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      Hoffenheim 4 Arsenal 1: Gunners suffer Champions League group stage scare before reaching contest quarters

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      HOFFENHEIM scored three goals in four minutes to embarrass Arsenal in the Champions League – but the Gunners still qualified from their group. Chantal Hagel scored twice as the German side capitalised on some rare sloppy passing to punish the WSL leaders.
      Hoffenheim netted three goals in quick succession in a 4-1 drubbing of Arsenal at the Dietmar Hopp StadiumCredit: Zuma Press
      Chantal Hagel scored twice but Arsenal still progressed to the quarter-finalsCredit: Zuma Press
      Hoffenheim needed to beat the visitors by at least five clear goals to leapfrog to second and knock the Gunners out.
      But Jonas Eidevall’s aces overcame the wobble to book their place in the competition’s final eight with league rivals Chelsea facing Wolfsburg on Thursday.
      Arsenal had a couple of decent chances to go 1-0 up early.
      Vivianne Miedema sending a shot narrowly wide of the post 15 minutes in following a Beth Mead cross.
      The hosts then took the lead through 19-year-old Jule Brand, who coolly slotted home after a well-timed pass from Gia Corley.
      Arsenal levelled minutes before halftime with Mana Iwabuchi forcing an own goal from Laura Weinrother following Martina Tufekovic’s save of a thumping Mead shot.
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      The second half saw Hoffenheim turn up the heat to stun the visitors with three rapid goals.
      Chantall Hagel put the Germans ahead in the 55th minute as the Gunners conceded possession.
      Sarai Linder whipped in a low cross for her team-mate to poke the ball home.
      Hagel notched her second moments later, intercepting a Jen Beattie pass to put the hosts 3-1 up.
      And Gia Corley – who had been one of Hoffenheim’s biggest threats in attack – headed in their fourth following a 59th-minute cross from a Brand.
      The quickfire trio left Hoffenheim needing two goals with 30 minutes to play, but Arsenal regained their composure to shut up shop.
      The Gunners had a chance to pull one back with Miedema heading the ball over the bar in the 72nd minute.
      And the Netherlands star and Jordan Nobbs forced a classy double save from Tufekovic in the game’s final moments before Hoffenheim bowed out of the competition.
      Gia Corley and Jule Brand were both on target for HoffenheimCredit: Zuma Press
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      Real Madrid ‘will not announce secret Mbappe transfer until after PSG tie out of respect for Champions League opponents’

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      REAL MADRID will keep their proposed Kylian Mbappe transfer swoop under wraps until after they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, it’s claimed.Mbappe’s move to Real now seems to be a foregone conclusion and as his contract with PSG is up in the summer, the 22-year-old can finalise his switch to Spain in January.
      Real will reportedly keep their deal with Mbappe under wraps until after they face PSG in the Champions LeagueCredit: Rex
      But the two European juggernauts will play each other in the Champions League early next year which means Mbappe will have to face his potential future team-mates before completing his transfer.
      PSG and Los Blancos had managed to avoid each other initially but the last-16 draw had to be re-done following an epic balls-up by Uefa that Real had protested against as they were happy with their original opponents Benfica.
      However, the second draw went ahead and now Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have to prepare to contain Mbappe and Co over two legs in February and March.
      And to make sure that the focus is solely on the salivating tie, Real now plan to keep tight-lipped on the developments in Mbappe’s move to the Bernabeu, AS report.
      AS claim that Real are aware of the wrath PSG fans will aim towards the French youngster throughout their Champions League clash if his move is made public, so they’ve decided to hold back on any announcements until the game has been put to bed.
      At this stage, all Real care about is that Mbappe has agreed to join them and helping him get to Spain mentally unscathed from the pressure surrounding the move, AS went on to say.
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      A source from Real said, reported by AS: “The important thing is the maturity of Kylian.
      “He knows how to carry this pressure and we will help him carry it. There is no rush to sign before or after.
      “We know that he has made a firm decision and that is what is really important.”
      This view on Mbappe’s transfer has been echoed by L’Equipe, who also believe the French prodigy will put pen to paper with Real once their European tie with PSG is done and dusted, irrespective of the outcome.
      However, despite the uncertainty surrounding his PSG future, Mbappe’s yet to rule out staying in the French capital.
      Although he was initially fuming that PSG didn’t let him leave in the summer, Mbappe revealed he’s currently happy at the club.
      At this stage, all he could confirm is that he will be playing for a big club next season.
      But whether that’s with PSG or Real remains to be seen. More

