made me work harder and harder every day.” “Next stop: 800.” TWith Juventus already qualified from Group G and Dynamo Kyiv already eliminated, the main interest was focused on Frappart but the Frenchwoman was barely noticed -- usually regarded as a good sign for a referee’s performance. Frappart, who made her Ligue 1 debut in April last year, booked three players and ignored one penalty shout from the Ukrainians in the first half when Benjamin Verbic went down under a challenge from Leonardo Bonucci. Juve, second in the group with 12 points and three behind Barcelona, went ahead in the 21st minute when Chiesa scored with a textbook downward header from Alex Sandro’s teasing cross. His first goal in the competition came just over 20 years after his father Enrico scored his last, for Fiorentina against Bordeaux. Ronaldo side-footed against the bar before halftime but, as usual, the Portuguese was not to be denied and was on target in the 57th minute with his tenth goal in eight games this season. Chiesa whipped in a low cross, goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan palmed it against Morata and Ronaldo scored from close range. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review. Chiesa was also involved in setting up the third goal for Morata in the 66th minute to round off a convincing Juventus display. “I can’t say we played well but our defensive mistakes did cost us a lot,” said Dynamo coach Mircea Lucescu. “It’s very hard when you have players aged 21 and 18 in your back line. Those errors were costly for us. It’s just a lack of experience.”

Ronaldo scores 750th goal in first Champions League with female referee

La Liga champions Real Madrid announced on Wednesday a profit of 313,000 euros ($378,600) for the 2019/2020 financial year, down 38.1 million euros from the previous period.

Real predicted they would record revenues of 617 million euros for the coming 12 months despite the coronavirus pandemic.

"The impact of Covid-19 has led to a reaction of -13 percent (minus 106 millions euros) in income for the 2019/20 financial year," Real said in a statement.

"The club maintains a solid equity situation with a net equity of 553 million euros and treasury of 125 million euros as of 30 June...

"2020 revenues of 617 million euros are budgeted in 2020/21, around 300 million euros less than if there had been income growth as in years prior to the pandemic."

The record 13-time European champions said salary cuts helped bare the brunt of the outbreak.

"In terms of personnel costs, the players and coaches of the first Real Madrid football and basketball squads, together with the main executives of the different club divisions, have voluntarily agreed to lower their remuneration for this year by 10 percent (this reduction would have been 20 percent if the league competition could not have been completed)," the statement said.

In October, Madrid's rivals Barcelona announced they were 203 million euros down on financial expectations for the same period and had lost 97 million euros.

La Liga champions Real Madrid announced on Wednesday a profit of 313,000 euros ($378,600) for the 2019/2020 financial year, down 38.1 million euros from the previous period.

La Liga champions Real Madrid announced on Wednesday a profit of 313,000 euros ($378,600) for the 2019/2020 financial year, down 38.1 million euros from the previous period. Real predicted they would record revenues of 617 million euros for the coming 12 months despite the coronavirus pandemic. "The impact of Covid-19 has led to a reaction of -13 percent (minus 106 millions euros) in income for the 2019/20 financial year," Real said in a statement. "The club maintains a solid equity situation with a net equity of 553 million euros and treasury of 125 million euros as of 30 June... "2020 revenues of 617 million euros are budgeted in 2020/21, around 300 million euros less than if there had been income growth as in years prior to the pandemic." The record 13-time European champions said salary cuts helped bare the brunt of the outbreak. "In terms of personnel costs, the players and coaches of the first Real Madrid football and basketball squads, together with the main executives of the different club divisions, have voluntarily agreed to lower their remuneration for this year by 10 percent (this reduction would have been 20 percent if the league competition could not have been completed)," the statement said. In October, Madrid's rivals Barcelona announced they were 203 million euros down on financial expectations for the same period and had lost 97 million euros.

Real Madrid profit down 38.1mn euros due to Covid-19

Olivier Giroud scored four goals as Chelsea romped to an impressive 4-0 victory at Sevilla on Wednesday to secure top spot in Champions League Group E.

The 34-year-old striker is the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the competition since Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas in 1965 for Real Madrid against Feyenoord.

He is also the first player to net four times in a Champions League match since Cristiano Ronaldo against Malmo five years ago.

"Amazing solo performance from Olivier. Delighted with him, delighted with the team. This is a difficult place to come," Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, the last Chelsea player to score four goals in a game against Aston Villa in 2010, told BT Sport.

Both teams were already qualified for the last 16 before kick-off, but Giroud made the most of a rare start, scoring with his left foot, his right foot and his head to see Chelsea through as group winners, also slotting in a penalty.

"I didn't know until two years ago that you called it a perfect hat-trick, when I scored (a treble) against (Dynamo) Kiev in (the) Europa League, I said 'What do you mean?' It was good, I had good assists though," Giroud said.

"I will try to carry on like that -- to finish the good job of the team and it's always nice to be in the club history and we play football to mark our history, so I'm pleased to help the team to win and to score the four goals."

The France international sent out a message to Lampard, with Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham seemingly above him in the pecking order, by making the absolute most of only his second start of the season.

"Let me enjoy the night and that great win and after that we will rest and we will see what the gaffer's plan is," Giroud said when asked if he was now expecting to start against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Lampard will now be able to rest players for the final group game against Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge, with his side looking to improve on last season's run to the last 16, where they were well beaten by eventual winners Bayern Munich.

<h2>- Fine finish -</h2>

Giroud wasted little time in putting Chelsea ahead, collecting Kai Havertz's clever pass before cutting inside and bending a fine finish into the far corner in the eighth minute.

Sevilla were left frustrated as they saw two penalty appeals for handball turned down.

In the 20th minute, claims that Christian Pulisic handled were waved away by referee Artur Soares Dias after he checked the pitchside monitor.

The hosts had another penalty shout turned down following a lengthy VAR delay after an Ivan Rakitic free-kick struck the Chelsea wall.

Aside from those nervy moments, Lampard's Blues were the more threatening, with Antonio Rudiger seeing a header cleared off the line before Alfonso Pastor kept out Pulisic's low drive.

The home side started the second half brightly, as Jesus Navas picked out Nemanja Gudelj&nbsp;with a clever pass, but the Serbian international fired narrowly over.

Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, though, as Giroud boosted his case for more game time further by latching onto Mateo Kovacic's pass and clipping the ball over the Sevilla goalkeeper.

But he was not finished there, completing his first Champions League hat-trick since a treble against Olympiakos for Arsenal in 2015 with a looping header from N'Golo Kante's cross.

Giroud rounded off a virtuoso display from the spot with seven minutes to play, scoring a spot-kick he had won himself.

Olivier Giroud scored four goals as Chelsea romped to an impressive 4-0 victory at Sevilla on Wednesday to secure top spot in Champions League Group E. The 34-year-old striker is the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the competition since Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas in 1965 for Real Madrid against Feyenoord.

Olivier Giroud scored four goals as Chelsea romped to an impressive 4-0 victory at Sevilla on Wednesday to secure top spot in Champions League Group E. The 34-year-old striker is the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the competition since Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas in 1965 for Real Madrid against Feyenoord. He is also the first player to net four times in a Champions League match since Cristiano Ronaldo against Malmo five years ago. "Amazing solo performance from Olivier. Delighted with him, delighted with the team. This is a difficult place to come," Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, the last Chelsea player to score four goals in a game against Aston Villa in 2010, told BT Sport. Both teams were already qualified for the last 16 before kick-off, but Giroud made the most of a rare start, scoring with his left foot, his right foot and his head to see Chelsea through as group winners, also slotting in a penalty. "I didn't know until two years ago that you called it a perfect hat-trick, when I scored (a treble) against (Dynamo) Kiev in (the) Europa League, I said 'What do you mean?' It was good, I had good assists though," Giroud said. "I will try to carry on like that -- to finish the good job of the team and it's always nice to be in the club history and we play football to mark our history, so I'm pleased to help the team to win and to score the four goals." The France international sent out a message to Lampard, with Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham seemingly above him in the pecking order, by making the absolute most of only his second start of the season. "Let me enjoy the night and that great win and after that we will rest and we will see what the gaffer's plan is," Giroud said when asked if he was now expecting to start against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. Lampard will now be able to rest players for the final group game against Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge, with his side looking to improve on last season's run to the last 16, where they were well beaten by eventual winners Bayern Munich. - Fine finish - Giroud wasted little time in putting Chelsea ahead, collecting Kai Havertz's clever pass before cutting inside and bending a fine finish into the far corner in the eighth minute. Sevilla were left frustrated as they saw two penalty appeals for handball turned down. In the 20th minute, claims that Christian Pulisic handled were waved away by referee Artur Soares Dias after he checked the pitchside monitor. The hosts had another penalty shout turned down following a lengthy VAR delay after an Ivan Rakitic free-kick struck the Chelsea wall. Aside from those nervy moments, Lampard's Blues were the more threatening, with Antonio Rudiger seeing a header cleared off the line before Alfonso Pastor kept out Pulisic's low drive. The home side started the second half brightly, as Jesus Navas picked out Nemanja Gudelj with a clever pass, but the Serbian international fired narrowly over. Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, though, as Giroud boosted his case for more game time further by latching onto Mateo Kovacic's pass and clipping the ball over the Sevilla goalkeeper. But he was not finished there, completing his first Champions League hat-trick since a treble against Olympiakos for Arsenal in 2015 with a looping header from N'Golo Kante's cross. Giroud rounded off a virtuoso display from the spot with seven minutes to play, scoring a spot-kick he had won himself.

