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      What do Man Utd need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of finalising their place in the next stage of the Europa League.United secured a late 2-1 win over Rangers last week and currently sit fourth on 15 points in the league phase of the competition.Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage time goal against Rangers grabbed an all important three pointsCredit: GETTYThe win against Rangers was significant as it ensured the Old Trafford club gained breathing space between them ninth-placed Galatasaray.Although not enough to confirm straight qualification, their trip to Romanian giants FCSB on Thursday puts fate in Ruben Amorim’s side’s hands.FCSB are also inside the top eight with a host of teams vying for a one of the eight seeded spots, including sixth-place Tottenham and the aforementioned Rangers in 13th. What do Man Utd need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?Simply put, a win would see the Red Devils progress into the last 16 as one of the four best sides. READ MORE ON MAN UTD United are already guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs with their current point tally. But victory would allow them the chance to finish second, third or fourth – as long as results in either Roma’s clash with Frankfurt and Athletic Club vs Viktoria Plzen go their way.Despite being one of the three unbeaten sides in the competition, the Reds can’t catch table toppers Lazio.According to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 Europa League phase 50,000 times to work out team’s Europa League knockout likelihood – United have an 89.8 per cent chance of a top-eight finish.Most read in Europa LeagueHow to watch FCSB vs Man UtdUnited’s final league phase clash against FCSB will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.Fans will also have the option to stream all entire action on discovery+ which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the huge match – and all other Europa League games – is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 30.Alternatively, tune in to SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens. More

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      Cole Palmer is in same bracket as Chelsea icon – but my celebration is better than his, says Blues hero David Luiz

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      DAVID LUIZ did not bat an eyelid when Enzo Maresca poured cold water on Chelsea’s title hopes.The Brazilian defender claimed club legend and Mr Ego Jose Mourinho would be saying exactly the same if he were in the Stamford Bridge dugout right now.David Luiz has heaped praise on Chelsea star Cole PalmerCredit: GettyTitle-winner Luiz reckons his tongue-out celebration is better than Palmer’s ‘cold’ oneCredit: GettyLuiz ranks Palmer alongside former Chelsea teammate Eden HazardCredit: GettyBut Luiz, who is desperate to manage in the Premier League one day, claims if anyone is to ignite a title challenge for the Blues next season, it will be “world class” Cole ‘Cold’ Palmer.Chelsea were second in the Premier League and just two points shy of pace-setters Liverpool when the boss played the safety card in mid-December.Yet his side has foundered since,  winning only ONE of their last seven games and slipping to sixth.Some thought the Italian’s assessment smacked of a loser’s mentality and has contributed to their dip. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Luiz, who won both the Champions League and Premier League in West London, told SunSport: “I don’t think it was a lack of ambition.“Enzo’s there every single day. He knows more than everybody Chelsea’s level. We cannot be here pointing at him and judging what he has to say.“He is just trying to be honest but, inside his head, there’s a lot of ambition and he wants to win titles.“It’s just that it’s not the right moment. Of course, Mourinho never said anything like that but he’d say the same at the moment.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Maresca is doing a great job, the team is starting to have a great philosophy to play football again. “And if they continue this way, soon Chelsea is going to come back and start to fight for titles again — next season they will challenge with Liverpool, City, Arsenal.Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debutLuiz helped Chelsea win their first Champions League in 2012Credit: GettyHe then won the Europa League a year laterCredit: Getty“Chelsea chose the right young players with a lot of talent with great quality.”Samba star Luiz, 37, who now plays for Fortaleza in his homeland, made no mystery of how highly he rates Palmer.He compared him to Blues legend and former team-mate Eden Hazard and tipped the England star to be the driving force behind Chelsea’s return to glory.Luiz, who also played for Arsenal, said: “Cole, like Eden, is on another level, he’s a world-class player.“He took a tough  decision to leave Man City and it was the right one for him.