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..::Football IV::..
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Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Paul Pogba is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world following his performance in the FA Cup fifth-round victory at Chelsea.
United star Pogba scored a goal and set up another as he was named man of the match in Monday's impressive 2-0 win away to Chelsea.Pogba teed up Herrera for the opening goal in the 31st minute before the World Cup winner got on the scoresheet with a towering header on the stroke of half-time.
The 25-year-old, who was sent off against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, has been directly involved in 15 goals since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December – scoring nine goals and tallying six assists."He had a tough game against PSG but he was probably our best player then," Solskjaer told reporters. "He had two or three players around him all the time.
"Tonight [Monday] was a great response, playing against one of the best defensive midfielders in the world with [N'Golo] Kante next to him."We know he's one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. He has vision, so the cross for Ander's goal was fantastic.
"Then the way he plays the ball out to Marcus [Rashford] and gets into the box for the second was fantastic, too."
On telling Pogba to push wider on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, Solskjaer said: "You want him to see and find space. He and Ander were allowed more freedom to roam forward, and we needed more arrivals in the box with Marcus and Romelu [Lukaku] being a bit wider as well."While Pogba was named the pick of the bunch, Herrera produced another fine display for Solskjaer's side.
Herrera has established himself as an ever-present in the starting XI and he earned praise from his Norwegian boss."His energy and tenaciousness is vital for us," Solskjaer said. "That's why he plays almost every game. He has loads of energy, covers the right-hand side, runs forward.
"Tonight you can't just praise one. It's 11 players, plus the subs. But Ander has done fantastic."
'I don't know if the players are still with me' - Sarri admits he could be losing Chelsea dressing room
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has claimed that he is not sure whether his players are still with him following his side's 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup.The Blues have now lost three of their last five games in all competitions without scoring, with Bournemouth and Manchester City inflicting 4-0 and 6-0 defeats, respectively.
Sarri has just six days to try and pick his players up before their Carabao Cup final against City, a game which could prove decisive in whether or not he keeps his job.And the Italian admitted he was not entirely sure if his players still backed him following the recent run of poor results.
“I think [the players are still with me]. Of course, I am not sure, but I think so," Sarri said after the game."I think the situation with the players is really very good for the relationship, but the relationship is not so important. "It's important to play, it's important to get good results, but my relationship with my players is good at the moment.”
Sarri also voiced his frustration at the lack of fight his players showed - a criticism he has levelled at them before.“We need all to improve because I am not able to get out of my players a very high level of aggression and determination."
He defended his side's performance as a whole, however, saying that his team were 'unlucky'.“I think that, with the result, we were unlucky," he said."In the first half we played better than the opponent and, at the end of the first half, it was 2-0 to them.
"Then in the second half, it was really very difficult to play because they are a really physical team and defended very low, compact."So we played confused football in the second half. But, in the first half, we played well. "We need, of course, more aggression, more determination in the situation inside our box, and inside the opposing box.
"Because the difference was there. We played 78 balls in the opposing goal, and United played only 16 into our box, and it was 2-0. That was the difference.”Chelsea play Malmo next in the second leg of their Europa League knockout tie, having won the first leg 2-1.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has claimed that he is not sure whether his players are still with him following his side's 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup.The Blues have now lost three of their last five games in all competitions without scoring, with Bournemouth and Manchester City inflicting 4-0 and 6-0 defeats, respectively.
Sarri has just six days to try and pick his players up before their Carabao Cup final against City, a game which could prove decisive in whether or not he keeps his job.And the Italian admitted he was not entirely sure if his players still backed him following the recent run of poor results.
“I think [the players are still with me]. Of course, I am not sure, but I think so," Sarri said after the game."I think the situation with the players is really very good for the relationship, but the relationship is not so important. "It's important to play, it's important to get good results, but my relationship with my players is good at the moment.”
Sarri also voiced his frustration at the lack of fight his players showed - a criticism he has levelled at them before.“We need all to improve because I am not able to get out of my players a very high level of aggression and determination."
He defended his side's performance as a whole, however, saying that his team were 'unlucky'.“I think that, with the result, we were unlucky," he said."In the first half we played better than the opponent and, at the end of the first half, it was 2-0 to them.
"Then in the second half, it was really very difficult to play because they are a really physical team and defended very low, compact."So we played confused football in the second half. But, in the first half, we played well. "We need, of course, more aggression, more determination in the situation inside our box, and inside the opposing box.
"Because the difference was there. We played 78 balls in the opposing goal, and United played only 16 into our box, and it was 2-0. That was the difference.”Chelsea play Malmo next in the second leg of their Europa League knockout tie, having won the first leg 2-1.
Lyon 0 Barcelona 0: Messi off colour as Valverde's men are held
Barcelona slumped to a fourth draw in five matches across all competitions as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate away to Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.Ernesto Valverde's men were far from their intense best and were particularly wasteful in front of goal, as Lionel Messi struggled to produce the kind of match-winning display many have come to expect every time he takes to the pitch.
Barca generally controlled the entertaining first half and created some promising opportunities, but were it not for two excellent early saves from Marc-Andre ter Stegen they could have found themselves trailing.
The second half was lacking in intensity, as opportunities became more infrequent and Barca had to be content with returning to Camp Nou for the second leg on March 13 without an away goal.
Lyon were the quicker out of the blocks and went close twice inside 10 minutes, as Ter Stegen got down to keep Houssem Aouar's effort out of his bottom-left corner, before then brilliantly tipping a 25-yard Martin Terrier strike onto the crossbar.But Barca did craft several openings of their own – Messi spurning arguably their best in the 17th minute when blazing over from 12 yards after Jordi Alba's cut-back.
Lyon were then spared on the stroke of half-time, as Jason Denayer crucially deflected Sergio Busquets' goal-bound effort just wide.The hosts started the second half well and went agonisingly close when Memphis Depay's first-time 20-yard strike early on flew just wide the left-hand post.
But that was a rare Lyon highlight in the second period as Barca dominated – goalkeeper Anthony Lopes producing a string of fine saves to thwart Luis Suarez twice and Busquets' long-range attempt all in the final 20 minutes, securing himself a deserved clean sheet.
Barcelona slumped to a fourth draw in five matches across all competitions as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate away to Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.Ernesto Valverde's men were far from their intense best and were particularly wasteful in front of goal, as Lionel Messi struggled to produce the kind of match-winning display many have come to expect every time he takes to the pitch.
Barca generally controlled the entertaining first half and created some promising opportunities, but were it not for two excellent early saves from Marc-Andre ter Stegen they could have found themselves trailing.
The second half was lacking in intensity, as opportunities became more infrequent and Barca had to be content with returning to Camp Nou for the second leg on March 13 without an away goal.
Lyon were the quicker out of the blocks and went close twice inside 10 minutes, as Ter Stegen got down to keep Houssem Aouar's effort out of his bottom-left corner, before then brilliantly tipping a 25-yard Martin Terrier strike onto the crossbar.But Barca did craft several openings of their own – Messi spurning arguably their best in the 17th minute when blazing over from 12 yards after Jordi Alba's cut-back.