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      Watch moment Champions League draw is ruined before bungling Uefa chiefs wrongly claim Man Utd can NOT face Atletico

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      THIS is the moment Monday’s Champions League draw was ruined.Bumbling Uefa chiefs wrongly drew Manchester United against Villarreal before incorrectly claiming the Red Devils could NOT face Atletico Madrid.
      Uefa wrongly drew Man Utd against Villarreal before incorrectly claiming they could NOT face Atletico Madrid
      The initial draw was such a farce, it eventually had to be redone later in the day.
      United were initially drawn against Paris Saint-Germain – setting up a mouth-watering clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      And in a comical twist of fate, Ralf Rangnick’s men got Atletico once the process was followed correctly.
      The first gaffe came when ex-Arsenal winger Andrey Arshavin pulled out United’s ball to face Villarreal.
      But that tie could not stand as they were both in Group F and therefore not eligible to meet in the last 16.
      An initial redraw was ordered and United’s crosstown rivals Manchester City were then selected to play Unai Emery’s side.
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      But then, for no reason whatsoever, United were not put in the mix to face Atletico.
      Footage shows Atletico’s ball selected before a Uefa official starts collecting the balls of their potential opponents to be put in the ‘opponent’ draw pot together.
      But for some reason, he neglected to pick up a Man Utd one so it was then impossible for the teams to be drawn against each other.
      Realising their error amid complaints from the likes of Diego Simeone’s side after the full draw had been completed, Uefa stunningly ordered a complete re-draw.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd’s opponents switched from PSG to Atletico while City got Sporting and Liverpool got Inter Milan.
      Remarkably, Chelsea drew French champions Lille again.
      Later in the day, Uefa were slated for blaming the botched draw on a ‘technical problem’.
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      Champions League Last 16 draw LIVE REACTION: RE-DRAW sees Man Utd vs Atletico Madrid, Liverpool to meet Inter – latest

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      THE CHAMPIONS League draw has been RE-DRAWN – with Manchester United now facing Atletico Madrid.Uefa chiefs investigated the original draw after a mix up involving United’s ball.
      The Red Devils had drawn PSG in the initial draw.
      Elsewhere, Chelsea face Lille, Liverpool meet Inter Milan and Man City taking on Sporting Lisbon.

      TV/ live stream: BT Sport/ BT Sport YouTube
      First legs: February 15/16/22/23
      Second legs: March 8/9/15/16

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      Follow ALL of the latest from the draw below…
      UEFA GAFFE
      Uefa have been slated after botching today’s Champions League last-16 draw.
      One fan joked: “I’m moving to the Super League. Adios.”
      While another noted: “Why are Arsenal fans commenting on European Competitions?”
      A third quipped: “Software? Literally just a dude manually putting out the balls.”
      FANDEMIC
      Fans were left fuming after being hit in the pocket by Uefa’s decision to conduct a re-draw this afternoon.
      That’s because many had already booked flights following the initial pairings on Monday morning.
      A Real Madrid supporter moaned: “I already booked my ticket to Lisbon, pay me back with damages.”
      While a Man United fan protested: “I cant believe it, me and my friends have booked tickets to paris due to the Champions league draw, and now you are telling me I wasted £150 on flights and hotels due to the corrupt uefa.”
      DE GEA COMEBACK
      Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is set for a return to his former home as well.
      De Gea will be facing his ex-club Atletico Madrid in the Champions League’s Last 16.
      The Spain international graduated from Atletico’s academy and was called up to the senior squad in 2009.
      The 31-year-old was then signed by United two years later
      RAMOS RETURNS
      Sergio Ramos is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League!
      But Ramos won’t be donning the Real shirt, neither will he be wearing the captain’s armband.
      Instead, the centre-back will be coming back as a Paris Saint Germain player and an opponent for the first time since 2005 when he played for Sevilla.
      That is if the 35-year-old isn’t facing any fitness problems and he actually makes Mauricio Pochettino’s squad
      REAL RAGE
      Real Madrid were unhappy with the decision to redraw, claiming that the error occurred after they had already been redrawn against Benfica.
      At least they’ve been given a favourable tie this time.
      Oh, sorry.
      .Credit: The Mega Agency
      PANIC STATIONS!
      Michael Owen on BT Sport just now spotted what he thought was another blunder.
      Villarreal were not given the option of facing Liverpool and nobody was fully sure why. Surely not another balls up?
      It was later clarified that Villarreal and Inter Milan could not play Real Madrid and Juventus because of group mixes and country mixes.
      Think Michael got that wrong and we can breathe a sigh of relief.
      FOR BETTER FOR WORSE
      All in all, not a huge deal changed for the English teams.
      Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea will still be fairly happy with their draws.
      Man Utd still have a tough draw. But this time they have Atletico Madrid and not PSG.
      ONE MORE TIME FOR LUCK?
      I’ve really enjoyed both draws, shall we do it again?
      Joking, of course.
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW IN FULL

