Tottenham Hotspur still have work to do to reach the next round of the Champions League despite a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/vertonghen-shines-as-tottenham-cruise-past-dortmund-3-0-197303">convincing 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund</a> in their last-16 first leg on Wednesday, said coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham stunned the Germans with a goal two minutes after halftime from Korean forward Son Heung-min and struck twice late in the game through Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen, who was deployed in an unusual left wing back role, and substitute Fernando Llorente.

"It is a massive, massive performance and effort from my players," Pochettino told reporters.

"My players are heroes. They deserve a lot of praise because their effort this season is amazing.

"It is only the first half of the tie -- 3-0 is a very good result, but we must go to Dortmund with the idea of winning. It is a very good result but there is a lot of work to do."

The second leg is in Germany on March 5.

Tottenham were on the backfoot in the first half against the Bundesliga leaders, who had conceded only two goals in the entire group stage and had the better scoring chances.

The Argentine coach said he had to talk to his players at halftime to discuss ways of slowing their opponents down, with Dortmund's Jadon Sancho wreaking havoc down the wing.

"I would not say the team were nervous but the second half was much better. At halftime we showed them a few situations that could have been different," Pochettino said.

"We tried to help the team make the right decisions and perform in the best way. You need some luck, too. For me it is only the first leg, the first half but it is a very good result."

The result equalled Dortmund's heaviest away defeat in the Champions League.

The Germans also suffered a morale-sapping 3-3 draw against Hoffenheim last week in the Bundesliga after leading 3-0 and were also eliminated from the German Cup by Werder Bremen on penalties.

"We played well in the first half, had a couple of chances, We defended really well and played well going forward," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre said.

"In the start of the second half we gave it away. It was a gift. After that we tried to play a bit too hastily and it was very, very difficult for us. After the second goal it was harder to hold on to the ball and create chances."

For Favre and his players it is now back to the drawing board.

"There are periods of a season when things aren't top, top, top. It is what it is. We need to analyse and work hard to avoid and correct these errors."

Tottenham Hotspur still have work to do to reach the next round of the Champions League despite a convincing 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their last-16 first leg on Wednesday, said coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur still have work to do to reach the next round of the Champions League despite a convincing 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their last-16 first leg on Wednesday, said coach Mauricio Pochettino. Tottenham stunned the Germans with a goal two minutes after halftime from Korean forward Son Heung-min and struck twice late in the game through Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen, who was deployed in an unusual left wing back role, and substitute Fernando Llorente. "It is a massive, massive performance and effort from my players," Pochettino told reporters. "My players are heroes. They deserve a lot of praise because their effort this season is amazing. "It is only the first half of the tie -- 3-0 is a very good result, but we must go to Dortmund with the idea of winning. It is a very good result but there is a lot of work to do." The second leg is in Germany on March 5. Tottenham were on the backfoot in the first half against the Bundesliga leaders, who had conceded only two goals in the entire group stage and had the better scoring chances. The Argentine coach said he had to talk to his players at halftime to discuss ways of slowing their opponents down, with Dortmund's Jadon Sancho wreaking havoc down the wing. "I would not say the team were nervous but the second half was much better. At halftime we showed them a few situations that could have been different," Pochettino said. "We tried to help the team make the right decisions and perform in the best way. You need some luck, too. For me it is only the first leg, the first half but it is a very good result." The result equalled Dortmund's heaviest away defeat in the Champions League. The Germans also suffered a morale-sapping 3-3 draw against Hoffenheim last week in the Bundesliga after leading 3-0 and were also eliminated from the German Cup by Werder Bremen on penalties. "We played well in the first half, had a couple of chances, We defended really well and played well going forward," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre said. "In the start of the second half we gave it away. It was a gift. After that we tried to play a bit too hastily and it was very, very difficult for us. After the second goal it was harder to hold on to the ball and create chances." For Favre and his players it is now back to the drawing board. "There are periods of a season when things aren't top, top, top. It is what it is. We need to analyse and work hard to avoid and correct these errors."

Still work to do despite 3-0 win, says Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino

Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur thumped Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday to give them the clear edge following the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.

Tottenham looked unfazed by the absence of injured captain Harry Kane and Dele Alli, scoring all three goals in a strong second half to take control of the tie and leave the Germans on the brink of a European exit.

Belgian Vertonghen notched his first goal in the Champions League with a well-timed volley in the 83rd minute after he had set up forward Son for a 47th minute lead. Substitute Fernando Llorente grabbed their third in the 86th, two minutes after coming on.

That was Son's ninth goal against Dortmund in 11 matches, with the South Korean, who played in the Bundesliga from 2010-15, having also scored twice in the competition's group stage last season.

"It was a fantastic second half," Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters. "The first half was difficult. It was a difficult game from the beginning.

"In the first half we played a little - not nervously - but not with the confidence. The second half was very, very good.

"There is still work to do."

Bundesliga leaders Dortmund, eliminated from the German Cup last week, were nowhere to be seen in the second half, with speedy teenager Jadon Sancho given no space to operate after the break. The return leg is on March 5.

"The first goal rattled us," Dortmund's Mario Goetze told reporters. "And then the double strike towards the end killed us off. We were good in the first half but this is very bitter. We now need to get back on track."

Before Wednesday, Tottenham had never won a home match in the knockout stage of the competition and Lucas Moura came close with a fine shot in the seventh minute.

Dortmund, themselves missing injured captain Marco Reus and top striker Paco Alcacer, gradually took control and had the better chances in the first half with Christian Pulisic firing onto keeper Hugo Lloris and the Frenchman saving a point-blank header from Dan-Axel Zagadou.

But the hosts changed the course of the game two minutes after the restart, pouncing on a defensive error and with Vertonghen whipping in a cross for Son, who has kept on scoring in Kane's absence, to tap in.

Dortmund, who had conceded just two goals in the group stage, tried to recover but found no way past the disciplined Tottenham backline.

They also looked to be running out of steam when Tottenham scored twice late in the game.

Vertonghen timed his run to perfection in the 83rd to kill off the game and Llorente gave them a big advantage for the second leg.

Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur thumped Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday to give them the clear edge following the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.

Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur thumped Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday to give them the clear edge following the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie. Tottenham looked unfazed by the absence of injured captain Harry Kane and Dele Alli, scoring all three goals in a strong second half to take control of the tie and leave the Germans on the brink of a European exit. Belgian Vertonghen notched his first goal in the Champions League with a well-timed volley in the 83rd minute after he had set up forward Son for a 47th minute lead. Substitute Fernando Llorente grabbed their third in the 86th, two minutes after coming on. That was Son's ninth goal against Dortmund in 11 matches, with the South Korean, who played in the Bundesliga from 2010-15, having also scored twice in the competition's group stage last season. "It was a fantastic second half," Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters. "The first half was difficult. It was a difficult game from the beginning. "In the first half we played a little - not nervously - but not with the confidence. The second half was very, very good. "There is still work to do." Bundesliga leaders Dortmund, eliminated from the German Cup last week, were nowhere to be seen in the second half, with speedy teenager Jadon Sancho given no space to operate after the break. The return leg is on March 5. "The first goal rattled us," Dortmund's Mario Goetze told reporters. "And then the double strike towards the end killed us off. We were good in the first half but this is very bitter. We now need to get back on track." Before Wednesday, Tottenham had never won a home match in the knockout stage of the competition and Lucas Moura came close with a fine shot in the seventh minute. Dortmund, themselves missing injured captain Marco Reus and top striker Paco Alcacer, gradually took control and had the better chances in the first half with Christian Pulisic firing onto keeper Hugo Lloris and the Frenchman saving a point-blank header from Dan-Axel Zagadou. But the hosts changed the course of the game two minutes after the restart, pouncing on a defensive error and with Vertonghen whipping in a cross for Son, who has kept on scoring in Kane's absence, to tap in. Dortmund, who had conceded just two goals in the group stage, tried to recover but found no way past the disciplined Tottenham backline. They also looked to be running out of steam when Tottenham scored twice late in the game. Vertonghen timed his run to perfection in the 83rd to kill off the game and Llorente gave them a big advantage for the second leg.

Champions League: Vertonghen shines as Tottenham cruise past Dortmund 3-0

Paris St Germain's 2-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday showed that the French champions may finally have found, under coach Thomas Tuchel, the heart and collective spirit they had been lacking in recent years.&nbsp;

Many predicted a defeat in the Champions League last-16 first leg by a resurgent United after forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani were ruled out injured.&nbsp;

Instead, PSG rose up to the challenge and stepped onto the field a compact side showing no fear -- a sharp contrast to the team who blew a 4-0 lead over Barcelona to lose 6-1 at the same stage of the competition in 2017.&nbsp;

Marquinhos, who bossed the midfield alongside Marco Verratti, recalls a meeting with Tuchel which he believes was key to PSG's performance.&nbsp;

The German coach took over from Unai Emery last year as the Qatari-backed club look to shine on the continental stage after four consecutive eliminations in the quarter-finals followed by two successive last 16 exits.&nbsp;

"This meeting was very important," the Brazilian, who usually plays centre back, said.&nbsp;

"The coach gave us the strategy. He started with the defensive aspect, underlining the qualities of the opponents' attack and their speed on the break.&nbsp;

"He insisted on us not losing the ball too quickly after winning it back in midfield."&nbsp;

PSG stayed compact throughout, with Julian Draxler often dropping deep to strengthen the midfield.&nbsp;

"Defensively we were solid. We showed that with the right mindset we could do great things," captain Thiago Silva said.&nbsp;

Often criticised for missing the 'club culture' key to success in Europe, PSG entered the tie with confidence despite lacking two players who between them who have scored 30 goals in Ligue 1 and seven times in the Champions League.&nbsp;

"It is not just thanks to the coach," said Silva.&nbsp;

"It is also the whole staff who have been working to give us information on the other team. Everything the staff told us would happen on the pitch happened."&nbsp;

Even without Neymar and Cavani.&nbsp;

"They are world class players but we remain a world class team without them," added Draxler.&nbsp;

The Ligue 1 leaders, who have already almost secured the domestic title, now have three weeks to gear up for the second leg in Paris, where they will look to avoid a slip-up similar to the Nou Camp debacle.&nbsp;

"We should stop being scared," said forward Kylian Mbappe who scored PSG's second against United.&nbsp;

Paris St Germain's 2-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday showed that the French champions may finally have found, under coach Thomas Tuchel, the heart and collective spirit they had been lacking in recent years.

Paris St Germain's 2-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday showed that the French champions may finally have found, under coach Thomas Tuchel, the heart and collective spirit they had been lacking in recent years. Many predicted a defeat in the Champions League last-16 first leg by a resurgent United after forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani were ruled out injured. Instead, PSG rose up to the challenge and stepped onto the field a compact side showing no fear -- a sharp contrast to the team who blew a 4-0 lead over Barcelona to lose 6-1 at the same stage of the competition in 2017. Marquinhos, who bossed the midfield alongside Marco Verratti, recalls a meeting with Tuchel which he believes was key to PSG's performance. The German coach took over from Unai Emery last year as the Qatari-backed club look to shine on the continental stage after four consecutive eliminations in the quarter-finals followed by two successive last 16 exits. "This meeting was very important," the Brazilian, who usually plays centre back, said. "The coach gave us the strategy. He started with the defensive aspect, underlining the qualities of the opponents' attack and their speed on the break. "He insisted on us not losing the ball too quickly after winning it back in midfield." PSG stayed compact throughout, with Julian Draxler often dropping deep to strengthen the midfield. "Defensively we were solid. We showed that with the right mindset we could do great things," captain Thiago Silva said. Often criticised for missing the 'club culture' key to success in Europe, PSG entered the tie with confidence despite lacking two players who between them who have scored 30 goals in Ligue 1 and seven times in the Champions League. "It is not just thanks to the coach," said Silva. "It is also the whole staff who have been working to give us information on the other team. Everything the staff told us would happen on the pitch happened." Even without Neymar and Cavani. "They are world class players but we remain a world class team without them," added Draxler. The Ligue 1 leaders, who have already almost secured the domestic title, now have three weeks to gear up for the second leg in Paris, where they will look to avoid a slip-up similar to the Nou Camp debacle. "We should stop being scared," said forward Kylian Mbappe who scored PSG's second against United.