“Everybody can now see the amazing player that he is.  I’m enjoying seeing him play.“He’s intelligent and intelligent players are difficult to defend.“He’d have played in my 2012 and 2017 teams — for world-class players there’s always a place.”Luiz’s final trophy at Chelsea was another Europa League in 2019Credit: GettyHe has just left Brazilian side Flamengo after four yearsCredit: GettyBut Luiz joked that Palmer’s shoulder- rubbing ‘cold’ celebration is no match for his own tongue-out celebration.He said: “Mine was better because you didn’t see it that much, while he’s scoring every single week!“In my time, Chelsea fans had to wait for up to ten or 20 games . . . so I go for mine!”Luiz’s star-studded Chelsea teams used to gun for glory every single season — but now the club’s main aim is to finish in the top four while looking to get their hands on the low-rent Conference League.Luiz said: “It’s a different period. Chelsea are in transition now while in my time the club was stabilised in every department and everything was in the right position, so it was easy to fight for the titles.“Each time a player arrived he was able to do everything in the short period and was ready to help the team.“Now it’s a totally different moment and it’s never easy when you change everything and restart a club.“There’s been a big change in Chelsea. When you change Roman Abramovich for another president, the ambitions change. “But the new owners are just trying to put everything in the right way, the club is heading in the right direction and, for sure, Chelsea will come back.”Luiz reckons Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo are showing their classCredit: GettyHe has leaped to the defence of misfiring striker Nicolas JacksonCredit: GettyThe ex-Paris Saint-Germain star has credited fellow South Americans Moises Caicedo, 23, and 24-year-old Enzo Fernandez for going from dead-men walking to finally living up to their multi-million price tags.He said: “I love a lot of players at Chelsea but in particular Caicedo. He has some amazing qualities, he’s powerful.“He didn’t start well but he had the personality to keep going, keep fighting and now he’s started to show his class.“Enzo is another top player, a world-class one. But sometimes when collective results are good, then everybody judges individual  performances in a different way.“Enzo is fantastic and at Chelsea he has many examples to follow to continue to improve.”Luiz also leapt to the defence of Robert Sanchez and Nicolas Jackson, with the calamity pair enraging the Stamford Bridge faithful every now and then.He said: “In every club around the world always supporters are not going to be happy with two or three players. This is normal.“But I think Jackson and Sanchez are amazing players — and they will prove that to Chelsea fans and give good things soon.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Fans deserve amazing players who play well and I hope they can both repay their faith. “The moment that you sign for  Chelsea, you already have the potential to be a great Premier League player.” More

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      Chloe Kelly states her future ‘is not at Manchester City’ in exit plea post shared before January transfer deadline

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      CHLOE KELLY admits she does not see herself being a Manchester City player beyond this June.The England ace opened up on “dreams” being “crushed” and concerns for her “mental wellbeing” in a message shared via Instagram. Chloe Kelly’s most recent start for Manchester City was on January 12 in their FA Cup fourth round defeat of IpswichCredit: PAThe England forward has made six WSL appearances this term and believes she will not be at Man City beyond June this yearKelly’s past and present England team-mates Rachel Daly, Millie Bright, Keira Walsh and Gabby George posted sympathetic messages in response to her statementKelly, 27, who is one of the WSL’s most high profile players, has been the subject of speculation concerning her Man City future.This followed England’s tournament-winning goalscorer at the 2022 Euros, falling down the pecking order at the Cityzens. Last term Kelly made 21 top-flight appearances starting in 18 of those games registering five goals and five assists with the team finishing second on goal difference. The forward, who began her senior club career at Arsenal in 2015 before a 2016 Everton switch and a City move in 2020, helped the Cityzens to league and FA Cup wins. Read More Football Stories However this season she has started in just one of the 12 WSL games played by Gareth Taylor’s side.Her most recent start for the team this month was in their FA Cup fourth-round 3-0 defeat of Ipswich on January 12.And Kelly’s current contract with the club she joined in July 2020 expires in June. With this year’s Euros less than six months away, the forward hopes to be in a position to fight for England squad selection.Most read in FootballVia a post published on her social media accounts on Wednesday night, Kelly wrote: “From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. “With my contract expiring in June I’ve accepted that my future is not at this club beyond then. “With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. “Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.”Kelly, who last February was linked with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, is thought to be a January transfer target for Man United.The WSL’s window for January moves closes at 11:00pm on January 30. Earlier this month the Telegraph reported the Red Devils as being interested in a loan move for the forward. City’s neighbours and rivals, who visit Tottenham on Sunday, are currently second in the top tier and seven points off leaders Chelsea. With the Cityzens sat fourth outside the Champions League qualification spots, they may be reluctant to sanction a move to a top three WSL rival this month. Having not started in any of Man City’s WSL games since a 2-0 home win against West Ham in October, Kelly has expressed frustration.  In her Instagram post, she added: “To be dictated (as to) whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well being. “The situation has dragged on for far too long, it’s disappointing and not right.”I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me.”It’s very disappointing that the sport that we love can make you feel this way especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport. “This is why I’m posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence.”Kelly is keen to cement a place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this year’s Euros in Switzerland after helping the Lionesses win the contest in 2022Credit: PA”Ultimately I just want to be happy again. READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile City have signed Brazil forward Kerolin, they currently have star forward Lauren Hemp sidelined by a knee injury. The team return to WSL action on Sunday when they host third-place Arsenal.  More

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      Aston Villa stars anxiously huddle round phone to check Champions League scores before celebrating

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      ASTON VILLA stars faced an anxious wait following their dramatic win over Celtic on Wednesday night.Players crowded around a coach’s phone to watch results come in from the evening’s other Champions League matches. Aston Villa’s players nervously checked results from elsewhere on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyThe Premier League side qualified for the last-16 in the final spotCredit: GettyMorgan Rogers netted a brilliant hat-trick as Unai Emery’s men beat CelticCredit: GettyThe campaign is Villa’s first in the competition since 1982Credit: GettyVilla began the night in the qualification spots for the last-16 of the competition. The top 8 sides in the revamped Champions League table head straight into the knockouts without the need for a playoff. A brilliant hat-trick from Morgan Rogers helped Villa to all three points.But they were forced into an agonising wait to see if Atalanta could steal a winner against Barcelona. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA goal for the Serie A side would have seen them leapfrog Villa into the top 8, relegating Unai Emery’s side into the playoff on goal difference.Barcelona held on, resulting in jubilant scenes both on the field and terraces at Villa Park. They will now face either Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge in the last-16.One fan wrote on X: “The Villa and Brugge players crowding round their phones waiting for the results like they’ve found out they’ve survived relegation from League One has made me indescribably happy.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Aston Villa players gathered around iPad checking Atalanta score was fantastic.”While a third added: “That reaction to Villa finding out they are through to the round of 16 is class. Full stadium and players going mental in unison quality stuff.”Celtic and Aston Villa fans fight in shocking scenes at Champions League clashVilla were rocked earlier in the day after Arsenal tabled a £60million bid for talisman Ollie Watkins.The England striker was on the scoresheet at Villa Park, just hours after the bid was rejected.But he also missed a penalty in calamitous fashion as Emery’s men squeaked into the last-16. Watkins blew his chance with Villa leading 3-2 on the night.But the Three Lions striker shanked his effort high into the Holte End, giving away a freekick in the process for kicking the ball twice. More

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      Liverpool star Amara Nallo sent off FOUR MINUTES into first-team debut and breaks Michael Owen’s unwanted record

