<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silverware-is-priority-for-liverpool-says-alexander-arnold-ahead-of-champions-league-final-against-tottenham-223223">Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool</a> are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-believes-fortune-has-favoured-tottenham-to-reach-champions-league-final-223317">Mauricio Pochettino</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hugo-lloris-eyes-winning-his-second-final-in-a-year-as-tottenham-face-liverpool-in-champions-league-final-223327">Tottenham</a> can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium.

For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season.

A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears.

Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in the 1950s.&nbsp;

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs.

"Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said.

In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.

In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium.

"We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino.

Kane to start?

Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury.

Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings.&nbsp;

Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach.

The German put a positive spin on that record.

"I am probably at the moment a&nbsp;world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it."

Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled.

Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury.

Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick.

That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue.

Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home.

But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets.

Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard.

Security challenge

The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid.

With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried.

Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event".

Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild.&nbsp;

Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs.

Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988.

If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the&nbsp;cup&nbsp;since Chelsea in 2012.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid. The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium. For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season. A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears. Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European Cup in the 1950s. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs. "Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said. In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005. In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium. "We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino. Kane to start? Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury. Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings. Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach. The German put a positive spin on that record. "I am probably at the moment a world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it." Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled. Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury. Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick. That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue. Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a World Cup and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home. But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets. Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard. Security challenge The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid. With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried. Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event". Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild. Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs. Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988. If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the cup since Chelsea in 2012.

Champions League: Liverpool and Tottenham set for the final showdown

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mohamed+Salah">Mohamed Salah</a> is keen to make a decisive contribution in Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur and help lay to rest the demons of Liverpool's nightmare defeat by Real Madrid a year ago.

Salah injured his shoulder in a coming together with Real defender Sergio Ramos during last year's final in Kiev and was forced to leave the field with half an hour played.

Liverpool went on to lose 3-1 and their Egyptian forward is fired up by the thought of scoring the winner this time around and helping his team claim their sixth European Cup.

"I hope I can play the full game this time. I'm very excited," Salah told reporters on Tuesday. "I hope we can right what happened last season, get a good result and win the competition.

"(Scoring the winner is) not just dream. I hope it becomes a reality and I score in the final."

Salah also said Liverpool had learnt their lessons from last year's disappointment and that the team was better off for the experience.

"This is our second final in a row," he added. "We lost the first but everything feels better this time around and we have more experience than last time.

"I hope we can win it. It will be tough. This is a final and no opponent would have been easy... It is harder because (Tottenham) is an English side."

Mohamed Salah is keen to make a decisive contribution in Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur and help lay to rest the demons of Liverpool's nightmare defeat by Real Madrid a year ago.

Mohamed Salah is keen to make a decisive contribution in Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur and help lay to rest the demons of Liverpool's nightmare defeat by Real Madrid a year ago. Salah injured his shoulder in a coming together with Real defender Sergio Ramos during last year's final in Kiev and was forced to leave the field with half an hour played. Liverpool went on to lose 3-1 and their Egyptian forward is fired up by the thought of scoring the winner this time around and helping his team claim their sixth European Cup. "I hope I can play the full game this time. I'm very excited," Salah told reporters on Tuesday. "I hope we can right what happened last season, get a good result and win the competition. "(Scoring the winner is) not just dream. I hope it becomes a reality and I score in the final." Salah also said Liverpool had learnt their lessons from last year's disappointment and that the team was better off for the experience. "This is our second final in a row," he added. "We lost the first but everything feels better this time around and we have more experience than last time. "I hope we can win it. It will be tough. This is a final and no opponent would have been easy... It is harder because (Tottenham) is an English side."

Liverpool's Salah seeks Champions League final redemption

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/losing-champions-league-final-would-be-painful-says-tottenhams-son-heung-min-218869">Tottenham Hotspur</a> in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid.

Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said Klopp.

"Bobby was part of training last week then we took him out and will be in training from tomorrow again. From what we saw so far he looked good. He will be fine, I'm sure," the German told a news conference on Tuesday.

Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said Firmino was crucial to Liverpool's way of playing.

"Really important, he sets the pressing from the front. We try to follow him. When we have the ball he is like an extra midfielder so we try and follow him in both ways. He is also an extra defender," Wijnaldum said.

The 28-year-old stepped into the Firmino role during the second half of Liverpool's stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona, scoring twice. While he would be willing to take on that duty again, he said he was more comfortable in his usual central midfield position.

"I prefer to play in the midfield but if the manager needs me I will play anywhere. That is a really difficult position to play. I think Divock (Origi) or (Daniel) Sturridge is a better option but if the manager needs me...," he said.

Guinea midfielder Naby Keita is recovering well from his thigh injury but Klopp said he had no chance to be involved.

Liverpool return to the final following their defeat to Real Madrid in last year's showpiece in Kiev. Klopp said they were fired up for the occasion but played down talk of them having more big-game experience than Spurs.

"We are all very excited about having a chance again. We are probably the more experienced, but it doesn't really make a difference," he said.

"It's about using the things that brought you to the final. So far we have controlled our emotions in a really good way."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid. Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said Klopp. "Bobby was part of training last week then we took him out and will be in training from tomorrow again. From what we saw so far he looked good. He will be fine, I'm sure," the German told a news conference on Tuesday. Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said Firmino was crucial to Liverpool's way of playing. "Really important, he sets the pressing from the front. We try to follow him. When we have the ball he is like an extra midfielder so we try and follow him in both ways. He is also an extra defender," Wijnaldum said. The 28-year-old stepped into the Firmino role during the second half of Liverpool's stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona, scoring twice. While he would be willing to take on that duty again, he said he was more comfortable in his usual central midfield position. "I prefer to play in the midfield but if the manager needs me I will play anywhere. That is a really difficult position to play. I think Divock (Origi) or (Daniel) Sturridge is a better option but if the manager needs me...," he said. Guinea midfielder Naby Keita is recovering well from his thigh injury but Klopp said he had no chance to be involved. Liverpool return to the final following their defeat to Real Madrid in last year's showpiece in Kiev. Klopp said they were fired up for the occasion but played down talk of them having more big-game experience than Spurs. "We are all very excited about having a chance again. We are probably the more experienced, but it doesn't really make a difference," he said. "It's about using the things that brought you to the final. So far we have controlled our emotions in a really good way."

Roberto Firmino 'will be fine' for final says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has entered the final stages of recovery from an ankle injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic the striker will be fit enough to play in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/losing-champions-league-final-would-be-painful-says-tottenhams-son-heung-min-218869">Champions League final</a> in Madrid.

Kane sustained what appeared to be a season-ending ligament injury against Manchester City in the quarter-finals but Pochettino believes he now has a good chance of at least making the bench against Liverpool on June 1.

"(Kane) is training and has entered the final stage of his recovery," the Argentine told reporters in Spain on Thursday.

"We're hoping he'll be able to give us a hand, either from the start, from the bench, or if not, then by giving us moral support in the dressing room. But we're optimistic he'll be able to help us on the pitch."

Pochettino said his team had defied expectations by reaching the final, which he expects to be an emotionally charged affair.

"Everyone's expecting a tactical battle, but I think the emotional side will be decisive -- that will dictate how the game develops," he added.

"(Liverpool) have invested in their squad to be able to compete for the Champions League but we are there too and on our own merit. Nobody expected Tottenham to be in the final... We have the chance to make history.

"You don't play finals, you win them and we're preparing to win it."

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has entered the final stages of recovery from an ankle injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic the striker will be fit enough to play in the Champions League final in Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has entered the final stages of recovery from an ankle injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic the striker will be fit enough to play in the Champions League final in Madrid. Kane sustained what appeared to be a season-ending ligament injury against Manchester City in the quarter-finals but Pochettino believes he now has a good chance of at least making the bench against Liverpool on June 1. "(Kane) is training and has entered the final stage of his recovery," the Argentine told reporters in Spain on Thursday. "We're hoping he'll be able to give us a hand, either from the start, from the bench, or if not, then by giving us moral support in the dressing room. But we're optimistic he'll be able to help us on the pitch." Pochettino said his team had defied expectations by reaching the final, which he expects to be an emotionally charged affair. "Everyone's expecting a tactical battle, but I think the emotional side will be decisive -- that will dictate how the game develops," he added. "(Liverpool) have invested in their squad to be able to compete for the Champions League but we are there too and on our own merit. Nobody expected Tottenham to be in the final... We have the chance to make history. "You don't play finals, you win them and we're preparing to win it."

Mauricio Pochettino optimistic Harry Kane will play in Champions League final

Lucas Moura's last-gasp strike took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final for the first time in their history on Wednesday, completing his hat-trick and sealing an incredible 3-2 win over Ajax to leave the Dutch side heartbroken.

Ajax's improbable European run seemed set to go on all the way to the final as they led 3-2 on aggregate deep in stoppage time in the second leg of the semi-final at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

That was when the ball broke to Lucas in the box and the Brazilian sent a low shot beyond the despairing dive of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to seal their comeback, making it 3-2 to them on the night, 3-3 on aggregate, and taking Mauricio Pochettino's men through on away goals.

The Ajax players slumped to the turf, their fans stunned, as they go out and Spurs advance to face fellow comeback kings Liverpool in an all-English final in Madrid on June 1.

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Tottenham will face Liverpool in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a>
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Leading 1-0 after the first leg, the thrilling young Dutch side appeared to have killed the tie after captain Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech both scored in the first half here.

That left Tottenham needing a comeback to match that of Liverpool against Barcelona the previous night, but in an even shorter amount of time.

A quickfire brace by Lucas early in the second half gave them something to cling to, before he struck the decisive blow, denying Ajax a first final since 1996.

Erik ten Hag's team, who had already eliminated the holders, Real Madrid, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus this season, were applauded by their devastated fans at full-time and must now somehow lift themselves to try to win the Dutch title.

They had been dealt a blow just minutes before kick-off when Brazilian winger David Neres pulled out of their starting line-up after the warm-up, his place taken by the young Dane, Kasper Dolberg.

Whirlwind start

That last-minute switch did not perturb the Dutch club, though. Far from it. Dusan Tadic moved to the left wing, and Ajax set about tearing into their opponents right from the off, just as they had done in the first leg.

They won a corner after Hugo Lloris had stretched to his left to beat away a Tadic shot, and from the delivery that followed from Lasse Schoene, De Ligt rose to head home a fifth-minute opener.

Spurs -- without Harry Kane but with Son Heung-min back after missing the first leg due to suspension -- did threaten an immediate reply as a Son cross hit the near post, but Ajax escaped and came again, a Tadic shot that fizzed just past the far post acting as a prelude for what was to follow in the 35th minute.

This time Tadic, the former Southampton player, cut the ball back for Ziyech, whose first-time shot on his left foot flew into the far corner from a difficult angle.

It was a wonderful goal, and it had surely killed the tie.

