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      Barcelona ‘can’t afford £18m Champions League KO after ambitiously budgeting for quarters as group stage exit looms’

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      BARCELONA are set to be plunged into an even deeper financial crisis as they stand on the brink of exiting the Champions League in the group stage.The Catalan giants could only muster a 3-3 draw at home to Inter Milan on Wednesday night, a result which leaves them on the verge of being eliminated.
      Barcelona were frustrated in a thrilling draw with Inter on Wednesday eveningCredit: AP
      Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barca are set for more financial turmoil
      It means a win for Inter at home to Viktoria Plzen on October 26 would see them qualify as runners-up in the group behind Bayern Munich.
      And that could have a crippling economic consequence for Barcelona.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca face an £18m cash shortage if they exit in the group stage.
      This is because their £132m investment in the team over the summer was reportedly under the provision that they would reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
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      Clubs receive around £8.3m for qualifying for the last 16 and a further £9.3m for getting through to the last eight.
      Barca are set to miss out on that windfall and it could have a major impact on their ability to pay for their spending in the transfer window.
      Even if they drop down to the Europa League, winning the competition would only bring in £13m.
      Barca’s financial crisis has rumbled on for more than a year, with the Spanish side struggling to register players in recent seasons.
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      But they have continued to spend big in the transfer market, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen all coming in during the summer.
      And they do currently sit top of LaLiga, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference.
      But in Europe they haven’t been able to make their investment count.
      And while Lewandowski did score a stoppage-time equaliser against Inter to keep their slim hopes of qualification for the last 16 alive, it only appears to have delayed the inevitable. More

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      Chelsea star Reece James mobbed by fans after boarding easyJet flight from Milan to Gatwick after Champions League tie

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      CHELSEA star Reece James was spotted on an easyJet flight after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at AC Milan.James, 22, picked up a knee injury during the Blues’ 2-0 win over Milan at the San Siro and hobbled off the pitch after 62 minutes.

      Chelsea star Reece James was spotted on an easyJet flight after the victory over AC MilanCredit: Getty
      The full-back didn’t travel with the West Londoners back to the capital and instead stayed behind, probably to assess his fitness.
      Instead, the England international hopped on a flight to Gatwick from Milan with the budget airline.
      A fan noticed the defender and shared a photo of him on Twitter apparently disembarking the aircraft.
      James’ injury left Chelsea and England fans anxiously waiting to find out the extent of the damage just six weeks before the 2022 World Cup.
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      But the Blues are optimistic the problem is not as bad as first thought and James will have a scan today.
      The right-back took to Twitter after the game and admitted he doesn’t know how bad things are but thanked the fans for the support they have shown.
      James tweeted: “Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all.”
      Manager Graham Potter has already been dealt an injury blow in defence as Wesley Fofana suffered a knee injury.
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      And England boss Gareth Southgate is already sweating on fellow right-back Kyle Walker who had groin surgery last week.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out for two weeks in a blow to his bid to convince Southgate to take him to Qatar.
      James played a key role in his team’s win over Milan, which was the fourth in a row for rejuvenated Chelsea. More

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      Watch amazing behind-the-scenes footage of Real Madrid docs treating Antonio Rudiger as ex-Chelsea man gets 20 stitches

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      SHOCKING footage of Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger receiving 20 stitches after suffering a horror gash against Shakhtar Donestk has emerged. The German scored a dramatic 95th minute equaliser as the game finished 1-1.

