PARIS – Liverpool may have the prospect to avenge last season’s Champions League remaining defeat by the hands of Real Madrid after Jurgen Klopp’s facet have been drawn on Monday to face the holders once more in the last 16.

Meanwhile, the opposite standout tie noticed Paris Saint-Germain drawn to play Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 remaining which was gained by the German membership.

Liverpool gained 5 of their six group video games however missed out on high spot to Napoli after dropping 4-1 when the perimeters met in Italy.

The Anfield membership additionally misplaced the 2018 Champions League remaining to Real, who gained their group forward of RB Leipzig.

“They are two historic teams and the tie is going to be electric, fascinating for the fans,” stated Emilio Butragueno, an ideal former Real participant who’s now the director of institutional relations for the 14-time European champions.

Current home type suggests Real must be favourites, with Carlo Ancelotti’s facet unbeaten in La Liga whereas Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League regardless of profitable away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

However, each golf equipment will lose key gamers to the World Cup and Butragueno acknowledged a lot can change in the three months earlier than the Champions League returns.

“The World Cup is going to condition the whole season. We will see how the players are when they return,” he stated.

PSG solely missed out on topping their group as a result of Benfica scored extra away targets throughout all matches after the perimeters remarkably completed degree on factors, objective distinction, targets scored and face to face.

CHELSEA TO PLAY DORTMUND

That left the Qatar-owned membership uncovered to a troublesome draw, a 12 months on from their painful exit in the primary knockout spherical by the hands of Real.

In phrases of type they may not have gotten more durable than Bayern, who have been the one facet to win all six group matches, regardless of being in a bit with Barcelona and Inter Milan.

The 2020 remaining was performed behind closed doorways in Lisbon on the peak of the pandemic, with Bayern triumphing 1-0. PSG gained revenge the next season by beating the Bavarians in the quarter-finals.

Like PSG, Manchester City have by no means gained the trophy however are additionally one of many main contenders to take action this season.

Pep Guardiola’s facet might be anticipated to get rid of Leipzig, who they confronted in the group stage a 12 months in the past and beat 6-3 at residence earlier than a 2-1 defeat in Germany, by which period they’d already secured first place in the part.

Chelsea, who defeated City in the 2021 Champions League remaining, additionally drew German opposition in the form of Borussia Dortmund, with the golf equipment set to satisfy for the very first time in a aggressive sport in the primary leg on the Signal Iduna Park.

After topping their group due to a last-gasp winner away to Marseille last week, Tottenham Hotspur got a troublesome draw in opposition to Italian champions AC Milan.

They have met at this stage of the competitors earlier than, with Spurs profitable 1-0 on combination in 2010/11 due to a solitary objective at San Siro by Peter Crouch.

Inter will play Porto and last season’s Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt tackle Napoli, whereas Benfica’s reward for profitable their group was a tie in opposition to event outsiders Club Brugge of Belgium.

The first legs of all last-16 ties might be performed in February with the return matches in March.

The remaining of this season’s Champions League might be held in Istanbul on June 10 subsequent 12 months.

The Turkish metropolis was alleged to host the ultimate in 2020 and once more 2021, just for the sport to be moved on every event to Portugal because of the pandemic.

PARIS – Real Madrid and Manchester City each discovered the going robust within the Champions League group stage on Tuesday night time however battled by to attracts that have been sufficient to qualify for the knockout levels.

Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica additionally moved nearer to the last 16 with a draw at Parc des Princes, after Maccabi Haifa had earlier upset Juventus in the identical group.

On a foul night time for Italian titans, AC Milan performed virtually the entire match with 10 males as they misplaced at dwelling to Chelsea.

In Copenhagen, City’s Riyad Mahrez wasted a twenty fifth minute penalty and 5 minutes later defender Sergio Gomez was despatched off.

Pep Guardiola had rested a number of starters, together with Erling Haaland, with an eye fixed to the weekend’s assembly with Liverpool, and his group failed to attain for the primary time in 24 video games, however the coach was content material.

“To play one hour like that is tough. The players gave absolutely everything,” Guardiola mentioned.

Neither Copenhagen nor Sevilla has gained a sport but in Group G and when the Spaniards drew 1-1 in Dortmund within the later match, it ensured Manchester City would advance.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, additionally had an eye fixed on an enormous upcoming league sport, the Clasico in opposition to Barcelona on Sunday, and rested a number of starters in opposition to Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw.

They virtually paid. Oleksandr Zubkov gave the Ukrainian membership the lead in the beginning of the second half.

The sport had entered the last of 5 minutes added time when Antonio Rudiger leapt to achieve an extended ball ahead and acquired to it simply earlier than goalie Anatoliy Trubin.

As the 2 males fell to the bottom bleeding, the ball went in on a put up to safe Real a 1-1 draw and a last 16 spot.