The Spurs fans were understandably subdued, and they would not have harboured too much hope in Fernando Llorente as the big striker replaced Victor Wanyama for the second half.

Yet the way Pochettino's side came back out after half-time echoed what Liverpool had done at Anfield 24 hours earlier.

They scored their first in the 55th minute, Lucas combining with Alli and slotting low past Onana.

Four minutes after that Onana made an improbable save from Llorente's effort inside the six-yard box, but the ball came back to Lucas and the Brazilian turned and managed to find a corner.

He wheeled away in celebration, all too aware that Tottenham were now just one goal away from completing the turnaround.

With such tension, Ajax no longer appeared so liberated, but Ziyech twice nearly scored again, grazing the post with a first-time shot and then hitting the same upright in the 79th minute.

Jan Vertonghen hit the bar at the other end, but just when it looked like Ajax would hang on, Lucas delivered the killer blow.

Lucas Moura's last-gasp strike took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final for the first time in their history on Wednesday, completing his hat-trick and sealing an incredible 3-2 win over Ajax to leave the Dutch side heartbroken.

Lucas Moura's last-gasp strike took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final for the first time in their history on Wednesday, completing his hat-trick and sealing an incredible 3-2 win over Ajax to leave the Dutch side heartbroken. Ajax's improbable European run seemed set to go on all the way to the final as they led 3-2 on aggregate deep in stoppage time in the second leg of the semi-final at the Johan Cruyff Arena. That was when the ball broke to Lucas in the box and the Brazilian sent a low shot beyond the despairing dive of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to seal their comeback, making it 3-2 to them on the night, 3-3 on aggregate, and taking Mauricio Pochettino's men through on away goals. The Ajax players slumped to the turf, their fans stunned, as they go out and Spurs advance to face fellow comeback kings Liverpool in an all-English final in Madrid on June 1. LATE DRAMA! 🤯🤯🤯 Tottenham will face Liverpool in the #UCLfinal — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2019 × Leading 1-0 after the first leg, the thrilling young Dutch side appeared to have killed the tie after captain Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech both scored in the first half here. That left Tottenham needing a comeback to match that of Liverpool against Barcelona the previous night, but in an even shorter amount of time. A quickfire brace by Lucas early in the second half gave them something to cling to, before he struck the decisive blow, denying Ajax a first final since 1996. Erik ten Hag's team, who had already eliminated the holders, Real Madrid, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus this season, were applauded by their devastated fans at full-time and must now somehow lift themselves to try to win the Dutch title. They had been dealt a blow just minutes before kick-off when Brazilian winger David Neres pulled out of their starting line-up after the warm-up, his place taken by the young Dane, Kasper Dolberg. Whirlwind start That last-minute switch did not perturb the Dutch club, though. Far from it. Dusan Tadic moved to the left wing, and Ajax set about tearing into their opponents right from the off, just as they had done in the first leg. They won a corner after Hugo Lloris had stretched to his left to beat away a Tadic shot, and from the delivery that followed from Lasse Schoene, De Ligt rose to head home a fifth-minute opener. Spurs -- without Harry Kane but with Son Heung-min back after missing the first leg due to suspension -- did threaten an immediate reply as a Son cross hit the near post, but Ajax escaped and came again, a Tadic shot that fizzed just past the far post acting as a prelude for what was to follow in the 35th minute. This time Tadic, the former Southampton player, cut the ball back for Ziyech, whose first-time shot on his left foot flew into the far corner from a difficult angle. It was a wonderful goal, and it had surely killed the tie. The Spurs fans were understandably subdued, and they would not have harboured too much hope in Fernando Llorente as the big striker replaced Victor Wanyama for the second half. Yet the way Pochettino's side came back out after half-time echoed what Liverpool had done at Anfield 24 hours earlier. They scored their first in the 55th minute, Lucas combining with Alli and slotting low past Onana. Four minutes after that Onana made an improbable save from Llorente's effort inside the six-yard box, but the ball came back to Lucas and the Brazilian turned and managed to find a corner. He wheeled away in celebration, all too aware that Tottenham were now just one goal away from completing the turnaround. With such tension, Ajax no longer appeared so liberated, but Ziyech twice nearly scored again, grazing the post with a first-time shot and then hitting the same upright in the 79th minute. Jan Vertonghen hit the bar at the other end, but just when it looked like Ajax would hang on, Lucas delivered the killer blow.

Last-gasp Lucas Moura winner sends Tottenham into Champions League final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-gasp-lucas-moura-winner-sends-tottenham-into-champions-league-final-217128">Lucas Moura conjured the second Champions League miracle</a> in 24 hours with a last-gasp winner to complete his hat-trick and a 3-2 win to send Tottenham Hotspur past a shattered Ajax Amsterdam into the final on away goals on Wednesday.

A day after Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit, Tottenham came back from the dead after Ajax had looked certain to reach their first final for 23 years.

"I think that scoring the hat-trick. Three goals. If our players are superheroes, he is a super, super, superhero," Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said of Moura's stellar night.

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Good morning! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/jvyxQ6FKVN">pic.twitter.com/jvyxQ6FKVN</a>
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When asked about his departure from the club, Pochettino said, "Yes, I am going to leave (Tottenham), or if I lose, maybe too."

Tottenham had suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions before Wednesday's second leg and when Ajax led 2-0 at half-time, there was a celebratory mood inside the jam-packed Johan Cruyff Arena as Ajax fans' thoughts turned to Madrid.

But their joy turned into a nightmare as they were overwhelmed by a Tottenham side who dispensed with complicated tactics and simply threw the kitchen sink at their hosts.

"I learned a sentence here which is 'no pain, no gain'. And I think it's an amazing thing, because all the efforts we made in the last five years, it's today when you realize that the satisfaction'', Spurs'&nbsp;coach said.

Overwhelmed by the win, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino added, "The emotion is amazing, thank you to football. My players are heroes - in the last year, I was telling everyone this group are heroes. The second half they were amazing.''

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"It's difficult to compete at this level. I am so grateful to be a coach. To be in football and to live this type of football'', Pochettino said.

Lucas Moura conjured the second Champions League miracle in 24 hours with a last-gasp winner to complete his hat-trick and a 3-2 win to send Tottenham Hotspur past a shattered Ajax Amsterdam into the final on away goals on Wednesday.

Lucas Moura conjured the second Champions League miracle in 24 hours with a last-gasp winner to complete his hat-trick and a 3-2 win to send Tottenham Hotspur past a shattered Ajax Amsterdam into the final on away goals on Wednesday. A day after Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit, Tottenham came back from the dead after Ajax had looked certain to reach their first final for 23 years. "I think that scoring the hat-trick. Three goals. If our players are superheroes, he is a super, super, superhero," Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said of Moura's stellar night. Good morning! #UCL ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/jvyxQ6FKVN — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 9, 2019 × When asked about his departure from the club, Pochettino said, "Yes, I am going to leave (Tottenham), or if I lose, maybe too." Tottenham had suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions before Wednesday's second leg and when Ajax led 2-0 at half-time, there was a celebratory mood inside the jam-packed Johan Cruyff Arena as Ajax fans' thoughts turned to Madrid. But their joy turned into a nightmare as they were overwhelmed by a Tottenham side who dispensed with complicated tactics and simply threw the kitchen sink at their hosts. "I learned a sentence here which is 'no pain, no gain'. And I think it's an amazing thing, because all the efforts we made in the last five years, it's today when you realize that the satisfaction'', Spurs' coach said. Overwhelmed by the win, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino added, "The emotion is amazing, thank you to football. My players are heroes - in the last year, I was telling everyone this group are heroes. The second half they were amazing.'' 🎵🎉 Dressing room delight! 🎉🎵 📱 @MoussaSissoko#UCL ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/JpDWZQLYO6 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 8, 2019 × "It's difficult to compete at this level. I am so grateful to be a coach. To be in football and to live this type of football'', Pochettino said.

I am going to leave, says coach Mauricio Pochettino after Tottenham enter Champions League final

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">4-0 win over Barcelona</a> on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final.

The German was clearly swept up in the emotion at the end of the game as a delirious Anfield crowd sang the club's anthem "You'll never walk alone" with the players lined up in front of the Kop.

"When I saw the boys after the game and saw the tears in their eyes, that’s football and they are professionals and it’s still like this," said Klopp.

"This club touches you like crazy, it’s like you feel much more than others in these moments. It’s really great, I love it.

"It’s a special night, very special. Winning against Barcelona is obviously one of the most difficult things in the world of football. Winning against Barcelona when you are actually 3-0 down makes it not easier.

"We had to score four goals and (were) not allowed to concede. That made it, again, more difficult. So we didn’t really think about it, to be 100 per cent honest.

"We tried to build on the performance at Barcelona, all the good things we did there, and tried to win the game step by step.

"We have the ball, we attack with whatever we have -- they have the ball, we defend with whatever we have. And that made it a really special game. It was really difficult to play against us tonight."

Liverpool took a seventh minute lead through Divock Origi and then struck twice after the break courtesy of substitute Georginio Wijnaldum before Origi got the crucial fourth goal.

Throughout the match, Liverpool played with pulsating energy and gritty determination, while still being able to carve open a trembling Barcelona defence.

"What the boys did -- this mix, again, of big heart and football skills -- is unbelievable," Klopp added.

"But ... we didn’t learn it in the first game, we knew it before already.

"I said to the boys before the game, 'I don’t think it’s possible but because it’s you I think we have a chance' -- is because they are really mentality giants.

"It’s unbelievable after the season we played, the games we had, the injuries we have now in this moment."

The German said few would have believed his team could get the result the needed to reach the final, where they will play Ajax Amsterdam or Tottenham Hotspur.

"If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting (in) a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," he said.

"I’m really proud to be the manager of this team. What they did tonight is so special and I will remember it forever. I don’t know if it happened before and I don’t know if it can happen again. The boys did it and it was brilliant."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was "unbelievable" and paid tribute to the belief his players had shown to secure the shock 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League final. The German was clearly swept up in the emotion at the end of the game as a delirious Anfield crowd sang the club's anthem "You'll never walk alone" with the players lined up in front of the Kop. "When I saw the boys after the game and saw the tears in their eyes, that’s football and they are professionals and it’s still like this," said Klopp. "This club touches you like crazy, it’s like you feel much more than others in these moments. It’s really great, I love it. "It’s a special night, very special. Winning against Barcelona is obviously one of the most difficult things in the world of football. Winning against Barcelona when you are actually 3-0 down makes it not easier. "We had to score four goals and (were) not allowed to concede. That made it, again, more difficult. So we didn’t really think about it, to be 100 per cent honest. "We tried to build on the performance at Barcelona, all the good things we did there, and tried to win the game step by step. "We have the ball, we attack with whatever we have -- they have the ball, we defend with whatever we have. And that made it a really special game. It was really difficult to play against us tonight." Liverpool took a seventh minute lead through Divock Origi and then struck twice after the break courtesy of substitute Georginio Wijnaldum before Origi got the crucial fourth goal. Throughout the match, Liverpool played with pulsating energy and gritty determination, while still being able to carve open a trembling Barcelona defence. "What the boys did -- this mix, again, of big heart and football skills -- is unbelievable," Klopp added. "But ... we didn’t learn it in the first game, we knew it before already. "I said to the boys before the game, 'I don’t think it’s possible but because it’s you I think we have a chance' -- is because they are really mentality giants. "It’s unbelievable after the season we played, the games we had, the injuries we have now in this moment." The German said few would have believed his team could get the result the needed to reach the final, where they will play Ajax Amsterdam or Tottenham Hotspur. "If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting (in) a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," he said. "I’m really proud to be the manager of this team. What they did tonight is so special and I will remember it forever. I don’t know if it happened before and I don’t know if it can happen again. The boys did it and it was brilliant."