Giroud scores four as Chelsea thrash Sevilla to top group

Neymar dropped a bombshell on Wednesday as he followed up scoring twice for Paris Saint-Germain in their 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester United by revealing his desire to reunite with Lionel Messi next season.

The Brazilian enjoyed four successful seasons alongside the six-time Ballon d'Or winner at Barcelona before making a world record 222 million euro ($264m) move to the French capital in 2017.

"It's what I most want, to enjoy being with him on the field again," Neymar, whose contract at PSG runs until 2022, told ESPN.

"I want to play with him for sure, next year we have to do it."

Neymar was heavily linked with a return to Barcelona in 2019, but the Catalan giants were unable to fund an acceptable offer for PSG.

Barca have had to agree salary cuts worth 122 million euros in players' salaries this season to help offset the financial hole left by the coronavirus pandemic and are highly unlikely to be in a position to bring Neymar back next year.

Instead, it is Messi who could be on the move as the Argentine is out of contract at the end of the season and publicly expressed his desire to leave in August.

Then Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu would not free Messi from the final year of his deal at the Camp Nou, but Bartomeu has since resigned with new presidential elections scheduled for January 24.

Manchester City were the favourites to land Messi's signature earlier this year, but PSG could be an alternative for a player who will turn 34 at the end of this season.

"He can play in my position, there is no problem," Neymar joked. "Take me out."

Neymar's partnership with Kylian Mbappe is yet to deliver PSG's first ever Champions League title, but the French champions should have another shot in this season's knockout stages after a vital victory in Manchester.

Thomas Tuchel's men are now level on points with United and RB Leipzig with one game in Group H to come.

But PSG are in the driving seat as they host already-eliminated Istanbul Basaksehir next week, while United travel to Germany needing a point to reach the last 16.

Neymar dropped a bombshell on Wednesday as he followed up scoring twice for Paris Saint-Germain in their 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester United by revealing his desire to reunite with Lionel Messi next season.

Neymar dropped a bombshell on Wednesday as he followed up scoring twice for Paris Saint-Germain in their 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester United by revealing his desire to reunite with Lionel Messi next season. The Brazilian enjoyed four successful seasons alongside the six-time Ballon d'Or winner at Barcelona before making a world record 222 million euro ($264m) move to the French capital in 2017. "It's what I most want, to enjoy being with him on the field again," Neymar, whose contract at PSG runs until 2022, told ESPN. "I want to play with him for sure, next year we have to do it." Neymar was heavily linked with a return to Barcelona in 2019, but the Catalan giants were unable to fund an acceptable offer for PSG. Barca have had to agree salary cuts worth 122 million euros in players' salaries this season to help offset the financial hole left by the coronavirus pandemic and are highly unlikely to be in a position to bring Neymar back next year. Instead, it is Messi who could be on the move as the Argentine is out of contract at the end of the season and publicly expressed his desire to leave in August. Then Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu would not free Messi from the final year of his deal at the Camp Nou, but Bartomeu has since resigned with new presidential elections scheduled for January 24. Manchester City were the favourites to land Messi's signature earlier this year, but PSG could be an alternative for a player who will turn 34 at the end of this season. "He can play in my position, there is no problem," Neymar joked. "Take me out." Neymar's partnership with Kylian Mbappe is yet to deliver PSG's first ever Champions League title, but the French champions should have another shot in this season's knockout stages after a vital victory in Manchester. Thomas Tuchel's men are now level on points with United and RB Leipzig with one game in Group H to come. But PSG are in the driving seat as they host already-eliminated Istanbul Basaksehir next week, while United travel to Germany needing a point to reach the last 16.

'Next year we have to do it': Neymar keen for Messi reunion

Brazilian legend Pele has taken to social media, after the death of his “great friend” Diego Maradona, as he penned a heartfelt letter to pay homage to the deceased legendary Argentine. In Brazil, it is common to pay homage after a week of demise, when a “seventh-day mass” is celebrated by Catholics like Pele.

Both Pele and Maradona’s name are pipped against each other when there are discussions on who is the greatest player of all-time. However, Pele, in his Instagram post on Wednesday night, insisted that Maradona was second to none.&nbsp;

"The world would be much better if we could compare each other less and start admiring each other more. So, I want to say that you are beyond comparison," said the three-time World Cup winner.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

The social media post is merged with a series of photos of the two legends together, including one showing a young Maradona in all smiles besides Pele playing the guitar.&nbsp;

"Your journey was marked by honesty. You have always declared your loves and dislikes to the four winds.

"And in your unique and particular way, you taught us that we have to love and say "I love you" a lot more often.&nbsp;

"Your quick departure didn't let me say it to you, so I will just write: I love you, Diego."

Even though Maradona and Pele didn’t play in the same era, the two legends had a pinch of rivalry. In the turn of the millennium, Pele was crowned “Player of (20th) Century” by FIFA whereas Maradona won by public vote.&nbsp;

"You were a genius that enchanted the world," said Pele.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

"A magician with the ball at his feet. A true legend. But above all that, for me, you will always be a great friend, with an even bigger heart.

"One day in heaven we will play together in the same team. And it will be the first time that I will raise my fist to the sky not to celebrate a goal, but because I can finally embrace you again."

Brazilian legend Pele has taken to social media, after the death of his “great friend” Diego Maradona, as he penned a heartfelt letter to pay homage to the deceased legendary Argentine.

Brazilian legend Pele has taken to social media, after the death of his “great friend” Diego Maradona, as he penned a heartfelt letter to pay homage to the deceased legendary Argentine. In Brazil, it is common to pay homage after a week of demise, when a “seventh-day mass” is celebrated by Catholics like Pele. Both Pele and Maradona’s name are pipped against each other when there are discussions on who is the greatest player of all-time. However, Pele, in his Instagram post on Wednesday night, insisted that Maradona was second to none. "The world would be much better if we could compare each other less and start admiring each other more. So, I want to say that you are beyond comparison," said the three-time World Cup winner. IN PICS | Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend The social media post is merged with a series of photos of the two legends together, including one showing a young Maradona in all smiles besides Pele playing the guitar. "Your journey was marked by honesty. You have always declared your loves and dislikes to the four winds. "And in your unique and particular way, you taught us that we have to love and say "I love you" a lot more often. "Your quick departure didn't let me say it to you, so I will just write: I love you, Diego." Even though Maradona and Pele didn’t play in the same era, the two legends had a pinch of rivalry. In the turn of the millennium, Pele was crowned “Player of (20th) Century” by FIFA whereas Maradona won by public vote. "You were a genius that enchanted the world," said Pele. IN PICS | World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona "A magician with the ball at his feet. A true legend. But above all that, for me, you will always be a great friend, with an even bigger heart. "One day in heaven we will play together in the same team. And it will be the first time that I will raise my fist to the sky not to celebrate a goal, but because I can finally embrace you again."

'I love you, Diego': Pele pens emotional letter for Maradona

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> and the English Football League on Thursday agreed a £250-million rescue package as they look to put an end on months of uncertainty for lower-league clubs who are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EFL said clubs in Leagues One and Two – the third and fourth-tiers – would receive sum worth £50 million ($67 million).

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> is also set to provide further financial help to the EFL in a bid to secure £200-million loan facility for clubs in the second-tier Championship.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cavani-proves-his-worth-to-man-utd-in-time-for-psg-reunion-346634" hreflang="en">Cavani proves his worth to Man Utd in time for PSG reunion</a>

The move brings an end to months of negotiations and talks between the two governing bodies, who have been lashed out at by many for their failure to reach an agreement.

The UK government has regularly emphasized that the Premier League, rather than the tax-payers, much help the EFL in this financial crisis.

"Our over-arching aim throughout this process has been to ensure that all EFL clubs survive the financial impact of the pandemic," said EFL chairman Rick Parry.

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"I am pleased that we have now reached a resolution on behalf of our clubs and as we have maintained throughout this will provide much-needed support and clarity following months of uncertainty."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "The Premier League is a huge supporter of the football pyramid and is well aware of the important role clubs play in their communities.