Thomas Tuchel's PSG finally show guts and team spirit

The video assistant referee (VAR) made its UEFA Champions League debut on February 12 when the knock-out stages of the competition started.&nbsp;

For the first time, it was used in&nbsp;Wednesday's last 16&nbsp;game&nbsp;between&nbsp;Ajax and Real Madrid. In the match, substitute Marco Asensio scored a late winner as defending champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-edge-out-ajax-as-asensio-scores-late-winner-197252">Real beat Ajax 2-1 in Amsterdam</a>.&nbsp;

While Ajax were left to rue when&nbsp;defender Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to have headed the Dutch side ahead on 38 minutes, but referee Damir Skomina disallowed the goal after Dusan Tadic was shown to be offside on replays.&nbsp;

In the post-match press conference, Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag said that he did not see any problem with the disallowed goal.&nbsp;

"I saw the replays of the situation and I couldn't see the offside maybe from the other position (it was offside). Also, I didn't see the block on the goalkeeper."&nbsp;

Tadic was deemed to be interfering with Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian spilled a header at a corner and Tagliafico nodded in the rebound.&nbsp;

"I don't think we had a lack of experience. It is more lack of effectiveness. I said it in my analysis that we have to improve," said ten Hag.&nbsp;

"Normally, you don't create so many chances against a top team like Madrid, but we did. But you have to be more ruthless, and that we can learn from Madrid. They created less chances and scored more goals," he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
VAR has been widely used during last year's FIFA World Cup and now called upon in most of Europe's leading leagues.&nbsp;

It is making its Champions League debut after it was introduced for this season's knockout stages.&nbsp;

VAR was initially set to be rolled out in the Champions League from the start of next season, but the decision to bring forward its use follows lobbying from top European clubs.&nbsp;

The video assistant referee (VAR) made its UEFA Champions League debut on February 12 when the knock-out stages of the competition started. For the first time, it was used in Wednesday's last 16 game between Ajax and Real Madrid.

The video assistant referee (VAR) made its UEFA Champions League debut on February 12 when the knock-out stages of the competition started. For the first time, it was used in Wednesday's last 16 game between Ajax and Real Madrid. In the match, substitute Marco Asensio scored a late winner as defending champion Real beat Ajax 2-1 in Amsterdam. While Ajax were left to rue when defender Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to have headed the Dutch side ahead on 38 minutes, but referee Damir Skomina disallowed the goal after Dusan Tadic was shown to be offside on replays. In the post-match press conference, Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag said that he did not see any problem with the disallowed goal. "I saw the replays of the situation and I couldn't see the offside maybe from the other position (it was offside). Also, I didn't see the block on the goalkeeper." Tadic was deemed to be interfering with Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian spilled a header at a corner and Tagliafico nodded in the rebound. "I don't think we had a lack of experience. It is more lack of effectiveness. I said it in my analysis that we have to improve," said ten Hag. "Normally, you don't create so many chances against a top team like Madrid, but we did. But you have to be more ruthless, and that we can learn from Madrid. They created less chances and scored more goals," he added. VAR has been widely used during last year's FIFA World Cup and now called upon in most of Europe's leading leagues. It is making its Champions League debut after it was introduced for this season's knockout stages. VAR was initially set to be rolled out in the Champions League from the start of next season, but the decision to bring forward its use follows lobbying from top European clubs.

I didn't see a problem with the disallowed goal: Ajax boss Erik ten Hag

UCL Preview: Manchester United vs PSG (WION Sports)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday (February 12) that he believes his side can beat any team they face.

Spurs face German league leaders Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, but despite injuries to Harry Kane and Deli Alli the Argentinian is confident his side can get a positive result.

Spurs have kept pace in the Premier League without Kane and Alli and currently lie in third place, five points behind league leaders Manchester City and second-placed Liverpool.

Pochettino's side looked to be heading out of the Champions League after taking just one point from their first three group stage games, however, wins over PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan followed by a draw at Barcelona were enough to see them qualify for the knockout stages in second place.

Last season Spurs went out at the same stage to Juventus after losing at home following a draw in Turin, but Pochettino said that game will have no bearing on tomorrow at Wembley, where defender Jan Vertonghen expects a packed stadium will be right behind the home side.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday (February 12) that he believes his side can beat any team they face. Spurs face German league leaders Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, but despite injuries to Harry Kane and Deli Alli the Argentinian is confident his side can get a positive result.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday (February 12) that he believes his side can beat any team they face. Spurs face German league leaders Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, but despite injuries to Harry Kane and Deli Alli the Argentinian is confident his side can get a positive result. Spurs have kept pace in the Premier League without Kane and Alli and currently lie in third place, five points behind league leaders Manchester City and second-placed Liverpool. Pochettino's side looked to be heading out of the Champions League after taking just one point from their first three group stage games, however, wins over PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan followed by a draw at Barcelona were enough to see them qualify for the knockout stages in second place. Last season Spurs went out at the same stage to Juventus after losing at home following a draw in Turin, but Pochettino said that game will have no bearing on tomorrow at Wembley, where defender Jan Vertonghen expects a packed stadium will be right behind the home side.

Tottenham get ready for Dortmund Champions League test

The video assistant referee (VAR) is due to make its UEFA Champions League debut on Tuesday (February 12) as the knock-out stages of the competition get going.

European soccer's governing body previously opted against using VAR this season, despite the technology being employed by major European leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany, and by FIFA at the World Cup in Russia.

But UEFA, led by Aleksander Ceferin, revised it stance in late 2018 and agreed to roll out the technology in this season's knock-out stages of the Champions League, the Europa League final and this summer's Nations League competition.

The Champions League returns this week with Real Madrid visiting Ajax, Tottenham facing off with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United playing Paris St. Germain and last season's semi-finalists Roma taking on Porto.

The video assistant referee (VAR) is due to make its UEFA Champions League debut on Tuesday (February 12) as the knock-out stages of the competition get going. European soccer's governing body previously opted against using VAR this season, despite the technology being employed by major European leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany, and by FIFA at the World Cup in Russia.

The video assistant referee (VAR) is due to make its UEFA Champions League debut on Tuesday (February 12) as the knock-out stages of the competition get going. European soccer's governing body previously opted against using VAR this season, despite the technology being employed by major European leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany, and by FIFA at the World Cup in Russia. But UEFA, led by Aleksander Ceferin, revised it stance in late 2018 and agreed to roll out the technology in this season's knock-out stages of the Champions League, the Europa League final and this summer's Nations League competition. The Champions League returns this week with Real Madrid visiting Ajax, Tottenham facing off with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United playing Paris St. Germain and last season's semi-finalists Roma taking on Porto.

VAR gets ready for Champions League debut

More than one in five Champions League group-stage matches in the last four seasons ended with one team winning by a three-goal margin or more, according to a report published on Monday.

The report also found that teams winning groups were finishing with more points than 15 years ago and teams coming bottom with less -- all pointing to an increase in the gap between the elite clubs and the rest.

"The different indicators analysed illustrate a clear trend towards less balance and more predictability," said the Swiss-based CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) Football Observatory.

The study found that the number of "very unbalanced matches", where one team wins by three goals or more, had increased from 16.9 per cent of group matches between 2003 and 2006 to 22.9 per cent between 2015 and 2018.

During the same period, the average number of points won by the eventual group winners rose from 2.11 to 2.26 per game, while the goal difference of the group-winning teams rose from 6.38 after the six matches to 8.91.

Meanwhile, the average points-per-game of the teams finishing bottom of the groups fell from 0.59 to 0.45 and their final goal difference from -6.72 to -9.06.

"A thorough rethink is needed to preserve a sufficient level of sporting and economic balance both within the competition and in European football," the report said.

More than one in five Champions League group-stage matches in the last four seasons ended with one team winning by a three-goal margin or more, according to a report published on Monday.

More than one in five Champions League group-stage matches in the last four seasons ended with one team winning by a three-goal margin or more, according to a report published on Monday. The report also found that teams winning groups were finishing with more points than 15 years ago and teams coming bottom with less -- all pointing to an increase in the gap between the elite clubs and the rest. "The different indicators analysed illustrate a clear trend towards less balance and more predictability," said the Swiss-based CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) Football Observatory. The study found that the number of "very unbalanced matches", where one team wins by three goals or more, had increased from 16.9 per cent of group matches between 2003 and 2006 to 22.9 per cent between 2015 and 2018. During the same period, the average number of points won by the eventual group winners rose from 2.11 to 2.26 per game, while the goal difference of the group-winning teams rose from 6.38 after the six matches to 8.91. Meanwhile, the average points-per-game of the teams finishing bottom of the groups fell from 0.59 to 0.45 and their final goal difference from -6.72 to -9.06. "A thorough rethink is needed to preserve a sufficient level of sporting and economic balance both within the competition and in European football," the report said.

Champions League matches more one-sided now: Report

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel compared Manchester United's manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to a doctor ahead of their UEFA Champions League last 16 first-leg tie at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Tuchel spoke highly of Solskjaer's contribution to the club as United's caretaker manager during a pre-match press conference.&nbsp;

"Obviously there is an effect. We have a (saying) in Germany if you go to the doctor and if he heals you, he's right. How he does it is we don't care. The pain goes away. He's right," said PSG coach Tuchel.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-says-missing-psg-stars-makes-them-unpredictable-196902">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable'</a>

PSG take on Manchester United for a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

"It's a big challenge to play against him and happy to meet him tomorrow," Solskjaer added.&nbsp;

Solskjaer has won 10 of his 1 games since taking over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, and Tuchel admits the turn around in form has been 'impressive'.&nbsp;

Solskjaer says Man Utd's recent form has put them in the best possible position and they are hoping to make the quarter-finals for the first time in five years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel compared Manchester United's manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to a doctor ahead of their UEFA Champions League last 16 first-leg tie at Old Trafford.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel compared Manchester United's manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to a doctor ahead of their UEFA Champions League last 16 first-leg tie at Old Trafford. Tuchel spoke highly of Solskjaer's contribution to the club as United's caretaker manager during a pre-match press conference. "Obviously there is an effect. We have a (saying) in Germany if you go to the doctor and if he heals you, he's right. How he does it is we don't care. The pain goes away. He's right," said PSG coach Tuchel. Also Read: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable' PSG take on Manchester United for a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. "It's a big challenge to play against him and happy to meet him tomorrow," Solskjaer added. Solskjaer has won 10 of his 1 games since taking over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, and Tuchel admits the turn around in form has been 'impressive'. Solskjaer says Man Utd's recent form has put them in the best possible position and they are hoping to make the quarter-finals for the first time in five years.

PSG's head coach Thomas Tuchel compares Solskjaer to a doctor

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Monday (February 11) that now is the perfect time for Manchester United to face Paris St Germain in their Champions League round-of-16 clash.

Solskjaer took over as caretaker manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December and United have secured 10 wins in 11 games under his charge, their latest victory a 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday.

United brought in Solskjaer as caretaker until the end of the season when they will make a decision on the next permanent manager.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-says-missing-psg-stars-makes-them-unpredictable-196902">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable'</a>

When the draw was made for this fixture, Solskjaer was still at his Norwegian club Molde but now he has the chance to savour a big European night at Old Trafford.

