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      Liverpool plan to scout Real Madrid star Nacho when teams meet in Champions League as Klopp eyes new defender

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      LIVERPOOL will take the opportunity to scout Nacho when they meet Real Madrid in the Champions League, it has been claimed. The Spaniard has been vital in Madrid’s recent eight game unbeaten run in the league, playing every match.
      Nacho has become key in Real Madrid’s defence recentlyCredit: Rex
      It comes while Sergio Ramos is sidelined with injury, and Nacho is expected to keep his place in the squad even upon the captain’s return to fitness.
      That will see the centre-half play against Barcelona domestically and Liverpool in Europe.
      And according to AS, the English champions, along with Roma, have both been interested in Nacho before.
      So, with two legs to watch the 31-year-old in action, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp can take a better look at him.
      Klopp was in the market for defenders in the winter window, with regular pair Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez injured.
      They settled for a shock £2million deal for Ben Davies from Preston and then secured a loan for Ozan Kabak of Schalke.
      But both have failed to hit the ground running, with Liverpool on an unwanted run of six straight home losses in the league.
      It leaves Klopp again open to further signings to strengthen his backline.
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      Arsenal have the easiest run-in based on the league position of their final nine opponents

      Nacho’s contract runs out next summer, but his recent run of performances have raised speculation he will be offered a new deal.
      And even when Ramos, 34, returns, manager Zinedine Zidane is said to be considering a back three, to keep Nacho and Raphael Varane’s partnership.
      The LaLiga holders used that formation against Elche and Atalanta recently, while Ramos briefly returned before suffering another knock.
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      Gareth Bale confirms he will return to Real Madrid next season More

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      Chelsea ‘hungry’ to end English drought in Women’s Champions League, says Blues star Magda Eriksson

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      MAGDA ERIKSSON reckons Chelsea are “hungry” to end English clubs’ trophy drought in the Women’s Champion League. And the Blues skipper believes the WSL could become an even bigger draw for overseas talent thanks to the big bucks TV deal announced this week. 
      Magda Eriksson and her Chelsea team-mates hope to win their first Champions League trophy this seasonCredit: Getty
      Eriksson, 27, was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s quarter-final duel with Wolfsburg at the Szusza Ferenc Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.
      And Emma Hayes’ aces are out to avenge a hat-trick of losses to the German giants who have won the competition twice in 2013 and 2014. 
      Eriksson said: “The Champions League is the biggest thing and there are not a lot of us who have been in a final. 
      “I think the hunger within the squad for this is massive and I think this is what drives us on a daily basis in training and what drives us to be better all the time. 
      “We know Wolfsburg’s background. They’re an amazing team with a great history in women’s football. 
      “It’s exciting to play a team that you have played before, just to see where you’re at now.
      “I think it’s going to be very tight, but we have a really good chance of going through this time.” 
      Wolfsburg, who had Pernille Harder as their top-scorer last term before her high-profile Chelsea switch, are currently second in the Women’s Bundesliga. 
      The Denmark ace, who could start against her old side later, netted 27 goals in 21 top tier games ahead of her September move.
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      Chelsea’s Champions League quarters clash with Wolfsburg will see Pernille Harder face her former teamCredit: Getty

      And Eriksson believes the WSL’s broadcast agreement with Sky Sports and the BBC could see more top internationals eager to head to these shores.  
      Eriksson added: “I can only speak from a Swedish point of view.
      “I know a lot of Swedes are talking about moving to England as the first option because there are so many teams to choose from and the league is so good.
      “Having this kind of a TV deal just amplifies that really.”
      The first two clashes in Europe between the Blues and Wolfsburg ended in 4-1 aggregate defeats for Hayes’ side in 2016 and 2017.   
      And the Women’s Bundesliga champs thrashed the champs 5-1 in the contest’s semis in 2018.
      However, Hayes believes there is enough talent in her squad to “hurt” her opponents with the Blues aiming to become the first English side to triumph in the tournament since Arsenal in 2007. 
      Emma Hayes believes her WSL champs have the talent to overcome WolfsburgCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 44, said: “We’re completely respectful of our opponent, and the qualities that they have.
      “But we completely believe in what we are doing and how we are progressing.
      “With the way we’re planning, I’m sure we’ve got qualities that will hurt Wolfsburg.”
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      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Man Utd and Liverpool WILL play European away legs in Spain after government lift ban on flights from UK

