Ligue 1, the French top-division football league on Tuesday (October 3) mocked Arsenal after the English club lost its Champions League encounter against Lens 2-1 on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.&nbsp;

Lens came from behind to beat the Gunners in front of a boisterous home crowd. Arsenal, who had been unbeaten since the start of the season, suffered their first defeat, despite bossing the field for the majority of the game.&nbsp;

Soon after the defeat, Ligue 1 took up the opportunity and mocked the unners by posting a photo of&nbsp;Adrien Thomasson celebrating the goal and captioned it as saying:&nbsp;"Farmers League Strikes Again."

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FARMERS LEAGUE STRIKES AGAIN 🇫🇷🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/zZfJ0CIpfi">pic.twitter.com/zZfJ0CIpfi</a>
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ligue1_ENG/status/1709311080349237500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What does the jibe mean?</h2>

Notably, it was in reference to the derogatory jibes thrown around by fans, who consider Ligue 1 as a weak league and thus refer to it as a "Farmers league'. The jibe suggests that those playing in the league have taken up farming as their day job and then play football in the evening.&nbsp;

In European football, the 'top five leagues' comprise the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icc-world-cup-2023-1986-wc-winning-coach-dav-whatmore-picks-game-changers-for-wc-642233">Watch |&nbsp;ICC World Cup 2023: 1996 WC-winning coach Dav Whatmore picks game-changers for WC</a>

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<h2>Arteta worried&nbsp;about Saka's injury&nbsp;</h2>

After the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talked straight and said his side dominated the game but failed to capitalise on the chances.&nbsp;

"There’s no point having excuses. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We were in total control and then one isolated situation we conceded," said Arteta.&nbsp;

"Then we conceded 2-1. The difference between today and PSV is clear. We had four or five big chances and we put them away. Today we weren't good enough in the boxes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-edge-napoli-arsenal-lose-saka-in-loss-against-lens-642338">Also read |&nbsp;Champions League: Real Madrid edge Napoli, Arsenal lose Saka in loss against Lens</a>

Despite the loss, it was the injury of Arsenal's star forward Bukayo Saka that had the fans worried most. The winger was forced to go off the field in the 34th minute after developing a muscular problem.&nbsp;

"We don't know anything more.&nbsp;It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that's a worry for us," said the Spanish manager.&nbsp;

"Asked if he had hurried Saka into the squad, Arteta replied in negative.&nbsp;No. It was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine."

"It was a backheel, an action that can produce that kind of injury. He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on so we had to take him off."

Arsenal would hope that Saka's absence does not derail their Premier League campaign as they square up against champions Manchester City over the weekend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ligue 1, the French top-division football league on Tuesday (October 3) mocked Arsenal after the English club lost its Champions League encounter against Lens 2-1 on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Ligue 1, the French top-division football league on Tuesday (October 3) mocked Arsenal after the English club lost its Champions League encounter against Lens 2-1 on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens came from behind to beat the Gunners in front of a boisterous home crowd. Arsenal, who had been unbeaten since the start of the season, suffered their first defeat, despite bossing the field for the majority of the game. Soon after the defeat, Ligue 1 took up the opportunity and mocked the unners by posting a photo of Adrien Thomasson celebrating the goal and captioned it as saying: "Farmers League Strikes Again." FARMERS LEAGUE STRIKES AGAIN 🇫🇷🗣️ pic.twitter.com/zZfJ0CIpfi — Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 3, 2023 × What does the jibe mean? Notably, it was in reference to the derogatory jibes thrown around by fans, who consider Ligue 1 as a weak league and thus refer to it as a "Farmers league'. The jibe suggests that those playing in the league have taken up farming as their day job and then play football in the evening. In European football, the 'top five leagues' comprise the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1. Watch | ICC World Cup 2023: 1996 WC-winning coach Dav Whatmore picks game-changers for WC × Arteta worried about Saka's injury After the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talked straight and said his side dominated the game but failed to capitalise on the chances. "There’s no point having excuses. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We were in total control and then one isolated situation we conceded," said Arteta. "Then we conceded 2-1. The difference between today and PSV is clear. We had four or five big chances and we put them away. Today we weren't good enough in the boxes." Also read | Champions League: Real Madrid edge Napoli, Arsenal lose Saka in loss against Lens Despite the loss, it was the injury of Arsenal's star forward Bukayo Saka that had the fans worried most. The winger was forced to go off the field in the 34th minute after developing a muscular problem. "We don't know anything more. It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that's a worry for us," said the Spanish manager. "Asked if he had hurried Saka into the squad, Arteta replied in negative. No. It was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine." "It was a backheel, an action that can produce that kind of injury. He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on so we had to take him off." Arsenal would hope that Saka's absence does not derail their Premier League campaign as they square up against champions Manchester City over the weekend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Champions League: Ligue 1 brutally mocks Arsenal following defeat against Lens

Harry Kane was among the scorers as Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3 in their heavyweight Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 20), while Jude Bellingham snatched a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid and Arsenal began their campaign with a big victory.

Harry Kane was among the scorers as Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3 in their heavyweight Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 20), while Jude Bellingham snatched a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid and Arsenal began their campaign with a big victory. The meeting between German champions Bayern and a struggling United side, a repeat of the 1999 final, was the biggest game of the opening round of matches in this season's competition and it did not disappoint. Leroy Sane gave Bayern the lead at the Allianz Arena with a shot that squirmed through the grasp of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Jamal Musiala set up Serge Gnabry to make it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark. Rasmus Hojlund pulled one back early in the second half with his first United goal, but shortly after Christian Eriksen was penalised for a handball in the box and Kane blasted in the resulting penalty. Sane hit the post for the hosts before a crazy finish saw Casemiro reduce the deficit again, substitute Mathys Tel score Bayern's fourth, and Casemiro nod in another at the death to make it 4-3. "A crazy finish," Kane told British broadcaster TNT Sports after netting his fifth goal in six games for his new club. "We lost a bit of concentration there in the last five minutes. Thankfully we were able to hold onto the lead. Overall it's a really good start to the campaign against a tough side," he said. Erik ten Hag's United team have now suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions and lost four of their last five matches. "After my mistake we lost control of the game. It's a difficult situation for us, for me," said Onana about Bayern's first goal. Thomas Tuchel's side are already in control of Group A, in which the other game saw Galatasaray come from two goals down to draw 2-2 with FC Copenhagen. Goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves had the visitors in control in Istanbul but they then had Elias Jelert sent off and Galatasaray struck twice in the last four minutes of regulation time through Sacha Boey and Tete to earn a point. Also read | UCL roundup: Lazio goalkeeper scores 95th min equaliser, Man City fashion comeback win Bellingham strikes again In Madrid, Bellingham popped up from close range to score a 94th-minute winner as record 14-time European champions Real beat tournament debutants Union Berlin 1-0 in Group C. The England international has started his Madrid career in stunning goalscoring form with six goals in six games for the club across all competitions. "He has great qualities, it seems he's got luck too, because the goal is a rebound, but he was there, he arrives from deep, and he's more switched on than others, he's got that quality and he's taking advantage of it," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti. Madrid's next game is away to Napoli, who won 2-1 against Braga in Portugal with Sikou Niakate's late own goal giving the Italian team victory. Giovanni Di Lorenzo had put Napoli ahead but Bruma looked to have earned Braga a draw when he struck with six minutes left. Arsenal cruise Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in their first Champions League game since the 2016/17 season. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all scored first-half goals in the rain in London and Martin Odegaard wrapped up the win after the break. "It was a beautiful night after such a long time. It was great to see the atmosphere, the Champions League music. It was emotional before the game," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. Their Group B rivals Sevilla and Lens drew 1-1 in Spain, with Angelo Fulgini's free-kick earning the French side a draw after Lucas Ocampos headed the hosts in front. Last season's beaten finalists Inter Milan needed an 87th-minute Lautaro Martinez equaliser as they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Real Sociedad in Group D. Brais Mendez had given the home team an early lead in San Sebastian. In the same group, Red Bull Salzburg missed one penalty but scored another in a 2-0 win away to Benfica in Lisbon. Karim Konate blazed the Austrian team's first spot-kick over the bar in the third minute but home defender Antonio Silva was sent off on 13 minutes for a handball on the line and Salzburg's second penalty was converted by Roko Simic. Oscar Gloukh scored their second goal just after the break. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UCL roundup: United lose after Onana howler, Bellingham strikes again for Madrid at death

Manchester City overcame an early scare to get their Champions League defence off to a solid start on Tuesday (September 19) but nine-man Celtic endured a rough night in Rotterdam.

Manchester City overcame an early scare to get their Champions League defence off to a solid start on Tuesday (September 19) but nine-man Celtic endured a rough night in Rotterdam. Barcelona cruised past Antwerp and Kylian Mbappe helped Paris-Saint Germain to an opening win on a breathless beginning to the group stage of Europe's top club competition. Newcastle returned to the high table of European football for the first time in two decades with a battling goalless draw against AC Milan at the San Siro and Lazio grabbed an equaliser deep in injury time to hold Atletico Madrid, courtesy of a stunning goal from goalkeeper Ivan Provedel. He became the second-ever goalkeeper in UCL history to score a non-penalty goal. In Manchester, Pep Guardiola's City were stunned when Red Star's Osman Bukari opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time. But Julian Alvarez continued his sparkling early season form by levelling just two minutes after the break. The Argentine then got some help from Red Star goalkeeper Omri Glazer as he flapped at Alvarez's free-kick to allow the ball to fly into the far corner. Rodri rounded off a 3-1 win with a composed finish 17 minutes from time. "If we scored two goals early in the beginning it would've been completely different," said Guardiola, who was frustrated at his side's finishing. "Having 22 (first-half) shots on goal means you are playing really good. It has to be the responsibility of the people in front to score the goals." City are next away to RB Leipzig, who share top place in Group E after a 3-1 win at Swiss champions Young Boys. Mohamed Simaken earned the distinction of scoring the first goal of the group stages with the 2023/24 competition only three minutes old. The French-born defender's header put Leipzig into a lightning lead in Berne but Elia levelled for the Swiss hosts before Xaver Schlager and Benjamin Sesko wrapped up the win for the Austrian visitors. In Catalonia, Joao Felix struck twice as Barcelona flexed their muscles with a crushing 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp to show their determination to be considered among Europe's elite once again. After consecutive humiliating group stage eliminations, Barcelona are desperate to go deep in this season's competition, last winning it eight years ago. Felix shone for the Spanish champions on a stroll on a warm night in the Catalan capital, helped on their way by an own goal, with Robert Lewandowski and Gavi also scoring. That lifted them top of Group H from Porto, 3-1 winners over Shakhtar Donetsk. Barca's victory followed a 5-0 thrashing of Real Betis on Saturday, leading coach Xavi Hernandez to say: "I think these last two games are the best level we have shown with me as coach -- it's the path to follow." Also read | Football: Most Assists in UEFA Champions League History 'Almost perfect' At Parc des Princes, PSG may have lost Neymar and Lionel Messi over the summer but they held on to Mbappe who set them up for a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. The French champions went ahead four minutes after the break when Mbappe scored a spot-kick awarded for a Niklas Suele handball. Achraf Hakimi added a memorable second, and PSG could have won the Group F encounter by a far more handsome margin in the end. "It was an almost perfect evening," purred new coach Luis Enrique. PSG's next date is at Newcastle, whose manager Eddie Howe was proud of his side's dogged return to the competition against seven-time European kings AC Milan. Howe was the happier of the two managers after taking a point from the clash at the San Siro as his team were mostly on the back foot against last season's losing semi-finalists. "Definitely pride in result and the performance and the mentality shown," Howe told reporters. Over in Rotterdam a "bitterly disappointed" Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was left to rue the "inexperience" of two players sent off in their 2-0 loss to Feyenoord but said the Scottish champions had proved they could be competitive. Midway through the second half defender Gustaf Lagerbielke was shown a second yellow card after pulling back Brazilian striker Igor Paixao in the box. He was barely down the tunnel when substitute Odin Thiago Holm also saw red for a studs-up late challenge. "Unfortunately for us, we got the two players sent off and it's a difficult level 11 v 11, but 11 v nine is really difficult," said Rodgers who was heartened by the "spirit and mentality" of the nine men left on the pitch. On Wednesday, record 14-time winners Real Madrid host German debutants Union Berlin, and Bayern Munich with Harry Kane welcome Manchester United who are seeking solace in Europe after a troubling start to the Premier League season. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UCL roundup: Lazio goalkeeper scores 95th min equaliser, Man City fashion comeback win

Inter Milan have one foot in the Champions League final after an impressive 2-0 win over AC Milan in Wednesday's pulsating last-four derby. Inter have the upper hand ahead of Tuesday's second leg of the biggest Milan derby of a generation thanks to strikes in the first 11 minutes from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Inter could have won by a wider margin as Hakan Calhanoglu smashed a shot off the post and Dzeko wasted a great chance early in the second half, but they are still heavy favourites to reach the final of Europe's top club competition for the first time since they last won it 13 years ago.

"Sometimes I don't score goals and that's all anyone talks about, but I also give something else," Dzeko told Prime Video after his third goal since January. "Today I worked for the team and that was what was needed in such a big match."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-barcelona-legend-sergio-busquets-set-to-leave-club-after-ongoing-season-591000">La Liga: Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets set to leave club after ongoing season</a>

Reaching the final would be extra sweet for Inter as it would avenge semi- and quarter-final eliminations at the hands of Milan in 2003 and 2005. The winners of the tie will face holders Real Madrid or Manchester City in the June 10 showpiece in Istanbul. The first leg of that semi-final finished 1-1 in Spain on Tuesday.

Milan, who also struck the woodwork through Sandro Tonali, have their work cut out if they want to have a chance at being crowned European champions for the eighth time and will hope Rafael Leao is available for next week's decisive clash. The absence of star man Leao left Milan without their key attacking threat and allowed Inter to play more on the front foot knowing their opponents didn't have the Portugal winger's pace in their armoury.

"We conceded two quick goals, and against Inter that's difficult to come back from," Milan defender Fikayo Tomori told Prime Video. "We're disappointed, we could have done better, especially at the beginning, but we need to believe if we're going to reach the final."

- One team in it -

A colourful San Siro was nearly full an hour before kick-off, with both sets of fans exchanging chants, and insults before the huge displays traditional to the fixture were unfurled as the teams came out.

But once the match was underway there was really only one team on the pitch, with nominal away side Inter looking the more settled and dynamic off the back of five straight wins and the recent hot form of their attack.

It didn't take long for the away side to open the scoring and it was a fabulous Dzeko goal which did it in the eighth minute.

The Bosnia striker held off Davide Calabria and met Calhanoglu's inswinging corner with a perfect volley which left Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance.

With their tails up and their fans falling over each other with joy in the Curva Nord, Inter went for Milan and three minutes later Mkhitaryan doubled their lead.

Federico Dimarco was set scampering down the left flank and his low cut-back was first left by Lautaro Martinez and then collected by Armenian midfielder Mkhitaryan, who smashed in his fifth goal of the season.

Milan escaped being three goals down after just a quarter of an hour when Calhanoglu nearly silenced the boos of his former supporters with a long-range drive which crashed out off the post.

And Martinez then won a penalty which was rightly overturned by referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a look at the pitch-side monitor.

Dzeko should have all but sealed the tie when one-on-one with Maignan in the 53rd minute and not long after, while Milan's fans unleashed a volley of flares and explosives, Tonali held his head in despair after striking the bottom of the post.

However, that was the last major chance of the game for Milan as Inter comfortably held off their rivals for the final half an hour and then bathed in the applause of their supporters who are dreaming of a trip to Turkey.