As a player under Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer enjoyed many such nights -- including grabbing the stoppage-time winner in the 1999 final against Bayern Munich in Barcelona.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Monday (February 11) that now is the perfect time for Manchester United to face Paris St Germain in their Champions League round-of-16 clash.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Monday (February 11) that now is the perfect time for Manchester United to face Paris St Germain in their Champions League round-of-16 clash. Solskjaer took over as caretaker manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December and United have secured 10 wins in 11 games under his charge, their latest victory a 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. United brought in Solskjaer as caretaker until the end of the season when they will make a decision on the next permanent manager. Also Read: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable' When the draw was made for this fixture, Solskjaer was still at his Norwegian club Molde but now he has the chance to savour a big European night at Old Trafford. As a player under Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer enjoyed many such nights -- including grabbing the stoppage-time winner in the 1999 final against Bayern Munich in Barcelona.

Solskjaer says it is the perfect time for Manchester United to play PSG

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that Paris St Germain will be unpredictable without their key players in the UEFA Champions League clash against the French club on Wednesday.&nbsp;

PSG will enter Old Trafford reeling from key injuries after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-psg-confirm-that-edinson-cavani-out-of-manchester-united-match-196879">Edinson Cavani</a> and Thomas Meunier joined star striker Neymar in being ruled out of the first-leg of last 16 against Manchester United.&nbsp;

"Any team that have are missing players like Neymar, (Edinson) Cavani, (Thomas) Meunier will feel the effect but that will give any of the other players a chance," said Solskjaer during a pre-match press conference.&nbsp;

"So for me it makes it maybe more unpredictable for us who they're going to play because when you've seen that front three for the whole season you know what to expect," he added.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cannot-replace-neymar-and-cavani-says-psg-coach-thomas-tuchel-ahead-of-ucl-tie-at-manchester-united-196891">'Cannot replace' Neymar and Cavani, says PSG coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of UCL tie at Manchester United</a>

"So this time around we're guessing a little bit how they're going to come. But we've got a good guesstimate on how they're approaching this game," said Solskjaer.&nbsp;

Solskjaer was in Lyon last weekend with assistant manager Mike Phelan to watch PSG in action in Ligue 1 but the Norwegian manager said he could not judge Thomas Tuchel's side based on their league form alone.&nbsp;

"It is difficult to compare games because when they play in the league, they know they are going to win it anyway," Solskjaer said ahead of the first leg of their last-16 meeting.

"So they approach it differently to the Champions League. You try to do due diligence."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
"We've given ourselves the best possible opportunity because of the way we've come into this game," Ole adds. "We're confident and we're looking like a team. If there was ever a time to go into big games, it's now." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/D4BIyrFrCZ">pic.twitter.com/D4BIyrFrCZ</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1094964820250685445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Let's do this, Reds! 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1095007556345479169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Solskjaer says Man Utd's recent form has put them in the best possible position and they are&nbsp;hoping to make the quarter-finals for the first time in five years. &nbsp;

United's 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday made it 10 wins and a draw from the 11 games since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in mid-December. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that Paris St Germain will be unpredictable without their key players in the UEFA Champions League clash against the French club on Wednesday.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that Paris St Germain will be unpredictable without their key players in the UEFA Champions League clash against the French club on Wednesday. PSG will enter Old Trafford reeling from key injuries after Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier joined star striker Neymar in being ruled out of the first-leg of last 16 against Manchester United. "Any team that have are missing players like Neymar, (Edinson) Cavani, (Thomas) Meunier will feel the effect but that will give any of the other players a chance," said Solskjaer during a pre-match press conference. "So for me it makes it maybe more unpredictable for us who they're going to play because when you've seen that front three for the whole season you know what to expect," he added. Also Read: 'Cannot replace' Neymar and Cavani, says PSG coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of UCL tie at Manchester United "So this time around we're guessing a little bit how they're going to come. But we've got a good guesstimate on how they're approaching this game," said Solskjaer. Solskjaer was in Lyon last weekend with assistant manager Mike Phelan to watch PSG in action in Ligue 1 but the Norwegian manager said he could not judge Thomas Tuchel's side based on their league form alone. "It is difficult to compare games because when they play in the league, they know they are going to win it anyway," Solskjaer said ahead of the first leg of their last-16 meeting. "So they approach it differently to the Champions League. You try to do due diligence." "We've given ourselves the best possible opportunity because of the way we've come into this game," Ole adds. "We're confident and we're looking like a team. If there was ever a time to go into big games, it's now." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/D4BIyrFrCZ — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2019 × Let's do this, Reds! 🙌 #MUFC #UCL — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2019 × Solskjaer says Man Utd's recent form has put them in the best possible position and they are hoping to make the quarter-finals for the first time in five years. United's 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday made it 10 wins and a draw from the 11 games since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in mid-December.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable'

Paris Saint-Germain's German footballer Julian Draxler admitted that Neymar and Edinson Cavani will be missed but he is confident that his team will 'draw strength from the group' for their round-of-16 first-leg tie against Manchester United on Wednesday.&nbsp;

PSG are reeling from key injuries after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cannot-replace-neymar-and-cavani-says-psg-coach-thomas-tuchel-ahead-of-ucl-tie-at-manchester-united-196891">Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier</a> joined star striker Neymar in being ruled out.&nbsp;

While Draxler could help to fill the void left by Neymar and Cavani but he asked his teammates to focus on themselves ahead of the match at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

"This Round of 16 tie will be different from last year's. It's up to us to show that we are capable of winning," said Draxler during the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;

"I've sent a message to and I spoke to Cavani just after the game we played at home in Paris and we know that we're going to miss him. Of course, I am disappointed that Neymar, Cavani and Meunier are out."

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-says-missing-psg-stars-makes-them-unpredictable-196902">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable'</a>

"But we have a job to do tomorrow night, we can do it," he added.&nbsp;

Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said that it is unfair to expect one player to make up for the injured players.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
🎙️ Julian Draxler: "It's a match that everybody wants to watch. We have to do our talking on the pitch." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGlive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGlive</a> <a href="https://t.co/BZJ1jT1QHo">pic.twitter.com/BZJ1jT1QHo</a>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1095023878362025990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It's not really his job to replace Cavani and Neymar, and he can't do all three things at the same time," said Tuchel.&nbsp;

"I want us to play with courage, play as a team, together, tight knit, fight, ready to suffer. And I think I don’t really want to talk about the result but we want to score perhaps more than one (goal)."&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain's German footballer Julian Draxler admitted that Neymar and Edinson Cavani will be missed but he is confident that his team will 'draw strength from the group' for their round-of-16 first-leg tie against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain's German footballer Julian Draxler admitted that Neymar and Edinson Cavani will be missed but he is confident that his team will 'draw strength from the group' for their round-of-16 first-leg tie against Manchester United on Wednesday. PSG are reeling from key injuries after Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier joined star striker Neymar in being ruled out. While Draxler could help to fill the void left by Neymar and Cavani but he asked his teammates to focus on themselves ahead of the match at Old Trafford. "This Round of 16 tie will be different from last year's. It's up to us to show that we are capable of winning," said Draxler during the pre-match press conference. "I've sent a message to and I spoke to Cavani just after the game we played at home in Paris and we know that we're going to miss him. Of course, I am disappointed that Neymar, Cavani and Meunier are out." Also Read: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says missing PSG stars makes them 'unpredictable' "But we have a job to do tomorrow night, we can do it," he added. Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said that it is unfair to expect one player to make up for the injured players. 🎙️ Julian Draxler: "It's a match that everybody wants to watch. We have to do our talking on the pitch." #PSGlive pic.twitter.com/BZJ1jT1QHo — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 11, 2019 × "It's not really his job to replace Cavani and Neymar, and he can't do all three things at the same time," said Tuchel. "I want us to play with courage, play as a team, together, tight knit, fight, ready to suffer. And I think I don’t really want to talk about the result but we want to score perhaps more than one (goal)."

'We have a job to do': Julian Draxler asks PSG to focus on UCL tie rather than missing stars

Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said that Neymar and Edinson Cavani are irreplaceable ahead of PSG's last 16 UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester United.&nbsp;

PSG's task against confident Man Utd is made no easier by injuries to key players, with forwards <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-psg-confirm-that-edinson-cavani-out-of-manchester-united-match-196879">Edinson Cavani</a> and Neymar sidelined as well as right-back Thomas Meunier.&nbsp;

"You cannot replace quality players like this. Neymar is the key player. One of the key, key players in Europe and we cannot replace and of course we miss him a lot," said PSG coach Tuchel.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"And now we miss a second key player with Eddie (Edinson Cavani)," he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
LIVE 🎙️ <a href="https://twitter.com/TTuchelofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TTuchelofficial</a>'s pre-match press conference ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUPSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUPSG</a>: 
 
"<a href="https://twitter.com/KMbappe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KMbappe</a>'s job isn't to replace <a href="https://twitter.com/neymarjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neymarjr</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/ECavaniOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECavaniOfficial</a>. He has to play his game."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGlive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGlive</a> <a href="https://t.co/3Y9Ufr4sNs">pic.twitter.com/3Y9Ufr4sNs</a>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1095017882814169088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PSG's Uruguayan striker Cavani has been sidelined after sustaining a hip muscle injury in Saturday's 1-0 Ligue 1 victory over Girondins de Bordeaux and PSG are already without Neymar, who was ruled out with a foot injury.&nbsp;

The absence of the world's most expensive player, Neymar, will put the spotlight on the world's most expensive teenager, Kylian Mbappe.&nbsp;

While Tuchel said that it is unfair to expect Mbappe to make up for the injured players.&nbsp;

"It’s not really his job to replace Cavani and Neymar, and he can’t do all three things at the same time," said Tuchel.&nbsp;

"I want us to play with courage, play as a team, together, tight knit, fight, ready to suffer. And I think I don’t really want to talk about the result but we want to score perhaps more than one (goal)."&nbsp;

Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said that Neymar and Edinson Cavani are irreplaceable ahead of PSG's last 16 UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester United.

Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said that Neymar and Edinson Cavani are irreplaceable ahead of PSG's last 16 UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester United. PSG's task against confident Man Utd is made no easier by injuries to key players, with forwards Edinson Cavani and Neymar sidelined as well as right-back Thomas Meunier. "You cannot replace quality players like this. Neymar is the key player. One of the key, key players in Europe and we cannot replace and of course we miss him a lot," said PSG coach Tuchel. "And now we miss a second key player with Eddie (Edinson Cavani)," he added. LIVE 🎙️ @TTuchelofficial's pre-match press conference ahead of #MUPSG: "@KMbappe's job isn't to replace @neymarjr or @ECavaniOfficial. He has to play his game."#PSGlive pic.twitter.com/3Y9Ufr4sNs — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 11, 2019 × PSG's Uruguayan striker Cavani has been sidelined after sustaining a hip muscle injury in Saturday's 1-0 Ligue 1 victory over Girondins de Bordeaux and PSG are already without Neymar, who was ruled out with a foot injury. The absence of the world's most expensive player, Neymar, will put the spotlight on the world's most expensive teenager, Kylian Mbappe. While Tuchel said that it is unfair to expect Mbappe to make up for the injured players. "It’s not really his job to replace Cavani and Neymar, and he can’t do all three things at the same time," said Tuchel. "I want us to play with courage, play as a team, together, tight knit, fight, ready to suffer. And I think I don’t really want to talk about the result but we want to score perhaps more than one (goal)."

'Cannot replace' Neymar and Cavani, says PSG coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of UCL tie at Manchester United

Edinson Cavani has been ruled out of Paris St Germain's Champions League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Sunday.

A source inside the club said Cavani's absence had been acknowledged, the report said without elaborating.

Uruguay striker Cavani sustained a thigh injury in Saturday's 1-0 Ligue 1 victory over Girondins de Bordeaux adding to PSG's injury woes ahead of the last-16 first leg against a resurgent United side.

PSG are already without Neymar, who was ruled out with a foot injury, leaving the French side with only Kylian Mbappe as a world class striking option.

"The club will issue a statement later during the day. In my opinion, the news will not be good," PSG coach Thomas Tuchel told French TV channel TF1 earlier on Sunday.

"There is a glimmer of hope. We always hope, but the first exam was not good."