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      LIVERPOOL and Manchester United will play their European quarter-final first legs in Spain after that country’s Government eased flight bans.The Reds visit Real Madrid’s Estadio Alfredo di Stefano ground in the Champions League on April 6 while United travel to Granada in the Europa League two nights later.
      Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man Utd can now play their European quarter-finals as normal, home and awayCredit: PA
      Both Premier League giants have had earlier games in the tournaments switched due to the coronavirus restrictions.
      When Liverpool twice beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in the last-16 for a 4-0 aggregate success, each leg was at the neutral Puskas Arena in Budapest.
      United’s last-round tie with AC Milan in the lesser tournament went ahead as normal at Old Trafford and the San Siro.

      But their away last-32 leg with Real Madrid and Granada’s LaLiga rivals Real Sociedad was switched from Spain to Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Turin
      Now, though, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says his government will lift restrictions on flights from the United Kingdom.
      Spain’s Council of Ministers banned arrivals by air and sea from the UK between December 22 last year until next Tuesday, March 30.
      And that ban has been extended six times in the last three months.
      Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy claims United will sack boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unless they WIN the Europa League.
      Pundit Murphy told talkSPORT: “They can’t be blaming tiredness for a loss at Leicester in the FA Cup and their squad not being strong enough.
      “Not progressing in the Champions League was a massive, massive blow for them.
      “Yes, they’re going to get in the top four… but so they damn should!
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      “He’s in a position for me where the Europa League, for me, has become monumental for him and the club.
      “I like him and I’m not one who wants to see managers sacked and I do think they’ve made some strides forward, but Manchester United have to be doing better.
      “If they don’t win the Europa League and only finish in the top four then I think they’ll make a change.”
      Danny Murphy says Man Utd will sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if he fails to win Europa League this season More

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      Chelsea leave Porto legend ‘disgusted’ after claims players celebrated drawing Portuguese side in Champions League

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      CHELSEA have been called out for ‘celebrating’ being drawn against Porto in the Champions League.The Blues will face the Portuguese side in the quarter-finals after Sergio Conceicao’s team knocked out Juventus.
      Paulo Futre has hit out at suggestions of Chelsea players celebrating their quarter-final drawCredit: Getty
      The Blues beat Atletico Madrid to earn their place in the last-eightCredit: AP
      Thomas Tuchel has warned his stars against complacency when the teams meet next month, but Porto legend Paulo Futre learned of a different reaction.
      The 55-year-old claimed the Premier League side already thought they had qualified for the next round after the draw, and has called on his old team to ‘sweat blood’ to win the tie.
      He told Portugal’s CMTV, via Record: “It’s in the English press and I called later to confirm. Porto players have to run like never before in these two games.
      “They think they have already won the tie. They celebrated!
      “When I spoke to the person who told me, I was disgusted and would give anything to play against Chelsea.
      “Porto’s players have to die on the pitch, [Chelsea] think they are already in the semi-finals.
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      Porto can qualify, but they have to sweat blood.Paulo Futre
      “They celebrated in the morning when they saw that Porto were drawn against them. [Porto] can qualify, but they have to sweat blood.”
      Futre knows what it takes to go all the way in the competition, having won the European Cup with the Portuguese giants in 1987.
      The former winger also won two Primeira Liga titles in his three years with the club.
      Despite Futre’s claims, Chelsea figures have been keen to distance themselves from the favourites tag ahead of the tie.
      Boss Tuchel said: “Clearly many people will maybe now make us the favourites against Porto.
      “That will not help us. You can ask in Turin what the opinion about this is, and if helps to be favourites.

