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      Chelsea verdict: Tuchel’s final act as Blues boss in signing Aubameyang could prove to be a masterstroke

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S final act as Chelsea manager could turn out to be an absolute masterstroke.The axed Chelsea boss signed his former player from Borussia Dortmund, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, just days before owner Todd Boehly gave him the boot.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his second goal in two games as the Blues beat AC Milan at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Thomas Tuchel was sacked soon after signing AubameyangCredit: Getty
      Eyebrows were raised when the Blues signed the 33-year-old, and even more questions asked when Tuchel was sacked soon after.
      But in a game against AC Milan with so much resting on it, Aubameyang showed the killer instinct all of the best strikers have to suggest he could be a huge player for Graham Potter.
      Going into the clash against Italian champions, nothing less than three points would do.
      Chelsea had just one point to show from their opening two Champions League games, and defeat would make qualifying for the knockouts a near impossible task.
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      The Blues have far from sparkled under Potter since the ex-Brighton boss was brought in to replace Tuchel.
      Tonight though things appeared to come together.
      Aubameyang opened his Blues account at the weekend, and made it two in two games with his close-range finish in this 3-0 win.
      It wasn’t only his goal though that Potter will leave Potter cooing.
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      Tuchel brought the former Arsenal skipper in for his overall play as well as his finishing, signs of which were on display against AC Milan.
      Now Aubameyang has had a few weeks to settle in, it’s clear he is getting to know his team-mates better.
      The 33-year-old was always eager to keep play moving by playing the ball on to Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling with his first touch.
      He showed that killer instinct that Chelsea have been missing by being in the right place at the right time to volley home from a Reece James cross.
      The striker position has plagued the Blues for so long, but maybe Aubameyang is finally the man to end that curse.
      Next up for the Blues is the return fixture against AC Milan, the most difficult game of the group stages.
      A win there and Potter’s side will have one foot in the last-16.
      And now the Blues have someone in Aubameyang to get on the end of James’ incredible deliveries, Potter will be confident of doing exactly that.
      He just might have his predecessor, Tuchel, to thank for it.
      Potter congratulating Aubameyang after he was subbed offCredit: PA
      Aubameyang taking in the applause from the crowd at full-timeCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea ratings: Reece James should be England guarantee and Thiago Silva has still got it in easy Blues win