Inter Milan have one foot in the Champions League final after an impressive 2-0 win over AC Milan in Wednesday's pulsating last-four derby. Inter have the upper hand ahead of Tuesday's second leg of the biggest Milan derby of a generation thanks to strikes in the first 11 minutes from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Inter Milan have one foot in the Champions League final after an impressive 2-0 win over AC Milan in Wednesday's pulsating last-four derby. Inter have the upper hand ahead of Tuesday's second leg of the biggest Milan derby of a generation thanks to strikes in the first 11 minutes from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Inter could have won by a wider margin as Hakan Calhanoglu smashed a shot off the post and Dzeko wasted a great chance early in the second half, but they are still heavy favourites to reach the final of Europe's top club competition for the first time since they last won it 13 years ago. "Sometimes I don't score goals and that's all anyone talks about, but I also give something else," Dzeko told Prime Video after his third goal since January. "Today I worked for the team and that was what was needed in such a big match." ALSO READ: La Liga: Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets set to leave club after ongoing season Reaching the final would be extra sweet for Inter as it would avenge semi- and quarter-final eliminations at the hands of Milan in 2003 and 2005. The winners of the tie will face holders Real Madrid or Manchester City in the June 10 showpiece in Istanbul. The first leg of that semi-final finished 1-1 in Spain on Tuesday. Milan, who also struck the woodwork through Sandro Tonali, have their work cut out if they want to have a chance at being crowned European champions for the eighth time and will hope Rafael Leao is available for next week's decisive clash. The absence of star man Leao left Milan without their key attacking threat and allowed Inter to play more on the front foot knowing their opponents didn't have the Portugal winger's pace in their armoury. "We conceded two quick goals, and against Inter that's difficult to come back from," Milan defender Fikayo Tomori told Prime Video. "We're disappointed, we could have done better, especially at the beginning, but we need to believe if we're going to reach the final." - One team in it - A colourful San Siro was nearly full an hour before kick-off, with both sets of fans exchanging chants, and insults before the huge displays traditional to the fixture were unfurled as the teams came out. But once the match was underway there was really only one team on the pitch, with nominal away side Inter looking the more settled and dynamic off the back of five straight wins and the recent hot form of their attack. It didn't take long for the away side to open the scoring and it was a fabulous Dzeko goal which did it in the eighth minute. The Bosnia striker held off Davide Calabria and met Calhanoglu's inswinging corner with a perfect volley which left Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance. With their tails up and their fans falling over each other with joy in the Curva Nord, Inter went for Milan and three minutes later Mkhitaryan doubled their lead. Federico Dimarco was set scampering down the left flank and his low cut-back was first left by Lautaro Martinez and then collected by Armenian midfielder Mkhitaryan, who smashed in his fifth goal of the season. Milan escaped being three goals down after just a quarter of an hour when Calhanoglu nearly silenced the boos of his former supporters with a long-range drive which crashed out off the post. And Martinez then won a penalty which was rightly overturned by referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a look at the pitch-side monitor. Dzeko should have all but sealed the tie when one-on-one with Maignan in the 53rd minute and not long after, while Milan's fans unleashed a volley of flares and explosives, Tonali held his head in despair after striking the bottom of the post. However, that was the last major chance of the game for Milan as Inter comfortably held off their rivals for the final half an hour and then bathed in the applause of their supporters who are dreaming of a trip to Turkey.

Champions League semifinal: Veterans Dzeko, Mkhitaryan score as Inter Milan go past AC Milan 2-0 in 1st leg

Manchester City will be "unstoppable" at home when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, winger Jack Grealish said. City earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg in the Spanish capital on Tuesday after Kevin De Bruyne's stunning low strike cancelled out Vinicius Jr's opener for Real.

The reigning Premier League champions are unbeaten at home since November and will hope to stretch that record in the second leg on May 17. "At the Etihad, we feel unstoppable," Grealish told BT Sport. "We came here (at the Bernabeu) to try to win, but it shows our character to go a goal down in a place like this.

"In the end, I think it was a fair result. They had their chances, we had a few." City are chasing the treble, having booked their berth in the FA Cup final and leading the league standings by one point with four games left.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-bruyne-rocket-leaves-man-city-and-madrid-level-590788">De Bruyne rocket leaves Man City and Madrid level</a>

Grealish said the team "learned so much" since they were knocked out by Real in the Champions League semi-finals last season. "We have a new team this year, different players... We have the perfect balance of experience and world-class youngsters," the England international added.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the second leg will be like a "final" for the Spanish side, who are record 14-times Champions League winners. "Next week will be like a final, and we are quite good at winning finals," Courtois said. "Hopefully we can mentalise it like that even though it is at City and it will be tough for us."

Manchester City will be "unstoppable" at home when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, winger Jack Grealish said. City earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg in the Spanish capital on Tuesday after Kevin De Bruyne's stunning low strike cancelled out Vinicius Jr's opener for Real.

Manchester City will be "unstoppable" at home when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, winger Jack Grealish said. City earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg in the Spanish capital on Tuesday after Kevin De Bruyne's stunning low strike cancelled out Vinicius Jr's opener for Real. The reigning Premier League champions are unbeaten at home since November and will hope to stretch that record in the second leg on May 17. "At the Etihad, we feel unstoppable," Grealish told BT Sport. "We came here (at the Bernabeu) to try to win, but it shows our character to go a goal down in a place like this. "In the end, I think it was a fair result. They had their chances, we had a few." City are chasing the treble, having booked their berth in the FA Cup final and leading the league standings by one point with four games left. Also Read: De Bruyne rocket leaves Man City and Madrid level Grealish said the team "learned so much" since they were knocked out by Real in the Champions League semi-finals last season. "We have a new team this year, different players... We have the perfect balance of experience and world-class youngsters," the England international added. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the second leg will be like a "final" for the Spanish side, who are record 14-times Champions League winners. "Next week will be like a final, and we are quite good at winning finals," Courtois said. "Hopefully we can mentalise it like that even though it is at City and it will be tough for us."

UCL: Manchester City will be 'unstoppable' at home against Real Madrid, says winger Jack Grealish

Holders Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Has Kevin De Bruyne's stunning equaliser handed the English Champions the advantage heading into the second leg in Manchester?

Advantage Man City in UCL semi-final vs real? | WION Sports Extra

Inter Milan set up a blockbuster derby in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday after a 3-3 draw with Benfica saw the Italians through 5-3 on aggregate. Simone Inzaghi's side will face local rivals AC Milan in the last four thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa which ensured straight-forward qualification.

Both Milan giants are trying to become the first Serie A side to win Europe's top club competition since Inter last lifted the trophy in 2010.

"It was a big night for everyone at the club, and we deserved to go through over the course of the two legs," said Inzaghi. "The players were incredible over the two matches. Getting to the semi-finals is a dream and now that we're here we want to go try and go all the way."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-manchester-city-beat-bayern-munich-on-aggregate-to-face-real-madrid-in-semis-584218">Champions League: Manchester City beat Bayern Munich on aggregate, to face Real Madrid in semis</a>

Inter had come into Wednesday's clash in a miserable run of form in which their only win in their last eight games had come in last week's first leg in Portugal.

The win set up two mouth-watering clashes with Milan next month after the Italian champions saw off Napoli on Tuesday night.

It also snapped a three-match home losing streak in which Inter hadn't scored a single goal and continued their impressive season in cup competitions while their league campaign flounders.

Martinez and Correa ended worrying goalscoring droughts with their strikes, as well as making sure that Fredrik Aursnes, Antonio Silva and Petar Musa netting for the away side made no difference to the outcome of the tie.

"We're really happy, we're really proud to represent the badge and this great club," said Martinez. &nbsp;"We knew that this (going through) meant playing a derby in the semi-finals of the Champions League. I play this sport to win everything possible, I'm really happy to be in the semi-finals, this club deserves to be there."

Silva and Musa netted late on for Roger Schmidt's team when Inter had already long made sure that they would be tussling Milan for a place in the June 10 final in Istanbul.

- Flares thrown –

If there were any pre-match nerves among the sell-out San Siro crowd they were soon eased as Inter immediately played like the team in two cup semi-finals rather than the one which has lost 11 times in Serie A.

They could have been ahead as early as the sixth minute when Lautaro wasted a great counter-attack by playing a poor pass to Federico Dimarco who was haring into the box.

However, Martinez redeemed himself for the opener, snaffling up possession after Edin Dzeko battled with the Benfica defence and exchanging passes with Barella who unleashed a perfectly placed curler with his left.

However, a defensive lapse allowed Aursnes to pull Benfica on the night seven minutes before the break, the Norwegian midfielder left completely alone to power a header past Andre Onana.

Inzaghi said before the match that Inter would not simply defend but they sat back as Benfica pushed for an unlikely passage to the next round.

And with the home crowd enraged by Benfica fans throwing flares from the top-tier away end down onto home supporters, Martinez ensured Inter would go through in the 68th minute.

Dimarco was neatly found by Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the full-back put in a fizzing cross which Martinez expertly guided home to net his first goal since early March.

And a perfect night for Inter fans was completed with 12 minutes remaining when Correa shrugged off Nicolas Otamendi and curled in his first goal since early October.

Silva nodded home Alejandro Grimaldo's cross with four minutes remaining but the home crowd was already singing ribald songs about Milan fans.

And Musa's low finish deep in stoppage time, which Inzaghi later said they conceded because someone had blown a referee's whistle in the crowd, was nothing more than a second consolation for the defeated Portuguese.

Inter Milan set up a blockbuster derby in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday after a 3-3 draw with Benfica saw the Italians through 5-3 on aggregate. Simone Inzaghi's side will face local rivals AC Milan in the last four thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa which ensured straight-forward qualification.

Inter Milan set up a blockbuster derby in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday after a 3-3 draw with Benfica saw the Italians through 5-3 on aggregate. Simone Inzaghi's side will face local rivals AC Milan in the last four thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa which ensured straight-forward qualification. Both Milan giants are trying to become the first Serie A side to win Europe's top club competition since Inter last lifted the trophy in 2010. "It was a big night for everyone at the club, and we deserved to go through over the course of the two legs," said Inzaghi. "The players were incredible over the two matches. Getting to the semi-finals is a dream and now that we're here we want to go try and go all the way." ALSO READ: Champions League: Manchester City beat Bayern Munich on aggregate, to face Real Madrid in semis Inter had come into Wednesday's clash in a miserable run of form in which their only win in their last eight games had come in last week's first leg in Portugal. The win set up two mouth-watering clashes with Milan next month after the Italian champions saw off Napoli on Tuesday night. It also snapped a three-match home losing streak in which Inter hadn't scored a single goal and continued their impressive season in cup competitions while their league campaign flounders. Martinez and Correa ended worrying goalscoring droughts with their strikes, as well as making sure that Fredrik Aursnes, Antonio Silva and Petar Musa netting for the away side made no difference to the outcome of the tie. "We're really happy, we're really proud to represent the badge and this great club," said Martinez. "We knew that this (going through) meant playing a derby in the semi-finals of the Champions League. I play this sport to win everything possible, I'm really happy to be in the semi-finals, this club deserves to be there." Silva and Musa netted late on for Roger Schmidt's team when Inter had already long made sure that they would be tussling Milan for a place in the June 10 final in Istanbul. - Flares thrown – If there were any pre-match nerves among the sell-out San Siro crowd they were soon eased as Inter immediately played like the team in two cup semi-finals rather than the one which has lost 11 times in Serie A. They could have been ahead as early as the sixth minute when Lautaro wasted a great counter-attack by playing a poor pass to Federico Dimarco who was haring into the box. However, Martinez redeemed himself for the opener, snaffling up possession after Edin Dzeko battled with the Benfica defence and exchanging passes with Barella who unleashed a perfectly placed curler with his left. However, a defensive lapse allowed Aursnes to pull Benfica on the night seven minutes before the break, the Norwegian midfielder left completely alone to power a header past Andre Onana. Inzaghi said before the match that Inter would not simply defend but they sat back as Benfica pushed for an unlikely passage to the next round. And with the home crowd enraged by Benfica fans throwing flares from the top-tier away end down onto home supporters, Martinez ensured Inter would go through in the 68th minute. Dimarco was neatly found by Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the full-back put in a fizzing cross which Martinez expertly guided home to net his first goal since early March. And a perfect night for Inter fans was completed with 12 minutes remaining when Correa shrugged off Nicolas Otamendi and curled in his first goal since early October. Silva nodded home Alejandro Grimaldo's cross with four minutes remaining but the home crowd was already singing ribald songs about Milan fans. And Musa's low finish deep in stoppage time, which Inzaghi later said they conceded because someone had blown a referee's whistle in the crowd, was nothing more than a second consolation for the defeated Portuguese.

Champions League: Inter Milan set up all-Italian-semis clash with AC Milan after beating Benfica in quarters

The 2022/23 edition of the Champions League has now reached the business end with just four teams remaining in the competition. English Champions Manchester City will take on holders Real Madrid in a replay of last year's semi-final. The second semi-final will see a Milan Derby after 18 years. Who will reign supreme in Istanbul on June 10?

Who will win the Champions League? | WION Sports Xtra

On Wednesday (March 15), violent clashes erupted&nbsp;between police and Eintracht Frankfurt fans after the Italian authorities announced the ban of German supporters from the stadium due to security concerns. It is to be noted that violent scenes had taken place&nbsp;between fans in the first leg as well. However, the story remained the same this time around as well following the announcement of the ban of the German fans.

It led to the Frankfurt fans taking on the police in Naples with the supporters throwing objects towards riot police and setting fire to a police car. Here's the shocking video of the horrific incident:

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/benzema-guides-madrid-past-liverpool-to-reach-champions-league-quarters-572457">Benzema guides Madrid past Liverpool to reach Champions League quarters</a>

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Le immagini che arrivano live da piazza del Gesù a Napoli. 
 
Gli ultras tedeschi stanno danneggiato diversi mezzi delle forze dell'ordine. La tensione resta altissima in attesa del calcio d'inizio.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Napoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Napoli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sportitalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sportitalia</a> <a href="https://t.co/3S9v7rosbC">pic.twitter.com/3S9v7rosbC</a>
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It is to be noted that around 400 ticketless Eintracht Frankfurt supporters reached Naples on Tuesday (March 14) via train, from Salerno, and arrived at a&nbsp;hotel next to the one where their team was placed. This isn't the first time such an incident took place as the situation went out of hands during the first leg as well. Back then,&nbsp;fans of both teams squared off against each other, in Frankfurt, with police having labelled that game as high risk.

In a statement, Frankfurt director Philipp Reschke said: "About 150 Napoli fans came and attacked ours (at Piazza del Gesu). Then it was set in motion. It ended in a relatively long confrontation with a lot of pyrotechnics. It seemed a bit like that was where the groups that were looking for each other found each other. We saw a burning police vehicle. The police themselves could not say who had started it."

After winning the first leg 2-0, Napoli defeated Frankfurt 3-0 in the second leg&nbsp;with Victor Osimhen striking twice and one goal from Piotr Zielinski.

On Wednesday (March 15), violent clashes erupted between police and Eintracht Frankfurt fans after the Italian authorities announced the ban of German supporters from the stadium due to security concerns.