Lyon were then spared on the stroke of half-time, as Jason Denayer crucially deflected Sergio Busquets' goal-bound effort just wide.The hosts started the second half well and went agonisingly close when Memphis Depay's first-time 20-yard strike early on flew just wide the left-hand post.
But that was a rare Lyon highlight in the second period as Barca dominated – goalkeeper Anthony Lopes producing a string of fine saves to thwart Luis Suarez twice and Busquets' long-range attempt all in the final 20 minutes, securing himself a deserved clean sheet.
Liverpool 0 Bayern Munich 0: Forwards fail to fire in Anfield stalemate
Liverpool failed to stamp their authority on a battling Bayern Munich as a 0-0 first-leg draw at Anfield left their Champions League last-16 tie in the balance.
The Premier League side produced the more promising attacking moments against a circumspect opponent but are likely to need an away goal when the teams reconvene at Allianz Arena on March 13.Jurgen Klopp, robbed of Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren through suspension and injury, will at least be pleased with the way his back four navigated the rare instances of danger posed to them by the German champions.
But the strange lack of cutting edge despite Roberto Firmino's presence at the point of attack resulted in a first-leg draw that means a quarter-final berth is still very much up for grabs.
Liverpool's makeshift central-defensive pairing of Fabinho and Joel Matip survived a nervy start, with the latter relieved his miscued clearance of Serge Gnabry's low cross came back off Alisson.A muddled attempt at playing out then gifted an opportunity to Kingsley Coman, who fired into the side-netting.
The hosts soon established superiority and Sadio Mane went close with a shot on the turn, while Mohamed Salah and Matip threatened amid a succession of half-chances.An unbalanced Salah's poor touch scuppered a promising Liverpool break early in the second half, before the lively Gnabry whistled an effort over the crossbar.
The late flurry that might have been expected of Klopp's men in a bid to establish a sought-after first-leg advantage ultimately never came, with Manuel Neuer's smart low save from Mane's deflected near-post header proving the most either goalkeeper had to do over a laboured final 30 minutes.
Liverpool failed to stamp their authority on a battling Bayern Munich as a 0-0 first-leg draw at Anfield left their Champions League last-16 tie in the balance.
The Premier League side produced the more promising attacking moments against a circumspect opponent but are likely to need an away goal when the teams reconvene at Allianz Arena on March 13.Jurgen Klopp, robbed of Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren through suspension and injury, will at least be pleased with the way his back four navigated the rare instances of danger posed to them by the German champions.
But the strange lack of cutting edge despite Roberto Firmino's presence at the point of attack resulted in a first-leg draw that means a quarter-final berth is still very much up for grabs.
Liverpool's makeshift central-defensive pairing of Fabinho and Joel Matip survived a nervy start, with the latter relieved his miscued clearance of Serge Gnabry's low cross came back off Alisson.A muddled attempt at playing out then gifted an opportunity to Kingsley Coman, who fired into the side-netting.
The hosts soon established superiority and Sadio Mane went close with a shot on the turn, while Mohamed Salah and Matip threatened amid a succession of half-chances.An unbalanced Salah's poor touch scuppered a promising Liverpool break early in the second half, before the lively Gnabry whistled an effort over the crossbar.
The late flurry that might have been expected of Klopp's men in a bid to establish a sought-after first-leg advantage ultimately never came, with Manuel Neuer's smart low save from Mane's deflected near-post header proving the most either goalkeeper had to do over a laboured final 30 minutes.
Chelsea beating Manchester City in Carabao Cup is 'everything' - Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea's season is going to be defined over the next nine days, which includes a Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester City.
The Blues were eliminated from the FA Cup on Monday night after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.The defeat against the Red Devils was their fourth in their last eight games in all competitions, casting doubt over Maurizio Sarri's long term future in the dugout at the London club.
Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea's season is going to be defined over the next nine days, which includes a Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester City.
The Blues were eliminated from the FA Cup on Monday night after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.The defeat against the Red Devils was their fourth in their last eight games in all competitions, casting doubt over Maurizio Sarri's long term future in the dugout at the London club.
The Blues also recently suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side and managed just four shots on target throughout that entire game as well.The west London outfit will need to up that tally if they are to claim the first trophy of the season over City on Sunday.
Sarri is still in his first season as the manager of the Stamford Bridge club, and is under contract until at least 2021.
Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea's season is going to be defined over the next nine days, which includes a Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester City.
The Blues were eliminated from the FA Cup on Monday night after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.The defeat against the Red Devils was their fourth in their last eight games in all competitions, casting doubt over Maurizio Sarri's long term future in the dugout at the London club.
Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea's season is going to be defined over the next nine days, which includes a Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester City.
The Blues were eliminated from the FA Cup on Monday night after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.The defeat against the Red Devils was their fourth in their last eight games in all competitions, casting doubt over Maurizio Sarri's long term future in the dugout at the London club.
The Blues also recently suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side and managed just four shots on target throughout that entire game as well.The west London outfit will need to up that tally if they are to claim the first trophy of the season over City on Sunday.
Sarri is still in his first season as the manager of the Stamford Bridge club, and is under contract until at least 2021.
'Final pass let us down' - Klopp rues Liverpool's missed opportunities
Jurgen Klopp lamented Liverpool's final pass during a 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.The Premier League outfit lacked a clinical edge in the attacking third as they were held by Bayern at Anfield in the last-16 first leg.Klopp rued his side's attacking display, saying their passing cost them chances, and exposed them defensively.
"Our problem was, on one hand the quality of the opponent of course, but on the other hand our last pass was not our friend," he told a news conference."We had 10 or 12 situations where everything was prepared, everything was on a plate, and then we played a very average last pass or gave it away.
"That caused us two problems – one, we didn't create a chance, and on the other hand we gave them the ball and they had a counter-attack, which made the game even more intense."But how it is in situations like that, I'm pretty sure at the moment Bayern feel a bit better than we do but we have three weeks, and day by day the result will feel a bit better for us and a bit worse for Bayern. It's 0-0, the best draw you can get.
"It will be a tough one again to play at Bayern. If we win 1-0 tonight, what would have changed really? Then a 0-0 is enough as well, or we draw 1-1 – but that's now enough as well. So it's not perfect but good enough to work with."Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both squandered opportunities for Liverpool, who were in action for the first time since February 9.But Klopp, whose team visit Manchester United on Sunday, refused to use the break as an excuse.
"The 10-day break? What does the final pass have to do with that? You have to look at the game and think about the game, and not prepare a question because we had a 10-day break," he said."I have no clue why we didn't play the last pass. The sharpness has nothing to do with the last pass, it's about being in the moment, doing the right steps. You saw the situations, it had nothing to do with 10 days' [break].
"We cannot change it, we had the 10-day break and now we will not have any break anymore, now we play through – and if it was a problem then we will not have that problem anymore because now we play every three days."
Jurgen Klopp lamented Liverpool's final pass during a 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.The Premier League outfit lacked a clinical edge in the attacking third as they were held by Bayern at Anfield in the last-16 first leg.Klopp rued his side's attacking display, saying their passing cost them chances, and exposed them defensively.
"Our problem was, on one hand the quality of the opponent of course, but on the other hand our last pass was not our friend," he told a news conference."We had 10 or 12 situations where everything was prepared, everything was on a plate, and then we played a very average last pass or gave it away.
