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Real Madrid 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Nacho sends Blancos into last-16
Substitute Nacho grabbed the only goal as Real Madrid qualified for the Champions League last-16 with a hard-fought victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The 10-time European champions initially struggled to get going at the Santiago Bernabeu and the French visitors looked the stronger side throughout the first half of the Group A clash.
However, an opportune finish from defender Nacho, helped by some awful positioning from PSG shot-stopper Kevin Trapp, proved decisive.
PSG responded excellently by bombarding the hosts' goal, Adrien Rabiot and former Madrid winger Angel Di Maria both hitting the woodwork, but the home side held on.
Malmo's 4-0 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk meant Madrid are guaranteed a top-two finish with two more games to go while PSG's undefeated run in 2015-16 is at an end.
Madrid boss Rafa Benitez recalled captain Sergio Ramos and first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas to the hosts' line-up after the pair missed Saturday's 3-1 triumph over Las Palmas, while Laurent Blanc strengthened his XI with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti, Thiago Motta and David Luiz all coming in.
The match began with the same defensive robustness that was displayed two weeks ago when they played out a 0-0 stalemate at Parc des Princes.
The flow of the game was punctuated by a series of injuries 10 minutes in. Serge Aurier and Isco collided heads, with the latter requiring treatment on the sidelines to stem the bleeding, before Verratti was forced off shortly afterwards with a calf injury.
PSG were the better side in the early stages and, after 22 minutes, Ibrahimovic collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot inches wide of the bottom-right corner.
The veteran Sweden striker, who became PSG's all-time top goalscorer earlier this season, triggered further gasps around the Bernabeu shortly afterwards when his dipping free-kick only just skidded the wrong side of the same post
.
But for all PSG's pressing, it was Madrid who took the lead with 35 minutes played. Toni Kroos' hopeful shot deflected off Thiago Silva's outstretched leg and into the path of Nacho, who had just been brought on for the injured Marcelo.
PSG goalkeeper Trapp made the mistake of watching the looping ball rather than the man and the makeshift left-back deftly placed it into the back of the net off the post from an acute angle.
Rabiot, Verratti’s replacement, almost equalised immediately by slamming an effort against the post from the edge of the box, then Maxwell's enticing cross somehow evaded Edinson Cavani and Ibrahimovic a few minutes later.
Former Napoli man Cavani will have been furious with himself in first-half stoppage-time when, one-on-one with Navas, he fluffed his attempted chip and watched as his tame shot was cleared off the line.
The Ligue 1 table-toppers continued their momentum in the second half as a launched through ball put Di Maria through on goal but, despite a fine first touch, the Argentine shot straight at Navas.
It wasn't all PSG, however, and Trapp was forced into a reaction save when Isco's 30-yard strike cannoned off David Luiz's back and towards the top corner before the German tipped it off target.
Madrid dampened PSG's attacking intent as the second half wore on and Isco's lashed effort from close range required Trapp to save with his legs to keep the hosts only one goal up.
Di Maria almost had the final say late on but his effort struck the bar and bounced to safety.
While Madrid can celebrate a spot in the next round of the Champions League, Malmo's defeat to Shakhtar ensures that PSG are just one win away from joining the Spanish side in advancing.
Substitute Nacho grabbed the only goal as Real Madrid qualified for the Champions League last-16 with a hard-fought victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The 10-time European champions initially struggled to get going at the Santiago Bernabeu and the French visitors looked the stronger side throughout the first half of the Group A clash.
However, an opportune finish from defender Nacho, helped by some awful positioning from PSG shot-stopper Kevin Trapp, proved decisive.
PSG responded excellently by bombarding the hosts' goal, Adrien Rabiot and former Madrid winger Angel Di Maria both hitting the woodwork, but the home side held on.
Malmo's 4-0 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk meant Madrid are guaranteed a top-two finish with two more games to go while PSG's undefeated run in 2015-16 is at an end.
Madrid boss Rafa Benitez recalled captain Sergio Ramos and first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas to the hosts' line-up after the pair missed Saturday's 3-1 triumph over Las Palmas, while Laurent Blanc strengthened his XI with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti, Thiago Motta and David Luiz all coming in.
The match began with the same defensive robustness that was displayed two weeks ago when they played out a 0-0 stalemate at Parc des Princes.
The flow of the game was punctuated by a series of injuries 10 minutes in. Serge Aurier and Isco collided heads, with the latter requiring treatment on the sidelines to stem the bleeding, before Verratti was forced off shortly afterwards with a calf injury.
PSG were the better side in the early stages and, after 22 minutes, Ibrahimovic collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot inches wide of the bottom-right corner.
The veteran Sweden striker, who became PSG's all-time top goalscorer earlier this season, triggered further gasps around the Bernabeu shortly afterwards when his dipping free-kick only just skidded the wrong side of the same post
.
But for all PSG's pressing, it was Madrid who took the lead with 35 minutes played. Toni Kroos' hopeful shot deflected off Thiago Silva's outstretched leg and into the path of Nacho, who had just been brought on for the injured Marcelo.
PSG goalkeeper Trapp made the mistake of watching the looping ball rather than the man and the makeshift left-back deftly placed it into the back of the net off the post from an acute angle.
Rabiot, Verratti’s replacement, almost equalised immediately by slamming an effort against the post from the edge of the box, then Maxwell's enticing cross somehow evaded Edinson Cavani and Ibrahimovic a few minutes later.
