Champions League

PHIL FODEN pushed his case for a regular start at Manchester City by scoring the goal which clinched a place in the knock-out stages.
The young midfielder – who shone for England last week – has been benched for the last four Premier League matches.

Phil Foden struck to send Man City to the Champions League last 16Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Raheem Sterling produced a glorious backheel assist in the 1-0 win at OlympiacosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But with Kevin De Bruyne left back in Manchester to have a rest, Foden had the chance to take centre stage for City.
And his goal late in the first half ensured City will be in the last 16 of this competition for an eighth successive season.
Foden looked lively right from the start as his low shot from a tight angle was smartly saved by Jose Sa and another effort rolling inches wide.
Such was City’s total domination that the Greek side only touched the ball once in the opposition half in the opening 18 minutes.

The home keeper was having a busy night and he spread himself well to keep out Gabriel Jesus, who had latched onto Foden’s pass.
Pep Guardiola’s team have been uncharacteristically short of goals in the Premier League with just 10 coming from their first eight matches.
They were struggling to make the breakthrough here – but a little bit of magic from stand-in skipper Raheem Sterling helped them finally crack it.  
Ilkay Gundogan shrugged off his marker before playing through Sterling whose delicious backheel was perfect for Foden.

The two sides paid tribute to Diego Maradona before kick-offCredit: AFP

City ensured their place in the next round with the win in GreeceCredit: AFP

Gabriel Jesus led the line but couldn’t hit the targetCredit: AFP

The England youngster did not have to break his stride as he swept the ball past home keeper Sa.
City looked to ram home their advantage with Sterling curling in a 20 yard free-kick which Sa had to tip over the bar.
Guardiola’s men continued to completely control the game after the break but wasted a series of chances to finish the tie off.

Sterling was at the heart of all good City movesCredit: AFP

Misfit John Stones was given a rare outing in defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Former Bayern Munich star Rafinha lined up for the hostsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Gundogan, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva all had opportunities but failed to finish off the Greek side – but their 15 match unbeaten run in the group stage as nevre really under threat.  
Sergio Aguero – who was formerly married to Diego Maradona’s daughter Giannina – was brought on for the last 13 minutes.
He limped out of the draw at West Ham with a hamstring problem and his return will be a big boost for City in the weeks ahead.

Bernardo Silva had a good game in midfield as City saw out the winCredit: AFP

Pep Guardiola will be able to solely focus on the Premier League until next year nowCredit: Reuters

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EUROPEAN football will stop to remember the genius of Diego Maradona for the next two nights after the death of the Argentine superstar at just 60.
Uefa chiefs ordered a minute’s silence from all players, officials and fans at tonight’s Champions League ties after the news from Buenos Aires broke.

A minute’s silence for Diego Maradona will be observed in all Champions League and Europa League gamesCredit: Reuters

Argentina legend Maradona passed away at the age of 60Credit: AP:Associated Press

And the gesture will be repeated ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League ties.
Uefa recognises the South American’s huge impact on European football during his spells with Barcelona and Napoli.
Maradona won the old Uefa Cup with Napoli in 1989, scoring a penalty in the first leg of the final against Stuttgart, helping the Italian side to a 5-4 aggregate victory.
⚠️ Read our Diego Maradona death live blog for the latest news & updates

He spent seven years in Serie A after two seasons in Catalonia, taking the Stadio San Paolo side to their only two domestic crowns in 1987 and 1990 after his then-world record £6.9m move.
Uefa chiefs believe it is only right that European football shows its respect for one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Diego Maradona, one of world football’s greatest and most iconic figures.
“I was in touch recently to wish him well, and this news comes as a considerable shock to me.

“Diego Maradona achieved greatness as a wonderful player with a genius and charisma of his own.

Man City paid tribute before their game with OlympiacosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“He was a hero in his native Argentina, with whom he enjoyed World Cup glory, and became an eternal idol for the supporters of Napoli, who will never forget the successes he brought to the club during his memorable spell in Italy.
“He will go down in history as someone who set football alight and thrilled fans young and old with his brilliance and skill. I have instructed UEFA to hold a minute’s silence in memory of Diego at this week’s matches.”
Meanwhile, Aurelio De Laurentiis, president of Maradona’s former club Napoli, has already suggested he will change the name of the San Paolo stadium to honour the two-time Serie A winner.

Maradona was widely respected and loved by the football communityCredit: AFP

Napoli could name their stadium after the two-time Serie A winnerCredit: AP:Associated Press
He said: “We can consider the idea of calling our stadium San Paolo-Diego Armando Maradona.”
As a further mark of respect, Napoli announced they would turn on the floodlights at the stadium which witnessed so many of Maradona’s feats to honour his memory and passing.
On its official Twitter feed, Naploi said Maradona would be “always in our hearts”.
The club added: “The world awaits our words but there are no words to describe the pain we’re going through. Now is the time to grieve.”

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