On Wednesday (March 15), violent clashes erupted between police and Eintracht Frankfurt fans after the Italian authorities announced the ban of German supporters from the stadium due to security concerns. It is to be noted that violent scenes had taken place between fans in the first leg as well. However, the story remained the same this time around as well following the announcement of the ban of the German fans. It led to the Frankfurt fans taking on the police in Naples with the supporters throwing objects towards riot police and setting fire to a police car. Here's the shocking video of the horrific incident: Also read: Benzema guides Madrid past Liverpool to reach Champions League quarters 𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗜 𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗔 𝗔 𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜‼️🔥 Le immagini che arrivano live da piazza del Gesù a Napoli. Gli ultras tedeschi stanno danneggiato diversi mezzi delle forze dell'ordine. La tensione resta altissima in attesa del calcio d'inizio.#Napoli #Sportitalia pic.twitter.com/3S9v7rosbC — Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) March 15, 2023 × It is to be noted that around 400 ticketless Eintracht Frankfurt supporters reached Naples on Tuesday (March 14) via train, from Salerno, and arrived at a hotel next to the one where their team was placed. This isn't the first time such an incident took place as the situation went out of hands during the first leg as well. Back then, fans of both teams squared off against each other, in Frankfurt, with police having labelled that game as high risk. In a statement, Frankfurt director Philipp Reschke said: "About 150 Napoli fans came and attacked ours (at Piazza del Gesu). Then it was set in motion. It ended in a relatively long confrontation with a lot of pyrotechnics. It seemed a bit like that was where the groups that were looking for each other found each other. We saw a burning police vehicle. The police themselves could not say who had started it." After winning the first leg 2-0, Napoli defeated Frankfurt 3-0 in the second leg with Victor Osimhen striking twice and one goal from Piotr Zielinski.

WATCH: UGLY SCENES! Eintracht Frankfurt fans throw chairs at police in Naples ahead of UCL tie

The last nine years in European football have been taken by storm by Spanish giants Real Madrid as they have conquered the continental scene left, right and center. Masterminded by some of the greats of the game the Los Blancos have been recipients of 14 European titles, five of which have come since 2014. While European glory is no new to the team, it is their lack of domestic silverware at the domestic circuit that has surprised many with their last Copa del Rey title coming days before they started their latest golden chapter of European success.

<h3>Real’s European success</h3>

The shades of success for the latest glory days took 11 years of hunting before Iker Casillas in 2014 finally lifted the holy grail of the Champions League in 2014. Not since 2003 the Galacticos of Real conquered Europe while arch-rivals Barcelona were donning the La Liga and Champions League. A team furniture consisting of Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric took the 2014 season by storm and ended the wait for European success for the Whites of Madrid.

While 2014 may have started a period of European success, remarkably the Los Blancos have not lifted the domestic Copa del Rey. A halfway run in the 85th minute of the 2014 showdown final from Bale secured Real’s last Copa del Rey, beating Barcelona in the final. In context, it is the same period in which Arsenal won four FA Cup titles while Leicester City too have a domestic cup in their trophy cabinet having won the 2021 FA Cup.

When it comes to La Liga, Real have achieved success on three occasions since 2014 which while comparing their standards with other European giants has been way off. Since 2014, Barcelona have won four La Liga titles despite going through a period of transition and are likely to add a fifth at the end of the 2022-23 season.

English powerhouse Manchester City have won five PL titles and Bayern Munich have conquered the German Bundesliga on nine occasions. Juventus also have huge domestic success with a staggering seven titles with PSG conquering the same number of titles in their domestic French Ligue One. The afar mentioned teams have won 28 league titles between them while Bayern Munich remain the only side to have won the Champions League since 2014.

Considering, success at the domestic level Europe is supposed to be a big hard-hitting rock for many teams considering the two-legged affairs and the away-goals rule. Often big teams have been on the receiving end of the cruel away-goals rule, but Real have experimented and found the solution to overcome that drawback.

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fact-check-is-aussie-legend-adam-gilchrist-the-richest-cricketer-in-the-world-heres-the-truth-571877">FACT CHECK: Is Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist the richest cricketer in the world? Here's the TRUTH</a></h3>

<h3>Core of team</h3>

In 2013 before the start of the golden modern era, Luka Modric was termed the worse signing of the season having marched his trade from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. In 2014 Bayern Munich sold Toni Kroos in favour of Thiago Alcantara and surplus to requirements as the management believed he will not last long at the highest level. However, critics have been proven wrong in both Modric and Kroos’ cases as they to the day of writing have masterminded Real’s success and carry the burden of expectations of the fans.

Termed BBC (Bale-Benzema-Cristiano), the trio became the most decorated in the modern era of football as they scored goals for fun. Both Benzema and Bale were part of a successful era that not many teams across Europe had at their disposal. While City had Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, Real’s striking dimensions were better than that of many. It took Bayern a long time to win the Champions League with Robert Lewandowski and his star-studded teammates. So, it was just the extra bandwidth in the striking department that saw Los Blancos make the difference.

Their defense was led by the talisman Sergio Ramos and Marcelo; it was their big winning experience that made the difference. The 2014 Champions League final is a good example of when they were struggling but found a way. They later had the services of Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal who brought a core of success that was missing in the big teams like Juventus, Bayern and Paris Saint-German.

<h3>Ancelotti, Zidane’s reign of success</h3>

A good horse with a poor jockey is not the mantra to success, but Real had the formulae for success in the form of experienced Carlo Ancelotti in 2014 and 2022. While the Italian was far and away enjoying spells with Napoli and Everton having won the Champions League, boss Florentino Pérez did not have to look far.

An ill-fated short reign of Rafael Benitez was a dark cloud, Zinedine Zidane’s tenure saw history scripted on all fronts. He led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles while also gaining the tag of becoming the first team in the modern era to win back-to-back titles in Europe’s premier competition.

While the icing is already on the cake, another success in the Champions League in the 2022-23 season will be the cherry on the top more glory awaits for the record champions.

The last nine years in European football have been taken by storm by Spanish giants Real Madrid as they have conquered the continental scene left, right and center.

The last nine years in European football have been taken by storm by Spanish giants Real Madrid as they have conquered the continental scene left, right and center. Masterminded by some of the greats of the game the Los Blancos have been recipients of 14 European titles, five of which have come since 2014. While European glory is no new to the team, it is their lack of domestic silverware at the domestic circuit that has surprised many with their last Copa del Rey title coming days before they started their latest golden chapter of European success. Real’s European success The shades of success for the latest glory days took 11 years of hunting before Iker Casillas in 2014 finally lifted the holy grail of the Champions League in 2014. Not since 2003 the Galacticos of Real conquered Europe while arch-rivals Barcelona were donning the La Liga and Champions League. A team furniture consisting of Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric took the 2014 season by storm and ended the wait for European success for the Whites of Madrid. While 2014 may have started a period of European success, remarkably the Los Blancos have not lifted the domestic Copa del Rey. A halfway run in the 85th minute of the 2014 showdown final from Bale secured Real’s last Copa del Rey, beating Barcelona in the final. In context, it is the same period in which Arsenal won four FA Cup titles while Leicester City too have a domestic cup in their trophy cabinet having won the 2021 FA Cup. When it comes to La Liga, Real have achieved success on three occasions since 2014 which while comparing their standards with other European giants has been way off. Since 2014, Barcelona have won four La Liga titles despite going through a period of transition and are likely to add a fifth at the end of the 2022-23 season. English powerhouse Manchester City have won five PL titles and Bayern Munich have conquered the German Bundesliga on nine occasions. Juventus also have huge domestic success with a staggering seven titles with PSG conquering the same number of titles in their domestic French Ligue One. The afar mentioned teams have won 28 league titles between them while Bayern Munich remain the only side to have won the Champions League since 2014. Considering, success at the domestic level Europe is supposed to be a big hard-hitting rock for many teams considering the two-legged affairs and the away-goals rule. Often big teams have been on the receiving end of the cruel away-goals rule, but Real have experimented and found the solution to overcome that drawback. ALSO READ | FACT CHECK: Is Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist the richest cricketer in the world? Here's the TRUTH Core of team In 2013 before the start of the golden modern era, Luka Modric was termed the worse signing of the season having marched his trade from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. In 2014 Bayern Munich sold Toni Kroos in favour of Thiago Alcantara and surplus to requirements as the management believed he will not last long at the highest level. However, critics have been proven wrong in both Modric and Kroos’ cases as they to the day of writing have masterminded Real’s success and carry the burden of expectations of the fans. Termed BBC (Bale-Benzema-Cristiano), the trio became the most decorated in the modern era of football as they scored goals for fun. Both Benzema and Bale were part of a successful era that not many teams across Europe had at their disposal. While City had Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, Real’s striking dimensions were better than that of many. It took Bayern a long time to win the Champions League with Robert Lewandowski and his star-studded teammates. So, it was just the extra bandwidth in the striking department that saw Los Blancos make the difference. Their defense was led by the talisman Sergio Ramos and Marcelo; it was their big winning experience that made the difference. The 2014 Champions League final is a good example of when they were struggling but found a way. They later had the services of Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal who brought a core of success that was missing in the big teams like Juventus, Bayern and Paris Saint-German. Ancelotti, Zidane’s reign of success A good horse with a poor jockey is not the mantra to success, but Real had the formulae for success in the form of experienced Carlo Ancelotti in 2014 and 2022. While the Italian was far and away enjoying spells with Napoli and Everton having won the Champions League, boss Florentino Pérez did not have to look far. An ill-fated short reign of Rafael Benitez was a dark cloud, Zinedine Zidane’s tenure saw history scripted on all fronts. He led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles while also gaining the tag of becoming the first team in the modern era to win back-to-back titles in Europe’s premier competition. While the icing is already on the cake, another success in the Champions League in the 2022-23 season will be the cherry on the top more glory awaits for the record champions.

Explained: Why Real Madrid are the most successful European club despite domestic cup drought in recent years

Holders Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to earn a devastating 5-2 victory at a shell-shocked Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday. Two goals each from Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema turned what had looked like an unpleasant evening for Real into a stylish romp that left Juergen Klopp's side flat on the canvas and facing a monumental task to reach the quarter-finals.

It was Liverpool's heaviest home defeat in Champions League history, eclipsing a 3-0 loss to the same opponents in 2014.

In a re-run of last year's final, the first half was played at a ferocious pace, with the hosts racing into a fourth-minute lead through a superb Darwin Nunez flick -- the quickest goal Liverpool has ever scored at Anfield in the Champions League. The stadium erupted 10 minutes later when a horrendous miscontrol from Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois let Mohamed Salah in for the second, with the Egyptian now Liverpool's all-time top goalscorer in European competition.

Yet just as they did on several occasions en route to their 14th European Cup crown last season, Real quickly turned things around, with Vinicius scoring one sublime strike and one fluke goal after another goalkeeping mistake to level the match by halftime.

A bullet Eder Militao header completed the turnaround for Real early in the second half, sapping all the life out of Anfield in the process. The hosts' misery was not done there, however, as Benzema's double ensured Liverpool shipped five goals at home for only the third time this century in all competitions. "It's an important night for us, we showed personality and scored the goals we needed. We want this Champions League title," Benzema told Movistar Plus.

"We struggled in the beginning, they started well, better than us, it was a big game. But we managed to turn things around. We are in a good position but&nbsp;football&nbsp;is tricky and we have to close the deal at home."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/are-we-selling-lfc-liverpool-owner-john-henry-gives-an-update-on-selling-the-merseyside-club-564151">'Are we selling LFC?': Liverpool owner John Henry gives an update on selling the Merseyside club</a>

Klopp said in the run-up to the match that he had been unable to rewatch last season's final, which Real won 1-0, until this weekend, insisting doing so was torture, reliving how Liverpool had their chances to claim victory in the Paris showpiece. Fourteen minutes in at Anfield and some form of redemption seemed to be on the cards for the Liverpool manager. First, Nunez darted onto Salah's pinpoint pass and flicked the ball through his legs into the net, before the Egyptian's record-breaking goal, from a mistake by Courtois, who was the Man-of-the-Match in the Paris final, made it two.

A player of Vinicius's ability only needs one chance and a superb slotted finish from the edge of the penalty area started the comeback, before Alisson fired the ball at the Brazilian, with the rebound bouncing into the unguarded net. The second half was a lesson in how to kill a game, and potentially the tie, from Real, who did not give Liverpool an inch and took their chances clinically.

Militao's superb header from Luka Modric's corner was unstoppable, but there was more than an element of fortune about the fourth as Joe Gomez deflected Benzema's effort over the stranded Alisson.

Benzema's second was expertly put away on the counter, as the Real striker coolly took his time to find the net and finish the hosts off. The Frenchman has scored six goals against Liverpool in the Champions League, more than any other player.

"It's hard to sum it up straight after the game," Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson told BT Sport. "Mixed feelings. Frustration with the result. For large parts of the first half, we performed well and were unlucky to be level at halftime. We made too many mistakes. Real Madrid punished us every time tonight."

Holders Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to earn a devastating 5-2 victory at a shell-shocked Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

Holders Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to earn a devastating 5-2 victory at a shell-shocked Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday. Two goals each from Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema turned what had looked like an unpleasant evening for Real into a stylish romp that left Juergen Klopp's side flat on the canvas and facing a monumental task to reach the quarter-finals. It was Liverpool's heaviest home defeat in Champions League history, eclipsing a 3-0 loss to the same opponents in 2014. In a re-run of last year's final, the first half was played at a ferocious pace, with the hosts racing into a fourth-minute lead through a superb Darwin Nunez flick -- the quickest goal Liverpool has ever scored at Anfield in the Champions League. The stadium erupted 10 minutes later when a horrendous miscontrol from Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois let Mohamed Salah in for the second, with the Egyptian now Liverpool's all-time top goalscorer in European competition. Yet just as they did on several occasions en route to their 14th European Cup crown last season, Real quickly turned things around, with Vinicius scoring one sublime strike and one fluke goal after another goalkeeping mistake to level the match by halftime. A bullet Eder Militao header completed the turnaround for Real early in the second half, sapping all the life out of Anfield in the process. The hosts' misery was not done there, however, as Benzema's double ensured Liverpool shipped five goals at home for only the third time this century in all competitions. "It's an important night for us, we showed personality and scored the goals we needed. We want this Champions League title," Benzema told Movistar Plus. "We struggled in the beginning, they started well, better than us, it was a big game. But we managed to turn things around. We are in a good position but football is tricky and we have to close the deal at home." Also Read: 'Are we selling LFC?': Liverpool owner John Henry gives an update on selling the Merseyside club Klopp said in the run-up to the match that he had been unable to rewatch last season's final, which Real won 1-0, until this weekend, insisting doing so was torture, reliving how Liverpool had their chances to claim victory in the Paris showpiece. Fourteen minutes in at Anfield and some form of redemption seemed to be on the cards for the Liverpool manager. First, Nunez darted onto Salah's pinpoint pass and flicked the ball through his legs into the net, before the Egyptian's record-breaking goal, from a mistake by Courtois, who was the Man-of-the-Match in the Paris final, made it two. A player of Vinicius's ability only needs one chance and a superb slotted finish from the edge of the penalty area started the comeback, before Alisson fired the ball at the Brazilian, with the rebound bouncing into the unguarded net. The second half was a lesson in how to kill a game, and potentially the tie, from Real, who did not give Liverpool an inch and took their chances clinically. Militao's superb header from Luka Modric's corner was unstoppable, but there was more than an element of fortune about the fourth as Joe Gomez deflected Benzema's effort over the stranded Alisson. Benzema's second was expertly put away on the counter, as the Real striker coolly took his time to find the net and finish the hosts off. The Frenchman has scored six goals against Liverpool in the Champions League, more than any other player. "It's hard to sum it up straight after the game," Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson told BT Sport. "Mixed feelings. Frustration with the result. For large parts of the first half, we performed well and were unlucky to be level at halftime. We made too many mistakes. Real Madrid punished us every time tonight."