Former Napoli man Cavani will have been furious with himself in first-half stoppage-time when, one-on-one with Navas, he fluffed his attempted chip and watched as his tame shot was cleared off the line.
The Ligue 1 table-toppers continued their momentum in the second half as a launched through ball put Di Maria through on goal but, despite a fine first touch, the Argentine shot straight at Navas.
It wasn't all PSG, however, and Trapp was forced into a reaction save when Isco's 30-yard strike cannoned off David Luiz's back and towards the top corner before the German tipped it off target.
Madrid dampened PSG's attacking intent as the second half wore on and Isco's lashed effort from close range required Trapp to save with his legs to keep the hosts only one goal up.
Di Maria almost had the final say late on but his effort struck the bar and bounced to safety.
While Madrid can celebrate a spot in the next round of the Champions League, Malmo's defeat to Shakhtar ensures that PSG are just one win away from joining the Spanish side in advancing.
Borussia Monchengladbach 1-1 Juventus: Hernanes sent off as Bianconeri are held in Germany
Hernanes was sent off as 10-man Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Juve would have qualified for the knockout stages with a victory, but the midfielder's second half sending off for a rash challenge ended their hopes of a win.
Gladbach, who went into the game on the back of three consecutive victories across all competitions, took the lead inside the first 20 minutes through Fabian Johnson, but Stephan Lichtsteiner's equaliser ended their hopes of qualifying from Group D with two games left to play.
There had been doubts over whether Lichtsteiner would play football again when he was forced to undergo heart surgery to correct a defect at the start of October, and he was a surprise inclusion in Allegri's starting line-up.His selection proved decisive in a tightly contested match, and his finish from Paul Pogba's exquisite pass put the final touch on a fabulous goal.
Last season's runners-up Juve will seal their place in the last 16 if they defeat Manchester City next time out, while the best Gladbach can hope for now is third place in the group and a spot in the Europa League.
Wearing their striking pink change strip, Juve started on the front foot and almost opened the scoring when Giorgio Chiellini headed a free-kick down for Patrice Evra, who shot narrowly over with the outside of his left foot.
Gladbach soon began to find their flow, and Mahmoud Dahoud almost struck one of the goals of the tournament when he controlled a clearance and thumped a wonderful swerving drive that crashed into the crossbar with Gianluigi Buffon well beaten.
Shortly afterwards, the home side were ahead courtesy of an error by Chiellini, who slipped as he tried to clear Oscar Wendt's cross, allowing Raffael to play in Johnson to get away from Evra and fire an angled shot into the left corner of the net.
Chiellini almost atoned for his error when he out-jumped Granit Xhaka to head narrowly wide from a corner, and Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer then had to be alert to keep out Evra's powerful downward header with a fine save.
Just before half-time, Pogba conjured a moment of magic for Juve, scooping a sensational lobbed pass into the path of Lichtsteiner, and the Switzerland international lashed a first-time volley beyond Sommer to level.Pogba fired narrowly wide shortly after the restart as Juve maintained the momentum that Lichtsteiner's equaliser had given them, and Alvaro Morata had a shot deflected wide as they probed for a winner.
The visitors were in the ascendancy when Hernanes slid into a challenge with Alvaro Dominguez two-footed with his studs up, and referee Bjorn Kuipers showed the Brazilian a straight red card.Despite the setback, Juve continued to press and Pogba went close again with a free-kick that swerved narrowly wide of Sommer's near post.
The home side then came agonisingly close to scoring the winner when Lars Stindl was denied by Buffon, and the veteran goalkeeper made another brilliant late save from Thorgan Hazard to earn Juventus the draw and send Gladbach out.
Hernanes was sent off as 10-man Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Juve would have qualified for the knockout stages with a victory, but the midfielder's second half sending off for a rash challenge ended their hopes of a win.
Gladbach, who went into the game on the back of three consecutive victories across all competitions, took the lead inside the first 20 minutes through Fabian Johnson, but Stephan Lichtsteiner's equaliser ended their hopes of qualifying from Group D with two games left to play.
There had been doubts over whether Lichtsteiner would play football again when he was forced to undergo heart surgery to correct a defect at the start of October, and he was a surprise inclusion in Allegri's starting line-up.His selection proved decisive in a tightly contested match, and his finish from Paul Pogba's exquisite pass put the final touch on a fabulous goal.
Last season's runners-up Juve will seal their place in the last 16 if they defeat Manchester City next time out, while the best Gladbach can hope for now is third place in the group and a spot in the Europa League.
Wearing their striking pink change strip, Juve started on the front foot and almost opened the scoring when Giorgio Chiellini headed a free-kick down for Patrice Evra, who shot narrowly over with the outside of his left foot.
Gladbach soon began to find their flow, and Mahmoud Dahoud almost struck one of the goals of the tournament when he controlled a clearance and thumped a wonderful swerving drive that crashed into the crossbar with Gianluigi Buffon well beaten.
Shortly afterwards, the home side were ahead courtesy of an error by Chiellini, who slipped as he tried to clear Oscar Wendt's cross, allowing Raffael to play in Johnson to get away from Evra and fire an angled shot into the left corner of the net.
Chiellini almost atoned for his error when he out-jumped Granit Xhaka to head narrowly wide from a corner, and Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer then had to be alert to keep out Evra's powerful downward header with a fine save.
Just before half-time, Pogba conjured a moment of magic for Juve, scooping a sensational lobbed pass into the path of Lichtsteiner, and the Switzerland international lashed a first-time volley beyond Sommer to level.Pogba fired narrowly wide shortly after the restart as Juve maintained the momentum that Lichtsteiner's equaliser had given them, and Alvaro Morata had a shot deflected wide as they probed for a winner.