      Antonio Rudiger collided with the goalkeeper but managed to scoreCredit: Getty
      His shirt was covered in blood as he left the fieldCredit: Reuters
      Antonio Rudiger had a team of doctors attending to his injuryCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Toni Kroos turned away when seeing the extent of the cut
      Rudiger headed in late on but collided with the Ukrainian side’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin and was left with an awful cut on his forehead.
      Blood poured down his face on to his kit and the ex-Chelsea man was rushed into the treatment room after the final whistle.
      The behind-the-scenes clip shows Rudiger walking to the dressing room with towels covering his face and trying to stop the bleeding.
      The 29-year-old is then told to lie down on a massage table where a team of Real Madrid medics begin work.
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      As they begin to stitch up his forehead many teammates come in to see if he is OK such as David Alaba, who gives him a kiss on the forehead.
      Toni Kroos also visits with the midfielder and grimaces – before letting out a cheeky grin – as he sees his horrible injury.
      As the doctors patch Rudiger up, Marcos Asensio, Eden Hazard, Luka Modric and even manager Carlo Ancelotti come in to wish him well.
      Within minutes the treatment is over and Rudiger bounces back up and heads for the team’s main dressing room.
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      The Champions League holders’ doctor Felipe Segura then explains what his team have done to him.
      The love for Rudiger from his team-mates is justified as the draw with Shakhtar thanks to his goal puts Los Blancos through to the knockout stages.
      And fans have praised him for his toughness calling him an “actual warrior” online, while others enjoyed seeing the team spirit as one fan said Alaba and Kroos acted like “mum and dad”.
      Real Madrid face Barcelona in the El Classico at the weekend and there is reportedly hope Rudiger could be fit but may have to wear a mask to protect his cut.
      This will not be the first time he may have to wear a protective measure on the pitch, he wore one often at Chelsea to support his bones after sustaining a facial injury last year.
      He continued to wear it for Germany saying he put it on for added protection so he doesn’t have to worry about getting stuck in. More

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      Mohamed Salah’s rapid-fire hat-trick leaves thousands of Dream Team gaffers with heavy regrets

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      A HUGE chunk of Dream Team gaffers will be feeling sick as a parrot this morning.Last night, Mohamed Salah (£7.7m) scored a hat-trick in the space of just six minutes and 12 seconds as Liverpool decimated Rangers in the second off half of their Champions League encounter in Glasgow.
      The Egyptian’s blitz helped the Reds to a comprehensive 7-1 victory and the only people left feeling worse than the Ibrox faithful were the tens of thousands of Dream Team bosses who transferred the 30-year-old out of their XI prior to Game Week 9.
      With an ownership of 29.2% Salah remains the sixth-most popular player in the game but he’s also among the individuals who have been ditched the most.
      Salah has enjoyed himself in Europe but his league performances have been a concernCredit: getty
      Prior to Game Week 1 only Erling Haaland (£9m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m) were more widely selected and his popularity was totally justified.
      Liverpool’s No11 was the only asset to achieve 300+ points last season, an immense effort considering he also made it to the final of Africa Cup of Nations midway through the campaign.
      And truth be told it’s not like he failed to deliver healthy returns prior to his rapid-fire hat-trick at Rangers.
      Salah had amassed 46 points from his first 11 outings, a perfectly respectable tally.
      While his returns were encouraging enough, many Dream Team managers were less impressed by his performances and Liverpool’s fortunes generally.
      Two goals in eight league games also represents a serious drop-off from what we’ve seen in recent years – although it’s easy to take for granted the level he’s maintained for over five years now.
      Doubters of Salah are often made to look foolish sooner rather than laterCredit: getty
      With Haaland plundering points at an obscene rate, Harry Kane (£7.2m) going about his business, and Gabriel Jesus (£5.9m) delivering the goods for table-topping Arsenal, it’s understandable why so many Dream Team managers felt they could do without the costly Salah.
      Several mid-range forwards have also excelled with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic (£4.5m), Ivan Toney (£4.7m), Marcus Rashford (£4.3m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£3.4m) all providing excellent value for money.
      Still, such logic will come as little consolation to those who missed out on Salah’s 23-point haul last night.
      It would have been a greater influx had the in-form Roberto Firmino (£3.4m) not swooped the Star Man award.
      In fact, the Brazilian No9 has one more point than Salah overall, 70 to 69, and the pair make up the podium of best-performing Dream Team forwards at this stage behind runaway leader Haaland.
      A trademark finishCredit: getty
      The trip to Ibrox may have been Salah’s last chance to impress for many of his backers and when he was initially named on the bench it looked as if another flurry of transfers would reduce his ownership further, especially given Jurgen Klopp’s side host Manchester City this Sunday.
      However, a timely reminder of Salah’s devastating effectiveness will surely encourage his owners to keep the faith.
      Liverpool play Nottingham Forest and Leeds in their last two league fixtures of the month, two match-ups that could be very profitable for the three-time Golden Boot winner if he takes heart from his hat-trick going forward.