Holders Real Madrid come from two down to earn a stunning 5-2 win vs Liverpool

Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game as&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, with substitute Kylian Mbappe denied a late equaliser by a marginal offside call. The unmarked Coman swept in an Alphonso Davies cross eight minutes into the second half at the Parc des Princes, just as Mbappe was preparing to enter the fray on his return from injury after PSG had appeared devoid of ideas without their top scorer.

Mbappe, and the entire stadium, thought he had equalised with eight minutes remaining when he turned in a Nuno Mendes cutback, but the goal was ruled out because the Portuguese full-back was just ahead of the last defender at the start of the move.

Bayern&nbsp;finished the game with 10 men after Benjamin Pavard was sent off, but it was a frustrating ending for PSG. The French giants looked much better in the latter stages with Mbappe on the field but also needed fine saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma to prevent a bigger deficit. PSG must hope they can turn the tie around in the second leg in Munich on March 8. “We are at a disadvantage but we saw that we were capable of causing them problems and now we just need to make sure all our players are in good health and we will go there to try to qualify,"

Mbappe, who had another goal ruled out for a clear offside, said. Coman, who started his career in Paris, did not celebrate his goal but it was a case of history repeating itself -- he had been the matchwinner when&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;beat the Qatar-owned club in the 2020 final in Lisbon to become European champions for the sixth time. "It was a bit strange. I grew up at this club, in this city, I was born here, so it was difficult to celebrate but at the end we are really pleased with the victory," Coman said.

Mbappe's fitness had dominated the build-up to the game, with the France superstar initially ruled out because of a thigh injury before making a faster-than-expected return to training and being named in the squad. He was named among the substitutes, while Warren Zaire-Emery, at 16 years and 343 days old, became the youngest player ever to start a Champions League knockout game. But&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;had little to be afraid of in the first half as Mbappe –- scorer of seven goals in six games in the group stage –- watched on, with Lionel Messi and Neymar badly missing his presence.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-star-striker-kylian-mbappe-joins-psg-squad-ahead-of-bayern-clash-remains-doubtful-to-start-561935">Champions League: Star striker Kylian Mbappe joins PSG squad ahead of Bayern clash, remains doubtful to start</a>

<h2>- Messi, Neymar struggle -</h2>

Instead&nbsp;Bayern, playing with a three-man central defence, controlled the game and restricted PSG to just one attempt in the first half. Yet the Bundesliga leaders, still without Sadio Mane as he recovers from injury, did little to trouble Donnarumma apart from a Joshua Kimmich shot that was easily saved.&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;coach Julian Nagelsmann took off Joao Cancelo at half-time and replaced him with Canadian international Davies, a change that saw Coman move from the left flank to the right.

PSG also made a change, replacing Achraf Hakimi with France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe, but the biggest cheer of the night had been reserved for Mbappe when he came out to warm up during the break.

The 24-year-old was preparing to come on when&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;opened the scoring as Davies crossed from the left to the far post where the unmarked Coman finished. Mbappe promptly replaced Carlos Soler but the French champions needed Donnarumma to keep them in the game, and perhaps the tie, as he produced a fingertip save to touch an Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting effort onto the woodwork.

From the corner that followed, Donnarumma saved from Pavard's header. PSG needed to get the ball to Mbappe and they eventually did in the 73rd minute, a Fabian Ruiz ball over the top sending the forward bounding towards goal.&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;goalkeeper Yann Sommer rushed out to block Mbappe's shot with his face before Neymar was denied from the follow-up.

Then Mbappe did put the ball in the net, only for the celebrations to be cut short, and&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;held on even after Pavard was shown a second yellow for scything down Messi. "It is clear that Kylian Mbappe can change any game," said Nagelsmann. "This was a very important result but it is just the first step."

Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game as Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, with substitute Kylian Mbappe denied a late equaliser by a marginal offside call.

Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game as Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, with substitute Kylian Mbappe denied a late equaliser by a marginal offside call. The unmarked Coman swept in an Alphonso Davies cross eight minutes into the second half at the Parc des Princes, just as Mbappe was preparing to enter the fray on his return from injury after PSG had appeared devoid of ideas without their top scorer. Mbappe, and the entire stadium, thought he had equalised with eight minutes remaining when he turned in a Nuno Mendes cutback, but the goal was ruled out because the Portuguese full-back was just ahead of the last defender at the start of the move. Bayern finished the game with 10 men after Benjamin Pavard was sent off, but it was a frustrating ending for PSG. The French giants looked much better in the latter stages with Mbappe on the field but also needed fine saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma to prevent a bigger deficit. PSG must hope they can turn the tie around in the second leg in Munich on March 8. “We are at a disadvantage but we saw that we were capable of causing them problems and now we just need to make sure all our players are in good health and we will go there to try to qualify," Mbappe, who had another goal ruled out for a clear offside, said. Coman, who started his career in Paris, did not celebrate his goal but it was a case of history repeating itself -- he had been the matchwinner when Bayern beat the Qatar-owned club in the 2020 final in Lisbon to become European champions for the sixth time. "It was a bit strange. I grew up at this club, in this city, I was born here, so it was difficult to celebrate but at the end we are really pleased with the victory," Coman said. Mbappe's fitness had dominated the build-up to the game, with the France superstar initially ruled out because of a thigh injury before making a faster-than-expected return to training and being named in the squad. He was named among the substitutes, while Warren Zaire-Emery, at 16 years and 343 days old, became the youngest player ever to start a Champions League knockout game. But Bayern had little to be afraid of in the first half as Mbappe –- scorer of seven goals in six games in the group stage –- watched on, with Lionel Messi and Neymar badly missing his presence. Also Read: Champions League: Star striker Kylian Mbappe joins PSG squad ahead of Bayern clash, remains doubtful to start - Messi, Neymar struggle - Instead Bayern, playing with a three-man central defence, controlled the game and restricted PSG to just one attempt in the first half. Yet the Bundesliga leaders, still without Sadio Mane as he recovers from injury, did little to trouble Donnarumma apart from a Joshua Kimmich shot that was easily saved. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann took off Joao Cancelo at half-time and replaced him with Canadian international Davies, a change that saw Coman move from the left flank to the right. PSG also made a change, replacing Achraf Hakimi with France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe, but the biggest cheer of the night had been reserved for Mbappe when he came out to warm up during the break. The 24-year-old was preparing to come on when Bayern opened the scoring as Davies crossed from the left to the far post where the unmarked Coman finished. Mbappe promptly replaced Carlos Soler but the French champions needed Donnarumma to keep them in the game, and perhaps the tie, as he produced a fingertip save to touch an Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting effort onto the woodwork. From the corner that followed, Donnarumma saved from Pavard's header. PSG needed to get the ball to Mbappe and they eventually did in the 73rd minute, a Fabian Ruiz ball over the top sending the forward bounding towards goal. Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer rushed out to block Mbappe's shot with his face before Neymar was denied from the follow-up. Then Mbappe did put the ball in the net, only for the celebrations to be cut short, and Bayern held on even after Pavard was shown a second yellow for scything down Messi. "It is clear that Kylian Mbappe can change any game," said Nagelsmann. "This was a very important result but it is just the first step."

Kingsley Coman scores winner as Bayern beat PSG in first leg of Champions League tie

A future European Super League could include as many as 80 teams, Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22 Sports Management, a company formed to sponsor and assist in the creation of a breakaway soccer league, said on Thursday.

A future European Super League could include as many as 80 teams, Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22 Sports Management, a company formed to sponsor and assist in the creation of a breakaway soccer league, said on Thursday. In a statement outlining the preliminary results of talks that A22 had with what it said was 50 European clubs and stakeholders of football, the company said the change was necessary. "The vast majority of them share the assessment that the very foundation of European football is under threat, and it is time for change," A22 said. "Feedback suggests a European football league that is open, based solely on sporting merit, multidivisional with 60 to 80 clubs and a minimum of 14 guaranteed European matches per club." Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus were among 12 clubs to announce a breakaway Super League in April 2021. But the move collapsed within 48 hours after an outcry from fans, governments and players forced Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid to pull out. Read more: European Super League explained: What is the format and purpose behind it? - All you need to know That left only Real, Barcelona and Juventus as holdouts. The ESL took its case to a Spanish court which subsequently sought guidance from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). "Our objective is to present a sustainable sporting project for European club competitions available to, at a minimum, all 27 EU Member States as soon as possible after receipt of the judgment," Reichart said. "The issues are clear, and action must be taken for the benefit of fans, players, and clubs." Strong headwind Spain's La Liga President Javier Tebas, a staunch opponent of the ESL, said the plan would only favour big clubs. "The Super League is the wolf, who today disguises himself as a granny to try to fool European football, but his nose and his teeth are very big," Tebas wrote on Twitter on Thursday. "Four divisions in Europe? Of course the first for them, as in the 2019 reform. Government of the clubs? Of course only the big ones." European soccer body UEFA, the biggest opponent to the ESL plan which it sees as threatening its own Champions League club competition, did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. WATCH | Big blow for European Super League; EU legal advisor backs UEFA in battle × The European Club Association (ECA) said A22's "rehashed idea" had already been "proposed, discussed and comprehensively rejected by all stakeholders in 2019. "As the sole organisation recognised by FIFA and UEFA representing clubs at European and international level, and the only body through which clubs have genuine representation in their decision-making, ECA reiterates its long-standing opposition to the European Super League and any breakaway project," the ECA added. "From 2024 more clubs from more countries will participate in European men's club competitions every season." The Champions League is set to expand from 32 teams to 36 from the 2024-25 season after UEFA approved the new format last year. 'Walking corpse' The Football Supporters' Association, which represents fans in England and Wales and is a co-founder of Europe's equivalent fan body, said the ESL plan did not have any backing from the continent's fans. "The walking corpse that is the European Super League twitches again with all the self-awareness one associates with a zombie," said FSA chief executive Kevin Miles in a statement. "Their newest idea is to have an 'open competition' rather than the closed shop they originally proposed that led to huge fan protests. Of course an open competition for Europe's top clubs already exists - it's called the Champions League." A22 said 10 principles emerged from the discussions, including improving competitiveness, financial sustainability and fan experience. At issue in the ongoing court case is whether European body UEFA and global governing body FIFA statutes allowing them to block rival events and bar clubs and players from taking part conform with EU competition rules. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shelved European Super League could make a comeback and in THIS format

Kylian Mbappe faces three weeks out with a thigh injury and will miss the first leg of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich on February 14, his club announced Thursday.

The France star was hurt during the first half of Wednesday's 3-1 win at Montpellier in Ligue 1 having earlier had two penalties saved.

PSG coach Christophe Galtier had initially suggested Mbappe had suffered a knock to the back of the knee rather than a muscle injury, but tests have since confirmed the true extent of the problem.

"After undergoing tests, Kylian Mbappe suffered an injury to the left thigh at the level of the femoral biceps," said a club statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-scores-kylian-mbappe-misses-penalty-comes-off-injured-in-psg-win-558128">Read more:&nbsp;Lionel Messi scores, Kylian Mbappe misses penalty, comes off injured in PSG win</a>

If he misses three weeks as expected, Mbappe can also expect to sit out next midweek's French Cup last-16 tie against Marseille and faces a race against time to return for a potentially pivotal Ligue 1 game away to the same opponents at the end of this month.

However, PSG will hope that Mbappe, who has scored 25 goals in 26 appearances for his club this season, will be fit for the second leg against Bayern in Germany on March 8.

The news is a bitter blow for the French giants, who are desperate to avoid a repeat of what happened last season when they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Real Madrid.

The Qatar-owned club have become used to injury crises involving their star players ahead of key Champions League games in recent years.

A fractured metatarsal prevented Neymar from playing a full part in a last-16 defeat to Madrid in 2018 and a similar problem ruled him out of their loss to Manchester United at the same stage a year later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-death-of-possession-football-542811">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The death of possession football?</a>

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PSG are hoping to win European club football's most prestigious competition for the first time after over a decade of trying since the Qatari takeover of 2011.

They have been eliminated in the last 16 in four of the last six seasons, although they reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern in Lisbon, and were beaten semi-finalists a year later.

PSG convinced Mbappe to stay at the club last year and sign a new contract despite interest in him from Real as they hoped he would lead them to glory in Europe.

Mbappe's injury comes just over a month after he starred at the World Cup in Qatar, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals including a hat-trick in the final, which France lost on penalties to Argentina.

The timing is even more of a blow for PSG after they endured a frustrating end to the January transfer window on Tuesday when they failed to process the paperwork to complete the loan signing of Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea.

The Moroccan winger had already passed a medical and was set to add an extra option in attack for Galtier after the departure of another forward, Pablo Sarabia, to Wolverhampton Wanderers.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Kylian Mbappe faces three weeks out with a thigh injury and will miss the first leg of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich on February 14, his club announced Thursday.

Kylian Mbappe faces three weeks out with a thigh injury and will miss the first leg of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich on February 14, his club announced Thursday. The France star was hurt during the first half of Wednesday's 3-1 win at Montpellier in Ligue 1 having earlier had two penalties saved. PSG coach Christophe Galtier had initially suggested Mbappe had suffered a knock to the back of the knee rather than a muscle injury, but tests have since confirmed the true extent of the problem. "After undergoing tests, Kylian Mbappe suffered an injury to the left thigh at the level of the femoral biceps," said a club statement. Read more: Lionel Messi scores, Kylian Mbappe misses penalty, comes off injured in PSG win If he misses three weeks as expected, Mbappe can also expect to sit out next midweek's French Cup last-16 tie against Marseille and faces a race against time to return for a potentially pivotal Ligue 1 game away to the same opponents at the end of this month. However, PSG will hope that Mbappe, who has scored 25 goals in 26 appearances for his club this season, will be fit for the second leg against Bayern in Germany on March 8. The news is a bitter blow for the French giants, who are desperate to avoid a repeat of what happened last season when they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Real Madrid. The Qatar-owned club have become used to injury crises involving their star players ahead of key Champions League games in recent years. A fractured metatarsal prevented Neymar from playing a full part in a last-16 defeat to Madrid in 2018 and a similar problem ruled him out of their loss to Manchester United at the same stage a year later. WATCH | Gravitas: The death of possession football? × PSG are hoping to win European club football's most prestigious competition for the first time after over a decade of trying since the Qatari takeover of 2011. They have been eliminated in the last 16 in four of the last six seasons, although they reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern in Lisbon, and were beaten semi-finalists a year later. PSG convinced Mbappe to stay at the club last year and sign a new contract despite interest in him from Real as they hoped he would lead them to glory in Europe. Mbappe's injury comes just over a month after he starred at the World Cup in Qatar, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals including a hat-trick in the final, which France lost on penalties to Argentina. The timing is even more of a blow for PSG after they endured a frustrating end to the January transfer window on Tuesday when they failed to process the paperwork to complete the loan signing of Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea. The Moroccan winger had already passed a medical and was set to add an extra option in attack for Galtier after the departure of another forward, Pablo Sarabia, to Wolverhampton Wanderers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PSG star Kylian Mbappe ruled out of UCL tie against Bayern Munich

Goals by Sadio Mane, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Benjamin Pavard earned Bayern Munich a 3-0 win at already-eliminated&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;on Wednesday as the German giants clinched a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as group winners.

Bayern top Group C on 15 points, five ahead of Inter Milan who also reached the knockout stage after a 4-0 win against Viktoria Plzen earlier on Wednesday, a result that eliminated&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;in the group stage for the second year in a row. With&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;having nothing riding on their game, it did not take long for Bayern to open the scoring through Mane 10 minutes into the first half after receiving a brilliant long pass from Serge Gnabry.