Emotional Juergen Klopp hails 'unbelievable' triumph over Barcelona

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool</a> in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final.&nbsp;

In a similar fashion, Barcelona were ousted last season in the quarter-finals. The Catalans beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals.&nbsp;

As per the reports, Messi was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room and he was further humiliated when coach Ernesto Valverde left for Liverpool's John Lennon Airport without him after Messi's drug test took longer than expected.&nbsp;

Messi was selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials.&nbsp;

Barcelona were leading 3-0 following the first leg in the Camp Nou before a collapse at Anfield saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">Jurgen Klopp</a>'s men advance to their second consecutive final.

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Lionel Messi's night: 
 
Cries in a corridor 😭 
Has drugs test 💦 
Misses team bus 🚌 <a href="https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq">https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq</a>
— Jack Wilson (@JackWilson_5) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackWilson_5/status/1126079459881299970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Two goals apiece for Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw Liverpool complete a miraculous turnaround with Suarez later saying his side "looked like kids" when describing the manner in which they defended as Origi struck Liverpool's winner.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final.

Lionel Messi left Anfield in tears after Barcelona's humiliating 0-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg that saw them miss out on a place in the final. In a similar fashion, Barcelona were ousted last season in the quarter-finals. The Catalans beat Roma 4-1 at home but collapsed in the away leg to lose 3-0 in Rome and go out on away goals. As per the reports, Messi was inconsolable in the Barcelona dressing room and he was further humiliated when coach Ernesto Valverde left for Liverpool's John Lennon Airport without him after Messi's drug test took longer than expected. Messi was selected for a drugs test by anti-doping officials. Barcelona were leading 3-0 following the first leg in the Camp Nou before a collapse at Anfield saw Jurgen Klopp's men advance to their second consecutive final. Lionel Messi's night: Cries in a corridor 😭 Has drugs test 💦 Misses team bus 🚌 https://t.co/Z0VhHajkbq — Jack Wilson (@JackWilson_5) May 8, 2019 × Two goals apiece for Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw Liverpool complete a miraculous turnaround with Suarez later saying his side "looked like kids" when describing the manner in which they defended as Origi struck Liverpool's winner.

Lionel Messi broke down in tears in dressing room after Barcelona's Champions League exit

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-beat-villarreal-in-front-of-sparse-bernabeu-crowd-216190&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfkcz2uYniAhU1jOYKHTH_BJIQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pPqQYzBjFI_rmNUhx_wxu">Atletico Madrid</a> captain Diego Godin is leaving the club after nine years when his contract expires in June, the Uruguayan defender said at a news conference on Tuesday, fighting to hold back tears.

Godin, 33, has played 387 times for Atletico since joining from Villarreal in 2010, scoring 27 goals - including famously clinching the club's first La Liga title in 18 years with a header in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in 2014.

Godin did not say where he is going, but numerous Spanish media have reported that he is on his way to Italian Serie A club Inter Milan.

"I'm a little nervous, much more than I am before a game, but I have called everyone here to inform you that these are my final days at the club," Godin said.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo added,&nbsp;"We are here to say goodbye to an Atletico legend. You have been a vital part of this great era for the club, with your efforts and your goals, like the one which gave us the title at the Nou Camp.

"You have fought in a thousand battles and defended the club's shirt in every game and you have worn the captain's armband. Wherever you end up, Atletico wishes you a lot of luck. Atletico is your family, the Wanda Metropolitano is your home," Cerezo said.

In addition to the La Liga triumph, Godin won two Europa League titles, one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Super Cup and three UEFA Super Cups with Atletico as well as reaching the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals, only to lose both times to Real.

Godin's departure will leave another hole in Atletico's defence, with France international Lucas Hernandez already agreeing to join Bayern Munich in June after they paid his 80 million euro release clause.

Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin is leaving the club after nine years when his contract expires in June, the Uruguayan defender said at a news conference on Tuesday, fighting to hold back tears.

Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin is leaving the club after nine years when his contract expires in June, the Uruguayan defender said at a news conference on Tuesday, fighting to hold back tears. Godin, 33, has played 387 times for Atletico since joining from Villarreal in 2010, scoring 27 goals - including famously clinching the club's first La Liga title in 18 years with a header in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in 2014. Godin did not say where he is going, but numerous Spanish media have reported that he is on his way to Italian Serie A club Inter Milan. "I'm a little nervous, much more than I am before a game, but I have called everyone here to inform you that these are my final days at the club," Godin said. Atletico president Enrique Cerezo added, "We are here to say goodbye to an Atletico legend. You have been a vital part of this great era for the club, with your efforts and your goals, like the one which gave us the title at the Nou Camp. "You have fought in a thousand battles and defended the club's shirt in every game and you have worn the captain's armband. Wherever you end up, Atletico wishes you a lot of luck. Atletico is your family, the Wanda Metropolitano is your home," Cerezo said. In addition to the La Liga triumph, Godin won two Europa League titles, one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Super Cup and three UEFA Super Cups with Atletico as well as reaching the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals, only to lose both times to Real. Godin's departure will leave another hole in Atletico's defence, with France international Lucas Hernandez already agreeing to join Bayern Munich in June after they paid his 80 million euro release clause.

Captain Diego Godin announces Atletico departure after nine years

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie.

The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.

For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015.

The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

The Argentine superstar created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second.

Liverpool, who lost Naby Keita to injury in the 24th minute, continue to surge forward, but without posing any real danger to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal.

Two minutes after Jordan Henderson came in for Keita, Coutinho nudged the ball to Jordi Alba charging down the left flank. The defender's cross found Luis Suarez in the box and the Uruguay international got his first goal in Champions League play since April 4, 2018.

Wounded, the visitors continued to put pressure on the Barca defence and were poised to pull level when Henderson slipped the ball to Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese striker to send his shot over the top of the net.

Liverpool were aggressive to start the second half and Ter Stegen had to turn aside shots from James Milner and Mo Salah.

Barca responded by putting aside their usual emphasis on possession, deciding to rely instead on the direct attack, and the initiative seemed to be with the visitors until a run by Messi in the 75th minute.

Reds midfielder Fabinho confronted Messi, but his successful challenge sent the ball on a path that ended with Suarez.

While the Uruguayan's volley bounced off the cross-bar, Messi pushed in the rebound to put Barcelona up 2-0. Eight minutes later, the captain put the final nail in Liverpool's coffin with a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute.

A Salah strike that looked bound for the back of Ter Stegen's net hit the post, denying Barcelona the consolation of an away goal.

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi had a brace here Wednesday as FC Barcelona inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid. For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015. The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups. The Argentine superstar created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second. Liverpool, who lost Naby Keita to injury in the 24th minute, continue to surge forward, but without posing any real danger to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal. Two minutes after Jordan Henderson came in for Keita, Coutinho nudged the ball to Jordi Alba charging down the left flank. The defender's cross found Luis Suarez in the box and the Uruguay international got his first goal in Champions League play since April 4, 2018. Wounded, the visitors continued to put pressure on the Barca defence and were poised to pull level when Henderson slipped the ball to Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese striker to send his shot over the top of the net. Liverpool were aggressive to start the second half and Ter Stegen had to turn aside shots from James Milner and Mo Salah. Barca responded by putting aside their usual emphasis on possession, deciding to rely instead on the direct attack, and the initiative seemed to be with the visitors until a run by Messi in the 75th minute. Reds midfielder Fabinho confronted Messi, but his successful challenge sent the ball on a path that ended with Suarez. While the Uruguayan's volley bounced off the cross-bar, Messi pushed in the rebound to put Barcelona up 2-0. Eight minutes later, the captain put the final nail in Liverpool's coffin with a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute. A Salah strike that looked bound for the back of Ter Stegen's net hit the post, denying Barcelona the consolation of an away goal.

Lionel Messi leads Barcelona over Liverpool in Champions League semi-final first leg

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Klopp also referred to the English Premier League where the second-placed Liverpool are in a close contest with their rivals Manchester City for the league title.&nbsp;

On the eve of the UCL clash, Klopp said, "Messi would be for me – as a player I saw – the number one, 100 per cent, that's me."&nbsp;

"Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see. I saw… I have coached a few really good players, but they didn't finish their careers so we have to… they still have time to develop."&nbsp;

"My father always said it's Pele, but I didn't see Pele live – I am too young for that. But there are lot of good players around, but that's my ranking – Leo (Messi) is, for me, the best," he added.&nbsp;

Back in August Messi, in his first public address as Barcelona captain, told a packed stadium before a friendly against Boca Juniors he and the players had made it their ambition to win the trophy for the sixth time.&nbsp;

"We promise that this season we will do all we can to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Camp Nou,"&nbsp;Messi to the Barca fans.&nbsp;

But Klopp said that it's not only about Messi, but there are also other 10 game changers as well.&nbsp;

"It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well,"&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments but if we only concentrate on him there are 10 other world-class players who can decide the game as well.&nbsp;

"Messi said before the season, 'we want to bring back that cup'. That sounds like a threat to me. Now we did it, now we are here and all I can say is we want to go to the final as well," Klopp added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday. Klopp also referred to the English Premier League where the second-placed Liverpool are in a close contest with their rivals Manchester City for the league title. On the eve of the UCL clash, Klopp said, "Messi would be for me – as a player I saw – the number one, 100 per cent, that's me." "Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see. I saw… I have coached a few really good players, but they didn't finish their careers so we have to… they still have time to develop." "My father always said it's Pele, but I didn't see Pele live – I am too young for that. But there are lot of good players around, but that's my ranking – Leo (Messi) is, for me, the best," he added. Back in August Messi, in his first public address as Barcelona captain, told a packed stadium before a friendly against Boca Juniors he and the players had made it their ambition to win the trophy for the sixth time. "We promise that this season we will do all we can to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Camp Nou," Messi to the Barca fans. But Klopp said that it's not only about Messi, but there are also other 10 game changers as well. "It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well," Klopp said. "Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments but if we only concentrate on him there are 10 other world-class players who can decide the game as well. "Messi said before the season, 'we want to bring back that cup'. That sounds like a threat to me. Now we did it, now we are here and all I can say is we want to go to the final as well," Klopp added.