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      Watch Man Utd keeper transfer target Diogo Costa’s stunning 80-yard assist before penalty save

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      MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Diogo Costa produced a stunning assist AND a penalty save for Porto in the Champions League.The Portuguese champions were taking on Bayern Leverkusen in Germany on Wednesday night in a game that would put the winner into second place in the group behind Club Brugge.
      Costa is being linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty

      He is the first keeper to assist a goal and save a penalty in the same Champions League matchCredit: AFP
      And it was keeper Costa, 23, who is valued at £30million, that produced the first magical moment of the game as he picked out Galeno with an 80-yard pass in the sixth minute.
      He found the Porto man deep inside the Leverkusen half with an inch-perfect pick-out.
      And Galeno did the rest to give the visitors an early lead.
      Then in the 16th minute, Porto called on Costa once more when the German hosts were awarded a penalty.
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      Kerem Demirbay stepped up to level the game but Portugal’s Costa guessed correct and clawed the ball.
      It makes him the first keeper in Champions League history to assist a goal and save a penalty in the same game.
      It proved to be a crucial moment in the game as Porto then ran away with the game in the second half, winning it 3-0 thanks to a pair of penalties from Mehdi Taremi.
      And Man Utd fans, who have seen their club linked with the shot-stopper, were gushing in their praise of his ability.
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      One said: “We have to get Diogo Costa next summer at all costs. Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo, do your thing🧤.”
      Another added: “Diogo Costa, I can’t say it any more. He’s the one.”
      And a third said: “We should be activating Diogo Costa’s release clause for next season (€60m/£52.4m) unless Porto accept something less.
      “He should be a priority signing and will probably be our No1 for a decade.”
      It was revealed earlier this month that Man Utd have sent scouts to watch Costa – who has been capped seven times by Portugal.
      And he is being monitored as a possible replacement for David de Gea – who is out of contract in the summer. More

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      Chelsea optimistic about Reece James injury with defender to have scan on knee after suffering KO against AC Milan

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      REECE JAMES will have a scan on Thursday for the knee injury which has Chelsea and England chiefs worried.But it looks like good news for the defender, 22, who jarred his leg during Tuesday’s Champions League win in Milan.
      Chelsea staff are not worried despite initial concerns as James prepares for knee scanCredit: Rex
      Full back James was forced off after 62 minutes of the 2-0 victory – raising fears he could be out for some time with repercussions for his World Cup hopes next month.
      He will be fully assessed Thursday by Chelsea medical staff but the club is optimistic the problem is not as bad as first thought.
      England are already sweating on fellow right-back Kyle Walker who has undergone surgery recently. 
      And new Chelsea boss Graham Potter is without £70m centre-half Wesley Fofana with a knee injury already.
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      James played a key role in his team’s win which was the fourth in a row for rejuvenated Chelsea.
      But it was not without controversy and midfielder Mason Mount admits he is “gutted” for friend and former team-mate Fikayo Tomori who conceded a penalty and was sent off in the game.
      Mount and Tomori grew up together in the Chelsea academy as kid hopefuls.
      And the England star told the club’s official website that he felt sympathy for his old pal.
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      Mount said: “He’s obviously my mate, I’ve known Fik for a very long time and I felt for him in that situation, I was gutted for him.
      “I don’t think it was a sending-off. Was it a penalty? Maybe yes.
      “I’m an honest player and I want to try to score a goal and he pulled me back a little bit, but I feel for him for that decision. It’s a tough one.
      “I felt him trying to pull me back, but I was running to goal so I wasn’t going to go down and I felt like I could still have an opportunity to score.” More