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      REECE JAMES tore AC Milan to shreds as Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win against last year’s Serie A winners.The Italian champions were made to look bang average, largely thanks to the sheer brilliance of James.
      Reece James scored and assisted as the Blues registered their first Champions League win of the seasonCredit: Getty
      James deservedly landed the player of the match awardCredit: Getty
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted his second goal in two gamesCredit: Getty
      James provided an assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and scored himself, after Wesley Fofana had opened the scoring in the first-half.
      He shone in defence too, so much so the dangerous Rafael Leao, who Chelsea want to sign, was hooked with 20 minutes still left to play.
      Thiago Silva put in another assured display at the back, not shying away from the physical battle with Olivier Giroud.
      It was the best performance of the Graham Potter regime so far, and anything other than three points would have made qualifying for the knockouts an uphill task.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa rated the Blues…
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      Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
      Has performed well after being given his chance between the sticks.
      Was barely called into action by the Italian champions, but sprang into life to deny Charles De Ketelaere in the closing stages of the first-half.
      Impressive with his feet, knowing when to go short and when to play long and clear his lines.
      Wesley Fofana – 6
      Less assured than his two centre-back team-mates at the back in the early stages, but understandable given his lack of experience in the competition.
      In the right place at the right time to open the scoring, sliding the ball home after a goalmouth scramble for his first Chelsea goal.
      Unlucky to be forced off before half-time with injury just as he was starting to settle after his goal.
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      Thiago Silva – 8
      Did well to marshal Giroud, who tried to impose himself physically on the Chelsea skipper but couldn’t get a sniff.
      Always looked a danger from set-pieces, with Fofana opening the scoring after the Brazilian originally had an effort saved.
      Thiago Silva shone at the back againCredit: Reuters
      Kalidou Koulibaly – 7
      Came back into the side after being dropped for Potter’s first two games in charge.
      Repaid his boss’ faith with a commanding display, and stood out with his accurate passing into the feet of the midfielders and forwards, which kickstarted a number of attacks.
      Reece James – 9
      Different class in defence and attack, doing brilliantly to keep the dangerous Leao quiet and almost entirely blocking Milan from playing down the left.
      Going forward he was excellent yet again, providing the assist for the second goal with a delicious ball into the box.
      Got in on the act himself just after the hour mark, expertly rifling into the roof of the net to put the game to bed and was rightfully named player of the match.
      James was superb for the Blues in defence and attackCredit: Getty
      Ben Chilwell – 6
      Best part of the night for the England left-back was his set-piece delivery, which helped set up the first goal.
      Looked a little hurried on the ball at times, and AC Milan’s possession meant he couldn’t maraud forward as much as he would have wanted.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
      Energetic in the middle, looking to drive forward when he picked up the ball.
      Was rewarded for his positive performance by being given the whole 90 minutes, whereas Mateo Kovavic was hooked with 25 minutes to play.
      Mateo Kovacic – 6
      With Loftus-Cheek marauding forward, Kovavic did more breaking up of the play, and the Croatian midfielder did it well.
      Deservedly booked for a very late challenge on Olivier Giroud in the first-half.
      Perhaps why Potter took no chances and subbed him off after the break.
      Mason Mount – 6
      His work rate cannot be questioned, but it just didn’t quite happen for Mount again.
      At times he looked dangerous on the half turn, and had a superb lobbed finish ruled out for offside, but the England man was not the difference maker tonight.
      Raheem Sterling – 7
      Made some dangerous runs in behind Fode Ballo-Toure, and also had the beating of his man with the ball at his feet.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7
      Always looking to play the ball on first time, which did a lot to speed up Chelsea’s attacks.
      Showed his striker’s instinct to finish from close range after James picked him out perfectly.
      Substitutes
      Trevoh Chalobah (on for Fofana, 38 mins) – 7
      The 23-year-old dealt with the threat of Leao on the Milan left well considering he was chucked into the action before the break.
      Conor Gallagher (on for Aubameyang, 65 mins) – 7
      Put himself about when he came on, backing up his winner from the weekend with a lively 25 minutes.
      Will be knocking on the door of a starting spot again with more cameos like this.
      Jorginho – (on for Kovacic, 65 mins) – 6
      Controlled the tempo when he came on for Mateo Kovacic.
      Armando Broja (on for Sterling, 74 mins) – 5
      Gave the AC Milan defenders something different to think about with his physicality when he came on.
      But time meant he was prevented from doing anything meaningful.
      Kai Havertz (on for Mount, 74 mins) – 5
      By the time the German forward had settled into the game, the final whistle had blown. More

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      Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan LIVE REACTION: Potter claims first Champions League win but Fofana DEALT injury blow after opener