      “But we are self-confident, and that is strongly connected with our performances.”
      Ex-goalkeeper Petr Cech, now Chelsea’s performance adviser, added: “It’s an opponent we need to respect.
      “They have history in the Champions League and European Cup. It’s a team we will be prepared for and ready to play against.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea beat Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals More

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      Jadon Sancho flies to Dubai to speed up recovery from muscle injury as Dortmund star faces race to be fit for Man City

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      JADON SANCHO has reportedly flown to Dubai ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League clash with Manchester City to speed up his recovery from a muscle injury.The Athletic claims Sancho, 20, is desperate to face his old side in the European quarters next month.
      Jadon Sancho has jetted to the Middle East as he looks to recover from injury in time to face Man CityCredit: Getty
      But the England winger has been sidelined since March 2 with a muscle problem.
      And Sancho has been ruled as just 50/50 to make the first-leg trip to Manchester on April 6.
      However, the ace is determined to feature for his side against Pep Guardiola’s quadruple chasers.
      And Sancho has now jetted off to the United Arab Emirates to see a specialist after receiving permission from Dortmund.
      Sancho, who was left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad due to the muscle setback, will not have to quarantine upon his return to Germany.
      And it is hoped docs in Dubai can figure out a way to speed up the healing process so Dortmund can face City with one of their star men in the side.
      Sancho joined the Bundesliga giants from the Etihad for £8million in 2017.
      And he has gone on to become one of the best players in the German top flight, scoring 46 goals in 130 games.
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      Sancho was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, with Dortmund reportedly demanding over £100million.
      But Sancho’s chances of an Old Trafford move may no longer be on the cards, as SunSport can exclusively reveal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now turned his attention to Wolves ace Pedro Neto.
      The Portuguese forward, 21, has been one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s key performers this term following Diogo Jota’s move to Liverpool in the summer.
      And United believe they could land Neto for £50m – despite rejecting him on a free transfer following a trial at Carrington in 2016.
      Champions League quarter-final draw sees Liverpool take on Real Madrid and Man City face Borussia Dortmund More

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      Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos says Liverpool ace Mo Salah ‘won’t even get close’ to Sergio Ramos in Champions League

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      REAL MADRID legend Roberto Carlos said Mo Salah ‘won’t even get close’ to Sergio Ramos in their Champions League clash. Liverpool have drawn their Spanish rivals in the quarter-finals, with the first leg at the Bernabeu on April 6.
      Sergio Ramos’ collision with Mo Salah in the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: AP:Associated Press
      It comes three years after Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in the final, in a game Reds fans will remember for all the wrong reasons.
      Star forward Salah was replaced after 30 minutes after he collided with defender Ramos.
      The Spanish centre-back, 34, appeared to drag down the Egyptian forward, 28, who was devastated after being forced off.
      It is sure to be a talking point when the two teams meet again, but iconic left-back Carlos joked Ramos will be nowhere near Salah.
      He said: “Salah isn’t even going to get close to Sergio. It will be an incident that will be talked about a lot.”
      Liverpool went on to win the Champions League in 2019, but crashed out to Real’s rival Atletico Madrid last season.
      Both teams are now off the pace in their respected league runs, with English champions Liverpool currently sixth.
      They are also coming off SIX straight home defeats in the Premier League, an unwanted club record.
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      Reigning LaLiga title holder Madrid sit third at the moment, three points adrift of leaders Atletico.
      Carlos, 47, who won four league titles and three Champions Leagues in the Spanish capital, has put huge emphasis on the first leg at the Bernabeu.
      He said: “We’re going to play against a good team.
      “The first match is at home, and Real Madrid’s form is much better, they must decide the tie at home.
      “The important thing is that Zidane has all his players ready, and that the injured ones come back as quickly as possible.”
      Champions League quarter-final draw sees Liverpool take on Real Madrid and Man City face Borussia Dortmund More

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      Champions League quarter and semi-final draw LIVE REACTION: Chelsea get Porto, Liverpool vs Real, Man City play Dortmund

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      LIVERPOOL will play Real Madrid and Man City face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter finals.Chelsea are set to face FC Porto after the Champions League draw was made in Nyon.
      The semi-finals were also drawn, with the Reds and Blues potentially facing each other in the last four if they make it through, 16 years after the ‘ghost goal’ tie.
      Stay up to date with every tie in our live blog, below…
      GOODBYE
      We have our eight quarter-finalists. We have our four quarter-finals. We even have our two semi-finals.
      Now, we just await one winner.
      Manchester City are favourites. Bayern Munich are holders. Chelsea are the movers with momentum. Porto are the outsiders. Real Madrid are the most successful team in the competition’s history. Liverpool are six-time winners. PSG have the world’s most expensive players. Borussia Dortmund have the game’s most in-demand striker.
      The competition could not be set up any better.
      So, one more time, here is the list of the four Champions League quarter-finals:

