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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Lewandowski set Bayern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Salzburg on Wednesday as the holders joined Manchester City in qualifying for the last 16 with two group games to spare, while Liverpool went down to defeat and Marseille are now the owners of an unwanted record.

On a night when clubs marked news of the death of Diego Maradona by holding a minute's silence in memory of the Argentine before all Champions League games, Bayern eased to a record-extending 15th straight win in the competition.

Lewandowski scored the opener&nbsp;just before half-time at an empty Allianz Arena, his 14th goal of the season and also his 71st altogether in the Champions League, leaving him level with Real Madrid great Raul in third place on the all-time list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (131) and Lionel Messi (118).

Kingsley Coman scored Bayern's second and then crossed for Leroy Sane to head in their third, before Mergim Berisha pulled a goal back for the Austrian champions.

Marc Roca was sent off for Bayern, but they have a maximum 12 points and are guaranteed to advance as Group A winners, while Atletico Madrid sit second but continue to toil in Europe this season after being held 0-0 at home by Lokomotiv Moscow.

Pep Guardiola's City earlier secured progress as Phil Foden swept in from a Raheem Sterling back-heel to secure a 1-0 win away to Olympiakos in Greece, their fourth win out of four in Group C.

City had 21 attempts on goal and their bluntness in attack is a source of concern, even if their European progress provides a tonic to their mediocre Premier League form.

"It will come, we would love to do more, but one day it will come and will break everything," said Guardiola, whose side now just need a point from their final two matches to top the group.

<h2>- Unlucky 13 for Marseille -</h2>

Second-place Porto are on the brink of joining them in qualifying after a 2-0 win at Marseille, which was the French side's 13th consecutive defeat in the competition stretching over three campaigns going back to 2011-12.

The Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi gave Porto the lead six minutes before half-time and Sergio Oliveira scored a second-half penalty after on-loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic had been sent off for the Portuguese side.

Marseille, who had defender Leonardo Balerdi sent off, cannot now qualify for the last 16.

"We have hit rock-bottom," said Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas.

Six-time European champions Liverpool are not yet sure of progressing to the next round after going down 2-0 to Atalanta at Anfield.

Three weeks after beating the same side 5-0 in Italy, Liverpool struggled with a weakened starting line-up, and Josip Ilicic put Atalanta in front on the hour mark before German international Robin Gosens got the second goal.

"A deserved defeat in a difficult game," was how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp summed up the game.

Liverpool are top of Group D on nine points, two points clear of Atalanta and Ajax, who were 3-1 winners at home to Midtjylland.

Second-half goals by Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and David Neres boosted Ajax's hopes, with Awer Mabil getting a consolation from the penalty spot for the Danes who had captain Erik Sviatchenko sent off late on and are yet to register a point. Ajax go to Liverpool next week.

<h2>- Hazard on target for Real -</h2>

Meanwhile, Inter Milan are on the brink of being eliminated in the group stage after Arturo Vidal was sent off as they went down 2-0 at home to Real Madrid.

Eden Hazard gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot at San Siro for his first Champions League goal in a Real shirt, and Vidal was sent off before the break after seeing two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession.

A Rodrygo shot went in off Achraf Hakimi in the second half to make it 2-0, and Real are now on course to qualify from Group B after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in their first game.

Shakhtar lost 4-0 to Borussia Moenchengladbach, with Lars Stindl scoring a penalty and Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo and Oscar Wendt also on target to keep the Germans on top of the group.

Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla punched their tickets to the knockout phase on Tuesday.

Robert Lewandowski set Bayern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Salzburg on Wednesday as the holders joined Manchester City in qualifying for the last 16 with two group games to spare, while Liverpool went down to defeat and Marseille are now the owners of an unwanted record.

Robert Lewandowski set Bayern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Salzburg on Wednesday as the holders joined Manchester City in qualifying for the last 16 with two group games to spare, while Liverpool went down to defeat and Marseille are now the owners of an unwanted record. On a night when clubs marked news of the death of Diego Maradona by holding a minute's silence in memory of the Argentine before all Champions League games, Bayern eased to a record-extending 15th straight win in the competition. Lewandowski scored the opener just before half-time at an empty Allianz Arena, his 14th goal of the season and also his 71st altogether in the Champions League, leaving him level with Real Madrid great Raul in third place on the all-time list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (131) and Lionel Messi (118). Kingsley Coman scored Bayern's second and then crossed for Leroy Sane to head in their third, before Mergim Berisha pulled a goal back for the Austrian champions. Marc Roca was sent off for Bayern, but they have a maximum 12 points and are guaranteed to advance as Group A winners, while Atletico Madrid sit second but continue to toil in Europe this season after being held 0-0 at home by Lokomotiv Moscow. Pep Guardiola's City earlier secured progress as Phil Foden swept in from a Raheem Sterling back-heel to secure a 1-0 win away to Olympiakos in Greece, their fourth win out of four in Group C. City had 21 attempts on goal and their bluntness in attack is a source of concern, even if their European progress provides a tonic to their mediocre Premier League form. "It will come, we would love to do more, but one day it will come and will break everything," said Guardiola, whose side now just need a point from their final two matches to top the group. - Unlucky 13 for Marseille - Second-place Porto are on the brink of joining them in qualifying after a 2-0 win at Marseille, which was the French side's 13th consecutive defeat in the competition stretching over three campaigns going back to 2011-12. The Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi gave Porto the lead six minutes before half-time and Sergio Oliveira scored a second-half penalty after on-loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic had been sent off for the Portuguese side. Marseille, who had defender Leonardo Balerdi sent off, cannot now qualify for the last 16. "We have hit rock-bottom," said Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas. Six-time European champions Liverpool are not yet sure of progressing to the next round after going down 2-0 to Atalanta at Anfield. Three weeks after beating the same side 5-0 in Italy, Liverpool struggled with a weakened starting line-up, and Josip Ilicic put Atalanta in front on the hour mark before German international Robin Gosens got the second goal. "A deserved defeat in a difficult game," was how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp summed up the game. Liverpool are top of Group D on nine points, two points clear of Atalanta and Ajax, who were 3-1 winners at home to Midtjylland. Second-half goals by Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and David Neres boosted Ajax's hopes, with Awer Mabil getting a consolation from the penalty spot for the Danes who had captain Erik Sviatchenko sent off late on and are yet to register a point. Ajax go to Liverpool next week. - Hazard on target for Real - Meanwhile, Inter Milan are on the brink of being eliminated in the group stage after Arturo Vidal was sent off as they went down 2-0 at home to Real Madrid. Eden Hazard gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot at San Siro for his first Champions League goal in a Real shirt, and Vidal was sent off before the break after seeing two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession. A Rodrygo shot went in off Achraf Hakimi in the second half to make it 2-0, and Real are now on course to qualify from Group B after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in their first game. Shakhtar lost 4-0 to Borussia Moenchengladbach, with Lars Stindl scoring a penalty and Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo and Oscar Wendt also on target to keep the Germans on top of the group. Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla punched their tickets to the knockout phase on Tuesday.

Holders Bayern, Man City through to Champions League last 16 as Liverpool beaten

Erling Braut Haaland broke yet another Champions League record on Tuesday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

Haaland's 18th-minute opener against Brugge saw him reach 15 Champions League goals in fewer games than any other player in the competition's history.

The 20-year-old Norwegian hit the milestone in just 12 appearances, smashing the previous record of 19 games held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roberto Soldado.

"Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said team-mate Jadon Sancho, who provided the assist for Haaland's opener.

"I'm just happy that I can get my assists more easily because he's so clinical," Sancho told broadcaster DAZN.

Haaland added another in the second half to take his tally to 16, as he and Dortmund annihilated Brugge to defend top spot in Group F and move within touching distance of qualification for the second round.

With two games to go, Lucien Favre's side are now five points clear of third place and a point ahead of second-placed Lazio, who beat Zenit Saint Petersburg 3-1 on Tuesday.

Dortmund were predictably dominant in the first half, and it took Haaland just 70 seconds to send a shot fizzing past the Brugge post.

The Norwegian found the net on 18 minutes, placing a low shot past Simon Mignolet after Sancho set him up with an elegant through ball.

Sancho, who has faced criticism this season and was dropped to the bench for Dortmund's league win at Hertha Berlin last weekend, was in excellent form upon his return to the starting XI.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old Englishman doubled Dortmund's lead on the stroke of half-time, curling a free-kick into the top corner after compatriot Jude Bellingham was fouled on the edge of the box.

"I've been practising my free-kicks recently, so I'm happy it came off today," said Sancho.

"I'm just happy I'm playing and that I have coaches who believe in me. It's been a hard situation for me recently, but it's all about how I come back," he added.&nbsp;

Haaland put the game beyond reach on the hour mark, gratefully pouncing on an inadvertent assist from Brugge midfielder Ruud Vormer and sweeping the ball in from close range.

Erling Braut Haaland broke yet another Champions League record on Tuesday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

Erling Braut Haaland broke yet another Champions League record on Tuesday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge. Haaland's 18th-minute opener against Brugge saw him reach 15 Champions League goals in fewer games than any other player in the competition's history. The 20-year-old Norwegian hit the milestone in just 12 appearances, smashing the previous record of 19 games held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roberto Soldado. "Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said team-mate Jadon Sancho, who provided the assist for Haaland's opener. "I'm just happy that I can get my assists more easily because he's so clinical," Sancho told broadcaster DAZN. Haaland added another in the second half to take his tally to 16, as he and Dortmund annihilated Brugge to defend top spot in Group F and move within touching distance of qualification for the second round. With two games to go, Lucien Favre's side are now five points clear of third place and a point ahead of second-placed Lazio, who beat Zenit Saint Petersburg 3-1 on Tuesday. Dortmund were predictably dominant in the first half, and it took Haaland just 70 seconds to send a shot fizzing past the Brugge post. The Norwegian found the net on 18 minutes, placing a low shot past Simon Mignolet after Sancho set him up with an elegant through ball. Sancho, who has faced criticism this season and was dropped to the bench for Dortmund's league win at Hertha Berlin last weekend, was in excellent form upon his return to the starting XI. The 20-year-old Englishman doubled Dortmund's lead on the stroke of half-time, curling a free-kick into the top corner after compatriot Jude Bellingham was fouled on the edge of the box. "I've been practising my free-kicks recently, so I'm happy it came off today," said Sancho. "I'm just happy I'm playing and that I have coaches who believe in me. It's been a hard situation for me recently, but it's all about how I come back," he added. Haaland put the game beyond reach on the hour mark, gratefully pouncing on an inadvertent assist from Brugge midfielder Ruud Vormer and sweeping the ball in from close range.

Haaland continues record exploits as Dortmund beat Brugge

Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla all claimed last-gasp wins as they qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Martin Braithwaite grabbed a double in Barcelona's 4-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev as they also secured a place in the knockout rounds.

They are the first teams to make it out of the group stage, doing so with two games to spare, on a night which saw Erling Braut Haaland, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes all get among the goals.

There was no Lionel Messi for Barcelona, with the Argentine rested for the trip to Ukraine, but Ronald Koeman's side got the job done to make it four wins from four in Group G.

All the goals came in the second half, with Sergino Dest opening the scoring before Danish striker Braithwaite added another and then converted a penalty to make it 3-0.

On as a substitute, Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the win on the night young centre-back Oscar Mingueza, Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes and teenage American winger Konrad de la Fuente were all blooded in the first team.

"We've achieved our objective," said Koeman. "We looked hungry and scored four goals. Important players were able to rest and the youngsters deserved their minutes."&nbsp;

<h2>- Morata, Giroud strike late -</h2>

Juventus joined Barcelona in qualifying from Group G but the Italian champions needed a stoppage-time header by substitute Alvaro Morata to beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in Turin and seal their progress.

Albanian international Myrto Uzuni put the Hungarians ahead but Ronaldo drilled in the equaliser before half-time, meaning he has scored in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons.

Chelsea are through from Group E after edging Rennes 2-1 in France, with Olivier Giroud coming off the bench to head in an injury-time winner. Serhou Guirassy had cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi's breakaway opener.

Last season's Europa League winners Sevilla will not get to defend their trophy as they advanced to the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition and did so with a 2-1 win over Krasnodar in Russia, in a rare game played before a sizeable crowd.

Ivan Rakitic's drilled strike put the Spaniards in front only for the Brazilian Wanderson to equalise, but Munir El Haddadi won it for Sevilla five minutes into added time.

Sevilla and Chelsea are level on 10 points but Frank Lampard's side go to Spain next week, when the winner will secure top spot.

Manchester United are in pole position in Group H after a first-half Fernandes brace set them on their way to a 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir that made up for a 2-1 defeat in Turkey last time out.

The opener by Fernandes was a thunderous strike from outside the box, while the second was a tap-in after a horrible error by Mert Gunok in the away goal.

Marcus Rashford added a penalty, but there was a fightback from the away side, with Deniz Turuc's free-kick crossing the line before David de Gea could claw it away.

Edin Visca crashed a shot off the bar, but Daniel James made sure of the victory on the counter-attack.

