..::Football III::..

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Totti: Not playing for Real Madrid my only regret

Francesco Totti admitted he regrets never joining Real Madrid after receiving a warm welcome at the Santiago Bernabeu in Roma's Champions League defeat.

Legendary playmaker Totti came off the bench late as Roma exited the Champions League to Madrid, and the Bernabeu faithful gave him a standing ovation.And the 39-year-old told Mediaset after the game: "The Santiago Bernabeu is an amazing stadium. Real Madrid are my only regret.

"It was very emotional to get such a warm welcome. This is a great memory for me."

Totti was recently dropped from the Roma squad for the win over Palermo after criticising head coach Luciano Spalletti, but is eager to look forward."I have missed some things in recent weeks, but I want to enjoy this great moment for now," he added.

"We will see what happens from here on."

 

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Luis Suarez: I miss Liverpool

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has admitted that he misses life at Liverpool, a club which he describes as "very important" in his life.

The Uruguayan made a surprise visit to the Reds' Melwood training ground on Tuesday to catch up with several of his former colleagues, and the 29-year-old was pleased to be back.

"It was fantastic to see the lads," Suarez told Liverpoolfc.com. "The people that work here are really nice and I miss them, so I wanted to come and see some friends. I have really good friends here.

"I had a really good moment here in three and a half years and when you have a really good moment in your life, it is something you remember.

"I always try to watch [Liverpool's] games and look out for the results. I am very interested in how Liverpool are doing because they are so important in my life."

 

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Van Gaal promises 'strongest' Man Utd line-up for Liverpool clash


Louis van Gaal has promised to field his strongest available line-up for Manchester United's Europa League last-16 first leg clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday.

The Dutch coach has been boosted by the return to action of Antonio Valencia who has been out since October with an ankle injury but should make the substitutes' bench for the clash with Jurgen Klopp's side.

Van Gaal also revealed that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was getting closer to recovering from a knee problem which has kept him out for two months, but suggested the Liverpool game has come too soon despite the Germany captain's return to training.

"[Antonio] Valencia is coming back and [Bastian] Schweinsteiger is coming back - I think a lot of players shall come back in month of March," Van Gaal told his pre-match media conference on Wednesday."When they come back it's not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of the matches though.

"Bastian has had only one training session with us, Valencia has had a week - he is closer to being on the bench for example but not to play a match, that's different.

"Valencia is fit enough to be on the bench, but to play 90 minutes? I don't think so.
"They are fit to train but, for example, Schweinsteiger only has one training session behind his back.

"You don't have to forget that I shall always make the line-up the strongest I can for the opponent."Nevertheless, I sometimes put youngsters in the line-up, but I think it is the best solution.

"It is always a big game traditionally and historically. Especially because both sides fight for the Champions League position so it's a big game for both sides."

 

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Ibrahimovic tight-lipped on summer transfer rumours amid Man Utd links


Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic remained tight-lipped on a summer move to the Premier League but admitted his relationship with England is "perfect".

The 34-year-old sees his contract at the Parc des Princes expire in June, ending a prolific four-season spell in France, hitting 136 goals in 164 games in all competitions.

While discussing a switch to the Premier League, Ibrahimovic admitted his relationship with England was enhanced by his four goals against the Three Lions in a 4-2 friendly win in 2012.
"After my four goals my relationship with England became perfect. Before that, there was no relationship," he told reporters ahead of PSG's Champions League tie with Chelsea.

"I have another two months with PSG, and then the European Championship with my national team. What happens after that? There is nothing after that. I’m not in discussions with anybody.

"It’s not the moment to talk about that. I'm not worried about the future as the future looks good after this season. People say I’m old but I’m only warming up. The future looks good."

The Sweden international has been linked with a move to Manchester United this week.

 

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Dortmund slam Aubameyang to Real Madrid as ‘complete nonsense’

Borussia Dortmund director Michael Zorc has described a report linking star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a summer move to Real Madrid as "complete nonsense".

