UEFA is set to decide the road map to conclude the 2019-20 Champions League and Europa League competitions which have been put on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic. UEFA in its statement, on Thursday, said that the executive committee would meet via video-conference on June 17 with the top agenda being “round of 16 onwards and related determinations” for both the top European competitions.

The Champions League final was originally slated to be played in Istanbul with the Europa League summit clash scheduled in Gdansk, Poland. However, UEFA has already confirmed that a “variety of options” were being looked in a bid to conclude the two tournaments.

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These could include playing the remaining rounds of matches in a single venue and cut the quarter-final and semis to one leg matches instead of traditional two. However, Champions League would need to complete the remaining four Champions League round of 16 matches with Atletico Madrid, Paris St Germain, Atalanta and RB Leipzig already qualified for the quarterfinals.&nbsp;

Whereas in Europa League, two round of 16 first-leg matches still needs to be played with all the second legs still pending.

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The Mayor of Madrid has already confirmed that the Spanish capital is in talks about hosting the UCL final if there is any shift.

The UEFA executive committee meeting will also discuss the schedule and venues for the EURO 2020 which was postponed until 2021. The 24-team competition will be played across 12 cities across Europe.

UEFA is set to decide the road map to conclude the 2019-20 Champions League and Europa League competitions which have been put on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic.

UEFA is set to decide the road map to conclude the 2019-20 Champions League and Europa League competitions which have been put on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic. UEFA in its statement, on Thursday, said that the executive committee would meet via video-conference on June 17 with the top agenda being “round of 16 onwards and related determinations” for both the top European competitions. The Champions League final was originally slated to be played in Istanbul with the Europa League summit clash scheduled in Gdansk, Poland. However, UEFA has already confirmed that a “variety of options” were being looked in a bid to conclude the two tournaments. ALSO READ: Premier League clubs post record revenue but face COVID-19 impact - report These could include playing the remaining rounds of matches in a single venue and cut the quarter-final and semis to one leg matches instead of traditional two. However, Champions League would need to complete the remaining four Champions League round of 16 matches with Atletico Madrid, Paris St Germain, Atalanta and RB Leipzig already qualified for the quarterfinals. Whereas in Europa League, two round of 16 first-leg matches still needs to be played with all the second legs still pending. ALSO READ: Premier League: One new coronavirus case from 1213 tests The Mayor of Madrid has already confirmed that the Spanish capital is in talks about hosting the UCL final if there is any shift. The UEFA executive committee meeting will also discuss the schedule and venues for the EURO 2020 which was postponed until 2021. The 24-team competition will be played across 12 cities across Europe.

UEFA to decide Champions League, Europa League conclusion on June 17

After the announcement of the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, french professional sports leagues including football and rugby won’t be able to resume action before September due to COVID-19 restriction.&nbsp;

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Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said that the club will be completing the rest of the Champions League season abroad if the regulations as per announcement do not allow them to play in the country.&nbsp;

Al-Khelaifi said: "We respect the French government decision. With agreement from UEFA, we plan on competing in the Champions League, wherever and whenever it is held."

"If it is not possible to play in France we will play our matches abroad, ensuring the best medical safety conditions for our players and all of our staff."

Earlier, UEFA had set a deadline of August 2 for domestic leagues to be completed and French Professional Football League (LFP) had announced plans for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 to resume on June 17.

While the league and some clubs may want to resume training after May 11, the French government doesn’t see it as an absolute priority and have decided to ban professional sporting leagues including football and rugby until September.

Before the season was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, PSG, Marseille and Rennes occupied the UEFA Champions League whereas Lille are taking the Europa League spot. Nimes, Amiens and Toulouse are in the relegation zone. Whereas in Ligue 2, Lorient and Lens are in promotion spots.

After the announcement of the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, french professional sports leagues including football and rugby won’t be able to resume action before September due to COVID-19 restriction.

After the announcement of the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, french professional sports leagues including football and rugby won’t be able to resume action before September due to COVID-19 restriction. Also read: French PM Edouard Philippe's announcement ends Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 seasons Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said that the club will be completing the rest of the Champions League season abroad if the regulations as per announcement do not allow them to play in the country. Al-Khelaifi said: "We respect the French government decision. With agreement from UEFA, we plan on competing in the Champions League, wherever and whenever it is held." "If it is not possible to play in France we will play our matches abroad, ensuring the best medical safety conditions for our players and all of our staff." Earlier, UEFA had set a deadline of August 2 for domestic leagues to be completed and French Professional Football League (LFP) had announced plans for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 to resume on June 17. While the league and some clubs may want to resume training after May 11, the French government doesn’t see it as an absolute priority and have decided to ban professional sporting leagues including football and rugby until September. Before the season was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, PSG, Marseille and Rennes occupied the UEFA Champions League whereas Lille are taking the Europa League spot. Nimes, Amiens and Toulouse are in the relegation zone. Whereas in Ligue 2, Lorient and Lens are in promotion spots.

Paris Saint-Germain could play Champions League fixtures abroad: Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.&nbsp;

UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons.&nbsp;

All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths.&nbsp;

UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit."

As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play.&nbsp;

Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference.&nbsp;

Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. &nbsp;UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match.&nbsp;

Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation.&nbsp;

UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, &nbsp;"insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs".

Another way out?&nbsp;

According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action.&nbsp;

The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams &nbsp;Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games.&nbsp;

Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.&nbsp;

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties. UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons. All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths. UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit." As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play. Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference. Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match. Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation. UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, "insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs". Another way out? According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action. The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games. Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.

UEFA insists Premier league to conclude season as it is or with play-offs; will other leagues follow?

UEFA has denied receiving any request from WHO regarding suspending play of football until the end of 2021 as a preventive measure for a second wave of the global coronavirus.&nbsp;

Earlier an Italian publication suggested that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had sent a notice to UEFA regarding the suspension. According to the publication, UEFA received notice from the WHO during a two-and-a-half-hour Executive Committee meeting last Thursday, which recommended football is not resumed until the start of 2022 to avoid a second wave of COVID-19.

According to the reports, a UEFA spokesperson talked to a British Daily newspaper where he denied any such requests from the WHO. He said that there were no such requests from the WHO to cancel or stall the game of football until late 2021.&nbsp;

WHO has played a major role in helping the Olympic committee in rescheduling the games to 2021.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has also released a statement: “This is not correct. WHO never recommended that football should no longer be played until the end of 2021.”

The UEFA could also determine current rankings in the league tables across the European leagues to determine who qualifies for UEFA Champions League and who does not. This comes as a major shocker for Arsenal as they were expected to miss out the tournament for yet another year but they currently are placed fourth above Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs and Leicester City.&nbsp;

The UEFA's Executive Committee will meet again on Thursday after calendar proposals were proffered to the 55 member associates on Tuesday through videoconference, and an announcement on the topic is expected to follow as well as the latest on certain domestic leagues across Europe being ended immediately due to government regulations preventing football from restarting.&nbsp;

UEFA has denied receiving any request from WHO regarding suspending play of football until the end of 2021 as a preventive measure for a second wave of the global coronavirus.

UEFA has denied receiving any request from WHO regarding suspending play of football until the end of 2021 as a preventive measure for a second wave of the global coronavirus. Earlier an Italian publication suggested that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had sent a notice to UEFA regarding the suspension. According to the publication, UEFA received notice from the WHO during a two-and-a-half-hour Executive Committee meeting last Thursday, which recommended football is not resumed until the start of 2022 to avoid a second wave of COVID-19. According to the reports, a UEFA spokesperson talked to a British Daily newspaper where he denied any such requests from the WHO. He said that there were no such requests from the WHO to cancel or stall the game of football until late 2021. WHO has played a major role in helping the Olympic committee in rescheduling the games to 2021. The World Health Organisation has also released a statement: “This is not correct. WHO never recommended that football should no longer be played until the end of 2021.” The UEFA could also determine current rankings in the league tables across the European leagues to determine who qualifies for UEFA Champions League and who does not. This comes as a major shocker for Arsenal as they were expected to miss out the tournament for yet another year but they currently are placed fourth above Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs and Leicester City. The UEFA's Executive Committee will meet again on Thursday after calendar proposals were proffered to the 55 member associates on Tuesday through videoconference, and an announcement on the topic is expected to follow as well as the latest on certain domestic leagues across Europe being ended immediately due to government regulations preventing football from restarting.