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      CHELSEA came out 3-0 victors against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge in what was a must-win game for Graham Potter’s side.The Blues started brilliantly, with Wesley Fofana netting his first goal for the club on his Champions League debut.
      However, he went from high to low as just moments later the defender picked up what looked to be a knee injury as he was taken off.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the Blues’ lead in the second-half, scoring from a Reece James cross before the wing-back himself sealed the three points with a powerful finish to give Potter his first European victory.
      That’s all from us…
      That is all for SunSport’s coverage of Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      It was a great game, which had it all, including a spectacular Reece James performance, a Thiago Silva masterclass, and Wesley Fofana’s first goal in Chelsea blue.
      That win sees Chelsea go to 2nd in the group, one point behind Salzburg, who got the better of Dinamo Zagreb in Austria.
      These two sides will meet again next Tuesday, so join us again for coverage of that one, which is set to be a much tastier affair at the San Siro.
      Thank you as always for reading, we hope you enjoyed, and have a great night.
      Silva is timeless.
      A legend of both Chelsea and AC Milan, Thiago Silva has had a simply sensational career, and shows no signs of letting up any time soon.
      He was excellent again today.
      A big challenge in the first half got the Chelsea fans to spring into life, before he won three headers in a row, the final of which saw Wesley Fofana get his first Chelsea goal after a scuffle in the box.
      He truly is a legend of the game, and should be regarded up there with the finest of all time.
      Unfortunate for Fofana…
      It was a night of mixed emotions for Wesley Fofana.
      He started the night brilliantly, with a fine tackle on Rafael Leao, before he rolled the ball into the bottom right hand corner to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead.
      Unfortunately, shortly after that, Fofana was dragged down by Leao on the halfway line, and landed awkwardly on his ankle that saw him briefly play on before going off injured.
      Hopefully he has a speedy recovery, so that he can continue his positive start at the back for The Blues.
      Wesley Fofana scored before getting injured for Chelsea tonight.Credit: Alamy
      Milan not up to it.
      Well, whilst Chelsea looked fantastic at the Bridge tonight, Milan looked very poor under the lights.
      They looked disorganised at the back, and toothless in attack.
      They were awful from set pieces, and only looked dangerous when going forwards with Leao on the ball, who was substituted in the second half.
      Rafael Leao looked bright against Chelsea…Credit: Getty
      A great win for Chelsea.
      Well, a great night at Stamford Bridge saw The Blues get the better of The Rossoneri by three goals to nil.
      Goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James secured the win for Chelsea, in what was a spectacular performance from them against a poor AC Milan side.
      Milan did show some flashes of ability, and almost levelled the game just before half-time, but the chance was squandered, and Chelsea came out to dominate the second half.
      That sees the complexion of the group change completely, and Chelsea go from fourth to second, behind Salzburg who top the group as it stands.
      FT. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      The referee calls the game to a close, and it is finished in the Champions League, Chelsea three, AC Milan nil.
      Chelsea won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge against AC Milan in the Champions League.Credit: EPA
      90. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      There will be two minutes of added time.
      87. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Chelsea take some time to keep possession, and Gallagher finds Reece James on the right hand side.
      He finds Chilwell who tries to keep the ball in play but can’t, and AC Milan have a throw in in their defensive half.
      85. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Well it has been a great start for Graham Potter no doubt, two wins and a draw from his first three games in charge.
      Chelsea look to come forward once more, but instead decide to try and keep possession and eventually lose out.
      83. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Well they had a corner and they are almost straight back into their own half.
      That just about sums them up tonight, their only bit of bite in attack came from Rafael Leao, who is now off the pitch, so they are toothless.
      81. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      A big hoof up the pitch from Kalidou Koulibaly bounces awkwardly for Tatarusanu, but he manages to get a head to it and clear.
      A rare error from Reece James brings a corner for AC Milan.
      79. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      It looks like Broja is playing on the left side of the attack, as opposed to down the middle, the space which Kai Havertz is occupying.
      76. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Conor Gallagher presses Tatarusanu, but the ball hits his hand and it’s a free kick for Milan.
      The tempo seems to have dropped a bit in this game after the substitutions.
      74. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Changes for the boys in blue also.
      Kai Havertz replaces Mason Mount.
      And Raheem Sterling makes way for Armando Broja.
      72. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      A triple change for AC Milan.
      Brahim Diaz replaces Rafael Leao.
      Olivier Giroud is replaced by Divock Origi.
      Ismael Bennacer comes off for Tommaso Pobega.
      70. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      A foul on Rafael Leao by Thiago Silva sees the Brazilian go into the book.
      He was nutmegged by the Portuguese talent, but was not going to let him get the better of him.
      68. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Loftus Cheek does brilliantly in the middle of the park to win it back for The Blues after Conor Gallagher was dispossessed.
      Chelsea look in total control.
      66. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      This is turning into a walk in the park for Chelsea, who seem to be able to get the better of that AC Milan defense so easily.
      Jorginho and Conor Gallagher are coming on for Chelsea, they are replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mateo Kovacic.
      Ante Rebic and Matteo Gabbia are on for Milan, they come on for Charles De Ketelaere and Krunic.
      64. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Well, that is typical Reece James.
      Brilliant overlapping run from the Englishman on the right hand side.
      Raheem Sterling rolls the ball into his path and he smashes it home into the roof of the net!What a goal!
      62. Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan.
      Goal for Chelsea! It’s Reece James with the finish into the roof of the net!
      62. Chelsea 2-0 AC Milan.
      What a ball that is from Mason Mount out to Reece James on the right hand side.
      He drives forward and delivers a cross to Sterling, but he blazes over on the volley.
      60. Chelsea 2-0 AC Milan.
      That is terrible defending by AC Milan.
      A cross from Chilwell floats over everyone, and Reece James arrives first to it.
      He delivers the ball across the box and inside of Fikayo Tomori, who gets caught out.
      Aubameyang sneaks in behind the Englishman, and taps home with his left foot.
      That’s two goals in two for Aubama-who? Aubama-what?
      You know the rest…
      Aubameyang scored Chelsea’s second of the night, to make it 2-0 to Chelsea.Credit: Reuters
      57. Chelsea 2-0 AC Milan.
      Goal! A simple finish for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!
      55. Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan.
      Tonali goes down after a challenge from Reece James.
      The latter then wins the ball off of Rafael Leao once more, and sets Sterling on his way, his cross is cut out.
      53. Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan.
      AC Milan look to come forwardwith Krunic looking for De Ketelaere, but it is well defended by Kalidou Koulibaly.
      James does well to stop Rafael Leao, and we have a real contest on that side.
      Load more entries… More

