Champions League

ROMELU LUKAKU was sensationally AXED by Chelsea for their clash against Lille.The Blues striker was dropped to the bench for the Champions League game against the French side at Stamford Bridge.
Romelu Lukaku was benched by Thomas Tuchel for Chelsea’s win over LilleCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Lukaku paid the price for a shocker at Crystal Palace at the weekendCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
It came days after he had just SEVEN touches during the whole match at Crystal Palace over the weekend.
The former Manchester United star also had a fall out with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel over Christmas.
He was axed following an explosive interview in Italy where he said he wanted to play for Inter Milan again.
Tuchel said: “I felt him a little bit tired. He looked a little exhausted and you have to consider that he’s played a lot.
“We’ve had extra time [in the Club World Cup final], a lot of travelling recently and it wasn’t easy for him against Palace.”
Chelsea fans reacted with shock at the news, but were not surprised after his performance at Palace.
Kai Havertz showed Lukaku up with his performance vs Lille
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One said: “This is sad, but not a shock. He was really poor at the weekend and has been recently.”
Another backed him and added: “Lukaku has been better than Ronaldo this season.”
Chelsea decided to go for Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz up front to face Lille.
And Tuchel would have been delighted with his selection as Havertz and Pulisic netted in a 2-0 victory to take a big step towards the quarter finals.
Havertz in particular shone as he stood in for Lukaku up top, with his 46 touches on the night emphasising the difference he made to Chelsea’s attacking threat.
Lukaku now faces taking his spot on the bench again for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.
Lukaku touched the ball just seven times against Crystal Palace
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MANCHESTER UNITED’S flight to Madrid for their Champions League clash with Atletico was cancelled at the last minute.The Red Devils usually fly with Russian airline Aeroflot to their European games under a commercial agreement.
Manchester United’s flight to Madrid with Aeroflot was cancelledCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the airport for the trip to MadridCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
But Tuesday’s flight set to take off at 4pm was cancelled amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Ralf Rangnick’s men instead travelled with UK-based charter airline Titan Airways and are due to land in Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Athletic report that the decision to cancel the flight was mutual between Manchester United and Aeroflot.
The Russian airline describe themselves as ‘the official carrier of Manchester United’ and have been a long-time sponsor.
Russia last night sent troops into two rebel-held areas of Ukraine in a ‘peacekeeping mission’.
The actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin have been condemned by the likes of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden.
Johnson also said it was ‘inconceivable’ that Russia could still host this season’s Champions League final.
The showpiece is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on May 28 – but has been thrown into doubt by Moscow’s rampant aggression.
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As Putin’s tanks rolled into Ukraine ahead of a “full scale invasion”, the PM warned Russia would become an international outcast.
Johnson told MPs this lunchtime the Kremlin strongman would bring about “a Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status.
“No chance of holding a football tournament in a Russia that invades sovereign countries.”
Victor Lindelof and Anthony Elanga board the flight to the Spanish capitalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Man Utd defender Harry Maguire was also part of the travelling squadCredit: Getty
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries vowed to hold urgent talks with Uefa to discuss the ramifications of the crisis on the the cup clash.
She tweeted: “I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League final, and will discuss with the relevant governing bodies.”
The chances of Wembley getting the nod, believed to be worth around £60m, would be heightened should two English teams reach the final. More

ATLETICO MADRID could be without captain Koke for the Champions League last-16 tie with Manchester United.Reports in Spain claim the key midfielder picked up an injury in the 3-0 weekend win over Osasuna and missed training with his team-mates on Monday.
Atletico Madrid captain Koke could miss the Champions League clash with Man UtdCredit: EPA
Reports in Spain suggest Luis Suarez could be droppedCredit: AFP
Koke, 30, has started all six of Atletico’s group matches in the competition this season.
And the 61-cap Spanish ace has not missed a match in the Champions League since November 2018.
Atletico will check Koke’s fitness but if he fails to recover it would be a big blow for Diego Simeone’s side.
And the Argentine boss could be facing a selection crisis ahead of Wednesday’s first leg clash at the Wanda Metropolitano with Matheus Cunha and Daniel Wass also sidelined.
Thomas Lemar and Benjamin Lecomte are doubts too after missing training over the weekend.
While Yannick Carrasco and Felipe are both suspended.
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Defending LaLiga champions Atletico are suffering a nightmare season, languishing fifth in the table – 15 points behind city rivals Real Madrid – and are already out of the Copa Del Rey.
And Spanish outlet AS reported on Monday morning that Simeone is set to switch from his customary 4-4-2 line-up for must-win United clash.
They say Atletico lined up with five at the back in training, with Angel Correa and Joao Felix in attack.
That would leave no room for Liverpool icon Luis Suarez against his former rivals.
Antoine Griezmann was also absent having recently returned from a thigh injury.
Paul Pogba is set to keep his place in the Man Utd midfield, after playing for an hour in the 4-2 in over Leeds at the weekend. More