UEFA denies receiving any notice from WHO stating delay in football

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held.

The semi-final of UEFA Champions League is proposed to be held on August 18-19 and 21-22 before the summit clash in Istanbul. The current proposal could lead to the group stage matches of 2020/21 season of the Champions League to be postponed to October 20.&nbsp;

However, with UEFA mulling to make clubs play Champions League matches in every three days, there could be a sense of worry from clubs in regards to their fixtures in their respective domestic leagues.&nbsp;

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The UEFA Champions League final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 30 in Istanbul. However, the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus led to the postponement of the tournament with reverse fixtures of the Round of 16 matches left to be played. Only Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Leipzig and Atalanta have qualified to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Earlier, there was a sense of confusion in relation to the date of the final with some reports quoting UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as saying.

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“Champions League must finish by August 3”. However, UEFA completely denied the reports.&nbsp;

"It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true," said a statement from European soccer's governing body.

"The President was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season." 
&nbsp;

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held.

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held. The semi-final of UEFA Champions League is proposed to be held on August 18-19 and 21-22 before the summit clash in Istanbul. The current proposal could lead to the group stage matches of 2020/21 season of the Champions League to be postponed to October 20. However, with UEFA mulling to make clubs play Champions League matches in every three days, there could be a sense of worry from clubs in regards to their fixtures in their respective domestic leagues. ALSO READ: Chinese Super League to start by July: Club chairman The UEFA Champions League final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 30 in Istanbul. However, the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus led to the postponement of the tournament with reverse fixtures of the Round of 16 matches left to be played. Only Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Leipzig and Atalanta have qualified to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Earlier, there was a sense of confusion in relation to the date of the final with some reports quoting UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as saying. ALSO READ: Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst “Champions League must finish by August 3”. However, UEFA completely denied the reports. "It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true," said a statement from European soccer's governing body. "The President was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season."

Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports

UEFA have made a move towards clearing the decks for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday that all international matches that had been pushed back to June have now been postponed until further notice.

"This includes the play-off matches for UEFA EURO 2020 and qualifying matches for UEFA Women's EURO 2021," said European football's governing body in a statement.

"All other UEFA competition matches, including the centralised international friendly matches, remain postponed until further notice."

The decision followed a videoconference with Europe's 55 member federations as part of discussions on how to adapt the fixture calendar in the face of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The play-off semi-finals and finals that are supposed to decide the last four qualifying berths for the next European Championship were initially postponed at the end of March and pencilled in provisionally for June.

That was "subject to a review of the situation" amid uncertainty over how the pandemic will develop and whether many European countries currently in lockdown will be able to return to some kind of normality.

However, UEFA has also stated a determination to finish all domestic and club competitions by June 30.

While that currently looks ambitious at the very least, clearing the international fixtures from the same month does buy some more time as they aim to complete the Champions League and Europa League competitions as well as domestic leagues.

Carrying the season on beyond that date runs the risk of clubs losing their out-of-contract players before matches have been completed, unless a solution can be found.

The impact of the pandemic on Europe has already forced UEFA to put Euro 2020 back 12 months.

UEFA have made a move towards clearing the decks for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday that all international matches that had been pushed back to June have now been postponed until further notice.

UEFA have made a move towards clearing the decks for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday that all international matches that had been pushed back to June have now been postponed until further notice. "This includes the play-off matches for UEFA EURO 2020 and qualifying matches for UEFA Women's EURO 2021," said European football's governing body in a statement. "All other UEFA competition matches, including the centralised international friendly matches, remain postponed until further notice." The decision followed a videoconference with Europe's 55 member federations as part of discussions on how to adapt the fixture calendar in the face of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The play-off semi-finals and finals that are supposed to decide the last four qualifying berths for the next European Championship were initially postponed at the end of March and pencilled in provisionally for June. That was "subject to a review of the situation" amid uncertainty over how the pandemic will develop and whether many European countries currently in lockdown will be able to return to some kind of normality. However, UEFA has also stated a determination to finish all domestic and club competitions by June 30. While that currently looks ambitious at the very least, clearing the international fixtures from the same month does buy some more time as they aim to complete the Champions League and Europa League competitions as well as domestic leagues. Carrying the season on beyond that date runs the risk of clubs losing their out-of-contract players before matches have been completed, unless a solution can be found. The impact of the pandemic on Europe has already forced UEFA to put Euro 2020 back 12 months.

UEFA postpone all international matches scheduled for June

Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane has said that he will not stay in the London club if it stops "progressing".&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspurs are going through a rough patch under the Mourinho regime, the club is currently is at eighth position in the Premier League which is suspended due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspurs' chances for qualifying for even Europa League is close to none. Previous year's Champions League finalists were ousted in the round of 16 by the underdogs RB Leipzig.&nbsp;

Kane said: “I love Spurs, I’ll always love Spurs but I’ve always said if I don’t feel we’re progressing as a team or going in the right direction, I’m not someone to stay there for the sake of it.

“I’m an ambitious player, I want to improve, get better and become one of the top, top players.

“It all depends on what happens as a team and how we progress as a team.

“So it’s not a definite I’m going to stay there forever, but it’s not a no either.”

The English Captain is currently out and injured after facing hamstring tendon since January 1 but the star striker is set to return after the league suspension ends on April 30.

Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane has said that he will not stay in the London club if it stops "progressing". Tottenham Hotspurs are going through a rough patch under the Mourinho regime, the club is currently is at eighth position in the Premier League which is suspended due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane has said that he will not stay in the London club if it stops "progressing". Tottenham Hotspurs are going through a rough patch under the Mourinho regime, the club is currently is at eighth position in the Premier League which is suspended due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Tottenham Hotspurs' chances for qualifying for even Europa League is close to none. Previous year's Champions League finalists were ousted in the round of 16 by the underdogs RB Leipzig. Kane said: “I love Spurs, I’ll always love Spurs but I’ve always said if I don’t feel we’re progressing as a team or going in the right direction, I’m not someone to stay there for the sake of it. “I’m an ambitious player, I want to improve, get better and become one of the top, top players. “It all depends on what happens as a team and how we progress as a team. “So it’s not a definite I’m going to stay there forever, but it’s not a no either.” The English Captain is currently out and injured after facing hamstring tendon since January 1 but the star striker is set to return after the league suspension ends on April 30.

Spurs star Harry Kane might leave club if Mourinho's side stops progressing

The head of UEFA said European football leagues were still looking at all options and not ruling out finishing this season -- if the coronavirus pandemic subsides.

The head of UEFA said European football leagues were still looking at all options and not ruling out finishing this season -- if the coronavirus pandemic subsides. "We could start again in mid-May, in June or even late June," Aleksander Ceferin told Italy's La Repubblica daily. Any time after that and "the season will probably be lost," he said. The idea of the entire season simply being cancelled stirs panic in fans of clubs such as Liverpool -- on the cusp of lifting their first title in 30 years. Ceferin did not say when UEFA will issue a final ruling and stressed that consultations with the main leagues and clubs were still underway. "There is also a proposal to end this season at the beginning of the next one and then start the next one a little later," said Ceferin. The Slovenian added that he personally opposed the idea of holding big matches behind closed doors. Belarus remain the only European nation still playing football in the face of a pandemic that has officially claimed around 28,000 lives worldwide. Italy suspended its Serie A season on March 9. Its world-leading toll from the novel coronavirus officially stands at 9,134.

UEFA chief says season can still be saved

Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday with a 5-0 win at LASK Linz in one of four last 16 first leg matches played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Odion Ighalo slammed home the opener via the underside of the bar from 20 yards just before the half-hour, and Daniel James added a second with a sharp run and finish just before the hour mark.

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Juan Mata bagged a third eight minutes from the end and Mason Greenwood and Andreas Pereira struck in injury time, as United extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches, with nine clean sheets in that time.

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"I think the quality in our play was good. We were well prepared for them and they did fantastic," United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told BT Sport.

"There was some high-class finishing in the goals ... It should have been more goals before half-time, but we got the goals we needed."

The game was played without fans in line with the guidance of the Austrian government -- one of four matches held behind closed doors on Thursday.