Messi 'best player ever' but we have a chance, says Klopp ahead of UCL tie

Major takeaways from Tottenham 0-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League semi-final first leg

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Erik ten Hag's youthful Ajax side, featuring several players polished in the Dutch club's famed academy, were too energetic for a laboured Spurs team who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes of their first European Cup semi-final for 57 years.

Such was Ajax's domination in the early stages that they could already have virtually sealed a place in the final -- but they had to be content with Van de Beek's 15th-minute goal.

Tottenham badly missed injured striker Harry Kane and the suspended Son Heung-min and managed only one shot on target.

Had David Neres's shot not bounced back off the base of the post late on it would have been an even more calamitous night for Mauricio Pochettino's struggling side.

As it stands they will go to Amsterdam next week with a glimmer of hope, even if only one club have ever reached the final by overturning a first-leg home loss.

"The away goal was the most important. Unfortunately, Neres hit the upright. If that had gone in, it would have been even better," Ajax's 19-year-old skipper Matthijs de Ligt said.

"But we must be satisfied with the 1-0 score. It was a tough battle but we were fortunately very sharp tonight."

Christian Eriksen, one of four former Ajax players in Tottenham's team, summed up the home mood.

"We were under-par, we didn't play our best at all. In the first 20 minutes, we were ball-watchers. We need to change it up a lot for the next game," the Dane said.

"We're lucky they hit the post and hopefully we can turn things around in Amsterdam."

Too Good

Ajax have already proved too good for Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition this season and were streets ahead of Spurs in the first half on a perfect night for football.

Tottenham were chasing shadows and fell behind after a quarter of an hour when Ajax sliced through the home defence with their quick-passing game.

Hakim Ziyech threaded the ball through to Van de Beek and the midfielder calmly placed his shot past keeper Hugo Lloris.

There was a suspicion of offside but unlike in Tottenham's epic quarter-final win over Manchester City, when Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was ruled out, VAR could not save the London side this time as the Ajax fans celebrated.

Van de Beek should have made it 2-0 from Dusan Tadic's pass as Ajax dominated and when Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the 39th minute after a clash of heads with teammate and fellow former Ajax player Toby Alderweireld, it seemed nothing was going right for the hosts.

Tottenham's 34-year-old striker Fernando Llorente did his best to lead a blunt attack with little service, but the Spaniard headed wide from Kieran Trippier's cross.

The introduction of midfield powerhouse Sissoko injected some much-needed energy into a flagging Tottenham side and he fizzed a shot wide from Llorente's knockdown before halftime.

Spurs enjoyed their best spell early in the second period as they switched to a more direct approach and Dele Alli had a couple of half chances.

But Ajax showed they can defend as well as attack and rarely looked stretched as the hosts huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser.

Tottenham were vulnerable to the counter, however, and Ajax came close to doubling the lead, and leaving Spurs with a near-impossible task in the second leg, after 78 minutes when Tadic linked up with Neres whose side-footed shot struck the post.

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday. Erik ten Hag's youthful Ajax side, featuring several players polished in the Dutch club's famed academy, were too energetic for a laboured Spurs team who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes of their first European Cup semi-final for 57 years. Such was Ajax's domination in the early stages that they could already have virtually sealed a place in the final -- but they had to be content with Van de Beek's 15th-minute goal. Tottenham badly missed injured striker Harry Kane and the suspended Son Heung-min and managed only one shot on target. Had David Neres's shot not bounced back off the base of the post late on it would have been an even more calamitous night for Mauricio Pochettino's struggling side. As it stands they will go to Amsterdam next week with a glimmer of hope, even if only one club have ever reached the final by overturning a first-leg home loss. "The away goal was the most important. Unfortunately, Neres hit the upright. If that had gone in, it would have been even better," Ajax's 19-year-old skipper Matthijs de Ligt said. "But we must be satisfied with the 1-0 score. It was a tough battle but we were fortunately very sharp tonight." Christian Eriksen, one of four former Ajax players in Tottenham's team, summed up the home mood. "We were under-par, we didn't play our best at all. In the first 20 minutes, we were ball-watchers. We need to change it up a lot for the next game," the Dane said. "We're lucky they hit the post and hopefully we can turn things around in Amsterdam." Too Good Ajax have already proved too good for Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition this season and were streets ahead of Spurs in the first half on a perfect night for football. Tottenham were chasing shadows and fell behind after a quarter of an hour when Ajax sliced through the home defence with their quick-passing game. Hakim Ziyech threaded the ball through to Van de Beek and the midfielder calmly placed his shot past keeper Hugo Lloris. There was a suspicion of offside but unlike in Tottenham's epic quarter-final win over Manchester City, when Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was ruled out, VAR could not save the London side this time as the Ajax fans celebrated. Van de Beek should have made it 2-0 from Dusan Tadic's pass as Ajax dominated and when Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the 39th minute after a clash of heads with teammate and fellow former Ajax player Toby Alderweireld, it seemed nothing was going right for the hosts. Tottenham's 34-year-old striker Fernando Llorente did his best to lead a blunt attack with little service, but the Spaniard headed wide from Kieran Trippier's cross. The introduction of midfield powerhouse Sissoko injected some much-needed energy into a flagging Tottenham side and he fizzed a shot wide from Llorente's knockdown before halftime. Spurs enjoyed their best spell early in the second period as they switched to a more direct approach and Dele Alli had a couple of half chances. But Ajax showed they can defend as well as attack and rarely looked stretched as the hosts huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser. Tottenham were vulnerable to the counter, however, and Ajax came close to doubling the lead, and leaving Spurs with a near-impossible task in the second leg, after 78 minutes when Tadic linked up with Neres whose side-footed shot struck the post.

Champions League: Ajax edge Tottenham in semi-final first leg

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club.&nbsp; 
 
The Catalan side is set to host England's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-best-player-ever-but-we-have-a-chance-says-jurgen-klopp-ahead-of-champions-league-tie-against-barcelona-214977">Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals</a> on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
 
"When the captain says one thing, all the others are to follow the path he has set for the team, he takes the lead and we follow him," Rakitic said at a pre-game press conference in the club's grounds.&nbsp; 
 
The Champions League is the competition that Messi highlighted in a pre-season interview as his side's first priority this season, as Barcelona is keen to bring the trophy back to Camp Nou, four years after it last won the trophy.&nbsp; 
 
The Croatian midfielder said that the squad is ready to compete at the highest level in the difficult tie against its English rival. 
 
"We are confident and eager, the team is very switched on and now comes the most beautiful game," he said.&nbsp; 
 
"We are prepared and with an incredible desire to win, it will be very important to score and keep a clean sheet."&nbsp; 
 
Having secured the La Liga cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, Rakitic said he hopes Barcelona will have a perfect season by winning a treble.&nbsp; 
 
Head coach Ernesto Valverde warned that Liverpool is able to pose a threat in attack.&nbsp; 
 
"Liverpool is a very powerful team, who play with a great level of pressure and rhythm," he said. 
 
"They will be a very difficult opponent to beat." 
 
He added: "Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring. We have to play two good matches." 
 
Valverde said he believes that the current Liverpool squad "is not so different" from the team that played in the final last season, against eventual champion Real Madrid.&nbsp; 
 
"It has changed some players, but it is similar in style and personality, recognizable and fearsome," he added. 
 
The Spanish coach called on fans to continue their support for the team. 
 
"The crowd at Camp Nou is already playing a decisive role," he said. 
 
"For several weeks now, more than 90,000 fans attend the stadium, and that is what we notice and (our) rivals too."

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club. The Catalan side is set to host England's Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday.

FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Tuesday that his captain Lionel Messi's enormous desire to win the Champions League has spread across the club. The Catalan side is set to host England's Liverpool at Camp Nou stadium in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday. "When the captain says one thing, all the others are to follow the path he has set for the team, he takes the lead and we follow him," Rakitic said at a pre-game press conference in the club's grounds. The Champions League is the competition that Messi highlighted in a pre-season interview as his side's first priority this season, as Barcelona is keen to bring the trophy back to Camp Nou, four years after it last won the trophy. The Croatian midfielder said that the squad is ready to compete at the highest level in the difficult tie against its English rival. "We are confident and eager, the team is very switched on and now comes the most beautiful game," he said. "We are prepared and with an incredible desire to win, it will be very important to score and keep a clean sheet." Having secured the La Liga cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, Rakitic said he hopes Barcelona will have a perfect season by winning a treble. Head coach Ernesto Valverde warned that Liverpool is able to pose a threat in attack. "Liverpool is a very powerful team, who play with a great level of pressure and rhythm," he said. "They will be a very difficult opponent to beat." He added: "Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring. We have to play two good matches." Valverde said he believes that the current Liverpool squad "is not so different" from the team that played in the final last season, against eventual champion Real Madrid. "It has changed some players, but it is similar in style and personality, recognizable and fearsome," he added. The Spanish coach called on fans to continue their support for the team. "The crowd at Camp Nou is already playing a decisive role," he said. "For several weeks now, more than 90,000 fans attend the stadium, and that is what we notice and (our) rivals too."

Rakitic on Lionel Messi: 'Our captain takes the lead and we follow him'

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane refused to defend players after his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-sink-to-10th-league-loss-at-hands-of-lowly-rayo-214359">side's humiliating 1-0 defeat</a> away to bottom-placed Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday. Spanisg giants were dominated by Rayo, who began their weekend at the bottom of the standings.&nbsp;

During the post-match presentation, Zidane said, "I am always going to defend my players but today I can't. It's just the reality of today. We simply can't play like this."

He added, "It's not only the players. I am also responsible. I am the one that makes the team, I am the one that talks to them and prepares the matches and in the end we all did the opposite of what we discussed so this is something that I am going to have to reflect on as well." &nbsp;

Zidane also said that the players underperformed in the match, he said, "We did nothing today on any level, from the first minute until the last."&nbsp;

"Sometimes you are not able to score but today we didn't even create chances, we did nothing well. We have to all be angry with our performance. I am angry because we gave an awful image of ourselves," he added.&nbsp;

The result lifted Rayo off the foot of the table and condemned Zidane to his second league defeat since his return to the club.

The loss also leaves Real Madrid in third place in the table, and nine points adrift of city rivals Atletico with three games remaining.