“We did not play well, but this team never gives up,” Ancelotti mentioned. (*16*)

RB Leipzig climbed to second in Group F, 4 factors behind Real, with a 2-0 win over Celtic in Glasgow.

Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot however Paris Saint-Germain have been held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in a sport overshadowed by experiences claiming the France star is so sad on the membership he desires to go away in January.

PSG’s soccer advisor took the weird step of talking to tv simply earlier than the kickoff to disclaim experiences Mbappe needed to go away.

“I am with Kylian Mbappe every day and he has never spoken to me about leaving in January,” mentioned Luis Campos.

Joao Mario levelled from the penalty spot for Benfica simply after the hour mark.

‘WE MUST BE ASHAMED’

The end result leaves PSG and Benfica 5 factors away from their two Group H rivals after Maccabi shamed Juventus, 2-0, in Haifa with two objectives from Omer Atzili.

“I’m ashamed of what’s happening right now,” Juventus president Andrea Agnelli instructed Sky Sport Italia.

His coach agreed.

“Agnelli is right when he says we must be ashamed,” mentioned Massimiliano Allegri.

AC Milan began properly in opposition to Chelsea, however the sport turned when Fikayo Tomori fouled his former Chelsea youth team-mate within the 18th minute

Tomori was despatched off and Jorginho transformed the penalty. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added a second.

“I definitely don’t think the referee has had one of his better evenings,” mentioned Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

Graham Potter, the Chelsea supervisor, appeared lower than satisfied by the purple card.

“It was a big moment, we still felt that we could do enough with 11 v 11 but the referee made a decision and we have to get on with it,” he mentioned.

Chelsea overtook Salzburg on the high of Group E after the Austrians drew 1-1 in opposition to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

PARIS – Erling Haaland continued his exceptional goalscoring type by netting twice as Manchester City thrashed FC Copenhagen 5-0 within the Champions League on Wednesday, whereas Chelsea noticed off AC Milan to revive their hopes of reaching the final 16.

Holders Real Madrid survived a spirited problem from Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk on the Santiago Bernabeu to win 2-1 and lengthen their benefit in Group F.

Lionel Messi scored however Paris Saint-Germain have been held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in Lisbon.

Haaland went into City’s recreation towards Copenhagen on the Etihad Stadium having changing into the primary participant in Premier League historical past to attain three successive residence hat-tricks in Sunday’s demolition of Manchester United.

The Norwegian slammed within the opening purpose on seven minutes along with his weaker proper foot earlier than prodding in a rebound for his second 25 minutes later.

The 22-year-old has now scored 28 occasions in his 22 Champions League appearances, already breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s document for many objectives in a participant’s first 30 video games within the competitors.

“I’ve never witnessed anything like it in my life,” City’s Jack Grealish instructed BT Sport.

“For the first and second goals I was just laughing. He is always there.

“The ‘keeper mentioned one thing to me as I used to be strolling again. He mentioned ‘He’s not human!’ I mentioned ‘You’re telling me?’ Hopefully he can keep on this manner and take us to glory.”

Visiting centre-back Davit Khocholava put through his own net, with Haaland waiting behind him, to make it three before half-time.

Haaland was denied a fourth City treble as he was replaced at the interval, but a Riyad Mahrez penalty and Julian Alvarez’s fourth goal for the club completed the rout.

Pep Guardiola’s men remain three points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund in Group G and will qualify for the knockout phase with a victory in the Danish capital next week.

Jude Bellingham scored for the third time in as many Champions League outings as Dortmund romped to a 4-1 victory at Sevilla.

The Spanish club responded to the defeat – and a desperately poor start to the season which has left them 17th in La Liga – by sacking coach Julen Lopetegui shortly after the final whistle.

CHELSEA EASE TO FIRST WIN

Chelsea ended their wait for a win in Group E as goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James sealed an impressive 3-0 triumph over Italian champions AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues made it back-to-back victories under new boss Graham Potter to set up a crucial clash at the San Siro in six days’ time.

Chelsea are second in Group E, level on points with third-placed Milan, one point behind leaders Salzburg who edged out Dinamo Zagreb 1-0.

“It’s simpler if you win video games,” said Aubameyang. “The temper is superb in the intervening time. We’ll attempt to stick with it.”

Shakhtar put on a battling display in Madrid, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin making 11 saves, but could not overcome a two-goal deficit against Real.

Goals in the first half-hour from Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior put Real in control and the 14-time champions made it three wins from three in Group F despite Oleksandr Zubkov’s effort for Shakhtar.

Madrid will be sure of a last-16 spot if they can beat second-placed Shakhtar next time out.

RB Leipzig are just a point behind Shakhtar after Joe Hart’s error helped the Germans down Celtic 3-1.

The former England goalkeeper’s poor pass led to Andre Silva restoring Leipzig’s lead in the second half before the Portugal striker netted again late on.

BENFICA HOLD PSG

Benfica remain level on points with leaders PSG at the Group H summit after a hard-fought draw against one of the tournament favourites.