The Gabon international has been linked with a big-money transfer to the Bernabeu at the end of the season in a deal reportedly worth up to €100 million.

Aubameyang has again been in stunning form scoring 22 goals in 24 Bundesliga games this season leading to speculation about his future but Zorc insists he had no intention of leaving.

"Complete nonsense. There is no offer neither a request," he told Bild in response to a report the striker had agreed a move to Madrid.

Aubameyang has previously admitted that his childhood dream was to play for los Blancos and that he would relish playing in La Liga.

“My childhood dream? To play at Real Madrid,” he told L’Equipe in February.

"In 2014, before he died, I promised my grandfather who was from Avila, 110 kilometers from Madrid, that I would play there. It will be complicated, but it sits in a corner of my head.

"Real Madrid, or another great Spanish club, would also be a great gift to my mother."

 

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Van Gaal eager for record-breaking win at Liverpool

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is eager to enter the Old Trafford record books by guiding the club to a fifth-straight win over Liverpool on Thursday.

Van Gaal, who is preparing his side for the trip to Anfield in the Europa League, has a perfect record of four victories from four games against Liverpool since taking over in 2014.Another win this week would represent the first time United have defeated Liverpool five times in a row.

"It's curious we have beaten Liverpool so many times under me, but it's good for me as the appreciation is higher from the fans when I beat teams like Liverpool," Van Gaal told reporters."I hope we shall beat them for the fifth time and the sixth time but more for the fans than myself.

"If we win for a fifth time then I am also in the books with a positive record."Van Gaal went on to underline the importance of the tie, as United get set to meet Liverpool in European competition for the first time.

"You have to win - there is no difference with it being a cup competition," he said.
"United against Liverpool is always a big game. It's historical and even bigger now because both teams are fighting for a Champions League place.

"When you play in the Europa League, you are more likely to play clubs from other countries. But now we play against the same teams we normally play in the Premier League. It shows the Premier League is strong."I noticed that you have a negative view of the Europa League in England, but against teams like Midtjylland there were how many fans? 58,000.

"The fans of Manchester United are appreciating it. How many fans do you think we'll have against Liverpool, I think maybe 75,000. I think also Liverpool is sold out, so that's what I have to say, it's very important for both teams and the fans like to see the duel between us."

 

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Muller: I have a special connection with Lewandowski

Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller has hailed his connection with Robert Lewandowski following their sublime run of form in 2015-16.

The two forwards have scored 40 of Bayern's 59 Bundesliga goals between them this term, with Muller netting 17 times and Lewandowski responsible for 23 goals.
Germany international Muller, 26, revealed he is loving life playing alongside the former Borussia Dortmund star."We have a certain connection and both have a great goal instinct," Muller told Bild.

"Plus we get a lot of dangerous balls in from the wings. That's what the coach demands from the team as well."Pep [Guardiola] knows that we cause our opponents a lot of trouble when we both pop up in front of goal.

"The only restriction he's giving me is that I cannot play as an extra striker. I have to play behind Robert."Head coach Guardiola will leave Bayern for Manchester City at the end of the season and Muller is sad to see the former Barcelona boss move on.

"We have gone through a great development as a team - we all know what to do and do it at a very high level," he added."The team would have enjoyed continuing to work with Pep, but he had different plans and that's alright.

"You cannot look into the future, so you never know whether our progress would have halted had Pep stayed put. I don't think anybody would feel bad if we were to stay at this level."

 

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Real Madrid lucky against Roma - Bale

Gareth Bale feels Real Madrid did benefit from some good fortune against Roma, but still were deserving winners of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez struck in the space of four second-half minutes to give Zinedine Zidane's men a 2-0 win on Tuesday and a 4-0 victory on aggregate.

The match could have been very different, though, with Roma squandering four golden chances to score first through Edin Dzeko, Alessandro Florenzi and Mohamed Salah twice.

