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      Do away goals count double in the Champions League and Europa League?

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      GET ready for more drama as we have reached the knock-out stages of the Champions League and the Europa League.Here is all the latest on how the away goals rule will be used during the top two European competitions.
      The trophy they all want is awarded in the final of the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Do away goals count in Champions League and Europa League matches?
      Away goals had been a feature of European knockout games since 1965.
      But in 2021, this all changed.
      After years of speculation, Uefa  decided to scrap the away goals rule in Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League qualifiers and knockout games over two-legs.
      As such, any tied aggregate score will now send a tie into extra-time.
      Should the scores still be level after the extra 30 minutes, we go to penalties.
      The law previously gave a significant advantage to sides who hit the back of the net on the road, but drew criticism from many fans.
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      Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin explained the decision: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of Uefa competitions since it was introduced in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various Uefa meetings over the last few years.
      “Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.
      “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.
      “There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.
      “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
      “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the Uefa Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”
      It means Bayern Munich could be the last team ever knocked out of the Champions League on away goals when they drew 3-3 on aggregate with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
      PSG won the first leg 3-2 in Munich before Bayern edged them 1-0 in the second leg in Paris but were knocked out due to the now defunct rule.Are there extra time and penalties in the Champions League and Europa League if scores are tied?
      Yes. If the aggregate scores are level after two 90-minute games, the match goes to extra time in the second leg.
      If the scores are level at the end of extra time then we will have penalty kicks to decide the winner. More

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      Sports presenter Kate Abdo left speechless over nipple joke live on CBS Sports leaving pundits in hysterics

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      KATE ABDO was left speechless after a crude nipple joke from Jamie Carragher while live on air. While presenting CBS Sports coverage for the Champions League, the hilarious quartet of Kate, Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards were back together.
      Kate Abdo was left speechless by a Valentine’s Day prankCredit: Twitter/@CBSSportsGolazo
      And she was left speechless after a Jamie Carragher jokeCredit: Twitter/@CBSSportsGolazo

      And for Tuesday’s Champions League coverage, Carragher and Co orchestrated a Valentine’s Day themed prank.
      A member of the crew surprised Kate by dressing as Cupid and delivering a bag of goodies.
      Kate was left shocked by the appearance, and through her laughter could only bring herself to say: “His nipple is out.”
      Liverpool legend Carragher then quipped in with a crude joke, saying: “It’s better his is out than yours.”
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      Henry then joined in the nipple based banter, joking: “I nearly lost my eyesight.”
      Cupid then left the screen, with fans online praising the crew for the fun antics.
      One commented: “Always a good time with the UCL crew!”
      A second said: “Glad the crew is back!👋.”
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      A third wrote: “This show is soo funny man i’ve never seen them acc talk about the games they’re just there for VIBES”
      However, one fan highlighted Carragher’s comment, saying: “‘Better his out than yours’ 😱😳😅.” More

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      ‘Chelsea is a massive club.. we need to play better’ – Ben Chilwell gives brutally honest assessment after Dortmund loss

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      BEN CHILWELL admitted that Chelsea have to play better following their 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The left-back returned to the Chelsea starting line up for the first time since the game against Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge in November.
      Ben Chilwell looking dejected during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Borussia DortmundCredit: Rex
      Chilwell applauding the fans after Chelsea’s defeat to DortmundCredit: Getty
      Chilwell played 71 minutes before being replaced by Marc Cucurella but was powerless to stop Chelsea slipping to another defeat thanks to Karim Adeyemi’s goal.
      It’s now two wins in 14 games for Graham Potter’s side and Chilwell is under no illusions the team must do better.
      He said: “It is not ideal. We’d have love to have won or take the clean sheet.
      “They took their chance, we didn’t take ours, that is what happens at this level.
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      “We lost the game and in knockout competition, winning is the only thing that matters.”
      Chilwell added: “Fortunately, we’ve got a second leg now at Stamford Bridge.
      “We’re going to look forward to the weekend first but going into that game at Stamford Bridge, we’re going to take the positives knowing we’ve come here and played well, threatened and created chances.”
      The Chelsea man is aware of the quality in the team and felt the performance was better.
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      He said: ” When you look at the talent of the team, we want to be free flowing and play exciting football and scores lots of goals.
      “Tonight was a lot more like that, especially in the second half.
      “It just was the final ball or shot wasn’t quite there. All to play for at the Bridge.”
      Chelsea created plenty of chances and went close twice through Joao Felix who hit the bar and Kalidou Koulibaly who had an effort cleared off the line by Emre Can but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
      The defender added: “No, I don’t think it is luck. There are no excuses.
      “We played well tonight but if we want to go far then we need to play even better.”
      “We have a lot of new players who We’re trying to integrate.
      “Unfortunately, that takes time but we also don’t have time, but we’re trying our best to work hard and put that right.” 
      The former Leicester man knows the players have to turn it around and repay the fans.
      He said: “Chelsea is a massive club with massive standards. Our fans were excellent today and are wherever we go.
      “We’re working hard to repay them in training and in matches. We’ve got an exciting squad and I’m sure we’ll turn it around soon.”
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      Chelsea will look to return to winning ways when they take on managerless Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
      The second leg against Borussia Dortmund will be at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, March 7. More