The visitors were in the ascendancy when Hernanes slid into a challenge with Alvaro Dominguez two-footed with his studs up, and referee Bjorn Kuipers showed the Brazilian a straight red card.Despite the setback, Juve continued to press and Pogba went close again with a free-kick that swerved narrowly wide of Sommer's near post.
The home side then came agonisingly close to scoring the winner when Lars Stindl was denied by Buffon, and the veteran goalkeeper made another brilliant late save from Thorgan Hazard to earn Juventus the draw and send Gladbach out.
Sevilla 1-3 Manchester City: First half masterclass sends Pellegrini's men through to last-16
Manchester City booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a fine 3-1 win over Sevilla on Tuesday night.
City needed an injury-time winner from Kevin De Bruyne to secure a 2-1 victory over the La Liga side in the reverse fixture last month, but were dominant from the outset at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The travelling supporters continued their frosty relationship with Uefa by again booing the Champions League anthem before kick-off, but they were roaring with delight soon afterwards as Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho put City 2-0 up inside 11 minutes.Sevilla battled their way back into the contest as Benoit Tremoulinas headed home before Wilfried Bony added City's third nine minutes before half-time.
Juventus' second consecutive draw against Borussia Monchengladbach means Pellegrini's men will head to Turin on matchweek five as group leaders aiming to take another significant scalp heading into the knockout rounds.
The Chilean's decision to include Fernando in a holding role granted attacking license to Fernandinho and the midfielder was at the heart of much of City's fine work during a devastating opening spell.
Having had a penalty appeal rejected, the Brazil international strode forward and threaded a sublime pass for Sterling to slot home left-footed in the eighth minute.
Roles were reversed three minutes later - with Sterling pouncing on a slip from Sevilla full-back Coke to feed Bony, whose shot was magnificently saved by Sergio Rico before Fernandinho nodded in the rebound.
Rico's attempted heroics were almost in vain once again when he got down to tip a strike from former Sevilla winger Jesus Navas onto the base of his right post.Fernando Llorente fired wastefully over on the end of Vicente Iborra's flick on, but Sevilla reduced the deficit after 25 minutes with a wonderful team goal.
Vitolo deftly picked out Coke, who atoned for his earlier error by skipping past Nicolas Otamendi and chipping a cross over Joe Hart for his fellow full-back Tremoulinas to charge in for a simple headed finish.
After Sevilla defender Adil Rami blasted into the side netted, City restored their two-goal cushion nine minutes before the break as Navas collected a Hart clearance to twist past Tremoulinas and cut the ball back for Bony to pick out the bottom corner.
Unai Emery's team began the second half on the front foot, seeking to respond once more, but they were indebted to sharp reactions from Rico to deny Fernandinho a second - Sterling crafting the opportunity with another mazy run in the 53rd minute.
Enjoying arguably his finest performance since joining City from Liverpool in a protracted close-season transfer, Sterling then had a strike blocked on the end of a Fernandinho pass that was delightfully dummied by Bony.A one-two between Ivory Coast team-mates Bony and Yaya Toure saw the latter curl wide as the match entered the final 20 minutes, with Sevilla looking increasingly low on confidence.
The Europa League holders now trail second placed Juventus by five points and can't overtake City due to an inferior head-to-head record.
Manchester City booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a fine 3-1 win over Sevilla on Tuesday night.
City needed an injury-time winner from Kevin De Bruyne to secure a 2-1 victory over the La Liga side in the reverse fixture last month, but were dominant from the outset at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The travelling supporters continued their frosty relationship with Uefa by again booing the Champions League anthem before kick-off, but they were roaring with delight soon afterwards as Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho put City 2-0 up inside 11 minutes.Sevilla battled their way back into the contest as Benoit Tremoulinas headed home before Wilfried Bony added City's third nine minutes before half-time.
Juventus' second consecutive draw against Borussia Monchengladbach means Pellegrini's men will head to Turin on matchweek five as group leaders aiming to take another significant scalp heading into the knockout rounds.
The Chilean's decision to include Fernando in a holding role granted attacking license to Fernandinho and the midfielder was at the heart of much of City's fine work during a devastating opening spell.
Having had a penalty appeal rejected, the Brazil international strode forward and threaded a sublime pass for Sterling to slot home left-footed in the eighth minute.
Roles were reversed three minutes later - with Sterling pouncing on a slip from Sevilla full-back Coke to feed Bony, whose shot was magnificently saved by Sergio Rico before Fernandinho nodded in the rebound.
Rico's attempted heroics were almost in vain once again when he got down to tip a strike from former Sevilla winger Jesus Navas onto the base of his right post.Fernando Llorente fired wastefully over on the end of Vicente Iborra's flick on, but Sevilla reduced the deficit after 25 minutes with a wonderful team goal.
Vitolo deftly picked out Coke, who atoned for his earlier error by skipping past Nicolas Otamendi and chipping a cross over Joe Hart for his fellow full-back Tremoulinas to charge in for a simple headed finish.
After Sevilla defender Adil Rami blasted into the side netted, City restored their two-goal cushion nine minutes before the break as Navas collected a Hart clearance to twist past Tremoulinas and cut the ball back for Bony to pick out the bottom corner.
Unai Emery's team began the second half on the front foot, seeking to respond once more, but they were indebted to sharp reactions from Rico to deny Fernandinho a second - Sterling crafting the opportunity with another mazy run in the 53rd minute.