Cavani picked up the injury at the end of the first half and he limped off the pitch holding his right thigh shortly after scoring the only goal with a penalty.

Edinson Cavani has been ruled out of Paris St Germain's Champions League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Sunday.

Edinson Cavani has been ruled out of Paris St Germain's Champions League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Sunday. A source inside the club said Cavani's absence had been acknowledged, the report said without elaborating. Uruguay striker Cavani sustained a thigh injury in Saturday's 1-0 Ligue 1 victory over Girondins de Bordeaux adding to PSG's injury woes ahead of the last-16 first leg against a resurgent United side. PSG are already without Neymar, who was ruled out with a foot injury, leaving the French side with only Kylian Mbappe as a world class striking option. "The club will issue a statement later during the day. In my opinion, the news will not be good," PSG coach Thomas Tuchel told French TV channel TF1 earlier on Sunday. "There is a glimmer of hope. We always hope, but the first exam was not good." Cavani picked up the injury at the end of the first half and he limped off the pitch holding his right thigh shortly after scoring the only goal with a penalty.

Champions League: PSG's Edinson Cavani doubtful for Manchester United game

French club Paris Saint-Germain had an outstanding first half of the season, but as a key part of the campaign looms, especially the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, the team started to stutter, having conceded its first 2018-2019 Ligue 1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais. 
 
Although Sunday's 2-1 defeat did not endanger PSG's league lead. It did, however, raise some important questions regarding the team's cool-headedness during this decisive period of the season, especially ahead of the UCL last-16 encounters against England's Manchester United. 
 
The first concern for the Parisian club should be the impact of Brazil superstar Neymar Jr.'s 10-week absence due to his recurring fifth right metatarsal injury, which had also resigned him to the sidelines last year, forcing PSG to confront its main challenge of the season without its star player. 
 
"Last season, he was also injured," PSG's and France's young talent Kylian Mbappe said after the 2-1 defeat to Lyon. "It would be nice not to make the same mistakes, otherwise it would mean that we did not learn anything." 
 
"It feels good to play matches like that," he added. "Facing teams that play (well), is the best way to prepare for the upcoming deadlines. It is up to us to win." 
 
The 26-year-old Brazilian star Neymar became the most expensive player in the world when PSG paid the 222-million-euros buyout clause ($254 million) for the forward in Aug. 2017 in a surprise move which brought Neymar from Barcelona to Paris. 
 
Neymar is expected to miss much of the UEFA Champions League, the most important competition for PSG this season, for which the Qatari-owned club invested roughly 400 million euros over the last two summer transfer windows. 
 
The Ligue 1 defending champion is set to take on Man United at Old Trafford on Feb. 12, then to host the English team at Parc des Princes on Mar. 6. Neymar is also expected to miss both legs of the quarter-finals should PSG make it that far. 
 
When both teams were paired during the UCL draw on Dec. 17, PSG seemed to be the favorite, as Manchester United then was experiencing bad streak under Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who was sacked the next day. 
 
Then, after appointing the Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager until the end of the season, the English team has been on a 10-match unbeaten run in all domestic competitions. 
 
Meanwhile, PSG had put on a strong performance at the beginning of the season, claiming 14 consecutive Ligue 1 victories, and securing a 22-match undefeated run. But, things changed after the winter break. 
 
PSG's first ever defeat of the season was in the Coupe de la Ligue's quarters on Jan. 9, at the hands of the minnow Guingamp, who is last in the French league's table. That shock defeat was followed by PSG's first Ligue 1 loss to Lyon on Sunday. 
 
The timing evoked memories of its wobbles last season against Real Madrid and begs the question as to whether its lack of real national rivals makes it lose context when facing elite teams from across Europe.&nbsp; 
 
In the 2017-2018 CL campaign, PSG was the Group B winner with 15 points, scoring 25 goals, however, the French team was handed two defeats in the round of 16 both legs (3-1 and 1-2), at the hands of Real Madrid, who eventually won the trophy for the third consecutive year. 
 
However, the team's German coach Thomas Tuchel downplayed Sunday's loss.&nbsp; 
 
"This is the level of intensity that we have to show in the Champions League," Tuchel said. "We are capable of fighting at that level."

French club Paris Saint-Germain had an outstanding first half of the season, but as a key part of the campaign looms, especially the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, the team started to stutter, having conceded its first 2018-2019 Ligue 1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais.

French club Paris Saint-Germain had an outstanding first half of the season, but as a key part of the campaign looms, especially the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, the team started to stutter, having conceded its first 2018-2019 Ligue 1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais. Although Sunday's 2-1 defeat did not endanger PSG's league lead. It did, however, raise some important questions regarding the team's cool-headedness during this decisive period of the season, especially ahead of the UCL last-16 encounters against England's Manchester United. The first concern for the Parisian club should be the impact of Brazil superstar Neymar Jr.'s 10-week absence due to his recurring fifth right metatarsal injury, which had also resigned him to the sidelines last year, forcing PSG to confront its main challenge of the season without its star player. "Last season, he was also injured," PSG's and France's young talent Kylian Mbappe said after the 2-1 defeat to Lyon. "It would be nice not to make the same mistakes, otherwise it would mean that we did not learn anything." "It feels good to play matches like that," he added. "Facing teams that play (well), is the best way to prepare for the upcoming deadlines. It is up to us to win." The 26-year-old Brazilian star Neymar became the most expensive player in the world when PSG paid the 222-million-euros buyout clause ($254 million) for the forward in Aug. 2017 in a surprise move which brought Neymar from Barcelona to Paris. Neymar is expected to miss much of the UEFA Champions League, the most important competition for PSG this season, for which the Qatari-owned club invested roughly 400 million euros over the last two summer transfer windows. The Ligue 1 defending champion is set to take on Man United at Old Trafford on Feb. 12, then to host the English team at Parc des Princes on Mar. 6. Neymar is also expected to miss both legs of the quarter-finals should PSG make it that far. When both teams were paired during the UCL draw on Dec. 17, PSG seemed to be the favorite, as Manchester United then was experiencing bad streak under Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who was sacked the next day. Then, after appointing the Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager until the end of the season, the English team has been on a 10-match unbeaten run in all domestic competitions. Meanwhile, PSG had put on a strong performance at the beginning of the season, claiming 14 consecutive Ligue 1 victories, and securing a 22-match undefeated run. But, things changed after the winter break. PSG's first ever defeat of the season was in the Coupe de la Ligue's quarters on Jan. 9, at the hands of the minnow Guingamp, who is last in the French league's table. That shock defeat was followed by PSG's first Ligue 1 loss to Lyon on Sunday. The timing evoked memories of its wobbles last season against Real Madrid and begs the question as to whether its lack of real national rivals makes it lose context when facing elite teams from across Europe. In the 2017-2018 CL campaign, PSG was the Group B winner with 15 points, scoring 25 goals, however, the French team was handed two defeats in the round of 16 both legs (3-1 and 1-2), at the hands of Real Madrid, who eventually won the trophy for the third consecutive year. However, the team's German coach Thomas Tuchel downplayed Sunday's loss. "This is the level of intensity that we have to show in the Champions League," Tuchel said. "We are capable of fighting at that level."

Paris Saint-Germain struggle again ahead of season's main challenge

Google has released the list of most searched topics of the year and in sports, football topped the chart as FIFA World Cup 2018 was the most searched sport-related topic.&nbsp;

There were moments which were praised by fans and spectators worldwide and are worth mentioning as we summarise the year 2018.&nbsp;

Apart from the football world cup, the club games too grabbed eyeballs, especially for the bicycle kicks.&nbsp;

Without delaying it further, here we are comparing the two popular goals which made headlines. &nbsp;

1. Cristiano Ronaldo's overhead bicycle kick for his previous club Real Madrid against current club Juventus, which was also voted UEFA's goal of the season.&nbsp;

2. Gareth Bale's jaw-dropping reverse kick for Real Madrid against Premier League Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final.&nbsp;

Out of these two, guess which goal was searched most in the year. Well, the answer is Cristiano's stunning goal when he scored with a sensational overhead bicycle kick and stunned Juve's then goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.&nbsp;
<img alt="Top five related queries." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c4a9de3-d5a2-43bc-8117-600b6cac471c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ana.PNG" />
Here are the stats generated by Google:&nbsp;

Worldwide, the topic was searched most in Nigeria.
<img alt="Interest by region (worldwide)." data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Interest by region (worldwide).&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ba3444a-eb4b-4779-836c-165bc9a6252e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sports.jpg" />
In India, the topic was searched most in Kerala, followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
<img alt="Interest in the topic by sub-region (India)." data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Interest in the topic by sub-region (India).&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b22b49f2-b9f8-43a0-a092-91e6524ebdd9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/kick2.PNG" />
Relive Cristiano's goal one more time, watch here.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thanks to everyone who voted for me. Will never forget that moment, specially the reaction of the fans in the stadium. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFA</a> Goal of the Season <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialMoment</a> <a href="https://t.co/9teapgD9MW">pic.twitter.com/9teapgD9MW</a>
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1034419930517647361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also, watch Gareth Bale's goal.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
⚽😲🔝 <a href="https://twitter.com/GarethBale11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarethBale11</a>, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP13NS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP13NS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/1dciApRNyR">pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR</a>
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1000666121085865984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ronaldo said it was "the best goal" of his career and it helped Real to a 3-0 win on the night and moved them a step closer to an eventual quarter-final victory over Juve.&nbsp;

Google has released the list of most searched topics of the year and in sports, football topped the chart as FIFA World Cup 2018 was the most searched sport-related topic.

Google has released the list of most searched topics of the year and in sports, football topped the chart as FIFA World Cup 2018 was the most searched sport-related topic. There were moments which were praised by fans and spectators worldwide and are worth mentioning as we summarise the year 2018. Apart from the football world cup, the club games too grabbed eyeballs, especially for the bicycle kicks. Without delaying it further, here we are comparing the two popular goals which made headlines. 1. Cristiano Ronaldo's overhead bicycle kick for his previous club Real Madrid against current club Juventus, which was also voted UEFA's goal of the season. 2. Gareth Bale's jaw-dropping reverse kick for Real Madrid against Premier League Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final. Out of these two, guess which goal was searched most in the year. Well, the answer is Cristiano's stunning goal when he scored with a sensational overhead bicycle kick and stunned Juve's then goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. Here are the stats generated by Google: Worldwide, the topic was searched most in Nigeria. In India, the topic was searched most in Kerala, followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. Relive Cristiano's goal one more time, watch here. Thanks to everyone who voted for me. Will never forget that moment, specially the reaction of the fans in the stadium. #UEFA Goal of the Season #SpecialMoment pic.twitter.com/9teapgD9MW — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) August 28, 2018 × Also, watch Gareth Bale's goal. ⚽😲🔝 @GarethBale11, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!#CHAMP13NS | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 27, 2018 × Ronaldo said it was "the best goal" of his career and it helped Real to a 3-0 win on the night and moved them a step closer to an eventual quarter-final victory over Juve.

Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo: Whose bicycle-kick was searched most in 2018?

Barcelona head coach <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Ernesto+Valverde">Ernesto Valverde</a> said that his team will need to be well prepared to face a ''very dangerous'' Olympique Lyonnais ahead of their Champions League Round of 16.

He refused to underestimate Lyon that challenged Premier League club Manchester City in the group F.

Lyon defeated EPL champions 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium and draw their home match in UCL group stage.

Valverde said, "We will have to play against Olympique (Lyon) a team that challenged Manchester City the leadership of their group in the Champions League until the very last game."

"They also beat them in Manchester. We have not seen much of them so far, but I think they are very dangerous on the counter-attack. We will have time to study Olympique Lyon," he added.

The coach warned his players of Lyonnais' counter-attack and the French team's ability to pose danger to the opponent should they be offered the space they thrive in.

"When they play with space in the back they could be a very dangerous team. They are very fast and we have to be very careful."

"We will see what happens but we have to be ready," he concluded.

