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      Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi face Champions League last-16 exit for first time in 16 years as changing of the guard looms

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      THE changing of the guard replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as football’s biggest hitters could move a step closer this week as Juventus and Barcelona fight for their Champions League lives.
      Ronaldo and Messi have dominated Europe’s top competition to such an extent it is 16 years since at least one of their clubs failed to make the quarter-finals.

      The changing of the guard is under way as veteran stars like Cristiano Ronaldo face Champions League exitsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lionel Messi and Ronaldo are on the verge of leaving at the last-16 stageCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Both superstars have led from the front with so much impact that one of the pair has won nine of the tournaments since that run began in the 2004-05 season.
      But their powers are on the wane as emerging forces like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland establish themselves as the new forces in world football.
      And unless they can roll back the clock this week, both could find themselves looking on from the outside when the Champions League gets to the business end of the competition.
      Barcelona are staring into the abyss ahead of their return leg against Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday having been thumped 4-1 at home last month.

      And Ronaldo was rested by Juventus at the weekend just to ensure he is as fresh as possible tomorrow as the Italian giants look to overturn their 2-1 first-leg deficit against Porto.
      Juve boss Andrea Pirlo copped some stick for his decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench for the Serie A win over Lazio, amid claims the 36-year-old was unhappy at his treatment.
      But Pirlo insists all is fine between manager and player going into the game, and claims challenges like the one at the Allianz Stadium are made for the star.
      Pirlo said: “These are Cristiano’s games, he’s always proved it.

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      The 2020 Fifpro world XI includes four Liverpool stars, as well as Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski

      “He followed a special training program these days, he is serene and is looking forward to playing.”
      Early exits from the Champions League have cost past bosses Massimiliano Allegri and Maurizio Sarri their jobs, but Pirlo is not thinking about the axe should another failure materialise.
      He added: If I thought so, I wouldn’t be here. I know it’s an important game, but I focus on one game at a time.
      “The club will decide my future, depending on the results. I work day by day, I know my project and the club’s project
      “This game is like a final for us. We need to turn the tie around. It’s an open result and we must be clear-minded.
      “We watched the first leg many times. We had planned to play differently. We made a mistake at the beginning of the game, and the match changed.
      “We’ll try to learn from the mistakes we made two weeks ago.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      European chiefs could BAN transfers between Champions League clubs as part of shock shake-up to level the playing field

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      EURO chiefs could BAN transfers between the biggest clubs – to try to level up football.
      The unlikely idea was suggested by Juventus President Andrea Agnelli, head of the European Club Association.

      Champions League clubs could be banned from doing business with each otherCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Juve spent a fortune on luring Cristiano Ronaldo away from Real Madrid, while Barcelona were considering asking for £500m plus for the services of Lionel Messi last summer.
      This summer could see mega-moves for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, as well as Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
      But Agnelli revealed talks had opened that could see curbs put on clubs trading with each other from 2024.
      He said: “This is a fertile moment to think of new and greater solutions.

      “We could think of a double path for the transfer system whereby clubs qualifying for European competitions enter into specific tiers.
      “If that happened, they wouldn’t be allowed to buy each other’s players so that would improve the indirect solidarity towards the other clubs. 
      “There would be no triple figure transfers between Champions League clubs for players and we would be focusing on buying players from other countries and clubs. 
      “These are elements we are discussing.

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      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks

      “Cost controls is one of the elements that gives us the biggest headaches and will bring us the biggest challenges going forward into the next set of discussions.”
      Such a proposal would cause major issues with European Law on freedom of movement.
      But the fact that it is being discussed suggests the impact of the Covid crisis may be even wider and deeper than previously thought.
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      Referee Coltescu banned until end of season for ‘inappropriate behaviour’ after PSG vs Basaksehir ‘racism’ walk-off

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      UEFA have banned referee Sebastian Coltescu until the end of the season for ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champion’s League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir last December.
      Coltescu, who was the fourth official in the match, found himself at the centre of a racism storm for his role in the dismissal of Basaksehir’s assistant coach Pierre Webo.

      UEFA have suspended Sebastian Coltescu until the end of the seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Romanian referred to the former Cameroon international as ‘the black one’.
      His comments sparked a furious reaction from Basaksehir hitman Demba Ba, who accused him of racism.
      Webo himself fumed at the Romanian before he was ordered away from the touchline.
      In a show of solidarity, PSG players joined their opponents by walking off the pitch.

      European football’s governing body launched an immediate investigation into the matter.
      And in a statement on Monday, they announced the suspension of the official.
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      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
      In their statement, UEFA revealed Coltescu had been suspended for ‘inappropriate behaviour during a UEFA match for which he was appointed.’

      Additionally, UEFA have ordered Coltescu to ‘attend an educational programme before 30 June 2021.’
      The players’ decision to walk off the pitch led to the abandonment of their Champions League Group H match.
      The fixture, which PSG eventually won 5-1, ended up being played the following day.