"Our commitment is that no EFL club need go out of business due to Covid-19.

"All football clubs continue to suffer significant financial losses as a result of the pandemic, but Premier League shareholders today unanimously agreed to provide additional funding and support for EFL clubs in real financial distress."

The financial package for League One and Two clubs is reportedly locked at £30 million to be split between 48 clubs into those divisions with further access to another £20 million packages of monitored grants.&nbsp;

The £30 million is set to be paid immediately from the Premier League to help cover the loss from matchday revenue.

The monitored grants can be applied for by clubs in need, with a joint EFL and Premier League panel ruling on eligibility.

The Premier League has committed to cover up to £15 million in interest and arrangement fees to enable a £200 million loan to be secured for Championship clubs.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "I warmly welcome this deal between the Premier League and the EFL, which provides up to £250 million support to help clubs through Covid.

"I'm glad that football has come together to agree this substantial package. Fans are starting to return and we look forward to building on this as soon as it's safe."

(With AFP Inputs) 
&nbsp;

The Premier League and the English Football League on Thursday agreed a £250-million rescue package as they look to put an end on months of uncertainty for lower-league clubs who are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Premier League and the English Football League on Thursday agreed a £250-million rescue package as they look to put an end on months of uncertainty for lower-league clubs who are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EFL said clubs in Leagues One and Two – the third and fourth-tiers – would receive sum worth £50 million ($67 million). The Premier League is also set to provide further financial help to the EFL in a bid to secure £200-million loan facility for clubs in the second-tier Championship. ALSO READ: Cavani proves his worth to Man Utd in time for PSG reunion The move brings an end to months of negotiations and talks between the two governing bodies, who have been lashed out at by many for their failure to reach an agreement. The UK government has regularly emphasized that the Premier League, rather than the tax-payers, much help the EFL in this financial crisis. "Our over-arching aim throughout this process has been to ensure that all EFL clubs survive the financial impact of the pandemic," said EFL chairman Rick Parry. ALSO READ: Fulham shock Leicester to escape relegation zone, West Ham go fifth "I am pleased that we have now reached a resolution on behalf of our clubs and as we have maintained throughout this will provide much-needed support and clarity following months of uncertainty." Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "The Premier League is a huge supporter of the football pyramid and is well aware of the important role clubs play in their communities. "Our commitment is that no EFL club need go out of business due to Covid-19. "All football clubs continue to suffer significant financial losses as a result of the pandemic, but Premier League shareholders today unanimously agreed to provide additional funding and support for EFL clubs in real financial distress." The financial package for League One and Two clubs is reportedly locked at £30 million to be split between 48 clubs into those divisions with further access to another £20 million packages of monitored grants. The £30 million is set to be paid immediately from the Premier League to help cover the loss from matchday revenue. The monitored grants can be applied for by clubs in need, with a joint EFL and Premier League panel ruling on eligibility. The Premier League has committed to cover up to £15 million in interest and arrangement fees to enable a £200 million loan to be secured for Championship clubs. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "I warmly welcome this deal between the Premier League and the EFL, which provides up to £250 million support to help clubs through Covid. "I'm glad that football has come together to agree this substantial package. Fans are starting to return and we look forward to building on this as soon as it's safe." (With AFP Inputs)

Premier League and EFL agree £250-million COVID-19 rescue package

Zinedine Zidane rubbished suggestions he could walk away from Real Madrid and said the Spanish giants did not deserve to lose after going down 2-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, their second defeat by the Ukrainians in this season's Champions League leaving their hopes of reaching the last 16 in the balance.

Substitutes Dentinho and Manor Solomon both scored second-half goals in Kiev as Shakhtar stunned the 13-time European champions again, having already won 3-2 in Madrid in October.

Shakhtar had lost their last two Group B matches against Borussia Moenchengladbach by an aggregate score of 10-0, but this victory allowed them to move above Real into second place in the group with one game remaining.

Gladbach top the section by a point, while Shakhtar now have the upper hand on Real thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

However, Inter Milan's 3-2 win away to Gladbach not only kept the Italians alive, but also limited the damage for Real, who now know a win at home to the Germans next week will take them through, regardless of how Shakhtar fare in their last game.

Madrid have made it out of their group in every year since 1997 and so failure to qualify would be seen as a disaster, but Zidane said he would not leave the club he has so far led to three Champions League triumphs and two La Liga titles over two spells as coach.

"I am not going to resign, not at all," said Zidane. "We are always going to have difficult moments, and we are on a bad run, but we need to keep going."

"I have the strength needed to turn the situation around and I am going to give everything to do that, so are the players," added the Frenchman, whose team also lost at the weekend, going down 2-1 at home to Alaves in La Liga.

"We played well and we deserved more. We just need to lift our heads up and think about the next game."

<h2>- Struggles without Ramos -</h2>

Real were returning to the scene of their victory over Liverpool in the 2018 final, but they looked a shadow of their former selves in the cold and the snow in Kiev's Olympic Stadium, and the result further underlined how much they miss defensive talisman Sergio Ramos when he is not there.

This was Real's seventh defeat in the last nine Champions League matches they have played without Ramos, who is currently injured.

Perhaps this game would have turned out differently had Marco Asensio scored in the fifth minute rather than turn Karim Benzema's cross onto the post, but they went on to slump to a third defeat in their last five matches in all competitions.

Dentinho had replaced the injured Junior Moraes in the first half and the Brazilian got the opening goal just before the hour mark.

Ferland Mendy intercepted a Viktor Kovalenko ball into the box but only succeeded in laying it on a plate for Dentinho to tuck past Thibaut Courtois and in.

The Ukrainian champions then made sure of their victory on the counter-attack with eight minutes remaining as Israeli international Solomon picked up the ball on halfway and advanced unchallenged before picking his spot.

Zinedine Zidane rubbished suggestions he could walk away from Real Madrid and said the Spanish giants did not deserve to lose after going down 2-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, their second defeat by the Ukrainians in this season's Champions League leaving their hopes of reaching the last 16 in the balance.

Zinedine Zidane rubbished suggestions he could walk away from Real Madrid and said the Spanish giants did not deserve to lose after going down 2-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, their second defeat by the Ukrainians in this season's Champions League leaving their hopes of reaching the last 16 in the balance. Substitutes Dentinho and Manor Solomon both scored second-half goals in Kiev as Shakhtar stunned the 13-time European champions again, having already won 3-2 in Madrid in October. Shakhtar had lost their last two Group B matches against Borussia Moenchengladbach by an aggregate score of 10-0, but this victory allowed them to move above Real into second place in the group with one game remaining. Gladbach top the section by a point, while Shakhtar now have the upper hand on Real thanks to their superior head-to-head record. However, Inter Milan's 3-2 win away to Gladbach not only kept the Italians alive, but also limited the damage for Real, who now know a win at home to the Germans next week will take them through, regardless of how Shakhtar fare in their last game. Madrid have made it out of their group in every year since 1997 and so failure to qualify would be seen as a disaster, but Zidane said he would not leave the club he has so far led to three Champions League triumphs and two La Liga titles over two spells as coach. "I am not going to resign, not at all," said Zidane. "We are always going to have difficult moments, and we are on a bad run, but we need to keep going." "I have the strength needed to turn the situation around and I am going to give everything to do that, so are the players," added the Frenchman, whose team also lost at the weekend, going down 2-1 at home to Alaves in La Liga. "We played well and we deserved more. We just need to lift our heads up and think about the next game." - Struggles without Ramos - Real were returning to the scene of their victory over Liverpool in the 2018 final, but they looked a shadow of their former selves in the cold and the snow in Kiev's Olympic Stadium, and the result further underlined how much they miss defensive talisman Sergio Ramos when he is not there. This was Real's seventh defeat in the last nine Champions League matches they have played without Ramos, who is currently injured. Perhaps this game would have turned out differently had Marco Asensio scored in the fifth minute rather than turn Karim Benzema's cross onto the post, but they went on to slump to a third defeat in their last five matches in all competitions. Dentinho had replaced the injured Junior Moraes in the first half and the Brazilian got the opening goal just before the hour mark. Ferland Mendy intercepted a Viktor Kovalenko ball into the box but only succeeded in laying it on a plate for Dentinho to tuck past Thibaut Courtois and in. The Ukrainian champions then made sure of their victory on the counter-attack with eight minutes remaining as Israeli international Solomon picked up the ball on halfway and advanced unchallenged before picking his spot.

Zidane determined to turn around Real Madrid slump after latest Shakhtar defeat

Pep Guardiola saluted Manchester City's "incredible personality" after they sealed first place in Champions League Group C with a 0-0 draw against Porto that also sent the hosts in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Sergio Conceicao's side were on the defensive for long periods at the Estadio do Dragao, but a series of superb saves from Porto keeper Agustin Marchesin secured the point they needed to advance.