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      Rangers 1 Liverpool 7 LIVE RESULT: Salah’s six-minute hattrick inspires Reds romp as hosts capitulate at Ibrox

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      LIVERPOOL responded incredibly to their loss against Arsenal with an emphatic 7-1 win over Rangers – but it didn’t start off smoothly.Scott Arfield initially sent Ibrox into a frenzy having fired the hosts ahead within 20 minutes.
      But Roberto Firmino’s and Darwin Nunez completely swung the game in Liverpool’s favour before super sub Mo Salah put the tie to bed with a sensation six-minute hattrick.
      And then the Reds romp was capped off with a stunning finish by Harvey Elliot.

      RESULT: Rangers 7-1 Liverpool
      TV/live stream: BT Sport 2
      Rangers XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Jack, Lundstram, Arfield, Kent, Colak, Sakala
      Liverpool XI: Alisson, Gomez, van Dijk, Konaté, Tsimikas, Henderson, Fabinho, Carvalho, Nunez, Firmino, Eliott

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      That’s all from Ibrox
      And all for Rangers’ Champions League campaign.
      The Scottish Premiership side still have two games to play in Group A, but are unable to progress from this stage after losing their fourth straight game.
      It all started so well for the Glasgow side too with Scott Arfield firing them ahead inside 17 minutes – their first goal in Europe’s premier competition for 12 years.
      However, seven minutes later and Liverpool were level – and then the gulf in class began to show.
      After the break, the Reds rattled in six further strikes, three of them from substitute Mohamed Salah in an astonishing six-minute spell that broke Champions League records.
      The eventual 7-1 scoreline puts the Premier League outfit on the verge of the Last 16, and in fine fettle for Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City.
      Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.
      Inexplicable late showing from Gers
      Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst says his team’s performance in the second half is going to take some processing after they were blown away by Liverpool.
      The Scottish Premiership side conceded six in the second period with Liverpool substitute Mo Salah grabbing a six-minute hat-trick.
      To make matters worse, the Gers lost Connor Goldson and Ryan Jack to injuries as they crumbled after the elation of taking an early lead.
      The two injuries didn’t help, but after that it went really quick and we conceded too many easy goals. We were not in the game with our heads in the last 25 minutes. I cannot explain at the moment, I have to process this.Giovanni van BronckhorstBT Sport
      Ecstatic Klopp praises Liverpool character
      Happy days are here again for Jurgen Klopp.
      The Liverpool boss has been a prickly character this week, but had a huge smile on his face when discussing his side’s performance in Glasgow.
      The German coach saw the Reds concede another opening goal – this time to Scott Arfield’s 17th minute opener – but was left impressed at how his players responded in the raucous environment of Ibrox.
      A really good performance in difficult circumstances. Everyone could hear the difference in the atmosphere after the opening goal and before we started scoring. This could have been a massive, nearly impossible challenge – but we kept playing football especially in the second half.Jurgen KloppBein Sport
      Mo-jestic cameo from super sub
      Eyebrows were raised when Mo Salah was dropped to the bench for this evening’s Champions League clash, but 22 minutes was all he needed to make history.
      The Liverpool ace struck a brilliant hat-trick in just six minutes and 12 seconds – the fastest treble in the history of the competition.
      Rumours of his demise may have been premature.