UEFA on Wednesday confirmed that the first legs between Inter Milan and Getafe in Italy, and between Sevilla and Roma in Spain, would not go ahead as planned.

The announcement came after Spanish authorities suspended flights until March 25 to the country from Italy, which has been the worst hit European nation by the spread of the virus.

With the second legs due to be played next week, it is unclear how the ties will be resolved.

Ibrox was one of the two grounds where fans were allowed to attend, but the presence of Rangers' home support couldn't stop them losing 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen.

Bundesliga outfit Bayer are now favourites to progress should the second leg matches take place thanks to Kai Havertz's penalty eight minutes before the break and two lovely second half strikes from Charles Aranguiz and Leon Bailey.

George Edmundson had briefly given Rangers hope in the 75th minute when he pulled the scores back to 2-1 with a well-placed header, but Steven Gerrard's side could not capitalise.

Istanbul Basaksehir won 1-0 at home to FC Copenhagen in Turkey courtesy of a late Edin Visca penalty, in the other game allowed to take place before a crowd.

Basel secured a surprise 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt with Samuele Campo, Kevin Bua and Fabian Frei all on target for the visitors. Germany's financial capital will also host next week's return leg, due to coronavirus-related restrictions imposed by Swiss authorities.

Wolverhampton Wanderers gave themselves a good chance of continuing their first European run in nearly four decades with a 1-1 draw at Olympiakos' empty Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

Wolves had asked that the match be postponed after it had been announced on Tuesday that Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis -- also the owner of English club Nottingham Forest -- had tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

However the Premier League club said that UEFA had rejected that request. On Tuesday Marinakis said he was taking "all necessary measures" and "feeling well".

"You play a game of football and then you realise what's happening worldwide with all these people ill and dying and all these things and you have to play a game of football," said Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo to BT Sport.

"It's absurd."

Shaktar Donetsk saw off Wolfsburg 2-1 in an entertaining encounter in Germany, with goals from Junior Moraes and Marcos Antônio enough for the Ukrainians, who also missed a penalty through Victor Kovalenko.

Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday with a 5-0 win at LASK Linz in one of four last 16 first leg matches played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday with a 5-0 win at LASK Linz in one of four last 16 first leg matches played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting Odion Ighalo slammed home the opener via the underside of the bar from 20 yards just before the half-hour, and Daniel James added a second with a sharp run and finish just before the hour mark. Also read: Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for novel coronavirus Juan Mata bagged a third eight minutes from the end and Mason Greenwood and Andreas Pereira struck in injury time, as United extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches, with nine clean sheets in that time. Also read: Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City "I think the quality in our play was good. We were well prepared for them and they did fantastic," United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told BT Sport. "There was some high-class finishing in the goals ... It should have been more goals before half-time, but we got the goals we needed." The game was played without fans in line with the guidance of the Austrian government -- one of four matches held behind closed doors on Thursday. UEFA on Wednesday confirmed that the first legs between Inter Milan and Getafe in Italy, and between Sevilla and Roma in Spain, would not go ahead as planned. The announcement came after Spanish authorities suspended flights until March 25 to the country from Italy, which has been the worst hit European nation by the spread of the virus. With the second legs due to be played next week, it is unclear how the ties will be resolved. Ibrox was one of the two grounds where fans were allowed to attend, but the presence of Rangers' home support couldn't stop them losing 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen. Bundesliga outfit Bayer are now favourites to progress should the second leg matches take place thanks to Kai Havertz's penalty eight minutes before the break and two lovely second half strikes from Charles Aranguiz and Leon Bailey. George Edmundson had briefly given Rangers hope in the 75th minute when he pulled the scores back to 2-1 with a well-placed header, but Steven Gerrard's side could not capitalise. Istanbul Basaksehir won 1-0 at home to FC Copenhagen in Turkey courtesy of a late Edin Visca penalty, in the other game allowed to take place before a crowd. Basel secured a surprise 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt with Samuele Campo, Kevin Bua and Fabian Frei all on target for the visitors. Germany's financial capital will also host next week's return leg, due to coronavirus-related restrictions imposed by Swiss authorities. Wolverhampton Wanderers gave themselves a good chance of continuing their first European run in nearly four decades with a 1-1 draw at Olympiakos' empty Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. Wolves had asked that the match be postponed after it had been announced on Tuesday that Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis -- also the owner of English club Nottingham Forest -- had tested positive for coronavirus. However the Premier League club said that UEFA had rejected that request. On Tuesday Marinakis said he was taking "all necessary measures" and "feeling well". "You play a game of football and then you realise what's happening worldwide with all these people ill and dying and all these things and you have to play a game of football," said Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo to BT Sport. "It's absurd." Shaktar Donetsk saw off Wolfsburg 2-1 in an entertaining encounter in Germany, with goals from Junior Moraes and Marcos Antônio enough for the Ukrainians, who also missed a penalty through Victor Kovalenko.

Manchester United thrash LASK behind closed doors in Europa League

Manchester City's Premier League home match against Arsenal on Wednesday has been postponed because players from the London club have had contact with the owner of Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus, who has contracted the coronavirus.

A number of Arsenal players had met Evangelos Marinakis following their Europa League round of 32 meetings in London on Feb. 27.

Marinakis, who also owns English Championship (second tier) side Nottingham Forest, said on Tuesday he had contracted the coronavirus.

Globally, more than 116,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus and over 4,000 have died, according to a Reuters tally of government announcements.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-arsenal-top-four-hopes-all-but-over-after-brighton-draw-216202">Champions League: Arsenal top-four hopes all but over after Brighton draw</a>

A host of international sporting events have also been affected.

"Manchester City's Premier League fixture at home to Arsenal has been postponed," City said in a statement.

"The decision to postpone tonight's game has been taken as a precautionary measure on medical advice after it emerged that personnel from Arsenal FC have come into contact with the Olympiacos owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who has been named as a positive case of COVID-19."

Arsenal said the risk to their players was "extremely low" but they would follow medical guidelines.

"The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing COVID-19 at extremely low," Arsenal said in a statement.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-germany-racism-row-mesut-ozil-thanks-arsenal-fans-for-showing-so-much-love-155319"> After Germany racism row, Mesut Ozil thanks Arsenal fans for 'showing so much love'</a>

"However, we are strictly following government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact.

"The players will remain at their homes until the 14-day period expires. Four Arsenal staff, who were sitting close to Mr Marinakis during the match will also remain at home until the 14 days are complete."

The Premier League said it had no alternative but to postpone the game and complete a proper risk assessment.

It added that no other matches were in immediate danger of being postponed.

Also&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-xhaka-stripped-of-arsenal-captaincy-and-dropped-for-vitoria-game-260240">Football: Xhaka stripped of Arsenal captaincy and dropped for Vitoria game</a>

"All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches," it said in a statement.

Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers said on Tuesday that their request to European soccer's governing body UEFA to postpone their Europa League last-16, first leg against Olympiakos had been rejected.

Wolves had said that the trip to Greece posed unnecessary risks to their "players, staff, supporters and the families of all who travel, at such critical and uncertain times".

The game is one of several European fixtures that will be played without supporters.

Manchester City's Premier League home match against Arsenal on Wednesday has been postponed because players from the London club have had contact with the owner of Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus, who has contracted the coronavirus.

Manchester City's Premier League home match against Arsenal on Wednesday has been postponed because players from the London club have had contact with the owner of Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus, who has contracted the coronavirus. A number of Arsenal players had met Evangelos Marinakis following their Europa League round of 32 meetings in London on Feb. 27. Marinakis, who also owns English Championship (second tier) side Nottingham Forest, said on Tuesday he had contracted the coronavirus. Globally, more than 116,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus and over 4,000 have died, according to a Reuters tally of government announcements. Also Read: Champions League: Arsenal top-four hopes all but over after Brighton draw A host of international sporting events have also been affected. "Manchester City's Premier League fixture at home to Arsenal has been postponed," City said in a statement. "The decision to postpone tonight's game has been taken as a precautionary measure on medical advice after it emerged that personnel from Arsenal FC have come into contact with the Olympiacos owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who has been named as a positive case of COVID-19." Arsenal said the risk to their players was "extremely low" but they would follow medical guidelines. "The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing COVID-19 at extremely low," Arsenal said in a statement. Also Read: After Germany racism row, Mesut Ozil thanks Arsenal fans for 'showing so much love' "However, we are strictly following government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact. "The players will remain at their homes until the 14-day period expires. Four Arsenal staff, who were sitting close to Mr Marinakis during the match will also remain at home until the 14 days are complete." The Premier League said it had no alternative but to postpone the game and complete a proper risk assessment. It added that no other matches were in immediate danger of being postponed. Also Read: Football: Xhaka stripped of Arsenal captaincy and dropped for Vitoria game "All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches," it said in a statement. Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers said on Tuesday that their request to European soccer's governing body UEFA to postpone their Europa League last-16, first leg against Olympiakos had been rejected. Wolves had said that the trip to Greece posed unnecessary risks to their "players, staff, supporters and the families of all who travel, at such critical and uncertain times". The game is one of several European fixtures that will be played without supporters.

