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      Chelsea verdict: Tuchel’s Blues show their mettle as they grind out big win vs Porto after shocking West Brom collapse

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      ALMOST 80 minutes on the clock in Seville and Thomas Tuchel did something that surprised the majority of Chelsea fans. With the game finely balanced, the German brought on veteran defender Thiago Silva and World Cup-winning defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante.
      Chelsea celebrate their 2-0 win over PortoCredit: Getty
      His side were 1-0 up with ten minutes to go against a very good Porto – but Tuchel knew exactly what he was doing. 
      He wanted to add experience and steel to his team, to see the game out and get back to the home leg with a lead, an away goal and clean sheet in tact. 
      It was a pragmatic approach from the Chelsea boss, who had the 5-2 defeat to West Brom in the back of his mind from the weekend.
      He knew just how important a clean sheet would be after such a match, especially if it was in the quarter final of the Champions League. 
      Tuchel knew that the players might be shaky after such a heavy defeat to relegation battling West Brom.
      He set his team up to win the match, but they had to grind out the result. 
      In fact, they ended up getting two away goals after a late one from Ben Chilwell.
      It was a fantastic result and not the type of performance we’ve come to associate with Chelsea and a Tuchel team. 
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel congratulates his playersCredit: AFP
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      These are the kind of performances – and the kind of results – that win you trophies.
      You simply cannot boss every game, and Tuchel knew Wednesday night was all about the result and all about keeping a clean sheet regardless. 
      Porto are a very good team and looked the team that were up for winning the most, they looked like they wanted it more as they setup with a high and intense press, showing energy and physicality. 
      Chelsea could have easily folded again after the weekend’s shocking performance and result.
      But they dug in and they fought to an essential victory that they will now feel will give them enough to go through to the semi-finals of the Champions League. 
      Tuchel has proven to be an adaptive manager who will rotate his players and use his whole squad, and he certainly did that this evening to ensure that his side came out on top in terms of the result. 
      We won’t see too many games where Tuchel and Chelsea will come out second best in terms of performance, but best in terms of result – but in Seville it was definitely one of those. 
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      Chelsea player ratings: Mount and Chilwell do the business for Blues as Havertz and Werner fail to fire against Porto

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      CHELSEA take two vital away goals into their second leg against Porto after Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell did the business for the Blues. Edouard Mendy also did brilliantly to keep a clean sheet – but German pair Timo Werner and Kai Havertz again failed to fire.
      Chelsea beat Porto 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-finalCredit: AFP
      Chelsea bounced back confidently after being beaten under manager Thomas Tuchel for the first time.
      And here’s how Simon Phillips rated Tuchel’s performers.
      Edouard Mendy – 9/10
      Was called upon too many times for Chelsea’s liking but pulled off a number of great saves.
      Also, very comfortable with the ball at his feet once again.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
      The captain was under immense pressure from an intense high press but he largely did his job well.
      Some important last gasp interceptions and blocks from him.
      Edouard Mendy pulled off a number of great savesCredit: AP
      Andreas Christensen – 7
      He looked phased after an early telling off from Thomas Tuchel for a misplaced long-ball, and he didn’t really try another one after that.
      Made some very good blocks at the back and defended well.
      Antonio Rudiger – 7
      He wasn’t hassled as much as the other two centre-backs but his pace and leadership was needed far too often.
      Reece James offered much needed physicality to Chelsea’s team that generally lacked itCredit: AFP
      Reece James – 9
      He offered much needed physicality to Chelsea’s team that generally lacked it.
      Some nice moves down the right and he was always in space, links up very well with Mount and defended impressively.
      Jorginho – 6
      Found Mount well for the opening goal, but he lacks a real presence in that was missing for Chelsea against a fast and physical side.
      Jorginho found Mason Mount well for the opening goalCredit: AP
      Mateo Kovacic – 6
      He always seemed to have two players on him, with Porto knowing him to be Chelsea’s possession keeper in the middle of the park.
      Ben Chilwell – 9
      An impressive game for the England international who played with a lot more confidence.
      Good moving forward and good at the back as well. He scored a superb goal late on after an excellent solo run.
      Ben Chilwell scored a superb goal late on after an excellent solo runCredit: Reuters
      Mason Mount – 8
      Took his goal beautifully to put Chelsea 1-0 up with a silky turn and perfectly placed finish.
      Timo Werner – 4
      I forgot that he was on the pitch through large parts of the match he was so quiet.
      He barely touched the ball in the first half and was rightly taken off midway into the second.
      Timo Werner was rightly taken off midway into the secondCredit: Getty
      Kai Havertz – 4
      Didn’t really look on it tonight and was often physically losing out to the Porto defenders, not protecting the ball well enough and having a heavy touch too often.
      Taken off on 64 minutes unsurprisingly.
      SUBS
      Olivier Giroud (for Werner, 64 mins) – 7
      Did he best to get involved and almost created a goal late on.
      Christian Pulisic (for Havertz, 64 mins) – 7
      Some nice touches and did well to help Chelsea keep possession when needed, he also nearly scored hitting the crossbar.
      N’Golo Kante for Mount (79 mins) – N/A
      Thiago Silva for James (79 mins) – N/A 
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      Bayern 2 PSG 3: Kylian Mbappe show in Munich snow gives Poch’s men first-leg lead over Champions League holders