"That caused us two problems – one, we didn't create a chance, and on the other hand we gave them the ball and they had a counter-attack, which made the game even more intense."But how it is in situations like that, I'm pretty sure at the moment Bayern feel a bit better than we do but we have three weeks, and day by day the result will feel a bit better for us and a bit worse for Bayern. It's 0-0, the best draw you can get.
"It will be a tough one again to play at Bayern. If we win 1-0 tonight, what would have changed really? Then a 0-0 is enough as well, or we draw 1-1 – but that's now enough as well. So it's not perfect but good enough to work with."Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both squandered opportunities for Liverpool, who were in action for the first time since February 9.But Klopp, whose team visit Manchester United on Sunday, refused to use the break as an excuse.
"The 10-day break? What does the final pass have to do with that? You have to look at the game and think about the game, and not prepare a question because we had a 10-day break," he said."I have no clue why we didn't play the last pass. The sharpness has nothing to do with the last pass, it's about being in the moment, doing the right steps. You saw the situations, it had nothing to do with 10 days' [break].
"We cannot change it, we had the 10-day break and now we will not have any break anymore, now we play through – and if it was a problem then we will not have that problem anymore because now we play every three days."
'Goalless draw is the best draw for Liverpool' - Carragher not concerned by Bayern result
Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich was a decent result and Jurgen Klopp's side will be confident of scoring in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, according to Reds legend Jamie Carragher.
Bayern put in a cautious performance in a game of few chances at Anfield on Tuesday night, with Liverpool having the only two shots on target of the game.
A score draw or a win in the second leg at Allianz Arena would now send the Reds through to the quarter-finals.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcasters Viasport Fotball after the game, Carragher said: "Maybe Bayern Munich will think tonight's game is a good result, and yes – Liverpool's away record has not been good this season and the end of last season so that will have to change to go through."But a goalless draw is the best draw you can get and without getting the away goal, that will be at the back of Bayern's mind.
"I think Liverpool will be confident they can score in Bayern Munich because I feel tonight [Mats] Hummels was outstanding at the back but he defended very deep. At home, Bayern have to win the game and you may expect their defenders will be closer to the halfway line so there will be more space for [Mohamed] Salah, [Sadio] Mane and [Roberto] Firmino.
"So I don't think it's a bad result tonight for Liverpool. Yes you want to win the game and I think with the away record you have to do more and get more goals, but without Virgil van Dijk to keep a clean sheet, stop [Robert] Lewandowski from scoring, it's not a bad result."
Van Dijk missed Tuesday's encounter through suspension, leaving Fabinho to fill in at centre-back and handle Bayern's star striker Lewandowski in the absence of the injured Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez.The Poland international was restricted to few chances, and Carragher believes Liverpool did well to hold out the result.
"Liverpool weren't at their best tonight. And I think with 15-20 minutes to go, yes you want to win the game, but you also have to think don't lose the game.
"Bayern Munich put in a performance tonight like a really experienced, top-class Champions League team – and that's what they are."And the most important for Liverpool then, when you see the Munich performance, make sure you don't lose."
Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich was a decent result and Jurgen Klopp's side will be confident of scoring in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, according to Reds legend Jamie Carragher.
Bayern put in a cautious performance in a game of few chances at Anfield on Tuesday night, with Liverpool having the only two shots on target of the game.
A score draw or a win in the second leg at Allianz Arena would now send the Reds through to the quarter-finals.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcasters Viasport Fotball after the game, Carragher said: "Maybe Bayern Munich will think tonight's game is a good result, and yes – Liverpool's away record has not been good this season and the end of last season so that will have to change to go through."But a goalless draw is the best draw you can get and without getting the away goal, that will be at the back of Bayern's mind.
"I think Liverpool will be confident they can score in Bayern Munich because I feel tonight [Mats] Hummels was outstanding at the back but he defended very deep. At home, Bayern have to win the game and you may expect their defenders will be closer to the halfway line so there will be more space for [Mohamed] Salah, [Sadio] Mane and [Roberto] Firmino.
"So I don't think it's a bad result tonight for Liverpool. Yes you want to win the game and I think with the away record you have to do more and get more goals, but without Virgil van Dijk to keep a clean sheet, stop [Robert] Lewandowski from scoring, it's not a bad result."
Van Dijk missed Tuesday's encounter through suspension, leaving Fabinho to fill in at centre-back and handle Bayern's star striker Lewandowski in the absence of the injured Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez.The Poland international was restricted to few chances, and Carragher believes Liverpool did well to hold out the result.
"Liverpool weren't at their best tonight. And I think with 15-20 minutes to go, yes you want to win the game, but you also have to think don't lose the game.
"Bayern Munich put in a performance tonight like a really experienced, top-class Champions League team – and that's what they are."And the most important for Liverpool then, when you see the Munich performance, make sure you don't lose."
Juventus' Khedira misses Atletico clash to undergo heart treatment
Juventus have confirmed Sami Khedira will miss Wednesday's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid to have medical tests after the detection of an irregular heartbeat.
Khedira trained as normal on Monday and Tuesday, but an "atrial arrhythmia" was noticed in their final session and Juve have sent him for tests.In the announcement of their squad list, Juve confirmed Khedira's absence.
A statement read: "Sami Khedira has stayed in Turin for medical tests, from which emerged the opportunity to perform an electrophysiological study and eventual treatment of an atrial arrhythmia which appeared today [Tuesday]."
Paulo Dybala is set to start, however, after the Argentina international – who is enduring an underwhelming season – scored in Friday's 3-0 win over Frosinone."I'll tell you now that Dybala plays," Allegri confirmed to reporters in his pre-match news conference.
"Paulo is in good shape. On Wednesday he needs his technique and his craft. On Friday, against Frosinone, he scored but played not as well as he has on other occasions."Even in terms of the team's level it was like this [not playing to their full potential], we created less. We will need a good display [against Atletico], with the awareness that we are facing a compact team that makes the most of set-pieces.
"Atletico has achieved important results in Europe in the last few years."There is considerable pressure on the Nerazzurri to succeed in this year's competition with former Italy defender Marco Materazzi claiming earlier this week that it will be a failure if Juventus do not win the Champions League.
Juve already have a commanding lead in Serie A, holding a 13-point advantage over second-place Napoli, so many fans and pundits are claiming they can afford to prioritise European fixtures in the second half of the season.
Juventus have confirmed Sami Khedira will miss Wednesday's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid to have medical tests after the detection of an irregular heartbeat.
Khedira trained as normal on Monday and Tuesday, but an "atrial arrhythmia" was noticed in their final session and Juve have sent him for tests.In the announcement of their squad list, Juve confirmed Khedira's absence.
A statement read: "Sami Khedira has stayed in Turin for medical tests, from which emerged the opportunity to perform an electrophysiological study and eventual treatment of an atrial arrhythmia which appeared today [Tuesday]."
Paulo Dybala is set to start, however, after the Argentina international – who is enduring an underwhelming season – scored in Friday's 3-0 win over Frosinone."I'll tell you now that Dybala plays," Allegri confirmed to reporters in his pre-match news conference.