Manchester City vs Arsenal postponed after coronavirus contact

UEFA chiefs have asked to maintain calm over the coronavirus outbreak despite putting travel ban in place for their staff.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/six-nations-league-england-could-cancel-trip-to-rome-due-to-coronavirus-fears-283081">Six Nations League: England could cancel trip to Rome due to coronavirus fears</a>

European football is planning to go ahead with Euro 2020 even as the coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-get-out-of-control-if-affected-countries-dont-move-swiftly-warns-who-283185">Coronavirus could 'get out of control' if affected countries don't move swiftly, warns WHO</a>

UEFA has asked their staff not to travel in the next two weeks which means there will few people present in Amsterdam for the Nations League draw on Tuesday.

The Union of European Football Associations will be going ahead with the Champions League and Europa League games but meetings, get-togethers or workshops which are not urgent or necessary are put on hold.&nbsp;

The Football Association (FA) awaits updates from the government and UEFA regarding the Euros and the friendly match between Italy and Denmark at the month-end.&nbsp;

Wembley hosts a friendly fixture with Italy on March 27, this is a major concern as Italy has been the worst-hit European nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

England coach Gareth Southgate will be travelling to Amsterdam for the Nations League draw along with several members of FA staff and UEFA is adamant that the Euro 2020 tournament is not in imminent danger.

Asked if there was any panic at Monday’s UEFA meetings, Executive Committee member Alexey Sorokin said: “No - we don't sense any panic. None whatsoever.

FA chairman Greg Clarke said: "We're planning on the basis that the games will go ahead. If the government decides on a change of policy, of course, we will adhere to that policy."

"Clarity soon is better, but the facts are changing so quickly, you can't penalise the government for not quite knowing what the situation will be like in a month. I understand the problem."

UEFA chiefs have asked to maintain calm over the coronavirus outbreak despite putting travel ban in place for their staff. Also read: Six Nations League: England could cancel trip to Rome due to coronavirus fears European football is planning to go ahead with Euro 2020 even as the coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate.

UEFA chiefs have asked to maintain calm over the coronavirus outbreak despite putting travel ban in place for their staff. Also read: Six Nations League: England could cancel trip to Rome due to coronavirus fears European football is planning to go ahead with Euro 2020 even as the coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate. Also read: Coronavirus could 'get out of control' if affected countries don't move swiftly, warns WHO UEFA has asked their staff not to travel in the next two weeks which means there will few people present in Amsterdam for the Nations League draw on Tuesday. The Union of European Football Associations will be going ahead with the Champions League and Europa League games but meetings, get-togethers or workshops which are not urgent or necessary are put on hold. The Football Association (FA) awaits updates from the government and UEFA regarding the Euros and the friendly match between Italy and Denmark at the month-end. Wembley hosts a friendly fixture with Italy on March 27, this is a major concern as Italy has been the worst-hit European nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak. England coach Gareth Southgate will be travelling to Amsterdam for the Nations League draw along with several members of FA staff and UEFA is adamant that the Euro 2020 tournament is not in imminent danger. Asked if there was any panic at Monday’s UEFA meetings, Executive Committee member Alexey Sorokin said: “No - we don't sense any panic. None whatsoever. FA chairman Greg Clarke said: "We're planning on the basis that the games will go ahead. If the government decides on a change of policy, of course, we will adhere to that policy." "Clarity soon is better, but the facts are changing so quickly, you can't penalise the government for not quite knowing what the situation will be like in a month. I understand the problem."

Euro 2020 to go ahead despite coronavirus fears

Barcelona save their first leg fixture against Napoli after Antoine Griezmann's vital second-half equaliser at San Paolo Stadium on Tuesday. Scores stand 1-1 after&nbsp;the first leg.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-warns-barcelona-after-bartomeu-thanks-uefa-for-ban-281776">Pep Guardiola warns Barcelona after Bartomeu thanks UEFA for ban</a>

A stunning curling strike by Napoli's Dries Mertens put the hosts (Napoli) in front in the 31st minute. The Belgian has drawn level with Marek Hamsik as Napoli's all-time top scorer with 121 goals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-use-la-liga-rule-to-sign-martin-braithwaite-281899">Barcelona use La Liga rule to sign Martin Braithwaite</a>

Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal will be missing out the second leg in the Round of 16 at Camp Nou.&nbsp;

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This Messi turn = Skill of the Day 👌 
⁣<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLSOTD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLSOTD</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Mastercard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mastercard</a> <a href="https://t.co/3zt3cQrAam">pic.twitter.com/3zt3cQrAam</a>
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Busquests was booked for a foul on Dries Mertens in the 49th minute. This Yellow card means that Busquets will miss out the home fixture in the Round of 16.&nbsp;

Arturo Vidal picked up two yellow cards in the final stages of the game and was sent off after a foul on Mario Rui.&nbsp;

Nelson Semedo was at the risk of being suspended but saw his way through the match and will be playing the second leg fixture.&nbsp;

Barcelona and Napoli will head into the final leg of the Round of 16 with Barca's away goal advantage.&nbsp;

Barca's only concern at this moment is missing out on top players either due to suspension or injuries.&nbsp;

Barcelona will be concerned with Gerard Pique's availability after he limped off with an injury after falling heavily on his ankle.

"We'll see what problem he has, then we can confirm if he'll be available," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien.

Barcelona save their first leg fixture against Napoli after Antoine Griezmann's vital second-half equaliser at San Paolo Stadium on Tuesday. Scores stand 1-1 after the first leg.

Barcelona save their first leg fixture against Napoli after Antoine Griezmann's vital second-half equaliser at San Paolo Stadium on Tuesday. Scores stand 1-1 after the first leg. Also read: Pep Guardiola warns Barcelona after Bartomeu thanks UEFA for ban A stunning curling strike by Napoli's Dries Mertens put the hosts (Napoli) in front in the 31st minute. The Belgian has drawn level with Marek Hamsik as Napoli's all-time top scorer with 121 goals. Also read: Barcelona use La Liga rule to sign Martin Braithwaite Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal will be missing out the second leg in the Round of 16 at Camp Nou. This Messi turn = Skill of the Day 👌 ⁣#UCLSOTD | @Mastercard pic.twitter.com/3zt3cQrAam — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2020 × Busquests was booked for a foul on Dries Mertens in the 49th minute. This Yellow card means that Busquets will miss out the home fixture in the Round of 16. Arturo Vidal picked up two yellow cards in the final stages of the game and was sent off after a foul on Mario Rui. Nelson Semedo was at the risk of being suspended but saw his way through the match and will be playing the second leg fixture. Barcelona and Napoli will head into the final leg of the Round of 16 with Barca's away goal advantage. Barca's only concern at this moment is missing out on top players either due to suspension or injuries. Barcelona will be concerned with Gerard Pique's availability after he limped off with an injury after falling heavily on his ankle. "We'll see what problem he has, then we can confirm if he'll be available," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien.