      Man City v Borussia Dortmund
      Porto v Chelsea
      Bayern Munich v PSG
      Real Madrid v Liverpool

      The first legs will be played on April 6/7, the second legs a week later on April 13/14.
      And, of course, here are the semi-finals that await the victors of each tie:

      Bayern Munich/PSG v Man City/Dortmund
      Real Madrid/Liverpool v Porto/Chelsea

      The first game of the semis will take place on April 27/28 with the returns on May 4/5.
      We really cannot wait.
      That’s all from us this afternoon, but if you’re after more European excitement, why not take a look at how the Europa League draw has panned out.
      From the Home of European Football in Nyon, goodbye.

      CITY SAFE FROM GERMAN THREAT
      Manchester City welcome Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final tie, and the Bundesliga side will arrive in England with both Europe’s most sought-after striker, Erling Haaland, and a former City youngster, Jadon Sancho, in their ranks.
      However, the Premier League leaders have a fine record against opponents from Germany with their only home defeat by one coming against Bayern Munich in 2013. Their manager? Pep Guardiola. Whatever happened to him?
      1 – Manchester City have only lost one of their 12 home games against German opponents in European competition (W9 D2), with that lone defeat coming against a Bayern Munich side managed by Pep Guardiola in October 2013. Architect. #UCL pic.twitter.com/NFYDoLbjsU— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2021

      THE PATH TO ISTANBUL
      A reminder that the semi-final draws have also been made in Nyon this afternoon, and are as follows:

      Bayern Munich/PSG v Man City/Dortmund
      Real Madrid/Liverpool v Porto/Chelsea

      The first legs of the semis will take place on April 27/28 before the return games a week later on May 4/5.

      GIANTS REUNITED
      Another recent Champions League final saw Real Madrid defeat Liverpool 3-1 in 2018, a match memorable for Gareth Bale’s overhead kick, Loris Karius’ blunder and Sergio Ramos crocking Mo Salah. The English champions now have their chance for revenge.
      The Reds finest hour and a half with Los Blancos came in 2009 when they prevailed 5-0 on aggregate following a thumping 4-0 success at Anfield, a night fondly remembered by Jamie Carragher.
      Liverpool also defeated Real in the 1981 European Cup final, courtesy of Alan Kennedy’s late goal.

      FINAL REPEAT
      Holders Bayern Munich will face Paris Saint-Germain in this season’s quarter-finals in what will be a repeat of the 2020 Champions League final.
      Here’s a reminder of how the action played out in Lisbon last August when Kingsley Coman’s header ensured Bayern took the trophy back to Bavaria.
      When patience was demanded of them in this Champions League Final, Bayern prevailed against a Paris Saint-Germain side containing the two most expensive footballers on the planet in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. They have scored 43 goals in this European campaign, winning 11 out of 11, and not even all the oil wealth in Qatar could knock them off course.
      BRIDGE TOO FAR FOR PORTO?
      In drawing Porto, Chelsea were the recipients of the favourable draw that all the top clubs wanted although they should bear in mind the fighting spirit displayed by the Dragons in their Last 16 tie with Juventus.
      However, the Blues’ record against the Portuguese club at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League is exceptional.
      Chelsea will host Porto in the second leg on either April 13 or 14, having faced them a week earlier at Estadio do Dragao.
      4 – Chelsea have won each of their four previous home games against Porto – all coming in the Champions League – their best 100%-winning ratio on home soil against any side across all European competition. Fantastic. #UCL pic.twitter.com/gcz6mBa5JL— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2021

      MADRID CARRY KARIM THREAT
      Liverpool fans have been quick to clock that Real Madrid are due to host El Clasico rivals Barcelona in between their two games with the reigning La Liga champions.
      However, there are also reasons for the Reds to be cautious, most notably their record in dealing with Karim Benzema. The French striker already has four Champions League goals against the Anfield club to his name.
      4 – In the history of the European Cup/Champions League, no player has scored more goals against Liverpool than Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema (4, level with Didier Drogba). Nemesis. #UCL pic.twitter.com/8quweRsQ1s— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2021