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      Neymar ‘spotted playing poker in Paris tournament hours after PSG’s loss to Bayern Munich’ despite Kylian Mbappe warning

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      NEYMAR was spotted playing in a poker tournament just hours after Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Bayern Munich.And then forward returned to the table later on in the evening – ignoring Kylian Mbappe’s rallying cry to the fans.
      Neymar was spotted playing in a poker night on WednesdayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/pokerstars/
      The appearance came just hours after PSG lost to Bayern MunichCredit: https://www.instagram.com/pokerstars/
      Neymar, 31, played the full 90 minutes of Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Bayern as Kingsley Coman grabbed the only goal of the game at the Parc des Princes.
      But by Wednesday afternoon, RMC report he was at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris to take part in the European Poker Tour.
      Keen player Neymar has had a partnership deal with PokerStars since 2014 and it was thought he was simply making an appearance for his sponsors.
      The gambling company posted a picture of the Brazilian star at the table wearing a grey hoody and cap with his AirPods in and confirmed he was competing in a €10,000 (£8,900) Mystery Bounty tournament against “some world-class competitors”.
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      But the report adds the world’s most expensive footballer was back at the hotel later on the evening, playing until 10.30pm before allegedly stopping for a McDonald’s.
      It is understood £198million Neymar progressed through day one to qualify for a second day of poker action on Thursday.
      But the timing comes at a terrible time for PSG fans, who have seen their side lose three times in a row for the first time since 2011.
      Speaking after the first-leg defeat against 2020 winners Bayern in their Champions League last-16 tie, vice-captain Mbappe issued a motivational message on behalf of the squad.
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      The Frenchman said: “Our players have to be in good health for the return leg.
      “Everyone needs to eat and sleep well.
      “We’re going to work, get everyone back and get there to qualify.”
      Neymar, Mbappe and Lionel Messi were brought to PSG to lead the team to European glory, with the Champions League the one trophy their Qatari owners are so desperate to lift.
      But it appears Neymar may have folded on his priorities on the pitch to go all in at the poker table.
      Kylian Mbappe said the PSG players must eat and sleep well after losing to Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi ‘primed for shock Inter Miami transfer with David Beckham’s club in pole position to sign wantaway PSG ace’

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      INTER MIAMI have received a major boost in their ambitious plan to sign Lionel Messi from French champions PSG according to reports in France. The Argentine’s current contract with the Parisians expires at the end of the season and there have been talks about extending the World Cup winner’s stay in the French capital.
      Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for PSG in Ligue 1.Credit: Reuters
      David Beckham, owner and president of soccer operations for Inter Miami.Credit: AP
      But French publication L’Equipe have reported that Messi is becoming increasingly unsure about extending his time with the Paris outfit.
      The reports states MLS side Inter Miami are in the driving seat to sign the former Barcelona star.
      Inter Miami are owned by by former PSG man David Beckham and are coached by Phil Neville.
      L’Equipe say that the Argentine superstar’s family would be open to living in the United States with Messi owning a home in Miami where he regularly holidays.
      Inter Miami coach Neville refused to rule out the possibility of signing the Argentine great when speaking last month.
      He said: “We want to bring the best players in the world to this club and he is probably the best player, so for us the landscape has not changed at all.
      ‘With any deal for any Designated Player of that level, it’s complicated. It takes time.”
      The seven time Ballon d’Or winner is represented by his father Jorge who met with PSG representatives on Wednesday.
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      Messi has 10 goals in Ligue 1
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      The PSG No10 is enjoying a much better second season and has so far and has 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 Ligue 1 matches.
      He has scored five goals in seven Champions League games but was powerless to stop the French giants losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
      A Champions league exit to the Germans would only increase the noise surrounding Messi’s future. More

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      Antonio Conte fails to fly home with Spurs after Milan loss as docs order him to stay in Italy after post-surgery check