Atletico will need just one point from their remaining three matches to finish above Zidane's side ahead of what is expected to be a summer clearout at the Santiago Bernabeu.&nbsp;

Real's arch-rivals Barcelona were crowned champions on Saturday following a 1-0 win at home to Levante.&nbsp;

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane refused to defend players after his side's humiliating 1-0 defeat away to bottom-placed Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday. Spanisg giants were dominated by Rayo, who began their weekend at the bottom of the standings.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane refused to defend players after his side's humiliating 1-0 defeat away to bottom-placed Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday. Spanisg giants were dominated by Rayo, who began their weekend at the bottom of the standings. During the post-match presentation, Zidane said, "I am always going to defend my players but today I can't. It's just the reality of today. We simply can't play like this." He added, "It's not only the players. I am also responsible. I am the one that makes the team, I am the one that talks to them and prepares the matches and in the end we all did the opposite of what we discussed so this is something that I am going to have to reflect on as well." Zidane also said that the players underperformed in the match, he said, "We did nothing today on any level, from the first minute until the last." "Sometimes you are not able to score but today we didn't even create chances, we did nothing well. We have to all be angry with our performance. I am angry because we gave an awful image of ourselves," he added. The result lifted Rayo off the foot of the table and condemned Zidane to his second league defeat since his return to the club. The loss also leaves Real Madrid in third place in the table, and nine points adrift of city rivals Atletico with three games remaining. Atletico will need just one point from their remaining three matches to finish above Zidane's side ahead of what is expected to be a summer clearout at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real's arch-rivals Barcelona were crowned champions on Saturday following a 1-0 win at home to Levante.

Zinedine Zidane refuses to defend Real Madrid players after shock defeat to Rayo

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United.

The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6 through injury, but told match officials "to go fuck yourselves" on social media after watching on from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes.

Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football's governing body announced in a statement after opening an inquiry into his outburst on March 22.

The 27-year-old, who will now miss half of PSG's group stage matches in the Champions League next season, was angry with the award of a decisive injury-time penalty which Marcus Rashford scored to send United through.

"It's a disgrace. They get four guys who don't understand football to watch a slow-motion replay in front of the TV," Neymar wrote in Portuguese on Instagram after the game.

He had watched on incredulous from the sidelines&nbsp;as United were awarded the spot-kick for a debatable handball via the video assistant referee (VAR) system, allowing Rashford to fire United into the quarter-finals on away goals.

Neymar was reportedly so enraged by the decision to give the penalty that he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering the referee's dressing room.

United were given the spot-kick after Presnel Kimpembe was judged to have handled Diogo Dalot's shot.

PSG made Neymar the world's most expensive player in 2017 by signing him from Barcelona for 222 million euros as they stepped up their bid to win a maiden Champions League title, but they have now lost in the last 16 in three straight seasons.

Injury has already ruled Neymar out of several key European matches for PSG, the forward missing the last 16-second leg tie against Real Madrid in 2018, then both legs against Man United at the same stage this season.

In June last year, his teammate Gianluigi Buffon was handed a three-match suspension after a tirade against referee Michael Oliver following his former club Juventus' similarly dramatic quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid.

Former PSG defender Serge Aurier was the first player to be banned by UEFA for comments made on social media in 2015.

Neymar's ban comes on the eve of his return to PSG's starting line-up after injury for Saturday's French Cup final against Rennes.

He made his first appearance since January 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown in seven years.

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United.

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United. The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6 through injury, but told match officials "to go fuck yourselves" on social media after watching on from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes. Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football's governing body announced in a statement after opening an inquiry into his outburst on March 22. The 27-year-old, who will now miss half of PSG's group stage matches in the Champions League next season, was angry with the award of a decisive injury-time penalty which Marcus Rashford scored to send United through. "It's a disgrace. They get four guys who don't understand football to watch a slow-motion replay in front of the TV," Neymar wrote in Portuguese on Instagram after the game. He had watched on incredulous from the sidelines as United were awarded the spot-kick for a debatable handball via the video assistant referee (VAR) system, allowing Rashford to fire United into the quarter-finals on away goals. Neymar was reportedly so enraged by the decision to give the penalty that he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering the referee's dressing room. United were given the spot-kick after Presnel Kimpembe was judged to have handled Diogo Dalot's shot. PSG made Neymar the world's most expensive player in 2017 by signing him from Barcelona for 222 million euros as they stepped up their bid to win a maiden Champions League title, but they have now lost in the last 16 in three straight seasons. Injury has already ruled Neymar out of several key European matches for PSG, the forward missing the last 16-second leg tie against Real Madrid in 2018, then both legs against Man United at the same stage this season. In June last year, his teammate Gianluigi Buffon was handed a three-match suspension after a tirade against referee Michael Oliver following his former club Juventus' similarly dramatic quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid. Former PSG defender Serge Aurier was the first player to be banned by UEFA for comments made on social media in 2015. Neymar's ban comes on the eve of his return to PSG's starting line-up after injury for Saturday's French Cup final against Rennes. He made his first appearance since January 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown in seven years.

Neymar banned for three Champions League matches

Manchester United manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everton-loss-not-worthy-of-a-manchester-united-team-solskjaer-212449">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> looked frustrated after suffering an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-thrashed-4-0-by-everton-in-fresh-blow-to-top-four-hopes-212446">embarrassing 0-4 loss to Everton</a> at Goodison Park on Sunday. He even said that the team need to apologise to their fans after a shocking performance.&nbsp;

After the match, Solskjaer admitted that he "didn't know" if he could be confident that his players cared enough to want to play for the club.&nbsp;

On being asked about whether players mind after their hopes of Champions League football next season suffered another huge blow, Solskjaer said, "You're not going to get the answer from me. Of course, if you want to play at this club, it has to mean more. I've said it as well."

He further added, "I want my team to be the hardest-working team in the league. That's what we were under Sir Alex (Ferguson). That's what we've always been."&nbsp;

This is the sixth defeat in eight games in all competitions for manchester United that&nbsp;means they remain two points adrift of the top four in sixth.&nbsp;

Solskjaer said, "Every single week, a shift up and down that pitch for your team-mates. We have to stick together as a team and we can't change the whole squad."&nbsp;

"But it's got to be one step at a time and I've said all along, I'm going to be successful here and there are players there that won't be part of that successful team. But there players there that of course, many of these do have it," he added.&nbsp;

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked frustrated after suffering an embarrassing 0-4 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. He even said that the team need to apologise to their fans after a shocking performance.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked frustrated after suffering an embarrassing 0-4 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. He even said that the team need to apologise to their fans after a shocking performance. After the match, Solskjaer admitted that he "didn't know" if he could be confident that his players cared enough to want to play for the club. On being asked about whether players mind after their hopes of Champions League football next season suffered another huge blow, Solskjaer said, "You're not going to get the answer from me. Of course, if you want to play at this club, it has to mean more. I've said it as well." He further added, "I want my team to be the hardest-working team in the league. That's what we were under Sir Alex (Ferguson). That's what we've always been." This is the sixth defeat in eight games in all competitions for manchester United that means they remain two points adrift of the top four in sixth. Solskjaer said, "Every single week, a shift up and down that pitch for your team-mates. We have to stick together as a team and we can't change the whole squad." "But it's got to be one step at a time and I've said all along, I'm going to be successful here and there are players there that won't be part of that successful team. But there players there that of course, many of these do have it," he added.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unsure 'if the players care' to play for the club

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said that his team should focus on winning record-breaking eighth straight Serie A title and leave behind the disappointment of losing to Ajax in the Champions League.&nbsp;

"Luckily tomorrow we have the chance to win the title, and we must do it tomorrow. We need to get over the disappointment of the elimination in the Champions League," said Allegri in a press conference.&nbsp;

"We need to accept that and move on, because we can't go back in time and we can't change the score. Looking for justifications or alibis is just stuff for those who can never win," Allegri added.&nbsp;

Juventus need just a draw at home against Fiorentina on Saturday to win the title with five matches to spare.&nbsp;

On Cristiano Ronaldo, Allegri said, "I always said that Ronaldo's arrival was not like math, Juventus plus Ronaldo wasn't necessarily the Champions League title. Football is not an exact science."&nbsp;

The Bianconeri are 17 points ahead of Napoli and they also have a better head-to-head record.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be rested again after sitting out the loss at Spal last weekend.&nbsp;

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said that his team should focus on winning record-breaking eighth straight Serie A title and leave behind the disappointment of losing to Ajax in the Champions League.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said that his team should focus on winning record-breaking eighth straight Serie A title and leave behind the disappointment of losing to Ajax in the Champions League. "Luckily tomorrow we have the chance to win the title, and we must do it tomorrow. We need to get over the disappointment of the elimination in the Champions League," said Allegri in a press conference. "We need to accept that and move on, because we can't go back in time and we can't change the score. Looking for justifications or alibis is just stuff for those who can never win," Allegri added. Juventus need just a draw at home against Fiorentina on Saturday to win the title with five matches to spare. On Cristiano Ronaldo, Allegri said, "I always said that Ronaldo's arrival was not like math, Juventus plus Ronaldo wasn't necessarily the Champions League title. Football is not an exact science." The Bianconeri are 17 points ahead of Napoli and they also have a better head-to-head record. Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be rested again after sitting out the loss at Spal last weekend.

We must forget Champions League disappointment, says Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it will take time for his players to get over their UEFA Champions League exit after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cristiano-ronaldos-struggle-to-lionel-messis-double-major-takeaways-from-uefa-champions-league-quarter-finals-211344#son-shines-again-211323">the quarter-finals</a>.&nbsp;

Spurs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-stun-manchester-city-to-go-through-after-seven-goal-thriller-var-drama-211309">dashed City's quadruple dream</a> on a dramatic Champions League night at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday - thanks to VAR.&nbsp;

During the pre-match conference, Pep said, "If you believe it doesn't hurt or if you believe we've forgotten about it, I would say no. So, I don't want the players to forget what they leave (what they have lost).&nbsp;

He added, "I don't want to see my players... when people expect we forget what happened on Wednesday for tomorrow, this is not true. We would not be human beings. So, it will take time. It will take (a) long (time)."&nbsp;

Now, City prepare to face Tottenham again in the Premier League match on Saturday.&nbsp;

In UCL's quarter-final clash, Raheem Sterling thought he settled a pulsating contest with a late strike, only for Sergio Aguero to be ruled offside following a review in a dramatic finale.

There was also controversy over what proved the decisive Tottenham goal in a tie which ended 4-4 on aggregate, with Fernando Llorente's bundled effort only given after a lengthy VAR review for suspected handball.

City did win the second leg 4-3, but it was Spurs who prevailed on the away goals rule - they will now face Ajax in the semi-finals.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it will take time for his players to get over their UEFA Champions League exit after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it will take time for his players to get over their UEFA Champions League exit after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals. Spurs dashed City's quadruple dream on a dramatic Champions League night at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday - thanks to VAR. During the pre-match conference, Pep said, "If you believe it doesn't hurt or if you believe we've forgotten about it, I would say no. So, I don't want the players to forget what they leave (what they have lost). He added, "I don't want to see my players... when people expect we forget what happened on Wednesday for tomorrow, this is not true. We would not be human beings. So, it will take time. It will take (a) long (time)." Now, City prepare to face Tottenham again in the Premier League match on Saturday. In UCL's quarter-final clash, Raheem Sterling thought he settled a pulsating contest with a late strike, only for Sergio Aguero to be ruled offside following a review in a dramatic finale. There was also controversy over what proved the decisive Tottenham goal in a tie which ended 4-4 on aggregate, with Fernando Llorente's bundled effort only given after a lengthy VAR review for suspected handball. City did win the second leg 4-3, but it was Spurs who prevailed on the away goals rule - they will now face Ajax in the semi-finals.