Mane beat Spanish defender Hector Bellerin in a 50-metre race and scored with a tidy finish. Bayern doubled their lead in similar fashion 21 minutes later, catching the Barca defence sleeping and out of position.

Joshua Kimmich passed to Gnabry who, from the edge of the box, set up Choupo-Moting to score his sixth goal in the Champions League this season.

Barca thought they had a penalty after a clash between Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski but the referee, after a VAR check, ruled that there had been no foul. Bayern took their foot off the gas after the break and had a Gnabry goal ruled out for offside in the 56th minute.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-players-call-out-qatars-human-rights-record-before-fifa-world-cup-528759">Australian players call out Qatar's human rights record before FIFA World Cup</a>

Pavard scored the third goal in the very last play of the game, with a close-range strike from a corner. "The way we won gives us a lot of energy. I don't think Barca were expecting us to be so bold. But you have to do that when you play against&nbsp;Barcelona," Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann told DAZN.

"We scored two lovely goals and added a third at the end. We defended with so much passion. The team made a statement tonight."

Barcelona&nbsp;looked stale and went the full 90 minutes without a single strike on target. "We have to face our new reality, today we didn't even have the level to compete," Barca manager Xavi told Movistar Plus.

"I believe today the psychological side weighed on us, going into the game knowing that we were already out. "We started the season with very high expectations but ended up in a very complicated group and didn't manage to be at the necessary level to compete with them. It's a huge disappointment."

Since winning the Champions League title for the last time in 2015, Barca have reached the semi-finals only once, in 2019. They lost 8-2 to Bayern in the 2020 quarter-finals, were knocked out in the round of 16 by PSG in 2021, and failed to make it past the group stage in the last two editions.

Last year, Barca's exit at the group stage came after the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris St Germain and the financial crisis that led to the resignation of the entire club board.

This season, however, following the big-money signings of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde, a better outcome had been expected. They have won only one of their five games in the group so far and will go into the second-tier Europa League after ending up third in the group for the second year in a row.

Goals by Sadio Mane, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Benjamin Pavard earned Bayern Munich a 3-0 win at already-eliminated Barcelona on Wednesday as the German giants clinched a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as group winners.

Goals by Sadio Mane, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Benjamin Pavard earned Bayern Munich a 3-0 win at already-eliminated Barcelona on Wednesday as the German giants clinched a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as group winners. Bayern top Group C on 15 points, five ahead of Inter Milan who also reached the knockout stage after a 4-0 win against Viktoria Plzen earlier on Wednesday, a result that eliminated Barcelona in the group stage for the second year in a row. With Barcelona having nothing riding on their game, it did not take long for Bayern to open the scoring through Mane 10 minutes into the first half after receiving a brilliant long pass from Serge Gnabry. Mane beat Spanish defender Hector Bellerin in a 50-metre race and scored with a tidy finish. Bayern doubled their lead in similar fashion 21 minutes later, catching the Barca defence sleeping and out of position. Joshua Kimmich passed to Gnabry who, from the edge of the box, set up Choupo-Moting to score his sixth goal in the Champions League this season. Barca thought they had a penalty after a clash between Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski but the referee, after a VAR check, ruled that there had been no foul. Bayern took their foot off the gas after the break and had a Gnabry goal ruled out for offside in the 56th minute. ALSO READ | Australian players call out Qatar's human rights record before FIFA World Cup Pavard scored the third goal in the very last play of the game, with a close-range strike from a corner. "The way we won gives us a lot of energy. I don't think Barca were expecting us to be so bold. But you have to do that when you play against Barcelona," Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann told DAZN. "We scored two lovely goals and added a third at the end. We defended with so much passion. The team made a statement tonight." Barcelona looked stale and went the full 90 minutes without a single strike on target. "We have to face our new reality, today we didn't even have the level to compete," Barca manager Xavi told Movistar Plus. "I believe today the psychological side weighed on us, going into the game knowing that we were already out. "We started the season with very high expectations but ended up in a very complicated group and didn't manage to be at the necessary level to compete with them. It's a huge disappointment." Since winning the Champions League title for the last time in 2015, Barca have reached the semi-finals only once, in 2019. They lost 8-2 to Bayern in the 2020 quarter-finals, were knocked out in the round of 16 by PSG in 2021, and failed to make it past the group stage in the last two editions. Last year, Barca's exit at the group stage came after the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris St Germain and the financial crisis that led to the resignation of the entire club board. This season, however, following the big-money signings of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde, a better outcome had been expected. They have won only one of their five games in the group so far and will go into the second-tier Europa League after ending up third in the group for the second year in a row.

Barcelona exit UCL after Inter Milan beat Viktoria Plzen, later get thrashed by Bayern Munich

Substitute Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;scored the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history as Liverpool came from behind to thrash Rangers 7-1 on Wednesday and put themselves on the verge of qualification for the competition's knockout stages. Salah&nbsp;came off the bench in the second half with Liverpool leading 3-1 and fired a treble timed at six minutes and 12 seconds between the first and third goals to turn a hard-fought win into a rout. Roberto Firmino had dragged Liverpool back into the contest with a double strike and Darwin Nunez was also on the scoresheet before Harvey Elliott rounded off the scoring following&nbsp;Salah's goals.

It appeared a much-changed Liverpool were in for further frustration in a disappointing season so far as they fell behind for the eighth time in all competitions after Scott Arfield slotted home 17 minutes in to lift the roof off Ibrox. That lead lasted less than eight minutes, however, as Firmino continued his prolific season with a near-post header to level things up from a corner. Liverpool were much the better team right from the off in the second half and deservedly edged back in front 10 minutes after the interval, Firmino converting Joe Gomez's pinpoint low cross to take his goal tally to eight in all competitions.

With Rangers chasing the game, a fine finish from close-season signing Nunez put the game beyond the hosts before&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;took centre stage. Elliott added to the home side's embarrassment with a late seventh, putting the seal on a victory that means Liverpool are second in Group A, and need just one point from their final two matches to be sure of a spot in the knockout stages, while Rangers are bottom, without a point.

"We were really just on it and meeting us in the wrong moment is not cool (for opponents)," Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said. "All the goals we scored were exceptional. Mo (Salah) came on and is on fire and interprets the position really well. It is a night where things work out for us. "In the end we needed to get clear in the final third, which obviously worked out, all the goals were great, how we played them and set them up and finished them."

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ten-man-manchester-city-through-to-champions-league-knockout-stages-with-draw-in-copenhagen-524740">&nbsp;Ten-man Manchester City through to Champions League knockout stages with draw in Copenhagen</a>

RANGERS MISSED CHANCES

Coming into the match, of the 45 teams to have played at least 50 games in the Champions League, only Anderlecht had a lower win rate than Rangers' 12 victories in 65 games. However, you would not have thought it at Ibrox, given how Rangers started. Former Liverpool forward Ryan Kent fired just over before Arfield found the bottom corner for Rangers' first Champions League goal of the season, and first in 383 minutes in the competition.

The defending from the home side left much to be desired as Liverpool levelled through Firmino, but that was as good as it got for the visitors in the opening period, with Rangers missing several chances to retake the lead. The second half was a different story altogether, and Rangers completely crumbled as Liverpool improved. Nunez's goal was as much to do with the hosts' poor defending, while&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;was presented with gift after gift having come off the bench for only the final 22 minutes.

Salah's incredible treble took him to 38 Champions League goals for Liverpool, now the most by any player for an English club in the competition, surpassing Didier Drogba for Chelsea and Sergio Aguero for Manchester City, who both have 36. The stadium was empty as Elliott stroked home to complete a flattering scoreline for Liverpool, given they had struggled for much of the opening period.

"It is very hard to explain, to process," Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst said. "I am still processing the game, especially the second half. "The first half and the last half-an-hour was night and day, how we played and that difference in level, that is too much in Champions League. I cannot explain it right now."

Substitute Mohamed Salah scored the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history as Liverpool came from behind to thrash Rangers 7-1 on Wednesday and put themselves on the verge of qualification for the competition's knockout stages.

Substitute Mohamed Salah scored the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history as Liverpool came from behind to thrash Rangers 7-1 on Wednesday and put themselves on the verge of qualification for the competition's knockout stages. Salah came off the bench in the second half with Liverpool leading 3-1 and fired a treble timed at six minutes and 12 seconds between the first and third goals to turn a hard-fought win into a rout. Roberto Firmino had dragged Liverpool back into the contest with a double strike and Darwin Nunez was also on the scoresheet before Harvey Elliott rounded off the scoring following Salah's goals. It appeared a much-changed Liverpool were in for further frustration in a disappointing season so far as they fell behind for the eighth time in all competitions after Scott Arfield slotted home 17 minutes in to lift the roof off Ibrox. That lead lasted less than eight minutes, however, as Firmino continued his prolific season with a near-post header to level things up from a corner. Liverpool were much the better team right from the off in the second half and deservedly edged back in front 10 minutes after the interval, Firmino converting Joe Gomez's pinpoint low cross to take his goal tally to eight in all competitions. With Rangers chasing the game, a fine finish from close-season signing Nunez put the game beyond the hosts before Salah took centre stage. Elliott added to the home side's embarrassment with a late seventh, putting the seal on a victory that means Liverpool are second in Group A, and need just one point from their final two matches to be sure of a spot in the knockout stages, while Rangers are bottom, without a point. "We were really just on it and meeting us in the wrong moment is not cool (for opponents)," Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said. "All the goals we scored were exceptional. Mo (Salah) came on and is on fire and interprets the position really well. It is a night where things work out for us. "In the end we needed to get clear in the final third, which obviously worked out, all the goals were great, how we played them and set them up and finished them." ALSO READ | Ten-man Manchester City through to Champions League knockout stages with draw in Copenhagen RANGERS MISSED CHANCES Coming into the match, of the 45 teams to have played at least 50 games in the Champions League, only Anderlecht had a lower win rate than Rangers' 12 victories in 65 games. However, you would not have thought it at Ibrox, given how Rangers started. Former Liverpool forward Ryan Kent fired just over before Arfield found the bottom corner for Rangers' first Champions League goal of the season, and first in 383 minutes in the competition. The defending from the home side left much to be desired as Liverpool levelled through Firmino, but that was as good as it got for the visitors in the opening period, with Rangers missing several chances to retake the lead. The second half was a different story altogether, and Rangers completely crumbled as Liverpool improved. Nunez's goal was as much to do with the hosts' poor defending, while Salah was presented with gift after gift having come off the bench for only the final 22 minutes. Salah's incredible treble took him to 38 Champions League goals for Liverpool, now the most by any player for an English club in the competition, surpassing Didier Drogba for Chelsea and Sergio Aguero for Manchester City, who both have 36. The stadium was empty as Elliott stroked home to complete a flattering scoreline for Liverpool, given they had struggled for much of the opening period. "It is very hard to explain, to process," Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst said. "I am still processing the game, especially the second half. "The first half and the last half-an-hour was night and day, how we played and that difference in level, that is too much in Champions League. I cannot explain it right now."

Champions League: Mohamed Salah's hat-trick propels Liverpool to 7-1 win over Rangers

Omer Atzili scored twice as Maccabi Haifa beat struggling Juventus 2-0 on Tuesday in Champions League Group H, pushing the Italian giants to the brink of elimination. Juve are third in their group after four matches, equal on three points with Maccabi, who remain bottom despite their first win, and four behind Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain, who play later in the evening.

Juventus had suggested their form was improving as they beat the Israeli team in Turin last week, but lost to AC Milan on Saturday to slide to eighth in Serie A. After the game Juventus president Andrea Agnelli expressed his dismay but repeated his support for coach Massimiliano Allegri. "I'm ashamed of what's happening right now," said Agnelli to Sky Sport Italia. "There is no one person culpable, it's not the coach's fault if we can't win a tackle. Allegri is going to remain coach of Juventus."

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The hosts dominated the first half at the Sammy Ofer stadium and took the lead after seven minutes. Atzili outjumped the visiting defence to meet a cross from Pierre Cornud, and although he turned his head away just before making contact, the ball struck his back. Wojciech Szczesny reached the ball but it crawled through his outstretched fingers and in off the post. Maccabi poured forward. Tjaronn Chery hit the bar. Szczesny saved from Atzili. The home team continued to dominate after Juventus midfielder Angel di Maria limped off with a thigh problem in the 24th minute. 
Three minutes before half time, Atzili shaped to curl a left-footy shot inside the far post, but instead clipped it inside the near post with Szczesny rooted to his line.

Juventus managed their first strike on goal seconds before half time but Joshua Cohen saved low from Dusan Vlahovic's header. 
Juventus pressed from the start of the second half and Cohen saved high from a Daniele Rugani header flying toward the top corner. 
He later saved from wingers Juan Cuadrado and Arkadiusz Milik but Maccabi created late chances as they held on comfortably. 
In their third appearance in the Champions League group stage, Maccabi claimed their second big scalp 20 years after their first. 
In their debut campaign they beat Manchester United 3-0 at home in October 2002. They failed to progress then or on their second appearance in 2009-10.

Omer Atzili scored twice as Maccabi Haifa beat struggling Juventus 2-0 on Tuesday in Champions League Group H, pushing the Italian giants to the brink of elimination.

Omer Atzili scored twice as Maccabi Haifa beat struggling Juventus 2-0 on Tuesday in Champions League Group H, pushing the Italian giants to the brink of elimination. Juve are third in their group after four matches, equal on three points with Maccabi, who remain bottom despite their first win, and four behind Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain, who play later in the evening. Juventus had suggested their form was improving as they beat the Israeli team in Turin last week, but lost to AC Milan on Saturday to slide to eighth in Serie A. After the game Juventus president Andrea Agnelli expressed his dismay but repeated his support for coach Massimiliano Allegri. "I'm ashamed of what's happening right now," said Agnelli to Sky Sport Italia. "There is no one person culpable, it's not the coach's fault if we can't win a tackle. Allegri is going to remain coach of Juventus." ALSO READ | High-flying USA hammer hosts India 8-0 in their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup opener The hosts dominated the first half at the Sammy Ofer stadium and took the lead after seven minutes. Atzili outjumped the visiting defence to meet a cross from Pierre Cornud, and although he turned his head away just before making contact, the ball struck his back. Wojciech Szczesny reached the ball but it crawled through his outstretched fingers and in off the post. Maccabi poured forward. Tjaronn Chery hit the bar. Szczesny saved from Atzili. The home team continued to dominate after Juventus midfielder Angel di Maria limped off with a thigh problem in the 24th minute. Three minutes before half time, Atzili shaped to curl a left-footy shot inside the far post, but instead clipped it inside the near post with Szczesny rooted to his line. Juventus managed their first strike on goal seconds before half time but Joshua Cohen saved low from Dusan Vlahovic's header. Juventus pressed from the start of the second half and Cohen saved high from a Daniele Rugani header flying toward the top corner. He later saved from wingers Juan Cuadrado and Arkadiusz Milik but Maccabi created late chances as they held on comfortably. In their third appearance in the Champions League group stage, Maccabi claimed their second big scalp 20 years after their first. In their debut campaign they beat Manchester United 3-0 at home in October 2002. They failed to progress then or on their second appearance in 2009-10.