      Salzburg vs Bayern Munich
      Sporting Lisbon vs Man City
      Benfica vs Ajax
      Chelsea vs Lille
      Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd
      Villarreal vs Juventus
      Inter Milan vs Liverpool
      PSG VS Real Madrid

      First leg – February 15/16/22/23
      Second leg – March 8/9/15/16
      PSG VS REAL MADRID
      PSG are last out again… and a blockbuster tie for them again!
      INTER MILAN VS LIVERPOOL
      Jurgen Klopp’s men are off to the San Siro again after playing AC Milan in the group stage.
      That could’ve been worse because PSG were still in the hat.
      VILLARREAL VS JUVENTUS
      ATLETICO MADRID VS MAN UTD
      Woah. After Man Utd were apparently excluded from potentially facing Atletico earlier.
      A tough tie for Ralf Rangnick’s men, but probably better than PSG.
      CHELSEA VS LILLE
      It’s happened again. Chelsea have Lille.
      A big sigh of relief from all at Stamford Bridge.
      BENFICA VS AJAX
      SPORTING LISBON VS MAN CITY
      Pep won’t be too displeased there. Man City had a good draw before, and they’ve got a good one again.
      SALZBURG VS BAYERN MUNICH
      First tie out of the hat.
      No Liverpool for the Austrian side, they get Bayern instead.
      HERE WE GO AGAIN
      We’re back again. With an apology from Giorgio Marchetti.
      “I apologise for the fact we have had to gather again to do the draw.
      “As many of you will have noticed there were some errors made in the initial draw caused by a malfunction in software.”
      OK, let’s get on with it now.
      TAKE TWO
      Come on Andrei, you got this.
      .Credit: Getty
      A REMINDER
      The first legs will take place across four nights in February – 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd.
      Second legs are set for the following month on March 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th.
      After that, we’ll have the draw for the last-eight and semis. Let’s hope the Prem teams are still going strong.
      Unseeded teams will be home in the first leg, seeded teams home in the second leg.
      LET’S GO AGAIN
      Right, pretend this morning never happened.
      Here are the teams today.
      Seeded: Ajax, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Liverpool, Lille, Man City, Man Utd, Real Madrid.
      Unseeded: Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Chelsea, Inter Milan, PSG, Salzburg, Sporting Lisbon, Villarreal.
      GUARDIOLA REACTS
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola described UEFA’S gaffe as a “fair” mistake.
      Guardiola said: “You want an assessment about the draw? It is going to happen again.
      “It is fair. It was a mistake. These things can happen, to managers, players and UEFA too.
      “It is fair. It would be a mistake not to repeat, there would [be] suspicions”
      WHAT WE KNOW
      The Champions League draw for the Round of 16 will be redone after an error during the procedure.
      First, Villarreal were paired up with Manchester United, whom they faced in the group stage.
      And then it appears like United weren’t included in Atletico Madrid’s pot as potential opponents in the Last 16.
      Thus, the draw will be done all over and all teams will be eligible, including Real Madrid who were initially drawn with Benfica.
      UEFA issued the following statement: “Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the Uefa Champions League Round of 16.
      “As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET (14:00 GMT)”
      “DELIGHTED”
      Former Manchester United ace Oeen Hargreaves claims his former club will be “delighted” with the draw being redone.
      The Red Devils were originally paired up with Paris Saint-Germain.
      Hargreaves told BT Sport: “United will be delighted. Let’s see what comes up.
      “Some fans are going to be delighted but some will be very annoyed”
      LINEKER REACTS