"Paulo is in good shape. On Wednesday he needs his technique and his craft. On Friday, against Frosinone, he scored but played not as well as he has on other occasions."Even in terms of the team's level it was like this [not playing to their full potential], we created less. We will need a good display [against Atletico], with the awareness that we are facing a compact team that makes the most of set-pieces.
"Atletico has achieved important results in Europe in the last few years."There is considerable pressure on the Nerazzurri to succeed in this year's competition with former Italy defender Marco Materazzi claiming earlier this week that it will be a failure if Juventus do not win the Champions League.
Juve already have a commanding lead in Serie A, holding a 13-point advantage over second-place Napoli, so many fans and pundits are claiming they can afford to prioritise European fixtures in the second half of the season.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures 2019.02.20
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures 2019.02.20
Atletico Madrid Vs Juventus
Schalke Vs Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain 5 Montpellier 1: Di Maria hits screamer as champions cruise
Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 15 points after Angel Di Maria scored the pick of the goals in an emphatic 5-1 victory over Montpellier.
After Layvin Kurzawa's opener for the champions was cancelled out by Florent Mollet in some style, Di Maria struck a wonderful curling free-kick that crashed in off the crossbar and set the tone for the rest of the evening at Parc des Princes.Thomas Tuchel's men were at their free-flowing best and Christopher Nkunku netted a header before Montpellier captain Hilton turned Kylian Mbappe's shot into his own net.
Mbappe got one himself as PSG showed no signs of missing the injured Neymar or Edinson Cavani on a night when they made their lead at the top of the table look all the more unassailable.
Kurzawa headed the hosts into the lead when he connected with Dani Alves' curling cross from the right, glancing the ball down into the bottom-left corner of Benjamin Lecomte's net.Di Maria should have doubled the lead when he went one-on-one with Lecomte but fired straight at the goalkeeper's legs and shortly after the visitors were level.
Mollet bent a free-kick from just outside the box towards the top right corner, where Gianluigi Buffon managed to push it away but only after the ball had crossed the line, goal-line technology confirmed.But the best of the first half was still to come as Di Maria stepped up in stoppage-time to send a blistering free-kick around the wall and in off the underside of the crossbar from all of 30 yards to restore his side's advantage.
Julian Draxler fired just wide from 12 yards at the start of the second half and Lecomte made a superb one-handed save to deny Mbappe at close range.PSG had two goals disallowed for offside, first when Mbappe finished off a sweeping set-piece and moments later when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting chipped Lecomte in a one-on-one, with the flag having been raised on both occasions.
The hosts' third goal eventually arrived when Nkunku connected with a corner and his header was diverted past Lecomte by the head of Petar Skuletic, who was attempting to force it wide but succeeded only in finding the net.
Hilton endured a bizarre end to the game as he got the final touch on PSG's fourth and fifth goals, twice getting in the way of shots from Mbappe but on both occasions deceiving Lecomte and ensuring the final score was an emphatic one.
Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 15 points after Angel Di Maria scored the pick of the goals in an emphatic 5-1 victory over Montpellier.
After Layvin Kurzawa's opener for the champions was cancelled out by Florent Mollet in some style, Di Maria struck a wonderful curling free-kick that crashed in off the crossbar and set the tone for the rest of the evening at Parc des Princes.Thomas Tuchel's men were at their free-flowing best and Christopher Nkunku netted a header before Montpellier captain Hilton turned Kylian Mbappe's shot into his own net.
Mbappe got one himself as PSG showed no signs of missing the injured Neymar or Edinson Cavani on a night when they made their lead at the top of the table look all the more unassailable.
Kurzawa headed the hosts into the lead when he connected with Dani Alves' curling cross from the right, glancing the ball down into the bottom-left corner of Benjamin Lecomte's net.Di Maria should have doubled the lead when he went one-on-one with Lecomte but fired straight at the goalkeeper's legs and shortly after the visitors were level.
Mollet bent a free-kick from just outside the box towards the top right corner, where Gianluigi Buffon managed to push it away but only after the ball had crossed the line, goal-line technology confirmed.But the best of the first half was still to come as Di Maria stepped up in stoppage-time to send a blistering free-kick around the wall and in off the underside of the crossbar from all of 30 yards to restore his side's advantage.
Julian Draxler fired just wide from 12 yards at the start of the second half and Lecomte made a superb one-handed save to deny Mbappe at close range.PSG had two goals disallowed for offside, first when Mbappe finished off a sweeping set-piece and moments later when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting chipped Lecomte in a one-on-one, with the flag having been raised on both occasions.
The hosts' third goal eventually arrived when Nkunku connected with a corner and his header was diverted past Lecomte by the head of Petar Skuletic, who was attempting to force it wide but succeeded only in finding the net.
Hilton endured a bizarre end to the game as he got the final touch on PSG's fourth and fifth goals, twice getting in the way of shots from Mbappe but on both occasions deceiving Lecomte and ensuring the final score was an emphatic one.
Schalke 2 Manchester City 3: 10-man visitors strike late through Sane & Sterling
Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling scored late goals as 10-man Manchester City stunned Schalke at Veltins Arena to claim a 3-2 first-leg win in their Champions League last-16 tie.Despite leading through Sergio Aguero's 18th-minute effort, City were behind at the break after Nabil Bentaleb scored a pair of spot-kicks.
The first of those, awarded after a lengthy period of deliberation and confusion, was given for a handball against Nicolas Otamendi, who was booked for that transgression and then picked up a second yellow card with 22 minutes remaining.
Pep Guardiola appeared content to settle for just a one-goal deficit at that point, yet substitute Sane had other ideas, brilliantly firing in an 85th-minute free-kick to equalise against his former club, and Sterling then latched on to Ederson's long clearance to score a 90th-minute winner on a wild night in Gelsenkirchen.
It looked like a straightforward outing was in store for City when they went ahead, David Silva robbing Salif Sane on the edge of the box and squaring for Aguero to roll home a simple finish.
Yet Guardiola's side were rocked by two penalties awarded in the latter stages of the half.Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande initially gave a corner when Daniel Caligiuri's shot crashed into Otamendi's right arm - which the Argentinian had tried to withdraw - only for the decision to be overturned following a VAR review.
Due to a reported fault with the pitch-side monitor, it took almost three minutes for that call to be made, and another two before Bentaleb sent Ederson the wrong way from 12 yards.
And five minutes later, Schalke had another penalty as Fernandinho bundled into Salif Sane at a free-kick, Bentaleb dispatching this spot-kick high into the top-left corner even though Ederson got a hand to his effort.City's night took another turn for the worse in the second period when Otamendi was dismissed after upending Guido Burgstaller, and Guardiola immediately responded by withdrawing Silva for Vincent Kompany.
However, it was another substitute, Leroy Sane, who would spark a comeback against his former employers by blasting a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out.
And Sterling had the final say, shrugging off Bastian Oczipka and collecting Ederson's long ball to finish past Ralf Fahrmann as City turned the game, and the tie, on its head.
Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling scored late goals as 10-man Manchester City stunned Schalke at Veltins Arena to claim a 3-2 first-leg win in their Champions League last-16 tie.Despite leading through Sergio Aguero's 18th-minute effort, City were behind at the break after Nabil Bentaleb scored a pair of spot-kicks.