City's Gabriel Jesus was denied a late winner after VAR ruled out his goal.

Guardiola's team had already booked their place in the last 16 after winning their first four games and, with top spot now secured, the boss can now rest players for their final match against Marseille next week.

"Congratulations to my team for this game and finishing first. We didn't concede a shot on target or a corner all game," Guardiola said.

"We struggled to score but we played really well with incredible personality and many things about the game were brilliant.&nbsp;

"It's difficult with eight or nine of their players defending in the box.

"We came here to finish first. We played for the win and we deserved it, but deserve in football is a fake word because the result dictates everything."

Guardiola insists City will thrive in the Champions League this season as they bid to make amends for last term's shock quarter-final defeat against Lyon.

City have never won the Champions League and Guardiola, who last lifted the trophy with Barcelona in 2011, has been unable to take them past the quarter-finals.

Finishing on top of the group was the first step towards that target and Guardiola will be encouraged by City's improved defence.

They have conceded just six goals in their last 13 games in all competitions, a run that includes four successive Champions League clean sheets.

"It's more than the results. We played really well in all the games. Eleven shots on target against Olympiakos and against Marseille as well and today we had lots of chances," Guardiola said.

"The way we played, the courage, and defensively we were so good."

<h2>- Marchesin shines -</h2>

Guardiola made seven changes as Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Kyle Walker were among those resting on the bench following the 5-0 thrashing of Burnley.

Raheem Sterling felt he should have had an early penalty when Malang Sarr thudded into him without getting the ball, but VAR decided not to intervene despite the strong claim.

With Sergio Aguero still troubled by a knee injury and Jesus on the bench, Ferran Torres started up front for City.

Torres was denied the opening goal by a fine save from Marchesin after the Spaniard raced onto Phil Foden's pass.

City had 70 percent of the first half possession and Sterling almost made the breakthrough when he cut in from the left for a fierce drive that was cleared off the line by Zaidu Sanusi.

Cautious Porto finally showed a little ambition early in the second half when Sergio Oliveira tested Ederson from long range.

Sterling carried City's biggest threat and should have put them ahead when Foden's sublime pass put him clean through, only for&nbsp;Marchesin to rush from his line to make the save.

Marchesin denied the visitors again with a superb save from Torres' overhead kick after City defender Ruben Dias accidently cleared Sterling's effort off the Porto line.

Bernardo Silva's low drive forced another good stop from Marchesin, who made an even better one-handed save to keep out Eric Garcia's header.

Jesus thought he had broken Marchesin's brilliant resistance in the 80th minute with a tap-in from the rebound after the Porto keeper had tipped his header onto the bar.

But after lengthy City celebrations, the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside against Silva during the build-up.

Pep Guardiola saluted Manchester City's "incredible personality" after they sealed first place in Champions League Group C with a 0-0 draw against Porto that also sent the hosts in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola saluted Manchester City's "incredible personality" after they sealed first place in Champions League Group C with a 0-0 draw against Porto that also sent the hosts in the last 16 on Tuesday. Sergio Conceicao's side were on the defensive for long periods at the Estadio do Dragao, but a series of superb saves from Porto keeper Agustin Marchesin secured the point they needed to advance. City's Gabriel Jesus was denied a late winner after VAR ruled out his goal. Guardiola's team had already booked their place in the last 16 after winning their first four games and, with top spot now secured, the boss can now rest players for their final match against Marseille next week. "Congratulations to my team for this game and finishing first. We didn't concede a shot on target or a corner all game," Guardiola said. "We struggled to score but we played really well with incredible personality and many things about the game were brilliant. "It's difficult with eight or nine of their players defending in the box. "We came here to finish first. We played for the win and we deserved it, but deserve in football is a fake word because the result dictates everything." Guardiola insists City will thrive in the Champions League this season as they bid to make amends for last term's shock quarter-final defeat against Lyon. City have never won the Champions League and Guardiola, who last lifted the trophy with Barcelona in 2011, has been unable to take them past the quarter-finals. Finishing on top of the group was the first step towards that target and Guardiola will be encouraged by City's improved defence. They have conceded just six goals in their last 13 games in all competitions, a run that includes four successive Champions League clean sheets. "It's more than the results. We played really well in all the games. Eleven shots on target against Olympiakos and against Marseille as well and today we had lots of chances," Guardiola said. "The way we played, the courage, and defensively we were so good." - Marchesin shines - Guardiola made seven changes as Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Kyle Walker were among those resting on the bench following the 5-0 thrashing of Burnley. Raheem Sterling felt he should have had an early penalty when Malang Sarr thudded into him without getting the ball, but VAR decided not to intervene despite the strong claim. With Sergio Aguero still troubled by a knee injury and Jesus on the bench, Ferran Torres started up front for City. Torres was denied the opening goal by a fine save from Marchesin after the Spaniard raced onto Phil Foden's pass. City had 70 percent of the first half possession and Sterling almost made the breakthrough when he cut in from the left for a fierce drive that was cleared off the line by Zaidu Sanusi. Cautious Porto finally showed a little ambition early in the second half when Sergio Oliveira tested Ederson from long range. Sterling carried City's biggest threat and should have put them ahead when Foden's sublime pass put him clean through, only for Marchesin to rush from his line to make the save. Marchesin denied the visitors again with a superb save from Torres' overhead kick after City defender Ruben Dias accidently cleared Sterling's effort off the Porto line. Bernardo Silva's low drive forced another good stop from Marchesin, who made an even better one-handed save to keep out Eric Garcia's header. Jesus thought he had broken Marchesin's brilliant resistance in the 80th minute with a tap-in from the rebound after the Porto keeper had tipped his header onto the bar. But after lengthy City celebrations, the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside against Silva during the build-up.

Porto reach last 16, Man City top group after stalemate

Curtis Jones sent a depleted Liverpool through to the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Zinedine Zidane dismissed suggestions he might walk away from Real Madrid after another defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk left their European hopes in the balance.

Liverpool were without a host of key players for the visit of Ajax to Anfield in Group D, with 22-year-old Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher starting in goal in the absence of Alisson.

Teenager Jones scored the only goal just before the hour, tucking the ball in after Ajax 'keeper Andre Onana thought he could afford to let a Neco Williams cross sail over his head.

The result was vital for the Premier League champions after their home loss to Atalanta a week ago, and it allowed them to secure a spot in the knockout phase.

"Honestly since I was at Liverpool that feels like one of the biggest Champions League nights. Without supporters in, it was the most important, most difficult, most exceptional," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport.

They will go through as group winners after Atalanta had to come from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Midtjylland, Cristian Romero heading in a late equaliser in response to Alexander Scholz's thumping opener for the Danes.

Atalanta are a point clear in second from Ajax, with the sides meeting in Amsterdam in their last game next week.

Two-time former European champions Porto also sealed a last-16 spot after drawing 0-0 at home to Manchester City, who were already through and are now guaranteed to top Group C.

Porto would have qualified regardless, because Olympiakos lost 2-1 to Marseille in France, with Dimitri Payet scoring two penalties in the second half to turn the game around after Mohamed Mady Camara fired the Greeks in front.

The result ends Marseille's Champions League record run of 13 straight defeats and means they could yet pip Olympiakos to third place and the consolation of a Europa League berth.

<h2>- Lukaku double, Atletico held -</h2>

Real Madrid could yet be consigned to a similar fate after they went down 2-0 to Shakhtar in Kiev, their second defeat this season by the Ukrainians.

Substitutes Dentinho and Manor Solomon scored second-half goals in Kiev as Shakhtar stunned the 13-time European champions again, having won 3-2 in Madrid in October.

Shakhtar had lost their last two Group B matches against Borussia Moenchengladbach by an aggregate score of 10-0, but now move above Real into second place with one game remaining.

Gladbach are top by a point, while Shakhtar have the upper hand on Real thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

However, the damage was limited for Real after Inter Milan won 3-2 away to Gladbach to keep their own hopes alive.

Matteo Darmian put Inter ahead and Romelu Lukaku scored twice for Antonio Conte's side. Alassane Plea netted a brace for Gladbach but was denied a hat-trick, and a late equaliser, because of an offside call.

It means Inter are bottom of the group but could still qualify, while Real will definitely qualify as long as they win at home to Gladbach.

Madrid have made it out of their group in every year since 1997 and so failure to qualify would be seen as a disaster, but Zidane is not considering stepping down.

"I am not going to resign, not at all. We are always going to have difficult moments, and we are on a bad run, but we need to keep going," said the Frenchman.

Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid will also still have it all to do in their final group game after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by a weakened Bayern Munich.

Joao Felix gave Atletico the lead against a Bayern side who had already won Group A. Thomas Mueller won and then converted a late penalty to earn the defending champions a draw.