Enjoying arguably his finest performance since joining City from Liverpool in a protracted close-season transfer, Sterling then had a strike blocked on the end of a Fernandinho pass that was delightfully dummied by Bony.A one-two between Ivory Coast team-mates Bony and Yaya Toure saw the latter curl wide as the match entered the final 20 minutes, with Sevilla looking increasingly low on confidence.
The Europa League holders now trail second placed Juventus by five points and can't overtake City due to an inferior head-to-head record.
Finally! Rooney scores... but Van Gaal booed after Martial substitution
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney finally got back on the scoresheet as his decisive goal improved the mood at Old Trafford with a 1-0 win against CSKA Moscow.
Manager Louis van Gaal had earlier been booed for substituting Anthony Martial as his side neared four full games without scoring but, says Goal correspondent Kris Voakes, the match ended up being "a step in the right direction" for the Red Devils.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney finally got back on the scoresheet as his decisive goal improved the mood at Old Trafford with a 1-0 win against CSKA Moscow.
Manager Louis van Gaal had earlier been booed for substituting Anthony Martial as his side neared four full games without scoring but, says Goal correspondent Kris Voakes, the match ended up being "a step in the right direction" for the Red Devils.
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Europe's greats sit up and take notice as Manchester City qualify in style
Manchester City supporters have waited a long, long time for a really top-level Champions League performance. Europe's biggest clubs had been hoping it would never arrived. On Tuesday night it did, and in some style. It can be easy for fans and pundits to get carried away in victory, but in this case it is difficult to overstate how impressive City actually were.
Too often the Blues have gone into the final weeks of the group stages needing something approaching a miracle. This time they’re through to the last 16 with two games to spare - from the supposed group of death.
From beginning to end at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, every single player was more or less flawless. In fact, we could get the negatives out of the way and cover the disappointing moments in one sentence; Nicolas Otamendi and Jesus Navas left a little to be desired for Benoit Tremoulinas’ goal. They both made up for it over the rest of the night.
Many fans wanted to see a solid, intelligent European display in the build-up to this match and they got their wish. Too open against Sevilla at the Etihad two weeks ago, it was a completely different story here. The midfield trio of Fernando, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure worked perfectly. Not only did they allow a counter-attacking approach, they also helped dictate the play and dominate possession when City needed to control proceedings. All three were imperious but Fernandinho shone brighter than his two accomplices, and indeed everybody else on the pitch. He was everywhere, whether winning the ball in front of the defence or popping up in the box to head home the loose ball.
He has been a consistent performer this season but on Tuesday even some of the more frustrating players were at the top of their game. Jesus Navas, on an emotional night for him back at his boyhood club, had one of his more productive games on the right, setting up Wilfried Bony for the third goal. The Ivorian striker took that goal well, worked the ball impressively and linked up with his wide men and midfielders. Raheem Sterling was often dangerous and got things rolling after just eight minutes with the kind of incisive finish that so many fans want to see on a more regular basis.
The defensive unit, barring that Tremoulinas reply, were as solid as the midfield in front of them and Joe Hart, when called upon, was reliable. One save at 2-1 was both brilliant and vital, and he also played a key role in his side’s third goal, launching the ball forward to Navas on the right.
This was as close as you can get to a complete European away performance.
So what does this mean? Vincent Kompany said before the match that winning the Champions League is the club’s last remaining challenge in proving they are regarded as the real deal on the biggest stage. Performances like this will help no end.
City may not generally be thought of as genuine European contenders, but teams on the continent know that a storm is brewing in Manchester. There is an acceptance that it is a matter of when, and not if, they finally make their mark. On this evidence, that could well be ahead of schedule.
Manuel Pellegrini has for too long been regarded as an inflexible coach whose tactics will only get so far in top-level European competition. But he has shown in recent weeks that he can mix things up when required and if he can get all of the club’s vastly expensive, vastly talented stars working in perfect harmony then clubs across Europe really will be sitting up and taking notice.
No big club wanted to be paired with them when the draw was made back in August and on this evidence nobody will want to be anywhere near them in the knock-out draw.
Indeed, despite losing their opening game to Juventus – which many put down to a lack of European nous – alongside Real Madrid they are the first team to qualify for the next stage.
City have picked up eye-catching victories in the past, but this tops the lot. Beating Bayern Munich 3-2 last season was incredible, but it took the superhuman efforts of Sergio Aguero to down Pep Guardiola’s 10 men. This was the next level.
The target now is to secure top spot from their two remaining games. After that – if they can repeat this type of performance – they can stand toe-to-toe with the very best around. Europe’s finest should watch out.
Manchester City supporters have waited a long, long time for a really top-level Champions League performance. Europe's biggest clubs had been hoping it would never arrived. On Tuesday night it did, and in some style. It can be easy for fans and pundits to get carried away in victory, but in this case it is difficult to overstate how impressive City actually were.
Too often the Blues have gone into the final weeks of the group stages needing something approaching a miracle. This time they’re through to the last 16 with two games to spare - from the supposed group of death.
From beginning to end at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, every single player was more or less flawless. In fact, we could get the negatives out of the way and cover the disappointing moments in one sentence; Nicolas Otamendi and Jesus Navas left a little to be desired for Benoit Tremoulinas’ goal. They both made up for it over the rest of the night.