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      LIVERPOOL teenager Amara Nallo was sent off barely four minutes into his Reds debut as his side lost to PSV this evening.In doing so, the 18-year-old defender became the youngest player to be red carded in the club’s 132-year history.Amara Nallo fouls PSV star Johan BakayokoCredit: AFPNallo, 18, was quickly shown a red cardCredit: GettyAt 18 years and 72 days, Nallo beat the previous record set by Michael Owen against Manchester United in April 1998, with the forward having been 18 years and 117 days old, per Opta.With Liverpool having already qualified for the Champions League round of 16, boss Arne Slot brought a youthful side with him to face PSV.In the 83rd minute, Slot brought on defender Nallo for his first Reds appearance.Just four minutes later, PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez sent a long punt downfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNallo went to clear the ball, only for PSV star Johan Bakayoko to get there first.Referee Tobias Stieler adjudged Nallo’s foul to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, despite Jarell Quansah potentially having been on the cover.On co-commentary for TNT Sports, gutted former Reds star Steve McManaman said: “Oh no!”He then wondered whether Nallo may have got the ball, but there would be no reprieve.Most read in Champions LeagueSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLiverpool already trailed 3-2 prior to Nallo’s introduction.PSV old-boy Cody Gakpo had given them the lead from the penalty spot on 28 minutes, before the game really burst into life.Fire breaks out outside Etihad in front of thousands of fans just hours before Man City’s Champions League clashBakayoko levelled in the 35th minute, only for Harvey Elliott to swiftly reclaim Liverpool’s lead.Amazingly PSV would go into the break ahead, following Ismael Saibari’s 45th minute equaliser and Ricardo Pepi’s effort deep into first-half stoppage time.Despite falling to a 3-2 defeat, Liverpool still finished top of the league phase with 21 points from eight games.They could have been caught by Barcelona, only for the Catalan side to fail to beat Atalanta at home.Liverpool will skip next month’s play-off round and head straight into the round of 16 in March.They will then face one of PSG, Benfica, AS Monaco or Brest, with Nallo suspended for the first leg.Who faces who?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Play-off roundAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic/Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic/Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord/JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord/JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco/BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco/BrestFeyenoord vs AC Milan/PSVJuventus vs AC Milan/PSVCeltic vs Bayern Munich/Real MadridManchester City vs Bayern Munich/Real MadridSporting Lisbon vs Atalanta/Borussia DortmundClub Brugge vs Atalanta/Borussia DortmundLast 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club Brugge More

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      Man City land horror Champions League play-off tie as Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learn their next opponents

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      THE brand new Champions League league phase is over and we now know who will be facing who in the next round.All four of the English clubs have managed to advance from the first round with Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa booking their place in the last 16 without the need for a playLiverpool have finished top of the Champions League league phaseCredit: GettyArsenal have secured automatic qualification to the last 16 with a top eight finishCredit: GettyAston Villa have snuck into the top eight and guaranteed a place in the last 16 tooCredit: GettyA look at what the league table finish means for who faces whoManchester City, however, will have a huge challenge as they will face on one of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a play-off round in February to try and earn a spot in the last 16 proper.Pep Guardiola’s side will learn which of those two teams they face in a draw taking place on January 31.The Cityzens narrowly squeezed into the play-offs with a 3-1 comeback win over Club Brugge that pushed them into 22nd.They had looked down and out when trailing 1-0 at half-time, with Pep Guardiola back scratching his head in frustration, but scrambled back to book their spot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, a poor league phase has now led to a nightmare draw.Arsenal, Liverpool and Villa will all have to wait to find out who advances to the last 16 from the play-off round to discover their opponents for their clashes.But until then, the final league table allows us to look at the four potential opponents each side would face.Arsenal’s 3rd placed finish means they will face one of AC Milan, Juventus, PSV or Feyenoord in a tricky tie.Most read in FootballManchester City pulled off a comeback win to squeeze into the play-offsCredit: ReutersCity’s shocking form in the league phase means they could face Real Madrid in the knockoutsCredit: AFPIf they avoid Real Madrid then City will face Harry Kane and Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners beat Girona 2-1 in Spain to earn their third placed spot on a night where youngster Ethan Nwaneri shone once again and loanee keeper Neto had a nightmare debut.Liverpool lost their first game of the competition in a 3-2 defeat to PSV that saw 18-year-old Amara Nallo sent off just four minutes after being subbed on.The draw for the playoff round will take place on Friday, January 31 at 11amFire breaks out outside Etihad in front of thousands of fans just hours before Man City’s Champions League clashBut regardless of their defeat, the Reds still topped the table and their first placed finish hasn’t done them any huge favours as they could still take on PSG, Benfica, AS Monaco or Brest in the last 16.For Villa, they snuck into the top eight by the skin of their teeth in 8th place after an enthralling 4-2 victory over Celtic at Villa Park.Their lower finish means they will face higher-seeded sides, and in this instance that will be one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.Man City know their route too, which means if they do advance past Bayern or Real Madrid in the play-offs, then they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.The overly complicated format, also known as the Swiss model, has thrown up some other potential heavyweight clashes across the competition.Scottish giants Celtic will face whoever of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich isn’t drawn to face Man City in a horror tie.While there’s potential last derby 16 ties between Inter Milan and AC Milan as well as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic will face one of Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-offsCredit: ReutersWho faces who in the Champions League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Champions League league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUNDAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic or Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic or Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco or BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco or BrestWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club Brugge More

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      PSV 3 Liverpool 2: Arne Slot’s youthful side beaten by Dutch giants… but still seal Champions League top spot

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      ARNE SLOT claimed a “wise man” once told him nothing good ever came from a defeat.The identity of the Liverpool’s manager’s Yoda-style mentor remains a mystery but he may also have mentioned that the results of pre-season friendlies do not matter.Cody Gakpo returned to haunt his old club in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Eindhoven native struck in the opener from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersJohan Bakayoko slammed in a brilliant equaliser for the hosts, who turned the game on its headCredit: ReutersBecause here in Eindhoven, it felt exactly like that for Liverpool – the sort of match we see in July – with Slot mixing and matching his team without worrying too much about the outcome.Even though they lost, Liverpool finished in the top two.So this third defeat of the Slot reign really was an irrelevance and not one anyone will dwell on. Slot will certainly not stress about a late red card for Liverpool substitute defender Amara Nallo for a tackle on Johan Bakayoko.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNothing happened until Cody Gakpo scored against his former club with a 28th-minute penalty. Bakayoko equalised, Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool lead and then Ismael Saibari levelled in the 45th minute. Remarkably, in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, PSV got what was to be their winner.And it was credited to Ricardo Pepi but looked like a Conor Bradley own goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet it was always going to be a strange night. With captain Virgil van Dijk among several high-profile absentees left at home, Andy Robertson not only wore the skipper’s armband.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezThe Scot also replaced the Dutchman in central defence so there were always going to be a few gaps at the back.Striker Jayden Danns was handed a full debut up front while midfielder James McConnell made only his third start.Federico Chiesa – the only arrival last summer – has suffered an injury-hit spell on Merseyside and will have been delighted to get a full 90 minutes in his second start although he was guilty of an embarrassing dive in a bid to win a penalty.It was Chiesa who won the penalty although he needed extensive treatment after a clumsy whack to the ankles from Joey Veerman.Gakpo calmly dispatched his spot-kick into the bottom corner and as he had promised before the game, the £45m signing did not celebrate in front of his former supporters.Harvey Elliott smashed the Reds back ahead in an open first-halfCredit: GettyGakpo’s 39th strike for Liverpool