The first of those, awarded after a lengthy period of deliberation and confusion, was given for a handball against Nicolas Otamendi, who was booked for that transgression and then picked up a second yellow card with 22 minutes remaining.
Pep Guardiola appeared content to settle for just a one-goal deficit at that point, yet substitute Sane had other ideas, brilliantly firing in an 85th-minute free-kick to equalise against his former club, and Sterling then latched on to Ederson's long clearance to score a 90th-minute winner on a wild night in Gelsenkirchen.
It looked like a straightforward outing was in store for City when they went ahead, David Silva robbing Salif Sane on the edge of the box and squaring for Aguero to roll home a simple finish.
Yet Guardiola's side were rocked by two penalties awarded in the latter stages of the half.Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande initially gave a corner when Daniel Caligiuri's shot crashed into Otamendi's right arm - which the Argentinian had tried to withdraw - only for the decision to be overturned following a VAR review.
Due to a reported fault with the pitch-side monitor, it took almost three minutes for that call to be made, and another two before Bentaleb sent Ederson the wrong way from 12 yards.
And five minutes later, Schalke had another penalty as Fernandinho bundled into Salif Sane at a free-kick, Bentaleb dispatching this spot-kick high into the top-left corner even though Ederson got a hand to his effort.City's night took another turn for the worse in the second period when Otamendi was dismissed after upending Guido Burgstaller, and Guardiola immediately responded by withdrawing Silva for Vincent Kompany.
However, it was another substitute, Leroy Sane, who would spark a comeback against his former employers by blasting a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out.
And Sterling had the final say, shrugging off Bastian Oczipka and collecting Ederson's long ball to finish past Ralf Fahrmann as City turned the game, and the tie, on its head.
Atletico Madrid 2 Juventus 0: Advantage Atleti after late double
Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin struck late to earn Atletico Madrid a 2-0 victory in an entertaining first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Juventus.
Gimenez picked up the pieces at a 78th-minute corner to drill home the opener, before Diego Godin's strike in the aftermath of a free-kick five minutes later deflected in off former Real Madrid man Cristiano Ronaldo.Alvaro Morata had earlier been denied a goal against his old club by VAR, while Juve's best chance saw a Ronaldo free-kick tipped over by Jan Oblak in the first 10 minutes.
The Serie A champions looked on course to take a goalless draw back to Turin until Atleti, who will have Diego Costa and Thomas Partey suspended for the return trip, snared the victory.
A feisty first half saw Atleti appealing for a penalty after a minute. Blaise Matuidi caught the boot of Antoine Griezmann as he challenged for a chest-high ball, but the referee ignored the protestations of Diego Simeone's men.
Ronaldo then drew an impressive save from Oblak with a 30-yard free-kick in the seventh minute, but only after Costa had ruled himself out of the second leg by encroaching at the set-piece.Leonardo Bonucci headed over a glorious opportunity from a corner before a low Partey drive gave Wojciech Szczesny his first assignment of the evening.
Atleti were awarded a penalty for a challenge on Costa after 27 minutes but the decision was changed to a free-kick outside the box on review. In truth, the striker was fortunate to avoid a second booking for diving after going down under the softest of touches from Mattia De Sciglio on his shoulder.Juanfran was lucky to escape punishment when his studs raked the ankle of Ronaldo. The former Real forward found sympathy in short supply but appeared to remind Atleti fans of his five Champions League titles by raising five fingers soon after.
A disappointing evening for Costa continued when he side-footed well wide after being sent through on goal, before Szczesny pulled off a sensational save to tip a Griezmann lob onto the crossbar.Costa was replaced by Morata before the hour mark and the ex-Juve striker looked to have put Atleti in front with a header until he was found, via VAR, to have pushed Giorgio Chiellini in the build-up.
But Atleti's goal heroes came from their defensive line, with Gimenez netting his second of the campaign before Godin scored his first Champions League strike since October 2014 to leave Juve - denied a response when Oblak blocked a fierce Federico Bernardeschi drive - with work to do on home soil next month.
Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin struck late to earn Atletico Madrid a 2-0 victory in an entertaining first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Juventus.
Gimenez picked up the pieces at a 78th-minute corner to drill home the opener, before Diego Godin's strike in the aftermath of a free-kick five minutes later deflected in off former Real Madrid man Cristiano Ronaldo.Alvaro Morata had earlier been denied a goal against his old club by VAR, while Juve's best chance saw a Ronaldo free-kick tipped over by Jan Oblak in the first 10 minutes.
The Serie A champions looked on course to take a goalless draw back to Turin until Atleti, who will have Diego Costa and Thomas Partey suspended for the return trip, snared the victory.
A feisty first half saw Atleti appealing for a penalty after a minute. Blaise Matuidi caught the boot of Antoine Griezmann as he challenged for a chest-high ball, but the referee ignored the protestations of Diego Simeone's men.
Ronaldo then drew an impressive save from Oblak with a 30-yard free-kick in the seventh minute, but only after Costa had ruled himself out of the second leg by encroaching at the set-piece.Leonardo Bonucci headed over a glorious opportunity from a corner before a low Partey drive gave Wojciech Szczesny his first assignment of the evening.
Atleti were awarded a penalty for a challenge on Costa after 27 minutes but the decision was changed to a free-kick outside the box on review. In truth, the striker was fortunate to avoid a second booking for diving after going down under the softest of touches from Mattia De Sciglio on his shoulder.Juanfran was lucky to escape punishment when his studs raked the ankle of Ronaldo. The former Real forward found sympathy in short supply but appeared to remind Atleti fans of his five Champions League titles by raising five fingers soon after.
A disappointing evening for Costa continued when he side-footed well wide after being sent through on goal, before Szczesny pulled off a sensational save to tip a Griezmann lob onto the crossbar.Costa was replaced by Morata before the hour mark and the ex-Juve striker looked to have put Atleti in front with a header until he was found, via VAR, to have pushed Giorgio Chiellini in the build-up.
But Atleti's goal heroes came from their defensive line, with Gimenez netting his second of the campaign before Godin scored his first Champions League strike since October 2014 to leave Juve - denied a response when Oblak blocked a fierce Federico Bernardeschi drive - with work to do on home soil next month.
Sarri on Kante position: I need a player to move the ball fast - he's not the best at it
Maurizio Sarri says he will not return N'Golo Kante to his natural defensive midfield role because the Frenchman cannot move the ball quickly enough.
The 27-year-old has been used in a more advanced position since the Italian took over last summer, with Jorginho taking the deeper spot in midfield.The former Leicester star has been a key figure for the Blues this season, scoring four times in 35 appearances in all competitions, but Chelsea's recent dip in form has prompted concerns at Stamford Bridge.
Maurizio Sarri says he will not return N'Golo Kante to his natural defensive midfield role because the Frenchman cannot move the ball quickly enough.The 27-year-old has been used in a more advanced position since the Italian took over last summer, with Jorginho taking the deeper spot in midfield.
The former Leicester star has been a key figure for the Blues this season, scoring four times in 35 appearances in all competitions, but Chelsea's recent dip in form has prompted concerns at Stamford Bridge.
With so many important games in such a short space of time, Sarri is scrambling to find a solution to his side's issues.