Champions League: 10-men Barcelona see their way out against Napoli

English champions Manchester City have been banned from European competition for the next two seasons and fined 30 million euros ($32.53 million) by European soccer's governing body UEFA after an investigation into alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

English champions Manchester City have been banned from European competition for the next two seasons and fined 30 million euros ($32.53 million) by European soccer's governing body UEFA after an investigation into alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The ruling, if upheld, would mean Pep Guardiola's side would not be able to compete in the 2020-21 Champions League should they again qualify for Europe's top club competition. They would also be banned from European competition in the 2021-22 season. The top four teams in the Premier League qualify for the Champions League and City are currently second -- should the ban stand then the fifth-placed team would take their spot. An absence from Europe would have a significant impact on the club's revenue and their prestige. Liverpool earned 111 million euros from UEFA for winning last season's competition. The Premier League said in March that it had opened its own investigation into City and FFP after UEFA began its probe. UEFA's FFP rules are designed to prevent clubs receiving unlimited amounts of money through inflated sponsorship deals with organisations related to the owners. The Adjudicatory Chamber of UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) said City had broken the rules by "overstating its sponsorship revenue in its accounts and in the break-even information submitted to UEFA between 2012 and 2016" and added that the club "failed to cooperate in the investigation". But City, who have denied any wrongdoing, said in a strongly worded response that they will fight the decision. "Simply put, this is a case initiated by UEFA, prosecuted by UEFA and judged by UEFA. With this prejudicial process now over, the Club will pursue an impartial judgment as quickly as possible and will therefore, in the first instance, commence proceedings with the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity," the club said. Investigation process Describing themselves as "disappointed but not surprised" by the decision, City took aim at the investigation process. "In December 2018, the UEFA Chief Investigator publicly previewed the outcome and sanction he intended to be delivered to Manchester City, before any investigation had even begun. "The subsequent flawed and consistently leaked UEFA process he oversaw has meant that there was little doubt in the result that he would deliver. The Club has formally complained to the UEFA Disciplinary body, a complaint which was validated by a CAS ruling." City face Real Madrid later this month in the last 16 of this season's Champions League as Guardiola tries to secure a trophy that the club have never won. Spanish La Liga head Javier Tebas welcomed the punishment. "UEFA are finally taking decisive measures. Enforcing financial fair play rules and punishing financial doping is essential for the future of football. We've been asking for severe action against Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain for years. Better late than never," tweeted Tebas. In March 2019, PSG won a legal battle against UEFA after the governing body tried to reopen its investigation into the French club's spending on transfer fees and wages. UEFA opened an investigation into Manchester City that month after the publication of 'Football Leaks' documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners had inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with FFP requirements. Reuters reported extensively on City and FFP issues arising from the Football Leaks documents in The Soccer Files https://www.reuters.com/investigates/section/soccer-files series. The Abu Dhabi United Group, the investment vehicle owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the majority owner of the City Football Group, with a stake of around 77%. The City Football Group includes the Manchester club and owns or part-owns New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay, Girona FC in Spain and Sichuan Jiuniu FC in China.

UEFA bans Manchester City from European competition for two seasons

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed a performance his club will "remember forever" after the Italian side crushed Valencia 4-1 on Wednesday to take a giant step closer to reaching the&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;quarter-finals for the first time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-simeones-atletico-stun-mighty-liverpool-in-1st-leg-of-round-of-16-281473" hreflang="en">Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16</a>

Dutch wing-back Hans Hateboer scored twice on 16 and 62 minutes, sandwiching goals from Josip Ilicic and Remo Freuler.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-champions-league-ucl-teen-sensation-haalands-brace-down-neymars-psg-in-1st-leg-of-round-of-16-281462" hreflang="en">Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles</a>

"This is an evening that we'll remember forever," said Gasperini. "It's an amazing result, full of emotion."

It was an extraordinary night for the side from Bergamo who travelled to the San Siro with over 40,000 of their fans as their home stadium 55km away does not meet&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;regulations.

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This guy's on 🔥 right now! 
 
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Denis Cheryshev pulled one back for Valencia in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the San Siro, the same stadium where the Spanish side lost 2001 final to Bayern Munich on penalties.

Valencia, seventh in La Liga, had finished top of their group after away wins over Ajax and Chelsea but were missing several key players through injury and suspension.

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Two-goal Atalanta hero Hans Hateboer wins <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLMOTM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLMOTM</a>! 👏👏👏 
 
👉 He'll be one of four players in tonight's vote where you crown Player of the Week 👑 <a href="https://t.co/WTn8BtoMhD">pic.twitter.com/WTn8BtoMhD</a>
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"It certainly complicates things a bit, it's a pretty overwhelming result, this 4-1," said Valencia coach Albert Celades.&nbsp;

"In the end, it doesn't reflect much what we saw on the pitch."

Atalanta's run comes despite losing their opening three&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;group games, before finishing second behind Manchester City.

"Three goals ahead is a nice reward," added Gasperini. "But there were a lot of dangerous situations, these are things we'll need to improve in Valencia.

"We are satisfied with this victory and above all with this advantage.

"Yesterday I would have signed to go to Valencia in the return game with a three-goal lead."

The tournament debutants dominated the first half with Mario Pasalic having their first chance on eight minutes, but Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech pushed the ball over the bar at full stretch.

Hateboer opened the scoring just after the quarter of an hour, though, meeting a low Gomez cross to poke past Domenech for his first goal of the season.

Ferran Torres struck the post for Valencia on the half-hour mark, before Eliaquim Mangala missed a chance to connect with Goncalo Guedes' shot across the face of goal.

Marten de Roon and Gomez both fired over before Ilicic collected Pasalic's pass and drilled a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner three minutes before half-time.

Gasperini's side put the result on the night beyond any doubt 12 minutes after the break as Freuler curled in a magnificent third from the edge of the box.

Hateboer completed his brace five minutes later, ensuring that Atalanta's 12 goals in their first&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;campaign have been scored by 10 different players.

Maxi Gomez had a golden chance to pull a goal back on the hour mark for the visitors but his weak effort was brilliantly saved by Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal.

Cheryshev came off the bench and immediately scored in the 66th minute, pouncing on a poor Jose Luis Palomino pass to give Valencia an away goal and a glimmer of hope to take into the second leg on March 10 at the Mestalla.

"We had opportunities and we didn't finish them," said Celades.

"The result is clear enough today, but it's not impossible (to turn around). Let's see what happens at Mestalla, let's play well in our stadium."

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed a performance his club will "remember forever" after the Italian side crushed Valencia 4-1 on Wednesday to take a giant step closer to reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hailed a performance his club will "remember forever" after the Italian side crushed Valencia 4-1 on Wednesday to take a giant step closer to reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time. Also read: Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16 Dutch wing-back Hans Hateboer scored twice on 16 and 62 minutes, sandwiching goals from Josip Ilicic and Remo Freuler. Also read: Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles "This is an evening that we'll remember forever," said Gasperini. "It's an amazing result, full of emotion." It was an extraordinary night for the side from Bergamo who travelled to the San Siro with over 40,000 of their fans as their home stadium 55km away does not meet UEFA regulations. This guy's on 🔥 right now! Well played, Josip Iličić 👏👏👏#UCL | @Mastercard pic.twitter.com/wdyPJdhXTz — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 19, 2020 × Denis Cheryshev pulled one back for Valencia in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the San Siro, the same stadium where the Spanish side lost 2001 final to Bayern Munich on penalties. Valencia, seventh in La Liga, had finished top of their group after away wins over Ajax and Chelsea but were missing several key players through injury and suspension. Two-goal Atalanta hero Hans Hateboer wins #UCLMOTM! 👏👏👏 👉 He'll be one of four players in tonight's vote where you crown Player of the Week 👑 pic.twitter.com/WTn8BtoMhD — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 19, 2020 × "It certainly complicates things a bit, it's a pretty overwhelming result, this 4-1," said Valencia coach Albert Celades. "In the end, it doesn't reflect much what we saw on the pitch." Atalanta's run comes despite losing their opening three Champions League group games, before finishing second behind Manchester City. "Three goals ahead is a nice reward," added Gasperini. "But there were a lot of dangerous situations, these are things we'll need to improve in Valencia. "We are satisfied with this victory and above all with this advantage. "Yesterday I would have signed to go to Valencia in the return game with a three-goal lead." The tournament debutants dominated the first half with Mario Pasalic having their first chance on eight minutes, but Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech pushed the ball over the bar at full stretch. Hateboer opened the scoring just after the quarter of an hour, though, meeting a low Gomez cross to poke past Domenech for his first goal of the season. Ferran Torres struck the post for Valencia on the half-hour mark, before Eliaquim Mangala missed a chance to connect with Goncalo Guedes' shot across the face of goal. Marten de Roon and Gomez both fired over before Ilicic collected Pasalic's pass and drilled a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner three minutes before half-time. Gasperini's side put the result on the night beyond any doubt 12 minutes after the break as Freuler curled in a magnificent third from the edge of the box. Hateboer completed his brace five minutes later, ensuring that Atalanta's 12 goals in their first Champions League campaign have been scored by 10 different players. Maxi Gomez had a golden chance to pull a goal back on the hour mark for the visitors but his weak effort was brilliantly saved by Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal. Cheryshev came off the bench and immediately scored in the 66th minute, pouncing on a poor Jose Luis Palomino pass to give Valencia an away goal and a glimmer of hope to take into the second leg on March 10 at the Mestalla. "We had opportunities and we didn't finish them," said Celades. "The result is clear enough today, but it's not impossible (to turn around). Let's see what happens at Mestalla, let's play well in our stadium."