Many fans wanted to see a solid, intelligent European display in the build-up to this match and they got their wish. Too open against Sevilla at the Etihad two weeks ago, it was a completely different story here. The midfield trio of Fernando, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure worked perfectly. Not only did they allow a counter-attacking approach, they also helped dictate the play and dominate possession when City needed to control proceedings. All three were imperious but Fernandinho shone brighter than his two accomplices, and indeed everybody else on the pitch. He was everywhere, whether winning the ball in front of the defence or popping up in the box to head home the loose ball.
He has been a consistent performer this season but on Tuesday even some of the more frustrating players were at the top of their game. Jesus Navas, on an emotional night for him back at his boyhood club, had one of his more productive games on the right, setting up Wilfried Bony for the third goal. The Ivorian striker took that goal well, worked the ball impressively and linked up with his wide men and midfielders. Raheem Sterling was often dangerous and got things rolling after just eight minutes with the kind of incisive finish that so many fans want to see on a more regular basis.
The defensive unit, barring that Tremoulinas reply, were as solid as the midfield in front of them and Joe Hart, when called upon, was reliable. One save at 2-1 was both brilliant and vital, and he also played a key role in his side’s third goal, launching the ball forward to Navas on the right.
This was as close as you can get to a complete European away performance.
So what does this mean? Vincent Kompany said before the match that winning the Champions League is the club’s last remaining challenge in proving they are regarded as the real deal on the biggest stage. Performances like this will help no end.
City may not generally be thought of as genuine European contenders, but teams on the continent know that a storm is brewing in Manchester. There is an acceptance that it is a matter of when, and not if, they finally make their mark. On this evidence, that could well be ahead of schedule.
Manuel Pellegrini has for too long been regarded as an inflexible coach whose tactics will only get so far in top-level European competition. But he has shown in recent weeks that he can mix things up when required and if he can get all of the club’s vastly expensive, vastly talented stars working in perfect harmony then clubs across Europe really will be sitting up and taking notice.
No big club wanted to be paired with them when the draw was made back in August and on this evidence nobody will want to be anywhere near them in the knock-out draw.
Indeed, despite losing their opening game to Juventus – which many put down to a lack of European nous – alongside Real Madrid they are the first team to qualify for the next stage.
City have picked up eye-catching victories in the past, but this tops the lot. Beating Bayern Munich 3-2 last season was incredible, but it took the superhuman efforts of Sergio Aguero to down Pep Guardiola’s 10 men. This was the next level.
The target now is to secure top spot from their two remaining games. After that – if they can repeat this type of performance – they can stand toe-to-toe with the very best around. Europe’s finest should watch out.
Paris Saint-Germain owner denies Ronaldo talks with Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hinted at his side's interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
After the French champions were beaten 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League, Al-Khelaifi responded to reports of their pursuit of the Portuguese by insisting that they "respect" his contract with the Spanish club.
Though denying that PSG have had any contact with Madrid over a deal for the 30-year-old forward, he admitted that he would say the same thing had any negotiations in fact taken place.
"Ronaldo has a contract with Real Madrid and we respect that," he told beIN Sports, "If there were negotiations they would be in secret. But right now we don't have any negotiations with Ronaldo at all."
Ronaldo did not have his best game for Madrid as they beat the French champions, with first-half substitute Nacho netting the winning goal with only his second touch.
The Portuguese has already scored five goals in the Champions League this season, however, with a further 10 having come for Rafa Benitez's side in La Liga.
Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hinted at his side's interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
After the French champions were beaten 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League, Al-Khelaifi responded to reports of their pursuit of the Portuguese by insisting that they "respect" his contract with the Spanish club.
Though denying that PSG have had any contact with Madrid over a deal for the 30-year-old forward, he admitted that he would say the same thing had any negotiations in fact taken place.
"Ronaldo has a contract with Real Madrid and we respect that," he told beIN Sports, "If there were negotiations they would be in secret. But right now we don't have any negotiations with Ronaldo at all."
Ronaldo did not have his best game for Madrid as they beat the French champions, with first-half substitute Nacho netting the winning goal with only his second touch.
The Portuguese has already scored five goals in the Champions League this season, however, with a further 10 having come for Rafa Benitez's side in La Liga.
Scholes blasts Ashley Young's 'embarrassing' dive
Paul Scholes has branded Ashley Young “embarrassing” after the winger’s dive in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
With the match goalless in the second half and United heading for their fourth consecutive 0-0 draw, Young looked to win a penalty after colliding with Georgy Schennikov inside the CSKA area.
Young was not booked for simulation but Scholes believes diving is something the midfielder is struggling to eradicate from his game.
“Ashley needs to stop doing this,” Scholes told BT Sport.
“He knows himself he needs to stop doing this but it’s just a habit, he can’t get rid of it.
“It’s so obvious and just needs to get it out of his game.
“It is embarrassing and he needs to get rid of it. Ashley knows that. He’s a really good player and he doesn’t need to resort to these tactics but I think it’s something ingrained in him.”
Wayne Rooney's second-half header sealed a 1-0 win over CSKA to send Louis van Gaal's side to the top of Group B.
Paul Scholes has branded Ashley Young “embarrassing” after the winger’s dive in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
With the match goalless in the second half and United heading for their fourth consecutive 0-0 draw, Young looked to win a penalty after colliding with Georgy Schennikov inside the CSKA area.
Young was not booked for simulation but Scholes believes diving is something the midfielder is struggling to eradicate from his game.
“Ashley needs to stop doing this,” Scholes told BT Sport.
“He knows himself he needs to stop doing this but it’s just a habit, he can’t get rid of it.