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE struck twice against Bayern Munich as Paris Saint-Germain avenged last year’s heartbreak in a Champions League epic.In a repeat of the final eight months ago, the German giants and reigning champions were 2-0 down inside 30 minutes as the Parisians smelt blood.
      Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show in the first leg of PSG’s tie against BayernCredit: Getty
      Mbappe and strike partner Neymar celebrate at Allianz ArenaCredit: Getty

      “Is this his moment? You bet it is!”PSG rip Bayern apart on the counter-attack again and Kylian Mbappe is the man to apply a wonderful finish ✨They’ve now scored three times at the Allianz! 😳 pic.twitter.com/cmYlOEHoOQ— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 7, 2021

      Neymar – who was in tears on the pitch in Lisbon – was the first leg orchestrator, providing assists for Mbappe and Marquinhos.
      Bayern fought their way back either side of the break in the absence of 42-goal Robert Lewandowski thanks to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Muller.
      But French superstar Mbappe had the last laugh with a 68th-minute winner for Mauricio Pochettino’s men at a snowy Allianz.
      Positive Covid-19 tests and injuries pre-match wreaked havoc on both squads, and concerns over Neymar’s discipline lingered after receiving a Ligue 1 red card at the weekend.
      But Neymar set about tormenting the red of Bayern from the off, and teed up Mbappe for a third-minute goal after a lightning-quick counter attack.
      Mbappe’s shot was straight at Manuel Neuer who somehow parried the ball between his own legs and into the bottom corner – the striker’s eighth European goal in eight games.
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      The French striker gave PSG an early lead in the first legCredit: Getty
      And Marquinhos doubled PSG’s advantage when he slotted home Neymar’s crossCredit: AP
      Another speedy break saw PSG score again through Julian Draxler only to be ruled out for offside as Bayern were then denied an equaliser by several Keylor Navas stops.
      And they were punished in the 28th minute with more sloppy play as Neymar’s lofted ball over the Bayern defence after a cleared corner found Marquinhos onside to slot past Neuer.
      Marquinhos was then forced off straight after with a groin injury, while Bayern also made two changes before the break with Jerome Boateng and Alphonso Davies coming on.
      The switches paid off for Bayern as Choupo-Moting made up for earlier misses with a clinical header from Benjamin Pavard’s cross.
      Eric Choupo-Moting brought Bayern Munich back into the tieCredit: Getty
      Thomas Muller levelled for Bayern in the second half as they came back stronglyCredit: Getty

      Bayern continued to be erratic at the back after the break, and Neymar wasted a golden opportunity before Muller headed home in the 60th minute from Joshua Kimmich’s delivery.
      PSG were hanging on, but a hat-trick of assists from Neymar allowed Mbappe, 22, to break Thierry Henry’s Champions League knock-out stage goalscoring record with a career-13th.
      Bayern ended the game with 31 shots and 12 on target, but PSG’s four on target proved enough.
      Kylian Mbappe scored his second of the night and restored PSG’s leadCredit: AFP
      🇫🇷 French top scorers in the knockout stages:⚽️1⃣9⃣ Karim Benzema⚽️1⃣3⃣ Kylian Mbappé ⚽️1⃣2⃣ Thierry Henry#UCL pic.twitter.com/8cgKdlGEN5— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 7, 2021

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      Watch Mason Mount’s stunning turn and finish as Chelsea star bamboozles Porto for first-ever Champions League goal

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      MASON MOUNT scored his first Champions League goal in true style to give Chelsea an all-important lead en route to a 2-0 win over Porto in Seville.The on-fire England midfielder, 22, put the Blues 1-0 up with an all-important away goal after just half an hour in the south of Spain – where the game is behind played due to coronavirus restrictions.