      Demba Ba accused Sebastian Coltescu of racismCredit: AFP or licensors

      Immediately after the match, Coltescu took to social media to issue an apology for his comments.
      He tweeted: “Racism was never my intention.
      “In such an environment, people sometimes cannot properly express their feelings and can be misunderstood.
      “I apologise in the name of the UEFA Champions League.”

      Sebastian Coltescu issued an apology for his actions shortly after the matchCredit: AFP or licensors
      According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Coltescu claimed his comments on the touchline had been misinterpreted.
      He reportedly said: “I just try to be good.
      “I’m not going to read any news sites these next few days.
      “Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not racist! At least that’s what I hope.”

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      Sick PSG fans hold up Shakira ‘prostitute’ banner ahead of Champions League clash against husband Pique’s Barcelona

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ultras have been slammed as misogynistic after holding up a banner that referred to Shakira as a prostitute.
      The Colombian popstar, 44, will be cheering on Barcelona against Les Parisiens on Wednesday night, with husband Gerard Pique a Blaugrana legend.

      PSG fans held up a banner referring to Shakira as a prostitute on Sunday nightCredit: Twitter @PanameReBirth

      Shakira is in a long-term relationship with Barcelona defender Gerard PiqueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Suffering from a knee injury, the centre-back is ruled out of the Champions League last-16 second leg.
      PSG hold a comfortable 4-1 lead after a dominant win in Spain but that did not stop fans trying to intimidate their opponents.
      On Sunday night, a parade of ultras lit flares and held up a number of banners in the French capital.
      One read ‘Shakira a La Jonquera’ in reference to a town on the French-Spanish border that is notorious for prostitution.

      Many viewing the images found them sexist and unnecessarily insulting of the ‘Beautiful Liar’ singer.
      Shakira began dating Barcelona ace Pique, 34, in 2011 and they share two sons, Milan and Sasha.
      In response, fans of the popstar began trending ‘#RespectShakira’ on social media, pointing out that Monday was also International Women’s Day.
      PSG ultras also paraded banners that read ‘Barcelona are not welcome’ and ‘Europe on its knees, all of Paris standing’.

      Many have leapt to Shakira’s defence online, trending the phrase #RespectShakiraCredit: AFP or licensors

      A ‘Barcelona are not welcome’ banner was also paraded by ultrasCredit: Twitter @PanameReBirth

      It is not the first time the Ligue 1 side’s supporters have attracted negative attention.
      Around 50 ultras were accused of vandalism and carrying weapons at a game between PSG and Chelsea’s women’s teams in 2019.
      One fan was arrested for possession of Class A drugs and the club incredibly responded by backing the actions of their supporters.
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      Bayern Munich wages revealed with Lewandowski earning less than two Prem stars and Alphonso Davies on just £82k a week

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      BAYERN MUNICH pay top star Robert Lewandowski a hefty £325,000 weekly wage, reports in Germany have revealed.
      Despite the Polish striker being named Fifa’s Player of the Year in 2020 and leading Bayern to a stunning treble, he is some way off being Europe’s best-paid player.

      Lewandowski signed his latest Bayern deal 18 months ago and takes home a pretty £16.75m-a-year.
      That makes him the club’s top earner, ahead of Manuel Neuer (£300,000-a-week), Leroy Sane (£275,000) and Thomas Muller (£250,000).
      In numbers released by German outlet Vermogen Magazin, Die Roten were shown to be paying seven stars at least £200,000-a-week.
      Lucas Hernandez, Jerome Boateng and Juventus loanee Douglas Costa also pocket at least that.

      Completing the top ten are the £160,000-a-week trio of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and David Alaba.
      The Austrian defender is set to leave Munich at the end of the season when his contract expires, amid rumours of him demanding £400,000-a-week to sign a new contract with the Bavarians.

      David Alaba could earn more than any of his current team-mates when he leaves this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jamal Musiala has moved up several places in the Bayern Munich wage rankings after signing a first pro dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other notable figures on the club’s books are Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies.
      Young winger Musiala signed a first professional deal with Bayern last week, elevating him from a weekly wage of £6,500 to £100,000.

      While Canadian left-back Davies takes home around £82,500-a-week, the same as World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard.
      Lewandowski’s position as the club’s best-paid star leaves him behind the Premier League’s two top earners.
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      Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea takes home £350,000-a-week with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on at least the same amount.
      Across Europe, Gareth Bale banks £650,000-a-week, split between Real Madrid and loan club Tottenham, with Eden Hazard on £400,000.
      Neymar earns around £620,000-a-week at Paris Saint-Germain with Juventus paying Cristiano Ronaldo a tidy £540,000.
      Barcelona blow those numbers out of the water however, to pay Lionel Messi a package worth £2.4m-a-week – comfortably the biggest contract in sport.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      RB Leipzig forced to pay Liverpool £1.3m compensation after Reds’ Champions League clash moved from Anfield

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      RB LEIPZIG will have to fork out £1.3million after German law forced Liverpool to move their Champions League match to Budapest.
      A 2-0 win for the Reds in the ‘away’ leg last month has put them on course for a spot in the quarter-finals.