“It’s so obvious and just needs to get it out of his game.
“It is embarrassing and he needs to get rid of it. Ashley knows that. He’s a really good player and he doesn’t need to resort to these tactics but I think it’s something ingrained in him.”
Wayne Rooney's second-half header sealed a 1-0 win over CSKA to send Louis van Gaal's side to the top of Group B.
Van Gaal: I heard fan reaction to Martial sub, I'm not deaf!Louis van Gaal acknowledged Manchester United fans' disapproval of his decision to replace Anthony Martial with Marouane Fellaini during the victory over CSKA Moscow, but believes the substitution was vindicated by the rend esult.
With United facing a run of four games without scoring a goal heading into the closing stages at Old Trafford, Van Gaal brought on Fellaini in place of top scorer Martial - a substitution which was booed by home fans.
But Wayne Rooney ended his side's goal drought in the 79th minute, leaving the Dutchman to defend the decision.
"Of course I heard that, I'm not deaf," Van Gaal told reporters. "That's the opinion of the fans. But afterwards they shall not be disappointed with the decision."
Van Gaal was also pleased to see Rooney, playing as a central striker, defy his critics to score his 237th United goal, moving level with club legend Denis Law in the process.
He said: "I back all of my players, not only Wayne Rooney. OK, Wayne Rooney is always the centre of attention and I always have to answer questions about him. But Wayne is Wayne and he will always contribute in a game.
"I am very happy because I put him again in the striker's position and he scored. But the whole goal was good, the recovery of Marcos Rojo, the pass of [Michael] Carrick, the pass of Lingard and also the header from Rooney.
"I am happy with the victory and also that we are top of the group."
Chelsea reject £35.5m bid from Monaco for Mourinho
Monaco have had a €50 million (£35.5m) bid for Jose Mourinho rejected by Chelsea, according to a minority shareholder for the Ligue 1 club.
Alessandro Proto, an Italian businessman, claims to have met with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in London for talks about Mourinho’s availability.
"We offered €50 million to have the coach immediately, but the request was €100m and that figure seems exaggerated," Proto Enterprises said in a statement to EFE.
The press release also claims that the offer was rejected because Mourinho was classed as “the best coach in the world” by Abramovich.
Mourinho is under pressure to deliver results after Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge - their eighth in all competitions this season - left the club 15th in the Premier League.
"I have four years. In this case, three years and seven months,” said the Chelsea manager on Tuesday.
"Yes, I know why the results have been different but I can’t tell you because I’ll be here a long time. It’s a combination of factors. Some of them I can’t, I don’t even want to touch them — but yes I know."
Monaco have had a €50 million (£35.5m) bid for Jose Mourinho rejected by Chelsea, according to a minority shareholder for the Ligue 1 club.
Alessandro Proto, an Italian businessman, claims to have met with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in London for talks about Mourinho’s availability.
"We offered €50 million to have the coach immediately, but the request was €100m and that figure seems exaggerated," Proto Enterprises said in a statement to EFE.
The press release also claims that the offer was rejected because Mourinho was classed as “the best coach in the world” by Abramovich.
Mourinho is under pressure to deliver results after Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge - their eighth in all competitions this season - left the club 15th in the Premier League.
"I have four years. In this case, three years and seven months,” said the Chelsea manager on Tuesday.
"Yes, I know why the results have been different but I can’t tell you because I’ll be here a long time. It’s a combination of factors. Some of them I can’t, I don’t even want to touch them — but yes I know."
Di Maria dramatically better against Real Madrid - Blanc
Laurent Blanc singled out Angel Di Maria for praise after Paris Saint-Germain pushed Real Madrid all the way in Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League defeat.
PSG were the better side prior to Nacho's 35th-minute goal and continued to threaten thereafter, but failed to force a deserved equaliser in the Group A clash.
Di Maria had the best two chances of the second half for PSG, forcing a one-on-one save from Keylor Navas just after half-time before hitting the crossbar with a free-kick late on.
Blanc lauded the Argentina midfielder – who signed from Manchester United for an estimated €63million at the start of the season – for upping his game against his former club.
"Just like the rest of the team, Angel dramatically raised his performance level compared to recent matches," the coach told reporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"That result shows how football can turn out sometimes. But I think in a game like that – even if we didn't get the points we came for – we have to see the positives.
"After the first leg [which was drawn 0-0 at Parc des Princes a fortnight ago], some people said that we are not able to compete with the tempo of Real, but we showed that we can endanger any team tonight.
"Compared to our last game against Madrid, our offensive movement was much better. Real Madrid didn't come close to walking all over us.
"We have to build on this; it bodes well for the future. I'm pretty satisfied on the balance of both games against Madrid."
PSG, who have a 10-point lead in Ligue 1 already, have a four point cushion in second spot in the group and look primed to join Madrid in the last 16.
Laurent Blanc singled out Angel Di Maria for praise after Paris Saint-Germain pushed Real Madrid all the way in Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League defeat.
PSG were the better side prior to Nacho's 35th-minute goal and continued to threaten thereafter, but failed to force a deserved equaliser in the Group A clash.
Di Maria had the best two chances of the second half for PSG, forcing a one-on-one save from Keylor Navas just after half-time before hitting the crossbar with a free-kick late on.
Blanc lauded the Argentina midfielder – who signed from Manchester United for an estimated €63million at the start of the season – for upping his game against his former club.
"Just like the rest of the team, Angel dramatically raised his performance level compared to recent matches," the coach told reporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"That result shows how football can turn out sometimes. But I think in a game like that – even if we didn't get the points we came for – we have to see the positives.