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      Michael Owen convinced Uefa botched SECOND Champions League draw after Liverpool blocked from playing Villarreal

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      MICHAEL OWEN expected a THIRD Champions League draw as he wrongly believed Liverpool were mistakenly prevented from getting the chance to play Villarreal.Villarreal were the sixth group runner-up to be picked out with Liverpool, Juventus and Real Madrid the only group winners remaining.
      Michael Owen was left bemused after Liverpool were prevented from playing Villarreal

      But with Inter Milan also still in the hat it meant Liverpool could not be involved in the Villarreal draw.
      That is because Inter could not play fellow Italian side Juventus, nor Real Madrid because they were in the same group.
      But Owen missed that completely in his analysis of the draw on BT Sport.
      He said: “I thought it was (wrong again).
      “It could easily be me but I can’t think of a reason why Liverpool, at the end it says they (Villarreal) can only play one team.
      “And I’m sure Liverpool could have played them as well. They weren’t in their group.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      “The only way is if none of the other teams could have played the other two teams, then Liverpool had to.”
      As a result of the rules in place, Liverpool will travel to the San Siro once again this season.
      Their first leg against Inter will take place in February, with Villarreal taking on Juventus.
      Real were paired in a glamour tie against Paris St Germain, who finished as runners-up to Manchester City in Group A.
      But Los Blancos will not be happy with that outcome having protested the need for a second draw after initially landing Benfica in the error-filled first draw.
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVE – LATEST UPDATES More

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      Europa Conference League draw follows Champions League shambles after being hit with technical errors

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      ANOTHER Uefa draw was hit by technical errors on Monday after the Champions League farce.The Europa Conference League draw was held up while Uefa’s computers took their time to update.
      The Europa Conference League nearly suffered the same fate as the Champions League draw farceCredit: Getty
      The draw was briefly paused when Uefa’s computer suffered a delay
      But luckily the draw went ahead without any glitches in the endCredit: Reuters
      Uefa deputy secretary Giorgio Marchetti apologised for the delay before, after a few minutes, Bodo/Glimt’s name appeared.
      While the delay was embarrassing, Uefa will be relieved that the technical problems didn’t cause as much mayhem as seen in the Champions League draw.
      That draw was declared null and void after Manchester United’s number was left out of the pot in the draw to face Atletico Madrid.
      The Red Devils were initially drawn against Villarreal – something that should not have been possible as they were both in Group F and therefore not eligible to meet in the last-16.
      An initial redraw was ordered and United’s crosstown rivals Man City were then selected to play Unai Emery’s side.
      Crucially, United were not then put back in the mix to face Atletico – with another group-stage foul-up adding to Uefa’s woes.
      However, the redraw has now taken place without any mishaps and the new ties will take place in February and March.
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      After the technical mishap in the Europa Conference League draw, things went smoothly with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt eventually drawn against Celtic.
      Leicester City will be pleased as they go up against Danish team Randers at home.
      Tottenham or Vitesse will play Rapid Vienna in the next stage of the competition.
      Spurs still have to qualify for the knockout stages as their European clash against group leaders Rennes was postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the North London club.
      Spurs face being awarded a 3-0 defeat for failing to fulfil the fixture, which would dump them out of the competition.
      But SunSport understands Uefa’s Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body could decide to change the rules to allow the match to be played after the December 31 deadline.
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVE – LATEST UPDATES More

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      Rudiger hilariously forced to backtrack after trolling Chelsea admin over Lille post before they’re drawn together AGAIN

      by

      ANTONIO RUDIGER was hilariously forced to backtrack after trolling Chelsea’s Twitter admin over the calamitous Champions League draw. The reigning champions drew Lille in the first attempt, leaving the Blues Twitter to post the news.
      NINTCHDBPICT000695715295-1Credit: Getty