Bale recognised that Madrid had profited from some good luck, but felt the first-leg display had proven crucial to ensure progression through to the quarter-finals.
"You always need a bit of luck in a game, they had good chances and they could have scored," said the 26-year-old.

"We defended well and in the second half we scored. My team-mates did a great job in Rome and our objective was to play well in this game and score to kill off the tie.

"We achieved that, we are happy and now we will wait for the draw for the next round. We now have to concentrate on La Liga and end the season well."

Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has his sights set on going all the way in the competition, but is aware his team will require an improvement in performance to prevail in three difficult rounds and reach that goal.He said: "There were periods where we had to work hard because Roma are a good side, but we did well and we won.

"During the game there were a few situations where we were attacking and we found it difficult to reorganise ourselves. We know that and we must work to put it right as soon as possible."We all believe that we can fight for the Champions League. We are working towards that and we want to keep on track.

"The European Cup is an important title and we want to win it. In the quarter-final there are no easy opponents. They are all strong and we will have to go in to it with integrity."

 

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Premier League clubs agree £30 away tickets for next three seasons

The Premier League has confirmed clubs have agreed to cap away ticket prices at £30 for the next three seasons.

The 20 clubs in England's top flight have unanimously agreed the price cap which will come into force at the start of next season.

There have been a series of protests about ticket prices at Premier League grounds around the country this season and the Premier League has underlined the importance of supporters to the game.

"Clubs know that away fans have a unique status. They are essential for match atmosphere and stimulate the response from home fans that distinguishes Barclays Premier League matches from those of other leagues," read an official statement.

"This unique status has long been understood by Clubs, who currently provide away fans with a range of measures designed to assist them, including the Away Supporters’ Initiative (ASI), introduced in 2013.

"Away fans have additional travel costs and pay individual match prices, as season ticket and other discounts are not available to them and the responsibility for them is shared between Clubs and therefore it is right that there is a collective initiative to help them.

"At their last meeting on 4 February, 2016, the Clubs unanimously agreed that more should be done to help away fans and, after consideration of a range of options, have now decided to introduce the new £30 maximum price for away tickets."

 

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Tuchel: If Gundogan goes, we'll have to deal with it

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel admits the club "will have to deal" with Ilkay Gundogan leaving the club after reports he has held talks with Manchester City over a transfer.

The Germany midfielder's contract is due to expire in June 2017 and Dortmund are widely expected to cash in on the influential midfielder if he does not sign a renewal.

Goal revealed on Wednesday that City have pulled ahead of Barcelona and Juventus in the race to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, although talks have yet to be finalised.

After Gundogan's uncle and representative Ilhan was spotted meeting with City sporting director Txiki Begiristain this week, Tuchel admitted his disappointment at the speculation.

"I do not understand what the fuss is all about," he said, when asked about the meeting ahead of Dortmund's Europa League clash with Tottenham."We also start planning for next season nice and early. That's the way things work in football.

"I am not disappointed about what's happened. Am I convinced that he will stay put? I will only be convinced he will stay once he signs a new deal. If not, we will have to deal with it.

"Gundogan knows why he is here and how he can develop with Dortmund, I would be amazed if things would change in that regard."

 

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Kroos: Zidane is raising my level

Toni Kroos says Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has helped him improve as a player.

Kroos has been a first-team regular at Madrid since his move from Bayern Munich in summer 2014 and has missed just one game since Zidane took over the first team in January, having been out of Saturday's 7-1 win over Celta.

The 26-year-old returned to the starting XI for Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win over Roma, and he feels that he is reaching a new level as a player under the guidance of the former midfielder.

"With Zidane I'm in a situation where I can raise again my level," he told reporters. "I can play better, and that is largely to his credit.

"The coach knows I can play deep in midfield or in a box-to-box role and a little more advanced."Against Roma I played well advanced, but in recent games played I have played in a deeper role. He knows I can play in various positions."