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      Man City 5 Copenhagen 0: Erling Haaland scores another two goals and gets half-time rest in Champions League Etihad rout

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      WHAT is Alfie Haaland putting in his boy’s pre-match lasagne?The Norwegian dad revealed at the weekend he is making the baked pasta dish for Erling on the eve of every home game.
      Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland scored a brace against CopenhagenCredit: Getty
      Manchester City beat Copenhagen 5-0 at the Etihad after another stunning displayCredit: Reuters
      And it is becoming a recipe for success for the 22-year-old strike sensation as well as Manchester City.
      Another two goals inside the first 32 minutes here took his tally to an incredible 19 in 11 matches with his new club.
      Twelve of those have come at the Etihad which is becoming a happy hunting ground for the £51.4million new boy.
      Once again the faithful were treated to another rout which put them on the brink of the knock-out stages once again.
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      It took just seven minutes for Haaland to continue his astonishing goal-scoring streak as he found space to meet Joao Cancelo’s low cut-back.
      With his first touch of the game he swept a shot past Kamil Grabara from 12 yards in the blink of an eye.
      The Polish keeper was wearing a protective mask and made a series of excellent saves to keep the hosts at bay.
      He denied Haaland on a couple of occasions – one of which would have smacked him square in the chops had he not got his hands to it – while also made a couple of acrobatic stops from Jack Grealish.
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      Bernardo Silva also hit the outside of the post after nice work by the England ace – and skied another one high over the bar.
      Yet there was no disguising the gulf in class between these two teams and eventually the pressure told.
      Grabara failed to hang onto a long-range volley from Sergio Gomez and there was Haaland to gobble up the rebound by poking it into the empty net.
      That made it 28 goals in this competition for Haaland – that’s the most for any player in their first 30 appearances, even though the Norwegian has only played 22.
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      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola enjoyed another Champions League routCredit: Reuters
      Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland came off during half-timeCredit: Getty
      Shortly before the break, Grealish teed up Gomez again and his shot deflected off Denis Vavro aa well as Davit Khocholava before bobbling over the line.
      A City player was lurking just in case – and yeah, you guessed it, it was Haaland.
      Surely it was only a matter of time before he claimed another match-ball – but then Pep Guardiola had other ideas.
      The City boss had been smiling and shaking his head as his £51.4m new boy did the business for him yet again.
      But he spoiled the fun by taking him off at half-time.
      You imagine that could be bad news for Saturday’s opponents here Southampton.
      Jack Grealish put together an impressive performance for Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      Copenhagen suffered a 5-0 Champions League rout at the EtihadCredit: Getty
      He could have had a golden chance to claim another hat-trick as the returning Aymeric Laporte was bundled over by Marko Stamenic within 10 minutes of the re-start.
      Riyad Mahrez – making his 200th appearance for City – insists he is still the regular spot-kick taker and he stepped up and sent Grabara the wrong way.
      That was a perfect way for the Algerian to respond to a bit of thinly-veiled criticism from Guardiola over his recent displays on the eve of the game.
      Argentina striker Julian Alvarez has been completely upstaged by Haaland since arriving in the summer – but the former River Plate man has shown some promising signs.