"It's a Champions League night at Old Trafford, you'd expect them to enjoy themselves," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of his team. "We scored some very nice goals, I'm pleased."

<h2>- Haaland's frightening record -</h2>

Solskjaer's side are three points clear of both Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, after an early Neymar penalty gave the French side a 1-0 win over their German visitors.

PSG go to Old Trafford next week.

Borussia Dortmund need just one more point to qualify from Group F following a 3-0 win over Club Brugge as the prolific Haaland netted twice either side of a Jadon Sancho free-kick in Germany.

Haaland has 16 goals for the season, and has now scored 16 Champions League goals in just 12 appearances -- Messi had two goals and Ronaldo none after the same number of appearances.

"Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said Sancho.

In the group's other game Ciro Immobile was on target twice, including from a penalty, as Lazio beat Zenit Saint-Petersburg 3-1 in Rome, a result which eliminated the Russians. Marco Parolo also netted for Lazio, with Artem Dzyuba scoring for Zenit.

Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla all claimed last-gasp wins as they qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Martin Braithwaite grabbed a double in Barcelona's 4-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev as they also secured a place in the knockout rounds.

Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla all claimed last-gasp wins as they qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Martin Braithwaite grabbed a double in Barcelona's 4-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev as they also secured a place in the knockout rounds. They are the first teams to make it out of the group stage, doing so with two games to spare, on a night which saw Erling Braut Haaland, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes all get among the goals. There was no Lionel Messi for Barcelona, with the Argentine rested for the trip to Ukraine, but Ronald Koeman's side got the job done to make it four wins from four in Group G. All the goals came in the second half, with Sergino Dest opening the scoring before Danish striker Braithwaite added another and then converted a penalty to make it 3-0. On as a substitute, Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the win on the night young centre-back Oscar Mingueza, Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes and teenage American winger Konrad de la Fuente were all blooded in the first team. "We've achieved our objective," said Koeman. "We looked hungry and scored four goals. Important players were able to rest and the youngsters deserved their minutes." - Morata, Giroud strike late - Juventus joined Barcelona in qualifying from Group G but the Italian champions needed a stoppage-time header by substitute Alvaro Morata to beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in Turin and seal their progress. Albanian international Myrto Uzuni put the Hungarians ahead but Ronaldo drilled in the equaliser before half-time, meaning he has scored in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons. Chelsea are through from Group E after edging Rennes 2-1 in France, with Olivier Giroud coming off the bench to head in an injury-time winner. Serhou Guirassy had cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi's breakaway opener. Last season's Europa League winners Sevilla will not get to defend their trophy as they advanced to the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition and did so with a 2-1 win over Krasnodar in Russia, in a rare game played before a sizeable crowd. Ivan Rakitic's drilled strike put the Spaniards in front only for the Brazilian Wanderson to equalise, but Munir El Haddadi won it for Sevilla five minutes into added time. Sevilla and Chelsea are level on 10 points but Frank Lampard's side go to Spain next week, when the winner will secure top spot. Manchester United are in pole position in Group H after a first-half Fernandes brace set them on their way to a 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir that made up for a 2-1 defeat in Turkey last time out. The opener by Fernandes was a thunderous strike from outside the box, while the second was a tap-in after a horrible error by Mert Gunok in the away goal. Marcus Rashford added a penalty, but there was a fightback from the away side, with Deniz Turuc's free-kick crossing the line before David de Gea could claw it away. Edin Visca crashed a shot off the bar, but Daniel James made sure of the victory on the counter-attack. "It's a Champions League night at Old Trafford, you'd expect them to enjoy themselves," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of his team. "We scored some very nice goals, I'm pleased." - Haaland's frightening record - Solskjaer's side are three points clear of both Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, after an early Neymar penalty gave the French side a 1-0 win over their German visitors. PSG go to Old Trafford next week. Borussia Dortmund need just one more point to qualify from Group F following a 3-0 win over Club Brugge as the prolific Haaland netted twice either side of a Jadon Sancho free-kick in Germany. Haaland has 16 goals for the season, and has now scored 16 Champions League goals in just 12 appearances -- Messi had two goals and Ronaldo none after the same number of appearances. "Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said Sancho. In the group's other game Ciro Immobile was on target twice, including from a penalty, as Lazio beat Zenit Saint-Petersburg 3-1 in Rome, a result which eliminated the Russians. Marco Parolo also netted for Lazio, with Artem Dzyuba scoring for Zenit.

Barcelona, Juventus join Chelsea and Sevilla in Champions League last 16

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said Monday that Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong will not feature against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League this midweek, instead being given a rest.

Barca travel to Ukraine on top of Group G with a perfect nine points after three games, three points ahead of second-placed Juventus, but they are a lowly 12th in La Liga after losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

"We've decided not to take Leo or Frenkie because our situation in the Champions League is quite comfortable," Koeman told reporters ahead of Tuesday's game.

Messi, 33, has played every Barca match so far this season and also played the full 90 minutes for Argentina four times over October and November.

Midfielder De Jong, who is 10 years Messi's junior, has also played every match for the Catalan giants as well as five international fixtures for the Netherlands in the same period.

"The players need a break and we think it's time for them to rest ... Both have played almost every minute and come from playing with their national teams," Koeman added.

"Sometimes, you have to protect your players because the calendar is incredible."

Injuries to several key players including Ansu Fati, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique have forced Koeman to rotate.

Antoine Griezmann and promising teen Pedri are expected to lead the attack while Clement Lenglet will lead the defence in the absence of both Pique, who picked up a knee injury on Saturday, and Samuel Umtiti.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said Monday that Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong will not feature against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League this midweek, instead being given a rest.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said Monday that Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong will not feature against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League this midweek, instead being given a rest. Barca travel to Ukraine on top of Group G with a perfect nine points after three games, three points ahead of second-placed Juventus, but they are a lowly 12th in La Liga after losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. "We've decided not to take Leo or Frenkie because our situation in the Champions League is quite comfortable," Koeman told reporters ahead of Tuesday's game. Messi, 33, has played every Barca match so far this season and also played the full 90 minutes for Argentina four times over October and November. Midfielder De Jong, who is 10 years Messi's junior, has also played every match for the Catalan giants as well as five international fixtures for the Netherlands in the same period. "The players need a break and we think it's time for them to rest ... Both have played almost every minute and come from playing with their national teams," Koeman added. "Sometimes, you have to protect your players because the calendar is incredible." Injuries to several key players including Ansu Fati, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique have forced Koeman to rotate. Antoine Griezmann and promising teen Pedri are expected to lead the attack while Clement Lenglet will lead the defence in the absence of both Pique, who picked up a knee injury on Saturday, and Samuel Umtiti.

Barcelona coach Koeman rests Messi, De Jong for Dynamo Kiev clash

Real Madrid and Barcelona's stuttering starts to the season could continue, while AC Milan's unbeaten record in Serie A is in danger and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is aiming to continue his astonishing record.

AFP Sport previews the standout football action on the continent this weekend:

<h2>- German accent to French showdown -</h2>

Monaco v Paris Saint-Germain, Friday 2000 GMT

PSG are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and chasing a ninth straight win when they face Monaco, the only other club to have won the title in the past eight seasons.

Paris have won 4-1 and 4-0 on their last two visits to the principality but they might find things harder this time, not least because coach Thomas Tuchel is without a host of injured players, while Neymar is a doubt.

The game has a German accent to it, with Monaco looking to return to the upper echelons of the French game under new Croatian coach Niko Kovac, who was born and raised in Germany.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel has been full of praise ahead of the game for Kovac, who he came up against when the latter was at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kovac is looking to relaunch his career after being sacked by Bayern Munich.

<h2>- Landmark for Flick -</h2>

Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen, Saturday 1430 GMT

Kovac was replaced in the dugout in Bavaria by Hansi Flick, who went on to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble last season and has added the UEFA and German Super Cups this season.

On Saturday Flick takes charge of Bayern for the 50th time when they host Werder Bremen.

Flick's record is astonishing. He has overseen 45 wins, one draw and just three defeats, with Bayern averaging 3.3 goals a game in the Bundesliga.

Bayern sealed the title with a 1-0 win in Bremen in June. Werder only just stayed up last season and lost 6-1 on their last trip to Munich. A similar outcome is quite possible this time.&nbsp;

<h2>- Real to struggle without Ramos? -</h2>

Villarreal v Real Madrid, Saturday 1515 GMT

Zinedine Zidane's Real have had two weeks to stew on a 4-1 hammering at Valencia and could find the going tough again this weekend when they make another trip to Spain's east coast to play Villarreal.

Unai Emery's side are undefeated in six La Liga games and are second in the table, two points behind leaders Real Sociedad and two above Real, who have a game in hand.

While Madrid are without talisman Sergio Ramos after he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Spain, Villarreal have two of Spain's most in-form strikers in Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno.

The latter has four league goals this season and scored a late equaliser for Spain against Switzerland in the Nations League last weekend, while Alcacer has nine in total.

They could make life very difficult for the champions.

<h2>- Another acid test for Barcelona -</h2>

Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, Saturday 2000 GMT

Barcelona claimed a first win in five La Liga games last time out when they thumped Real Betis 5-2, but they are currently eighth in the table, nine points behind Real Sociedad with two matches in hand.

On Saturday they visit Atletico, who are six points above Ronald Koeman's side and on a club-record unbeaten run of 23 league matches.

Luis Suarez's absence against his former side after a positive coronavirus test is a great shame, as will be the lack of fans, but this match still pits Lionel Messi against Joao Felix, and there is the return of Antoine Griezmann to face his old team.

<h2>- Milan's unbeaten record on the line -</h2>

Napoli v AC Milan, Sunday 1945 GMT

Milan's revival is real, as they spent the international break on top of Serie A, unbeaten and two points ahead of Sassuolo in second.

A huge test awaits, however, as they go to Napoli, who are three points off the lead in third.

Napoli have lost their last two home games but look like contenders for a top-four finish this season and the prospect of coach Gennaro Gattuso getting one over the club he served with such distinction as a player is a fascinating one.

Real Madrid and Barcelona's stuttering starts to the season could continue, while AC Milan's unbeaten record in Serie A is in danger and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is aiming to continue his astonishing record.

Real Madrid and Barcelona's stuttering starts to the season could continue, while AC Milan's unbeaten record in Serie A is in danger and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is aiming to continue his astonishing record. AFP Sport previews the standout football action on the continent this weekend: - German accent to French showdown - Monaco v Paris Saint-Germain, Friday 2000 GMT PSG are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and chasing a ninth straight win when they face Monaco, the only other club to have won the title in the past eight seasons. Paris have won 4-1 and 4-0 on their last two visits to the principality but they might find things harder this time, not least because coach Thomas Tuchel is without a host of injured players, while Neymar is a doubt. The game has a German accent to it, with Monaco looking to return to the upper echelons of the French game under new Croatian coach Niko Kovac, who was born and raised in Germany. Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel has been full of praise ahead of the game for Kovac, who he came up against when the latter was at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kovac is looking to relaunch his career after being sacked by Bayern Munich. - Landmark for Flick - Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen, Saturday 1430 GMT Kovac was replaced in the dugout in Bavaria by Hansi Flick, who went on to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble last season and has added the UEFA and German Super Cups this season. On Saturday Flick takes charge of Bayern for the 50th time when they host Werder Bremen. Flick's record is astonishing. He has overseen 45 wins, one draw and just three defeats, with Bayern averaging 3.3 goals a game in the Bundesliga. Bayern sealed the title with a 1-0 win in Bremen in June. Werder only just stayed up last season and lost 6-1 on their last trip to Munich. A similar outcome is quite possible this time. - Real to struggle without Ramos? - Villarreal v Real Madrid, Saturday 1515 GMT Zinedine Zidane's Real have had two weeks to stew on a 4-1 hammering at Valencia and could find the going tough again this weekend when they make another trip to Spain's east coast to play Villarreal. Unai Emery's side are undefeated in six La Liga games and are second in the table, two points behind leaders Real Sociedad and two above Real, who have a game in hand. While Madrid are without talisman Sergio Ramos after he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Spain, Villarreal have two of Spain's most in-form strikers in Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno. The latter has four league goals this season and scored a late equaliser for Spain against Switzerland in the Nations League last weekend, while Alcacer has nine in total. They could make life very difficult for the champions. - Another acid test for Barcelona - Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, Saturday 2000 GMT Barcelona claimed a first win in five La Liga games last time out when they thumped Real Betis 5-2, but they are currently eighth in the table, nine points behind Real Sociedad with two matches in hand. On Saturday they visit Atletico, who are six points above Ronald Koeman's side and on a club-record unbeaten run of 23 league matches. Luis Suarez's absence against his former side after a positive coronavirus test is a great shame, as will be the lack of fans, but this match still pits Lionel Messi against Joao Felix, and there is the return of Antoine Griezmann to face his old team. - Milan's unbeaten record on the line - Napoli v AC Milan, Sunday 1945 GMT Milan's revival is real, as they spent the international break on top of Serie A, unbeaten and two points ahead of Sassuolo in second. A huge test awaits, however, as they go to Napoli, who are three points off the lead in third. Napoli have lost their last two home games but look like contenders for a top-four finish this season and the prospect of coach Gennaro Gattuso getting one over the club he served with such distinction as a player is a fascinating one.