Champions League: Atalanta thrash Valencia on night to 'remember forever'

Pep Guardiola takes a jibe at his former club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu after he praised UEFA for imposing a two-year ban on Manchester City.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-empty-etihad-stadium-witnesses-first-manchester-city-win-after-uefa-ban-281761">Premier League: 'Empty' Etihad Stadium witnesses first Manchester City win after UEFA ban</a>

On Friday, UEFA found a "serious" fair-play breach by Manchester City from 2012 to 2016. UEFA imposed a two-year ban on Manchester City, they will be barred to play any European competitions for the next two seasons. Manchester City was also fined $32.5 million.&nbsp;

After the ban, Bartomeu said: "In this regard, we thank UEFA, who in recent years has been so sure to follow up on Financial Fair Play. At Barca, we have been following it and we have regular investigations or we have meetings at UEFA to explain how we are doing it. From here we want to support UEFA for all the good it does in football."

Pep in a post-match conference after win over West Ham said: “If they're happy that we are suspended I would say to the president of Barca to give us two appeals. I ask right now that the people trust what they (City) have done."&nbsp;

Pep warned Barcelona: "Don't talk too loud, Barcelona, that's my advice, because everybody is involved in situations. We're going to appeal and hopefully, in the future, we can play in the Champions League against Barcelona."

Guardiola even ensured his fans that he will stay in Manchester City despite UEFA Ban as some speculations of him wanting to "quit" after UEFA ban was making rounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manchester City will face Real Madrid for UEFA Champions League in the first leg of the round of 16 on March 17.&nbsp;

Pep Guardiola takes a jibe at his former club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu after he praised UEFA for imposing a two-year ban on Manchester City. Also read: Premier League: 'Empty' Etihad Stadium witnesses first Manchester City win after UEFA ban On Friday, UEFA found a "serious" fair-play breach by Manchester City from 2012 to 2016.

Pep Guardiola takes a jibe at his former club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu after he praised UEFA for imposing a two-year ban on Manchester City. Also read: Premier League: 'Empty' Etihad Stadium witnesses first Manchester City win after UEFA ban On Friday, UEFA found a "serious" fair-play breach by Manchester City from 2012 to 2016. UEFA imposed a two-year ban on Manchester City, they will be barred to play any European competitions for the next two seasons. Manchester City was also fined $32.5 million. After the ban, Bartomeu said: "In this regard, we thank UEFA, who in recent years has been so sure to follow up on Financial Fair Play. At Barca, we have been following it and we have regular investigations or we have meetings at UEFA to explain how we are doing it. From here we want to support UEFA for all the good it does in football." Pep in a post-match conference after win over West Ham said: “If they're happy that we are suspended I would say to the president of Barca to give us two appeals. I ask right now that the people trust what they (City) have done." Pep warned Barcelona: "Don't talk too loud, Barcelona, that's my advice, because everybody is involved in situations. We're going to appeal and hopefully, in the future, we can play in the Champions League against Barcelona." Guardiola even ensured his fans that he will stay in Manchester City despite UEFA Ban as some speculations of him wanting to "quit" after UEFA ban was making rounds. Manchester City will face Real Madrid for UEFA Champions League in the first leg of the round of 16 on March 17.

Pep Guardiola warns Barcelona after Bartomeu thanks UEFA for ban

Manchester City beat West Ham and 2-0 and resumed their Premier League campaign in the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsene-wenger-slams-manchester-city-over-uefa-ban-says-cant-go-unpunished-281333">Arsene Wenger slams Manchester City over UEFA ban, says 'can't go unpunished</a>

This was the first match played by Manchester City after UEFA imposed a two-year ban on playing any European tournaments on Pep Guardiola's side.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/latest-sports-news-klopp-shows-sympathy-for-guardiola-after-man-city-european-ban-280882">Klopp shows sympathy for Guardiola after Manchester City European ban</a>

Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne's goal helped Manchester City cruise towards victory in the Premier League maintaining their second position in the points table.&nbsp;

On Friday, UEFA found a "serious" fair-play breach by Manchester City from 2012 to 2016. UEFA imposed a two-year ban on Manchester City, they will be barred to play any European competitions for the next two seasons. Manchester City was also fined $32.5 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a74e884c-80e7-4530-8632-1ffe5c82ba74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_74.jpg" />

The ban has taken a toll on Manchester City as they lose many supporters, according to reports 10,000 seats were empty during the match. Few reports suggest that this could also be due to the fact the fixture was rescheduled from its original date 10 days earlier due to storms.

There were banners during the match which read "UEFA Cartel" and "UEFA Mafia", taunts were heard during the match where people chanted "we'll see you in court".&nbsp;

<img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c88fd0c3-6430-4c88-9bc1-f8b0efb80ee8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_53.jpg" />

Manchester City will face Real Madrid for UEFA Champions League in the first leg of the round of 16 on March &nbsp;17.&nbsp;

Manchester City beat West Ham and 2-0 and resumed their Premier League campaign in the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Also read: Arsene Wenger slams Manchester City over UEFA ban, says 'can't go unpunished This was the first match played by Manchester City after UEFA imposed a two-year ban on playing any European tournaments on Pep Guardiola's side.

Manchester City beat West Ham and 2-0 and resumed their Premier League campaign in the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Also read: Arsene Wenger slams Manchester City over UEFA ban, says 'can't go unpunished This was the first match played by Manchester City after UEFA imposed a two-year ban on playing any European tournaments on Pep Guardiola's side. Also read: Klopp shows sympathy for Guardiola after Manchester City European ban Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne's goal helped Manchester City cruise towards victory in the Premier League maintaining their second position in the points table. On Friday, UEFA found a "serious" fair-play breach by Manchester City from 2012 to 2016. UEFA imposed a two-year ban on Manchester City, they will be barred to play any European competitions for the next two seasons. Manchester City was also fined $32.5 million. The ban has taken a toll on Manchester City as they lose many supporters, according to reports 10,000 seats were empty during the match. Few reports suggest that this could also be due to the fact the fixture was rescheduled from its original date 10 days earlier due to storms. There were banners during the match which read "UEFA Cartel" and "UEFA Mafia", taunts were heard during the match where people chanted "we'll see you in court". Manchester City will face Real Madrid for UEFA Champions League in the first leg of the round of 16 on March 17.

Premier League: 'Empty' Etihad Stadium witnesses first Manchester City win after UEFA ban

Borussia Dortmund's teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland managed to outshine world's two most expensive players as the young gun scored a brace in 2-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.&nbsp;

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🚀 THAT thunderbolt by Erling Haaland 😱 
 
🤔 A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOTW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOTW</a> contender?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NissanFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NissanFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sha23D5z8O">pic.twitter.com/Sha23D5z8O</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1229908507694116864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The match became exciting in the second half after Haaland smashed a stunning close-range goal for Borussia in the 69th-minute, however, it looked like PSG would leave Dortmund with a tie in the first leg after Neymar scored in the 75th minute. But Haaland's 77th-minute goal was the match decider.&nbsp;

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🇳🇴 Erling Braut Haaland = 1st teenager to score 10 in a single campaign in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> history 👏👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/6zAbGwQsBE">pic.twitter.com/6zAbGwQsBE</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1229914960052047872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 19-year old, 6ft 3 inches, is leading the top scorer's list after scoring 10 goals and 1 assist in the last seven&nbsp;matches. Lewandowski has scored the same number of goals (10) but has no assist.&nbsp;

Haaland told UEFA.com, "I feel like I still can do a lot better. I have to play better at this level, have to work hard to improve,".