      And he got in on the act as he finished from close range after some neat approach work from the excellent Grealish and Mahrez.
      The ex Aston Villa captain revealed he is learning to become a DJ in his spare time – and certainly led the Danish defence on a merry dance at times.
      All that was missing was a goal and he can’t say he didn’t have the chances. Maybe he needs to have a word with his new mate Haaland.
      A point in Copenhagen next week will be enough to see City through to the knock-out stages in the New Year with the minimum of fuss. More

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      Pep Guardiola’s hilarious reaction as Erling Haaland scores his second goal and 19th of season for Man City v Copenhagen

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola celebrated Erling Haaland’s brace against Copenhagen with a hilarious reaction.Haaland’s unbelievable goalscoring exploits continued at the Etihad as he opened the scoring after only seven minutes and hit the net once more just 25 minutes later in the Champions League.
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola celebrated Erling Haaland’s brace with a funny reactionCredit: PA
      Pep Guardiola looked like even he couldn’t believe Erling Haaland’s talentCredit: PA
      Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland scored a brace against CopenhagenCredit: PA
      And the camera caught Guardiola celebrating with a dumbfounded look on his face, which suggested even he couldn’t believe how good his star striker is.
      The Spanish tactician appeared to be looking back at his coaching staff as he pointed at the Norway international with pride and rubbed his hands together.
      Fans laughed their socks off after witnessing Guardiola’s rare reaction and took to Twitter with some amazing reactions.
      One fan tweeted: “HAHAHA Pep Guardiola is all of us.”
      Read More on Football
      Another posted: “The moment he realised he’s signed the next GOAT.”
      A third wrote: “Him saying “that’s my boy.”
      This supporter stated: “Pep knows this is where City win there [sic] first champions league.”
      And that one tweeted: “Pep just enjoying his work lately! What a signing Haaland is turning into.”
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      Haaland, 22, has now scored a staggering 19 goals in just 12 appearances across all competitions.
      This comes after the Norwegian became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick in three consecutive home games after his treble against Manchester United on Sunday. More

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      Watch Jude Bellingham score stunning goal for Borussia Dortmund as wonderkid sets TWO Champions League records

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM scored a wonder goaland set TWO Champions League records during Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League clash with Sevilla on Wednesday night.The German giants took an early lead in Spain as Raphael Guerreiro put them in front after just six minutes.
      Bellingham dribbled into the area before firing home Dortmund’s second of the gameCredit: Getty

      Bellingham showed his supreme ability by scoring in the Champions League once moreCredit: AFP
      And Bellingham, who wore the armband as Dortmund captain, then doubled their advantage with a sublime goal shortly before the break.
      The 19-year-old superstar picked up the ball on the left-hand side of the penalty area and drifted beyond Sevilla defender Nemanja Gudelj.
      He then perfectly finished with the outside of his right boot, finding the far corner with supreme ease.
      And that wasn’t the only way Bellingham caught the eye on Wednesday evening.
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      He also set two thoroughly impressive records in the Spanish city.
      As skipper, Bellingham became the first English teenager to start a Champions League game as captain of his side.
      And he broke more ground by becoming the first midfielder in Champions League history to score in three consecutive appearances while still a teenager.
      Bellingham is widely regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in world football.
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      The ex-Birmingham man has contributed 13 goals and 19 assists in 101 games for Dortmund.
      He is attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid as Europe’s giants circle ahead of a potential move in the summer.
      And his £83million price tag may well have increased even further in recent weeks following his majestic displays for England during the international break.
      In particular, Bellingham was instrumental in dragging the Three Lions back from 2-0 down against Germany at Wembley – with Gareth Southgate’s men eventually drawing 3-3. More