Huge tests for Real, Barca, a milestone for Flick - what to watch in Europe this weekend

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos has been ruled of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> match against Inter Milan due to a hamstring injury. Real had won their first leg 3-2 against Inter Milan with Ramos being one of their goalscorers. The Los Blancos will take on Inter Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League group stage on November 26.&nbsp;

Ramos suffered the hamstring blow during Spain’s 6-0 thrashing of Germany in their Nations League match on November 18 and was replaced by Manchester City’s Eric Garcia just before the half-time break.&nbsp;

<h2>Ramos'&nbsp;recovery will continue to be assessed: Real Madrid</h2>

“After the tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid medical department, the player has been diagnosed with a strained hamstring in his right leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed,” Real Madrid said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/huge-tests-for-real-barca-a-milestone-for-flick-what-to-watch-in-europe-this-weekend-344261" hreflang="en">Huge tests for Real, Barca, a milestone for Flick - what to watch in Europe this weekend</a>

According to reports, Ramos will also miss their La Liga match this weekend against Villareal.&nbsp; 
The worrisome part for Real Madrid is that they have lost seven of their last eight UCL matches which Ramos has missed.

Ramos’ defensive partner Raphael Varane will also undergo a late fitness test on Friday after damaging his shoulder during the international break. Nacho Fernandez is also set for an assessment after limping off in last month’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spurs-face-title-test-wounded-liverpool-host-leaders-leicester-344262" hreflang="en">Spurs face title test, wounded Liverpool host leaders Leicester</a>

Good news for Real Madrid is that Eder Militao has tested negative for COVID-19. Militao, Casemiro and Eden Hazard have all been given a green signal to resume training after testing positive before the international break.

Real Madrid will next play Alaves, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico in the upcoming three weeks.

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos has been ruled of their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan due to a hamstring injury. Real had won their first leg 3-2 against Inter Milan with Ramos being one of their goalscorers.

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos has been ruled of their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan due to a hamstring injury. Real had won their first leg 3-2 against Inter Milan with Ramos being one of their goalscorers. The Los Blancos will take on Inter Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League group stage on November 26. Ramos suffered the hamstring blow during Spain’s 6-0 thrashing of Germany in their Nations League match on November 18 and was replaced by Manchester City’s Eric Garcia just before the half-time break. Ramos' recovery will continue to be assessed: Real Madrid “After the tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid medical department, the player has been diagnosed with a strained hamstring in his right leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed,” Real Madrid said in a statement. ALSO READ: Huge tests for Real, Barca, a milestone for Flick - what to watch in Europe this weekend According to reports, Ramos will also miss their La Liga match this weekend against Villareal. The worrisome part for Real Madrid is that they have lost seven of their last eight UCL matches which Ramos has missed. Ramos’ defensive partner Raphael Varane will also undergo a late fitness test on Friday after damaging his shoulder during the international break. Nacho Fernandez is also set for an assessment after limping off in last month’s El Clasico against Barcelona. ALSO READ: Spurs face title test, wounded Liverpool host leaders Leicester Good news for Real Madrid is that Eder Militao has tested negative for COVID-19. Militao, Casemiro and Eden Hazard have all been given a green signal to resume training after testing positive before the international break. Real Madrid will next play Alaves, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico in the upcoming three weeks.

UEFA Champions League: Sergio Ramos ruled out of Real Madrid vs Inter Milan clash

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasted "unforgivable" defending from his hapless side as they slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 Champions League defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday.

United, floundering in the lower reaches of the Premier League, started the game as firm favourites after an impressive win against Paris Saint-Germain and a 5-0 humbling of RB Leipzig.

But defeat in Turkey -- a first-ever Champions League group-stage win for Basaksehir -- heaps the pressure on the Norwegian boss, whose side looked short of inspiration and basic defensive nous in Istanbul.

The three-time European champions were badly exposed on the break as former Chelsea forward Demba Ba and Edin Visca gave the home team a two-goal cushion.

United gave themselves hope when they reduced the deficit shortly before half-time through an Anthony Martial header.

But despite multiple second-half changes and an array of attacking talent, Solskjaer's lacklustre team could not find a way past the organised Basaksehir defence.

The result ended Manchester United's longest away winning run in all competitions in their history -- 10 straight victories -- and was their first away defeat in 19 matches since losing in January at Liverpool in the Premier League.

Solskjaer said the performance against the hard-working Turkish side was not good enough.

"They scored two goals like you do in Europe when you do not defend well enough," he told BT Sport.

"The first one is that we play a short corner and forget about the man up top. That is unforgivable. The second one as well, we are not very well organised to counter the press."

"You don't turn up and get three points in the Champions League," he added. "They are a team well organised and we were not good enough. That is it."

<h2>- Defensive chaos -</h2>

United started the game in the comfort zone, with no sign of the defensive chaos to come in front of a small but vocal crowd.

Luke Shaw fizzed a ball past the far post with his left foot but United, with Marcus Rashford and Martial up front, lacked penetration.

The home side were ahead in the 12th minute after inexplicably poor awareness and organisation allowed unmarshalled ex-Chelsea forward Ba to collect a long ball and race from the halfway line to score, trailed helplessly by Nemanja Matic.

Axel Tuanzebe, who impressed in Paris, had a heart-stopping moment after he pulled Ba back but escaped with a yellow card.

Basaksehir remained threatening on the break, with United worryingly open at the back, and the visitors were caught napping again five minutes before half time.

Deniz Turuc robbed Juan Mata of possession down the left and raced forward, sending over a cross that Ba stepped over and Visca smashed past Dean Henderson, making his Champions League debut in place of David de Gea.

United crucially reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute when Martial steered a Shaw cross home with his head.

Solskjaer hooked off Tuanzebe at the interval, with Scott McTominay coming on and Matic dropping back to play at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire.

United once more enjoyed territorial advantage at the start of the second half and Bruno Fernandes had a free-kick pushed away.

Solskjaer threw on Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba in place of Mata and Donny van de Beek to add impetus to the attack but ponderous United struggled to create clear chances.

Mason Greenwood came on for Rashford as United continued to search for a way through.

They went agonisingly close to an equaliser in stoppage time when Alexandru Epureanu hacked off the line but they could not rescue a point in the Group H tie.

United appeared to have turned the corner after their 6-1 mauling by Tottenham last month but they have now suffered consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Basaksehir.

"They (two losses) have set us back a lot," said Solskjaer, whose team travel to Everton on Saturday. "You get a reality check every time you play a game of football."

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasted "unforgivable" defending from his hapless side as they slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 Champions League defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasted "unforgivable" defending from his hapless side as they slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 Champions League defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday. United, floundering in the lower reaches of the Premier League, started the game as firm favourites after an impressive win against Paris Saint-Germain and a 5-0 humbling of RB Leipzig. But defeat in Turkey -- a first-ever Champions League group-stage win for Basaksehir -- heaps the pressure on the Norwegian boss, whose side looked short of inspiration and basic defensive nous in Istanbul. The three-time European champions were badly exposed on the break as former Chelsea forward Demba Ba and Edin Visca gave the home team a two-goal cushion. United gave themselves hope when they reduced the deficit shortly before half-time through an Anthony Martial header. But despite multiple second-half changes and an array of attacking talent, Solskjaer's lacklustre team could not find a way past the organised Basaksehir defence. The result ended Manchester United's longest away winning run in all competitions in their history -- 10 straight victories -- and was their first away defeat in 19 matches since losing in January at Liverpool in the Premier League. Solskjaer said the performance against the hard-working Turkish side was not good enough. "They scored two goals like you do in Europe when you do not defend well enough," he told BT Sport. "The first one is that we play a short corner and forget about the man up top. That is unforgivable. The second one as well, we are not very well organised to counter the press." "You don't turn up and get three points in the Champions League," he added. "They are a team well organised and we were not good enough. That is it." - Defensive chaos - United started the game in the comfort zone, with no sign of the defensive chaos to come in front of a small but vocal crowd. Luke Shaw fizzed a ball past the far post with his left foot but United, with Marcus Rashford and Martial up front, lacked penetration. The home side were ahead in the 12th minute after inexplicably poor awareness and organisation allowed unmarshalled ex-Chelsea forward Ba to collect a long ball and race from the halfway line to score, trailed helplessly by Nemanja Matic. Axel Tuanzebe, who impressed in Paris, had a heart-stopping moment after he pulled Ba back but escaped with a yellow card. Basaksehir remained threatening on the break, with United worryingly open at the back, and the visitors were caught napping again five minutes before half time. Deniz Turuc robbed Juan Mata of possession down the left and raced forward, sending over a cross that Ba stepped over and Visca smashed past Dean Henderson, making his Champions League debut in place of David de Gea. United crucially reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute when Martial steered a Shaw cross home with his head. Solskjaer hooked off Tuanzebe at the interval, with Scott McTominay coming on and Matic dropping back to play at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire. United once more enjoyed territorial advantage at the start of the second half and Bruno Fernandes had a free-kick pushed away. Solskjaer threw on Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba in place of Mata and Donny van de Beek to add impetus to the attack but ponderous United struggled to create clear chances. Mason Greenwood came on for Rashford as United continued to search for a way through. They went agonisingly close to an equaliser in stoppage time when Alexandru Epureanu hacked off the line but they could not rescue a point in the Group H tie. United appeared to have turned the corner after their 6-1 mauling by Tottenham last month but they have now suffered consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Basaksehir. "They (two losses) have set us back a lot," said Solskjaer, whose team travel to Everton on Saturday. "You get a reality check every time you play a game of football."

Solskjaer laments 'unforgivable' defending as Man Utd suffer Basaksehir shock

Lionel Messi scored as Barcelona overcame a depleted Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus eased Ferencvaros aside and Manchester United slumped to an unexpected defeat in Turkey.

Nine-man Paris Saint-Germain lost to RB Leipzig in a repeat of last season's semi-final and Chelsea proved too strong for Rennes, with Timo Werner twice converting from the penalty spot.&nbsp;

Making his 150th appearance in European competition, Messi dispatched an early penalty at Camp Nou after he was fouled in the area and Gerard Pique headed in Ansu Fati's cross on the hour.

Viktor Tsygankov grabbed a consolation for coronavirus-hit Dynamo as Barca, winless in four games in La Liga, recorded their third successive Group G victory to stay three points clear of Juventus.

"We are happy because we won," said Barca coach Ronald Koeman. "But we have to play better than we did today. We have to improve, above all without the ball, where we haven't played well."

Cristiano Ronaldo made his first start for the Italian champions since September after testing positive for Covid-19 in a 4-1 win at Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

However, the Portuguese star was outshone in Budapest by Alvaro Morata, whose two goals put Andrea Pirlo's team in control.

Paulo Dybala added a third before an own goal from Lasha Dvali, with Franck Boli netting for the hosts in the final minute.

United produced a shambolic first-half defensive display as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost 2-1 against Istanbul Basaksehir.

Demba Ba collected the ball just inside his own half and raced through to beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson on 13 minutes, with Edin Visca smashing in a second after Juan Mata was stripped of possession.

Anthony Martial's header cut the deficit before half-time but United saw their momentum in Group H halted after wins over PSG and RB Leipzig last month.

"You don't just turn up and get three points in the Champions League. We weren't good enough, that's it. It's not easy to be positive when you've lost the way we did," Solskjaer told BT Sport.

<h2>- PSG capitulate in Leipzig -</h2>

Emil Forsberg's penalty earned Leipzig a 2-1 victory as they came from behind to beat a weakened Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a major blow to the Champions League aspirations of last season's runners-up.

Angel di Maria had given PSG an early lead in Germany but he then crucially missed a penalty for the French champions, who were missing both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe due to injury and ended the contest with nine men.

Christopher Nkunku levelled before half-time for Leipzig and Forsberg converted from the spot in the 57th minute before the visitors had both Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe sent off.

"It's difficult. It's maybe our fault because we didn't get the second goal and then made a mistake on the penalty," PSG boss Thomas Tuchel told RMC Sport.

"There was a red card, it's then hard, 10 against 11. There were too many things going against us."

Chelsea strolled to a 3-0 win at home against Rennes who saw defender Dalbert sent off after conceding two penalties in the first half.

Werner took over spot-kick duties from Jorginho and confidently tucked both away before Tammy Abraham turned in a third for the Blues on 50 minutes.

Frank Lampard's men have yet to concede in Group E and are level on seven points with Sevilla, who rallied to defeat Krasnodar 3-2 despite the dismissal of captain Jesus Navas late in the first half.

Goals from Magomed Suleymanov and Marcus Berg, the second a penalty, put Krasnodar ahead in Spain but Ivan Rakitic pulled one back for Sevilla before the break.

Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri struck twice in four second-half minutes to floor Krasnodar and leave the Russians alongside Rennes on just one point.

Erling Braut Haaland notched a brace to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 3-0 win at Club Brugge and send the Germans top of Group F. Thorgan Hazard had opened the scoring in his native Belgium.

Felipe Caicedo's late equaliser earned Lazio a 1-1 draw at Zenit Saint Petersburg after Aleksandr Erokhin had struck in the first half in front of some 17,000 fans in Russia.

Lionel Messi scored as Barcelona overcame a depleted Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus eased Ferencvaros aside and Manchester United slumped to an unexpected defeat in Turkey.

Lionel Messi scored as Barcelona overcame a depleted Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Juventus eased Ferencvaros aside and Manchester United slumped to an unexpected defeat in Turkey. Nine-man Paris Saint-Germain lost to RB Leipzig in a repeat of last season's semi-final and Chelsea proved too strong for Rennes, with Timo Werner twice converting from the penalty spot. Making his 150th appearance in European competition, Messi dispatched an early penalty at Camp Nou after he was fouled in the area and Gerard Pique headed in Ansu Fati's cross on the hour. Viktor Tsygankov grabbed a consolation for coronavirus-hit Dynamo as Barca, winless in four games in La Liga, recorded their third successive Group G victory to stay three points clear of Juventus. "We are happy because we won," said Barca coach Ronald Koeman. "But we have to play better than we did today. We have to improve, above all without the ball, where we haven't played well." Cristiano Ronaldo made his first start for the Italian champions since September after testing positive for Covid-19 in a 4-1 win at Hungarian side Ferencvaros. However, the Portuguese star was outshone in Budapest by Alvaro Morata, whose two goals put Andrea Pirlo's team in control. Paulo Dybala added a third before an own goal from Lasha Dvali, with Franck Boli netting for the hosts in the final minute. United produced a shambolic first-half defensive display as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost 2-1 against Istanbul Basaksehir. Demba Ba collected the ball just inside his own half and raced through to beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson on 13 minutes, with Edin Visca smashing in a second after Juan Mata was stripped of possession. Anthony Martial's header cut the deficit before half-time but United saw their momentum in Group H halted after wins over PSG and RB Leipzig last month. "You don't just turn up and get three points in the Champions League. We weren't good enough, that's it. It's not easy to be positive when you've lost the way we did," Solskjaer told BT Sport. - PSG capitulate in Leipzig - Emil Forsberg's penalty earned Leipzig a 2-1 victory as they came from behind to beat a weakened Paris Saint-Germain, dealing a major blow to the Champions League aspirations of last season's runners-up. Angel di Maria had given PSG an early lead in Germany but he then crucially missed a penalty for the French champions, who were missing both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe due to injury and ended the contest with nine men. Christopher Nkunku levelled before half-time for Leipzig and Forsberg converted from the spot in the 57th minute before the visitors had both Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe sent off. "It's difficult. It's maybe our fault because we didn't get the second goal and then made a mistake on the penalty," PSG boss Thomas Tuchel told RMC Sport. "There was a red card, it's then hard, 10 against 11. There were too many things going against us." Chelsea strolled to a 3-0 win at home against Rennes who saw defender Dalbert sent off after conceding two penalties in the first half. Werner took over spot-kick duties from Jorginho and confidently tucked both away before Tammy Abraham turned in a third for the Blues on 50 minutes. Frank Lampard's men have yet to concede in Group E and are level on seven points with Sevilla, who rallied to defeat Krasnodar 3-2 despite the dismissal of captain Jesus Navas late in the first half. Goals from Magomed Suleymanov and Marcus Berg, the second a penalty, put Krasnodar ahead in Spain but Ivan Rakitic pulled one back for Sevilla before the break. Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri struck twice in four second-half minutes to floor Krasnodar and leave the Russians alongside Rennes on just one point. Erling Braut Haaland notched a brace to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 3-0 win at Club Brugge and send the Germans top of Group F. Thorgan Hazard had opened the scoring in his native Belgium. Felipe Caicedo's late equaliser earned Lazio a 1-1 draw at Zenit Saint Petersburg after Aleksandr Erokhin had struck in the first half in front of some 17,000 fans in Russia.

Barca, Juve win in Champions League as woeful Man Utd beaten

Diogo Jota’s superb hat-trick lit up Liverpool’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Atalanta on Tuesday and served further notice to the club’s famed frontline that the Portuguese striker does not intend to play solely a supporting role.

Liverpool face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday and it now seems almost unthinkable that Jota’s name will not be in the starting lineup.

That may have seemed unlikely at the start of the season when Liverpool signed the 23-year-old from Wolverhampton Wanderers to provide competition to Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who had developed into one of the most feared attacking trios in football.

With Firmino’s form under the spotlight after an underwhelming start to the campaign, Jota slotted in alongside Salah and Mane against Atalanta and put on a clinical display of finishing before being replaced by Firmino in the 65th minute.

“I’m playing in the best team of my career so far, that’s for sure. I don’t know if it was my best moment, but obviously scoring goals is my way of playing football, so I’m really happy with it,” Jota told BT Sport.

Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool splashed a reported 41 million pounds ($54 million) to secure the signature of Jota, who scored 16 goals - nine of them in the Europa League - for Wolves last season.

He has already begun paying back that fee in earnest with seven goals in 10 games, and he tormented the Atalanta defence together with Mane and Salah.

“Obviously (they are) two world-class players, we all know their quality makes it easy for me to do my job because they are outstanding players,” he explained.

Jota is swiftly developing a taste for European competition having scored three hat-tricks in the Champions League and Europa League combined since the start of last season - the only player to have done so more than once.

With a trip to Manchester City to come on Sunday, the Portuguese picked the perfect moment to stake his claim to a starting spot.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp hailed Jota’s recent form but said Firmino’s influence on the team’s success should not be forgotten.

“Good performances never give me headaches ... The world is sometimes a really bad place that in the moment when somebody is shining, we speak immediately about another player who played for us, it feels like, 500 games in a row,” Klopp said.

“We would not be in the Champions League if Firmino would not be with us. And immediately I have to explain why he is not in the team.

“It’s important we have more than 11 players and tonight Diogo used his shape in an incredible way and played a super, super game. But that says nothing about Bobby and has nothing to do with causing me headaches.”

Diogo Jota’s superb hat-trick lit up Liverpool’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Atalanta on Tuesday and served further notice to the club’s famed frontline that the Portuguese striker does not intend to play solely a supporting role.

Diogo Jota’s superb hat-trick lit up Liverpool’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Atalanta on Tuesday and served further notice to the club’s famed frontline that the Portuguese striker does not intend to play solely a supporting role. Liverpool face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday and it now seems almost unthinkable that Jota’s name will not be in the starting lineup. That may have seemed unlikely at the start of the season when Liverpool signed the 23-year-old from Wolverhampton Wanderers to provide competition to Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who had developed into one of the most feared attacking trios in football. With Firmino’s form under the spotlight after an underwhelming start to the campaign, Jota slotted in alongside Salah and Mane against Atalanta and put on a clinical display of finishing before being replaced by Firmino in the 65th minute. “I’m playing in the best team of my career so far, that’s for sure. I don’t know if it was my best moment, but obviously scoring goals is my way of playing football, so I’m really happy with it,” Jota told BT Sport. Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool splashed a reported 41 million pounds ($54 million) to secure the signature of Jota, who scored 16 goals - nine of them in the Europa League - for Wolves last season. He has already begun paying back that fee in earnest with seven goals in 10 games, and he tormented the Atalanta defence together with Mane and Salah. “Obviously (they are) two world-class players, we all know their quality makes it easy for me to do my job because they are outstanding players,” he explained. Jota is swiftly developing a taste for European competition having scored three hat-tricks in the Champions League and Europa League combined since the start of last season - the only player to have done so more than once. With a trip to Manchester City to come on Sunday, the Portuguese picked the perfect moment to stake his claim to a starting spot. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp hailed Jota’s recent form but said Firmino’s influence on the team’s success should not be forgotten. “Good performances never give me headaches ... The world is sometimes a really bad place that in the moment when somebody is shining, we speak immediately about another player who played for us, it feels like, 500 games in a row,” Klopp said. “We would not be in the Champions League if Firmino would not be with us. And immediately I have to explain why he is not in the team. “It’s important we have more than 11 players and tonight Diogo used his shape in an incredible way and played a super, super game. But that says nothing about Bobby and has nothing to do with causing me headaches.”

Jota shows pedigree with terrific treble in Italy

Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and Joao Cancelo were on target as Manchester City made it three wins out of three in Champions League Group C with a 3-0 win over Olympiakos at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

The result leaves City three points clear of Porto at the top of the group, and a single point in the return fixture on Nov. 25 would secure progress for City to the knockout stage.

Torres put City ahead in the 12th minute, playing a smart one-two with Kevin De Bruyne before confidently slotting home for his third goal in as many games in the competition.

Raheem Sterling had the ball in the net in the 32nd minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside, as City dominated play. But the Greek side grew into the game after the break.

The visitors should have drawn level in the 55th minute when a sloppy pass from Phil Foden fell to Mathieu Valbuena, but the 36-year-old French winger miscued his shot.

While Olympiakos rarely threatened, City needed another goal to ease their nerves and it came from substitute Gabriel Jesus in the 81st minute, the Brazilian hammering a shot in from close range at the near post after being slipped in by De Bruyne.

Defender Joao Cancelo made sure of the points in the 90th minute, which leaves City in a commanding position at the top of the group, with a well-placed shot from outside of the area.

City now face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, and Guardiola used all five subs in the second half, perhaps with half an eye on that clash with the league champions.

“In the first half we played really well. In the second half we struggled for some moments but when we scored the second one it was over,” said Guardiola.

“We have five days to recover for Liverpool and then the international break. The forecast in the next three days says it will be sunny in Manchester. It’s rare. We’re going to recover and have a day off. After that on Friday and Saturday we’ll prepare for the Liverpool game. But the players need a break,” he added.

Olympiakos coach Pedro Martins was upset with the way his team had played in the early stages of the game.

“I am very disappointed with our game in the first half. We looked frightened, didn’t go after the ball, we respected our rivals too much – we only committed one foul.

“But in the second half we played like Olympiakos. We were better, got more possession and found ourselves.”

Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and Joao Cancelo were on target as Manchester City made it three wins out of three in Champions League Group C with a 3-0 win over Olympiakos at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and Joao Cancelo were on target as Manchester City made it three wins out of three in Champions League Group C with a 3-0 win over Olympiakos at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. The result leaves City three points clear of Porto at the top of the group, and a single point in the return fixture on Nov. 25 would secure progress for City to the knockout stage. Torres put City ahead in the 12th minute, playing a smart one-two with Kevin De Bruyne before confidently slotting home for his third goal in as many games in the competition. Raheem Sterling had the ball in the net in the 32nd minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside, as City dominated play. But the Greek side grew into the game after the break. The visitors should have drawn level in the 55th minute when a sloppy pass from Phil Foden fell to Mathieu Valbuena, but the 36-year-old French winger miscued his shot. While Olympiakos rarely threatened, City needed another goal to ease their nerves and it came from substitute Gabriel Jesus in the 81st minute, the Brazilian hammering a shot in from close range at the near post after being slipped in by De Bruyne. Defender Joao Cancelo made sure of the points in the 90th minute, which leaves City in a commanding position at the top of the group, with a well-placed shot from outside of the area. City now face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, and Guardiola used all five subs in the second half, perhaps with half an eye on that clash with the league champions. “In the first half we played really well. In the second half we struggled for some moments but when we scored the second one it was over,” said Guardiola. “We have five days to recover for Liverpool and then the international break. The forecast in the next three days says it will be sunny in Manchester. It’s rare. We’re going to recover and have a day off. After that on Friday and Saturday we’ll prepare for the Liverpool game. But the players need a break,” he added. Olympiakos coach Pedro Martins was upset with the way his team had played in the early stages of the game. “I am very disappointed with our game in the first half. We looked frightened, didn’t go after the ball, we respected our rivals too much – we only committed one foul. “But in the second half we played like Olympiakos. We were better, got more possession and found ourselves.”

City in charge of Group C after 3-0 win over Olympiakos

Real Madrid boosted their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stages after a late winner by substitute Rodrygo gave them a 3-2 home victory over Inter Milan in an absorbing Group B clash on Tuesday.

The result left Real, winners of a record 13 titles in Europe’s premier club competition, level on four points with Shakhtar Donetsk, one point behind leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach and two ahead of bottom placed Inter.

Real had thrown away a two-goal lead and were flirting with a defeat which would have piled more pressure on manager Zinedine Zidane before their Brazilian duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo combined to save the day.

Chances had gone begging at either end before Karim Benzema gave the home side a 25th-minute lead, rounding goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and slotting home after intercepting a dreadful back pass by Real’s former wing-back Achraf Hakimi.

The hosts seemed to be cruising after 33 minutes when Sergio Ramos headed their second -- his 100th goal for the club in all competitions -- but Lautaro Martinez pulled one back for Inter two minutes later thanks to a sublime assist by Nicolo Barella.