sparked a flurry of goals.Bakayoko delivered a lovely finish following a clever turn which left both Robertson and Jarell Quansah on their backsides.Elliott tucked away a loose ball to restore Liverpool’s lead after keeper Benitez could only parry a shot from Chiesa and Saibari beat Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post for 2-2. Liverpool did not defend well and they caught out down their right again. Although Pepi was marked down at the goalscorer, Uefa initially awarded it as an own goal to Bradley as he got a heavy touch to Mauro Junior’s cross. Who faces who in the Champions League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Champions League league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUNDAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon or Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic or Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic or Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord or JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco or BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco or BrestWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeIsmael Saibari responded before PSV took the leadCredit: ReutersGakpo was given a standing ovation by the home fans as he left the fieldCredit: AFPOnly six minutes of the second half had been played when Slot decided to give Gakpo a rest and he received a standing ovation from the PSV fans who sang his name.READ MORE SUN STORIESGakpo’s replacement, Tyler Morton, delivered a stunning block to prevent Saibari from getting a fourth.And Kelleher delivered a decent late save to deny Isaac Babadi. More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Man City land horror play-off clash, Arsenal and Aston Villa THROUGH to last-16

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      THE Champions League league phase has concluded after a frantic finale.Manchester City had to come from behind to keep their last-16 hopes alive as they beat Club Brugge 3-1.Pep Guardiola’s side will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a blockbuster knockout play-off clash.Liverpool were already automatically through to the last-16 before kick-off but they did secure the top seed despite losing 3-2 at PSV on the night.Aston Villa confirmed their spot in the top eight after they edged a six-goal thriller with Celtic.Arsenal beat Girona 2-1 to finish third and secure automatic qualification to the last-16.TV channel: TNT Sports (various)Live stream: discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Arsenal ‘have a good chance’ of winning first Champions League titleThe Gunners secured automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 away win at Girona.Arsenal Invincible Robert Pires believes there is a good chance his former side can go all the way in Europe’s elite competition.Speaking at the PlayStation Crossover Concept Event, he said: “Of course, I hope Arsenal will do well and I think that they do have a good chance because their type of football may suit the Champions League.”I always enjoy watching and talking about players with good technique, because for me, that is the most important thing. Now, people in France want to always focus on athleticism and physicality, but football is about how you play with your feet.”Copy linkCopiedHow the table finishedHere is how the league phase table finished after a frantic finale -Copy linkCopied’What the players deserve’Brendan Rodgers admits he’s proud of the effort his Celtic players have given to get where they are.He told TNT Sports: “The word that screams at me is pride. The game was right in the balance right through to extra-time. We had a really challenging start being two nil down. “We started the game well but then we conceded the two goals. Second goal was a brilliant goal. Game was right in the balance until the end. Pride is my initial feeling.”Spirit was absolutely key. There’s no good team that doesn’t possess a really strong spirit. We had a couple of moments in the second half where we could’ve relieved the pressure. It was a great effort.”On the prospect of meeting either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, he added: “It’s what the players deserve for what they’ve given over the course of the eight games. “For us to be in the position is great for them. Us and the supporters can enjoy what we’ve done.”Copy linkCopiedArne in perfect position for trophiesNobody predicted that Liverpool would be so dominant this campaign after losing manager Jurgen Klopp.Arne Slot has come in and just continued the great work the German had been doing and it is all going according to plan.We are at the stage now where sides look to regroup and begin their push for the business end of the season.The Reds sit top of the Premier League and matched that by finishing top of the pile in the new Champions League format also.Slot’s side can achieve big things season, the sky’s the limit for the Anfiield outfit.Copy linkCopied’Today is not the day’Unai Emery was quizzed on Jhon Duran’s