The prolific Norwegian striker was adjudged the man of the match for his stellar performance against PSG.

Borussia Dortmund will still be precautious as they face Paris Saint Germain on their home turf in the next leg.

Haaland said: "The result is quite a dangerous one, as Paris has a very strong team and can still go through in the return leg."

Haaland has been a recent signing for Dortmund, they bought the young lad for 20 million euros from Salzburg during the winter transfer window.&nbsp;

He scored 28 goals in 22 games for Salzburg. The Leeds-born player now has 11 goals in just seven outings for his new club.

Haaland threatens Mbappe's record of scoring 19 Champions League goals before turning 21.&nbsp;

The $434 million line-up of Paris Saint Germain will eye to overturn the scoreline in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. 
&nbsp;

Borussia Dortmund's teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland managed to outshine world's two most expensive players as the young gun scored a brace in 2-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund's teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland managed to outshine world's two most expensive players as the young gun scored a brace in 2-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund. 🚀 THAT thunderbolt by Erling Haaland 😱 🤔 A #GOTW contender?#UCL | @NissanFootball pic.twitter.com/Sha23D5z8O — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2020 × The match became exciting in the second half after Haaland smashed a stunning close-range goal for Borussia in the 69th-minute, however, it looked like PSG would leave Dortmund with a tie in the first leg after Neymar scored in the 75th minute. But Haaland's 77th-minute goal was the match decider. 🇳🇴 Erling Braut Haaland = 1st teenager to score 10 in a single campaign in #UCL history 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/6zAbGwQsBE — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2020 × The 19-year old, 6ft 3 inches, is leading the top scorer's list after scoring 10 goals and 1 assist in the last seven matches. Lewandowski has scored the same number of goals (10) but has no assist. Haaland told UEFA.com, "I feel like I still can do a lot better. I have to play better at this level, have to work hard to improve,". The prolific Norwegian striker was adjudged the man of the match for his stellar performance against PSG. Borussia Dortmund will still be precautious as they face Paris Saint Germain on their home turf in the next leg. Haaland said: "The result is quite a dangerous one, as Paris has a very strong team and can still go through in the return leg." Haaland has been a recent signing for Dortmund, they bought the young lad for 20 million euros from Salzburg during the winter transfer window. He scored 28 goals in 22 games for Salzburg. The Leeds-born player now has 11 goals in just seven outings for his new club. Haaland threatens Mbappe's record of scoring 19 Champions League goals before turning 21. The $434 million line-up of Paris Saint Germain will eye to overturn the scoreline in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-tells-teams-not-to-play-where-women-cant-watch-251956">UEFA</a> is to introduce a new-look playoff system for its 2022 World Cup qualifying competition which will avoid the need to compare results of teams in different groups.

UEFA said the 55 teams, who will be battling for 13 places at the tournament in Qatar, will be divided into 10 groups.

The 10 group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup while the runners-up will go into the playoffs along with two more teams from the 2020-21 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-forward-altidore-ruled-out-of-nations-league-matches-254642">Nations League</a>.

Those 12 teams will then be divided into three paths, with a one-leg semi-final and a one-leg final in each path to decide the remaining three European finalists.

In the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, there were nine groups where the winners qualified directly and the eight best runners-up went into four two-leg playoffs.

UEFA is to introduce a new-look playoff system for its 2022 World Cup qualifying competition which will avoid the need to compare results of teams in different groups.

UEFA is to introduce a new-look playoff system for its 2022 World Cup qualifying competition which will avoid the need to compare results of teams in different groups. UEFA said the 55 teams, who will be battling for 13 places at the tournament in Qatar, will be divided into 10 groups. The 10 group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup while the runners-up will go into the playoffs along with two more teams from the 2020-21 Nations League. Those 12 teams will then be divided into three paths, with a one-leg semi-final and a one-leg final in each path to decide the remaining three European finalists. In the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, there were nine groups where the winners qualified directly and the eight best runners-up went into four two-leg playoffs.

Football: UEFA announces new playoff system for 2022 World Cup qualifiers

Eric Dier became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to discover <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tottenham-hotspur-name-mourinho-as-manager-263339">Jose Mourinho</a>'s ruthless streak as the Portuguese manager's decision to haul off the midfielder after half an hour ultimately proved a masterstroke on Tuesday.

Mourinho's first home game in charge after replacing Mauricio Pochettino was turning ugly as Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus led 2-0 inside 20 minutes of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">Champions League</a> Group B game.

But twice Champions League winner Mourinho acted decisively, sacrificing Dier's defensive shield, and sent on Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen who, just as on Saturday in Mourinho's debut <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-makes-instant-impact-as-tottenham-defeat-west-ham-264133">win over West Ham</a> United, had been left on the bench.

It took a while for the tactical switch to work but Dele Alli levelled on the stroke of halftime and the second half saw Tottenham run riot with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mourinho-aiming-to-take-spurs-and-kane-to-the-next-level-263998">Harry Kane</a> scoring twice either side of a thumping effort by Serge Aurier.

Tottenham, runners-up in June under Pochettino, have qualified for the last 16 and in Mourinho's first two games in charge they have scored seven and conceded four, perhaps confounding those who said he would bring boring football to north London.

While the Dier/Eriksen swap worked a treat, Mourinho said it had been the hardest part of his evening.

"The most difficult moment for me was not the goals but the change I had to make," the 56-year-old, whose tactical acumen has earned him silverware at every club he has managed, told reporters. "It hurt the player but also hurt me. It was not easy for the player or me.

"But it's important the player understood and I was fortunate that it was a very intelligent boy who understood it was about the team not the performance. I apologised to Eric and made it clear I didn't do it to hurt him.

"Christian gave us what we needed at that time."

Mourinho, sacked by Manchester United last season after his reign there turned sour, has been charm personified since swapping punditry for the Tottenham job.

As well as praising his players' response to adversity on Tuesday, and the fans, he also waxed lyrical about a ball boy, whose sharp thinking allowed Serge Aurier to take a quick throw-in that ultimately led to Harry Kane's 50th-minute equaliser.

"To do that you have to be a very good ball boy," Mourinho said with a straight face. "I was, between 10 and 16 years old a very good ball boy and he was a very good ball boy.

"He was reading the game and wasn't looking at the stands. I wanted to invite him to the dressing room to celebrate with the players but he had disappeared."

Tottenham's performance rather summed up their season. They were caught cold and were lucky that a defensive howler allowed Alli to reduce the arrears before the interval.

In the second half, with Eriksen providing the ammunition for Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, Tottenham were ruthless.

With a home game against Bournemouth this weekend, Mourinho has every chance of starting with three straight wins.

"Next game at home I expect the boys to start without ghosts, open and confident" he said.

Eric Dier became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to discover Jose Mourinho's ruthless streak as the Portuguese manager's decision to haul off the midfielder after half an hour ultimately proved a masterstroke on Tuesday.

Eric Dier became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to discover Jose Mourinho's ruthless streak as the Portuguese manager's decision to haul off the midfielder after half an hour ultimately proved a masterstroke on Tuesday. Mourinho's first home game in charge after replacing Mauricio Pochettino was turning ugly as Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus led 2-0 inside 20 minutes of the Champions League Group B game. But twice Champions League winner Mourinho acted decisively, sacrificing Dier's defensive shield, and sent on Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen who, just as on Saturday in Mourinho's debut win over West Ham United, had been left on the bench. It took a while for the tactical switch to work but Dele Alli levelled on the stroke of halftime and the second half saw Tottenham run riot with Harry Kane scoring twice either side of a thumping effort by Serge Aurier. Tottenham, runners-up in June under Pochettino, have qualified for the last 16 and in Mourinho's first two games in charge they have scored seven and conceded four, perhaps confounding those who said he would bring boring football to north London. While the Dier/Eriksen swap worked a treat, Mourinho said it had been the hardest part of his evening. "The most difficult moment for me was not the goals but the change I had to make," the 56-year-old, whose tactical acumen has earned him silverware at every club he has managed, told reporters. "It hurt the player but also hurt me. It was not easy for the player or me. "But it's important the player understood and I was fortunate that it was a very intelligent boy who understood it was about the team not the performance. I apologised to Eric and made it clear I didn't do it to hurt him. "Christian gave us what we needed at that time." Mourinho, sacked by Manchester United last season after his reign there turned sour, has been charm personified since swapping punditry for the Tottenham job. As well as praising his players' response to adversity on Tuesday, and the fans, he also waxed lyrical about a ball boy, whose sharp thinking allowed Serge Aurier to take a quick throw-in that ultimately led to Harry Kane's 50th-minute equaliser. "To do that you have to be a very good ball boy," Mourinho said with a straight face. "I was, between 10 and 16 years old a very good ball boy and he was a very good ball boy. "He was reading the game and wasn't looking at the stands. I wanted to invite him to the dressing room to celebrate with the players but he had disappeared." Tottenham's performance rather summed up their season. They were caught cold and were lucky that a defensive howler allowed Alli to reduce the arrears before the interval. In the second half, with Eriksen providing the ammunition for Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, Tottenham were ruthless. With a home game against Bournemouth this weekend, Mourinho has every chance of starting with three straight wins. "Next game at home I expect the boys to start without ghosts, open and confident" he said.