Will take time for players to get over UCL exit: Pep Guardiola

Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels that&nbsp;a player like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lionel+Messi">Lionel Messi</a> deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion".&nbsp;

"I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina. It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion," Rivaldo was quoted by a sports website.&nbsp;

The 47-year-old said that Messi's performance in&nbsp;La Liga and&nbsp;Champions League should be&nbsp;recognised. &nbsp;

"He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised," he added.&nbsp;

Rivaldo also said that&nbsp;Messi deserves Ballon d'Or even if he doesn't win&nbsp;UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.&nbsp;

"Even if he doesn't win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d'Or," added Rivaldo.&nbsp;

The La Liga giants defeated Manchester United in the last eight of UCL to set up the semi-final clash with Liverpool.&nbsp;

With 10 goals, Messi is the leading goal scorers in the ongoing season of Champions League.&nbsp;

He also five Ballon d'Or under his belt and if he lifts this year's award, it will take his tally to six.&nbsp;

Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels that a player like Lionel Messi deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion". "I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina.

Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels that a player like Lionel Messi deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion". "I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina. It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion," Rivaldo was quoted by a sports website. The 47-year-old said that Messi's performance in La Liga and Champions League should be recognised. "He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised," he added. Rivaldo also said that Messi deserves Ballon d'Or even if he doesn't win UEFA Champions League with Barcelona. "Even if he doesn't win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d'Or," added Rivaldo. The La Liga giants defeated Manchester United in the last eight of UCL to set up the semi-final clash with Liverpool. With 10 goals, Messi is the leading goal scorers in the ongoing season of Champions League. He also five Ballon d'Or under his belt and if he lifts this year's award, it will take his tally to six.

World-class player like Lionel Messi must be world champion: Rivaldo

Police in Kenya have been left red-faced after thieves stole guns and ammunition from an unattended checkpost as the officers on duty watched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cristiano-ronaldos-struggle-to-lionel-messis-double-major-takeaways-from-uefa-champions-league-quarter-finals-211344">UEFA Champions League matches</a> down the road.&nbsp;

Three rifles and nearly two dozen rounds were pinched from the checkpost Tuesday evening in Nandi, in Kenya's west, while the officers wandered off to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi play in the UEFA quarter-finals on television at a nearby shopping mall.&nbsp;

"On returning... they noticed the room of the in-charge, which is also used as an armoury in which the steel box is kept, was broken," stated a police report into the incident seen by AFP.&nbsp;

A search was underway for the stolen firearms, the report added. It was not immediately clear if the officers faced disciplinary action.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dutch side Ajax upset Ronaldo's Juventus while Messi's Barcelona crushed Manchester United in Tuesday's quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Football, particularly the top European competitions, is hugely popular in Kenya and across the African continent.&nbsp;

Police in Kenya have been left red-faced after thieves stole guns and ammunition from an unattended checkpost as the officers on duty watched UEFA Champions League matches down the road.

Police in Kenya have been left red-faced after thieves stole guns and ammunition from an unattended checkpost as the officers on duty watched UEFA Champions League matches down the road. Three rifles and nearly two dozen rounds were pinched from the checkpost Tuesday evening in Nandi, in Kenya's west, while the officers wandered off to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi play in the UEFA quarter-finals on television at a nearby shopping mall. "On returning... they noticed the room of the in-charge, which is also used as an armoury in which the steel box is kept, was broken," stated a police report into the incident seen by AFP. A search was underway for the stolen firearms, the report added. It was not immediately clear if the officers faced disciplinary action. Dutch side Ajax upset Ronaldo's Juventus while Messi's Barcelona crushed Manchester United in Tuesday's quarter-finals. Football, particularly the top European competitions, is hugely popular in Kenya and across the African continent.

Thieves steal guns and ammunition as police watch Champions League match in Kenya

A resurgent Mohamed Salah scored one and set up another to inspire a clinical Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Porto in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday that teed up a last-four clash with Barcelona.

The Reds, who eased through 6-1 on aggregate, held off Porto in the early stages before Salah and Sadio Mane combined for the Senegalese to put them ahead with their first shot on target following a VAR review.

Egypt striker Salah doubled the tally after the break and goals from Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk wrapped it up late on.

Porto had briefly reduced the arrears through Eder Militao, but having lost the first leg 2-0 at Anfield, they never seemed in a position to overturn the deficit.

Barcelona advanced on Tuesday when they won 3-0 in their second-leg against Manchester United, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Five-times European champions Liverpool, who had produced a scintillating display to beat Porto 5-0 in the last-16 at the Dragao stadium last season, had a totally different approach this time.

They soaked up the pressure as Porto made an adventurous start, with Jesus Corona curling a powerful shot just over the bar in the opening minute.

Juergen Klopp's side looked temporarily toothless, but they were just waiting for their moment -- which came in the 26th minute.

Mane latched onto a cross from Salah to beat Iker Casillas from close range but he was initially flagged offside, only for referee Danny Makkelie to check the VAR.

After a two-minute review, the goal was eventually given.

Facing the huge task of scoring four goals to qualify, Porto looked stunned, despite having attempted 15 shots before the interval.

Salah, who endured a goal drought in March, confirmed he was getting close to his best again when he coolly slotted the ball past Casillas after collecting a perfect diagonal through ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 65th minute.

It was Salah's first Champions League goal since December, and his first away from Anfield in the competition in 12 months.

Militao soothed the home fans' suffering a little, beating Roberto Firmino in the air to head home in the 69th minute.

Brazilian Firmino, who had started on the bench as Klopp handed a rare start to Divock Origi, made it 3-1 with a downward header with 13 minutes left and Van Dijk headed home a fourth from a corner eight minutes later.

Tottenham Hotspur will face Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final tie.

A resurgent Mohamed Salah scored one and set up another to inspire a clinical Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Porto in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday that teed up a last-four clash with Barcelona.

A resurgent Mohamed Salah scored one and set up another to inspire a clinical Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Porto in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday that teed up a last-four clash with Barcelona. The Reds, who eased through 6-1 on aggregate, held off Porto in the early stages before Salah and Sadio Mane combined for the Senegalese to put them ahead with their first shot on target following a VAR review. Egypt striker Salah doubled the tally after the break and goals from Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk wrapped it up late on. Porto had briefly reduced the arrears through Eder Militao, but having lost the first leg 2-0 at Anfield, they never seemed in a position to overturn the deficit. Barcelona advanced on Tuesday when they won 3-0 in their second-leg against Manchester United, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory. Five-times European champions Liverpool, who had produced a scintillating display to beat Porto 5-0 in the last-16 at the Dragao stadium last season, had a totally different approach this time. They soaked up the pressure as Porto made an adventurous start, with Jesus Corona curling a powerful shot just over the bar in the opening minute. Juergen Klopp's side looked temporarily toothless, but they were just waiting for their moment -- which came in the 26th minute. Mane latched onto a cross from Salah to beat Iker Casillas from close range but he was initially flagged offside, only for referee Danny Makkelie to check the VAR. After a two-minute review, the goal was eventually given. Facing the huge task of scoring four goals to qualify, Porto looked stunned, despite having attempted 15 shots before the interval. Salah, who endured a goal drought in March, confirmed he was getting close to his best again when he coolly slotted the ball past Casillas after collecting a perfect diagonal through ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 65th minute. It was Salah's first Champions League goal since December, and his first away from Anfield in the competition in 12 months. Militao soothed the home fans' suffering a little, beating Roberto Firmino in the air to head home in the 69th minute. Brazilian Firmino, who had started on the bench as Klopp handed a rare start to Divock Origi, made it 3-1 with a downward header with 13 minutes left and Van Dijk headed home a fourth from a corner eight minutes later. Tottenham Hotspur will face Ajax Amsterdam in the other semi-final tie.

Champions League: Mohamed Salah shines as clinical Liverpool see off Porto

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli said the waiting for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that ruled out Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was 'horrible' in their second leg UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday.&nbsp;

On being asked about beating Manchester City, Alli said, "It's an amazing feeling. It was an unbelievable game. We probably could have performed better but to come here, such a difficult place and to do what we needed to do is an amazing feeling."

Spur <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-stun-manchester-city-to-go-through-after-seven-goal-thriller-var-drama-211309">reached the semi-finals</a> of the UCL on away goals following a 4-3 defeat to as they had won the first leg 1-0 and progressed after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.&nbsp;

"We probably could have defended a bit better as a team at the start of the game but we were clinical in the attack as well. In the end we did what we needed to do so we're delighted," added Alli.&nbsp;

On being asked about waiting for VAR result, he said, "It's horrible."

"Obviously, they said VAR and you're waiting around. At the end it obviously helped us out. It's one of those games. But it is an unbelievable feeling."

"They're a top side, a young side but we're looking forward to the challenge," said Alli on facing Ajax Amsterdam in the semis.&nbsp;

Spurs Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld said that his side went from "hell to heaven" when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled out Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal in the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Alderweireld said, "From hell to heaven. I think we couldn't concede at that moment, I think we know what went wrong at that moment so we were a little bit angry, but then suddenly we saw the ref (referee) going back and said it was offside and then it was only one minute more to play."

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli said the waiting for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that ruled out Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was 'horrible' in their second leg UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli said the waiting for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that ruled out Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was 'horrible' in their second leg UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday. On being asked about beating Manchester City, Alli said, "It's an amazing feeling. It was an unbelievable game. We probably could have performed better but to come here, such a difficult place and to do what we needed to do is an amazing feeling." Spur reached the semi-finals of the UCL on away goals following a 4-3 defeat to as they had won the first leg 1-0 and progressed after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate. "We probably could have defended a bit better as a team at the start of the game but we were clinical in the attack as well. In the end we did what we needed to do so we're delighted," added Alli. On being asked about waiting for VAR result, he said, "It's horrible." "Obviously, they said VAR and you're waiting around. At the end it obviously helped us out. It's one of those games. But it is an unbelievable feeling." "They're a top side, a young side but we're looking forward to the challenge," said Alli on facing Ajax Amsterdam in the semis. Spurs Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld said that his side went from "hell to heaven" when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled out Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal in the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Alderweireld said, "From hell to heaven. I think we couldn't concede at that moment, I think we know what went wrong at that moment so we were a little bit angry, but then suddenly we saw the ref (referee) going back and said it was offside and then it was only one minute more to play."