Real were rattled when Ivan Perisic equalised midway through the second half, threading a shot into the far corner from close range after Martinez headed the ball into the Croatian’s stride.

Inter then missed a pair of gilt-edged chances as Martinez shaved the outside of the post with a shot from the edge of the area and Perisic fired wide, with Real’s defence in tatters.

The Italians were punished for their misses, however, as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, brought into the fray together by Zidane shortly before Inter’s equaliser, carved out the winner from a lightning fast break.

Vinicius Junior raced clear of his marker down the left flank and squared the ball back to Rodrygo, who beat Handanovic with an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 10 metres.

Inter are now under pressure halfway through the group stage to turn their fortunes around and will hope to have striker Romelu Lukaku back for the reverse fixture on Nov. 25 after the Belgium striker missed the match with a thigh injury.

Real Madrid boosted their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stages after a late winner by substitute Rodrygo gave them a 3-2 home victory over Inter Milan in an absorbing Group B clash on Tuesday.

Real Madrid boosted their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stages after a late winner by substitute Rodrygo gave them a 3-2 home victory over Inter Milan in an absorbing Group B clash on Tuesday. The result left Real, winners of a record 13 titles in Europe’s premier club competition, level on four points with Shakhtar Donetsk, one point behind leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach and two ahead of bottom placed Inter. Real had thrown away a two-goal lead and were flirting with a defeat which would have piled more pressure on manager Zinedine Zidane before their Brazilian duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo combined to save the day. Chances had gone begging at either end before Karim Benzema gave the home side a 25th-minute lead, rounding goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and slotting home after intercepting a dreadful back pass by Real’s former wing-back Achraf Hakimi. The hosts seemed to be cruising after 33 minutes when Sergio Ramos headed their second -- his 100th goal for the club in all competitions -- but Lautaro Martinez pulled one back for Inter two minutes later thanks to a sublime assist by Nicolo Barella. Real were rattled when Ivan Perisic equalised midway through the second half, threading a shot into the far corner from close range after Martinez headed the ball into the Croatian’s stride. Inter then missed a pair of gilt-edged chances as Martinez shaved the outside of the post with a shot from the edge of the area and Perisic fired wide, with Real’s defence in tatters. The Italians were punished for their misses, however, as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, brought into the fray together by Zidane shortly before Inter’s equaliser, carved out the winner from a lightning fast break. Vinicius Junior raced clear of his marker down the left flank and squared the ball back to Rodrygo, who beat Handanovic with an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 10 metres. Inter are now under pressure halfway through the group stage to turn their fortunes around and will hope to have striker Romelu Lukaku back for the reverse fixture on Nov. 25 after the Belgium striker missed the match with a thigh injury.

Real Madrid rekindle last-16 hopes with 3-2 win over Inter

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said he expects Hakim Ziyech to prove his value after the Moroccan star scored his first goal for the club in Wednesday's 4-0 win away to Krasnodar in the Champions League.

Jorginho missed a penalty for Chelsea but Callum Hudson-Odoi put the Blues in front before half-time after a mistake by Krasnodar goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

Timo Werner smashed in a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Chelsea's lead, with Ziyech and Christian Pulisic adding late goals in Russia.

"Hakim Ziyech has worked really hard to be fit, and I was very excited to get his quality in the team," said Lampard.

"I thought his performance was very, very good when you consider he hasn't started a match since March, when the Dutch league finished."

Ziyech joined from Ajax for a reported £37 million ($48 million) in the summer but missed the beginning of the season with a knee problem.

The 27-year-old had made three cameos as a substitute before earning his first start in Krasnodar -- a journey of some 3,500 kilometres from London.&nbsp;

"It's been frustrating for him and for us. His injury has meant he hasn't been able to start, but what I've seen in training and what I knew we were signing is a player of immense quality with personality to receive the ball and find assists and goals," said Lampard.

"We saw a lot of glimpses of that today, and he will get better.

"We brought him in to do a job, maybe people have forgotten a bit because we signed him in January and he missed the start of the season, but tonight he showed he is here."

Chelsea moved up to four points at the top of Group E after two matches, level with Sevilla who beat Rennes 1-0 in Spain.

<h2>- Safonov gifts opener -</h2>

Antonio Rudiger made his first appearance of the season for Chelsea, lining up alongside Kurt Zouma in central defence as Thiago Silva was rested.&nbsp;

Krasnodar drew their opening game of the group in Rennes last week, and Daniil Utkin forced Edouard Mendy to dive full-length to tip behind his curling shot inside five minutes.

Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Werner was clipped by Brazilian defender Kaio, but Jorginho's effort hit the post and bounced off Safonov before Krasnodar scrambled clear.

Hudson-Odoi made the most of his opportunity playing behind Werner, and benefitted from a goalkeeping error to break the deadlock on 37 minutes.

The England international's low drive looked routine for Safonov, who was excellent in Krasnodar's opening game, but the Russia Under-21 'keeper allowed the ball to slip through his grasp.

Yuri Gazinski struck the bar for Krasnodar as he volleyed into the ground at a corner 10 minutes into the second half.

Chelsea then earned a second penalty when Aleksandr Martynovich was harshly penalised for a handball as he sought to block an attempt from Pulisic.

With Jorginho having been substituted, Werner took over spot-kick duties and lashed the ball beyond Safonov.

Krasnodar were only able to name five outfield players on the bench, Magomed Suleymanov the oldest among them at just 20.

The visitors took advantage of their tiring opponents as some Pulisic trickery allowed Werner to lay off to Ziyech, who tucked a neat finish beyond a crowd of defenders.

Pulisic delivered a fourth in the final minute when he combined with Tammy Abraham before shooting through the legs of Safonov.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said he expects Hakim Ziyech to prove his value after the Moroccan star scored his first goal for the club in Wednesday's 4-0 win away to Krasnodar in the Champions League.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said he expects Hakim Ziyech to prove his value after the Moroccan star scored his first goal for the club in Wednesday's 4-0 win away to Krasnodar in the Champions League. Jorginho missed a penalty for Chelsea but Callum Hudson-Odoi put the Blues in front before half-time after a mistake by Krasnodar goalkeeper Matvei Safonov. Timo Werner smashed in a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Chelsea's lead, with Ziyech and Christian Pulisic adding late goals in Russia. "Hakim Ziyech has worked really hard to be fit, and I was very excited to get his quality in the team," said Lampard. "I thought his performance was very, very good when you consider he hasn't started a match since March, when the Dutch league finished." Ziyech joined from Ajax for a reported £37 million ($48 million) in the summer but missed the beginning of the season with a knee problem. The 27-year-old had made three cameos as a substitute before earning his first start in Krasnodar -- a journey of some 3,500 kilometres from London. "It's been frustrating for him and for us. His injury has meant he hasn't been able to start, but what I've seen in training and what I knew we were signing is a player of immense quality with personality to receive the ball and find assists and goals," said Lampard. "We saw a lot of glimpses of that today, and he will get better. "We brought him in to do a job, maybe people have forgotten a bit because we signed him in January and he missed the start of the season, but tonight he showed he is here." Chelsea moved up to four points at the top of Group E after two matches, level with Sevilla who beat Rennes 1-0 in Spain. - Safonov gifts opener - Antonio Rudiger made his first appearance of the season for Chelsea, lining up alongside Kurt Zouma in central defence as Thiago Silva was rested. Krasnodar drew their opening game of the group in Rennes last week, and Daniil Utkin forced Edouard Mendy to dive full-length to tip behind his curling shot inside five minutes. Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Werner was clipped by Brazilian defender Kaio, but Jorginho's effort hit the post and bounced off Safonov before Krasnodar scrambled clear. Hudson-Odoi made the most of his opportunity playing behind Werner, and benefitted from a goalkeeping error to break the deadlock on 37 minutes. The England international's low drive looked routine for Safonov, who was excellent in Krasnodar's opening game, but the Russia Under-21 'keeper allowed the ball to slip through his grasp. Yuri Gazinski struck the bar for Krasnodar as he volleyed into the ground at a corner 10 minutes into the second half. Chelsea then earned a second penalty when Aleksandr Martynovich was harshly penalised for a handball as he sought to block an attempt from Pulisic. With Jorginho having been substituted, Werner took over spot-kick duties and lashed the ball beyond Safonov. Krasnodar were only able to name five outfield players on the bench, Magomed Suleymanov the oldest among them at just 20. The visitors took advantage of their tiring opponents as some Pulisic trickery allowed Werner to lay off to Ziyech, who tucked a neat finish beyond a crowd of defenders. Pulisic delivered a fourth in the final minute when he combined with Tammy Abraham before shooting through the legs of Safonov.

Lampard excited by Ziyech promise after first Chelsea goal

Marcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday as Barcelona put their off-field troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rashford's late goal earned United a 2-1 victory away to Paris Saint-Germain last week and at Old Trafford the England striker came on as a second-half substitute and scored three times from the 74th minute on in what was a fine win against last season's semi-finalists.

Paul Pogba released Mason Greenwood to open the scoring in the first half, before the youngster made way for Rashford after the break and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ran away with the game to make it two wins from two in Group H.

Anthony Martial also netted from the penalty spot as United ruthlessly exposed the side who currently top the German Bundesliga and went clear at the top of the section.

"We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward," said Rashford. "It was a real team performance."

Meanwhile PSG got their campaign up and running by beating Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 in Turkey, although they lost Neymar to an adductor injury in the first half.

Both PSG's goals were scored in the second half by Moise Kean, the on-loan Everton striker heading in Kylian Mbappe's corner in the 64th minute and then turning to fire in the second late on.

<h2>- Barca bounce back -</h2>

In Italy Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat in the Clasico against Real Madrid and shut out the boardroom crisis which led to president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigning on Tuesday.

Ronald Koeman's side had luck on their side as they took the lead through a deflected Ousmane Dembele strike and then saw Alvaro Morata have three goals disallowed for offside for the hosts.

The absence of Ronaldo because of a positive coronavirus test meant no chance to see him renew his on-field rivalry with Lionel Messi, but the Argentine got his name on the scoresheet late on, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal Barca's second victory in as many Group G outings.

"This was our best game all season," said Koeman.&nbsp;

"The team reacted well, despite the resignation of the president. We were focused on the football because all the other stuff is not our responsibility."

Juve had Turkish defender Merih Demirel sent off late on as their underwhelming start to the season under novice coach Andrea Pirlo continued.

Their next game is away at Ferencvaros, who came from behind to draw 2-2 with 10-man Dynamo Kiev in Budapest.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Ziyech impresses, Haaland on target -</h2>

&nbsp;

Viktor Tsygankov's penalty and a Carlos de Pena effort had the Ukrainians in control but they then had captain Sergiy Sydorchuk sent off and the hosts -- with a sizeable crowd behind them -- took full advantage.

Tokmac Nguen pulled one back and Ivorian Franck Boli scrambled in a stoppage-time leveller for the Hungarians.

In Group E Chelsea were comprehensive 4-0 winners away to Krasnodar in Russia, with Jorginho missing a penalty before Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring.

Timo Werner smashed in a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Chelsea's lead, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic adding late goals.

For Ziyech it was a first Chelsea goal on his first start since signing from Ajax for £37 million ($48 million).

"We brought him in to do a job, maybe people have forgotten a bit because we signed him in January and he missed the start of the season, but tonight he showed he is here," said Chelsea boss Frank Lampard of Ziyech, who has struggled with injury.

Sevilla beat Rennes 1-0 in the same section with Luuk de Jong scoring the only goal.

Borussia Dortmund claimed their first points in Group F with Jadon Sancho's 78th-minute penalty and Erling Braut Haaland's stoppage-time strike securing a 2-0 win over Zenit Saint-Petersburg.

The Germans are a point behind Lazio and Club Brugge, who drew 1-1 in Belgium with a Hans Vanaken penalty securing a draw for the hosts.

Lazio had travelled without a host of players due to coronavirus, including star striker Ciro Immobile, but had gone in front early on through Joaquin Correa.

Marcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday as Barcelona put their off-field troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Marcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday as Barcelona put their off-field troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo. Rashford's late goal earned United a 2-1 victory away to Paris Saint-Germain last week and at Old Trafford the England striker came on as a second-half substitute and scored three times from the 74th minute on in what was a fine win against last season's semi-finalists. Paul Pogba released Mason Greenwood to open the scoring in the first half, before the youngster made way for Rashford after the break and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ran away with the game to make it two wins from two in Group H. Anthony Martial also netted from the penalty spot as United ruthlessly exposed the side who currently top the German Bundesliga and went clear at the top of the section. "We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward," said Rashford. "It was a real team performance." Meanwhile PSG got their campaign up and running by beating Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 in Turkey, although they lost Neymar to an adductor injury in the first half. Both PSG's goals were scored in the second half by Moise Kean, the on-loan Everton striker heading in Kylian Mbappe's corner in the 64th minute and then turning to fire in the second late on. - Barca bounce back - In Italy Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat in the Clasico against Real Madrid and shut out the boardroom crisis which led to president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigning on Tuesday. Ronald Koeman's side had luck on their side as they took the lead through a deflected Ousmane Dembele strike and then saw Alvaro Morata have three goals disallowed for offside for the hosts. The absence of Ronaldo because of a positive coronavirus test meant no chance to see him renew his on-field rivalry with Lionel Messi, but the Argentine got his name on the scoresheet late on, netting a stoppage-time penalty to seal Barca's second victory in as many Group G outings. "This was our best game all season," said Koeman. "The team reacted well, despite the resignation of the president. We were focused on the football because all the other stuff is not our responsibility." Juve had Turkish defender Merih Demirel sent off late on as their underwhelming start to the season under novice coach Andrea Pirlo continued. Their next game is away at Ferencvaros, who came from behind to draw 2-2 with 10-man Dynamo Kiev in Budapest. - Ziyech impresses, Haaland on target - Viktor Tsygankov's penalty and a Carlos de Pena effort had the Ukrainians in control but they then had captain Sergiy Sydorchuk sent off and the hosts -- with a sizeable crowd behind them -- took full advantage. Tokmac Nguen pulled one back and Ivorian Franck Boli scrambled in a stoppage-time leveller for the Hungarians. In Group E Chelsea were comprehensive 4-0 winners away to Krasnodar in Russia, with Jorginho missing a penalty before Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring. Timo Werner smashed in a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Chelsea's lead, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic adding late goals. For Ziyech it was a first Chelsea goal on his first start since signing from Ajax for £37 million ($48 million). "We brought him in to do a job, maybe people have forgotten a bit because we signed him in January and he missed the start of the season, but tonight he showed he is here," said Chelsea boss Frank Lampard of Ziyech, who has struggled with injury. Sevilla beat Rennes 1-0 in the same section with Luuk de Jong scoring the only goal. Borussia Dortmund claimed their first points in Group F with Jadon Sancho's 78th-minute penalty and Erling Braut Haaland's stoppage-time strike securing a 2-0 win over Zenit Saint-Petersburg. The Germans are a point behind Lazio and Club Brugge, who drew 1-1 in Belgium with a Hans Vanaken penalty securing a draw for the hosts. Lazio had travelled without a host of players due to coronavirus, including star striker Ciro Immobile, but had gone in front early on through Joaquin Correa.

Rashford stars again for Man Utd in Champions League as Barcelona beat Juventus

Barcelona defeated Juventus by 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin as the Spanish club got the better of Italian giants in the Group G match of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21</a>. Lionel Messi scored one while assisting another to help Barcelona get three points against Juventus, who were missing Cristiano Ronaldo due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

After the 2-0 win, Barcelona triggered the battle of GOATs (Greatest of All Time) as they took to social media platform to post a photograph of Messi with the caption: “We are glad you were able to see the GOAT on your pitch, @juventusfcen!” &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sevilla-fc-set-eyes-on-indian-football-to-partner-with-unnamed-club-soon-ceo-338749" hreflang="en">Sevilla FC set eyes on Indian football, to partner with unnamed club soon: CEO</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are glad you were able to see the 🐐 on your pitch, <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juventusfcen</a>! 😘 <a href="https://t.co/yh74wh0lNJ">pic.twitter.com/yh74wh0lNJ</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1321573012894896133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The tweet triggered fan wars on Twitter as Ronaldo fans backed the Portuguese megastar to take down Barcelona in Camp Now in what will be the reverse fixture between the two sides in the group stage. However, Juventus came up with a cheeky reply as the Italian giants wrote that they will be bring the right GOAT in Camp Now. “You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou,” replied Juventus.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou 🔍📖
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen/status/1321589740542562304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-english-clubs-win-in-champions-league-as-real-madrid-scramble-draw-338488" hreflang="en">Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw</a>

Speaking of the match between Juventus and Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for Barcelona after a fine pass by Lionel Messi. Juventus constantly created openings and it was the VAR, who ruled goals by Alvaro Morata thrice during the course of 90 minutes. When Juventus were trailing 1-0 to Barca, Merih Demiral got his second yellow card in the match as the referee gave him the marching order. Messi soon made it 2-0 from the spot to seal a convincing 2-0 win against Ronaldo-less Juventus.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo missed the match after testing positive for COVID-19 – for the third time in the last couple of weeks. While the former Real Madrid forward has been training inside his house and has been quite active on social media to post his training videos and photographs, the Portuguese will only be allowed to join the squad after testing negative for the dreaded virus. Fans would be hoping that Ronaldo makes a return to the playing XI when Juventus take on Barcelona at Camp Now later in the year. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona defeated Juventus by 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin as the Spanish club got the better of Italian giants in the Group G match of UEFA Champions League 2020-21.

Barcelona defeated Juventus by 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin as the Spanish club got the better of Italian giants in the Group G match of UEFA Champions League 2020-21. Lionel Messi scored one while assisting another to help Barcelona get three points against Juventus, who were missing Cristiano Ronaldo due to COVID-19. After the 2-0 win, Barcelona triggered the battle of GOATs (Greatest of All Time) as they took to social media platform to post a photograph of Messi with the caption: “We are glad you were able to see the GOAT on your pitch, @juventusfcen!” ALSO READ: Sevilla FC set eyes on Indian football, to partner with unnamed club soon: CEO We are glad you were able to see the 🐐 on your pitch, @juventusfcen! 😘 pic.twitter.com/yh74wh0lNJ — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 28, 2020 × The tweet triggered fan wars on Twitter as Ronaldo fans backed the Portuguese megastar to take down Barcelona in Camp Now in what will be the reverse fixture between the two sides in the group stage. However, Juventus came up with a cheeky reply as the Italian giants wrote that they will be bring the right GOAT in Camp Now. “You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou,” replied Juventus. You probably looked it up in the wrong dictionary. We'll bring you the right one at Camp Nou 🔍📖 — JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 28, 2020 × ALSO READ: Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw Speaking of the match between Juventus and Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring for Barcelona after a fine pass by Lionel Messi. Juventus constantly created openings and it was the VAR, who ruled goals by Alvaro Morata thrice during the course of 90 minutes. When Juventus were trailing 1-0 to Barca, Merih Demiral got his second yellow card in the match as the referee gave him the marching order. Messi soon made it 2-0 from the spot to seal a convincing 2-0 win against Ronaldo-less Juventus. Meanwhile, Ronaldo missed the match after testing positive for COVID-19 – for the third time in the last couple of weeks. While the former Real Madrid forward has been training inside his house and has been quite active on social media to post his training videos and photographs, the Portuguese will only be allowed to join the squad after testing negative for the dreaded virus. Fans would be hoping that Ronaldo makes a return to the playing XI when Juventus take on Barcelona at Camp Now later in the year.

'Wrong dictionary'- Juventus cheeky response to Barcelona triggers battle of GOATs

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this season, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A.&nbsp;

Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equaliser for Lokomotiv in the second half -- Miranchuk's twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week.

But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Martinez pass and volleyed home low from outside the box 11 minutes from time.

"We had to work hard for the victory," Kimmich admitted to broadcaster DAZN.

In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grabbing their late winner.

The Portuguese starlet had hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish capital.

Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg ahead just after half-time.

However, Joao Felix equalised on 52 minutes and then won it five minutes from the end.

&nbsp;

<h2>- City cruise -</h2>

&nbsp;

In Germany, Real were heading for another defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time.

But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian midfielder then scored himself deep in injury time to salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane's team.

"If we continue to play like that, we'll do great things and we'll win matches, that's for sure," said Zidane.

It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev.

Pep Guardiola's City eased to a second straight win in Group C with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for the early opener against Marseille after the hosts had carelessly ceded possession.

Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point.

Guardiola was confident City could build on their victory after an indifferent start to the Premier League season which has seen them come in for criticism.

"Part of the criticism was right, but you've got to accept it. It's part of our job," Guardiola told BT Sport.

"It's about where we've come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions League is in a good place now."

In the same group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target.

<h2>- 'Tough night' for Liverpool -</h2>

Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed doors at Anfield in Group D.

Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp's team the lead early in the second half, before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty.

Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an apparent hamstring injury.

"It was a tough night," Klopp told BT Sport.

"It's a bit like in a marriage, there are good and bad times. It's not a bad time but it's a tricky time."

He added: "It was a hard game to play. But winning 2-0 is completely fine so that's it -- let's carry on."

Liverpool now have a double-header against Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Ajax.

A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visitors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this season, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A. Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equaliser for Lokomotiv in the second half -- Miranchuk's twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week. But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Martinez pass and volleyed home low from outside the box 11 minutes from time. "We had to work hard for the victory," Kimmich admitted to broadcaster DAZN. In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grabbing their late winner. The Portuguese starlet had hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish capital. Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg ahead just after half-time. However, Joao Felix equalised on 52 minutes and then won it five minutes from the end. - City cruise - In Germany, Real were heading for another defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time. But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian midfielder then scored himself deep in injury time to salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane's team. "If we continue to play like that, we'll do great things and we'll win matches, that's for sure," said Zidane. It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev. Pep Guardiola's City eased to a second straight win in Group C with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for the early opener against Marseille after the hosts had carelessly ceded possession. Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point. Guardiola was confident City could build on their victory after an indifferent start to the Premier League season which has seen them come in for criticism. "Part of the criticism was right, but you've got to accept it. It's part of our job," Guardiola told BT Sport. "It's about where we've come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions League is in a good place now." In the same group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target. - 'Tough night' for Liverpool - Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed doors at Anfield in Group D. Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp's team the lead early in the second half, before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty. Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an apparent hamstring injury. "It was a tough night," Klopp told BT Sport. "It's a bit like in a marriage, there are good and bad times. It's not a bad time but it's a tricky time." He added: "It was a hard game to play. But winning 2-0 is completely fine so that's it -- let's carry on." Liverpool now have a double-header against Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Ajax. A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visitors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw

Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain to take on Lionel Messi's Barcelona on Wednesday as he recovers from coronavirus, Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said on the eve of the match in Turin.

Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago while playing with Portugal, and has been in self-isolation since returning to Italy.

"Ronaldo had a test like everyone else, this evening (Tuesday) we will have the definitive result," Pirlo told a press conference in Turin before the Champions League Group G game.

"For now it's all on the high seas, when the final result comes everything will be clearer."

According to UEFA rules the 35-year-old Ronaldo will need to test negative late on Tuesday, 24 hours before being allowed to feature.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning we will count the number of players available," continued Pirlo.&nbsp;

"Depending on the result, we'll see what we do. It's not easy to play an entire game after 15 days of inactivity."

Ronaldo, who has no symptoms, has missed three games including his side's 2-0 Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev last week.

The clash would be the first between Ronaldo and Messi since the Portugal forward left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018.

"For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have done great things," said former Italy and Juventus midfielder Pirlo.&nbsp;

"For the first time, I'll be taking on Messi as a coach, I'll treat him with the enormous respect that he deserves."

<h2>- 'Not a decisive game' -</h2>

Messi, 33, has featured in four victorious campaigns for Barcelona, while Ronaldo has won the Champions League five times, four with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United.

Messi has six Ballon d'Or titles with Ronaldo claiming five.

However Ronaldo has 130 Champions league goals to Messi's 116.

"It's clear that any team would miss a player like Cristiano," said Brazil defender Danilo at the pre-match press conference.

"But we have faith in every player on the team. We have people who want to do well and help us have a great match."

Messi has won 16 of their 35 encounters to Ronaldo's 10, with the remaining nine ending in draws.

The pair have only met five times in Champions League games, most recently in the semi-final in 2011.

Pirlo has defensive worries with captain Giorgio Chiellini, and Matthijs De Ligt out but fellow centreback Leonardo Bonucci's thigh strain will be evaluated on Wednesday morning.

"These are the matches that everyone would like to play. We have this opportunity and we can't wait to test ourselves against Barcelona," said Pirlo.&nbsp;

"It's not a decisive game, but we still want to see what our value is."

Argentina forward Paulo Dybala remains "a bit tired" after playing for 90 minutes in his first match in over three months last Sunday against Verona.