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      ANTONIO CONTE has remained in Italy following Tottenham’s trip to AC Milan.Spurs lost the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie 1-0.
      Antonio Conte has remained in Italy to recover from surgeryCredit: Getty
      And manager Conte is staying in Italy with family to recover from his recent surgery.
      The club released a statement which reads: “Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to recover from his recent surgery.
      “Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the club wishes him well.
      “Cristian Stellini will assume first team duties.”
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      Conte, 53, underwent a routine health check-up on Wednesday and doctors recommended he not fly back to London.
      Spurs confirmed Stellini will take over temporary management of the squad.
      Conte was rushed to hospital at the beginning of the month after suffering abdominal pain and underwent gall bladder surgery in Italy.
      He was subsequently forced to miss Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester City with Stellini overseeing the match.
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      But he was back days later to take charge of Tottenham’s visit to Leicester.
      Conte defied doctor’s orders by returning to work so quickly, as it was recommended he sit out the visit to Leicester and Milan.
      He said: “The doctor advised me not to return. His recommendation is to stay calm for 15 days.
      “But you have a sense of responsibility that you want to stay every moment with your players.
      “I’m still not 100 per cent but am trying to manage it in the best way.” More

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      Security ‘save life of Bayern fan who wore Munich kit in PSG end and got attacked by Ultras’ in Champions League tie

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      SECURITY had to save the life of a Bayern fan who was attacked by Paris Saint-Germain Ultras after making an “ignorant mistake” by wearing Munich’s jersey in the Parc des Princes home end.Bayern rocked up to the Parisians home and crashed the party on the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
      A Bayern Munich fan showed off his signed jersey in an emotionally charged PSG home end
      The fan says 40-plus ultras attacked himCredit: EPA
      His shirt was taken and rippedCredit: EPA
      PSG academy graduate Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game against his former team – as he did in the 2020 Champions League final.
      But one Bayern fan decided to wear a SIGNED jersey in the home end and ended up facing severe consequences at the hands of PSG ultras.
      TikToker Chabioo says he was “jumped” by 40-plus ultras.
      They took and ripped his Bayern shirt and the man had to be rescued by security.
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      In a viral TikTok video, Chabioo showed off scratches and marks left by PSG ultras, and thanked security for “saving my life”.
      Chabioo did, however, admit he made an “ignorant mistake” by wearing Bayern’s colours in an emotionally charged home end.
      He said: “Ignorant mistake that I made and will learn from.”
      Footie fans have been far from sympathetic.
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      One said on Twitter: “He thinks the ultras have time for banter.”
      Another tweeted: “Wearing a Bayern Munich shirt next to a bunch of PSG Ultras was only going to end in one way.”
      A third sarcastically quipped: “Full of sympathy for ya mate.”
      While others said he “f***ed around and found out”.
      The Bayern fan has admitted he made a ‘ignorant mistake’
      Footie fans have been far from sympathetic to the TikTokerCredit: Chabioo/TikTok
      Visible marks were left by the attack More

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      Chaos as rowdy Dortmund fans throw pints all over media box after goal against Chelsea and even ruin Blues’ Twitter feed

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND fans threw beer all over the press box in celebration of Karim Adeyemi’s goal against Chelsea.The striker scored a brilliant solo goal in a second-half counter-attack to give Dortmund a 1-0 win.
      Borussia Dortmund fans got carried away in celebration of Karim Adeyemi’s goalCredit: Reuters
      Karim Adeyemi scored the only goal of the gameCredit: Reuters
      And fans got carried away with their celebrations as they drenched members of the media with beer.
      Several reporters including SunSport’s Andy Dillon had beer land on their laptops.
      The commentary team for BT Sport, including Darren Fletcher and Lucy Ward, also said their were showered with lager.
      Chelsea’s media team were also affected after being drenched in booze.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      It caused a delay in their Twitter updates, with the club apologising for going quiet.
      They wrote: “Sorry for the delay, admin’s just been hit by a pint from above.”
      A damp Matt Law from the Telegraph tweeted: “If ever there was an advert not to bring back beer into the stands in England then it was here in Dortmund.
      “So many pints of beer thrown down from the stands when Dortmund scored. Absolutely moronic.”
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      It comes after an Italian journalist was soaked in beer during England’s Six Nations win over Italy last Sunday.
      The reporter was hit by beer as England fans celebrated Henry Arundell’s try.
      And he was forced to quit working as the incident was reported to security.
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      Football fans in the UK are banned from drinking beer within view of the pitch – but the same rules do not apply in Germany or in rugby.
      Dortmund even introduced a happy hour last year where they sold six beers for just £11.50.
      Chelsea played well but still lost More