“As you know very well, it's not very easy because we have no time," he said. "But we are trying to solve our problems. It's not easy. Because, on the pitch, we have no time at the moment. But we are trying to talk with the players. We are trying to avoid some mistakes by video. But it's not easy because we have to play every three days. On the pitch, we have no time.
"I have to think we are able to improve, and able to improve immediately. The result is not all in a match. In the last match we played better, better and better, especially in the first half. We have to solve a big problem because we stayed in the other half for 75 minutes out of 90 and were not able to score. They only played 15 or 16 balls into our box and scored two goals. So we have to solve this problem: a problem of aggression and determination in both boxes."
Maurizio Sarri says he will not return N'Golo Kante to his natural defensive midfield role because the Frenchman cannot move the ball quickly enough.
The 27-year-old has been used in a more advanced position since the Italian took over last summer, with Jorginho taking the deeper spot in midfield.The former Leicester star has been a key figure for the Blues this season, scoring four times in 35 appearances in all competitions, but Chelsea's recent dip in form has prompted concerns at Stamford Bridge.
Maurizio Sarri says he will not return N'Golo Kante to his natural defensive midfield role because the Frenchman cannot move the ball quickly enough.The 27-year-old has been used in a more advanced position since the Italian took over last summer, with Jorginho taking the deeper spot in midfield.
The former Leicester star has been a key figure for the Blues this season, scoring four times in 35 appearances in all competitions, but Chelsea's recent dip in form has prompted concerns at Stamford Bridge.
With so many important games in such a short space of time, Sarri is scrambling to find a solution to his side's issues.
“As you know very well, it's not very easy because we have no time," he said. "But we are trying to solve our problems. It's not easy. Because, on the pitch, we have no time at the moment. But we are trying to talk with the players. We are trying to avoid some mistakes by video. But it's not easy because we have to play every three days. On the pitch, we have no time.
"I have to think we are able to improve, and able to improve immediately. The result is not all in a match. In the last match we played better, better and better, especially in the first half. We have to solve a big problem because we stayed in the other half for 75 minutes out of 90 and were not able to score. They only played 15 or 16 balls into our box and scored two goals. So we have to solve this problem: a problem of aggression and determination in both boxes."
Piatek: I want to bring AC Milan back to greatness
Krzysztof Piatek hopes to bring AC Milan back to the lofty heights of their past after enjoying a stunning start to his career at San Siro.The 23-year-old has scored six times in his first five games for the Rossoneri and hopes that his goals can make the club Serie A title challengers in the near future.
Milan are something of a sleeping giant in Italy, having won seven European Cups in their history as well as 18 Serie A titles, but it has now been eight years since they captured a major trophy and, after a string of finishes outside the top four, Piatek hopes to bring the club back to greatness.
In an interview with Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy Piatek played down the praise he has been receiving from the media, instead putting all his focus on getting the team back to where they belong."If I had all the qualities that the newspapers are talking about, I'd be the best player in history," Piatek said.
"I hope that Milan will return to greatness thanks to me and that one day I will be really worthy of those comparisons."In my opinion, certain newspapers are exaggerated. I take only a part of those praises. I'm satisfied with the goals, not the fact that thanks to them I am on the front covers."
Despite being at San Siro for less than a month after his £30 million transfer from Genoa, Piatek has settled in with his new team-mates quickly, creating strong bonds with a number of Milan's key players both on and off the pitch.
"I especially like those with whom I sit at the table during meals, that is [Hakan] Calhanoglu, [Tiemoue] Bakayoko, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Franck] Kessie, [Ricardo] Rodriguez and [Fabio] Borini, we have created a real team, Paqueta knows how I want the ball, and he has great technical skills."Piatek burst onto the scene with Genoa in the first half of the season before joining Milan in January, and the striker believes he left his homeland at exactly the right point of his career.
"I left Poland when I was ready for all these challenges from every point of view: physical, mental, technical. I could have done it before, but I preferred to stay for a year longer and I absolutely do not regret it."
Krzysztof Piatek hopes to bring AC Milan back to the lofty heights of their past after enjoying a stunning start to his career at San Siro.The 23-year-old has scored six times in his first five games for the Rossoneri and hopes that his goals can make the club Serie A title challengers in the near future.
Milan are something of a sleeping giant in Italy, having won seven European Cups in their history as well as 18 Serie A titles, but it has now been eight years since they captured a major trophy and, after a string of finishes outside the top four, Piatek hopes to bring the club back to greatness.
In an interview with Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy Piatek played down the praise he has been receiving from the media, instead putting all his focus on getting the team back to where they belong."If I had all the qualities that the newspapers are talking about, I'd be the best player in history," Piatek said.
"I hope that Milan will return to greatness thanks to me and that one day I will be really worthy of those comparisons."In my opinion, certain newspapers are exaggerated. I take only a part of those praises. I'm satisfied with the goals, not the fact that thanks to them I am on the front covers."
Despite being at San Siro for less than a month after his £30 million transfer from Genoa, Piatek has settled in with his new team-mates quickly, creating strong bonds with a number of Milan's key players both on and off the pitch.
"I especially like those with whom I sit at the table during meals, that is [Hakan] Calhanoglu, [Tiemoue] Bakayoko, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Franck] Kessie, [Ricardo] Rodriguez and [Fabio] Borini, we have created a real team, Paqueta knows how I want the ball, and he has great technical skills."Piatek burst onto the scene with Genoa in the first half of the season before joining Milan in January, and the striker believes he left his homeland at exactly the right point of his career.
"I left Poland when I was ready for all these challenges from every point of view: physical, mental, technical. I could have done it before, but I preferred to stay for a year longer and I absolutely do not regret it."
James open to Real Madrid return as Bayern loan nears end
James Rodriguez has suggested he would be happy to return to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich at the end of the season.The Colombia international's two-year loan with the Bundesliga champions ends in June and Bayern are yet to take up their option to sign him permanently for €42 million (£37m/$48m).
Although the 27-year-old has started their last five games in all competitions, his future has been the subject of speculation during what has proved to be a more difficult second season in Germany under Niko Kovac.
The Bayern boss said last year that he expects James to stay permanently, but he has since warned that the attacking midfielder is playing for his future at the club, but other clubs have emerged as potential destinations. Arsenal have recently been linked to the attacking midfielder, while his father talked up the prospect of him joining Juventus in the next transfer window and insisted that "he has many offers".A return to Madrid has also been touted recently and, while James insists his focus is on Bayern's objectives this term, he concedes the Spanish capital is still very much his home.
"I have to think hard about what I'm doing [in terms of my future]," he told Cadena SER's El Larguero. "In Madrid, I have everything: my house, people who love me."We will have to see what happens, but at the moment I have a contract with Bayern Munich. I just want to finish the season and we'll see what happens.
"I keep in touch with some Real Madrid players."James was speaking after playing in Bayern's 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Anfield.
James joined Madrid from Monaco in 2014 and made 111 appearances in all competitions before making the switch to Bayern, where he has featured 57 times and scored 11 goals.
James Rodriguez has suggested he would be happy to return to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich at the end of the season.The Colombia international's two-year loan with the Bundesliga champions ends in June and Bayern are yet to take up their option to sign him permanently for €42 million (£37m/$48m).