"After the first leg [which was drawn 0-0 at Parc des Princes a fortnight ago], some people said that we are not able to compete with the tempo of Real, but we showed that we can endanger any team tonight.
"Compared to our last game against Madrid, our offensive movement was much better. Real Madrid didn't come close to walking all over us.
"We have to build on this; it bodes well for the future. I'm pretty satisfied on the balance of both games against Madrid."
PSG, who have a 10-point lead in Ligue 1 already, have a four point cushion in second spot in the group and look primed to join Madrid in the last 16.
'Chelsea knew what they were getting into when Mourinho returned'
Jose Mourinho’s former mentor and close ally Augusto Inacio insists Chelsea were fully aware of the Portuguese manager's temperament when he rejoined Stamford Bridge and believes Roman Abramovich would be wrong to sack him.
Despite winning the Premier League and Capital One Cup last season, Chelsea have made their worst start to a campaign in 37 years. Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Liverpool was their sixth league loss so far. Mourinho, meanwhile, has been forced to deny that members of his squad have turned against him.
But Inacio, who was a coach at Porto when Mourinho was compiling scout reports on opposing teams for Sir Bobby Robson, maintains the Chelsea boss should not alter the way he is handling his players and the media.
“The English know what Mourinho’s personality is like,” Inacio told Goal.
“He’s a forward, direct coach. It’s not new, he’s always been like that and I’m sure he won’t change. If there are confrontations, he responds because he has to respond.
“Jose previously told me he’s happy at Chelsea and living in London. I’m sure that hasn’t changed. I’m sure he wants to continue there and be happy and successful.
“He’s done a fantastic job at Chelsea. This year has not gone well so far, but it’s not a reason for him to leave Chelsea, as from one moment to another Jose can get Chelsea out of the situation.
“He’s a winner, with a winning mentality. He believes in his players and in his own technical ability. If they get two wins in a row they will get confidence. It’s a delicate moment, but I believe in Jose’s ability to get out of the situation.”
Despite several reports of unrest in the Chelsea dressing room, Inacio believes Mourinho is the right man to instil confidence in his players and deserves until the end of the season to turn things around.
“I know people like to win a lot. When you lose confidence it’s not the same, that’s football. That’s England, everyone’s like that,” said Sporting’s director of football.
“Jose is good for confidence and for stability. That’s why Chelsea should have some patience and only analyse at the end of the situation. They should let him continue until the end of the season, then analyse the situation.
Jose Mourinho’s former mentor and close ally Augusto Inacio insists Chelsea were fully aware of the Portuguese manager's temperament when he rejoined Stamford Bridge and believes Roman Abramovich would be wrong to sack him.
Despite winning the Premier League and Capital One Cup last season, Chelsea have made their worst start to a campaign in 37 years. Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Liverpool was their sixth league loss so far. Mourinho, meanwhile, has been forced to deny that members of his squad have turned against him.
But Inacio, who was a coach at Porto when Mourinho was compiling scout reports on opposing teams for Sir Bobby Robson, maintains the Chelsea boss should not alter the way he is handling his players and the media.
“The English know what Mourinho’s personality is like,” Inacio told Goal.
“He’s a forward, direct coach. It’s not new, he’s always been like that and I’m sure he won’t change. If there are confrontations, he responds because he has to respond.
“Jose previously told me he’s happy at Chelsea and living in London. I’m sure that hasn’t changed. I’m sure he wants to continue there and be happy and successful.
“He’s done a fantastic job at Chelsea. This year has not gone well so far, but it’s not a reason for him to leave Chelsea, as from one moment to another Jose can get Chelsea out of the situation.
“He’s a winner, with a winning mentality. He believes in his players and in his own technical ability. If they get two wins in a row they will get confidence. It’s a delicate moment, but I believe in Jose’s ability to get out of the situation.”
Despite several reports of unrest in the Chelsea dressing room, Inacio believes Mourinho is the right man to instil confidence in his players and deserves until the end of the season to turn things around.
“I know people like to win a lot. When you lose confidence it’s not the same, that’s football. That’s England, everyone’s like that,” said Sporting’s director of football.
“Jose is good for confidence and for stability. That’s why Chelsea should have some patience and only analyse at the end of the situation. They should let him continue until the end of the season, then analyse the situation.
Marco Reus names his favourite ever player... and it's Tomas Rosicky!
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus has named Tomas Rosicky as his favourite player of all time.
The 35-year-old has yet to feature for Arsenal this season after requiring an operation on a knee injury, while his contract with Arsene Wenger’s side expires at the end of the campaign.
Reus, a lifelong Dortmund supporter, was 13 years old when Rosicky played an instrumental role in the club's Bundesliga title victory in 2002.
In a Q&A on the Europa League’s official Facebook page, Reus was also asked to give his take on the Cristiano Ronaldo - Lionel Messi debate.
“That's really difficult to say,” replied the Germany international.
“Both are playing at a high level. They have been above everyone else for some years now. They possess qualities which other players don't have and they have consistency!”
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus has named Tomas Rosicky as his favourite player of all time.
The 35-year-old has yet to feature for Arsenal this season after requiring an operation on a knee injury, while his contract with Arsene Wenger’s side expires at the end of the campaign.
Reus, a lifelong Dortmund supporter, was 13 years old when Rosicky played an instrumental role in the club's Bundesliga title victory in 2002.