Maccabi Haifa register first UCL victory since 2002, push Juventus closer to elimination with 2-0 win

On Tuesday, Bayern Munich locked horns with Barcelona in the marquee clash at the UEFA Champions League (UCL) where the Germans scored twice in four minutes against the run of play, courtesy of&nbsp;Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane, to beat the Spanish club&nbsp;2-0 in their&nbsp;Group C face-off.&nbsp;

After the end of proceedings, Barcelona's Spainish manager Xavi reacted to his side's defeat. Without mincing his words, Xavi Hernandes fumed in the press conference and said, "I'm p*ssed off. I'm p*ssed off. I don't like to lose - and we didn't deserve it. I think we were better, we dominated them. We were better. But this is the Champions League."

"The process was good, but the result was bad. It was a golden opportunity to win at this stadium, and we leave with a defeat. I'm p*ssed off," he asserted.

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While Barca competed very well and were ahead in some parts of the way, they failed to seize control and left with a defeat. Following the loss versus Bayern -- who have emerged on top of the Spanish club if one looks at the recent face-off between the two heavyweights -- Barca's chances of making it to the Champions League Round of 16 is now tougher. They now have same number of wins as Inter Milan in the group whereas Bayern need a couple of more victories under their belt to go ahead.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Bayern Munich locked horns with Barcelona in the marquee clash at the UEFA Champions League (UCL) where the Germans scored twice in four minutes against the run of play, courtesy of Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane, to beat the Spanish club 2-0 in their Group C face-off.

On Tuesday, Bayern Munich locked horns with Barcelona in the marquee clash at the UEFA Champions League (UCL) where the Germans scored twice in four minutes against the run of play, courtesy of Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane, to beat the Spanish club 2-0 in their Group C face-off. After the end of proceedings, Barcelona's Spainish manager Xavi reacted to his side's defeat. Without mincing his words, Xavi Hernandes fumed in the press conference and said, "I'm p*ssed off. I'm p*ssed off. I don't like to lose - and we didn't deserve it. I think we were better, we dominated them. We were better. But this is the Champions League." "The process was good, but the result was bad. It was a golden opportunity to win at this stadium, and we leave with a defeat. I'm p*ssed off," he asserted. ALSO READ | Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 2-0 to spoil Robert Lewandowski's return to Munich While Barca competed very well and were ahead in some parts of the way, they failed to seize control and left with a defeat. Following the loss versus Bayern -- who have emerged on top of the Spanish club if one looks at the recent face-off between the two heavyweights -- Barca's chances of making it to the Champions League Round of 16 is now tougher. They now have same number of wins as Inter Milan in the group whereas Bayern need a couple of more victories under their belt to go ahead.

'I'm p*ssed off' - Xavi reacts as Barcelona lose to Bayern Munich in UCL, says 'we were better'

Another high-voltage clash will be held in the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City set to host Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. This will be the Cityzens' second Champions League group stage match and will see Erling Haaland come face-to-face with his former club.

Haaland has been in top form and has hit the ground running in his new club. So far, he has scored 10 goals in seven games for Man City in the ongoing Premier League season. Courtesy of his blitz, the Cityzens are placed second with four wins from six encounters in EPL. They will, however, shift their focus on the UCL -- a competition where Man City haven't found the desired success despite their desperation to get a hand on the trophy.

Borussia Dortmund, with four wins from six encounters in the new season of the Bundesliga, will be on their toes against the Pep Guardiola-led club. They surely have it in them to pull off an upset but will have to be at their&nbsp;best against the free-scoring opposition.

All you need to know about Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;UEFA Champions League match:

When and at what time will the Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;UEFA Champions League face-off get underway?

The Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;UEFA Champions League game will kick off&nbsp;at 12:30 AM IST (Thursday) on September 15.

Where will the Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;UEFA Champions League match be played?

The Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League match will be held at the iconic Etihad stadium in Manchester.

Which channel will telecast Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;UCL Champions League fixture on TV?

The Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League's&nbsp;live telecast will be&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sony Ten Network.

How to watch the live streaming of Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;UEFA Champions League game?

The live streaming of the UCL clash between Man City and&nbsp;Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;will be available on Sony Liv.

Another high-voltage clash will be held in the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City set to host Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. This will be the Cityzens' second Champions League group stage match and will see Erling Haaland come face-to-face with his former club.

Another high-voltage clash will be held in the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City set to host Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. This will be the Cityzens' second Champions League group stage match and will see Erling Haaland come face-to-face with his former club. Haaland has been in top form and has hit the ground running in his new club. So far, he has scored 10 goals in seven games for Man City in the ongoing Premier League season. Courtesy of his blitz, the Cityzens are placed second with four wins from six encounters in EPL. They will, however, shift their focus on the UCL -- a competition where Man City haven't found the desired success despite their desperation to get a hand on the trophy. Borussia Dortmund, with four wins from six encounters in the new season of the Bundesliga, will be on their toes against the Pep Guardiola-led club. They surely have it in them to pull off an upset but will have to be at their best against the free-scoring opposition. All you need to know about Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League match: When and at what time will the Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League face-off get underway? The Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League game will kick off at 12:30 AM IST (Thursday) on September 15. Where will the Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League match be played? The Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League match will be held at the iconic Etihad stadium in Manchester. Which channel will telecast Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UCL Champions League fixture on TV? The Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League's live telecast will be on Sony Ten Network. How to watch the live streaming of Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund UEFA Champions League game? The live streaming of the UCL clash between Man City and Borussia Dortmund will be available on Sony Liv.

Man City vs Borussia Dortmund, UEFA Champions League: When and where to watch the face-off online?

Robert&nbsp;Lewandowski will be in focus as Barcelona will take on Bayern Munich in the high-voltage UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 13). The rivalry between both sides have given plenty to cheer for the fans and even though the Germans have had the edge over the Spanish&nbsp;giants, the&nbsp;Catalans will not be taken lightly as they are one of the best in the world.&nbsp;

With Lewandowski joining Barca, the clash is eagerly awaited and he will generate a lot of eyeballs, without a doubt, after having spent as many as eight years with the Bavarians. Talking about both sides' campaigns so far, Bayern and Barcelona have had contrasting starts. Barca are placed second in the La Liga standings with four&nbsp;wins in five matches, on the other hand, Bayern are placed third in the Bundesliga after having drawn&nbsp;their last three matches. Overall, it promises to be an enthralling battle between the two heavyweights.

All you need to know about Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match:

When and at what time will the Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League face-off begin?

The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League game will get underway at 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday) on September 14.

Where will the Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match be played?

The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Which channel will telecast the Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UCL Champions League fixture on TV?

The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match's live telecast will be aired on the Sony Ten Network.

How to watch the live streaming of Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League game?

The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match's live streaming will be available on Sony Liv.

Robert Lewandowski will be in focus as Barcelona will take on Bayern Munich in the high-voltage UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 13). The rivalry between both sides have given plenty to cheer for the fans and even though the Germans have had the edge over the Spanish giants, the Catalans will not be taken lightly as they are one of the best in the world.

Robert Lewandowski will be in focus as Barcelona will take on Bayern Munich in the high-voltage UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday (September 13). The rivalry between both sides have given plenty to cheer for the fans and even though the Germans have had the edge over the Spanish giants, the Catalans will not be taken lightly as they are one of the best in the world. With Lewandowski joining Barca, the clash is eagerly awaited and he will generate a lot of eyeballs, without a doubt, after having spent as many as eight years with the Bavarians. Talking about both sides' campaigns so far, Bayern and Barcelona have had contrasting starts. Barca are placed second in the La Liga standings with four wins in five matches, on the other hand, Bayern are placed third in the Bundesliga after having drawn their last three matches. Overall, it promises to be an enthralling battle between the two heavyweights. All you need to know about Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match: When and at what time will the Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League face-off begin? The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League game will get underway at 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday) on September 14. Where will the Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match be played? The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Which channel will telecast the Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UCL Champions League fixture on TV? The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match's live telecast will be aired on the Sony Ten Network. How to watch the live streaming of Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League game? The Bayern Munich vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League match's live streaming will be available on Sony Liv.

Bayern vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League: When and where to watch live streaming of marquee clash?

Robert Lewandowski bagged his sixth Champions League hat-trick to help guide Barcelona to a comfortable victory against FC Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday. FC Barcelona got their Champions League off to a thundering start with a 5-1 rout of the Viktoria Plzen. And three of those goals were the work of Lewandowski, who has now scored 89 goals in the competition, the first three of those for Barca amounting to his sixth UCL hat-trick.

The home side were quick to take control of the game. After 13 minutes of near-constant pressure, Jules Kounde nodded a corner through to Franck Kessie, and the Ivorian headed in his first goal for the club. Sergi Roberto did the running and Lewandowski did what he does best. His finish was so cool and composed that he made a brilliant goal look routine.

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Jan Sykora provided some hope for the Czech champions with a well-taken header. And on the stroke of half-time, some fabulous work by Ousmane Dembele to win back a lost ball on the right ended with the Frenchman floating a tremendous cross over to the unmarked Lewandowski at the far post. The Pole headed in his second goal of the night and Barca`s third. Ferran Torres came off the bench to add a fifth as Barcelona made an emphatic start in the Champions League.

Robert Lewandowski bagged his sixth Champions League hat-trick to help guide Barcelona to a comfortable victory against FC Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday. FC Barcelona got their Champions League off to a thundering start with a 5-1 rout of the Viktoria Plzen.

Robert Lewandowski bagged his sixth Champions League hat-trick to help guide Barcelona to a comfortable victory against FC Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday. FC Barcelona got their Champions League off to a thundering start with a 5-1 rout of the Viktoria Plzen. And three of those goals were the work of Lewandowski, who has now scored 89 goals in the competition, the first three of those for Barca amounting to his sixth UCL hat-trick. The home side were quick to take control of the game. After 13 minutes of near-constant pressure, Jules Kounde nodded a corner through to Franck Kessie, and the Ivorian headed in his first goal for the club. Sergi Roberto did the running and Lewandowski did what he does best. His finish was so cool and composed that he made a brilliant goal look routine. ALSO READ | Manchester City star Erling Haaland breaks Kylian Mbappe's elite record with stunning brace against Sevilla Jan Sykora provided some hope for the Czech champions with a well-taken header. And on the stroke of half-time, some fabulous work by Ousmane Dembele to win back a lost ball on the right ended with the Frenchman floating a tremendous cross over to the unmarked Lewandowski at the far post. The Pole headed in his second goal of the night and Barca`s third. Ferran Torres came off the bench to add a fifth as Barcelona made an emphatic start in the Champions League.

UEFA Champions League: Robert Lewandowski nets hat-trick as Barcelona thump Viktoria Plzen 5-1

An enquiry by the French Senate into crowd chaos at this year's Champions League final in Paris concluded that organizers were to blame, not supporters, undermining the claims put forward by the police.

French Senate enquiry blames organisers for 2022 UCL final fiasco

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema continues to add to his legendary status in the UEFA Champions League. His goal at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium against Manchester City moved him level with Robert Lewandowski`s tally of 86 goals.

The Madridista equals the Polish marksman as the third-highest goal scorer in European Cup history. Ahead of them on the list sit Cristiano Ronaldo (141) and Lionel Messi (125). The Frenchman also equalled Ronaldo`s record for the most knockout goals in a single Champions League campaign. Benzema`s extra-time penalty winner against City on Wednesday was his 10th goal in the knockouts of UCL this season. Benzema has recorded his best personal tally this season, with 15 goals. Five came in the Group Stage, while the remaining ten have arrived in an incredible knock-out phase run which has seen him score in five successive games against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.

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Benzema has found the back of the net in the Champions League for 17 consecutive seasons. His first came back in 2005/06 against Rosenborg while playing for Olympique Lyon, where he scored a total of 12 times. The other 74 goals have come in a Real Madrid jersey. He opened his European account for the team with a strike against Milan on 3 November 2009. His favourite opposition in the competition are Galatasaray, PSG and Chelsea, hitting five goals against all of them.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema continues to add to his legendary status in the UEFA Champions League. His goal at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium against Manchester City moved him level with Robert Lewandowski`s tally of 86 goals.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema continues to add to his legendary status in the UEFA Champions League. His goal at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium against Manchester City moved him level with Robert Lewandowski`s tally of 86 goals. The Madridista equals the Polish marksman as the third-highest goal scorer in European Cup history. Ahead of them on the list sit Cristiano Ronaldo (141) and Lionel Messi (125). The Frenchman also equalled Ronaldo`s record for the most knockout goals in a single Champions League campaign. Benzema`s extra-time penalty winner against City on Wednesday was his 10th goal in the knockouts of UCL this season. Benzema has recorded his best personal tally this season, with 15 goals. Five came in the Group Stage, while the remaining ten have arrived in an incredible knock-out phase run which has seen him score in five successive games against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City. ALSO READ | Real Madrid rallies past Manchester City to reach UEFA Champions League final Benzema has found the back of the net in the Champions League for 17 consecutive seasons. His first came back in 2005/06 against Rosenborg while playing for Olympique Lyon, where he scored a total of 12 times. The other 74 goals have come in a Real Madrid jersey. He opened his European account for the team with a strike against Milan on 3 November 2009. His favourite opposition in the competition are Galatasaray, PSG and Chelsea, hitting five goals against all of them.

UCL: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema equals records of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski

The big European nights in football are back and just eight teams remain in the race to be crowned Champions League winners. Three Spanish teams and three English teams remain alive and two of the Premier League's leading lights get the quarter-finals underway. Six-time champions Liverpool are at Benfica and WION's Football Pundit Matt Holland sets up the clash with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Six-time champions are in contention for a record four title

It is a night of champions in European football with English champions Manchester City hosting Spanish champions Atletico Madrid. It is a clash of footballing ideologies as well with Pep Guardiola and Deigo Simeone both having their distinct coaching styles. The Champions League remains the holy grail for the two sides and both teams are expected to play to their strengths this evening. WION's football pundit Matt Holland tells previews the game with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Clash of footballing ideologies in Manchester

On Friday (March 18), the&nbsp;draw for the 2021/22&nbsp;UEFA Champions League&nbsp;(UCL) Quarter-Final will take place&nbsp;at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. For the unversed, the quarter-final draw is an open draw where there will be no restrictions on which team can draw whom. Hence, even the clubs&nbsp;from the same country have a chance of squaring off with each other; throwing up a possibility of a Madrid-derby or two of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea locking horns with each other.

In addition, the draw for the semi-final will also be announced on Friday. Before that, here's everything you need to know about the UCL QF Draw -&nbsp;

<section>
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paul-pogba-reveals-his-house-was-burgled-amid-childrens-presence-during-man-utds-cl-tie-vs-atletico-463204">Paul Pogba reveals his house was burgled amid children's presence during Man Utd's CL tie vs Atletico</a>

Which are the eight teams involved in the draw?
</section>

Defending champions Chelsea will be joined by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, and Villareal.&nbsp;

At what time will the UEFA Champions League QF draw take place?

The UEFA Champions League quarters' draw will commence at 4:30 PM IST.

Where can you watch the UEFA Champions League QF draw in India?

The UEFA Champions League QF draw will be telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Ten 2 HD in India.

Where can you live stream the UEFA Champions League QF draw in India?

The UCL QF Draw's live streaming&nbsp;will take place on SonyLiv in the country.

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In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UCL&nbsp;final has been moved from Gazprom Arena, in Russia, and will now take place&nbsp;at the Stade de France in Paris on May 28. The race for the final is getting intense with each passing week and, thus, one expects some mouth-watering contests and more twists and turns as we progress to the UCL knockouts.

Which two teams will make the final and who will be the side to walk away with the coveted title? Only time will tell...

On Friday (March 18), the draw for the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League (UCL) Quarter-Final will take place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. For the unversed, the quarter-final draw is an open draw where there will be no restrictions on which team can draw whom.