Barcelona is to visit Lyon on February 19 in the first leg, while the second leg is scheduled for March 13.

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde said that his team will need to be well prepared to face a ''very dangerous'' Olympique Lyonnais ahead of their Champions League Round of 16.

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde said that his team will need to be well prepared to face a ''very dangerous'' Olympique Lyonnais ahead of their Champions League Round of 16. He refused to underestimate Lyon that challenged Premier League club Manchester City in the group F. Lyon defeated EPL champions 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium and draw their home match in UCL group stage. Valverde said, "We will have to play against Olympique (Lyon) a team that challenged Manchester City the leadership of their group in the Champions League until the very last game." "They also beat them in Manchester. We have not seen much of them so far, but I think they are very dangerous on the counter-attack. We will have time to study Olympique Lyon," he added. The coach warned his players of Lyonnais' counter-attack and the French team's ability to pose danger to the opponent should they be offered the space they thrive in. "When they play with space in the back they could be a very dangerous team. They are very fast and we have to be very careful." "We will see what happens but we have to be ready," he concluded. Barcelona is to visit Lyon on February 19 in the first leg, while the second leg is scheduled for March 13.

Ernesto Valverde refuses to underestimate 'very dangerous' Lyon in UCL last-16

Manchester United manager <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Jose+Mourinho">Jose Mourinho</a> has demanded more from his players after his side missed the chance to finish top of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=champions+league">Champions League</a> group.

United lost 2-1 at Valencia on Wednesday, with an embarrassing own-goal by Phil Jones.

Mourinho got a chance to rotate his squad as United went into the final Group H match having already qualified for the last 16 of the competition.

While he found a little comfort in the players' performance that lacked energy and drive.

With first-place Juventus losing 2-1 at Young Boys, United could have jumped above the Italian team in Group H with a win at the Mestalla but Mourinho's decision to play a virtual reserve lineup backfired.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> boss has given his thoughts on tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> game...
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1072996984489951232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The frustrated manager said that he expects more from the players.

"My team improved really when I made the changes that I didn't want to make which is a little bit of frustration because I didn't want to play the three players that I played in the second half,'' said Mourinho.

"I think that to qualify in this group is a success. Never a failure to finish second in this group is always a success," added the Portuguese.

Paul Pogba returned to the starting side after being benched for the last two Premier League games but the French international midfielder failed to seize his opportunity.

United then introduced striker Marcus Rashford, and midfielders Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young as they chased the game after falling 2-0 behind.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has demanded more from his players after his side missed the chance to finish top of its Champions League group. United lost 2-1 at Valencia on Wednesday, with an embarrassing own-goal by Phil Jones.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has demanded more from his players after his side missed the chance to finish top of its Champions League group. United lost 2-1 at Valencia on Wednesday, with an embarrassing own-goal by Phil Jones. Mourinho got a chance to rotate his squad as United went into the final Group H match having already qualified for the last 16 of the competition. While he found a little comfort in the players' performance that lacked energy and drive. With first-place Juventus losing 2-1 at Young Boys, United could have jumped above the Italian team in Group H with a win at the Mestalla but Mourinho's decision to play a virtual reserve lineup backfired. The #MUFC boss has given his thoughts on tonight's #UCL game... — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 12, 2018 × The frustrated manager said that he expects more from the players. "My team improved really when I made the changes that I didn't want to make which is a little bit of frustration because I didn't want to play the three players that I played in the second half,'' said Mourinho. "I think that to qualify in this group is a success. Never a failure to finish second in this group is always a success," added the Portuguese. Paul Pogba returned to the starting side after being benched for the last two Premier League games but the French international midfielder failed to seize his opportunity. United then introduced striker Marcus Rashford, and midfielders Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young as they chased the game after falling 2-0 behind.

UCL: Jose Mourinho expresses frustration with starting eleven after losing to Valencia

The bid to reach the knockout stages of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=champions+league">Champions League</a> reaches its climax this week with Inter Milan, Paris St Germain and Liverpool among seven clubs sweating on taking the remaining four places for the last 16.

Tuesday includes a number of blockbuster encounters as Liverpool hope for one of those magical European nights at Anfield against Napoli in Group C, while Inter will be relying on Group B winners Barcelona to do them a favour and see off Tottenham Hotspur.

Juergen Klopp's Liverpool, sitting third in the group on six points behind PSG (eight) and leaders Napoli (nine), must win to have any chance of progress while the Serie A side need just a draw at Anfield to guarantee their spot in the next round.

Napoli could even lose and still go through if PSG lose to Red Star Belgrade.

Should Neymar and co prevail in Serbia, Liverpool would need to win 1-0 or by two goals or more due to pip Napoli on their head-to-head record. Liverpool's Egypt striker Mo Salah certainly looks capable having scored a superb hat-trick at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Monday nights under those Melwood lights. 💪💫 <a href="https://t.co/WYUFcg2HTW">pic.twitter.com/WYUFcg2HTW</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1072167469815599104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

If Napoli, PSG and Liverpool all finish on nine points, the Merseyside club would finish top with second place determined by the scoreline at Anfield.

A group stage exit for PSG would be humiliating for new manager Thomas Tuchel given the club's Qatari owners' desperation to see the French champions conquer Europe.

They have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League in every season since 2012-13 but have never gone on to reach the final.

After claiming one point from their first three matches in Group B Tottenham looked out of contention but consective wins against PSV Eindhoven and Inter mean they head to the Nou Camp in second place and knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the last-16 for the third time.

Luciano Spalletti's Inter side, who are level with Tottenham on seven points but below them on head-to-head, lost 1-0 to Serie A leaders Juventus on Friday but will be heavy favourites at home to bottom side PSV who have just one point from seven matches in the Champions League this season.

Tottenham lost 4-2 against Barcelona in the home leg at Wembley, but may have an advantage in the fact that Barca have already qualified as group winners and may take a leisurely approach as they wind down for the mid-season break.

Mauricio Pochettino's team also do not necessarily need a win, as merely matching Inter's result will do.

On Wednesday, Lyon and Shakhtar Donetsk will face each other in the final showdown for a last 16 place in Group F.

The French side sit second on seven points, two ahead of the Ukrainians and so only need a draw to qualify.

Shakhtar must get maximum points to seal their fifth appearance in the competition's round of 16.

The 12 teams who have qualified already for the knockout stages are Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Porto, Real Madrid, Roma and Schalke 04.

However, only Barca, Porto and Real have clinched top spot in their respective groups.

The bid to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League reaches its climax this week with Inter Milan, Paris St Germain and Liverpool among seven clubs sweating on taking the remaining four places for the last 16.

The bid to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League reaches its climax this week with Inter Milan, Paris St Germain and Liverpool among seven clubs sweating on taking the remaining four places for the last 16. Tuesday includes a number of blockbuster encounters as Liverpool hope for one of those magical European nights at Anfield against Napoli in Group C, while Inter will be relying on Group B winners Barcelona to do them a favour and see off Tottenham Hotspur. Juergen Klopp's Liverpool, sitting third in the group on six points behind PSG (eight) and leaders Napoli (nine), must win to have any chance of progress while the Serie A side need just a draw at Anfield to guarantee their spot in the next round. Napoli could even lose and still go through if PSG lose to Red Star Belgrade. Should Neymar and co prevail in Serbia, Liverpool would need to win 1-0 or by two goals or more due to pip Napoli on their head-to-head record. Liverpool's Egypt striker Mo Salah certainly looks capable having scored a superb hat-trick at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. Monday nights under those Melwood lights. 💪💫 pic.twitter.com/WYUFcg2HTW — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 10, 2018 × If Napoli, PSG and Liverpool all finish on nine points, the Merseyside club would finish top with second place determined by the scoreline at Anfield. A group stage exit for PSG would be humiliating for new manager Thomas Tuchel given the club's Qatari owners' desperation to see the French champions conquer Europe. They have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League in every season since 2012-13 but have never gone on to reach the final. After claiming one point from their first three matches in Group B Tottenham looked out of contention but consective wins against PSV Eindhoven and Inter mean they head to the Nou Camp in second place and knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the last-16 for the third time. Luciano Spalletti's Inter side, who are level with Tottenham on seven points but below them on head-to-head, lost 1-0 to Serie A leaders Juventus on Friday but will be heavy favourites at home to bottom side PSV who have just one point from seven matches in the Champions League this season. Tottenham lost 4-2 against Barcelona in the home leg at Wembley, but may have an advantage in the fact that Barca have already qualified as group winners and may take a leisurely approach as they wind down for the mid-season break. Mauricio Pochettino's team also do not necessarily need a win, as merely matching Inter's result will do. On Wednesday, Lyon and Shakhtar Donetsk will face each other in the final showdown for a last 16 place in Group F. The French side sit second on seven points, two ahead of the Ukrainians and so only need a draw to qualify. Shakhtar must get maximum points to seal their fifth appearance in the competition's round of 16. The 12 teams who have qualified already for the knockout stages are Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Porto, Real Madrid, Roma and Schalke 04. However, only Barca, Porto and Real have clinched top spot in their respective groups.

Champions League: Inter, PSG and Liverpool sweat over last-16 spots

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has received assurances from the club's hierarchy that they will not be banned from the Champions League over allegations of a breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

European football's governing body are investigating allegations made in German publication Der Spiegel last month that City's Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements in order to comply with FFP requirements.

In response, Premier League champions City said information had been "hacked" and that they were victims of an "organised and clear" attempt to damage the club's reputation.

Punishment for clubs found guilty of breaking the rules could extend to being excluded from the Champions League.

Guardiola, appointed with the task of trying to win Europe's biggest club prize, said he was calm about the situation.

"We will not be banned, no. That's what I think because I trust in my chairman (Khaldoon al-Mubarak), with my CEO (Ferran Soriano), what they have explained to me. I trust in them," the Spaniard was quoted as saying by British media.

"If it happens, because UEFA decide that, we will accept it and move forward."

Der Spiegel's report, based on documents received by the whistle blower platform Football Leaks and reviewed by Reuters, in partnership with European Investigative Collaborations, a network of international media, alleged that some of City's Abu Dhabi sponsorships were three times more lucrative than independent experts deemed they were worth.

City said the claims were "erroneous conclusions and assertions."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has received assurances from the club's hierarchy that they will not be banned from the Champions League over allegations of a breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has received assurances from the club's hierarchy that they will not be banned from the Champions League over allegations of a breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. European football's governing body are investigating allegations made in German publication Der Spiegel last month that City's Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements in order to comply with FFP requirements. In response, Premier League champions City said information had been "hacked" and that they were victims of an "organised and clear" attempt to damage the club's reputation. Punishment for clubs found guilty of breaking the rules could extend to being excluded from the Champions League. Guardiola, appointed with the task of trying to win Europe's biggest club prize, said he was calm about the situation. "We will not be banned, no. That's what I think because I trust in my chairman (Khaldoon al-Mubarak), with my CEO (Ferran Soriano), what they have explained to me. I trust in them," the Spaniard was quoted as saying by British media. "If it happens, because UEFA decide that, we will accept it and move forward." Der Spiegel's report, based on documents received by the whistle blower platform Football Leaks and reviewed by Reuters, in partnership with European Investigative Collaborations, a network of international media, alleged that some of City's Abu Dhabi sponsorships were three times more lucrative than independent experts deemed they were worth. City said the claims were "erroneous conclusions and assertions."

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City will not face Champions League ban

UEFA Champions League confirmed that&nbsp;Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be implemented from the knockout stages in the ongoing season .

The technology, which&nbsp;is considered as the game-changing by FIFA, will also be used in&nbsp;the Nations League finals in June.