'It's horrible,' says Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli on VAR drama

From Cristiano Ronaldo's struggle to Lionel Messi's double, major takeaways from UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second-leg

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that their comeback victory over Paris St Germain in the last-16 will help the players to recover from a 1-0 deficit against Barcelona in leg-two of quarter-final Champions League clash.&nbsp;

In a pre-match press conference, Solskjaer said, "That memory from PSG will help the players," Solskjaer said at his pre-match press conference.

"It's not that long ago and we are one goal better off."

In the leg one lash at the Old Trafford, Barcelona overcame a punchless Manchester United to take the upper hand after Luke Shaw's own goal.&nbsp;

Shaw deflected a Luis Suarez header into his own net after 12 minutes, handing the Catalans a vital away goal that will make them clear favourites in the return leg.&nbsp;

Barca have not lost at home for 30 games in the Champions League since 2013 and while United can take credit for staying in the tie, they produced little that will overly worry the Spanish side.&nbsp;

The game against Barcelona marks Solskjaer's return to the stadium where he scored United's injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

"Of course it's a fantastic memory for me," he said.&nbsp;

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that their comeback victory over Paris St Germain in the last-16 will help the players to recover from a 1-0 deficit against Barcelona in leg-two of quarter-final Champions League clash.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that their comeback victory over Paris St Germain in the last-16 will help the players to recover from a 1-0 deficit against Barcelona in leg-two of quarter-final Champions League clash. In a pre-match press conference, Solskjaer said, "That memory from PSG will help the players," Solskjaer said at his pre-match press conference. "It's not that long ago and we are one goal better off." In the leg one lash at the Old Trafford, Barcelona overcame a punchless Manchester United to take the upper hand after Luke Shaw's own goal. Shaw deflected a Luis Suarez header into his own net after 12 minutes, handing the Catalans a vital away goal that will make them clear favourites in the return leg. Barca have not lost at home for 30 games in the Champions League since 2013 and while United can take credit for staying in the tie, they produced little that will overly worry the Spanish side. The game against Barcelona marks Solskjaer's return to the stadium where he scored United's injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich. "Of course it's a fantastic memory for me," he said.

PSG win will inspire players against Barcelona, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said that his team has learnt from the mistakes his team did in the previous season of Champions League.&nbsp;

In the previous edition of UEFA Champions League, Barcelona were ousted from the league in the quarter-final when they lost to Roma from a winning position.&nbsp;

Barcelona had beaten Roma 4-1 at the Camp Nou ahead of their trip to Italy for the second leg, however, a 3-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico saw Roma advance to the semi-finals.&nbsp;

On being asked about it, Stegen said, "There are not many words to say about what happened in the past but we won't repeat what was hard to take."

Ter Stegen is confident his side will not repeat the same mistakes against Manchester United having <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-luke-shaws-own-goal-gives-barcelona-advantage-over-tame-united-209409">claimed a 1-0 win at Old Trafford</a> in the first leg courtesy of a Luke Shaw own goal.

He added, "We are here again a year later and we are in the place that we are in (following the first leg against Man United) we would like to avoid what happened in the past and for this it is necessary to have a new story and think ahead and I think tomorrow is a good day to achieve a great win."&nbsp;

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said that his team has learnt from the mistakes his team did in the previous season of Champions League. In the previous edition of UEFA Champions League, Barcelona were ousted from the league in the quarter-final when they lost to Roma from a winning position.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said that his team has learnt from the mistakes his team did in the previous season of Champions League. In the previous edition of UEFA Champions League, Barcelona were ousted from the league in the quarter-final when they lost to Roma from a winning position. Barcelona had beaten Roma 4-1 at the Camp Nou ahead of their trip to Italy for the second leg, however, a 3-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico saw Roma advance to the semi-finals. On being asked about it, Stegen said, "There are not many words to say about what happened in the past but we won't repeat what was hard to take." Ter Stegen is confident his side will not repeat the same mistakes against Manchester United having claimed a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the first leg courtesy of a Luke Shaw own goal. He added, "We are here again a year later and we are in the place that we are in (following the first leg against Man United) we would like to avoid what happened in the past and for this it is necessary to have a new story and think ahead and I think tomorrow is a good day to achieve a great win."

Barcelona won't repeat last year's disaster, says goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Manchester United face an even tougher task to turn around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-luke-shaws-own-goal-gives-barcelona-advantage-over-tame-united-209409">1-0 deficit from the first leg</a>&nbsp;of their quarter-final with Barcelona than their miraculous comeback away to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted on Wednesday.

United became the first side to ever overcome a 2-0 first leg defeat at home to reach the last eight with a 3-1 win in Paris last month.

But Solskjaer, who scored the winner when United won the Champions League at the Camp Nou in 1999, believes Barca's prestigious European history makes beating the Spanish champions a different prospect to PSG.

"Of course the PSG performance away gives us hope and belief we can do it, but we know we are playing against probably the favourites for the tournament," said Solskjaer.

"It will be a greater achievement winning that one with the history of Barcelona. They are not used to losing at home."

Luke Shaw's early own goal was all that separated the sides on the scoresheet, but Barca comfortably edged towards a first Champions League semi-final in four years as United failed to register a single shot on target.

"It leaves a good taste in the mouth to win here, but we know it is not a big enough lead given what happened (with United) in the last round," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

Much has been made of Luis Suarez's Champions League goal drought on the road and while the Uruguayan has still not officially netted an away goal in the competition since September 2015, he had a huge hand in Barca's winner.

Lionel Messi drifted in behind the United defence and his cross hung up to the back post was headed goalwards by Suarez, the ball flicking off Shaw on its way past David de Gea.

An errant offside flag briefly threatened to spoil Suarez's delight. However, the goal was quickly given on a VAR review and the former Liverpool striker took extra glee at having the last laugh with a fist pump in front of the Stretford End.

"The value of the goal doesn't change if another player gets the last touch or not," added Valverde.

The early goal should have settled the Catalans into their stride as their dominance of possession touched close to 90 percent in the opening stages.

Yet they offered United plenty of encouragement with Sergio Busquets in particular off the pace.

"It is very difficult over the course of a season to always be at the highest level," said Valverde.

"To win away from home in the Champions League you have to suffer."

Messi roughed up

United defender Chris Smalling had said "bring it on" at the prospect of facing Messi on the eve of the game.

And he left the Argentine bloodied from the nose as he careered into an aerial challenge on the half-hour mark.

Messi was quickly back on his feet and into the heart of the action, but it was Philippe Coutinho who came closest to extending Barca's advantage before the break with a thunderous low shot that De Gea did brilliantly to repel with his feet.

Moments later United could easily have been on level terms, but the hosts' best chance of the half fell to the wrong man as Marcus Rashford picked out Diogo Dalot only for the Portuguese to completely miscue his header across goal.

However, Rashford also failed to make proper contact with his big chance early in the second-half when Ter Stegen could only punch a cross into his path.

The Red Devils have now failed to score and have lost in four of their last six home Champions League games.

"Those statistics are not bright, we cannot defend not scoring goals at home," added Solskjaer.

"But away from home we beat Juventus, we beat PSG and we have to go to Barcelona and win that one."

The result could have been worse for Solskjaer's men as Suarez fired into the side-netting before De Gea used his feet to good effect once more to deny Jordi Alba.

Manchester United face an even tougher task to turn around the 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their quarter-final with Barcelona than their miraculous comeback away to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted on Wednesday.

Manchester United face an even tougher task to turn around the 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their quarter-final with Barcelona than their miraculous comeback away to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted on Wednesday. United became the first side to ever overcome a 2-0 first leg defeat at home to reach the last eight with a 3-1 win in Paris last month. But Solskjaer, who scored the winner when United won the Champions League at the Camp Nou in 1999, believes Barca's prestigious European history makes beating the Spanish champions a different prospect to PSG. "Of course the PSG performance away gives us hope and belief we can do it, but we know we are playing against probably the favourites for the tournament," said Solskjaer. "It will be a greater achievement winning that one with the history of Barcelona. They are not used to losing at home." Luke Shaw's early own goal was all that separated the sides on the scoresheet, but Barca comfortably edged towards a first Champions League semi-final in four years as United failed to register a single shot on target. "It leaves a good taste in the mouth to win here, but we know it is not a big enough lead given what happened (with United) in the last round," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. Much has been made of Luis Suarez's Champions League goal drought on the road and while the Uruguayan has still not officially netted an away goal in the competition since September 2015, he had a huge hand in Barca's winner. Lionel Messi drifted in behind the United defence and his cross hung up to the back post was headed goalwards by Suarez, the ball flicking off Shaw on its way past David de Gea. An errant offside flag briefly threatened to spoil Suarez's delight. However, the goal was quickly given on a VAR review and the former Liverpool striker took extra glee at having the last laugh with a fist pump in front of the Stretford End. "The value of the goal doesn't change if another player gets the last touch or not," added Valverde. The early goal should have settled the Catalans into their stride as their dominance of possession touched close to 90 percent in the opening stages. Yet they offered United plenty of encouragement with Sergio Busquets in particular off the pace. "It is very difficult over the course of a season to always be at the highest level," said Valverde. "To win away from home in the Champions League you have to suffer." Messi roughed up United defender Chris Smalling had said "bring it on" at the prospect of facing Messi on the eve of the game. And he left the Argentine bloodied from the nose as he careered into an aerial challenge on the half-hour mark. Messi was quickly back on his feet and into the heart of the action, but it was Philippe Coutinho who came closest to extending Barca's advantage before the break with a thunderous low shot that De Gea did brilliantly to repel with his feet. Moments later United could easily have been on level terms, but the hosts' best chance of the half fell to the wrong man as Marcus Rashford picked out Diogo Dalot only for the Portuguese to completely miscue his header across goal. However, Rashford also failed to make proper contact with his big chance early in the second-half when Ter Stegen could only punch a cross into his path. The Red Devils have now failed to score and have lost in four of their last six home Champions League games. "Those statistics are not bright, we cannot defend not scoring goals at home," added Solskjaer. "But away from home we beat Juventus, we beat PSG and we have to go to Barcelona and win that one." The result could have been worse for Solskjaer's men as Suarez fired into the side-netting before De Gea used his feet to good effect once more to deny Jordi Alba.

Beating Barcelona tougher than PSG, admits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United's Paul Pogba has given an epic reply to Real Madrid transfer rumours after his side's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-luke-shaws-own-goal-gives-barcelona-advantage-over-tame-united-209409">0-1 defeat to Barcelona</a> in the first-leg quarter-final of UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

On being about playing against Barcelona in the Classico, Pogba said, "Yes, when we play in the Champions League it's always nice to play against Barca, it’s a dream for anyone."