Salzburg can snatch a last-16 place if they beat Atletico at home next week, after the Austrians won 3-1 away to Lokomotiv Moscow.

Mergim Berisha scored twice in the first half for Salzburg, and Karim Adeyemi got their third goal after Anton Miranchuk converted a penalty for the railway-backed side.

Curtis Jones sent a depleted Liverpool through to the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Zinedine Zidane dismissed suggestions he might walk away from Real Madrid after another defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk left their European hopes in the balance.

Curtis Jones sent a depleted Liverpool through to the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Zinedine Zidane dismissed suggestions he might walk away from Real Madrid after another defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk left their European hopes in the balance. Liverpool were without a host of key players for the visit of Ajax to Anfield in Group D, with 22-year-old Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher starting in goal in the absence of Alisson. Teenager Jones scored the only goal just before the hour, tucking the ball in after Ajax 'keeper Andre Onana thought he could afford to let a Neco Williams cross sail over his head. The result was vital for the Premier League champions after their home loss to Atalanta a week ago, and it allowed them to secure a spot in the knockout phase. "Honestly since I was at Liverpool that feels like one of the biggest Champions League nights. Without supporters in, it was the most important, most difficult, most exceptional," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport. They will go through as group winners after Atalanta had to come from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Midtjylland, Cristian Romero heading in a late equaliser in response to Alexander Scholz's thumping opener for the Danes. Atalanta are a point clear in second from Ajax, with the sides meeting in Amsterdam in their last game next week. Two-time former European champions Porto also sealed a last-16 spot after drawing 0-0 at home to Manchester City, who were already through and are now guaranteed to top Group C. Porto would have qualified regardless, because Olympiakos lost 2-1 to Marseille in France, with Dimitri Payet scoring two penalties in the second half to turn the game around after Mohamed Mady Camara fired the Greeks in front. The result ends Marseille's Champions League record run of 13 straight defeats and means they could yet pip Olympiakos to third place and the consolation of a Europa League berth. - Lukaku double, Atletico held - Real Madrid could yet be consigned to a similar fate after they went down 2-0 to Shakhtar in Kiev, their second defeat this season by the Ukrainians. Substitutes Dentinho and Manor Solomon scored second-half goals in Kiev as Shakhtar stunned the 13-time European champions again, having won 3-2 in Madrid in October. Shakhtar had lost their last two Group B matches against Borussia Moenchengladbach by an aggregate score of 10-0, but now move above Real into second place with one game remaining. Gladbach are top by a point, while Shakhtar have the upper hand on Real thanks to their superior head-to-head record. However, the damage was limited for Real after Inter Milan won 3-2 away to Gladbach to keep their own hopes alive. Matteo Darmian put Inter ahead and Romelu Lukaku scored twice for Antonio Conte's side. Alassane Plea netted a brace for Gladbach but was denied a hat-trick, and a late equaliser, because of an offside call. It means Inter are bottom of the group but could still qualify, while Real will definitely qualify as long as they win at home to Gladbach. Madrid have made it out of their group in every year since 1997 and so failure to qualify would be seen as a disaster, but Zidane is not considering stepping down. "I am not going to resign, not at all. We are always going to have difficult moments, and we are on a bad run, but we need to keep going," said the Frenchman. Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid will also still have it all to do in their final group game after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by a weakened Bayern Munich. Joao Felix gave Atletico the lead against a Bayern side who had already won Group A. Thomas Mueller won and then converted a late penalty to earn the defending champions a draw. Salzburg can snatch a last-16 place if they beat Atletico at home next week, after the Austrians won 3-1 away to Lokomotiv Moscow. Mergim Berisha scored twice in the first half for Salzburg, and Karim Adeyemi got their third goal after Anton Miranchuk converted a penalty for the railway-backed side.

Liverpool advance in Champions League, Real Madrid defeat heaps pressure on Zidane

Edinson Cavani showed why Manchester United handed the veteran Uruguayan the bumper two-year contract others balked at as he turned defeat into victory at Southampton on Sunday.

The 33-year-old came off the bench with United trailing 2-0 to score twice and set up Bruno Fernandes for the other goal in a thrilling come-from-behind win reminiscent of the club's glory days under Alex Ferguson.

Cavani's joy at making his first major contribution for United has been tempered by the prospect of a domestic ban for a misjudged social media post after the game.

He used the Spanish term "negrito" (small black person) in thanking a friend for his congratulations, but despite the affectionate context, Cavani could still fall foul of the Football Association's minimum three-match ban for offensive comments on social media.

Cavani will though be available for a reunion against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and could exact revenge for being cast aside by the French champions.

PSG's all-time record goalscorer was allowed to leave on a free transfer when his contract expired in June and did not even hang around as the Parisians reached the Champions League final for the first time in August.

Instead, Cavani kept himself fit working on a farm in his homeland and indulging his passion for ballet before United came calling in the final days of the transfer window in October with a deal worth a reported&nbsp;£210,000 per week ($271,000).

<h2>- Focal point -</h2>

After seven months out in the cold, Cavani understandably took time to make his mark in Manchester, but his impact against Southampton showed the different dimension his predatory instincts in the box offer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.

"Sometimes, when we've scored goals, it had to be the 'perfect' goal, walking it in, with an extra pass and great skill," said Solskjaer.

"Edinson has been around the block and scored so many goals and played football for so long. He's been between those posts so many times, he's seen this game before, he's scored that goal before.

"To have a focal point in the box is important for us, we've not really had that since Romelu (Lukaku) left. Anthony (Martial), Marcus (Rashford), Mason (Greenwood), they're different types of forwards. He gives us a great balance and a mix. We wanted to mix it up and Edinson had a great impact."

Cavani has made just one start under Solskjaer, in a 4-1 thrashing of Istanbul Basaksehir last week, but may have done enough to move ahead of Martial and Greenwood in the pecking order to start on Wednesday.

Victory over Basaksehir restored United's grip on Group H after a shock defeat in Istanbul undid some of their good work, having beaten PSG away and RB Leipzig 5-0 in a brilliant start to the section.

PSG sit three points behind Solskjaer's men and face a humiliating group-stage exit should they lose again to United.

Dispatching Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi, who took his place at the Parc des Princes, from the competition PSG desire most, would be poetic justice for Cavani after the manner of his exit from the club.

Cavani's parents complained PSG had not shown him the respect he deserved when his playing time under Thomas Tuchel diminished drastically after the signing of Icardi last summer.

Tuchel has held on amid growing discontent over PSG's performances at home and abroad so far this season.

Dropping out of the Champions League would almost certainly signal the end of Tuchel's time in Paris. Should Cavani inflict the final blow, it would only rub salt in the wound.

Edinson Cavani showed why Manchester United handed the veteran Uruguayan the bumper two-year contract others balked at as he turned defeat into victory at Southampton on Sunday.

Edinson Cavani showed why Manchester United handed the veteran Uruguayan the bumper two-year contract others balked at as he turned defeat into victory at Southampton on Sunday. The 33-year-old came off the bench with United trailing 2-0 to score twice and set up Bruno Fernandes for the other goal in a thrilling come-from-behind win reminiscent of the club's glory days under Alex Ferguson. Cavani's joy at making his first major contribution for United has been tempered by the prospect of a domestic ban for a misjudged social media post after the game. He used the Spanish term "negrito" (small black person) in thanking a friend for his congratulations, but despite the affectionate context, Cavani could still fall foul of the Football Association's minimum three-match ban for offensive comments on social media. Cavani will though be available for a reunion against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and could exact revenge for being cast aside by the French champions. PSG's all-time record goalscorer was allowed to leave on a free transfer when his contract expired in June and did not even hang around as the Parisians reached the Champions League final for the first time in August. Instead, Cavani kept himself fit working on a farm in his homeland and indulging his passion for ballet before United came calling in the final days of the transfer window in October with a deal worth a reported £210,000 per week ($271,000). - Focal point - After seven months out in the cold, Cavani understandably took time to make his mark in Manchester, but his impact against Southampton showed the different dimension his predatory instincts in the box offer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men. "Sometimes, when we've scored goals, it had to be the 'perfect' goal, walking it in, with an extra pass and great skill," said Solskjaer. "Edinson has been around the block and scored so many goals and played football for so long. He's been between those posts so many times, he's seen this game before, he's scored that goal before. "To have a focal point in the box is important for us, we've not really had that since Romelu (Lukaku) left. Anthony (Martial), Marcus (Rashford), Mason (Greenwood), they're different types of forwards. He gives us a great balance and a mix. We wanted to mix it up and Edinson had a great impact." Cavani has made just one start under Solskjaer, in a 4-1 thrashing of Istanbul Basaksehir last week, but may have done enough to move ahead of Martial and Greenwood in the pecking order to start on Wednesday. Victory over Basaksehir restored United's grip on Group H after a shock defeat in Istanbul undid some of their good work, having beaten PSG away and RB Leipzig 5-0 in a brilliant start to the section. PSG sit three points behind Solskjaer's men and face a humiliating group-stage exit should they lose again to United. Dispatching Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi, who took his place at the Parc des Princes, from the competition PSG desire most, would be poetic justice for Cavani after the manner of his exit from the club. Cavani's parents complained PSG had not shown him the respect he deserved when his playing time under Thomas Tuchel diminished drastically after the signing of Icardi last summer. Tuchel has held on amid growing discontent over PSG's performances at home and abroad so far this season. Dropping out of the Champions League would almost certainly signal the end of Tuchel's time in Paris. Should Cavani inflict the final blow, it would only rub salt in the wound.

