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    PSG 0 Liverpool 1: Sub Harvey Elliott scores with first touch as Reds seal smash-and-grab victory thanks to Alisson

    IN a remarkable season for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, this was perhaps the most incredible result of the lot.It is a miracle that the runaway Premier League leaders are still standing in this Champions League tie and an absolute wonder that they kept a clean sheet.Harvey Elliott was the hero from the bench for LiverpoolCredit: PAPSG were made to rue their missed chancesCredit: AFPLiverpool had Alisson to thank for keeping them in itCredit: ReutersBut that sub Harvey Elliott should have sealed the ultimate smash-and-grab victory with an 87th-minute winner was beyond miraculous, it was simply ridiculous.The scoreline at the top of this page reads like a misprint.England’s champions-elect were subjected to a 90-minute pummelling from an electrifying Paris St Germain side.There were elements of sheer fortune, including two major VAR calls which went in their favour – ruling out a first-half strike from the phenomenal Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and allowing Ibrahima Konate to escape a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Alisson conjured up a masterclass in the Liverpool goal and the rest was all about an obdurate Reds team who lose so rarely that they have simply forgotten how to do so.Elliott’s strike was his first touch since arriving as a sub less than a minute earlier.Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele had been magnificent all night but ended with nowt. Elliott sat on the bench for so long, yet went on and won it.It is supposed to be France’s perma-champions PSG who don’t get proper competition in their domestic league. In this match, it felt like Liverpool – who simply never get dominated in this manner in the Premier League.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet they will head back to Anfield on Tuesday as favourites to book a likely all-English quarter-final against Aston Villa.Both of these clubs are champions-elect in their homelands – both 13 points clear at the top.Arne Slot impressed as Liverpool brush off nervy displays to close in on title And if Liverpool’s form had been excellent, then PSG’s was even better – they had scored 40 goals in a run of ten straight wins.The Parisian Galactico era is over after Kylian Mbappe followed Lionel Messi and Neymar out of the exit door. In their place was a proper team.And Slot’s side were subjected to a magnificent pounding, pass-and-move football from the Gods as well as dribbling and nutmeggery from the Messi school.The fact that Alisson’s goal survived unscathed for 45 minutes was genuinely extraordinary.At the centre of it all were Dembele – the hottest forward in Europe with 14 goals from his previous 18 games – and the Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia – try to get the ball off him, try to spell his name.First, Dembele sprinted down the right, skipping past two Liverpool players and centring for Joao Neves to fire over inexplicably.Then Dembele nutmegged Mac Allister and sprinted through four Liverpool defenders before his shot was deflected wide off Virgil Van Dijk.And then on 20 minutes, PSG thought they had taken a well-deserved lead when Vitinha squared for Kvaratskhelia to bend a left-footed shot into the far corner.You could have headed into the centre of town and hung it in the Louvre – but then the VAR robot ruled it out for a fractional offside.If that was a stroke of luck for Liverpool, the next one was outrageous good fortune.Ibrahima Konate shoved over Bradley Barcola on the edge of the box but the incident was waved away by Italian ref Davide Massa.Liverpool launched a counter-attack but play was halted for a red-card check against Konate yet VAR Aleandro Di Paolo surprisingly allowed the on-field decision to stand.Here was the ‘high bar’ for VAR interventions, which we are supposed to have in the Premier League but clearly don’t.Then Kvaratskhelia – a nightmare for full-backs and spell-checks alike – produced a fierce long-ranger pushed out by Alisson.After that, Barcola fed Dembele, with Alisson rushing out to block – Barcola having a follow-up effort blocked by Dominik Szoboszlai before his next shot was skied.And then the Countdown conundrum man darted between defenders like a rat in a subway before he nutmegged Konate with a shot which Alisson clawed away.Liverpool’s defenders had seen so much of the name on the back of his shirt that they might even be able to spell it.It was difficult to recall such a sublime 45-minute performance going unrewarded. The scoreline read like a misprint.The Reds, simply not used to this kind of pummelling, were clinging on for dear life. The shot-count read 13-1 in favour of the French champions.Kvaratskhelia pinged a free-kick just wide, then forced another save from Alisson.When Liverpool did manage to break, Nuno Mendes had Mo Salah under lock and key.Van Dijk was booked for time-wasting – one of the most laudable yellow cards ever seen. Liverpool were desperately wishing these 90 minutes away.Darwin Nunez arrived in place of Diogo Jota and soon left PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma needing treatment.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd then came the ridiculous denouement as Alisson punted forward, Nunez held it up and angled a pass to Elliott who drilled past Donnarumma, who ought to have done better.It ended PSG’s 22-match unbeaten run. And it defied all reason. More