Then reporter specifically asked his much-speculated move to Madrid, Pogba refused to talk.&nbsp;

"I won’t answer that," he said.&nbsp;

He further added, "I will only speak about the game, nothing else."

The 26-year-old Red Devil midfielder is contracted with the English Premier League side until June 2021. He had recently said, "At the moment I’m happy in Manchester. I play, there’s a new coach. Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I've always said it is a dream club for every player."&nbsp;

French coach Zinedine Zidane has rejoined Real Madrid 10 months after leaving the Spanish giants and speculation is rife about which players he will sign to bolster his squad.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/paulpogba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paulpogba</a> just being Paul Pogba 🕺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUNBAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUNBAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/JynryPFbhF">pic.twitter.com/JynryPFbhF</a>
— sntv (@sntvstory) <a href="https://twitter.com/sntvstory/status/1115609599955152897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Also, Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are vital to his plans of building a team "worthy of the history of the club".&nbsp;

"They are vital for our future. You have got loads of players who you can build a team around and those are two that you asked me about."

Manchester United's Paul Pogba has given an epic reply to Real Madrid transfer rumours after his side's 0-1 defeat to Barcelona in the first-leg quarter-final of UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's Paul Pogba has given an epic reply to Real Madrid transfer rumours after his side's 0-1 defeat to Barcelona in the first-leg quarter-final of UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford. On being about playing against Barcelona in the Classico, Pogba said, "Yes, when we play in the Champions League it's always nice to play against Barca, it’s a dream for anyone." Then reporter specifically asked his much-speculated move to Madrid, Pogba refused to talk. "I won’t answer that," he said. He further added, "I will only speak about the game, nothing else." The 26-year-old Red Devil midfielder is contracted with the English Premier League side until June 2021. He had recently said, "At the moment I’m happy in Manchester. I play, there’s a new coach. Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I've always said it is a dream club for every player." French coach Zinedine Zidane has rejoined Real Madrid 10 months after leaving the Spanish giants and speculation is rife about which players he will sign to bolster his squad. .@paulpogba just being Paul Pogba 🕺 #MUFC #MUNBAR pic.twitter.com/JynryPFbhF — sntv (@sntvstory) April 9, 2019 × Also, Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are vital to his plans of building a team "worthy of the history of the club". "They are vital for our future. You have got loads of players who you can build a team around and those are two that you asked me about."

Paul Pogba responds to Real Madrid transfer rumour

Champions League: Major takeaways from Tottenham vs Manchester City clash

Sergio Aguero's penalty was denied by Tottenham Hotspur's goalkeeper&nbsp;Hugo Lloris in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-son-heung-mins-late-winner-gives-tottenham-edge-over-manchester-city-209155">Manchester City's 0-1 loss to Spurs</a> in Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Chasing a quadruple bid, City were not at their best as Spurs chased and harried Pep Guardiola's side for 90 minutes.&nbsp;

The Argentine was handed the chance to put City ahead when full-back Danny Rose was controversially adjudged by VAR to have used his arm to block a shot, but his 13th-minute spot kick was brilliantly saved by Lloris.&nbsp;

The French keeper's heroics produced a deafening roar not heard along the Tottenham High Road since Spurs moved out of their old stadium two years ago.&nbsp;

However, it was nothing compared to the sound that greeted Son Heung-min's 78th-minute winner.&nbsp;

Watch how Sergio Aguero missed the penalty:&nbsp;

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Hugo Lloris is the first goalkeeper to deny Sergio Aguero from the penalty spot more than once since his move to Europe in 2006. 
 
He has saved 3 penalties this season in all competitions 
Vs. Leicester 
Vs. Arsenal 
Vs. Man City<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOTMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOTMCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/JDxKNMrmdH">pic.twitter.com/JDxKNMrmdH</a>
— Òĸę Ťøşįŋ Řı¢ħąřđ ®💙 (@OTR_Achivas) <a href="https://twitter.com/OTR_Achivas/status/1115708568542613504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Here are some Twitter reactions:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpursOfficial</a> 
 
The Miss Penalty of the Year 
 
Sergio Aguero <a href="https://t.co/X1E7p91EAt">pic.twitter.com/X1E7p91EAt</a>
— JVC 🇲🇼 🇿🇦 🇿🇼 🇺🇸 🇬🇧. 🇪🇺 (@Chimpololo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chimpololo/status/1115723636395134977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sergio Aguero when the ref gifted City a penalty. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOTMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOTMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/nQsli8wEbz">pic.twitter.com/nQsli8wEbz</a>
— #FootyOnTop ⚽️🏃🏾‍♂️ (@DDFootyfactory_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFootyfactory_/status/1115694850920321024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sergio Aguero’s penalty just now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOTMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOTMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/DHtjFj4TY5">pic.twitter.com/DHtjFj4TY5</a>
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) <a href="https://twitter.com/sluggahjells/status/1115694354084052993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Live look at Hugo loris. <a href="https://t.co/qwXjTwWuXI">pic.twitter.com/qwXjTwWuXI</a>
— Alex Wile (@thewiledcard) <a href="https://twitter.com/thewiledcard/status/1079055450291822592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on the eve of the game that his side would need to match the intensity of a City outfit oozing quality, both on the pitch and on a bench containing Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane.

Sergio Aguero's penalty was denied by Tottenham Hotspur's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in Manchester City's 0-1 loss to Spurs in Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

Sergio Aguero's penalty was denied by Tottenham Hotspur's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in Manchester City's 0-1 loss to Spurs in Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. Chasing a quadruple bid, City were not at their best as Spurs chased and harried Pep Guardiola's side for 90 minutes. The Argentine was handed the chance to put City ahead when full-back Danny Rose was controversially adjudged by VAR to have used his arm to block a shot, but his 13th-minute spot kick was brilliantly saved by Lloris. The French keeper's heroics produced a deafening roar not heard along the Tottenham High Road since Spurs moved out of their old stadium two years ago. However, it was nothing compared to the sound that greeted Son Heung-min's 78th-minute winner. Watch how Sergio Aguero missed the penalty: Hugo Lloris is the first goalkeeper to deny Sergio Aguero from the penalty spot more than once since his move to Europe in 2006. He has saved 3 penalties this season in all competitions Vs. Leicester Vs. Arsenal Vs. Man City#TOTMCI #UCL pic.twitter.com/JDxKNMrmdH — Òĸę Ťøşįŋ Řı¢ħąřđ ®💙 (@OTR_Achivas) April 9, 2019 × Here are some Twitter reactions: @ManCity @SpursOfficial The Miss Penalty of the Year Sergio Aguero pic.twitter.com/X1E7p91EAt — JVC 🇲🇼 🇿🇦 🇿🇼 🇺🇸 🇬🇧. 🇪🇺 (@Chimpololo) April 9, 2019 × Sergio Aguero when the ref gifted City a penalty. #UCL #TOTMCI pic.twitter.com/nQsli8wEbz — #FootyOnTop ⚽️🏃🏾‍♂️ (@DDFootyfactory_) April 9, 2019 × Sergio Aguero’s penalty just now #TOTMCI pic.twitter.com/DHtjFj4TY5 — Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) April 9, 2019 × Live look at Hugo loris. pic.twitter.com/qwXjTwWuXI — Alex Wile (@thewiledcard) December 29, 2018 × Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on the eve of the game that his side would need to match the intensity of a City outfit oozing quality, both on the pitch and on a bench containing Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane.

Funny Twitter reactions after Sergio Aguero misses penalty against Spurs in UCL clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has been passed fit to play for Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday, coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Sky Italia.&nbsp;

Ronaldo was rested by the Turin club after his sensational hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the last round of the Champions League on March 12, but picked up a thigh strain while on international duty with Portugal last month.&nbsp;

Although Juve will be without defender Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Emre Can, the return of Ronaldo will be a massive boost as they seek to end their 23-year wait to lift the Champions League trophy.

The 34-year-old is the all-time top scorer in Europe’s elite club competition and almost single-handedly dragged Juve into the last eight with his treble against Atletico in the last 16 after the Italians trailed 2-0 from the first leg.

"Unless something happens, Ronaldo will play," Allegri said. "It’s a pity not to have Chiellini and Emre Can, but the others are fine.

"Having Douglas Costa back is important, (Paulo) Dybala had a good training session this morning. (Daniele) Rugani will play at centre-back, it’s an important opportunity for him and we’re happy.

"The team is in good shape, we had some important days in training, as we can lay the foundations of qualification for the next round and then this weekend the opportunity to win the Scudetto (Serie A title) in Ferrara against SPAL."

After having been given a scare by Atletico in the last round, Allegri said his side will be more offensive in Amsterdam to ensure they get an away goal.

"Tomorrow we must play a more attacking and courageous game than with Atletico Madrid, because we cannot think of leaving here without a goal," he said.

"It’s not often that we see a turnaround of the likes we had against Atleti.

"Ajax knocked Real Madrid out, but also gave Bayern Munich problems in the group stage. It’s the first game of two and we’ll see what happens."

Ajax thrashed Real 4-1 away to reach the quaerter-finals 5-3 on aggregate having finished second in Group E behind Bayern who they held 1-1 in Munich before a 3-3 draw in Amsterdam.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been passed fit to play for Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday, coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Sky Italia.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been passed fit to play for Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday, coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Sky Italia. Ronaldo was rested by the Turin club after his sensational hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the last round of the Champions League on March 12, but picked up a thigh strain while on international duty with Portugal last month. Although Juve will be without defender Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Emre Can, the return of Ronaldo will be a massive boost as they seek to end their 23-year wait to lift the Champions League trophy. The 34-year-old is the all-time top scorer in Europe’s elite club competition and almost single-handedly dragged Juve into the last eight with his treble against Atletico in the last 16 after the Italians trailed 2-0 from the first leg. "Unless something happens, Ronaldo will play," Allegri said. "It’s a pity not to have Chiellini and Emre Can, but the others are fine. "Having Douglas Costa back is important, (Paulo) Dybala had a good training session this morning. (Daniele) Rugani will play at centre-back, it’s an important opportunity for him and we’re happy. "The team is in good shape, we had some important days in training, as we can lay the foundations of qualification for the next round and then this weekend the opportunity to win the Scudetto (Serie A title) in Ferrara against SPAL." After having been given a scare by Atletico in the last round, Allegri said his side will be more offensive in Amsterdam to ensure they get an away goal. "Tomorrow we must play a more attacking and courageous game than with Atletico Madrid, because we cannot think of leaving here without a goal," he said. "It’s not often that we see a turnaround of the likes we had against Atleti. "Ajax knocked Real Madrid out, but also gave Bayern Munich problems in the group stage. It’s the first game of two and we’ll see what happens." Ajax thrashed Real 4-1 away to reach the quaerter-finals 5-3 on aggregate having finished second in Group E behind Bayern who they held 1-1 in Munich before a 3-3 draw in Amsterdam.

Cristiano Ronaldo fit for Juventus clash with Ajax: Massimiliano Allegri