      But an error in the initial draw meant Uefa had to do it all over again, leaving Rudiger to post a ‘delete’ GIF in response to Chelsea’s tweet.
      In a remarkable coincidence, the Blues drew Lille AGAIN, and the German then backtracked and tweeted: “okok,… sorry admin.”
      Chelsea’s admin got their own back, as they replied to Rudiger with a picture of the centre-back cupping his ears.
      Three hours after red-faced Uefa chiefs conducted a farcical mess of a draw, it left them with little option other than to start all over again.
      Manchester United, who had initially been paired – because of two cock-ups – with PSG, avoided Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and Co second time round.
      But a tie against Diego Simeone’s rugged Atletico Madrid is hardly an easy option for Ralf Rangnick and his side.

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      Holders Chelsea were all smiles as they drew the French champions Lille all over again.
      Manchester City, who were drawn out alongside Villarreal after neighbours United were erroneously placed in the wrong pot, instead must travel to Sporting Lisbon for the first leg of their tie.
      But Liverpool, who had been handed a seemingly simple tie against Salzburg, the first Austrian side to reach this stage in more than 20 years, found themselves paired with Inter Milan.
      And it left one titanic clash with PSG now facing Real Madrid – which is expected to lead to a public protest from the Spanish giants who had asked for their part of the original draw to stand.
      The redraw was required after United were wrongly put among the options to face Villarreal and then omitted from the pot to face Atletico – which included Liverpool although they were group opponents.
      Andrey Arshavin during the Champions League drawCredit: Reuters More

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      Lucky Chelsea land Lille AGAIN in second Champions League last-16 draw as Man Utd get Atletico Madrid instead of PSG

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      CHELSEA will play Lille in the Champions League Round of 16 after landing the French champions in both draws.An error in the initial draw meant Uefa had to do it all over again, with the Blues fearing a potential horror tie against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.

      Thomas Tuchel will fancy his team’s chances against LilleCredit: EPA
      There will be no Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo showdown after Manchester United initially drew PSGCredit: AP
      And when Bayern drew RB Salzburg it left Thomas Tuchel’s side with a 50-50 chance of going to the Bernabeu, but they instead got Lille again.
      Manchester United also dodged one bullet only to run straight into another firing squad when the Champions League last 16 draw was finally confirmed.
      Three hours after red-faced Uefa chiefs conducted a farcical mess of a draw that left them with little option other than to start all over again, the Prem quartet finally discovered their knock-out opponents.
      United, who had initially been paired – because of two cock-ups – with PSG, avoided Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and Co second time round.
      But a tie against Diego Simeone’s rugged Atletico Madrid is hardly an easy option for Ralf Rangnick and his side and will require United to dig really deep to go through.
      Holders Chelsea, privately seething when the initial draw, pairing them with Lille, was annulled, were all smiles as they drew the French champions all over again.
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      Manchester City, who were drawn out alongside Villarreal after neighbours United were erroneously placed in the wrong pot, instead must travel to Sporting Lisbon for the first leg of their tie.
      But Liverpool, who had been handed a seemingly simple tie against Salzburg, the first Austrian side to reach this stage in more than 20 years, found themselves paired with Inter Milan.
      And it left one titanic clash with PSG now facing Real Madrid – which is expected to lead to a public protest from the Spanish giants who had asked for their part of the original draw to stand.
      The redraw was required after United were wrongly put among the options to face Villarreal and then omitted from the pot to face Atletico – which included Liverpool although they were group opponents.
      Atletico, who were drawn against Bayern Munich, made a protest to demand a redraw.
      Uefa then announced the draw would be conducted again, three hours after the original pairing.
      Euro chiefs blamed “a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other” for causing “a material error”.
      Even then, there was controversy, with Real Madrid demanding their tie against Benfica remain valid as it was the first pairing to be drawn and had followed the regulations.
      At the start of the redraw ceremony, Uefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti said he “apologised” for the need to do it all over again.
      Marchetti said: “After the draw the external audit contacted us…as a result the full draw needs to be redone.”
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVE – LATEST UPDATES
      Manchester United will play David De Gea’s former team Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16Credit: Getty More