European football's governing body had previously stated its intention to introduce VAR only from the start of the 2019-2020 season.&nbsp;

"If we can do it before, why wait? We cannot afford any mistakes if we can do it earlier," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin after a meeting of the European football body's Executive Committee.&nbsp;

"We are ready to use VAR earlier than initially planned and we are convinced that it will be beneficial for our competitions as it will provide valuable help to match officials and will allow to reduce incorrect decisions."&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/explainer-video-assistant-referees-var-technology-in-football-178196">Explainer: Video Assistant Referees (VAR) technology in football</a>

VAR is already used in a number of Europe's top leagues, including Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga and Serie A in Italy and was widely seen as a success at this summer's World Cup.

The Europa League final and the under-21 European Championships in Italy in June will also use VAR.

UEFA Champions League confirmed that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be implemented from the knockout stages in the ongoing season . The technology, which is considered as the game-changing by FIFA, will also be used in the Nations League finals in June.

UEFA Champions League confirmed that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be implemented from the knockout stages in the ongoing season . The technology, which is considered as the game-changing by FIFA, will also be used in the Nations League finals in June. European football's governing body had previously stated its intention to introduce VAR only from the start of the 2019-2020 season. "If we can do it before, why wait? We cannot afford any mistakes if we can do it earlier," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin after a meeting of the European football body's Executive Committee. "We are ready to use VAR earlier than initially planned and we are convinced that it will be beneficial for our competitions as it will provide valuable help to match officials and will allow to reduce incorrect decisions." Watch | Explainer: Video Assistant Referees (VAR) technology in football VAR is already used in a number of Europe's top leagues, including Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga and Serie A in Italy and was widely seen as a success at this summer's World Cup. The Europa League final and the under-21 European Championships in Italy in June will also use VAR.

UEFA to use VAR from Champions League knockout rounds this season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is not happy after receiving six yellow cards during Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-on-the-ropes-as-psg-close-in-on-champions-league-knockouts-180113">loss against Paris Saint Germain</a>.

"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-made-to-look-like-butchers-against-psg-says-klopp-180125">We looked like Butchers</a>' Jurgen Klopp complains of PSG's 'playacting' during the French club's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League.

The Parc des Princes contest was marked by a number of interruptions with last season's finalists Liverpool committing 20 fouls.

While addressing the media, Klopp said, "The number of interruptions in the game was just not cool."

"Two times in a row we won the fair play, what is it table, in England. And tonight we like butchers when you at the yellow cards we had," he added.

"So it was clever of PSG, of Neymar, specially him yeah, but a lot of other players went down like it was really something serious."

Defeat left the English club's hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging in the balance.

Liverpool are third in Group C on six points, two behind PSG and three behind Napoli, who they face at Anfield in the final round of matches on Dec. 11.

Juergen Klopp's side need a 1-0 win, or a victory by a two-goal margin or more, to progress.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is not happy after receiving six yellow cards during Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League loss against Paris Saint Germain. "We looked like Butchers' Jurgen Klopp complains of PSG's 'playacting' during the French club's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is not happy after receiving six yellow cards during Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League loss against Paris Saint Germain. "We looked like Butchers' Jurgen Klopp complains of PSG's 'playacting' during the French club's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League. The Parc des Princes contest was marked by a number of interruptions with last season's finalists Liverpool committing 20 fouls. While addressing the media, Klopp said, "The number of interruptions in the game was just not cool." "Two times in a row we won the fair play, what is it table, in England. And tonight we like butchers when you at the yellow cards we had," he added. "So it was clever of PSG, of Neymar, specially him yeah, but a lot of other players went down like it was really something serious." Defeat left the English club's hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging in the balance. Liverpool are third in Group C on six points, two behind PSG and three behind Napoli, who they face at Anfield in the final round of matches on Dec. 11. Juergen Klopp's side need a 1-0 win, or a victory by a two-goal margin or more, to progress.

'It was clever of Neymar': Juergen Klopp complains of PSG playacting

Juventus clinched a place in the Champions League knockout stages when a brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo assist set up Mario Mandzukic to give them a 1-0 win over Valencia on Tuesday.

The Serie A champions had struggled to break down Valencia's defence until Joao Cancelo slipped the ball to Ronaldo in the Valencia area in the 59th minute of the Group H clash.

Ronaldo wrong-footed Gabriel Paulista with some fancy footwork, giving him space to roll a low cross across the face of goal for Mandzukic to turn in from two metres.

Juventus top the section with 12 points from five games while Valencia, third with five points, were eliminated after second-placed Manchester United beat Young Boys 1-0.

"Valencia have the best defence in La Liga and it's not easy to score against them," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

"We got caught on the break a couple of times, we need to be more lucid when we go looking for the second goal," he said, repeating a criticism that he routinely levels against his team.

Needing a draw to qualify, Juventus took few risks and the first half produced only one shot on target for each side.

Ronaldo tested Neto with an early shot which the Brazilian dealt with easily while Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a brilliant save under the bar to keep out Mouctar Diakhaby's header on the stroke of halftime.

Ronaldo, sent off in the first meeting between the teams in the group, tried again with a low free kick after the break but again Neto dealt with it comfortably.

Diakhaby had the ball in the Juventus net two minutes after Ronaldo's goal but the Frenchman had used his arm to deflect in a free kick and it was chalked off.

Paulo Dybala had a shot turned over by Neto and Mandzukic was close again from another inspired Ronaldo assist, the Portuguese this time controlling the ball on his chest and hooking it back in one move, as Juve cruised home.

"Our team is nine-tenths the same as last season but we have improved the speed of our passing and our execution, and Ronaldo gives us more self-confidence," added Allegri.

Juventus clinched a place in the Champions League knockout stages when a brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo assist set up Mario Mandzukic to give them a 1-0 win over Valencia on Tuesday.

Juventus clinched a place in the Champions League knockout stages when a brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo assist set up Mario Mandzukic to give them a 1-0 win over Valencia on Tuesday. The Serie A champions had struggled to break down Valencia's defence until Joao Cancelo slipped the ball to Ronaldo in the Valencia area in the 59th minute of the Group H clash. Ronaldo wrong-footed Gabriel Paulista with some fancy footwork, giving him space to roll a low cross across the face of goal for Mandzukic to turn in from two metres. Juventus top the section with 12 points from five games while Valencia, third with five points, were eliminated after second-placed Manchester United beat Young Boys 1-0. "Valencia have the best defence in La Liga and it's not easy to score against them," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. "We got caught on the break a couple of times, we need to be more lucid when we go looking for the second goal," he said, repeating a criticism that he routinely levels against his team. Needing a draw to qualify, Juventus took few risks and the first half produced only one shot on target for each side. Ronaldo tested Neto with an early shot which the Brazilian dealt with easily while Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a brilliant save under the bar to keep out Mouctar Diakhaby's header on the stroke of halftime. Ronaldo, sent off in the first meeting between the teams in the group, tried again with a low free kick after the break but again Neto dealt with it comfortably. Diakhaby had the ball in the Juventus net two minutes after Ronaldo's goal but the Frenchman had used his arm to deflect in a free kick and it was chalked off. Paulo Dybala had a shot turned over by Neto and Mandzukic was close again from another inspired Ronaldo assist, the Portuguese this time controlling the ball on his chest and hooking it back in one move, as Juve cruised home. "Our team is nine-tenths the same as last season but we have improved the speed of our passing and our execution, and Ronaldo gives us more self-confidence," added Allegri.

Juventus through as brilliant Ronaldo assist sets up Valencia win

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group G and ended AS Roma's eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday although the Italians are also through to the last 16.

Real's win thanks to second-half goals from Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez means the European champions are guaranteed to top the group due to a better head-to-head over the hosts.

Like Real, Roma had already clinched a place in the knockout stages with one game to spare thanks to Viktoria Plzen’s 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow in the early kick-off, which leaves Eusebio di Francesco’s side five points clear of third place.

Real and Roma went into the game locked on nine points but having both suffered shock domestic league defeats at the weekend, the Italians losing 1-0 at lowly Udinese while Madrid suffered a stunning 3-0 reverse away to mid-table Eibar.

Roma were without injured striker Edin Dzeko, the Champions League joint-top scorer this season with five goals, and the Bosnian’s absence was felt during a wasteful first half.

Real keeper Thibaut Courtois blocked Patrik Schick’s effort from point-blank range before an Aleksander Kolarov strike from distance whistled wide, but Cengiz Under spurned the best chance just before the break when he fired over from close range.

The home side were made to pay for their profligacy as Real went in front within two minutes of the restart as Welshman Gareth Bale pounced on a poor header back towards his own goal by Federico Fazio before finishing into the corner.

Santiago Solari’s side doubled the advantage just before the hour. Bale curled a cross to the back post and Karim Benzema’s knock-down put the ball on a plate for Vazquez to tap in.

That knocked the stuffing out of Roma and it was the visitors who threatened to find a third, with Marcelo and Benzema both testing Robin Olsen in the Roma goal.

The result ended a run of eight home Champions League games without defeat for Roma as Real became the first away team to win at the Olimpico in Europe since Porto in August 2016.

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group G and ended AS Roma's eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday although the Italians are also through to the last 16.

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group G and ended AS Roma's eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday although the Italians are also through to the last 16. Real's win thanks to second-half goals from Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez means the European champions are guaranteed to top the group due to a better head-to-head over the hosts. Like Real, Roma had already clinched a place in the knockout stages with one game to spare thanks to Viktoria Plzen’s 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow in the early kick-off, which leaves Eusebio di Francesco’s side five points clear of third place. Real and Roma went into the game locked on nine points but having both suffered shock domestic league defeats at the weekend, the Italians losing 1-0 at lowly Udinese while Madrid suffered a stunning 3-0 reverse away to mid-table Eibar. Roma were without injured striker Edin Dzeko, the Champions League joint-top scorer this season with five goals, and the Bosnian’s absence was felt during a wasteful first half. Real keeper Thibaut Courtois blocked Patrik Schick’s effort from point-blank range before an Aleksander Kolarov strike from distance whistled wide, but Cengiz Under spurned the best chance just before the break when he fired over from close range. The home side were made to pay for their profligacy as Real went in front within two minutes of the restart as Welshman Gareth Bale pounced on a poor header back towards his own goal by Federico Fazio before finishing into the corner. Santiago Solari’s side doubled the advantage just before the hour. Bale curled a cross to the back post and Karim Benzema’s knock-down put the ball on a plate for Vazquez to tap in. That knocked the stuffing out of Roma and it was the visitors who threatened to find a third, with Marcelo and Benzema both testing Robin Olsen in the Roma goal. The result ended a run of eight home Champions League games without defeat for Roma as Real became the first away team to win at the Olimpico in Europe since Porto in August 2016.

Real Madrid seal top spot with 2-0 win at Roma

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has warned his players that they must stop Paris St Germain as the two sides meet on in the French capital on Wednesday.

The 'Reds' head into the game sitting second in their Group C standings, behind leaders Napoli on goal difference, with PSG third on five points and Crvena Zvezda bottom with four - all four teams still have everything to play for.

While addressing the media, Klopp said that his players are "psychologically ready" for a tantalising clash.

"Little mistakes can make the decision, can be decisive," told Klopp.

"I'm not worried, and my team. I'm now together with them for three years and one-and-a-half months, roundabout. And in this time they were always psychologically ready," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gUC5T0yY-w0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PSG faced missing two of their star attackers, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who were injured for their weekend 1-0 league win over Toulouse, but coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed they will both play against Liverpool.

"In this group it was from the beginning clear that, it's a difficult one and now that's it and we are here. We never moaned about it, we didn't even think negatively about it," said Klopp.