On Friday (March 18), the draw for the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League (UCL) Quarter-Final will take place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. For the unversed, the quarter-final draw is an open draw where there will be no restrictions on which team can draw whom. Hence, even the clubs from the same country have a chance of squaring off with each other; throwing up a possibility of a Madrid-derby or two of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea locking horns with each other. In addition, the draw for the semi-final will also be announced on Friday. Before that, here's everything you need to know about the UCL QF Draw - ALSO READ | Paul Pogba reveals his house was burgled amid children's presence during Man Utd's CL tie vs Atletico Which are the eight teams involved in the draw? Defending champions Chelsea will be joined by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, and Villareal. At what time will the UEFA Champions League QF draw take place? The UEFA Champions League quarters' draw will commence at 4:30 PM IST. Where can you watch the UEFA Champions League QF draw in India? The UEFA Champions League QF draw will be telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Ten 2 HD in India. Where can you live stream the UEFA Champions League QF draw in India? The UCL QF Draw's live streaming will take place on SonyLiv in the country. ALSO READ | Is it happening? Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United and join Lionel Messi at PSG - Reports In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UCL final has been moved from Gazprom Arena, in Russia, and will now take place at the Stade de France in Paris on May 28. The race for the final is getting intense with each passing week and, thus, one expects some mouth-watering contests and more twists and turns as we progress to the UCL knockouts. Which two teams will make the final and who will be the side to walk away with the coveted title? Only time will tell...

UCL QF fixtures - All you need to know: Telecast, live streaming, timings, likely face-offs

Almost exactly five years to the day since Paris St Germain were hit for six and humiliated in Barcelona, it was more pain in Spain for the French champions, as they slipped out of the Champions League in all too familiar fashion. Approaching the hour mark of the return leg against Barcelona`s rivals Real Madrid in the last-16 on Wednesday, PSG looked primed to reach the quarter-finals, leading 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate.

Somehow, in a manner only PSG seem able to contrive to do, the star-studded visitors imploded - a capitulation of their own making - losing 3-1 on the night to crash out. "We made some mistakes, we can`t say we didn`t. The worst feeling is that we were the better side," coach Mauricio Pochettino told Canal+. 
"The next few weeks are not going to be easy."

PSG have now been eliminated from four of their nine Champions League knockout ties when winning from the first leg, three of those coming in the previous six seasons. The 6-1 defeat to Barca in the Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 was their nadir. A stunning 4-0 win in Paris in the first leg had led many to tip PSG as eventual champions in 2016-17, only for one of the most famous comebacks in sporting history, completed by Sergi Roberto in the 95th minute, to end their European dreams.

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A Marcus Rashford winner in the Parc des Princes two years later brought memories of the Nou Camp "remontada" flooding back as PSG, who had put Manchester United to the sword in the first leg at Old Trafford, fell at the last-16 hurdle following a limp second-leg showing again. Three weeks ago a brilliant Kylian Mbappe winner in Paris gave PSG the advantage coming into Wednesday`s rematch in Madrid, with fans believing a first Champions League title could finally be in the offing.

With the effervescent Mbappe causing more problems in the Bernabeu - scoring one stunning goal that was ruled out before making one count&nbsp;give PSG the lead - a last-eight spot was theirs to lose. They did just that as basic errors allowed Madrid in twice to level the score at 2-2 on aggregate.

Needing to regroup, PSG then saved their most catastrophic mistake until last as, from their own kick-off after Benzema`s second, they gave the ball away and let Real slice through them to earn a dramatic 3-1 win on the night. The winning goal came an astonishing 10 and a half seconds after the host`s previous strike. 
Benzema became the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick but the night will be remembered more for what PSG did to themselves, again, than any of the Frenchman`s goalscoring exploits.

Almost exactly five years to the day since Paris St Germain were hit for six and humiliated in Barcelona, it was more pain in Spain for the French champions, as they slipped out of the Champions League in all too familiar fashion.

Almost exactly five years to the day since Paris St Germain were hit for six and humiliated in Barcelona, it was more pain in Spain for the French champions, as they slipped out of the Champions League in all too familiar fashion. Approaching the hour mark of the return leg against Barcelona`s rivals Real Madrid in the last-16 on Wednesday, PSG looked primed to reach the quarter-finals, leading 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate. Somehow, in a manner only PSG seem able to contrive to do, the star-studded visitors imploded - a capitulation of their own making - losing 3-1 on the night to crash out. "We made some mistakes, we can`t say we didn`t. The worst feeling is that we were the better side," coach Mauricio Pochettino told Canal+. "The next few weeks are not going to be easy." PSG have now been eliminated from four of their nine Champions League knockout ties when winning from the first leg, three of those coming in the previous six seasons. The 6-1 defeat to Barca in the Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 was their nadir. A stunning 4-0 win in Paris in the first leg had led many to tip PSG as eventual champions in 2016-17, only for one of the most famous comebacks in sporting history, completed by Sergi Roberto in the 95th minute, to end their European dreams. ALSO READ | Karim Benzema hat-trick inspires Real Madrid to comeback win over PSG, Messi & Co. out of UCL A Marcus Rashford winner in the Parc des Princes two years later brought memories of the Nou Camp "remontada" flooding back as PSG, who had put Manchester United to the sword in the first leg at Old Trafford, fell at the last-16 hurdle following a limp second-leg showing again. Three weeks ago a brilliant Kylian Mbappe winner in Paris gave PSG the advantage coming into Wednesday`s rematch in Madrid, with fans believing a first Champions League title could finally be in the offing. With the effervescent Mbappe causing more problems in the Bernabeu - scoring one stunning goal that was ruled out before making one count give PSG the lead - a last-eight spot was theirs to lose. They did just that as basic errors allowed Madrid in twice to level the score at 2-2 on aggregate. Needing to regroup, PSG then saved their most catastrophic mistake until last as, from their own kick-off after Benzema`s second, they gave the ball away and let Real slice through them to earn a dramatic 3-1 win on the night. The winning goal came an astonishing 10 and a half seconds after the host`s previous strike. Benzema became the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick but the night will be remembered more for what PSG did to themselves, again, than any of the Frenchman`s goalscoring exploits.

Deja vu for Lionel Messi-starrer PSG as they crumble again on big occasion with Real Madrid loss

UEFA had to redo the Champions League Round of 16 draw for the ongoing season on Monday after a series of errors in the initial draw. Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) could have been up against Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United as per the first draw which was later deemed void by UEFA after the European football's governing body realised its mistake. The draw took place again as the final list of Round of 16 fixtures were revealed.

What went wrong in the first draw?

The Champions League Round of 16 draw started with Real Madrid getting drawn against Benfica for the first tie. However, confusion prevailed after Manchester United were mistakenly paired up against Villarreal. United couldn't have faced Villarreal in the Round of 16 as both teams were in the same group.

The error was identified and corrected immediately as UEFA called for Villarreal to be drawn against Manchester City, who were the toppers of their respective group. Another error that went unnoticed in the first draw was when Manchester United's ball was not placed in the bowl to be drawn against Atletico Madrid.

United, who topped Group F, should have been in contention to face Atletico Madrid, however, the ball with their name was not picked. The error went unnoticed as United ended up drawing against PSG, however, UEFA realised its mistake and reconducted the draw just hours later.

The video of the substantial error went viral on social media with fans talking about the same as UEFA was quickly forced into action.

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| Manchester United’s ball for the draw was NOT included in the Atlético Madrid draw. <a href="https://t.co/6YgvyYZ1vG">pic.twitter.com/6YgvyYZ1vG</a>
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) <a href="https://twitter.com/atletiuniverse/status/1470358281936044035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-full-draw-psg-drawn-against-real-madrid-man-utd-to-take-on-atletico-madrid-436632">Champions League last 16 full draw: PSG drawn against Real Madrid, Man Utd to take on Atletico&nbsp;</a>

What did UEFA say?

UEFA was quick to release a statement on the matter and said there was a 'technical problem' due to the software of an external provider which led to the series of errors in the initial draw. Atletico Madrid had informed they took up the matter with UEFA following which the governing body's statement was released which also confirmed that the entire draw will be redone.

"Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET," UEFA said in a statement.

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Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
— UEFA (@UEFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UEFA/status/1470373779448733699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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What happened in the revised Champions League Round of 16 draw?

While Messi and Ronaldo's reunion was spoiled as the initial draw was declared void, the Argentinian legend's return to Santiago Bernabeu was confirmed as PSG were drawn against Real Madrid. Manchester United, who were initially pitted against PSG, will now face Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16. Defending champions Chelsea will face Lille while Liverpool and Manchester City will be up against Inter Miland and Sporting Lisbon respectively.

Here is the final Champions League Round of 16 draw:

Red Bull Salzburg vs Bayern Munich 
Sporting vs Manchester City 
Benfica vs Ajax 
Chelsea vs Lille 
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United 
Villarreal vs Juventus 
Inter vs Liverpool 
PSG vs Real Madrid

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

UEFA had to redo the Champions League Round of 16 draw for the ongoing season on Monday after a series of errors in the initial draw. Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) could have been up against Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United as per the first draw which was later deemed void by UEFA after the European football's governing body realised its mistake.

UEFA had to redo the Champions League Round of 16 draw for the ongoing season on Monday after a series of errors in the initial draw. Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) could have been up against Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United as per the first draw which was later deemed void by UEFA after the European football's governing body realised its mistake. The draw took place again as the final list of Round of 16 fixtures were revealed. What went wrong in the first draw? The Champions League Round of 16 draw started with Real Madrid getting drawn against Benfica for the first tie. However, confusion prevailed after Manchester United were mistakenly paired up against Villarreal. United couldn't have faced Villarreal in the Round of 16 as both teams were in the same group. The error was identified and corrected immediately as UEFA called for Villarreal to be drawn against Manchester City, who were the toppers of their respective group. Another error that went unnoticed in the first draw was when Manchester United's ball was not placed in the bowl to be drawn against Atletico Madrid. United, who topped Group F, should have been in contention to face Atletico Madrid, however, the ball with their name was not picked. The error went unnoticed as United ended up drawing against PSG, however, UEFA realised its mistake and reconducted the draw just hours later. The video of the substantial error went viral on social media with fans talking about the same as UEFA was quickly forced into action. | Manchester United’s ball for the draw was NOT included in the Atlético Madrid draw. pic.twitter.com/6YgvyYZ1vG — Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) December 13, 2021 × Also Read: Champions League last 16 full draw: PSG drawn against Real Madrid, Man Utd to take on Atletico What did UEFA say? UEFA was quick to release a statement on the matter and said there was a 'technical problem' due to the software of an external provider which led to the series of errors in the initial draw. Atletico Madrid had informed they took up the matter with UEFA following which the governing body's statement was released which also confirmed that the entire draw will be redone. "Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET," UEFA said in a statement. Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. — UEFA (@UEFA) December 13, 2021 × What happened in the revised Champions League Round of 16 draw? While Messi and Ronaldo's reunion was spoiled as the initial draw was declared void, the Argentinian legend's return to Santiago Bernabeu was confirmed as PSG were drawn against Real Madrid. Manchester United, who were initially pitted against PSG, will now face Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16. Defending champions Chelsea will face Lille while Liverpool and Manchester City will be up against Inter Miland and Sporting Lisbon respectively. Here is the final Champions League Round of 16 draw: Red Bull Salzburg vs Bayern Munich Sporting vs Manchester City Benfica vs Ajax Chelsea vs Lille Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Villarreal vs Juventus Inter vs Liverpool PSG vs Real Madrid

Explained: Why was UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw conducted twice?

Shakhtar Donetsk clinched a berth in the lucrative Champions League group stage with a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Monaco after fighting back from two goals down in their playoff round return leg on Wednesday. 
 
The Ukrainian side joined RB Salzburg as the Austrian champions beat Danes Brondby 4-2 on aggregate, and Sheriff Tiraspol, who became the first Moldovan side to reach the group stage with a 3-0 overall victory against Dinamo Zagreb. 
 
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at home, Monaco turned the tide as a Wissam Ben Yedder brace gave them a 2-0 lead on the night in Kharkiv before second-half substitute Marlos levelled the tie with a 74th-minute strike. 
 
With the away goals rule no longer in effect in European club competition as of this season, Shakhtar forced the final twist thanks to a 114th-minute own goal from Monaco captain Ruben Aguilar after the French side missed a string of chances. 
 
Ben Yedder fired a dominant Monaco into an 18th-minute lead on the night and put the visitors in the driving seat in the 39th when he steered home a superb low cross from the left by Caio Henrique. 
 
Ben Yedder then missed a pair of sitters either side of halftime and Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov denied Kevin Volland with a superb stoppage-time save after Marlos had given Shakhtar a lifeline with a neat finish inside the near post. 
 
Shakhtar were on the back foot in extra time too but Monaco were ultimately punished for their misses when Aguilar stuck his foot out to block a pass and the looping clearance sailed over goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel into the back of the net. 
 
Salzburg raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes of the return leg against Brondby as Benjamin Sesko struck with a clinical finish and Brenden Aaronson added the second when he slid the ball under goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. 
 
Brondby defender Andreas Maxsoe pulled one back for the home side from close range in the 62nd minute but it was scant consolation for the Danish side as Salzburg held out comfortably. 
 
Having stunned Dinamo 3-0 at home in the first leg, Sheriff eased to a goalless draw in Croatia`s capital to defy the odds again after they knocked out 1991 European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade in the previous qualifying round. 
 
The group stage draw will be held in Istanbul on Thursday.

Shakhtar Donetsk clinched a berth in the lucrative Champions League group stage with a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Monaco after fighting back from two goals down in their playoff round return leg on Wednesday.

Shakhtar Donetsk clinched a berth in the lucrative Champions League group stage with a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Monaco after fighting back from two goals down in their playoff round return leg on Wednesday. The Ukrainian side joined RB Salzburg as the Austrian champions beat Danes Brondby 4-2 on aggregate, and Sheriff Tiraspol, who became the first Moldovan side to reach the group stage with a 3-0 overall victory against Dinamo Zagreb. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at home, Monaco turned the tide as a Wissam Ben Yedder brace gave them a 2-0 lead on the night in Kharkiv before second-half substitute Marlos levelled the tie with a 74th-minute strike. With the away goals rule no longer in effect in European club competition as of this season, Shakhtar forced the final twist thanks to a 114th-minute own goal from Monaco captain Ruben Aguilar after the French side missed a string of chances. Ben Yedder fired a dominant Monaco into an 18th-minute lead on the night and put the visitors in the driving seat in the 39th when he steered home a superb low cross from the left by Caio Henrique. Ben Yedder then missed a pair of sitters either side of halftime and Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov denied Kevin Volland with a superb stoppage-time save after Marlos had given Shakhtar a lifeline with a neat finish inside the near post. Shakhtar were on the back foot in extra time too but Monaco were ultimately punished for their misses when Aguilar stuck his foot out to block a pass and the looping clearance sailed over goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel into the back of the net. Salzburg raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes of the return leg against Brondby as Benjamin Sesko struck with a clinical finish and Brenden Aaronson added the second when he slid the ball under goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Brondby defender Andreas Maxsoe pulled one back for the home side from close range in the 62nd minute but it was scant consolation for the Danish side as Salzburg held out comfortably. Having stunned Dinamo 3-0 at home in the first leg, Sheriff eased to a goalless draw in Croatia`s capital to defy the odds again after they knocked out 1991 European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade in the previous qualifying round. The group stage draw will be held in Istanbul on Thursday.