"It's normal after the first game as a starter. He'll have time to recover and play tomorrow night."&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain to take on Lionel Messi's Barcelona on Wednesday as he recovers from coronavirus, Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said on the eve of the match in Turin.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain to take on Lionel Messi's Barcelona on Wednesday as he recovers from coronavirus, Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said on the eve of the match in Turin. Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago while playing with Portugal, and has been in self-isolation since returning to Italy. "Ronaldo had a test like everyone else, this evening (Tuesday) we will have the definitive result," Pirlo told a press conference in Turin before the Champions League Group G game. "For now it's all on the high seas, when the final result comes everything will be clearer." According to UEFA rules the 35-year-old Ronaldo will need to test negative late on Tuesday, 24 hours before being allowed to feature. "Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning we will count the number of players available," continued Pirlo. "Depending on the result, we'll see what we do. It's not easy to play an entire game after 15 days of inactivity." Ronaldo, who has no symptoms, has missed three games including his side's 2-0 Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev last week. The clash would be the first between Ronaldo and Messi since the Portugal forward left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018. "For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have done great things," said former Italy and Juventus midfielder Pirlo. "For the first time, I'll be taking on Messi as a coach, I'll treat him with the enormous respect that he deserves." - 'Not a decisive game' - Messi, 33, has featured in four victorious campaigns for Barcelona, while Ronaldo has won the Champions League five times, four with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United. Messi has six Ballon d'Or titles with Ronaldo claiming five. However Ronaldo has 130 Champions league goals to Messi's 116. "It's clear that any team would miss a player like Cristiano," said Brazil defender Danilo at the pre-match press conference. "But we have faith in every player on the team. We have people who want to do well and help us have a great match." Messi has won 16 of their 35 encounters to Ronaldo's 10, with the remaining nine ending in draws. The pair have only met five times in Champions League games, most recently in the semi-final in 2011. Pirlo has defensive worries with captain Giorgio Chiellini, and Matthijs De Ligt out but fellow centreback Leonardo Bonucci's thigh strain will be evaluated on Wednesday morning. "These are the matches that everyone would like to play. We have this opportunity and we can't wait to test ourselves against Barcelona," said Pirlo. "It's not a decisive game, but we still want to see what our value is." Argentina forward Paulo Dybala remains "a bit tired" after playing for 90 minutes in his first match in over three months last Sunday against Verona. "It's normal after the first game as a starter. He'll have time to recover and play tomorrow night."

'Wait and see': Ronaldo doubt for Messi Champions League showdown

Action in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league?page=1">UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2020-21</a> will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with some high-profile matches lined up for the footballing world to feast upon. The likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United among many others will be in action in what will be the game week 2 of UCL 2020-21.&nbsp;

While the biggest match which is being talked about in the build-up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league?page=1">UCL 2020-21</a> – Juventus vs Barcelona – is set to be played, fans will miss the epic face-off between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the latter is yet to test negative for COVID-19.&nbsp;

However, the Champions League is known as a tournament where European football peaks and the same is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.

<h2>UEFA Champions League fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday (kick-offs 2000GMT unless stated): When and where to watch</h2>

Tuesday

Group A

At Moscow: Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) v Bayern Munich (GER) (1755)

At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Salzburg (AUT)&nbsp;

Group B

At Kiev: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Inter Milan (ITA) (1755)

At Moenchengladbach: Borussia Moenchengladbach (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP)

Group C

At Porto: Porto (POR) v Olympiakos (GRE)

At Marseille: Marseille (FRA) v Manchester City (ENG)

Group D

At Bergamo: Atalanta (ITA) v Ajax (NED)

At Liverpool: Liverpool (ENG) v Midtjylland (DEN)

Wednesday&nbsp;

Group E

At Krasnodar: Krasnodar (RUS) v Chelsea (ENG) (1755)

At Seville: Sevilla (ESP) v Rennes (FRA)

Group F

At Bruges: Club Brugge (BEL) v Lazio (ITA)

At Dortmund: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Zenit Saint-Petersburg (RUS)

Group G

At Budapest: Ferencvaros (HUN) v Dynamo Kiev (UKR)

At Turin: Juventus (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP)

Group H

At Istanbul: Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) (1755)&nbsp;

At Manchester: Manchester United (ENG) v RB Leipzig (GER)&nbsp;

<h2>Where can you watch and live stream UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Group Stage matches?</h2>

Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster of the UEFA Champions League. Fans can watch the group stage of the European Championship on the Sony TEN1 and Sony TEN2 both on SD and HD. Live matches can be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app.

Action in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2020-21 will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with some high-profile matches lined up for the footballing world to feast upon.

Action in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2020-21 will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with some high-profile matches lined up for the footballing world to feast upon. The likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United among many others will be in action in what will be the game week 2 of UCL 2020-21. While the biggest match which is being talked about in the build-up to UCL 2020-21 – Juventus vs Barcelona – is set to be played, fans will miss the epic face-off between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the latter is yet to test negative for COVID-19. However, the Champions League is known as a tournament where European football peaks and the same is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. UEFA Champions League fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday (kick-offs 2000GMT unless stated): When and where to watch Tuesday Group A At Moscow: Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) v Bayern Munich (GER) (1755) At Madrid: Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Salzburg (AUT) Group B At Kiev: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Inter Milan (ITA) (1755) At Moenchengladbach: Borussia Moenchengladbach (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP) Group C At Porto: Porto (POR) v Olympiakos (GRE) At Marseille: Marseille (FRA) v Manchester City (ENG) Group D At Bergamo: Atalanta (ITA) v Ajax (NED) At Liverpool: Liverpool (ENG) v Midtjylland (DEN) Wednesday Group E At Krasnodar: Krasnodar (RUS) v Chelsea (ENG) (1755) At Seville: Sevilla (ESP) v Rennes (FRA) Group F At Bruges: Club Brugge (BEL) v Lazio (ITA) At Dortmund: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Zenit Saint-Petersburg (RUS) Group G At Budapest: Ferencvaros (HUN) v Dynamo Kiev (UKR) At Turin: Juventus (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP) Group H At Istanbul: Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) (1755) At Manchester: Manchester United (ENG) v RB Leipzig (GER) Where can you watch and live stream UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Group Stage matches? Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster of the UEFA Champions League. Fans can watch the group stage of the European Championship on the Sony TEN1 and Sony TEN2 both on SD and HD. Live matches can be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app.

UCL: From Juventus vs Barcelona to other matches - When and where to watch Champions League matches?

Inter Milan have questioned the positive coronavirus test which ruled out defender Achraf Hakimi before their Champions League stalemate midweek.

The Moroccan international missed the 2-2 draw against Borussia Moenchengladbach after testing positive hours before kick-off.

The 21-year-old, who was asymptomatic, had tested negative the morning of the match and twice since.

"We are disappointed and regret the way events unfolded and the decisions we had to accept," Inter CAO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Sports Italia before Saturday's league game in Genoa.

"On the morning the player was negative, while in the afternoon he became positive. This must not become an excuse but it created some upset.&nbsp;

"We must hope that in the future UEFA can be a little more precise with their communication."

Hakimi had tested negative twice since, "for which I have to thank our medical staff and the competent authorities," Marotta added.

"I'm back," Hakimi wrote on Twitter after his negative test on Saturday and travelled to Genoa to join his teammates.

The defender came off the bench in the second half as Inter Milan beat Genoa 2-0 to move third in the Serie A table.

Hakimi joined Inter from Real Madrid in the close-season after a successful two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Inter Milan have questioned the positive coronavirus test which ruled out defender Achraf Hakimi before their Champions League stalemate midweek. The Moroccan international missed the 2-2 draw against Borussia Moenchengladbach after testing positive hours before kick-off.

Inter Milan have questioned the positive coronavirus test which ruled out defender Achraf Hakimi before their Champions League stalemate midweek. The Moroccan international missed the 2-2 draw against Borussia Moenchengladbach after testing positive hours before kick-off. The 21-year-old, who was asymptomatic, had tested negative the morning of the match and twice since. "We are disappointed and regret the way events unfolded and the decisions we had to accept," Inter CAO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Sports Italia before Saturday's league game in Genoa. "On the morning the player was negative, while in the afternoon he became positive. This must not become an excuse but it created some upset. "We must hope that in the future UEFA can be a little more precise with their communication." Hakimi had tested negative twice since, "for which I have to thank our medical staff and the competent authorities," Marotta added. "I'm back," Hakimi wrote on Twitter after his negative test on Saturday and travelled to Genoa to join his teammates. The defender came off the bench in the second half as Inter Milan beat Genoa 2-0 to move third in the Serie A table. Hakimi joined Inter from Real Madrid in the close-season after a successful two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Inter question Hakimi 'positive' virus test before Champions League game

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arteta-feels-he-has-failed-arsenal-over-ozil-omission-337064" hreflang="en">Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission</a>

In an interview with &nbsp;Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The club have spoken to us about gradually brining fans back, and we told them this is something we need to analyse game by game. Initial figures could be 3000 or 5000 people at the Nou Camp, and according to the epidemiological situation, we will decide if we can scale that up," he said.

"I think that the protocols will be just about ready to allow for a crowd for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as long as the epidemiological situation hasn't got worse."

Barcelona is yet to comment on the situation.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government. Also read: Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission In an interview with Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barcelona may host few fans for their Champions League fixture against Juventus at the Camp Nou in December, as per Catalan's regional government. Also read: Arteta feels he has 'failed' Arsenal over Ozil omission In an interview with Catalan daily Sport, the region's General Director for Sport, Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discussions had taken place between authorities and Barca about the return of fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "The club have spoken to us about gradually brining fans back, and we told them this is something we need to analyse game by game. Initial figures could be 3000 or 5000 people at the Nou Camp, and according to the epidemiological situation, we will decide if we can scale that up," he said. "I think that the protocols will be just about ready to allow for a crowd for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as long as the epidemiological situation hasn't got worse." Barcelona is yet to comment on the situation. (Inputs from Reuters)

Barcelona vs Juventus in December might feature fans: Catalan's regional government

Jurgen Klopp saluted Liverpool's fighting spirit as the Reds proved they can cope without Virgil van Dijk by grinding out a 1-0 win at Ajax in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday.

Klopp's side are likely to be without Van Dijk for the rest of the season after the influential Dutch centre-back suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage against Everton last weekend.

Critics have claimed Liverpool will struggle without Van Dijk, but Brazilian midfielder Fabinho filled in impressively alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence.

While Liverpool weren't at their best and rode their luck at times, never more so than when Nicolas Tagliafico diverted Sadio Mane's scuffed effort into his own net in the first half, it was an encouraging Group D opener for Klopp.

There was enough spirit about the 2019 Champions League winners to suggest they will use the Van Dijk blow to fuel their Premier League title defence and European challenge.

"It was not perfect but they fought brilliantly," Klopp said. "We did not take our chances, which was a shame, and Ajax had a big one which hit the post.&nbsp;

"When you're 1-0 up, these things can happen. But overall I'm happy with the game.&nbsp;

"It was not sunshine football but we wanted three points and we got it."

Van Dijk will need knee surgery after being pole-axed by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford's ugly foul and his injury came at a time when Liverpool looked vulnerable after losing 7-2 at Aston Villa before the international break.

Against that backdrop, keeping a clean-sheet for just the third time this season was a big lift for Liverpool, who won for the first time in three games despite also being without defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara after the brutal Merseyside derby.

"I think both teams could play better football. At moments it was wild. The pitch was deep and muddy," Klopp said.

"Xherdan Shaqiri was lively and Takumi Minamino was unbelievable. He is like a machine. It helps when you can make five substitutions."

Praising Fabinho for an acrobatic goalline clearance, Klopp added: "I didn't know how it happened in the beginning. That's a good example of how the boys did today."

<h2>- Backs to the wall -</h2>

&nbsp;

Liverpool's makeshift defence was easily carved open early on when Quincy Promes advanced down the left and found Dusan Tadic, who set up Ryan Gravenberch for a fierce strike that flashed just wide.

There was another major scare as David Neres' pass found the unmarked Promes six yards from goal, but he shot straight at Adrian to let Liverpool off the hook.

Making the most of that escape, Liverpool took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 35th minute.

Mane eluded Perr Schuurs as he broke into the Ajax area but when the Senegal forward went to shoot, he stubbed his foot into the turf, sending a miscued effort towards Tagliafico, who lost his balance and prodded the ball into his own net under no pressure.

Klopp has been fostering a siege mentality among his players since the Everton game and their backs to the wall spirit was on full display when Fabinho raced back to clear Tadic's lob off the line with a superb overhead kick.

Van Dijk couldn't have done it better himself, but while Fabinho was impressing, Ajax still carried a threat.

Taking aim from the edge of the area, Davy Klaassen smashed a fierce strike off the far post in the first minute of the second half.

Ajax went close again when Noussair Mazraoui took a Neres cutback and forced Adrian into a fine save.

Klopp took off Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane, with the latter needing ice on his right leg as he sat on the bench.

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp almost snatched a late equaliser after a mistake from Adrian, but Liverpool held their nerve to provide a morale-boosting start to life without Van Dijk.

Jurgen Klopp saluted Liverpool's fighting spirit as the Reds proved they can cope without Virgil van Dijk by grinding out a 1-0 win at Ajax in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday.