seemingly imminent exit from the club, telling TNT Sports: “Tomorrow or Friday we can talk about the transfer, or maybe next week, until everything is done I don’t want to speak, because in football everything can happen. “The club is working and trying to compete in the transfer window because we need some players. Some can leave, but it is not time to speak about it.”Questions then followed on Ollie Watkins, who was the subject of a reported bid earlier today. Again, Emery batted the question away, adding: “I know you want to ask about it, but I told you, today is not the day.”Copy linkCopiedPlay-offs provide some big gamesWith the new format in the Champions League, we have seen a lot of Europe’s heavyweights have to settle for the play-offs.There are some massive fixtures lying ahead which should provide some classic European clashes.Both Man City and Celtic will be hoping they can perform at their highest levels to book their places in the last 16.Copy linkCopiedRound of 16 – how that looksAnd for the top eight, here’s who they could face when seeded sides in the round of 16.Some incredible ties there, including the possibility of Man City facing Atletico Madrid if overcoming Real or Bayern!Last 16Liverpool vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestBarcelona vs PSG/Benfica/AS Monaco/BrestArsenal vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusInter Milan vs AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven/Feyenoord/JuventusAtletico Madrid vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityBayer Leverkusen vs Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Celtic/Man CityLille vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeAston Villa vs Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund/Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeCopy linkCopiedGunners keeping dream aliveThe one thing that always haunts Arsenal is that despite all their success as a club, they have never won a major European trophy.Arteta knew the goal was to finish in the top eight to avoid the potential banana skin of a play-off and it is mission accomplished.There will be a lot harder games ahead but as the old cliche says, you’ve got to in it to win it.Whether they have enough quality to go all the way remains to be seen but they have made it to the last 16.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPlay off permutationsHere’s how the next stage looks for every team in the play off round.Hopefully it doesn’t leave you with a sore head like mine.Play-off roundAtalanta vs Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeBorussia Dortmund vs Sporting Lisbon/Club BruggeReal Madrid vs Celtic/Man CityBayern Munich vs Celtic/Man CityAC Milan vs Feyenoord/JuventusPSV vs Feyenoord/JuventusPSG vs AS Monaco/BrestBenfica vs AS Monaco/BrestFeyenoord vs AC Milan/PSVJuventus vs AC Milan/PSVCeltic vs Bayern Munich/Real MadridManchester City vs Bayern Munich/Real MadridSporting Lisbon vs Atalanta/Borussia DortmundClub Brugge vs Atalanta/Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedScots with something to celebrateDespite going down to defeat at Villa Park this evening, we cannot overlook their making the play-offs.All too often the Scottish teams have found the Champions League too much of a step up and fallen at the first hurdle.Brendan Rodgers has given their fans something that has been lacking all too often as they finally progress.They will face a tricky play-off to try and get through to the last 16 but had you offered them that before a game was played, they would have snapped your arm off.Copy linkCopiedCeltic next opponentsLast week’s win over Young Boys secured a play off spot for Brendan Rodgers’ men.It allowed them a free hit at Aston Villa tonight and they went down with credit, given their best three players of a couple of weeks ago were all absent.And if you’d told them they’d end up beside Manchester City in the table after eight games, they’d have bitten your hand off for it.Unfortunately for them, City have flopped. That means Celtic will also either get REAL MADRID or BAYERN MUNICH in the play off round.Two outstanding ties for the club and their supporters.Madrid and Bayern will probably rather a Celtic Park trip than Etihad….Copy linkCopiedFT from Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThis was a night Ollie Watkins will never forget as he took centre stage before kick off – and carried on being the main attraction for most of this extraordinary match.It’s hard to believe Watkins wouldn’t have got wind of the fact Arsenal had made a £60million bid for him in the run-up to the match – social media being what it is.If he did it certainly didn’t look as if it affected him as he finally put Celtic to the sword on the hour with his first Champions League goal.The fact he tapped the Villa crest on his chest will leave Villa fans hopeful their hero ius going nowhere.Even though Watkins fluffed a bizarre penalty minutes later as he skied over from the spot, this was to be his night …. along with hat-trick hero Morgan RogersWatkins rounded Kasper Schmeichel to hand Rogers his hat-trick goal on a plate as Villa stormed into the last 16 on an incredible night.Copy linkCopiedCity do it the hard wayPep Guardiola’s side really give him a rough ride at the moment.After falling behind to Club Brugge, the Spaniard was contemplating the prospect of heading out of Europe.Whatever he said at the interval seemed to work as his team ran out 3-1 winners at The Etihad.Guardiola may need a glass of wine or two to unwind after this one.