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    Ex-Man Utd keeper makes horror blunder to gift Musiala goal as Bayern Munich thrash Leverkusen 3-0 in Champions League

    BAYER LEVERKUSEN goalkeeper Matej Kovar made a horror blunder to gift Bayern Munich the edge in their Champions League crunch clash.Jamal Musiala capitalised when Kovar – who spent three years at Manchester United between 2020 and 2023 – dropped Joshua Kimmich’s simple cross in the 55th minute.Former Manchester United keeper Matej Kovar made a horror blunder against Bayern MunichKovar failed to collect Joshua Kimmich’s cross in the 55th minuteCredit: GettyKovar never made a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, but did play 53 times for their under-21s.With Bayern 1-0 up at the time, Arsenal and Liverpool target Kimmich’s lofty long cross should’ve been a simple catch for the Czech Republic Euro 2024 stopper. But Kovar, 24, jumped and somehow let the ball slip through his fingers in the 55th minute, to double the home side’s lead.Musiala, who was lingering underneath Kovar, pounced on the mistake and tapped home his third Champions League goal of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe camera turned to a devastated Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso on the touchline.During his three year stint at United, Kovar was shipped out on loan to Swindon Town, Burton Albion and Sparta Prague, before joining Leverkusen on a permanent basis in 2023.Things went from bad to worse for the visitors after Kovar’s howler when Nordi Mukiele was sent off for a second booking for a foul on Kingsley Coman in the 62nd minute.Meanwhile, Harry Kane marked his reunion with blunder referee Michael Oliver, with two goals – his 53rd and 54th in the competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKane got Bayern off to a dream start after just nine minutes, with a high back-post header over Leverkusen’s Mukiele.The England captain met former Crystal Palace star and countryman Michael Olise’s blistering pristine cross. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich shows off his skills on the training pitch Kovar spent three years with Manchester UnitedJamal Musiala was behind Kovar and capitalised on his faux-pas to put his 2-0 upCredit: GettyBlunder ref Michael Oliver was kept busy on Wednesday nightCredit: AFPKane then won a foul from Edmond Tapsoba inside the box and scored a penalty in the 71st minute to secure a 3-0 win for the Bundesliga leaders.The former Spurs star has now scored 30-plus goals in a season for the seventh time in his club career, since the first season he did so in 2014-15.Only Robert Lewandowski has more 30 goal campaigns (nine) for clubs in Europe’s big-five leagues.Olise looked at home in the Champions League and was a menace throughout.But it took just 16 minutes, for under-fire Prem ref Oliver to be sucked into his first bit of drama.Bayern stars crowded him when Kane’s free-kick, won by Olise, struck Mukiele’s arm, who was standing in the wall inside the box inside 15 minutes.Oliver waved on before a standard VAR check confirmed no penalty.The biggest controversy came when Kane escaped a red card after a David Beckham-style kick out at Granit Xhaka.Oliver was reunited with former Tottenham star Harry KaneCredit: AFPKane lashed out at Granit Xhaka with an apparent kickXhaka shoved Kane in the back, causing the striker to fall.The England captain then lashed out at Xhaka and appeared to throw out his leg as the ex-Arsenal star fell to the turf.Team-mates and the referee had to intervene to separate the former North London derby rivals, though neither were booked.Oliver was kept busy on Wednesday night after two red card checks across the 90 minutes.He might welcome a weekend off after being kept off the Prem schedule.It comes after Oliver’s stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Meanwhile, 10-man Barcelona beat Benfica 1-0 away from home in their first-leg tie in Lisbon.Former Leeds star Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, with a stunning low corner finish past Anatoliy Trubin.Barca star Pau Cubarsi showed his age when he was given a straight red for a last-man challenge on Vangelis Pavlidis in the 22nd minute.Cubarsi, 18, was hoping to execute the perfect challenge, but caught Pavlidis on the edge of the box.READ MORE SUN STORIESInsodoing, he became the the second youngest player to be sent off in Champions League history after Celestine Babayaro in 1994 (16 years and 86 days).Benfica keeper Trubin had been forced into a sensational triple save just moments before the red card.Pau Cubarsi was given a straight red for a last-man challenge on Vangelis PavlidisCredit: EPA More

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    Micah Richards left speechless at Kate Abdo introduction on CBS Sports as fans say ‘he turns up to work to get bullied’