The Germany midfielder is happy with the way Madrid have improved this season and as they sit 12 points behind league leaders Barcelona, he admitted the domestic crown might be beyond them, but is confident they can achieve success in Europe.

"The league is not over and we have to play every game until the end," he added. "I do not think we can be league champions, but we need those games to prepare for the Champions League."We're playing well. Not in every game, as is logical, but when things have changed like they have for us, it is normal that not everything fits in the beginning.

"We are on the right track. We press more and when we lose the ball we try to recover it quickly. I think we are recovering many more balls than before."We know we can do better and it will be important to apply it in big games, like the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League."

 

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Van Persie again left out of Netherlands squad

Robin van Persie's Netherlands career appears all but over after national team coach Danny Blind left him out of his provisional squad for the upcoming international friendlies against France and England as he looks to build a team for the 2018 World Cup.

The Fenerbahce striker is Oranje's all-time leading goalscorer with 50 goals in 101 appearances and is one of only eight players with more than 100 caps.

However, Blind now prefers the likes of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Luuk de Jong and the uncapped Vincent Janssen, having already snubbed Van Persie for the 3-2 win over Wales back in November 2015.Other notable absentees include Maarten Stekelenburg, Gregory van der Wiel, Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij (injured) and Nigel de Jong.

Blind's 28-man squad includes high-profile names such as Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, while Manchester United duo Memphis Depay and Daley Blind have both made the cut, too.

Ajax left-back Mitchell Dijks and Utrecht defender Timo Letschert, as well as the aforementioned AZ star Janssen, are the three new names in the squad, while PSV attacker Jurgen Locadia could also make his debut.

Jetro Willems makes his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, with Ron Vlaar also returning to the fold.Netherlands host France on March 25, before taking on England four days later.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Kenneth Vermeer (Feyenoord), Jeroen Zoet (PSV).

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Southampton), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Mitchell Dijks (Ajax), Jeffrey Bruma (PSV), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle), Timo Letschert (Utrecht), Erik Pieters (Stoke City), Jetro Willems (PSV), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Ron Vlaar (AZ).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Stoke City), Riechedly Bazoer (Ajax), Jordy Clasie (Southampton), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Davy Propper (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle).

Attackers: Memphis Depay (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Vincent Janssen (AZ), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Jurgen Locadia (PSV), Luciano Narsingh (PSV), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).

 

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Zenit 1-2 Benfica (agg 1-3): Gaitan and Talisca send Portuguese side through

Nicolas Gaitan and Talisca struck late as Benfica came from behind to beat Zenit 2-1 and clinch a Champions League quarter-final spot on Wednesday.

Zenit appeared to have done enough to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and force extra time at the Petrovsky Stadium when Hulk headed in Yuri Zhirkov's cross in the second half.

However, with the clock winding down, Raul Jimenez tried his luck with an unlikely half-volley from long range that Yuri Lodygin could only parry and Gaitan was on hand to nod in the rebound.

That left Zenit needing two goals to progress and they were caught with a late sucker punch as Talisca drilled home a half-volley in injury time to earn a 3-1 aggregate win and spark jubilant Benfica celebrations.

It was tough on a Zenit side who had dominated the second half with Igor Smolnikov and Artyom Dzyuba wasting particularly good chances, but their wait to play in the Champions League last eight goes on.

For Rui Vitoria's Benfica it was another dramatic ending after Jonas' injury-time goal in the first leg gave them the advantage in the last-16 tie and they now join Wolfsburg and Real Madrid in the last eight.Jonas almost doubled Benfica's lead early on when his bending 25-yard free-kick was athletically tipped over by Lodygin.

Zenit responded when Mauricio's long ball over the top was not dealt with and Dzyuba flashed a half-volley wide from the edge of the area when he perhaps should have hit the target.