Cavani proves his worth to Man Utd in time for PSG reunion

Paris Saint-Germain will be playing for their Champions League lives against Manchester United on Wednesday, with last season's runners-up knowing the costs of group-stage elimination could be enormous on and off the field.

Anything less than victory at Old Trafford and the French champions could see their destiny slip out of their hands going into the last game in Group H.

Neymar's penalty gave the Qatar-owned club victory over RB Leipzig last week, but Thomas Tuchel's team performed poorly and the coach's agitation when searching questions are put to him by the press suggest all is not well in Paris.

PSG are top of Ligue 1, although their lead has been trimmed back in recent weeks following more disappointing displays.

"There is no way we can play like that in Manchester, like we did in the second half," Tuchel warned after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bordeaux.

There will be potentially major consequences if they fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, something they have managed in each of the last eight seasons since becoming regulars in the competition again after the Qatari takeover.

Tuchel is out of contract after this season and sporting director Leonardo is not believed to be a huge fan of the German, even if he recently dismissed reports he was looking for a replacement.

"Honestly the club has never thought about another coach to replace Tuchel. Now is the time to concentrate on our objectives and to stick together," Leonardo said in a question and answer session with supporters.

Despite that, it is hard to imagine Tuchel surviving in the event of a European disaster, as being dumped out at the first hurdle would be a huge blow to PSG's prestige.

Over the last decade it has become almost impossible for such ignominy to befall one of Europe's super clubs, a category into which PSG now fit as the fifth-richest in the world according to Deloitte's Football Money League.

Barcelona have made it out of their group in every season since returning to the competition in 2004, while Real Madrid have got out of their group in every year since 1997.

Bayern Munich have done so in every year since 2008. Manchester City have already secured an eighth consecutive appearance in the last 16, Juventus a seventh.

<h2>- Financial repercussions -</h2>

After revelling in the team's run to the final in Lisbon, PSG's Qatari owners would not take kindly to such a sporting slap in the face.

Financially, the repercussions could be serious.

PSG are looking at ways of extending the contracts of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, whose existing deals expire in 2022, but how can they in their current financial predicament?

Documents released in 2018 by Football Leaks showed Neymar's after-tax salary to be 30 million euros ($35.8m) a year while Mbappe's salary was due to rise to 11 million euros this year.

If PSG are prepared to offer whatever it takes to keep them, will they be able to invest in the other areas of the team that need upgrading?

They have been hamstrung by the coronavirus crisis, suffering huge losses from the decision to cut short the last French season.

RMC Sport recently reported that PSG were preparing for a loss of some 200 million euros this season, chiefly from lost gate receipts due to the pandemic.

A group-stage exit from the Champions League would only make things worse.

Just reaching the last 16 was worth 9.5 million euros last season, while reaching and winning the final was worth another 41.5 million euros, enough to cover the wages of Neymar and Mbappe for a year.

UEFA is set to reduce prize money over the next few years because of the impact of the health crisis, but PSG can ill afford to miss out on these sums. The stakes in Manchester will be high.

Paris Saint-Germain will be playing for their Champions League lives against Manchester United on Wednesday, with last season's runners-up knowing the costs of group-stage elimination could be enormous on and off the field.

Paris Saint-Germain will be playing for their Champions League lives against Manchester United on Wednesday, with last season's runners-up knowing the costs of group-stage elimination could be enormous on and off the field. Anything less than victory at Old Trafford and the French champions could see their destiny slip out of their hands going into the last game in Group H. Neymar's penalty gave the Qatar-owned club victory over RB Leipzig last week, but Thomas Tuchel's team performed poorly and the coach's agitation when searching questions are put to him by the press suggest all is not well in Paris. PSG are top of Ligue 1, although their lead has been trimmed back in recent weeks following more disappointing displays. "There is no way we can play like that in Manchester, like we did in the second half," Tuchel warned after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bordeaux. There will be potentially major consequences if they fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, something they have managed in each of the last eight seasons since becoming regulars in the competition again after the Qatari takeover. Tuchel is out of contract after this season and sporting director Leonardo is not believed to be a huge fan of the German, even if he recently dismissed reports he was looking for a replacement. "Honestly the club has never thought about another coach to replace Tuchel. Now is the time to concentrate on our objectives and to stick together," Leonardo said in a question and answer session with supporters. Despite that, it is hard to imagine Tuchel surviving in the event of a European disaster, as being dumped out at the first hurdle would be a huge blow to PSG's prestige. Over the last decade it has become almost impossible for such ignominy to befall one of Europe's super clubs, a category into which PSG now fit as the fifth-richest in the world according to Deloitte's Football Money League. Barcelona have made it out of their group in every season since returning to the competition in 2004, while Real Madrid have got out of their group in every year since 1997. Bayern Munich have done so in every year since 2008. Manchester City have already secured an eighth consecutive appearance in the last 16, Juventus a seventh. - Financial repercussions - After revelling in the team's run to the final in Lisbon, PSG's Qatari owners would not take kindly to such a sporting slap in the face. Financially, the repercussions could be serious. PSG are looking at ways of extending the contracts of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, whose existing deals expire in 2022, but how can they in their current financial predicament? Documents released in 2018 by Football Leaks showed Neymar's after-tax salary to be 30 million euros ($35.8m) a year while Mbappe's salary was due to rise to 11 million euros this year. If PSG are prepared to offer whatever it takes to keep them, will they be able to invest in the other areas of the team that need upgrading? They have been hamstrung by the coronavirus crisis, suffering huge losses from the decision to cut short the last French season. RMC Sport recently reported that PSG were preparing for a loss of some 200 million euros this season, chiefly from lost gate receipts due to the pandemic. A group-stage exit from the Champions League would only make things worse. Just reaching the last 16 was worth 9.5 million euros last season, while reaching and winning the final was worth another 41.5 million euros, enough to cover the wages of Neymar and Mbappe for a year. UEFA is set to reduce prize money over the next few years because of the impact of the health crisis, but PSG can ill afford to miss out on these sums. The stakes in Manchester will be high.

More than just prestige on the line for PSG in Champions League

Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone on Monday after finally solving their penalty woes in a shock 2-1 win at Leicester, while West Ham rode their luck to move into fifth place with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Aston Villa.

Scott Parker's side won for just the second time in the league this season thanks to Ademola Lookman's 30th minute opener and Ivan Cavaleiro's penalty eight minutes later.

Fulham had missed three of their four previous penalties this term, but Cavaleiro held his nerve to convert from the spot for the crucial second goal.

Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester in the 86th minute, but Fulham held on and move one point above the bottom three.

"Cav slipped last week and I'm not on Twitter or Instagram but I can only imagine what was being said, the jokes at his expense and Cav would have seen that," Parker said of Cavaleiro's recent penalty miss against Everton.

"I said to him: 'Are you ready to take one if we get it?' He looked at me dead in the eye and said: 'I'm ready'.

"The courage to step up there are the things we need. There's no denying there's relief. I've spoken to them about not letting defeats cripple us."

It was an emotional success for the Cottagers, with Lookman celebrating his goal by displaying one of Papa Bouba Diop's Senegal shirts after Fulham's former midfielder died aged 42 at the weekend.

"That was a decision we as a club made and the players were happy to do it. For someone to lose their life at a young age is tragic," Parker said.

Leicester would have gone second with a win, but instead they remain fourth -- three points behind leaders Tottenham -- after a second successive league defeat.

<h2>- Watkins woe -</h2>

At the London Stadium, West Ham earned a third successive victory after Villa striker Ollie Watkins missed a late penalty and then saw a stoppage-time equaliser disallowed by VAR.

West Ham got off to the perfect start in the second minute when Angelo Ogbonna made an astute run to the far post and rose above Matt Targett to head a corner past Emiliano Martinez.

Villa drew level in the 25th minute when Jack Grealish ran at the West Ham defence before letting rip with a 20-yard drive that took a slight deflection on its way past Lukasz Fabianski.