      MARKET MOVERS
      Chelsea have been the biggest movers in the outright betting for the Champions League since the draw, moving from 8/1 to 5/1 on the exchanges.
      The Blues face outsiders Porto in the quarter-finals with the winners due to face either Real Madrid or Liverpool in the semis.
      On Chelsea’s two previous appearances in the final of the Champions League, they had changed manager mid-season. Will Thomas Tuchel ensure it happens for a third time? Peter Crouch certainly seems to think so.
      Chelsea have to be the favourites on their side of the draw to get to the final.Peter Crouch
      HAALAND COMING HOME?
      There have been many rumours linking Erling Haaland with a summer move to Manchester City, and now the Norwegian hot-shot will have his chance to impress at the Etihad as a Borussia Dortmund player.
      The striker’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was a midfielder at Man City between 2000 and 2003.

      WHAT A DRAW!
      Here’s are the Champions League quarter-finals:

      Man City v Borussia Dortmund
      Porto v Chelsea
      Bayern Munich v PSG
      Real Madrid v Liverpool

      The first legs will be played on April 6/7 with the return games a week later on April 13/14.
      Champions League quarter-final draw sees Liverpool take on Real Madrid and Man City face Borussia Dortmund
      SEMI-FINAL TWO
      The winners of quarter-final four versus the winners of quarter-final two.
      That means it’s Real Madrid or Liverpool v Porto or Chelsea.
      SEMI-FINAL ONE
      The winners of quarter-final three will take on the winners of quarter-final one.
      Bayern Munich or PSG v Man City or Dortmund.
      AND NOW IT’S THE SEMI-FINAL DRAW!
      REAL MADRID V LIVERPOOL
      Finally, it’s Real Madrid against Liverpool.
      Both clubs are a shade of their former glories this season, but this quarter-final tie offers both a great chance of progressing to the final four.
      BAYERN MUNICH V PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN!
      It’s a repeat of last year’s final!
      PORTO V CHELSEA
      After shocking Juventus in the Last 16, Porto are rewarded with a quarter-final tie against Chelsea.
      MANCHESTER CITY V BORUSSIA DORTMUND
      First out are the Premier League leaders Manchester City, and they will take on Borussia Dortmund.
      HERE WE GO!
      ALTINTOP MAN
      Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Hamit Altintop has been introduced to conduct the draw.
      CHANGING OF THE GUARD
      As Pedro Pinto introduces viewers to the eight remaining clubs via some stuttering VT and European electropop, it’s worth acknowledging that these quarter-finals will take place without either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since 2005.
      Instead, this has been the Champions League campaign of Kyllian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The PSG forward bagged a sensational hat-trick against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Last 16 while Borussia Dortmund’s Norwegian striker leads the scoring charts with ten goals in the competition.
      BALLS AT THE READY
      The Champions League anthem is pumping out around ‘the House of European Football’ in Nyon which can only mean one thing.
      It’s almost time for the draw.
      QUADRUPLE ON FOR FOUR-SOME CITY?
      Pep Guardiola was quick to put Oleksandr Zinchenko in his place after the Manchester City left-back suggested the Premier League leaders were capable of bringing four trophies back to the Etihad Stadium this season.
      However, City fans are dreaming and few would bet against them in their current form; the Citizens have won 24 of their last 25 games in all competition.
      If they are to complete the impossible, they will have to finally click in the Champions League. The club’s best performance in the competition came in 2015-16 when they were eliminated at the semi-final stage by Real Madrid, going down 1-0 on aggregate.
      TUCHEL CAREFREE
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel cut a relaxed figure on Wednesday evening, following his side’s defeat of Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
      The German head coach maintained that he was unaware as to when the draw was due to take place, but later stated that he didn’t think any of the remaining sides would want to draw his team.
      The Blues are unbeaten since Tuchel took charge at the end of January, and have conceded just two goals in 13 matches under the former PSG manager.
      I am pretty sure that no-one wants to play against us.Thomas Tuchel
      FINAL DESTINATION
      The Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul is the venue for this season’s Champions League final, due to take place on May 29.
      The Turkish stadium was originally due to host last season’s final, but the 2020 showpiece was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then relocated to the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

      REDS READY FOR ISTANBUL RETURN
      The Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul was the scene of one of Liverpool’s greatest nights back in 2005 – and the Anfield club will be eyeing a return to Turkey if they are to salvage this season.
      With the Premier League champions’ title defence having fallen apart in 2021, Jurgen Klopp’s men surely need to bring home a seventh European Cup if they are to take their place in next season’s competition.
      Who would be their ideal opponent in the last eight?