    MICAH RICHARDS was left speechless after Kate Abdo’s brutal introduction on CBS Sports.The former Manchester City star was alongside Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher for his regular slot covering the Champions League.Kate Abdo made a brutal put down at Micah RichardsCredit: x CBS SPORTS The pundit was left speechless in the CBS Sports studioCredit: x CBS SPORTS Presenter Abdo, 43, is famed for her brilliant intros that often poke fun at Big Meeks.And this was no exception.She joked that footballers need more than just speed, grit and power to be successful.As she introduced the trio, she said: “First, one of the fastest players ever.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He is the OG speed, Arsenal and French national team legend Thierry Henry.”In the middle, a man with so much grit as a player, he was willing to anger some of the greatest names in the game.He’s brought those skills to his broadcasting career as well, Liverpool’s own Jamie Carragher.”Abdo then got onto Richards with a brutal put down.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShe joked: “Finally, you haven’t seen power until you’ve seen Micah power through one of his Champions League night dinner orders.”Big for a reason, Big Meeks.”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingRichards, 36, was left dumbfounded as he could not muster a response.However, many found the moment hilarious as laughter could be heard coming from off the set.Fans also found the moment funny as they reacted on social media.One posted: “He turns up to work to get bullied.”A second wrote: “This isn’t nice at all. But the sense of humor is top notch.”A third commented: “Micah won’t be recovering from this anytime soon.”A fourth said: “Bruh you can see his heart sink in real time.”A fifth joked: “Meeks finally going to call HR one day, you know.”Another added: “Big for a reason had me rolling.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not the first time that Abdo has gone after Richards.The retired footballer has often called for HR to get involved following some of the presenters’ jokes.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    What happened to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s face as PSG goalkeeper has huge scar under his eye

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has a nasty scar on his cheek.PSG face Premier League leaders Liverpool in the first-leg of the last-16 in the Champions League.Gianluigi Donnarumma has a nasty scar on his cheekDonnarumma in action against Liverpool in their first leg of their heavyweight Champions League clashDonnarumma has played 142 games for PSG since making the switch from AC Milan in 2021.The keeper captains the Italy national team and lead his country to the Euro 2020 trophy, winning Player of the Tournament in the process.Donnarumma saved Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho’s penalties in Italy’s shootout victory over England at Wembley and has since won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG.He was spotted with a huge scar under his right eye against Liverpool on Wednesday.But why? What happened to Donnarumma’s face?Donnarumma suffered a serious facial injury after being struck by the studs of a Monaco player on December 18.The 26-year-old was scarred by the boot of Wilfried Singo after making a save, suffering multiple cuts to his face.The Italian star was left bleeding with an awful wound on his face.Most read in Champions LeaguePSG boss Luis Enrique had no other option but to take him off the pitch and replace him with back-up keeper Matvei Safonov after just 22 minutes into the clash.Singo, who was already on a yellow after a rough challenge on Desire Doue just nine minutes earlier, somehow avoided a second booking. Donnarumma had his face stitched up by medics in the dressing room during PSG’s 4-2 win over rivals Monaco in Paris.The brave keeper missed just ONE game – against Lens in the French Cup – before returning 16 days later in January. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a horrendous facial injuryDonnarumma was struck in the face by the boot of Wilfried Singo after making a saveDonnarumma’s cheek had been sliced open by the studs More

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    Harry Kane gets away with David Beckham moment as Bayern Munich ace renews rivalry with ex-Arsenal star

    HARRY KANE escaped a potential red card after a David Beckham-style kick out at Granit Xhaka.Kane’s Bayern Munich hosted Xhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen in an all-German grudge match in the Champions League last-16.Harry Kane and Granit Xhaka clashed after a coming togetherCredit: APKane lashed out at Xhaka with an apparent kickThe striker was fouled by the former Arsenal starThe players had to be separated by their team-matesCredit: AFPThe old North London rivals had a coming together and Tottenham legend Kane did not appreciate being fouled by the former Arsenal star.Xhaka appeared to shove Kane in the back, causing the England captain to fall.Kane lashed out at Xhaka and appeared to throw out his leg while still on the floor – in echoes of ex-Three Lions skipper David Beckham’s infamous World Cup 1998 flick at Argentina’s Diego Simeone.Kane actually miss Xhaka, only for the Swiss midfielder’s foot to land on his outstretched leg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat caused Xhaka to fall too – only for the pair to quickly got back to their feet and square up.Team-mates and the referee had to intervene to separate the feud, though neither were booked.Earlier on in the match Kane opened the scoring with a towering header from Michael Olise’s cross.It put his side 1-0 up in the tie against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJamal Musiala then made the most of keeper Matej Kovar’s horror error to poke Bayern 2-0 in the second half.Kane then put the match – and possibly the tie – to bed by converting a penalty which he won in the 75th minute.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starAhead of the match Bayern fans let off pyrotechnics in a stand behind one of the goals, creating a spectacular but foggy atmosphere.In doing so they will likely incur the wrath of Uefa, who could hit Bayern with a fine.The German giants were given a £33,000 fine for their fans’ use of pyrotechnics in a Champions League match against Copenhagen last season. More

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    Why aren’t Bayern wearing their red home kit in the Champions League?