      Mersey subs sink Glasgow Rangers
      As strength on the bench goes, having Mo Salah and Diogo Jota to bring on are not bad options.
      Jurgen Klopp through both players on midway through the second half, and they responded by combining three times in the space of six minutes.
      Credit: @EPLStatman Twitter
      Rock bottom Rangers crash out
      They finally scored a goal, but Rangers are out of the Champions League with two games still to play.
      The Scottish Premiership side have lost all four matches in Group A, and have now conceded a total of 16.
      But Liverpool are now on the verge of joining Napoli in the knockout stages.
      The Red require just one more point from their final pair of fixtures to see off the challenge of Ajax.
      Credit: uefa.com
      Reds set themselves for City
      Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk believes his side have built themselves a great platform to kickstart their season.
      The Reds face Manchester City at the weekend, and the Dutch ace reckons have timed their return to winning ways just right.
      Winning 7-1 here isn’t a bad thing. Everyone expected us to win but we take it each game by each game, that is how we approach every game including the big one on Sunday. We will prepare well, recover and get ready for Manchester City.Virgil van DijkBT Sport
      Match stats from Ibrox
      On a crazy night in Glasgow, Liverpool score seven times from just nine shots on target.

      Full time – Rangers 1-7 Liverpool
      What a second half showing by Liverpool!
      Rangers 1-7 Liverpool – Gomez yellow card
      90. A first card of the night! It’s yellow for now, but could it get worse?
      Joe Gomez is caught in possession by Alfredo Morelos, and then hauls down the Rangers striker as he turns goalwards.
      There’s a long way for the Colombian to travel, but a VAR check takes place to decide whether the defender denied a goalscoring opportunity.
      Gomez gets lucky, and the decision stays as a caution.
      Rangers 1-7 Liverpool
      87. Harvey Elliott has his first Champions League goal – eventually!
      There’s a long VAR check but the word comes through that the teenager’s strike is onside and good to stand.
      Mo Salah turns provider as he darts into the box on the left, and squares a pass to Diogo Jota.
      The Portuguese forward should score but shoots straight at Allan McGregor before Elliott follows up to convert.
      It’s a thumping at Ibrox!

      Rangers 1-6 Liverpool
      84. It has become a very difficult evening for Rangers now in what has become a half-empty Ibrox.
      Rangers 1-6 Liverpool
      81. Mo Salah has three and Liverpool have six! It’s astonishing.
      It’s a classic Salah strike too, cutting in from the right flank and curling left-footed into the far corner.
      Allan McGregor was absolutely rooted to his spot as the ball span past him for the sixth time this evening. As he picks it out of the back of his net, Salah celebrates in front of the ecstatic Liverpool fans.
      The Egyptian’s hat-trick is officially timed as six minutes and 12 seconds, and is a new Champions League record.

      Rangers 1-5 Liverpool
      80. Mo Salah has two and Liverpool have five!
      Slick play from the Premier League side down the right involving Fabinho, Thiago and Diogo Jota ends with the Egyptian substitution coming in off the right.
      He has defenders ahead of him, but rather than risking a first time shot through a crowd, Salah simply traps the ball to buy himself a split second of time and a yard of space.
      What follows is a crisp left-footed shot that catches Allan McGregor out to find the back of the net.

      Rangers 1-4 Liverpool – Liverpool substitution
      79. A final change for the Reds sees James Milner on.
      It spells the end of Ibrahima Konate’s evening.
      Rangers 1-4 Liverpool – Rangers substitutions
      76. With the game up, Giovani van Bronckhorst makes a trio of changes.
      The Dutch coach throws on Alfredo Morelos, Scott Wright and Rabbi Matondo.
      They replace Antonio Colak, Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala.
      Rangers 1-4 Liverpool
      75. Another Liverpool goal of exquisite skill and strength that is made to look simple.
      Mo Salah has only been on the pitch a matter of minutes, but he already finds himself on the scoresheet.
      The Egyptian brilliantly holds off Borna Barisic to control a dropping ball inside the area, and then toe pokes past Allan McGregor from a ridiculously tight angle.
      Liverpool are flying, Rangers are falling apart.