Champions League: Mourinho masterstroke as Tottenham destroy Olympiakos

Scotland will face Israel in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wales-qualifies-for-euro-2020-belgium-netherlands-germany-secure-victories-in-final-qualifying-clash-263291">Euro 2020 playoff</a> semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final.

"We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines.

"I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome."

Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-treble-as-england-demolish-montenegro-to-book-euro-2020-spot-262238">England in Group D</a> if they qualify for the finals next year.

Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final.

Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatia-thump-hungary-to-stay-on-course-slovakia-hold-wales-255125">Hungary</a> to secure progress to the main draw.

The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">In pictures:&nbsp;Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize</a>

For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations.

The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November&nbsp;30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium.

Denmark and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hazard-brothers-shine-as-belgium-thrash-russia-in-euro-qualifiers-262650">Russia</a>, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B.

Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia.

Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland. Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final. "We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports. "We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines. "I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome." Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join England in Group D if they qualify for the finals next year. Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final. Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or Hungary to secure progress to the main draw. The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12. In pictures: Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations. The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November 30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium. Denmark and Russia, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B. Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia. Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland v Israel, Slovakia v Ireland in Euro 2020 playoff semis

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky.

The price is in line with the current three-year contract but BT said it covered an additional 77 matches as well as the rights to highlights and in-match clips.

The renegotiation had been seen as a test of the appetite of BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen, who took on the role in February, to spend on sports rights.

The deal also covers matches from the Europa League and a planned third competition for European clubs, BT said in a statement on Friday.

"We're delighted to remain the home of UEFA Champions League in the UK," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT's Consumer Division

BT has had the rights to European club soccer since 2015 after ousting Sky and ITV. Sky, now owned by U.S. media group Comcast, had been expected to bid to win back the rights.

The news helped BT shares to make up some lost ground after Britain's opposition Labour Party said it would nationalise BT's fixed line network to provide free full-fibre broadband for all if it wins the election next month.

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky.

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky. The price is in line with the current three-year contract but BT said it covered an additional 77 matches as well as the rights to highlights and in-match clips. The renegotiation had been seen as a test of the appetite of BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen, who took on the role in February, to spend on sports rights. The deal also covers matches from the Europa League and a planned third competition for European clubs, BT said in a statement on Friday. "We're delighted to remain the home of UEFA Champions League in the UK," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT's Consumer Division BT has had the rights to European club soccer since 2015 after ousting Sky and ITV. Sky, now owned by U.S. media group Comcast, had been expected to bid to win back the rights. The news helped BT shares to make up some lost ground after Britain's opposition Labour Party said it would nationalise BT's fixed line network to provide free full-fibre broadband for all if it wins the election next month.

BT keeps Champions League soccer rights in $1.5 billion UK deal

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Euro 2020 qualifier</a> against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday.

The disciplinary arm of European football's governing body also ordered Bulgaria to play a second match behind closed doors, but that punishment is suspended for a "probationary period" of two years.

The punishment means Bulgaria will play their final European Championship qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, on November 17, in an empty stadium.

UEFA also ordered Bulgaria to display a banner with the slogan "No To Racism" at their next two home games.

The Bulgarian FA was additionally fined a further 10,000 euros for "causing a disturbance during a national anthem" prior to kick-off of the game in Sofia on October 14, which England won 6-0. The English FA was fined 5,000 euros for the same offence.

The match at the Vasil Levski Stadium was halted twice in the first half due to abuse from sections of the home support, including monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes.

Despite the abuse, the England team opted to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch.

"We sincerely hope the disgraceful scenes in Sofia are never repeated," said England's Football Association.

"Our priority remains our players, support team and fans and we will do all we can to ensure they never have to endure such circumstances again.

"While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society."

The game was played in a stadium already partially closed after racist incidents during matches against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June.

"We sincerely hope that the Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have become targets of unwarranted accusations for lack of tolerance and respect to the opposition team," the Bulgarian Football Union said in a statement.

Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network which works to combat racism and discrimination in football across Europe, said the punishment was not harsh enough and felt Bulgaria should have been disqualified from the competition.

"We welcome the speed of this decision, but we are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," he said.

"We think that the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism.

"Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception."

Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out called for UEFA regulations on racism to be "overhauled".

"We are disheartened, but not surprised, to learn of UEFA's response to the racist abuse directed at England players," it said in a statement.

"In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination.

"The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour."

The incidents caused indignation in the football world and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uefa-must-do-more-to-tackle-vile-racism-uk-pm-johnsons-spokesman-256094">were condemned</a> both by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov.

The subsequent fall-out led to Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov resigning along with the country's FA chief, Borislav Mihaylov.

In the wake of the incidents, Bulgarian police said they had identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions".

Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers,&nbsp;losing four and drawing three,&nbsp;and occupy last place in Group A. They are already out of contention to qualify for next year's finals.

Before facing the Czechs, Bulgaria are due to host Paraguay in a friendly in Sofia on November 14 in what will be their first match under new coach Georgi Dermendzhiev.

&nbsp;

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday.

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday. The disciplinary arm of European football's governing body also ordered Bulgaria to play a second match behind closed doors, but that punishment is suspended for a "probationary period" of two years. The punishment means Bulgaria will play their final European Championship qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, on November 17, in an empty stadium. UEFA also ordered Bulgaria to display a banner with the slogan "No To Racism" at their next two home games. The Bulgarian FA was additionally fined a further 10,000 euros for "causing a disturbance during a national anthem" prior to kick-off of the game in Sofia on October 14, which England won 6-0. The English FA was fined 5,000 euros for the same offence. The match at the Vasil Levski Stadium was halted twice in the first half due to abuse from sections of the home support, including monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes. Despite the abuse, the England team opted to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch. "We sincerely hope the disgraceful scenes in Sofia are never repeated," said England's Football Association. "Our priority remains our players, support team and fans and we will do all we can to ensure they never have to endure such circumstances again. "While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society." The game was played in a stadium already partially closed after racist incidents during matches against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June. "We sincerely hope that the Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have become targets of unwarranted accusations for lack of tolerance and respect to the opposition team," the Bulgarian Football Union said in a statement. Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network which works to combat racism and discrimination in football across Europe, said the punishment was not harsh enough and felt Bulgaria should have been disqualified from the competition. "We welcome the speed of this decision, but we are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," he said. "We think that the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism. "Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception." Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out called for UEFA regulations on racism to be "overhauled". "We are disheartened, but not surprised, to learn of UEFA's response to the racist abuse directed at England players," it said in a statement. "In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination. "The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour." The incidents caused indignation in the football world and were condemned both by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov. The subsequent fall-out led to Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov resigning along with the country's FA chief, Borislav Mihaylov. In the wake of the incidents, Bulgarian police said they had identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions". Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers, losing four and drawing three, and occupy last place in Group A. They are already out of contention to qualify for next year's finals. Before facing the Czechs, Bulgaria are due to host Paraguay in a friendly in Sofia on November 14 in what will be their first match under new coach Georgi Dermendzhiev.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Bulgaria to play game behind closed doors, fined after England racism

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