The end-to-end nature of the contest continued and Benfica worked the ball well on the edge of the area before Renato Sanches drilled a low effort agonisingly wide of the left-hand post.


Benfica goalkeeper Ederson, making his Champions League debut, was then out quick to snuff out a route-one move that led to Dzyuba finding space in the area, while Hulk saw a 25-yard free-kick deflected wide.Unsurprisingly, Zenit controlled possession in the second half, but initially failed to create chances.

Andre Villas-Boas - set to leave Zenit at the end of the season - introduced Oleg Shatov and Smolnikov on the hour and the latter wasted a gilt-edged opportunity.
Hulk picked out his team-mate with a cross from the right, but he failed to make clean contact in the six-yard box and Ederson made the simple save.

Moments later, Shatov burst into the box and laid off to Dzyuba, who could only shoot over the crossbar from 10 yards.But the pressure finally told in the 69th minute. Zhirkov outmuscled Nelson Semedo and worked his way to the left of the area before hanging a perfect cross for Hulk to nod in and level the tie.

The visitors almost mustered an immediate response when Victor Lindelof's header was clawed out of the top corner by Lodygin.

Zenit hearts were broken in the 85th minute, though. Jimenez let fly with an audacious attempt that Lodygin palmed against the woodwork and Gaitan was on hand to gleefully head home into the unguarded goal.

Talisca's stoppage-time strike only served to rub salt in the wounds for Villas-Boas, whose dreams of making European history with Zenit crumbled around him.

 

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Klopp: Liverpool against Man United is one of the best things ever


Jurgen Klopp believes being a part of Liverpool’s rivalry with Manchester United is one of football's premier experiences as he prepares for a historic clash between the sides.

The Reds host their arch-rivals at Anfield on Thursday night in what will be their first-ever meeting in European competition.

And of the fixture, the German said: "It’s why I love football. We all loved it when we were young of course and played it, and in each region in the world you have games like this. Not with these big names but big enough.

"Being part of it, I still cannot have enough of this. Most of the time in my life I could not imagine I would be part of this but now I'll be sitting on the bench for Liverpool FC playing against Manchester United.

"It's still one of the best things I can imagine."
Klopp was initially not aware that the Europa League last-16 tie carried extra significance but admits it adds a greater edge to the two-legged encounter.

"I was really happy with the draw not because it will be easy but because it’s exciting for everyone," he said.

"I didn’t know it was the first time we have met each other in Europe. All the Liverpool world is excited about it.

"It’s really, really big. I hope it’s not the biggest game in my Liverpool career but it’s very important."

The Reds boss suffered defeat in his first taste of the rivalry, with Wayne Rooney converting United’s only shot on target to secure a 1-0 league win in January, but Klopp feels the state of play has altered considerably since.

"It's a completely different situation, that's for sure," he said.

"We have more players available, hopefully it stays like this and so we can make changes when we want to make changes, we don't have to make changes always when we don't want to make changes.

"That's how it is. To use this is now our job, we have to use this situation in the moment because nobody knows how it is next week.

"It's a better moment for us to play very important games but we have to show it on the pitch, not here."

 

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Klopp: I don’t believe in enemies, but Liverpool must add to United’s problems


Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to "make Manchester United’s problems bigger" when the rivals face off in continental competition for the first time in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Reds are out for revenge in the first leg of the last-16 encounter at Anfield, with Louis van Gaal’s men winning the previous four meetings between the two sides.

Liverpool have never suffered five successive defeats against their greatest rivals and will want to ensure that remains the case on their own turf.

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of a game the Reds dominated back in January but this time Klopp is hoping it is Van Gaal who will be left dejected at full time.
"I don’t believe in enemies in football, to be honest. I believe in real, real, real opponents and I like this,” Klopp said.

"I have absolutely no problem with Louis van Gaal but the last thing I want is that he wins in a game like this. Games like this are the mother of all football games.

"It was a difficult situation [for United] and maybe they're not completely through but we want to make their problems bigger.