Although the 27-year-old has started their last five games in all competitions, his future has been the subject of speculation during what has proved to be a more difficult second season in Germany under Niko Kovac.
The Bayern boss said last year that he expects James to stay permanently, but he has since warned that the attacking midfielder is playing for his future at the club, but other clubs have emerged as potential destinations. Arsenal have recently been linked to the attacking midfielder, while his father talked up the prospect of him joining Juventus in the next transfer window and insisted that "he has many offers".A return to Madrid has also been touted recently and, while James insists his focus is on Bayern's objectives this term, he concedes the Spanish capital is still very much his home.
"I have to think hard about what I'm doing [in terms of my future]," he told Cadena SER's El Larguero. "In Madrid, I have everything: my house, people who love me."We will have to see what happens, but at the moment I have a contract with Bayern Munich. I just want to finish the season and we'll see what happens.
"I keep in touch with some Real Madrid players."James was speaking after playing in Bayern's 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Anfield.
James joined Madrid from Monaco in 2014 and made 111 appearances in all competitions before making the switch to Bayern, where he has featured 57 times and scored 11 goals.
Koke: VAR will give Atletico's Morata a goal one day
Koke said the VAR will give Alvaro Morata a goal "one day" after the Atletico Madrid forward had his header ruled out by the video assistant referee in the Champions League victory over Juventus.
Morata thought he had opened his Atletico account in Wednesday's 2-0 last 16 first-leg triumph at home to Juventus in Madrid, however, the VAR intervened in the second half.
The 26-year-old, who was denied by the VAR in the La Liga derby loss to Real Madrid on February 9, headed past Wojciech Szczesny and celebrated passionately but a review found he had pushed Giorgio Chiellini.
Morata is yet to score since arriving from Premier League side Chelsea on an 18-month loan deal last month and asked about the Spaniard post-match, Atletico midfielder Koke told reporters: "In the end, VAR will one day give Morata a goal.
"He has scored two goals that have been cancelled. If they cancel it, sometimes it is a goal and sometimes it is not. You have to respect the decisions. We respect the referees and we continue with the dynamic of trying to win games and score more goals in case they are cancelled."
Defensive duo Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin were the unlikely goalscorers for Atletico at Wanda Metropolitano.Atletico were unfortunate not to end the match with a greater advantage after Diego Costa spurned a golden opportunity early in the second half and Antoine Griezmann saw his shot pushed onto the crossbar by Szczesny.
"Very happy for the victory but there isn't anything done," Koke said. "We know about Juventus' quality, their potential... they're one of the best teams in the world. We are happy with the result, but nothing is decided yet. It is going to be a great battle in Turin, like a war. We'll need a perfect game to get through.
"Juventus are one of the best in the world, and you should never presume an Italian team dead, and neither Juventus. We are going to try to compete, to play a perfect game, as we did today, to be able to get through"
It proved to be a frustrating evening for former Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was seen gesturing during and after the match . Ronaldo held up his hands to indicate the five Champions League titles he has won – four with Madrid and one with Manchester United – on the pitch and when he walked through the mixed zone.
"On the field I did not see anything," Koke added. "Maybe he was greeting someone. If you have five Champions League titles, then congratulate him. We cannot say anything else either."
Koke said the VAR will give Alvaro Morata a goal "one day" after the Atletico Madrid forward had his header ruled out by the video assistant referee in the Champions League victory over Juventus.
Morata thought he had opened his Atletico account in Wednesday's 2-0 last 16 first-leg triumph at home to Juventus in Madrid, however, the VAR intervened in the second half.
The 26-year-old, who was denied by the VAR in the La Liga derby loss to Real Madrid on February 9, headed past Wojciech Szczesny and celebrated passionately but a review found he had pushed Giorgio Chiellini.
Morata is yet to score since arriving from Premier League side Chelsea on an 18-month loan deal last month and asked about the Spaniard post-match, Atletico midfielder Koke told reporters: "In the end, VAR will one day give Morata a goal.
"He has scored two goals that have been cancelled. If they cancel it, sometimes it is a goal and sometimes it is not. You have to respect the decisions. We respect the referees and we continue with the dynamic of trying to win games and score more goals in case they are cancelled."
Defensive duo Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin were the unlikely goalscorers for Atletico at Wanda Metropolitano.Atletico were unfortunate not to end the match with a greater advantage after Diego Costa spurned a golden opportunity early in the second half and Antoine Griezmann saw his shot pushed onto the crossbar by Szczesny.
"Very happy for the victory but there isn't anything done," Koke said. "We know about Juventus' quality, their potential... they're one of the best teams in the world. We are happy with the result, but nothing is decided yet. It is going to be a great battle in Turin, like a war. We'll need a perfect game to get through.
"Juventus are one of the best in the world, and you should never presume an Italian team dead, and neither Juventus. We are going to try to compete, to play a perfect game, as we did today, to be able to get through"
It proved to be a frustrating evening for former Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was seen gesturing during and after the match . Ronaldo held up his hands to indicate the five Champions League titles he has won – four with Madrid and one with Manchester United – on the pitch and when he walked through the mixed zone.
"On the field I did not see anything," Koke added. "Maybe he was greeting someone. If you have five Champions League titles, then congratulate him. We cannot say anything else either."
Chelsea 3 Malmo 0 (5-1 agg): Sarri's side stroll into last 16
Chelsea warmed up for the EFL Cup final with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Malmo to secure a place in the Europa League's last 16, winning 5-1 on aggregate.
Olivier Giroud and Ross Barkley, who were both on target in establishing a a 2-1 first-leg advantage in Sweden seven days ago, grabbed second-half goals before Callum Hudson-Odoi marked his recall with the third.Maurizio Sarri will still head into this weekend's daunting match against Manchester City with doubts hanging over his long-term future, a situation that was helped little by a sluggish first half.
But a sharper showing after the restart - and Rasmus Bengtsson's sending off for two yellow cards - led to three goals in 29 minutes and averted further pressure from building on the under-fire Italian.Sarri's seven changes failed to stave off the early sloppiness, with Markus Rosenberg scuffing a left-footed effort past the right-hand post in the 13th minute.
Cesar Azpilicueta turned a low cross from Willian into goalkeeper Johan Dahlin at close range but an otherwise subdued first half invited a smattering of boos at the break.The home side clicked into gear 10 minutes after the interval. N'Golo Kante led a counter-attack and slipped a pass to Willian, who squared for Giroud to tap home.
Any hope Malmo had of mounting an unlikely comeback quickly disappeared when the dismissal of Bengtsson was followed 60 seconds later by Barkley's brilliant free-kick, the midfielder classily bending the ball up and over the wall.
That paved the way for teenager Hudson-Odoi - a Bayern Munich transfer target throughout January - to further enhance his claims for a regular starting spot with an unerring low finish into the bottom-left corner in the 84th minute that wrapped up the serene 5-1 aggregate success.
Chelsea warmed up for the EFL Cup final with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Malmo to secure a place in the Europa League's last 16, winning 5-1 on aggregate.