Shakhtar sink Monaco to reach Champions League group stage

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League finale on Saturday night. The two Premier League sides will secure horns in the final match of the European football schedule at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-finals-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-manchester-city-vs-chelsea-388261" hreflang="en">UEFA Champions League finals, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea?</a>

Manchester City has had a staggering campaign under Pep Guardiola this year and will be hoping to guarantee a treble of English League Cup, Premier League, and UEFA Champions League prizes.&nbsp;

Chelsea, then again, have been a changed side since the time Thomas Tuchel was appointed. He has made the team look very difficult to beat and has effectively beaten Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Cup just as the Premier League.

<h2>Head to Head</h2>

Chelsea have a great record against Manchester City and have won 70 matches out of an aggregate of 168 games played between the two groups. Manchester City have overseen 59 triumphs against Chelsea and have a highlight demonstrate in this apparatus.&nbsp;

The past gathering between the two groups occurred in the Premier League recently and finished in a 2-1 triumph for Chelsea. The Blues additionally unloaded Manchester City out of the FA Cup this year and will need a comparable outcome this end of the week.

<h2>Manchester City</h2>

Heading into this great clash, Manchester City has no concerns over any injuries, which means Pep Guardiola can call upon all his players for the finale in Porto. He didn't pivot vigorously during the last match of the season against Everton, which they won 5-0 and there are probably not going to roll out a lot of changes to the side that ventured out to challenge Everton.&nbsp;

Ederson Moraes, who won the Premier League Golden Glove for 2020/21, is a conviction to include between the sticks while the unshakable association of John Stones and Ruben Dias picks itself at the core of the Manchester City defense.

Kevin De Bruyne is a cirtitude to feature. Ilkay Gundogan ought to involve the third midfield opening. Riyad Mahrez is made sure about to begin the conservative while Phil Foden ought to get approval on the left given his form.&nbsp;

Pep Guardiola has regularly liked to work without a characteristic striker and could follow a comparable methodology on Saturday with Bernardo Silva starting as the false-nine or even Kevin De Bruyne, with the Portuguese moving into midfield. Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus will be alternatives from the bench.

Manchester City (4-3-3) - Probable Starting XI: Ederson Moraes; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva; Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez.

<h2>Chelsea&nbsp;</h2>

Chelsea had been perspiring over the fitness of Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante heading into the finale. Be that as it may, a lot to Thomas Tuchel's alleviation, the team is fit and accessible for determination for the Champions League final, which will be a significant boost to their chances.&nbsp;

Edouard Mendy has been a solid presence between the sticks and has added some truly necessary soundness to what exactly was a delicate Chelsea backline before his appearance. He has maintained nine clean sheets in 11 UEFA Champions League appearances for the Blues this season.

With N'Golo Kante fit and accessible, he turns into an obvious choice in the starting XI, with his energy and guarded nous set to come very helpful for Chelsea in their endeavors to stop City. He will be upheld by Jorginho, with Mateo Kovacic offering an alternative from the bench. Ben Chilwell is an assurance to highlight out on the left side in front of Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri.

Mason Mount is an ensured starter in one of the two attacking midfield positions. For the subsequent spot, Hakim Ziyech could get approval in spite of him not being a starter of late.&nbsp;

Timo Werner will very likely lead the line for Chelsea, yet it stays not yet clear who accomplices him forthright.

Chelsea (3-4-2-1) - Probable Starting XI: Edouard Mendy; Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta; Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante; Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner.&nbsp;

<h2>Five Players to watch out for</h2>

The two groups brag plenty of stars in their positions. On that note, here are five players to watch out for in the 2021 UEFA Champions League finale.&nbsp;

A game of this size with two groups brimming with a-list players implies there are various decisions for this segment. The clash of the Englishmen in Mason Mount versus Phil Foden makes certain to energize individuals. Phil Foden's fleeting ascent at Manchester City is very much recorded. At only 21 years old, the player has effectively settled himself among the absolute best in the business. Chelsea's player of the season, Mason Mount, was their champion entertainer in the Premier League. So the Blues will look to him to convey in the greatest round of their season.&nbsp;

<img alt="cc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8aa583c-5ef4-48a9-b828-c579233d3848" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-05-29T192131.529_0.jpg" />

It will likewise be Sergio Aguero's last game in Manchester City tones, making him another player to watch out for. He has a wonderful record against Chelsea, scoring 15 goals in 22 games, the joint-most he has overseen against a solitary adversary.&nbsp; 
N'Golo Kante's ball-winning capacity is great, while his passes are exact, credits that charm him to any manager. He unquestionably will be a player to keep an eye out for.&nbsp;

<img alt="xxcc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30d3c1cb-0f84-4820-a920-717d114a0b5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png" />

Kevin De Bruyne is the fundamental man to keep an eye out for in this challenge on Saturday. He has a great technique, has an amazing passing ability, and his hold-up play is top-notch. Manchester City will seek De Bruyne for motivation against Chelsea.

Considering it’s a finale and a lot is at stake this match between Manchester City and Chelsea should be a cracking contest.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League finale on Saturday night. The two Premier League sides will secure horns in the final match of the European football schedule at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League finale on Saturday night. The two Premier League sides will secure horns in the final match of the European football schedule at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto. ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League finals, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea? Manchester City has had a staggering campaign under Pep Guardiola this year and will be hoping to guarantee a treble of English League Cup, Premier League, and UEFA Champions League prizes. Chelsea, then again, have been a changed side since the time Thomas Tuchel was appointed. He has made the team look very difficult to beat and has effectively beaten Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Cup just as the Premier League. Head to Head Chelsea have a great record against Manchester City and have won 70 matches out of an aggregate of 168 games played between the two groups. Manchester City have overseen 59 triumphs against Chelsea and have a highlight demonstrate in this apparatus. The past gathering between the two groups occurred in the Premier League recently and finished in a 2-1 triumph for Chelsea. The Blues additionally unloaded Manchester City out of the FA Cup this year and will need a comparable outcome this end of the week. Manchester City Heading into this great clash, Manchester City has no concerns over any injuries, which means Pep Guardiola can call upon all his players for the finale in Porto. He didn't pivot vigorously during the last match of the season against Everton, which they won 5-0 and there are probably not going to roll out a lot of changes to the side that ventured out to challenge Everton. Ederson Moraes, who won the Premier League Golden Glove for 2020/21, is a conviction to include between the sticks while the unshakable association of John Stones and Ruben Dias picks itself at the core of the Manchester City defense. Kevin De Bruyne is a cirtitude to feature. Ilkay Gundogan ought to involve the third midfield opening. Riyad Mahrez is made sure about to begin the conservative while Phil Foden ought to get approval on the left given his form. Pep Guardiola has regularly liked to work without a characteristic striker and could follow a comparable methodology on Saturday with Bernardo Silva starting as the false-nine or even Kevin De Bruyne, with the Portuguese moving into midfield. Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus will be alternatives from the bench. Manchester City (4-3-3) - Probable Starting XI: Ederson Moraes; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva; Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez. Chelsea Chelsea had been perspiring over the fitness of Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante heading into the finale. Be that as it may, a lot to Thomas Tuchel's alleviation, the team is fit and accessible for determination for the Champions League final, which will be a significant boost to their chances. Edouard Mendy has been a solid presence between the sticks and has added some truly necessary soundness to what exactly was a delicate Chelsea backline before his appearance. He has maintained nine clean sheets in 11 UEFA Champions League appearances for the Blues this season. With N'Golo Kante fit and accessible, he turns into an obvious choice in the starting XI, with his energy and guarded nous set to come very helpful for Chelsea in their endeavors to stop City. He will be upheld by Jorginho, with Mateo Kovacic offering an alternative from the bench. Ben Chilwell is an assurance to highlight out on the left side in front of Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri. Mason Mount is an ensured starter in one of the two attacking midfield positions. For the subsequent spot, Hakim Ziyech could get approval in spite of him not being a starter of late. Timo Werner will very likely lead the line for Chelsea, yet it stays not yet clear who accomplices him forthright. Chelsea (3-4-2-1) - Probable Starting XI: Edouard Mendy; Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta; Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante; Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner. Five Players to watch out for The two groups brag plenty of stars in their positions. On that note, here are five players to watch out for in the 2021 UEFA Champions League finale. A game of this size with two groups brimming with a-list players implies there are various decisions for this segment. The clash of the Englishmen in Mason Mount versus Phil Foden makes certain to energize individuals. Phil Foden's fleeting ascent at Manchester City is very much recorded. At only 21 years old, the player has effectively settled himself among the absolute best in the business. Chelsea's player of the season, Mason Mount, was their champion entertainer in the Premier League. So the Blues will look to him to convey in the greatest round of their season. It will likewise be Sergio Aguero's last game in Manchester City tones, making him another player to watch out for. He has a wonderful record against Chelsea, scoring 15 goals in 22 games, the joint-most he has overseen against a solitary adversary. N'Golo Kante's ball-winning capacity is great, while his passes are exact, credits that charm him to any manager. He unquestionably will be a player to keep an eye out for. Kevin De Bruyne is the fundamental man to keep an eye out for in this challenge on Saturday. He has a great technique, has an amazing passing ability, and his hold-up play is top-notch. Manchester City will seek De Bruyne for motivation against Chelsea. Considering it’s a finale and a lot is at stake this match between Manchester City and Chelsea should be a cracking contest.

Man City vs Chelsea, Preview: Stats & star players, a brief look ahead of Champions League showdown

Victory for Manchester City over Chelsea in the Champions League final in Porto on Saturday could have an impact well beyond sporting pride.

The first-ever title in Europe's premier club competition would complete City's rise from Manchester's "second club" to England's top team and experts believe that could be the missing element in creating a truly global brand.

"The biggest trophy in club&nbsp;football&nbsp;is the Champions League and winning that would certainly have an impact on their brand, that is why you see clubs chasing it so hard, like Paris St Germain," says Hugo Hensley, head of sports services at Brand Finance.

PSG fell at the final hurdle last season, losing to Bayern Munich, leaving their Qatari owners still searching for that defining trophy that seals status in the game's elite.

Unlike PSG, City has had to compete with one of the game's biggest name clubs being just down the road.

When billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan bought the club in 2008, there was no doubting he had invested in the second club in the city.

Manchester United was not just the most successful team in England they were a global brand attracting fans from across the world.

United had everything needed for&nbsp;football&nbsp;and commercial success - one of the game's top managers in Alex Ferguson, world-class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and a brand already rooted in success was glowing from a third European Cup/Champions League triumph.

City&nbsp;had a tradition of their own - they were one of England's top teams in the late 1960's - but as recently as nine years before the Abu Dhabi group took control, they had been languishing in the third tier.

On the field, things have changed dramatically.

While United has struggled for success since Ferguson's departure in 2013, City have won five of the last nine Premier League titles, including three of the last four.

In Pep Guardiola, the club has a manager widely viewed as the most innovative and effective in the game and they have a team packed with international talent, producing entertaining&nbsp;football.

That is all more than enough for the club's supporters of course, who know they are now the top dogs in their city and in the country.

But when it comes to being a global brand and international business, United still feature above City in most evaluations.

In terms of financial value, the Forbes and Deloitte rankings, place United fourth in the world and City sixth.

When it comes to the broader, brand value, the calculations from Brand Finance place United third and City fourth - Spain's Real Madrid and Barcelona are in top spots.

As United fans would be quick to point out, while they have won the European Cup/Champions League three times City have never been European champions.

The only triumph for the Sky Blues in the continental competition came in the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 51 years ago.

"The peripheral fan who maybe only watches the Champions League latter stages, is going to be exposed to Manchester City, it brings a greater exposure to that wider audience," says Hensley.

"In terms of building the value of the brand, what that does for them is, it can increase their ability to sell sponsorship contracts, get sponsorships in more categories, and then build more loyalty among those sponsors, which is what that really branded aspect of the business is about," he said.

United still generates around £100 million more than City in annual revenue and they would also point to a greater global digital reach which increasingly drives their sponsorship deals.

A Champions League triumph for City would come at a bad time for United whose American owners, the Glazer family, are facing protests from some fan groups while the team is smarting from losing the Europa League final to Spain's Villarreal on Wednesday.

Victory in Porto might not catapult City above United in financial and brand terms but it would certainly move them much closer.

"It will help them close the financial gap. In terms of global branding they are still some distance behind United, Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Juventus, and, probably, Liverpool," says&nbsp;football&nbsp;finance analyst Rob Wilson of Sheffield Hallam University.

"They have too little history but they are certainly on an upward curve - and a Champions League win will undoubtedly accelerate things".

Victory for Manchester City over Chelsea in the Champions League final in Porto on Saturday could have an impact well beyond sporting pride. The first-ever title in Europe's premier club competition would complete City's rise from Manchester's "second club" to England's top team and experts believe that could be the missing element in creating a truly global brand.

Victory for Manchester City over Chelsea in the Champions League final in Porto on Saturday could have an impact well beyond sporting pride. The first-ever title in Europe's premier club competition would complete City's rise from Manchester's "second club" to England's top team and experts believe that could be the missing element in creating a truly global brand. "The biggest trophy in club football is the Champions League and winning that would certainly have an impact on their brand, that is why you see clubs chasing it so hard, like Paris St Germain," says Hugo Hensley, head of sports services at Brand Finance. PSG fell at the final hurdle last season, losing to Bayern Munich, leaving their Qatari owners still searching for that defining trophy that seals status in the game's elite. Unlike PSG, City has had to compete with one of the game's biggest name clubs being just down the road. When billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan bought the club in 2008, there was no doubting he had invested in the second club in the city. Manchester United was not just the most successful team in England they were a global brand attracting fans from across the world. United had everything needed for football and commercial success - one of the game's top managers in Alex Ferguson, world-class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and a brand already rooted in success was glowing from a third European Cup/Champions League triumph. City had a tradition of their own - they were one of England's top teams in the late 1960's - but as recently as nine years before the Abu Dhabi group took control, they had been languishing in the third tier. On the field, things have changed dramatically. While United has struggled for success since Ferguson's departure in 2013, City have won five of the last nine Premier League titles, including three of the last four. In Pep Guardiola, the club has a manager widely viewed as the most innovative and effective in the game and they have a team packed with international talent, producing entertaining football. That is all more than enough for the club's supporters of course, who know they are now the top dogs in their city and in the country. But when it comes to being a global brand and international business, United still feature above City in most evaluations. In terms of financial value, the Forbes and Deloitte rankings, place United fourth in the world and City sixth. When it comes to the broader, brand value, the calculations from Brand Finance place United third and City fourth - Spain's Real Madrid and Barcelona are in top spots. As United fans would be quick to point out, while they have won the European Cup/Champions League three times City have never been European champions. The only triumph for the Sky Blues in the continental competition came in the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 51 years ago. "The peripheral fan who maybe only watches the Champions League latter stages, is going to be exposed to Manchester City, it brings a greater exposure to that wider audience," says Hensley. "In terms of building the value of the brand, what that does for them is, it can increase their ability to sell sponsorship contracts, get sponsorships in more categories, and then build more loyalty among those sponsors, which is what that really branded aspect of the business is about," he said. United still generates around £100 million more than City in annual revenue and they would also point to a greater global digital reach which increasingly drives their sponsorship deals. A Champions League triumph for City would come at a bad time for United whose American owners, the Glazer family, are facing protests from some fan groups while the team is smarting from losing the Europa League final to Spain's Villarreal on Wednesday. Victory in Porto might not catapult City above United in financial and brand terms but it would certainly move them much closer. "It will help them close the financial gap. In terms of global branding they are still some distance behind United, Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Juventus, and, probably, Liverpool," says football finance analyst Rob Wilson of Sheffield Hallam University. "They have too little history but they are certainly on an upward curve - and a Champions League win will undoubtedly accelerate things".

Football: Champions League win would boost City's bid to match Manchester United as global brand

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