"At the end I’m pleased for him that he has changed it a bit but he has changed enough I would say, and we can win again, we don’t have to be sorry for Manchester United."

 

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Klopp: Liverpool not looking beyond Man United

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are not already thinking about securing a spot in next season's Champions League by winning the Europa League.

For the first time in history, the Reds will meet bitter rivals Manchester United in European competition on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Anfield.

United boss Louis van Gaal believes that the route into the Champions League for the winners of the competition makes the clash between the two clubs "bigger than ever".Klopp, however, is keen to ensure his team does not get ahead of themselves.

"I don't think we should think about [Champions League qualification]," Klopp told a pre-match news conference. "We should take every game at a time."In the Premier League and the Europa League it's difficult. In the Premier League we don't play against all the teams ahead of us so it is not in our hands.

"In the Europa League, it is not enough to get into the next round [and say you will win it], there are a lot of other quality teams.

"I think it is enough of a target to want to get to the next round without thinking about the final."It is only about this game against Manchester United. It's big enough and it is easy to be completely focused on this job.

"I said after the draw I am happy for this draw, not because I think it is easy but because it is absolutely exciting for everybody. It's a great tournament."During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp enjoyed fierce rivalries with Bayern Munich and Schalke and he believes affairs between Liverpool and United measure up to any derby in world football.

"This is why I love football," he added. "In every region of the world you have big games like this. Liverpool v United is one of the best I can imagine."The crowd will be involved. We do it for them. We enjoy that relationship. The fans can be very decisive.

"I know Liverpool FC and Man United want to be part of the Champions League always. But this is an exciting tournament."

 

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Chelsea 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain (agg 2-4): Zlatan strikes to end Blues dream

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in imperious form to end Chelsea's Champions League campaign, as the striker helped Paris Saint-Germain seal a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge which made it 4-2 on aggregate to the Ligue 1 side.

The Sweden superstar created the opening goal for Adrien Rabiot and, after half-time, he scored for a fourth consecutive Champions League match to secure a repeat of the first-leg scoreline in Paris.

As in the French capital, Chelsea gave the runaway Ligue 1 leaders plenty to think about and Diego Costa's all-action performance was deserving of his 27th-minute equaliser.

But the Spain international limped off with an apparent calf injury and, sensing a loss of impetus from Chelsea, Laurent Blanc's men struck.Ibrahimovic was sent off before his team-mates secured a memorable extra-time triumph over Chelsea in the same round last season.

But he made no mistake on the end of Angel Di Maria's 67th-minute cross, granting him the centre-stage he so often craves and occupies as PSG progressed.

Costa was the focus of plenty of pre-match attention from the PSG camp and he forced a third-minute save from Kevin Trapp after the visitors' defence failed to pass their way out of trouble.At the other end, Branislav Ivanovic slid to clear Di Maria's attempt from the goalmouth as a slaloming run from Lucas Moura cut through Chelsea.

Ibrahimovic converted from an offside position from the resulting corner before his incisive piece of play crafted PSG's 16th-minute opener.The 34-year-old peeled away to the right to collect Di Maria's pass and his low cross was scrambled home by the on-rushing Rabiot.

It initially appeared Chelsea would struggle to respond, but they were level 11 minutes later when Pedro dispossessed Thiago Motta and Willian found Costa, who checked inside past Thiago Silva and steered left-footed into the bottom corner.

Guus Hiddink's decision to select the attack-minded Kenedy at full-back continued to afford PSG opportunities down the Chelsea left, with Ibrahimovic powering a header from Lucas' cross into Thibaut Courtois' arms.

Trapp was relieved not to be punished for spilling a Costa shot, while the already booked Motta was a touch fortunate not to see red before half-time for a high challenge on Cesc Fabregas.

Willian got the better of Marquinhos down the left early in the second half, but a third Brazilian, David Luiz, was on hand to block Costa's shot.