Red Star Belgrade lie in fourth but are also in contention to qualify from the group after a shock 2-0 win over Liverpool earlier this month.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has warned his players that they must stop Paris St Germain as the two sides meet on in the French capital on Wednesday. The 'Reds' head into the game sitting second in their Group C standings, behind leaders Napoli on goal difference, with PSG third on five points and Crvena Zvezda bottom with four - all four teams still have everything to play for.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has warned his players that they must stop Paris St Germain as the two sides meet on in the French capital on Wednesday. The 'Reds' head into the game sitting second in their Group C standings, behind leaders Napoli on goal difference, with PSG third on five points and Crvena Zvezda bottom with four - all four teams still have everything to play for. While addressing the media, Klopp said that his players are "psychologically ready" for a tantalising clash. "Little mistakes can make the decision, can be decisive," told Klopp. "I'm not worried, and my team. I'm now together with them for three years and one-and-a-half months, roundabout. And in this time they were always psychologically ready," he added. × PSG faced missing two of their star attackers, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who were injured for their weekend 1-0 league win over Toulouse, but coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed they will both play against Liverpool. "In this group it was from the beginning clear that, it's a difficult one and now that's it and we are here. We never moaned about it, we didn't even think negatively about it," said Klopp. Red Star Belgrade lie in fourth but are also in contention to qualify from the group after a shock 2-0 win over Liverpool earlier this month.

Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp says players are 'psychologically ready'

Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;is in hot form and gunning for revenge going into Tuesday's Champions League clash against Valencia after seeing red against the Spaniards in the away leg, with Juventus needing a draw in Turin to book their ticket to the knockout rounds of the European competition.

"Happy to have helped the team on another important win," the 33-year-old wrote on social media after scoring his tenth goal this season for the Italian giants in Saturday's 2-0 win over SPAL as Juventus opened up a record eight-point lead on the top of Serie A after 13 games.

Ronaldo&nbsp;was purchased by Juventus for €100 million ($113 million) from Real Madrid last summer to help their quest for the elusive Champions League title after finishing runners-up twice in the past four seasons.

But the Portuguese superstar is also proving to be a key element in the team's race towards an eighth straight Serie A title, with nine goals and five assists of their 28 goals this season.

No Italian team have ever achieved 37 points from the first 13 games, with&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;becoming the fastest forward in the club's history to score 10 goals in all competitions.

"I don't not care about the numbers. I don't count anything, the important thing is that we take it home in May," said coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Next up is a Group H return leg clash against Valencia, who beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 in La Liga at the weekend, but are midtable in Spain.&nbsp;

Juventus are top of the group with nine points after four games, with Manchester United two points behind and the Spaniards on five.

Ronaldo's Champions League debut for Juventus in September was marred when he was controversially sent off in tears after half an hour for a small push on Valencia defender Jeison Murillo in Spain.

The red card was his first in 154 Champions League appearances, but Juventus still went on to beat the Spaniards 2-0.

Ronaldo&nbsp;scored his first Champions League goal for Juventus and the 121st of his career against Manchester United in Turin earlier this month before a stunning comeback gave his former club a 2-1 win to delay the Italians' passage to the last 16.

'Best player in the world'

Despite his success on the pitch - leading the way in Europe with 31 goals this calendar year for both Real Madrid and Juventus -&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;missed out on the world player of the year award to Croatia's Luca Modric.

There are also reports he has been snubbed for the final three in the Ballon d'Or for the first time since 2008, with the winner to be revealed in Paris on December 3.

Ronaldo&nbsp;- a five-time Ballon d'Or winner - spent much of last month vehemently denying allegations by former model Kathryn Mayorga that he raped her in Las Vegas in 2009.

He was dropped by Portugal for the Nations League internationals, with the European champions becoming the first team to book their passage to the semi-finals.

Leaving&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;off the Ballon d'Or podium would be "madness," says Juventus&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;director Fabio Paratici.

"Only a fool can doubt&nbsp;his qualities," said Paratici.

"He is the best player&nbsp;in the world and the most important&nbsp;in the history of football.

"At this moment&nbsp;I see&nbsp;him very&nbsp;serene, as he has always&nbsp;been here&nbsp;at Juve. The fact that he cannot win the Ballon d'Or seems very strange, since he scored&nbsp;15 goals&nbsp;in one&nbsp;Champions League campaign (last season)," he said.

Colombian teammate Juan Cuadrado warned that&nbsp;Ronaldo's focus remains on the pitch, as he bids to add to his five Champions League titles between Manchester United and Real Madrid.

"Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo's main quality is his professionalism," said Cuadrado. "He's hungry for victory and he's come to the right place. We all think the same way he does."

Juventus won the elite European title twice in 1985 and 1996, but have finished runners-up seven times.

Cristiano Ronaldo is in hot form and gunning for revenge going into Tuesday's Champions League clash against Valencia after seeing red against the Spaniards in the away leg, with Juventus needing a draw in Turin to book their ticket to the knockout rounds of the European competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo is in hot form and gunning for revenge going into Tuesday's Champions League clash against Valencia after seeing red against the Spaniards in the away leg, with Juventus needing a draw in Turin to book their ticket to the knockout rounds of the European competition. "Happy to have helped the team on another important win," the 33-year-old wrote on social media after scoring his tenth goal this season for the Italian giants in Saturday's 2-0 win over SPAL as Juventus opened up a record eight-point lead on the top of Serie A after 13 games. Ronaldo was purchased by Juventus for €100 million ($113 million) from Real Madrid last summer to help their quest for the elusive Champions League title after finishing runners-up twice in the past four seasons. But the Portuguese superstar is also proving to be a key element in the team's race towards an eighth straight Serie A title, with nine goals and five assists of their 28 goals this season. No Italian team have ever achieved 37 points from the first 13 games, with Ronaldo becoming the fastest forward in the club's history to score 10 goals in all competitions. "I don't not care about the numbers. I don't count anything, the important thing is that we take it home in May," said coach Massimiliano Allegri. Next up is a Group H return leg clash against Valencia, who beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 in La Liga at the weekend, but are midtable in Spain. Juventus are top of the group with nine points after four games, with Manchester United two points behind and the Spaniards on five. Ronaldo's Champions League debut for Juventus in September was marred when he was controversially sent off in tears after half an hour for a small push on Valencia defender Jeison Murillo in Spain. The red card was his first in 154 Champions League appearances, but Juventus still went on to beat the Spaniards 2-0. Ronaldo scored his first Champions League goal for Juventus and the 121st of his career against Manchester United in Turin earlier this month before a stunning comeback gave his former club a 2-1 win to delay the Italians' passage to the last 16. 'Best player in the world' Despite his success on the pitch - leading the way in Europe with 31 goals this calendar year for both Real Madrid and Juventus - Ronaldo missed out on the world player of the year award to Croatia's Luca Modric. There are also reports he has been snubbed for the final three in the Ballon d'Or for the first time since 2008, with the winner to be revealed in Paris on December 3. Ronaldo - a five-time Ballon d'Or winner - spent much of last month vehemently denying allegations by former model Kathryn Mayorga that he raped her in Las Vegas in 2009. He was dropped by Portugal for the Nations League internationals, with the European champions becoming the first team to book their passage to the semi-finals. Leaving Ronaldo off the Ballon d'Or podium would be "madness," says Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici. "Only a fool can doubt his qualities," said Paratici. "He is the best player in the world and the most important in the history of football. "At this moment I see him very serene, as he has always been here at Juve. The fact that he cannot win the Ballon d'Or seems very strange, since he scored 15 goals in one Champions League campaign (last season)," he said. Colombian teammate Juan Cuadrado warned that Ronaldo's focus remains on the pitch, as he bids to add to his five Champions League titles between Manchester United and Real Madrid. "Cristiano Ronaldo's main quality is his professionalism," said Cuadrado. "He's hungry for victory and he's come to the right place. We all think the same way he does." Juventus won the elite European title twice in 1985 and 1996, but have finished runners-up seven times.

Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to face Valencia in must win Champions League clash

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for two weeks as he undergoes stem cell treatment on his right knee, the Spanish champions said Monday.

The Uruguayan forward had been suffering pain and was not included in Barcelona's squad for the trip to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Suarez joins Sergi Roberto on the sidelines, with the midfielder out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Rafinha Alcantara was ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee, also sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Brazilian midfielder Arthur was also omitted from the squad with a thigh strain, but Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho return after injury.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for two weeks as he undergoes stem cell treatment on his right knee, the Spanish champions said Monday. The Uruguayan forward had been suffering pain and was not included in Barcelona's squad for the trip to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for two weeks as he undergoes stem cell treatment on his right knee, the Spanish champions said Monday. The Uruguayan forward had been suffering pain and was not included in Barcelona's squad for the trip to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday. Suarez joins Sergi Roberto on the sidelines, with the midfielder out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Rafinha Alcantara was ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee, also sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano. Brazilian midfielder Arthur was also omitted from the squad with a thigh strain, but Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho return after injury.

Luis Suarez to miss two weeks for knee treatment

Manchester City needed no help to swat aside Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 to move to the brink of the Champions League last 16, but got a boost with a farcical penalty award that led to even manager&nbsp;Pep&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;to call for the introduction of VAR.

Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai remarkably pointed to the spot when Raheem Sterling tripped himself up as he bore down on goal midway through the first half with City already leading 1-0 through David Silva's opener.

"It's not (a penalty)," said&nbsp;Guardiola. "VAR doesn't exist in UEFA so that is the problem."

Despite some controversial calls, the use of video referees was largely deemed successful at the World Cup and will be introduced in the Champions League next season.

However,&nbsp;Guardiola, who was sent to the stands for protesting a goal City had wrongly ruled out in a quarter-final elimination to Liverpool last season, called for it to be used in the competition this term.

"The referee must be helped by the technology. It's not nice to score a goal in that (way) but it happened to us last season against Liverpool so the referee must be helped."

Sterling also apologised to Kassai after kicking the ground as he attempted to chip the ball goalwards.

"I went to chip the ball and don't know what happened," said the England international. "I didn't feel contact. I scuffed the ball, apologies to the ref."

Ahead of the game City had been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent days with a series of allegations published by German magazine Der Spiegel claiming the English champions attempted to bypass UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Whatever storm clouds may be brewing in City's boardroom, it appears they can do no wrong on the field as they warmed up for the Manchester derby on Sunday by smashing six goals for the second time in four days.

Jesus punishes Shakhtar

A lack of atmosphere had been blamed for City's surprising record of three defeats in their previous three Champions League games at home.

The latest of those to Lyon in front of plenty of empty seats at the Etihad in September has now been long forgotten as back-to-back victories over Shakhtar and Hoffenheim have put City in a commanding position at the top of the group.

The fans were in better voice with fewer jeers than usual for the Champions League anthem and they soon had something to cheer when Silva tapped home Mahrez's cross.

Guardiola&nbsp;apologised to Gabriel Jesus for nominating Mahrez as the penalty taker when the Algerian missed from the spot late on in a 0-0 draw at Liverpool last month.

The Brazilian started up front ahead of Sergio Aguero with one eye on keeping the Argentine fresh for Sunday, but Jesus may now have played himself into contention by more than doubling his tally for the season.

Jesus calmly slotted home the hotly contested spot-kick before Sterling curled in his seventh of the season from the edge of the area three minutes into the second half.

Possibly embarrassed by his earlier award, Kassai resisted a few more claims for a City penalty, but did eventually point to the spot once more when Silva was tripped 18 minutes from time and Jesus fired into the roof of the net.

Mahrez made it five by sneaking a shot in at the near post on his weaker right foot before Jesus' chip rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.

Guardiola&nbsp;also had the luxury of being able to take off Kyle Walker, Fernandinho and Silva early ahead of United's visit as City look to go 12 points ahead of their local rivals after just 12 games of the Premier League season.

Manchester City needed no help to swat aside Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 to move to the brink of the Champions League last 16, but got a boost with a farcical penalty award that led to even manager Pep Guardiola to call for the introduction of VAR.