West Ham regained the lead in the 46th minute after an inspired substitution from David Moyes.

Moyes sent on Said Benrahma at half-time and with his first touch the winger chipped in a cross to Jarrod Bowen, who glanced a deft header over Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez for his fourth goal of the season.

Villa winger Trezeguet won a penalty in the 74th minute when Declan Rice tugged at his shirt to prevent him having a shot.

Watkins has been in fine form this season, but he let West Ham off the hook as his penalty hit the bar.

There was more misfortune to come for Watkins in the final moments when he swept home from close-range, only to see the goal chalked off for the narrowest of offside decisions.

"We got fortunate that in some way it was offside. I think we can play much better, but I'm taking tonight's result," Moyes said.

Frustrated Villa boss Dean Smith added: "We've missed a penalty and had a goal disallowed for a part of the body that can't put the ball in the net.

"The only reason Ollie Watkins' arm is out there is because he's fouled. He either scores or it's a penalty."

Smith was also angry that Grealish was called a cheat by one of West Ham's backroom staff.

"One of their members of staff called Jack Grealish a diver and a cheat. I spoke to David (Moyes) and he said he'd deal with it," Smith said.

Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone on Monday after finally solving their penalty woes in a shock 2-1 win at Leicester, while West Ham rode their luck to move into fifth place with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Aston Villa.

Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone on Monday after finally solving their penalty woes in a shock 2-1 win at Leicester, while West Ham rode their luck to move into fifth place with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Aston Villa. Scott Parker's side won for just the second time in the league this season thanks to Ademola Lookman's 30th minute opener and Ivan Cavaleiro's penalty eight minutes later. Fulham had missed three of their four previous penalties this term, but Cavaleiro held his nerve to convert from the spot for the crucial second goal. Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester in the 86th minute, but Fulham held on and move one point above the bottom three. "Cav slipped last week and I'm not on Twitter or Instagram but I can only imagine what was being said, the jokes at his expense and Cav would have seen that," Parker said of Cavaleiro's recent penalty miss against Everton. "I said to him: 'Are you ready to take one if we get it?' He looked at me dead in the eye and said: 'I'm ready'. "The courage to step up there are the things we need. There's no denying there's relief. I've spoken to them about not letting defeats cripple us." It was an emotional success for the Cottagers, with Lookman celebrating his goal by displaying one of Papa Bouba Diop's Senegal shirts after Fulham's former midfielder died aged 42 at the weekend. "That was a decision we as a club made and the players were happy to do it. For someone to lose their life at a young age is tragic," Parker said. Leicester would have gone second with a win, but instead they remain fourth -- three points behind leaders Tottenham -- after a second successive league defeat. - Watkins woe - At the London Stadium, West Ham earned a third successive victory after Villa striker Ollie Watkins missed a late penalty and then saw a stoppage-time equaliser disallowed by VAR. West Ham got off to the perfect start in the second minute when Angelo Ogbonna made an astute run to the far post and rose above Matt Targett to head a corner past Emiliano Martinez. Villa drew level in the 25th minute when Jack Grealish ran at the West Ham defence before letting rip with a 20-yard drive that took a slight deflection on its way past Lukasz Fabianski. West Ham regained the lead in the 46th minute after an inspired substitution from David Moyes. Moyes sent on Said Benrahma at half-time and with his first touch the winger chipped in a cross to Jarrod Bowen, who glanced a deft header over Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez for his fourth goal of the season. Villa winger Trezeguet won a penalty in the 74th minute when Declan Rice tugged at his shirt to prevent him having a shot. Watkins has been in fine form this season, but he let West Ham off the hook as his penalty hit the bar. There was more misfortune to come for Watkins in the final moments when he swept home from close-range, only to see the goal chalked off for the narrowest of offside decisions. "We got fortunate that in some way it was offside. I think we can play much better, but I'm taking tonight's result," Moyes said. Frustrated Villa boss Dean Smith added: "We've missed a penalty and had a goal disallowed for a part of the body that can't put the ball in the net. "The only reason Ollie Watkins' arm is out there is because he's fouled. He either scores or it's a penalty." Smith was also angry that Grealish was called a cheat by one of West Ham's backroom staff. "One of their members of staff called Jack Grealish a diver and a cheat. I spoke to David (Moyes) and he said he'd deal with it," Smith said.

Fulham shock Leicester to escape relegation zone, West Ham go fifth

Ahead of their first 'home' match of the Hero Indian Super League 2020/21 season, Mumbai City FC today paid a special tribute to the city of Mumbai and its fans by revealing a unique, artistically designed, site-specific mural and a large scale banner.

While President, Mumbai District Football Association, Aditya Thackeray took part in the reveal as he posed with a picture of the mural, Bollywood A-lister and Co-owner of Mumbai City FC,&nbsp;Ranbir Kapoor was seen posing with an image of the banner.&nbsp;

<img alt="MCFC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e545f412-65e6-444a-8b0d-625f75c64cb0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MCFC-3.JPG" />

With the global pandemic compelling the fans and supporters to cheer from home, Mumbai City FC has created the two pieces of artwork at two distinct places close to the heart of the Islanders. The murals have been&nbsp;conceptualized&nbsp;and&nbsp;realized&nbsp;by the young Mumbai artist Tanya Eden. The mural will be housed at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai while the banner will be displayed at Goa for all the Club’s home games for the entirety of the current ISL season.&nbsp;

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The mural has been artistically designed in order to paint a holistic picture of the great city that the Club represents — complete with symbols of the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and courage — values that its inhabitants have always stood by. It highlights how the people of the city are an integral part of the enigma called Mumbai along with the skyscrapers, the grandiose hoardings, and the beautiful marine fronts. In the course of the last few months, the city was under the scourge of the pandemic, but has endured thanks to the untiring and selfless contributions of its residents — the healthcare professionals, the security personnel, the essential workers, the dabbawalas among countless others. Mumbai City FC is proud to represent a city with such vivid talents and an indomitable spirit that rubs on the players as well.&nbsp;

<img alt="MCFC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4105eb5c-fe12-4863-837b-8f962cfe316a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MCFC-2.JPG" />

Additionally, the larger-than-life banner at Goa aims to serve as an inspiration for the players who will be missing the wave of energy and passion from the physical presence of their fans. However, it is the same passion which the players will be looking to replicate on the day Mumbai City FC plays its first 'home' game of this ISL season against East Bengal on Tuesday, 1st December 2020. The beachfront scenery of Goa embodies the feeling of fervor that the players will look up to while their loyal fans support from the comfort and safety of their homes. When the players turn out in Mumbai City FC colors, they will be wearing their heart on their sleeves, and in being socially distant, will look to enhance the “closer than ever” experience.&nbsp;

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Speaking on the occasion,&nbsp;President, Mumbai District Football Association, Aditya Thackeray said, "Mumbai City FC is the heartbeat of our city, and is one of the biggest clubs in the country. All of us fans in Mumbai, including myself, will be fully behind the team and will be praying for an ISL title this season. That will surely bring the smile back on the faces of the Mumbaikars! I am really honoured to be presenting the very special mural, which represents the Herculean spirit of the city and its people. As always, I wish the Club the very best for this season, and always know that as fans, we are all rooting for you."&nbsp;

<img alt="MCFC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a2d77c-70d6-4c69-be73-cd2a0862eece" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MCFC-1.JPG" />

Co-owner Ranbir Kapoor added, "Mumbai City FC is the pulse of this great and beautiful city of Mumbai. The vehement and enthusiastic support that we get every year from our fans is certainly something that creates a special feeling for our players, and with the pandemic having forced fans to watch and support only from their TV sets and social media, our ambition has been to bring everyone closer together. With these amazing illustrations, we wanted to show the players that everyone in the city is behind them, and to the fans, we wanted to say that they are "closer than ever" to&nbsp;the team with&nbsp;their bright energy&nbsp;whenever they play the most beautiful game."&nbsp;

Ahead of their first 'home' match of the Hero Indian Super League 2020/21 season, Mumbai City FC today paid a special tribute to the city of Mumbai and its fans by revealing a unique, artistically designed, site-specific mural and a large scale banner.