      Mason Mount scored his first-ever Champions League goal with a superb turn and strike against PortoCredit: AP
      With the game poised evenly at 0-0, Jorginho carried the ball towards the right wing.
      The Italy international – who was slated for his shambolic display during the 5-2 loss at home to West Brom – found Mount with an inch-perfect pass.
      Mount then beautifully dragged the ball away from his defender with just one touch, setting himself through on goal.
      Spinning into the box, the Chelsea ace picked his spot and rifled an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
      Mount had been fairly quiet by his standards up until the moment he blew the tie wide open.
      But BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Clinton Morrison expected nothing else from the ‘big-game’ player.
      Morrison said: “Porto have done well but Chelsea have defended really well so far and have dominated possession.
      “It only took half a chance for Mason Mount to make the goal for himself.
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      Mount celebrated giving his side the lead – and vital away goal – against Porto in SevilleCredit: Getty

      “He hasn’t really been in the game but it only took one chance for him.
      “Big players turn up for big games and at that point, Mount turned up.”
      Mount had never scored in the Champions League before his strike against Porto.
      And in doing so, he became the youngest Chelsea player to score in a Champions League knockout game ever, aged 22 years and 87 days.
      The BT Sport studio erupted in a sea of praise for Mount’s turn and strike.
      Ex-Chelsea ace Joe Cole said: “It’s all about the turn, he takes it on his weaker foot.
      “He knows where it’s going, it’s perfect. And the composure to strike it across the keeper…”
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand called it an ‘exquisite finish’, adding: “The turn was immaculate.”
      And Glenn Hoddle chipped in: “He’s a great player, and that turn was sensational.”
      Writing on Twitter, Gary Lineker called the turn and hit ‘sensational stuff’.
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      Bayern Munich vs PSG: Live stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for TONIGHT’S Champions League clash

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      BAYERN MUNICH welcome PSG to Germany tonight for a crunch Champions League quarter final.A rerun of last year’s final where the Germans ran out 1-0 winners, this is set to be a terrific encounter under the lights at the Allianz Arena.

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      Kingsley Coman scored the winner in last year’s Champions League finalCredit: AFP
      Neymar should return for PSG after missing both legs of the last 16Credit: AFP
      But the Parisians are under new management with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm and they made a big statement by hammering Barcelona in the last 16.
      Bayern will have to get through this quarter-final without Robert Lewandowski, who got injured on Poland duty.

      What time does Bayern Munich vs PSG kick off?

      The match kicks off tonight at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Germany and France.
      It will take place at Bayern’s Allianz Arena.

      What TV channel is Bayern Munich vs PSG on and can I live stream it?

      Bayern Munich vs PSG is live on BT Sport 3.
      Coverage commences at 7.15pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Bayern Munich vs PSG for free?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

      Team news
      Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who played for PSG in last year’s Champions League final, is likely to lead the Bayern Munich line in Robert Lewandowski’s absence.
      Corentin Tolisso and Douglas Costa are both out for the hosts with tendon and ankle injuries respectively.
      Leandro Paredes will miss this game for PSG through suspension while Danilo Pereira is struggling with a calf injury.
      Marco Verratti and Alessandro Florenzi will not feature for the Parisians after testing positive for coronavirus.
      Latest odds
      Bayern Munich 19/20
      Draw 11/4
      PSG 13/5 More

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      Porto vs Chelsea: Live stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’S huge Champions League clash

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      CHELSEA face Porto tonight in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.The Blues were brilliant in their last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid, winning 3-0 on aggregate, while Porto secured a famous victory over Juventus.

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      Thomas Tuchel has lost just one game as Chelsea boss so farCredit: AFP
      What time does Porto vs Chelsea kick-off?

      Kick-off tonight is at 8pm BST.
      Both legs will be played at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain because of coronavirus restrictions.
      There will be no fans in attendance at the clash.

      What TV channel is it on and can I live stream?

      The game will be shown live on BT Sport 2.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch for FREE?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

      Team news
      Oliveira is suspended for Porto meaning Liverpool loanee Marko Grujic could be drafted in as a replacement.
      Mehdi Taremi is also suspended for the Portuguese side after being sent off in the win over Juventus.
      Pepe is set to return for Porto while Malang Sarr can play against his parent club but is not expected to be picked.
      Christian Pulisic will hope to play some part despite appearing to pick up an injury against West Brom.
      It remains to be seen whether Antonio Rudiger or Kepa will travel after a training ground bust-up.