Messi produced a trademark left-footed finish into the top corner after a neat exchange of passes also involving Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to score his 127th Champions League goal in the 22nd minute.

Benfica levelled four minutes before the break as Danilo Pereira scored an own goal and both sides spurned chances to win in the second half.

Messi only scored 11 goals in 34 games in his first season for PSG last term, but already has eight in 13 this time around.

“It’s regular, it takes a bit time,” PSG skipper Marquinhos told Canal Plus. “Now he feels a bit extra comfy… I hope Leo Messi has an ideal season till the tip to win this title.”

Juventus moved inside 4 factors of the highest two as Adrien Rabiot’s brace and a Dusan Vlahovic purpose gave the Italians a 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa for his or her first factors.

PARIS – Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland starred Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City made profitable begins in the Champions League group stage, however big-spending Chelsea suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb.

Real Madrid rode their luck at occasions earlier than demonstrating their class to kick off their title defence with a 3-0 win at Celtic regardless of the lack of Karim Benzema to harm.

Mbappe confirmed why PSG had been so determined to maintain him on the finish of final season when he appeared set to depart for Real by scoring each objectives in PSG’s 2-1 victory at dwelling to Juventus, to launch the French champions’ quest for the largest prize in European membership soccer.

“We played well and we got a win in a tremendous atmosphere at home,” Mbappe informed Canal Plus.

“We always want to play against big teams – that’s why you play in the Champions League. It’s that sort of atmosphere we love; matches like this, in which you have to show character.”

The France ahead volleyed Neymar’s pleasant scoop previous Mattia Perin in the fifth minute on the Parc des Princes earlier than including one other brilliantly-worked aim halfway via the primary half.

Substitute Weston McKennie headed Juventus again into the sport however PSG held on and are stage with Benfica in Group H. The Portuguese facet beat Maccabi Haifa 2-0 courtesy of objectives from Rafa Silva and Alex Grimaldo.

Pep Guardiola has warned Haaland alone can’t lead City to Champions League glory this season, however the Norway striker saved up his scintillating type for his new crew with two objectives in their 4-0 rout of Sevilla.

“He has an incredible sense of goal. We have incredible numbers in scoring goals, so we want to continue like that,” mentioned Guardiola.

Having already scored 10 occasions in six Premier League outings, Haaland put City in entrance on 20 minutes in Spain as he poked in a Kevin De Bruyne cross.

Phil Foden doubled the lead on the hour earlier than Haaland struck once more. Ruben Dias bagged a fourth to compound the distress for a struggling Sevilla facet.

Haaland faces a reunion subsequent week with previous membership Borussia Dortmund, who eased to a 3-0 win over FC Copenhagen earlier in Group G.

First-half objectives from Marco Reus and Raphael Guerreiro had the hosts cruising, with 19-year-old England worldwide Jude Bellingham delivering a late third.

REAL UP AND RUNNING

Scottish champions Celtic had been left to rue not taking advantage of a vibrant begin in opposition to Real in Glasgow as Callum McGregor rattled the put up earlier than the Spanish giants made their expertise depend.

Vinicius Junior, who grabbed the profitable aim in final season’s remaining, opening the scoring on 56 minutes and Luka Modric quickly doubled the benefit.

Eden Hazard, who got here on for the ailing Benzema, netted his first aim for the membership since January to seal victory.

“It was like two games, first half we suffered a bit with intensity, second half we had control,” Ancelotti informed BT Sport.

“We were not surprised (with Celtic’s start). We knew they could start really fast. We were lucky because they hit the post.”

Shakhtar Donetsk romped to a memorable 4-1 win over RB Leipzig in Germany in the opposite Group F sport.

Shakhtar, who haven’t performed in their dwelling city since 2014, didn’t have any aggressive matches this 12 months till August 23 resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

They have misplaced a number of key gamers since as FIFA allowed overseas gamers and coaches to droop their contracts and go away the membership.

Marian Shved scored twice on his full debut both facet of Mohamed Simakan’s equaliser. Mykhaylo Mudryk and Lassina Traore made positive of the win for Shakhtar.

Chelsea made a depressing begin to their Champions League marketing campaign as Dinamo Zagreb ruined Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s debut.

Thomas Tuchel’s facet had been anticipated to cruise via Group E after being drawn with Dinamo, Red Bull Salzburg and AC Milan.

But their job won’t be so easy after Mislav Orsic’s first-half strike punished the Blues for an additional sloppy show.

Having spent £250 million ($280 million) on new signings for the reason that finish of final season, Tuchel is underneath strain to ship silverware in return for that vast funding.

“We are clearly not there, where we need to be and where we can be. So it’s on me, it’s on us, we need to find solutions. At the moment, everything is missing,” mentioned Tuchel.

Italian champions Milan started with a 1-1 draw at Salzburg as Alexis Saelemaekers cancelled out Noah Okafor’s opener for the hosts.