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      RB Leipzig vs Celtic LIVE REACTION: Silva DOUBLE gives Germans victory despite Jota strike as Celtic remain winless

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      RB LEIPZIG came out 3-1 victors over Celtic, who remain without a win in this season’s Champions League.Christopher Nkunku saw an early strike disallowed before rounding Joe Hart later in the first-half to see his side go in one goal up.
      Jota equalised in the second period, getting onto a pull-back to convert before Dominik Szoboszlai thought he put Leipzig back ahead, just for the goal to be disallowed as an offside player affected Hart’s view.
      Andre Silva netted his first of the match just moments later to put his side ahead, capitalising on a mistake from the Celtic goalkeeper before adding his second as the Germans came out 3-1 victors.
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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Red Bull gives you wins
      RB Leipzig leapfrog Celtic in the group with the Glasgow outfit now sitting at the bottom of the group.
      Marco Rose’s side are back in contention to qualify as they find themselves only a point behind Shakhtar Donetsk.
      At the halfway stage in the group it is still all to play for but a tough task faces Celtic if they have any hopes of qualification.
      Credit: PA
      Clinical finishing at the top
      In the UEFA Champions League, you will be punished if you do not take your chances and this is exactly what happened to Celtic this evening.
      The scoreline may flatter Leipzig as Ange Postecoglou’s team were in this tie up until the final ten minutes of the game.
      Yet again, Celtic pay the price for not taking their chances.
      Credit: Reuters
      Hoops struggle on the road
      Celtic have now failed to win in Germany in 14 attempts.
      It is now five years since The Hoops won an away game in the UEFA Champions League.
      Without picking up points away from home, you make any passage out of the group phase near impossible.
      FT: RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It is a long trip back from Germany for the Celtic fans after a disappointing defeat.
      The reverse fixture at Celtic Park is now a ‘must win’ game for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      90+4. Since the introduction of VAR it seems we are never going to get a football match that does not have at least five minutes added on.
      The ball comes to Forsberg on the edge of the box, he takes one touch and shoots at goal.
      His shot goes a few feet wide of the far post.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      90+2. Jota is fouled on the halfway line.
      Jovanovic looks to play it forward but gifts it to Forsberg.
      Leipzig are still looking for more goals here.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      90. We are going to have an additional five minutes added here.
      Still not enough time for Celtic to turn this game around you feel.
      Never say never, stranger things have happened in football.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      88. Celtic would have thought all their prayers had been answered with Leipzig having their goal disallowed, very harshly.
      No sooner had VAR saved the Scottish side, Joe Hart’s misplaced pass restores balance in the universe from a German perspective.
      There does not seem enough time left for Celtic to find a way back into this game now.
      Credit: Getty
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      86. You cannot deny Leipzig their win this evening.
      Scoring five goals but only three of them counting.
      It also makes the reverse fixture next week at Celtic Park is of huge importance now to Ange Postecoglou’s side.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      84. McCarthy gets involved straight away.
      He feeds Taylor who looks to cross from the edge of the box with a lot of pace on the ball.
      It takes a deflection and goes over the crossbar for a corner.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      82. Some more changes for the home side.
      Halstenberg comes on for Raum.
      Poulsen comes on for Szoboszlai who gets a standing ovation.
      Giakoumakis comes on for Kyogo.
      McCarthy comes on for Hatate.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      80. Celtic need to be wary now.
      If they let their performance slip in these final ten minutes or so Leipzig could turn this scoreline into a rout.
      With the potential of the head to head record between the sides coming into play in the group standings, the final result this evening could be key.
      RB Leipzig 3-1 Celtic
      78. Nkunku plays a lofted ball out wide to Simakan.
      His cushioned volley is straight into the path of Andre Silva.
      With Hart sprawling across his goal, he slots the ball home.
      Credit: AFP
      Goal – Andre Silva (RB Leipzig)
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      76. Time is not on Celtic’s side right now.
      Leipzig know that one more goal would put this game to bed.
      Forsberg is already causing issues for the Celtic backline.
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      74. The problem for Celtic now is the more they push forward in search of an equaliser, they leave themselves open to the counter-attack.
      Szoboszlai goes to ground on the edge of the box looking for a free kick but the referee is not having any of it.
      The Hungarian winger is receiving some treatment.
      Forrest comes on for Maeda.
      Haksabanovic comes on for O’Riley.
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      72. You can really see why so many teams are interested in Christopher Nkunku.
      He really looks a special player.
      Leipzig continue to come forward but a loose pass gifts it to Jota.
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      70. Ange Postecoglou needs to get his team going in these final twenty minutes in Germany.
      Since the goal, heads seem to have dropped.
      Leipzig on the other hand have scored 4 goals tonight and find themselves 2-1 up.
      Werner comes off for Forsberg.
      Kampl comes off for Haidara.
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      68. What a period of play that was.
      Goals disallowed harshly and then Celtic gift the hosts a goal.
      What was Joe Hart thinking of, only he will know.
      Terrible error.
      Credit: AFP
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      66. Joe Hart will not want to see this one again.
      In no danger whatsoever, he passes the ball to Szoboszlai.
      He slides Andre Gomes in who slots the ball passed the embarrassed Joe Hart.
      Goal – Andre Silva (RB Leipzig)
      RB Leipzig 1-1 Celtic
      64. Unbelievable scenes!
      Celtic fans celebrate the decision like they have scored themselves.
      Incredibly harsh on the Germans.
      RB Leipzig 2-1 Celtic
      62. VAR is checking this one.
      Szoboszlai cuts inside from the left onto his favoured right foot.
      He strikes the ball from distance into the bottom corner.
      Andre Gomes ducked underneath the shot but he may have been in Joe Hart’s eyeline.
      The referee is heading over to the monitor.
      Goal – Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig)
      RB Leipzig 1-1 Celtic
      60. O’Riley receives a yellow card.
      Trying to hold the ball up he catches his marker with a stray arm.
      The Celtic fans are all that can be heard at the moment.
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    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans erupt with excitement as transfer target Nkunku scores and showcases skills for RB Leipzig against Celtic