      Odds

      Porto – 4/1
      Draw – 5/2
      Chelsea – 7/10

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Do away goals count when Champions League games are at neutral venues? Full Uefa 2020/21 rules

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      THE Champions League quarter-final stages are getting underway as we discover the teams that will make it to the semis.But how do away goals work in the competition?
      Credit: AFP or licensors
      Do away goals count in extra time of Champions League and Europa League matches?
      AS ever, away goals count if the game finishes a draw on aggregate after 90 minutes.
      Uefa were considering changing the rule but for now it will remain the same.
      So extra time can only happen if the same reverse scoreline appears in both games and the two teams have the same amount of away goals.
      Here’s the Uefa guidelines on what happens next: “For matches played under the knockout system, if the two teams involved in a tie score the same number of goals over the two legs, the team which scores more away goals qualifies for the next stage.

      “If this procedure does not produce a result, i.e. if both teams score the same number of goals at home and away, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played at the end of the second leg.
      “If both teams score the same number of goals during extra time, away goals count double (i.e. the visiting team qualifies).
      “If no goals are scored during extra time, kicks from the penalty mark determine which team qualifies for the next stage.”
      So if we reach extra time and EITHER team scores within the added 30 minutes, there is NO chance of the game going to penalties.
      If the away team manages to score in extra time, away goals kick in and the home side must net twice to progress.
      Do away goals count for Champions League and Europa League ties at neutral venues?
      Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have all, at some stage, played the away legs of their European ties at neutral venues.
      However, away goals WILL apply to all two-legged ties in Uefa competitions this season.
      Porto are up against Chelsea this evening in their home leg of the quarter-finals, but both legs will be played at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, Spain. More

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      Watch Carragher’s meltdown in row with Richards over Bellingham’s disallowed goal vs Man City before Kate Abdo steps in

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was involved in a heated row with Micah Richards after Jude Bellingham had a goal controversially ruled out against Manchester City.The Borussia Dortmund midfielder thought he had equalised for the Bundesliga outfit at the Etihad, only to be wrongly judged to have fouled goalkeeper Ederson.

      Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards were involved in a heated debate regarding Jude Bellingham’s disallowed goalCredit: Twitter @UCLonCBSSports
      Borussia Dortmund ace Bellingham was judged to have fouled Manchester City goalkeeper EdersonCredit: Getty
      The incident led to Jadon Sancho to tweet that Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan ‘needs checking’ as the German side were robbed of a fair goal.
      Manchester City ended up winning the Champions League quarter-final first leg 2-1 after Phil Foden swept home late on from close range.
      However they should have left England with two vital away goals, had match official Hategan not blown his whistle for a foul before Bellingham tucked home his strike.
      If he had waited until after the ball crossed the line, then VAR would have intervened to overrule his decision with Bellingham clearly robbing Ederson of possession instead of fouling him.
      Discussing the incident on the CBS Champions League show, former Citizens right-back Richards said: “We’re talking about VAR and how we’re spoiling the game because we’re taking away from the referee managing the game…”
      Interjecting, a fuming Carragher stated: “I know why you didn’t want VAR tonight, Jesus Christ! It should be 2-2.
      ‘That’s nonsense. It’s a unique situation, it’s not normal, that doesn’t happen often. How can you not understand this? This is the most bizarre thing I’ve ever heard.
      “Right, he goes through and thinks it’s a foul, not a problem… but he knows if he blows that whistle it takes VAR out of the equation… yes?
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      As the referee blew for a foul before Bellingham scored, VAR was not allowed to interveneCredit: EPA

      “We all know what’s going to happen. He will roll the ball in the net and then we can have a look.”
      Richards then argued that nowhere in the rule book does it say that a referee must let play continue in order for VAR to intervene.
      To which Carragher posed the question: “‘Do you think tonight when he goes back into the room, the people at UEFA or FIFA looking at his performance will say ‘he got that right’?”
      After Richards agreed the referee made the wrong call, lead presenter Kate Abdo stepped in, where she loudly told viewers: “Men love to argue, don’t they?”
      Commenting on the awful decision, Bellingham told BT Sport: “I definitely think I won the ball fairly.
      “All I got told is that I’d got booked and it was a free-kick. I had my studs up apparently.
      “They’ve got so many cameras and TVs watching but didn’t wait for me to then check it. You’ve got to get on to it.”
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      Dortmund star Jude Bellingham reacts to being robbed of a goal in Man City defeat for ‘foul’ on Ederson More