      Load more entries… More

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      Chelsea are a nightmare CL draw for Man City as Tuchel’s immovable object can top Guardiola’s irresistible force

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      WHAT happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?We could be about to find out if Manchester City are paired with Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final draw.
      Thomas Tuchel’s tight tactics would be the ultimate test for Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: Getty
      Etihad chief Pep Guardiola is targeting a quadruple but ‘relentless machine’ Chelsea would prove perhaps the biggest obstacleCredit: Getty
      The common consensus is it is only a matter of time before City finally win the European Cup after running out of ways to get themselves knocked out.
      But if anyone is going to stop Pep Guardiola in his tracks, then you have to fancy Thomas Tuchel to be that man.
      Tuchel has only been in charge at Stamford Bridge for two months yet has already turned Chelsea into a relentless machine.
      And this week’s impressive 2-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid was a statement of intent from the coach who took Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League final last year.
      Chelsea are now 13 games unbeaten under Tuchel and have conceded just two goals during that time.
      They might not set pulses racing with free-flowing, attacking football but they have developed the same ruthless efficiency which made them such a force under Jose Mourinho.
      The million dollar question is whether organisation and pragmatism would be enough to see off this  brilliant City team?
      This is Guardiola’s fifth attempt to bring the European Cup to the Etihad and every year we think he can’t possibly mess it up this time.

      But this is a club with a rich history of shooting themselves in the foot, going all the way back to 1968 when Malcolm Allison declared his team would “terrify the whole of Europe”, before losing in the first round to Fenerbahce.
      Since Guardiola took charge in 2016 they have been knocked out against all expectations by Monaco, Liverpool, Spurs and Lyon.
      After every premature exit the manager has been accused of trying to be too clever with his tactics and team selections. But short of playing Raheem Sterling as a false goalkeeper, City have explored every possible  permutation this season and still come up smelling of roses.
      Ederson apart, they have a world-class alternative available for every position, which means they always have too much for the opposition even when Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero are missing.
      Yet Guardiola is right to caution against getting too far ahead of themselves in Europe, particularly while Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG are still in contention.
      Bayern remain the team everyone wants to avoid and show no signs of loosening their grip on the trophy they won last season.

      And let’s not forget our old friends Liverpool, who have developed a habit of winning the European Cup when they should have absolutely no right.
      Don’t forget, they finished just above Bolton on goal difference when they pulled off the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005.
      And if they can win it with Djimi Traore and Vladimir Smicer, who is to say they can’t do it again with Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak?
      WENG FOR CHANGE
      ARSENE WENGER is clearly eager to make his mark as Fifa’s head of global football development.
      The former Arsenal boss, who was once the byword for stability, suddenly wants to change everything.
      Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger is putting forward radical proposals for the future of future, for both the national and international gameCredit: Reuters
      His latest proposal involves turning football into a summer sport by running the season from March to November.
      He also wants to hold the World Cup every two years to give more players the chance to win it.
      For almost 150 years, football managed to get along  nicely with barely an alteration apart from the introduction of a crossbar and three points for a win.
      But now we’re bombarded with so many radical proposals that we no longer even know what constitutes handball, offside or a penalty.
      So can I humbly suggest that football stops developing for a bit and goes back to the simple sport we used to know and love.
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      ZICO’S WHEELS
      ON the day Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stuck in traffic in his holographic-wrapped Ferrari, it emerged that Brazilian legend Zico, 68, is still driving the £8,000 Toyota Celica he won for a Man of the Match  performance against Liverpool in 1981.
      Maybe the Arsenal captain should consider downgrading his wheels.
      It won’t get him to the Emirates any quicker, but at least he won’t stand out like a sore thumb when he’s running late.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drew even more attention on his tardiness by arriving in such an expensive carCredit: AFP

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win
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