Ahead of their first 'home' match of the Hero Indian Super League 2020/21 season, Mumbai City FC today paid a special tribute to the city of Mumbai and its fans by revealing a unique, artistically designed, site-specific mural and a large scale banner. While President, Mumbai District Football Association, Aditya Thackeray took part in the reveal as he posed with a picture of the mural, Bollywood A-lister and Co-owner of Mumbai City FC, Ranbir Kapoor was seen posing with an image of the banner. With the global pandemic compelling the fans and supporters to cheer from home, Mumbai City FC has created the two pieces of artwork at two distinct places close to the heart of the Islanders. The murals have been conceptualized and realized by the young Mumbai artist Tanya Eden. The mural will be housed at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai while the banner will be displayed at Goa for all the Club’s home games for the entirety of the current ISL season. ALSO READ: Maradona's legacy will continue and so seems the battle for his inheritance The mural has been artistically designed in order to paint a holistic picture of the great city that the Club represents — complete with symbols of the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and courage — values that its inhabitants have always stood by. It highlights how the people of the city are an integral part of the enigma called Mumbai along with the skyscrapers, the grandiose hoardings, and the beautiful marine fronts. In the course of the last few months, the city was under the scourge of the pandemic, but has endured thanks to the untiring and selfless contributions of its residents — the healthcare professionals, the security personnel, the essential workers, the dabbawalas among countless others. Mumbai City FC is proud to represent a city with such vivid talents and an indomitable spirit that rubs on the players as well. Additionally, the larger-than-life banner at Goa aims to serve as an inspiration for the players who will be missing the wave of energy and passion from the physical presence of their fans. However, it is the same passion which the players will be looking to replicate on the day Mumbai City FC plays its first 'home' game of this ISL season against East Bengal on Tuesday, 1st December 2020. The beachfront scenery of Goa embodies the feeling of fervor that the players will look up to while their loyal fans support from the comfort and safety of their homes. When the players turn out in Mumbai City FC colors, they will be wearing their heart on their sleeves, and in being socially distant, will look to enhance the “closer than ever” experience. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi's Newell's Old Boys shirt tribute to Diego Maradona wins hearts Speaking on the occasion, President, Mumbai District Football Association, Aditya Thackeray said, "Mumbai City FC is the heartbeat of our city, and is one of the biggest clubs in the country. All of us fans in Mumbai, including myself, will be fully behind the team and will be praying for an ISL title this season. That will surely bring the smile back on the faces of the Mumbaikars! I am really honoured to be presenting the very special mural, which represents the Herculean spirit of the city and its people. As always, I wish the Club the very best for this season, and always know that as fans, we are all rooting for you." Co-owner Ranbir Kapoor added, "Mumbai City FC is the pulse of this great and beautiful city of Mumbai. The vehement and enthusiastic support that we get every year from our fans is certainly something that creates a special feeling for our players, and with the pandemic having forced fans to watch and support only from their TV sets and social media, our ambition has been to bring everyone closer together. With these amazing illustrations, we wanted to show the players that everyone in the city is behind them, and to the fans, we wanted to say that they are "closer than ever" to the team with their bright energy whenever they play the most beautiful game."

Mumbai City FC 'closer than ever' to Islanders' fans with specially curated mural and banner

Jose Mourinho claimed his side were not happy just to settle for a point from a 0-0 draw at Chelsea that moved Tottenham back to the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea enjoyed the better of a game of few chances, but Spurs showed a resilience and steel to hold out for a fourth consecutive clean sheet that bolstered their claim to be contenders for a first league title in 60 years.

"The one thing I take from the game is normally a point here is a positive thing, to stay top of the league is also a positive thing, and my dressing room is not happy," said Mourinho.

"That for me is fantastic. It's a complete change of mentality and of personality."

The evidence of the 90 minutes suggested Mourinho was indeed more than happy just to extend an unbeaten run in the league to nine games as cautious tactics from both saw the sides largely cancel each other out.

"We didn't have many chances, I agree, but how many did they have?" Mourinho added.

"It's a game where we respect them and they also respect us, nobody gambled. Everybody was in the situation of one mistake, I punish you, I win."

A share of the spoils means Chelsea remain just two points behind their London rivals in third, with Liverpool trailing Tottenham only on goal difference.

Mourinho also ensured he did not lose three consecutive league meetings to the same manager for the first time in his career and to one of his former players, Frank Lampard.

<h2>- Kane, Son snuffed out -</h2>

Chelsea were wary not to give Tottenham any chance to counter-attack in the manner that cut open Manchester United and Manchester City in recent weeks.

"The clean sheet factor against a team we've seen recently are set up to counter-attack and have amazing players to counter-attack, I think that part of our game was excellent," said Lampard. "Against Harry Kane and Son (Heung-min), we didn't really give them a sniff."

Only once did Spurs' pace on the break threaten to cause Chelsea problems when Steven Bergwijn turned inside and blasted just over the bar early on.

The arrival of Edouard Mendy has resulted in a huge upturn in Chelsea's defensive record with now six clean sheets in seven league games and the Senegalese produced a smart stop to deny Serge Aurier's strike from outside the box.

But that was the only effort on goal either side managed before the break as Chelsea controlled possession with little penetration.

Timo Werner did produce an exquisite finish to fire in off the far post, but the goal was ruled out for offside against the German international.

Chelsea began to push with more purpose early in the second half as three times Tammy Abraham could not get a clean contact on inviting crosses from Reece James and Werner.

"We completely dominated the game possession wise," added Lampard. "You can't play through this Tottenham team because they are really compact and with any slack pass they want to counter-attack.

"I thought it would be hard to create chances but I thought we had enough to win the game."

Lampard showed his intent to try and win the game by throwing on Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz and Olivier Giroud in the final quarter, while Mourinho kept Gareth Bale in reserve for the full 90 minutes.

Hugo Lloris was finally forced into a meaningful save 10 minutes from time when the Spurs captain turned Mason Mount's powerful strike behind.

But the biggest chance to win the game came in stoppage time when Giroud pounced on a weak header from Joe Rodon, but he did not get enough on an attempted lob over Lloris and his French international teammate easily saved.

Jose Mourinho claimed his side were not happy just to settle for a point from a 0-0 draw at Chelsea that moved Tottenham back to the top of the Premier League. Chelsea enjoyed the better of a game of few chances, but Spurs showed a resilience and steel to hold out for a fourth consecutive clean sheet that bolstered their claim to be contenders for a first league title in 60 years.

Jose Mourinho claimed his side were not happy just to settle for a point from a 0-0 draw at Chelsea that moved Tottenham back to the top of the Premier League. Chelsea enjoyed the better of a game of few chances, but Spurs showed a resilience and steel to hold out for a fourth consecutive clean sheet that bolstered their claim to be contenders for a first league title in 60 years. "The one thing I take from the game is normally a point here is a positive thing, to stay top of the league is also a positive thing, and my dressing room is not happy," said Mourinho. "That for me is fantastic. It's a complete change of mentality and of personality." The evidence of the 90 minutes suggested Mourinho was indeed more than happy just to extend an unbeaten run in the league to nine games as cautious tactics from both saw the sides largely cancel each other out. "We didn't have many chances, I agree, but how many did they have?" Mourinho added. "It's a game where we respect them and they also respect us, nobody gambled. Everybody was in the situation of one mistake, I punish you, I win." A share of the spoils means Chelsea remain just two points behind their London rivals in third, with Liverpool trailing Tottenham only on goal difference. Mourinho also ensured he did not lose three consecutive league meetings to the same manager for the first time in his career and to one of his former players, Frank Lampard. - Kane, Son snuffed out - Chelsea were wary not to give Tottenham any chance to counter-attack in the manner that cut open Manchester United and Manchester City in recent weeks. "The clean sheet factor against a team we've seen recently are set up to counter-attack and have amazing players to counter-attack, I think that part of our game was excellent," said Lampard. "Against Harry Kane and Son (Heung-min), we didn't really give them a sniff." Only once did Spurs' pace on the break threaten to cause Chelsea problems when Steven Bergwijn turned inside and blasted just over the bar early on. The arrival of Edouard Mendy has resulted in a huge upturn in Chelsea's defensive record with now six clean sheets in seven league games and the Senegalese produced a smart stop to deny Serge Aurier's strike from outside the box. But that was the only effort on goal either side managed before the break as Chelsea controlled possession with little penetration. Timo Werner did produce an exquisite finish to fire in off the far post, but the goal was ruled out for offside against the German international. Chelsea began to push with more purpose early in the second half as three times Tammy Abraham could not get a clean contact on inviting crosses from Reece James and Werner. "We completely dominated the game possession wise," added Lampard. "You can't play through this Tottenham team because they are really compact and with any slack pass they want to counter-attack. "I thought it would be hard to create chances but I thought we had enough to win the game." Lampard showed his intent to try and win the game by throwing on Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz and Olivier Giroud in the final quarter, while Mourinho kept Gareth Bale in reserve for the full 90 minutes. Hugo Lloris was finally forced into a meaningful save 10 minutes from time when the Spurs captain turned Mason Mount's powerful strike behind. But the biggest chance to win the game came in stoppage time when Giroud pounced on a weak header from Joe Rodon, but he did not get enough on an attempted lob over Lloris and his French international teammate easily saved.

Tottenham take back top spot but not 'happy', claims Mourinho

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