Olivier Giroud and Ross Barkley, who were both on target in establishing a a 2-1 first-leg advantage in Sweden seven days ago, grabbed second-half goals before Callum Hudson-Odoi marked his recall with the third.Maurizio Sarri will still head into this weekend's daunting match against Manchester City with doubts hanging over his long-term future, a situation that was helped little by a sluggish first half.
But a sharper showing after the restart - and Rasmus Bengtsson's sending off for two yellow cards - led to three goals in 29 minutes and averted further pressure from building on the under-fire Italian.Sarri's seven changes failed to stave off the early sloppiness, with Markus Rosenberg scuffing a left-footed effort past the right-hand post in the 13th minute.
Cesar Azpilicueta turned a low cross from Willian into goalkeeper Johan Dahlin at close range but an otherwise subdued first half invited a smattering of boos at the break.The home side clicked into gear 10 minutes after the interval. N'Golo Kante led a counter-attack and slipped a pass to Willian, who squared for Giroud to tap home.
Any hope Malmo had of mounting an unlikely comeback quickly disappeared when the dismissal of Bengtsson was followed 60 seconds later by Barkley's brilliant free-kick, the midfielder classily bending the ball up and over the wall.
That paved the way for teenager Hudson-Odoi - a Bayern Munich transfer target throughout January - to further enhance his claims for a regular starting spot with an unerring low finish into the bottom-left corner in the 84th minute that wrapped up the serene 5-1 aggregate success.
Arsenal 3 BATE 0 (3-1 agg): Emery's men ease through
Arsenal eased into the last 16 of the Europa League with a 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium to turn their tie against BATE on its head.
Unai Emery's men were miserable in the away leg last week as they were beaten 1-0, but an aggregate 3-1 triumph was secured with a minimum of fuss after cancelling out the deficit early.Zakhar Volkov's own goal was followed by a second from Shkodran Mustafi before the interval, with Sokratis Papastathopoulos then making sure on the hour.
Visitors BATE offered little in response and Emery was able to breathe easily as his side chased further goals in a competition that may yet define his first season in London.
BATE had already survived a couple of early scares when, with four minutes on the clock, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tore down the right and centred, seeing Volkov stab awkwardly into his own net after Egor Filipenko failed to clear at the near post.
Apparently unable to shut up shop, the visitors then went on the offensive and Stephan Lichtsteiner was required to scramble clear from the Arsenal goal line as Stanislav Dragun found himself unmarked.That opportunity only briefly disrupted Arsenal's dominance, though, and they edged in front in the tie for the first time before the break, with Mustafi powering home a header from Granit Xhaka's corner.
The Gunners' momentum slowed following the restart, but another Xhaka corner led to the nerve-settling third as Denis Scherbitski charged out and was beaten in the air by towering fit-again substitute Sokratis.Aubameyang was among those to pass up further opportunities to bolster the scoreline, yet Arsenal's advantage was never in trouble.
Arsenal eased into the last 16 of the Europa League with a 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium to turn their tie against BATE on its head.
Unai Emery's men were miserable in the away leg last week as they were beaten 1-0, but an aggregate 3-1 triumph was secured with a minimum of fuss after cancelling out the deficit early.Zakhar Volkov's own goal was followed by a second from Shkodran Mustafi before the interval, with Sokratis Papastathopoulos then making sure on the hour.
Visitors BATE offered little in response and Emery was able to breathe easily as his side chased further goals in a competition that may yet define his first season in London.
BATE had already survived a couple of early scares when, with four minutes on the clock, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tore down the right and centred, seeing Volkov stab awkwardly into his own net after Egor Filipenko failed to clear at the near post.
Apparently unable to shut up shop, the visitors then went on the offensive and Stephan Lichtsteiner was required to scramble clear from the Arsenal goal line as Stanislav Dragun found himself unmarked.That opportunity only briefly disrupted Arsenal's dominance, though, and they edged in front in the tie for the first time before the break, with Mustafi powering home a header from Granit Xhaka's corner.
The Gunners' momentum slowed following the restart, but another Xhaka corner led to the nerve-settling third as Denis Scherbitski charged out and was beaten in the air by towering fit-again substitute Sokratis.Aubameyang was among those to pass up further opportunities to bolster the scoreline, yet Arsenal's advantage was never in trouble.
Inter 4 Rapid Vienna 0 (5-0 agg): Nerazzurri cruise into Europa League last 16
Inter made light work of Mauro Icardi's continued absence as they booked their place in the Europa League last 16 with a routine 4-0 win over Rapid Vienna on Thursday.The Argentine has now missed Inter's last three games – including the 1-0 first-leg win in Austria last week – amid speculation he could leave the club after being stripped of the captaincy.
Watching on from the San Siro stands, Icardi saw his team-mates race into a two-goal lead after just 18 minutes. Matias Vecino set them on their way after 11 minutes with his second goal of the season and Andrea Ranocchia doubled their advantage soon after with a sweet strike.
Ivan Perisic added a sumptuous third 10 minutes from time before teeing up Matteo Politano for a fourth as Inter strolled to a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.
The hosts started brightly and quickly broke the deadlock, Vecino steering into the far corner at the back post after Lautaro Martinez failed to make contact with a left-wing cross.Ranocchia then made the most of just his second start of the campaign, lashing a right-foot volley into the bottom corner from 20 yards to double Inter's advantage seven minutes later.
Marcelo Brozovic squandered a glorious opportunity to add a third shortly before the break, blazing over from close range after Richard Strebinger had spilled a low shot.Perisic flashed wide in the 70th minute, but got the goal his fine display deserved after 80 minutes. The Croatian latched onto Antonio Candreva's throughball, rounded Strebinger and lofted a delightful finish over the backtracking defenders.
Perisic was heavily involved in the fourth seven minutes later, pulling back a low cross for substitute Politano to steer home from 10 yards and add deserved gloss to the scoreline.
Inter made light work of Mauro Icardi's continued absence as they booked their place in the Europa League last 16 with a routine 4-0 win over Rapid Vienna on Thursday.The Argentine has now missed Inter's last three games – including the 1-0 first-leg win in Austria last week – amid speculation he could leave the club after being stripped of the captaincy.
Watching on from the San Siro stands, Icardi saw his team-mates race into a two-goal lead after just 18 minutes. Matias Vecino set them on their way after 11 minutes with his second goal of the season and Andrea Ranocchia doubled their advantage soon after with a sweet strike.
Ivan Perisic added a sumptuous third 10 minutes from time before teeing up Matteo Politano for a fourth as Inter strolled to a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.
The hosts started brightly and quickly broke the deadlock, Vecino steering into the far corner at the back post after Lautaro Martinez failed to make contact with a left-wing cross.Ranocchia then made the most of just his second start of the campaign, lashing a right-foot volley into the bottom corner from 20 yards to double Inter's advantage seven minutes later.
Marcelo Brozovic squandered a glorious opportunity to add a third shortly before the break, blazing over from close range after Richard Strebinger had spilled a low shot.Perisic flashed wide in the 70th minute, but got the goal his fine display deserved after 80 minutes. The Croatian latched onto Antonio Candreva's throughball, rounded Strebinger and lofted a delightful finish over the backtracking defenders.
Perisic was heavily involved in the fourth seven minutes later, pulling back a low cross for substitute Politano to steer home from 10 yards and add deserved gloss to the scoreline.