    BAYERN’S red home kit is one of the most iconic shirt colours in world football.The German giants have worn all-red since the late 1960s.Bayern have not worn their traditional red in the Champions League this seasonCredit: RexTheir original colours were white and blue but for the last 50-plus years red has become synonymous with the Bundesliga leaders.However, much to the surprise of fans across Europe and the world, Bayern have been BANNED from wearing red in the Champions League this season.They have instead been seen wearing their off-white away kit in home games in 2024-2025.But why?Why are Bayern not wearing red in the Champions League?It was revealed earlier this season that Uefa had banned Bayern from wearing red.It was nothing to do with the colour – but the numbering.German newspaper BILD says that the European football governing body is not happy with the dark numbers used.They state that there is not enough contrast for television viewers between the dark numbers and the red shirt.Most read in Champions LeagueIf they are to wear their red shirts, they would have to adopt white numbering and lettering.However, Bayern have NOT done that in the competition this season.Instead, they have been seen wearing their cream away shirts. More

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    Inter Milan manager’s gesture backfires horribly after shock intervention in Champions League penalty decision

    SIMONE INZAGHI’S hand gesture backfired after his chosen player MISSED a penalty against Feyenoord in the Champions League.With Inter Milan 2-0 up, goalscorer Marcus Thuram drew a foul in the box after Jeyland Mitchell clipped the back of the Frenchman’s leg in the 63rd minute.Inter Milan boss Inzaghi’s gesture backfired after his chosen player scuffed a penalty against FeyenoordPiotr Zielinski missed out on the chance of putting Inter 3-0 upCredit: ReutersAfter initially waving on, referee Espen Eskas overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor.The camera panned to Inter boss Inzaghi who was holding seven fingers up to his players waiting near the penalty spot.He was indicating he wanted midfielder Piotr Zielinski to take the spot-kick in the first-leg of their last-16 clash.That’s despite talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez still being on the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in a dramatic turn of events, Zielinski’s limp shot was easy kept out by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Inzaghi’s mistimed intervention came about because No.1 penalty taker Hakan Calhanoglu was sitting on the bench.Zielinski had just returned to the starting line up at the expense of former Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Martinez scored his penalty in Argentina’s shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was also due to take the fifth spot-kick for Argentina in the final against France, but his country had already claimed a 4-2 win before his turn came.Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 50th minute, after Thuram grabbed their opener.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Zielinski had scored his last two spot-kicks, both in the same game in a 4-4 thriller against Juventus in Serie A in October.Usual penalty taker Halhanoglu has endured a torrid time in 2025 and was benched after coming off injured during Inter’s 1-1 draw against title rivals Napoli. More

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    PSG vs Liverpool live stream: How to watch huge Champions League clash

    LIVERPOOL will look to start their Champions League knockout campaign on the right foot as they face PSG away.Arne Slot’s Liverpool topped the group stage, winning seven of eight matches as they cruised into the knockout phase.Salah has three goals and four assists in the Champions League.Credit: GettyOusmane Dembele leads the line for PSG since Mbappe’s departure with 26 goalsCredit: GettyIt was not so straightforward for first-leg hosts PSG, who finished 15th and faced a playoff qualifier to move on.They breezed past Brest in the playoff, winning 10-0 on aggregate over two legs.Both PSG and Liverpool are top of their respective domestic leagues. The Parisians remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and are 13 points clear with 10 matches still to play.Their European form has not been so impressive, with Champions League losses coming against Bayern Munich and Athletico Madrid.Read more FootballLiverpool’s season has been straightforward, with Arne Slot hitting the ground running in his first season as the Reds cruise towards a 20th top-flight title.This will be just the fifth time PSG and Liverpool have faced one another, most recently clashing in the 2018-19 Champions League group stage. Liverpool won the home tie 3-2 before losing 2-1 at Parc de Princes.The second leg will follow next Tuesday, with the victor moving on to face either Club Brugge or Aston Villa.Most read in Champions LeagueHow to watch PSG vs Liverpool and is there a live stream?ALL Champions League games are broadcast LIVE in the UK on TNT and Discovery+.PSG vs Liverpool will be live on TNT Sports 1 It will also be available for streaming on Discovery+.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog.PSG vs Liverpool kick-off timePSG vs Liverpool will kick off at 8:00pm GMT.Action from Parc de Princes is available LIVE on TNT Sports 1 or streaming on Discovery+. More