In a Q&A on the Europa League’s official Facebook page, Reus was also asked to give his take on the Cristiano Ronaldo - Lionel Messi debate.
“That's really difficult to say,” replied the Germany international.
“Both are playing at a high level. They have been above everyone else for some years now. They possess qualities which other players don't have and they have consistency!”
Schmeichel praises United's 'best' performance
Peter Schmeichel believes Manchester United's 1-0 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow was the club's best performance of the season.
Wayne Rooney lined up behind teenage sensation Anthony Martial at the head of the attack on Tuesday, a tactical alteration widely encouraged by many supporters.
The former United goalkeeper – who made 393 appearances for the Old Trafford club – believes manager Louis van Gaal acknowledged the demands of United fans with the formation switch.
"It is the best I have seen United play this season," Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "It looks like Van Gaal may have listened to us - a little change of personnel, with Rooney playing off Martial, who was playing through the middle.
"And actually Rooney played really, really well. It looks like that is his position. Late on, he got into the number nine position and he scored from that, but he drops deep, can pass the ball.
"He has a little bit of the same ability as Paul Scholes in that he can drop deep and put those long balls into the corners for the quick players to run for. And I thought he played really, really well today."
Schmeichel was highly impressed by the skipper's contribution against CSKA as he scored United's first goal in 404 minutes.
The former Denmark international said he felt Rooney had not been used in his most efficient role in recent weeks.
"When you are Wayne Rooney and do not score for a few games, then people will start to look at him," Schmeichel said.
"I think he has been played out of position, I think his right position is today's and I could even see him in playing central midfield as well.
"He has done that when Fergie [Alex Ferguson] was manager and he has done that exceptionally well. But today I thought he played fantastic."
Peter Schmeichel believes Manchester United's 1-0 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow was the club's best performance of the season.
Wayne Rooney lined up behind teenage sensation Anthony Martial at the head of the attack on Tuesday, a tactical alteration widely encouraged by many supporters.
The former United goalkeeper – who made 393 appearances for the Old Trafford club – believes manager Louis van Gaal acknowledged the demands of United fans with the formation switch.
"It is the best I have seen United play this season," Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "It looks like Van Gaal may have listened to us - a little change of personnel, with Rooney playing off Martial, who was playing through the middle.
"And actually Rooney played really, really well. It looks like that is his position. Late on, he got into the number nine position and he scored from that, but he drops deep, can pass the ball.
"He has a little bit of the same ability as Paul Scholes in that he can drop deep and put those long balls into the corners for the quick players to run for. And I thought he played really, really well today."
Schmeichel was highly impressed by the skipper's contribution against CSKA as he scored United's first goal in 404 minutes.
The former Denmark international said he felt Rooney had not been used in his most efficient role in recent weeks.
"When you are Wayne Rooney and do not score for a few games, then people will start to look at him," Schmeichel said.
"I think he has been played out of position, I think his right position is today's and I could even see him in playing central midfield as well.
"He has done that when Fergie [Alex Ferguson] was manager and he has done that exceptionally well. But today I thought he played fantastic."
Lahm praises Ozil creativity
Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm believes Mesut Ozil sees things that nobody else on the pitch can ahead of the Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Lahm believes his international team-mate is Arsenal's most influential player after his scintillating start to the season.
The World Cup-winning midfielder has provided nine assists this term – more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues – and Lahm is convinced Ozil's talent is finally being recognised in England after a slow start.
"Mesut is probably the most intelligent player I have ever played with, he is probably the most intelligent player in Europe today," the 31-year-old defender told the Mirror.
"Mesut sees things only he can. His vision is as good as I have ever seen.
"It was laughable when he was being questioned after his move to Arsenal.
"It doesn't matter how good you are, everybody needs time to settle in a new league. Especially a league like England, where you don’t get as much time on the ball, and of course the game is a lot more physical.
"People don’t necessarily understand his game, he isn’t there to run at players or even beat them, he is far more intelligent than that.
"He finds space and creates chances for his team-mates, and you only need to look at the assist table to understand there is nobody better than him at that."
Arsenal pulled off a shock victory to defeat the Bundesliga giants 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October in their Group F clash.
Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm believes Mesut Ozil sees things that nobody else on the pitch can ahead of the Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Lahm believes his international team-mate is Arsenal's most influential player after his scintillating start to the season.
The World Cup-winning midfielder has provided nine assists this term – more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues – and Lahm is convinced Ozil's talent is finally being recognised in England after a slow start.
"Mesut is probably the most intelligent player I have ever played with, he is probably the most intelligent player in Europe today," the 31-year-old defender told the Mirror.
"Mesut sees things only he can. His vision is as good as I have ever seen.
"It was laughable when he was being questioned after his move to Arsenal.
"It doesn't matter how good you are, everybody needs time to settle in a new league. Especially a league like England, where you don’t get as much time on the ball, and of course the game is a lot more physical.
"People don’t necessarily understand his game, he isn’t there to run at players or even beat them, he is far more intelligent than that.
"He finds space and creates chances for his team-mates, and you only need to look at the assist table to understand there is nobody better than him at that."
Arsenal pulled off a shock victory to defeat the Bundesliga giants 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October in their Group F clash.
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Fixtures 2015.11.04
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Fixtures 2015.11.04
Roma Vs Leverkusen
Barcelona Vs BATE
Bayern Vs Arsenal
Olympiakos Vs Dinamo Zagreb
Chelsea Vs Dynamo Kiev
Tel-Aviv Vs Porto
Gent Vs Valencia
Lyon Vs Zenit
- Status