      Rangers 1-3 Liverpool – Liverpool substitution
      73. Another change for the visitors.
      Diogo Jota comes on for the two-goal hero Roberto Firmino. There will be no hat-trick tonight for the Brazilian, but he can expect a start against Manchester City at the weekend.
      Rangers 1-3 Liverpool
      71. Straight up the other end, and a sliding Konate nudges Sakala’s cross back to Alisson.
      The Rangers fans don’t know whether to appeal for a backpass or for a handball, and, as a result, their claim lacks confidence.
      Rangers 1-3 Liverpool
      70. At one end, Mo Salah has a great chance to make it four within seconds of his arrival.
      He latches on to a lofted pass, and tries to fire under McGregor, who somehow keeps the ball out by saving with both legs.
      Rangers 1-3 Liverpool – Liverpool substitutions
      68. Jurgen Klopp takes this moment to make a triple substitution, and they are changes that undoubtedly make Liverpool stronger.
      On come Scotland captain Andy Robertson, Mo Salah and Thiago for Kostas Tsimikas, Darwin Nunez and Jordan Henderson.
      Load more entries… More

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      Barcelona 3 Inter Milan 3: Lewandowski TWICE rescues Barca from Champions League KO but they need miracle to progress

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI equalised TWICE to save Barcelona from a Champions League exit in a dramatic encounter with Inter Milan.The LaLiga side are now on the verge of crashing out at the group stage for the second year running after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
      Lewandowski scored Barcelona’s third to equalise and rescue Barcelona’s Champions League dreamsCredit: Reuters
      The Nou Camp was lively as Barca sought revenge over last week’s defeat at the hands of Inter.
      The Catalan outift had to win to save their chances of progressing from Group C.
      Edin Dzeko hit the bar for the Seria A team early on, but Mousa Dembele scored the opener when he put away Sergi Roberto’s pinpoint ball into the box.
      He immediately hugged under-fire boss Xavi on the sidelines.
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      Nicolo Barella stunned the La Liga team in the second period as he snuck in behind centre-back Gerard Pique and buried sweetly past Marc-Andre ter Stegan.
      On the hour mark, Lauro Martinez scored his first in nine games – his shot ricocheting off both posts and sneaking over the line.
      Lewandowski saved the day firstly with ten minutes left to play, taking advantage of a loose ball that Inter failed to clear.
      But Robin Gosens drilled in what looked like a winner with just a minute left on the clock to send Barca fans home crying.
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      Up stepped Lewandowski again to head home an incredible goal to level an exhilarating match.
      The task is still extremely tough for Xavi’s team –  Inter need just a point from their final two group games to knock Barca out.
      Manager Simone Inzaghe was sent off for encroachment at the death.
      Also in Group C, Bayern conceded their first goals of the tournament but thrashed Viktoria Plzen 4-2 in the Czech Republic to go through.
      Leon Goretzka bagged a brace with Sadio Mane and Thomas Muller also on the scoresheet.
      Napoli sealed their knockout stage spot with a 4-2 home win against Ajax.
      Hirving Lozano, Giacomo Raspadori, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – from the spot – and Victor Osimhen scored for the hosts. Davy Klaassen’s strike and Steven Bergwijn’s penalty provided Ajax’s consolations.
      Ten-man Club Brugge qualified for the last 16 for the first time since the Champions League’s inception with a 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid thanks to Simon Mignolet’s goalkeeping heroics.
      Kamal Sowah saw red late on with the Belgians now the only team yet to concede in the competition.
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      Bayer Leverkusen missed a penalty as Porto’s Mehdi Taremi scored two adding to Galeno’s opener as the Portuguese giants won 3-0 in Germany.
      Ex-Arsenal stars Matteo Guendouzi and Alexis Sanchez scored for Marseille as they won 2-0 at nine-man Sporting Lisbon. More