Unfortunately for the hosts, as a compelling contest approached the hour, Costa's excellent individual display was cut short, with in-form youngster Bertrand Traore on in his place.

Raboit broke up play in the Chelsea half to play in Ibrahimovic, although the latter's normally impeccable touch was not up to standard and Courtois narrowed the angle well.Trapp got down sharply to deny the lively Willian in the 65th minute and the German goalkeeper was alert to keep out Eden Hazard's follow-up.

Those saves soon appeared even more valuable when Motta made up for his part in the equaliser with a sumptuous return ball to Di Maria.Granted space in the inside right channel, the Argentina international ruthlessly picked his cross for Ibrahimovic to thump in PSG's 100th goal of the season with a close-range volley.

Ibrahimovic was unable to bundle home a second with 10 minute to play, but, as Chelsea were forced to confront their probable absence from next season's Champions League, the match-winner left the possibility of a dream farewell from PSG on the table.

 

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'Conte is the Italian Mourinho - and he's a great choice for Chelsea'

Antonio Conte will be a great choice for Chelsea’s new manager this summer, according to former Stamford Bridge boss Gianluca Vialli.

Goal understands that Conte has already visited Chelsea’s training ground and is close to agreeing a three-year contract worth £6.5 million per year.

The 46-year-old is also expected to inform Chelsea that Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan and Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal are his two priority transfer targets this summer.

Conte is set to move to Stamford Bridge following Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign, and Vialli has backed the former Juve boss to succeed in the Premier League.

“In Italy they call him the Italian Mourinho – he has the same kind of personality,” Vialli told BT Sport.

“His teams play in a very humble, with humility and a lot of pride. Tactically they are always well prepared when they go out on the pitch.

“He is a winner as well. He won three consecutive titles in Serie A and I think if he signs the contract he will be a great choice.

“I think he’ll adapt. The key in the Premier league is to defend well and be solid at the back. Whatever happens going forward it’s a plus.

“An Italian manager might have a few faults but they’re capable of organising a side better than anyone else.”

 

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Neymar will stay at Barcelona, insists sporting director

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez is confident Neymar will extend his stay with the Spanish club, insisting the attacker is comfortable at Camp Nou.

The 24-year-old has been in negotiations with the world, European and Spanish champions for months, though he is yet to reach an agreement with the club, prompting speculation over a possible move to Real Madrid.

However, Fernandez is sure the Brazil international is happy at the Catalan giants and will stay put for the time being."I'm going to say the same that I thought three months ago," he told TVE. "He will continue with us because he's happy here. Neymar will continue at Barcelona.

"I would be concerned if Neymar wouldn't be comfortable, but that's not the case. He's going to continue at Barcelona.Brazil coach Dunga is hoping Neymar will lead his team at the Olympics on Rio this year as one of the overage players he is allowed to add to his team.

Dunga arrived in Barcelona to hold talks with the club over making Neymar available, but Fernandez admits no decision has been made as of yet."Playing is always a risk," he added. "We'll try to decide the best for the player and for the club. We have to talk."

Neymar has scored 18 goals and made 10 assists this term in 24 La Liga appearances for Barca, who sit eight points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.

 

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Hiddink defends Hazard over Di Maria half-time shirt swap


Guus Hiddink claims there is “no bad intention” with Eden Hazard’s half-time shirt swap with Angel Di Maria and suggests that the two players could have exchanged jerseys so that they would not be half-naked after the match ends.

The Belgium international was criticised by some Chelsea fans over his latest gesture during Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and was booed when he was replaced by Oscar in the second half.

“I haven’t seen it but I am aware of it,” said Hiddink.
“It should not be done but in some countries it’s usual that you do it. Maybe they are both used to doing that.

“I don’t want to see a bad thought about that. It’s not a big issue for me.

“In other countries they swap at half-time so they are not half-naked after the game. Knowing them both there is no bad intention.”