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedAston Villa next opponentsA great night for Aston Villa as they sneak through to the automatic qualification spot – in the FINAL eighth spot.It looks like they won’t have Jhon Duran for that stage. Will they manage to keep Ollie Watkins?Lots to ponder over the next few days but they’ve at least guaranteed themselves two less games by finishing in that top eight.They will be seeded in the round of 16, meaning they’ll play the second leg at home to one of these four sides.AtalantaDortmundSportingClub BruggeCopy linkCopiedLiverpool next opponentsTop spot secured for Arne Slot’s Liverpool who have been sensational this last six months.It means they’ll avoid Barcelona until the final and there’s every chance these two will go all the way.Liverpool skip those play off fixtures and can sit back and watch. It’ll be one of these four sides in the round of 16, with the second leg at home.PSGBenficaMonacoBrestCopy linkCopiedSlot learns more about squadIt was not the perfect end to the league phase for Liverpool as they lost 3-2 to PSV on the road.Taking a much-changed side to Eindhoven, he may have learnt a lot more about his squad depth this evening.Despite the defeat, his team finish in top spot in the table and will automatically go through to the last 16.That said, being ever the competiitor, Slot will not have enjoyed suffering his third defeat as The Reds’ manager.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal next opponentsTonight’s results mean the Gunners are safely into the knockout stages and through in third spot.They finished only a couple of goals behind Barcelona in the end, having ended level on 19 points from their eight games.They’ll now need to wait for the play off round before they’ll see who they face. But they will be seeded and it WILL be one these four sides:MilanPSVFeyenoordJuventusCopy linkCopiedMan City next opponentsManchester City managed to secure a play off spot tonight, finishing in 22nd spot.As an unseeded team, they’ll play their play off round match first before an away leg to their seeded opponent.That opponent? Either REAL MADRID or BAYERN MUNICH. Extraordinary.That means an away leg just a few days before they host Liverpool in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedRogers with night to rememberWhat a difference a year can make.Morgan Rogers was playing in the Championship last campaign, now he is scoring hat-tricks in the Champions League.The Aston Villa attacker will no doubt find a special place for that match ball in his home.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSo, who plays who?We’ve got all the permutations and what that means.Club Brugge’s players are celebrating on the Etihad pitch, they’re absolutely thrilled to have got through in 24th. Skin of their teeth.City will be celebrating making the play off round too. But they won’t like what comes next….Copy linkCopiedFull times from a hectic Champions League nightAston Villa 4-2 CelticBarcelona 2-2 AtalantaBayern 3-1 Slovan BratislavaBrest 0-3 Real MadridDinamo Zagreb 2-1 MilanDortmund 3-1 ShakhtarGirona 1-2 ArsenalInter 3-0 MonacoJuventus 0-2 BenficaLeverkusen 2-0 Sparta PragueLille 6-1 FeyenoordMan City 3-1 Club BruggePSV 3-2 LiverpoolSalzburg 1-4 AtleticoSporting 1-1 BolognaSturm Graz 1-0 LeipzigStuttgart 1-4 PSGYoung Boys 0-1 Red StarCopy linkCopiedTrio save themselves extra matchesThe big news from this evening is that three English teams have finished in the top eight of the table.Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will all go straight through to the last 16 in the competition.That will be massively important to their respective managers, the last thing they want is a congested fixture list.Copy linkCopiedFT: Girona 1-2 ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side finish the league phase with victory.After falling a goal behind, goals from Jorginho and Nwaneri seal the three points for The Gunners.A confidence boosting result before they take on Man City this weekend.Copy linkCopiedFT: Aston Villa 4-2 CelticIt is a comfortable victory for Unai Emery’s side.Celtic made them work for it tonight to their credit.Defensive errors really cost Brendan Rodgers’ side.Copy linkCopiedPSV 3-2 Liverpool90+2. Harsh introduction to Champions League life for one of Liverpool’s youngsters.Bakayoko looks to run through the middle but as Nallo tries to win it, he brings down the attacker, who was clean through.No other option for the referee but to give him his marching orders.Copy linkCopied More