Manchester City needed no help to swat aside Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 to move to the brink of the Champions League last 16, but got a boost with a farcical penalty award that led to even manager Pep Guardiola to call for the introduction of VAR. Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai remarkably pointed to the spot when Raheem Sterling tripped himself up as he bore down on goal midway through the first half with City already leading 1-0 through David Silva's opener. "It's not (a penalty)," said Guardiola. "VAR doesn't exist in UEFA so that is the problem." Despite some controversial calls, the use of video referees was largely deemed successful at the World Cup and will be introduced in the Champions League next season. However, Guardiola, who was sent to the stands for protesting a goal City had wrongly ruled out in a quarter-final elimination to Liverpool last season, called for it to be used in the competition this term. "The referee must be helped by the technology. It's not nice to score a goal in that (way) but it happened to us last season against Liverpool so the referee must be helped." Sterling also apologised to Kassai after kicking the ground as he attempted to chip the ball goalwards. "I went to chip the ball and don't know what happened," said the England international. "I didn't feel contact. I scuffed the ball, apologies to the ref." Ahead of the game City had been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent days with a series of allegations published by German magazine Der Spiegel claiming the English champions attempted to bypass UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Whatever storm clouds may be brewing in City's boardroom, it appears they can do no wrong on the field as they warmed up for the Manchester derby on Sunday by smashing six goals for the second time in four days. Jesus punishes Shakhtar A lack of atmosphere had been blamed for City's surprising record of three defeats in their previous three Champions League games at home. The latest of those to Lyon in front of plenty of empty seats at the Etihad in September has now been long forgotten as back-to-back victories over Shakhtar and Hoffenheim have put City in a commanding position at the top of the group. The fans were in better voice with fewer jeers than usual for the Champions League anthem and they soon had something to cheer when Silva tapped home Mahrez's cross. Guardiola apologised to Gabriel Jesus for nominating Mahrez as the penalty taker when the Algerian missed from the spot late on in a 0-0 draw at Liverpool last month. The Brazilian started up front ahead of Sergio Aguero with one eye on keeping the Argentine fresh for Sunday, but Jesus may now have played himself into contention by more than doubling his tally for the season. Jesus calmly slotted home the hotly contested spot-kick before Sterling curled in his seventh of the season from the edge of the area three minutes into the second half. Possibly embarrassed by his earlier award, Kassai resisted a few more claims for a City penalty, but did eventually point to the spot once more when Silva was tripped 18 minutes from time and Jesus fired into the roof of the net. Mahrez made it five by sneaking a shot in at the near post on his weaker right foot before Jesus' chip rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. Guardiola also had the luxury of being able to take off Kyle Walker, Fernandinho and Silva early ahead of United's visit as City look to go 12 points ahead of their local rivals after just 12 games of the Premier League season.

Champions League needs VAR, says Guardiola as City gain from comical penalty

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can still secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, saying an unkind fixture list is partly to blame for their early season struggles.

United are languishing in eighth place in the table, five points from a Champions League qualification position, as they prepare to visit Bournemouth on Saturday.

But the manager believes his team have been hindered by a series of difficult back-to-back away fixtures, citing the fact they must travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on November 11, four days after a Champions League trip to Juventus, and that they visit Liverpool in December after a European away game against Valencia.

He did not mention that United have also had back-to-back home games three times across all competitions already this season and have only played two of the current top six in their opening 10 league games.

Mourinho, in his pre-match press conference, said he believed the picture at Old Trafford would be rosier at the beginning of the New Year.

"I always say that in the end of the season you play 19 matches at home and away and it doesn't matter when but the reality is that the way the fixtures are coming, sometimes they have an influence in the moment.

"We had a double fixture away in September (at Burnley and Watford). Now we have a double away league fixture at Bournemouth and Manchester City.

"We will have Juventus away before we go to Manchester City, and we will have Valencia away before Liverpool.

"In this part of the season, we play away against possibly the three biggest candidates for the title, in Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, so the calendar was not nice to us.

"But I think by the end of December, which is the end of the first half of the Premier League season, we are not going to be in the position we are now. We will be in a better position."

Title challenge?

Mourinho has refused to rule out a challenge for the title but says the first priority must be to climb into the top four.

"When you are outside the top four I don't think you should speak about the title," he said. "When you are in the top four, which I believe we are going to be, you can look up, see the distance, look to the fixtures, to the calendar."

He declined to reveal whether striker Romelu Lukaku would be recalled at Bournemouth, having been dropped after going eight games without scoring.

The manager also said he was "100 percent not guilty" of using foul language after being cleared by an independent panel of a Football Association charge.

Mourinho was accused of improper conduct for remarks he allegedly made in Portuguese after their 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle on October 6.

He has avoided a touchline ban after the charge was found "not proven", although it is understood that the FA is considering an appeal.

However, Mourinho said that the reason United went to such lengths to contest the charge, putting forward detailed linguistic analysis and citing precedents of other football figures swearing during matches, was because he was convinced of his innocence.

"You know the reason why I ask the club and lawyers to appeal was because I was 100 percent sure that I was not guilty of these charges but you never know how it ends," he said.

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can still secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, saying an unkind fixture list is partly to blame for their early season struggles.

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can still secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, saying an unkind fixture list is partly to blame for their early season struggles. United are languishing in eighth place in the table, five points from a Champions League qualification position, as they prepare to visit Bournemouth on Saturday. But the manager believes his team have been hindered by a series of difficult back-to-back away fixtures, citing the fact they must travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on November 11, four days after a Champions League trip to Juventus, and that they visit Liverpool in December after a European away game against Valencia. He did not mention that United have also had back-to-back home games three times across all competitions already this season and have only played two of the current top six in their opening 10 league games. Mourinho, in his pre-match press conference, said he believed the picture at Old Trafford would be rosier at the beginning of the New Year. "I always say that in the end of the season you play 19 matches at home and away and it doesn't matter when but the reality is that the way the fixtures are coming, sometimes they have an influence in the moment. "We had a double fixture away in September (at Burnley and Watford). Now we have a double away league fixture at Bournemouth and Manchester City. "We will have Juventus away before we go to Manchester City, and we will have Valencia away before Liverpool. "In this part of the season, we play away against possibly the three biggest candidates for the title, in Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, so the calendar was not nice to us. "But I think by the end of December, which is the end of the first half of the Premier League season, we are not going to be in the position we are now. We will be in a better position." Title challenge? Mourinho has refused to rule out a challenge for the title but says the first priority must be to climb into the top four. "When you are outside the top four I don't think you should speak about the title," he said. "When you are in the top four, which I believe we are going to be, you can look up, see the distance, look to the fixtures, to the calendar." He declined to reveal whether striker Romelu Lukaku would be recalled at Bournemouth, having been dropped after going eight games without scoring. The manager also said he was "100 percent not guilty" of using foul language after being cleared by an independent panel of a Football Association charge. Mourinho was accused of improper conduct for remarks he allegedly made in Portuguese after their 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle on October 6. He has avoided a touchline ban after the charge was found "not proven", although it is understood that the FA is considering an appeal. However, Mourinho said that the reason United went to such lengths to contest the charge, putting forward detailed linguistic analysis and citing precedents of other football figures swearing during matches, was because he was convinced of his innocence. "You know the reason why I ask the club and lawyers to appeal was because I was 100 percent sure that I was not guilty of these charges but you never know how it ends," he said.

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can reach Premier League top four

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored twice as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/salah-strikes-twice-to-make-it-50-as-liverpool-beat-red-star-173327">Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade</a> in UEFA Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday.&nbsp;

With the win, the Reds got their last-16 hopes back on track as their attacking trio - Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - was in action and made the difference in the 4-0 win at Anfield.

Salah made it 50 goals for the club while Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane also both hit the target.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old Salah celebrated his 50th goal for the club in a heartwarming gesture by giving away a brand new jersey to his fan. In return, he received a lovely box of chocolate.&nbsp;

He became the fastest player in Liverpool to score 50 goals in just 65 matches.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shot of the week , Mo Salah👏 <a href="https://t.co/5GuT9WC1CA">pic.twitter.com/5GuT9WC1CA</a>
— TiM™️🔆 (@TIMs_LENS) <a href="https://twitter.com/TIMs_LENS/status/1055626377226043393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mohamed Salah receiving a gift from an Egyptian fan after handing over his shirt 👏 
 
🎬 <a href="https://twitter.com/davidclarke981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davidclarke981</a> <a href="https://t.co/6nPPAoQN84">pic.twitter.com/6nPPAoQN84</a>
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1055728021204885504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"When the game calmed down we played football and created chances - it was a really good game and I enjoyed it a lot," said Liverpool's boss Juergen Klopp.

"It was a good football game and a deserved win."

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade in UEFA Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday. With the win, the Reds got their last-16 hopes back on track as their attacking trio - Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - was in action and made the difference in the 4-0 win at Anfield.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Red Star Belgrade in UEFA Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday. With the win, the Reds got their last-16 hopes back on track as their attacking trio - Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - was in action and made the difference in the 4-0 win at Anfield. Salah made it 50 goals for the club while Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane also both hit the target. The 26-year-old Salah celebrated his 50th goal for the club in a heartwarming gesture by giving away a brand new jersey to his fan. In return, he received a lovely box of chocolate. He became the fastest player in Liverpool to score 50 goals in just 65 matches. Watch the video here: Shot of the week , Mo Salah👏 pic.twitter.com/5GuT9WC1CA — TiM™️🔆 (@TIMs_LENS) October 26, 2018 × Mohamed Salah receiving a gift from an Egyptian fan after handing over his shirt 👏 🎬 @davidclarke981 pic.twitter.com/6nPPAoQN84 — Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 26, 2018 × "When the game calmed down we played football and created chances - it was a really good game and I enjoyed it a lot," said Liverpool's boss Juergen Klopp. "It was a good football game and a deserved win."

Watch: Salah exchanges Liverpool jersey with chocolate box in Champions League

The relationship between Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and midfielder Paul Pogba has worsened even more as the midfielder completely ignored the Special One during the training session on Monday.

The team were preparing for Tuesday's (October 2) Champions League match against Valencia.

This is the most recent angle to the Pogba-Mourinho saga which showed no signs that the spat will be subsided.

Previously, there had appeared to be a frosty atmosphere between the two at a training session last week, when Mourinho asked Pogba to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pogba-filmed-tense-exchange-mourinho-after-being-sacked-vice-captain-167836">"get out" from the session</a>.

Watch the video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
JUST IN! 😳 
 
Frosty footage just in from <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManUtd</a>'s training session between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho… ❄️ 
 
What has been said between the pair this morning? 👀 <a href="https://t.co/nRiTEgDJlH">pic.twitter.com/nRiTEgDJlH</a>
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1044906594318929921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After a weekend in which United lost 3-1 to West Ham with Pogba being substituted in the 70th minute, there was a similar atmosphere between the two at Monday's training session when the French World Cup winner completely ignored Jose.

Recently, there were rumours that the Man Utd&nbsp;have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gossip-or-truth-zinedine-zidane-replace-jose-mourinho-man-united-168807">contacted former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane</a>.

Mourinho is convinced that the United hierarchy have sounded out Zidane's agents and are making contingency plans for his departure.

The relationship between Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and midfielder Paul Pogba has worsened even more as the midfielder completely ignored the Special One during the training session on Monday.

The relationship between Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and midfielder Paul Pogba has worsened even more as the midfielder completely ignored the Special One during the training session on Monday. The team were preparing for Tuesday's (October 2) Champions League match against Valencia. This is the most recent angle to the Pogba-Mourinho saga which showed no signs that the spat will be subsided. Previously, there had appeared to be a frosty atmosphere between the two at a training session last week, when Mourinho asked Pogba to "get out" from the session. Watch the video: JUST IN! 😳 Frosty footage just in from @ManUtd's training session between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho… ❄️ What has been said between the pair this morning? 👀 pic.twitter.com/nRiTEgDJlH — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 26, 2018 × After a weekend in which United lost 3-1 to West Ham with Pogba being substituted in the 70th minute, there was a similar atmosphere between the two at Monday's training session when the French World Cup winner completely ignored Jose. Recently, there were rumours that the Man Utd have contacted former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. Mourinho is convinced that the United hierarchy have sounded out Zidane's agents and are making contingency plans for his departure.

Watch: Pogba, Mourinho ignore each other at training session

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