      Liverpool and RB Leipzig will play both of their last-16 games in BudapestCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Anfield was due to host Wednesday’s second leg of the clubs’ last-16 tie.
      However, a Saxony ruling which demands all returnees from the UK quarantine for 14 days upon arrival means the game must be played at a neutral venue.
      Like the first leg of the tie, the return game will take place at Puskas Arena in the Hungarian capital.
      Bild report on this change triggering a Uefa clause that will earn Liverpool compensation for being unable to play their home tie at Anfield.

      This will amount to ten per cent of the £13m match fee, or £1.3m.
      Uefa guidelines stipulate that, as the visiting club are responsible for the venue change, they must pay up.
      It is not expected that Liverpool had to pay compensation for the reverse fixture being taken out of Leipzig, as UK law enabled them to travel to and from Germany.
      A Government red list has been drawn up whereby returnees from 33 countries must undergo a hotel quarantine for ten days upon arrival.

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      Elite sports people are not exempt from this regulation but, in any case, Germany is not currently on the list.
      The same cannot be said for Portugal, which forced both legs of Arsenal’s Europa League tie with Benfica to be moved.
      Because the two nations are on each other’s banned lists, Uefa compensation was exchanged between the clubs for both games, reported by the Mail to amount to £44,000.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Neymar hints he WILL be fit to face old club Barcelona with cryptic ‘loading’ post after returning to PSG training

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      NEYMAR has hinted that he will be fit for Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Barcelona following a month out with a groin injury.
      The Ligue 1 side obliterated their opponents in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, winning 4-1 at the Camp Nou.

      But the Catalans’ comeback win over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-final has reminded PSG that the tie is not quite over.
      Having Neymar back for next week’s game is a possibility according to RMC Sport, despite being ruled out of the upcoming Coupe de France trip to Brest.
      Following his return to first-team training on Thursday, the Brazilian posted an image of his workout to Instagram with the cryptic caption: “Loading.”
      And Les Parisiens boss Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to his return.

      The coach told reporters: “He will not be here tomorrow.
      “But we are very happy with his development and we will see in the days to come if he can be part of the squad against Barcelona.”
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      PSG have lost just one of the five games he has sat out and remain two points off leaders Lille in Ligue 1.

      Should Pochettino decide not to risk Neymar for next week’s clash, he may be saved for a huge showdown with third-placed Lyon later this month.
      The winger, 29, was absent from PSG’s stunning first-leg win against his old club, which saw Kylian Mbappe star with an awe-inspiring hat-trick.
      When the injury hit in early February, he expressed his major disappointment in a social media post where he questioned the treatment he receives from defenders.

      Neymar has been out for almost a month with a groin injuryCredit: Reuters

      Neymar wrote: “The sadness is great, the pain is immense and the crying is constant.
      “Once again, I will stop for a while doing what I love the most in life, which is playing football. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable because of my style of play, because I dribble and they constantly hit me.
      “I don’t know if the problem is me or what I do on the field. It saddens me a lot. It saddens me a lot to hear from a player, coach, commentator or whoever the hell it is, that ‘you really have to hit him’, ‘he falls’, ‘he cries’, ‘a child’, ‘spoiled’ etc.
      “It honestly saddens me and I don’t even know how much I can bear it. I just want to be happy playing football. NOTHING ELSE.”
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      Liverpool lose Champions League home advantage and will play second-leg tie against RB Leipzig in Budapest

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      LIVERPOOL will return to Budapest for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Leipzig.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side travelled to the Hungarian capital for a 2-0 first leg win because German Covid restrictions prevented the game being played in Leipzig.

      Mo Salah (pictured) and his Liverpool team-mates will have to head back to Hungary to face LeipzigCredit: AFP

      But the same regulations mean Leipzig could not return from the UK without entering into strict quarantine.
      As a result, Uefa agreed that the match would have to be switched.
      That means Liverpool will lose home advantage at Anfield.
      Now it has been confirmed the second leg will also be played in the Puskas arena.

      That makes it the first Champions League tie to see both matches played in the same stadium since AC Milan played Inter at the San Siro twice in the 2005 quarter-finals.
      Klopp claimed his side defied many people’s expectations with their victory over Leipzig on February 16.
      Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane struck in the space of a blistering five minutes shortly after half time.
      That provided a much needed boost after the Reds had fallen to three straight Premier League defeats.

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      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks

      But just days later they suffered a painful fourth-consecutive home defeat.
      Everton claimed local bragging rights as they sealed a 2-0 win at Anfield before Liverpool returned to winning ways at Sheffield United on Sunday.
      They face a crunch clash with top four rivals Chelsea tonight back on Merseyside.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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