      by

      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU has left Chelsea fans purring after playing a starring role in RB Leipzig’s 3-1 Champions League group stage win over Celtic.The Frenchman, 24, is believed to be closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge worth £53million.
      Nkunku rounded Hart and opened the scoringCredit: PA
      The Frenchman reportedly underwent a medical in Germany ahead of a summer 2023 move to ChelseaCredit: AFP
      He underwent a medical in Germany last month ahead of a summer 2023 transfer.
      And Nkunku has Chelsea fans excited for his potential arrival, starring in Leipzig’s Champions League win over Celtic on Wednesday.
      Nkunku opened the scoring for the home side, finishing off a swift counter attack by rounding Joe Hart and tapping home.
      His overall link-up play also impressed Blues fans, showing some neat touches to find striker Andre Silva.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The Portugal international restored Leipzig’s lead in the 64th minute after Jota equalised for Celtic.
      Nkunku played a part in Silva’s second of the evening, switching play out wide to Mohamed Simakan, who then played a lovely first-time cross into the striker to sweep home.
      One fan said on Nkunku’s performance: “Nkunku… he’s what chelsea is missing.”
      Another tweeted: “Nkunku is a special player. Wow.”
      Most read in Football
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      After Nkunku’s masterclass, Blues fans have turned their attention towards their own Champions League fixture.
      Graham Potter is hoping to win his first European game in charge of Chelsea.
      But he’ll have to beat Italian champions AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea are in need of a win having picked up just one point from their opening two group games. More