Jurgen Klopp saluted Liverpool's fighting spirit as the Reds proved they can cope without Virgil van Dijk by grinding out a 1-0 win at Ajax in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday. Klopp's side are likely to be without Van Dijk for the rest of the season after the influential Dutch centre-back suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage against Everton last weekend. Critics have claimed Liverpool will struggle without Van Dijk, but Brazilian midfielder Fabinho filled in impressively alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence. While Liverpool weren't at their best and rode their luck at times, never more so than when Nicolas Tagliafico diverted Sadio Mane's scuffed effort into his own net in the first half, it was an encouraging Group D opener for Klopp. There was enough spirit about the 2019 Champions League winners to suggest they will use the Van Dijk blow to fuel their Premier League title defence and European challenge. "It was not perfect but they fought brilliantly," Klopp said. "We did not take our chances, which was a shame, and Ajax had a big one which hit the post. "When you're 1-0 up, these things can happen. But overall I'm happy with the game. "It was not sunshine football but we wanted three points and we got it." Van Dijk will need knee surgery after being pole-axed by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford's ugly foul and his injury came at a time when Liverpool looked vulnerable after losing 7-2 at Aston Villa before the international break. Against that backdrop, keeping a clean-sheet for just the third time this season was a big lift for Liverpool, who won for the first time in three games despite also being without defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara after the brutal Merseyside derby. "I think both teams could play better football. At moments it was wild. The pitch was deep and muddy," Klopp said. "Xherdan Shaqiri was lively and Takumi Minamino was unbelievable. He is like a machine. It helps when you can make five substitutions." Praising Fabinho for an acrobatic goalline clearance, Klopp added: "I didn't know how it happened in the beginning. That's a good example of how the boys did today." - Backs to the wall - Liverpool's makeshift defence was easily carved open early on when Quincy Promes advanced down the left and found Dusan Tadic, who set up Ryan Gravenberch for a fierce strike that flashed just wide. There was another major scare as David Neres' pass found the unmarked Promes six yards from goal, but he shot straight at Adrian to let Liverpool off the hook. Making the most of that escape, Liverpool took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 35th minute. Mane eluded Perr Schuurs as he broke into the Ajax area but when the Senegal forward went to shoot, he stubbed his foot into the turf, sending a miscued effort towards Tagliafico, who lost his balance and prodded the ball into his own net under no pressure. Klopp has been fostering a siege mentality among his players since the Everton game and their backs to the wall spirit was on full display when Fabinho raced back to clear Tadic's lob off the line with a superb overhead kick. Van Dijk couldn't have done it better himself, but while Fabinho was impressing, Ajax still carried a threat. Taking aim from the edge of the area, Davy Klaassen smashed a fierce strike off the far post in the first minute of the second half. Ajax went close again when Noussair Mazraoui took a Neres cutback and forced Adrian into a fine save. Klopp took off Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane, with the latter needing ice on his right leg as he sat on the bench. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp almost snatched a late equaliser after a mistake from Adrian, but Liverpool held their nerve to provide a morale-boosting start to life without Van Dijk.

Klopp hails spirit as Liverpool show they can cope without Van Dijk

Pep Guardiola said an injury to Fernandinho late in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Porto to begin their Champions League campaign will be far from the last his side suffer with a gruelling schedule ahead.

City face another 17 games in 2020 with all six Champions League group-stage matches packed into a seven-week stretch either side of the November international break.

Guardiola's men have struggled to hit the ground running this season with a short pre-season, coronavirus infections and injuries taking their toll.

On Wednesday City missed the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, but battled back to get their latest quest to win a maiden Champions League off to a winning start after Luis Diaz's solo effort put the visitors in front in the first half.

Sergio Aguero levelled with a contentious penalty seven minutes later and the Premier League side's quality shone through after half-time as Ilkay Gundogan's free-kick and substitute Ferran Torres' fine finish moved City to the top of Group C.

"It's a good start for us," said Guardiola. "We knew the games at home you have to win in this competition.

"(Fernandinho) is the bad news, he has a muscular problem so he will be a big loss. In this period we need everyone, but with this calendar it happens."

Guardiola admitted on Tuesday to still feeling guilty over the experimental line-up and formation that led to City's latest Champions League calamity in last season's quarter-finals against Lyon in August.

The Catalan is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and so this is potentially his last chance to land the prize City most desired when they brought him to Manchester in 2016.

However, in the early weeks of this season City have look a faded force from the prime of Guardiola's reign, when they won back to back Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019.

<h2>- Gundogan's moment of magic -</h2>

A sluggish start against Porto was punished by Diaz who opened the scoring with a brilliant solo run and finish.

City levelled with a good deal of fortune when Gundogan inadvertently caught Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin as he tried to direct the ball goalwards and, after the German's shot came off the post, Raheem Sterling was barged over in the box by Pepe.

After a lengthy VAR review, Gundogan's challenge was not deemed a foul that would have overturned the initial decision to award a penalty, and Aguero smashed home his first goal of the season.

City regained control after the break, but it wasn't until a moment of magic from Gundogan 25 minutes from time that they went in front.

The midfielder won a free-kick on the edge of the area and then curled the ball over the wall and into the net to the relief of Guardiola, who was about to replace him.

Gundogan was starting for the first time since testing positive for coronavirus and he was replaced seconds after scoring as Guardiola added a fresh injection of pace in Phil Foden and Torres, who combined for the latter to make it 3-1 in style.

Gundogan, though, said City will need a squad effort to get through the next few months.

"We are struggling at this moment," said Gundogan. "Fernandinho went off, we have a few injured players. Even me, I am not 100 percent because I was out with Covid for a couple of weeks.

"That's the challenge this season and it's not going to end for a while, but we will take every game as it comes. We have enough players who have the quality to play."

Pep Guardiola said an injury to Fernandinho late in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Porto to begin their Champions League campaign will be far from the last his side suffer with a gruelling schedule ahead.

Pep Guardiola said an injury to Fernandinho late in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Porto to begin their Champions League campaign will be far from the last his side suffer with a gruelling schedule ahead. City face another 17 games in 2020 with all six Champions League group-stage matches packed into a seven-week stretch either side of the November international break. Guardiola's men have struggled to hit the ground running this season with a short pre-season, coronavirus infections and injuries taking their toll. On Wednesday City missed the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, but battled back to get their latest quest to win a maiden Champions League off to a winning start after Luis Diaz's solo effort put the visitors in front in the first half. Sergio Aguero levelled with a contentious penalty seven minutes later and the Premier League side's quality shone through after half-time as Ilkay Gundogan's free-kick and substitute Ferran Torres' fine finish moved City to the top of Group C. "It's a good start for us," said Guardiola. "We knew the games at home you have to win in this competition. "(Fernandinho) is the bad news, he has a muscular problem so he will be a big loss. In this period we need everyone, but with this calendar it happens." Guardiola admitted on Tuesday to still feeling guilty over the experimental line-up and formation that led to City's latest Champions League calamity in last season's quarter-finals against Lyon in August. The Catalan is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and so this is potentially his last chance to land the prize City most desired when they brought him to Manchester in 2016. However, in the early weeks of this season City have look a faded force from the prime of Guardiola's reign, when they won back to back Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019. - Gundogan's moment of magic - A sluggish start against Porto was punished by Diaz who opened the scoring with a brilliant solo run and finish. City levelled with a good deal of fortune when Gundogan inadvertently caught Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin as he tried to direct the ball goalwards and, after the German's shot came off the post, Raheem Sterling was barged over in the box by Pepe. After a lengthy VAR review, Gundogan's challenge was not deemed a foul that would have overturned the initial decision to award a penalty, and Aguero smashed home his first goal of the season. City regained control after the break, but it wasn't until a moment of magic from Gundogan 25 minutes from time that they went in front. The midfielder won a free-kick on the edge of the area and then curled the ball over the wall and into the net to the relief of Guardiola, who was about to replace him. Gundogan was starting for the first time since testing positive for coronavirus and he was replaced seconds after scoring as Guardiola added a fresh injection of pace in Phil Foden and Torres, who combined for the latter to make it 3-1 in style. Gundogan, though, said City will need a squad effort to get through the next few months. "We are struggling at this moment," said Gundogan. "Fernandinho went off, we have a few injured players. Even me, I am not 100 percent because I was out with Covid for a couple of weeks. "That's the challenge this season and it's not going to end for a while, but we will take every game as it comes. We have enough players who have the quality to play."

Guardiola bemoans gruelling schedule as sluggish Man City see off Porto

Ciro Immobile scored early against his former club Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday as Lazio marked their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence with a 3-1 Group F win.

Italy's Immobile beat Marwin Hitz in the Dortmund goal after six minutes in Rome, with a deflection off the Germans' keeper responsible for the hosts' second goal.

Norway star Erling Braut Haaland pulled a goal back after 71 minutes but Immobile set up Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro for the third five minutes later in front of a crowd of 1,000 at the Stadio Olimpico.

It was a welcome boost for Simone Inzaghi's side who are now top in a group which also includes Zenit and Club Brugge.

"It was an incredible emotion to bring this club and this shirt back to the Champions League," said Immobile, last season's Serie A top scorer with 36 goals.

The capital city club have experienced a stuttering start to their league season with just one win in four games, and a 3-0 defeat to Sampdoria last weekend.

"There was an extra flavour and we are satisfied because the match was played to perfection," continued Immobile.&nbsp;

"We met a strong team, it was a difficult match but we needed a game like this to give us a psychological boost after the game against Sampdoria, to be able to have our say among the great in Europe and also in the league."

Immobile and Joaquin Correa started up front with Hitz replacing Roman Buerki in the Dortmund goal and Haaland leading the Bundesliga outfit's attack.

Luiz Felipe returned for Lazio after a month out with an ankle problem, with Emre Can suspended for the away side.

Lazio pounced on their first chance with Thomas Meunier losing the ball to Lucas Leiva who crossed for Correa to serve up Immobile for his fifth Champions League goal and first since playing for Dortmund in December 2014.

<h2>- Dortmund's worst signing? -</h2>

Thomas Strakosha stuck out his leg to block Raphael Guerreiro in Dortmund's first chance after 21 minutes.

But Inzaghi's men doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Luis Alberto's corner was deflected in off Hitz's head.

Haaland revived hopes of a German fightback, only for Luis Alberto to send through for Immobile to lay it on for Akpa Akpro for the third goal.

""We didn't have patience, we were frantic. We played badly and never managed the ball," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre.&nbsp;

For Immobile, who has been under fire for his recent performances with the Italian national team, the victory was sweet, even more so as it was against a team he had an unsuccessful spell with back in 2014.

"Did they say I was Dortmund's worst signing? I arrived at Dortmund at the wrong time, during a generational change," said Immobile.&nbsp;

"There were some difficulties, but I don't want to say anything about this. I know when I deserve praise or criticism.&nbsp;

"I missed a goal tonight, I will miss more, but I hope to score many more than I miss for Lazio and the national side."

Ciro Immobile scored early against his former club Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday as Lazio marked their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence with a 3-1 Group F win.

Ciro Immobile scored early against his former club Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday as Lazio marked their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence with a 3-1 Group F win. Italy's Immobile beat Marwin Hitz in the Dortmund goal after six minutes in Rome, with a deflection off the Germans' keeper responsible for the hosts' second goal. Norway star Erling Braut Haaland pulled a goal back after 71 minutes but Immobile set up Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro for the third five minutes later in front of a crowd of 1,000 at the Stadio Olimpico. It was a welcome boost for Simone Inzaghi's side who are now top in a group which also includes Zenit and Club Brugge. "It was an incredible emotion to bring this club and this shirt back to the Champions League," said Immobile, last season's Serie A top scorer with 36 goals. The capital city club have experienced a stuttering start to their league season with just one win in four games, and a 3-0 defeat to Sampdoria last weekend. "There was an extra flavour and we are satisfied because the match was played to perfection," continued Immobile. "We met a strong team, it was a difficult match but we needed a game like this to give us a psychological boost after the game against Sampdoria, to be able to have our say among the great in Europe and also in the league." Immobile and Joaquin Correa started up front with Hitz replacing Roman Buerki in the Dortmund goal and Haaland leading the Bundesliga outfit's attack. Luiz Felipe returned for Lazio after a month out with an ankle problem, with Emre Can suspended for the away side. Lazio pounced on their first chance with Thomas Meunier losing the ball to Lucas Leiva who crossed for Correa to serve up Immobile for his fifth Champions League goal and first since playing for Dortmund in December 2014. - Dortmund's worst signing? - Thomas Strakosha stuck out his leg to block Raphael Guerreiro in Dortmund's first chance after 21 minutes. But Inzaghi's men doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Luis Alberto's corner was deflected in off Hitz's head. Haaland revived hopes of a German fightback, only for Luis Alberto to send through for Immobile to lay it on for Akpa Akpro for the third goal. ""We didn't have patience, we were frantic. We played badly and never managed the ball," said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre. For Immobile, who has been under fire for his recent performances with the Italian national team, the victory was sweet, even more so as it was against a team he had an unsuccessful spell with back in 2014. "Did they say I was Dortmund's worst signing? I arrived at Dortmund at the wrong time, during a generational change," said Immobile. "There were some difficulties, but I don't want to say anything about this. I know when I deserve praise or criticism. "I missed a goal tonight, I will miss more, but I hope to score many more than I miss for Lazio and the national side."

'Played to perfection:' Immobile's Lazio shock Dortmund on Champions League return

uefa-champions-league

Uefa Champions League, News on Uefa Champions League, stories on Uefa Champions League, articles on Uefa Champions League, Uefa Champions League stories at Wion, Uefa Champions League news, Uefa Champions League latest news

uefa champions-league