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      Solskjaer confirms Man Utd will recall Diogo Dalot after impressing and ‘keeping fit’ during AC Milan loan spell

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      DIOGO DALOT will return to Manchester United at the end of his loan spell at AC Milan.The full-back has been on loan at the Milan club this season after falling out of favour at United.
      Diogo Dalot will return to Man Utd at the end of his AC Milan loan spellCredit: PA
      But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he is ‘looking forward’ to welcoming the 21-year-old – who has a contract with the Red Devils until 2023, with the option to extend until 2024 – back to Old Trafford.
      And speaking ahead of United’s Europa League second-leg last-16 clash with Milan at the San Siro on Thursday night, the Norwegian said: “The plan was always for Diogo this season, or the main thing for Diogo, was to be fit.
      “He never managed to be fit for a long spell when he was here [and was] unfortunate with injuries.
      “Now he’s kept fit all season; he’s been available for them. He’s playing at a big club, big expectations, [with the] great history of the club, so it’s been a good year for him.
      “So, of course, I’ve been very pleased with his development this season, and he’s our player and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
      Dalot IS eligible to play for Milan against his parent club tonight.
      He joined on a season-long loan in October but there was NO clause included in the deal to prevent him from playing against United.
      Dalot has played 22 times for Milan this season with two goals and two assists.
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      United and Milan are level at 1-1 after the first leg at Old Trafford.
      And asked about Dalot before that game, Solskjaer said: “Diogo has done really well, he scored a very good goal this weekend and he’s enjoying his time over there.
      “We’re very happy with Diogo – that he went there to get the experience of playing for such a massive, iconic club and [is] getting the standards required every single week.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Micah Richards mocks Jamie Carragher as ex-Man City star wears Prem winners medal for Chelsea’s win over Atletico More

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      Watch N’Golo Kante’s blistering box-to-box sprint in the 94th minute of Chelsea’s win over Atletico Madrid

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      N’GOLO KANTE made a lung-busting run from one end of the pitch to the other deep into injury time last night.The Chelsea midfielder showed his remarkable energy, endurance and speed late in their Champions League win over Atletico.
      N’Golo Kante drew all the plaudits for his performance against Atletico MadridCredit: The Sun
      Chelsea broke clear in the 94th minute with Christian Pulisic on the counter attackCredit: BT Sport
      And Kante came flying down the right wingCredit: BT Sport
      Impact! 💥Emerson smashed the ball home with his first touch to seal the 3-0 aggregate win for Chelsea 🙌Look at the celebrations in the stands from Thiago Silva, Mason Mount and Jorginho! 😆🤣 pic.twitter.com/wNX3YZe0Sx— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

      Midfield engine Kante sensed a chance of a counter-attack and ended up playing a crucial role in Chelsea’s second goal of the night.
      The Blues were 1-0 up in the second leg and 2-0 on aggregate as they cruised towards a quarter-final berth.
      But Kante kept his foot on the gas by sprinting from one end of the pitch to the other.
      Chelsea broke clear with Christian Pulisic in the 94th minute against the LaLiga leaders.
      And the American had fellow substitute Emerson Palmieri to his left but little other support.
      That’s when Kante came flying forward down his right and made a valuable decoy run to draw defender Marcos Llorente’s attention.
      And that freed up room for Pulisic to slide in Palmieri, and the Brazilian to slot home Chelsea’s second goal.
      Kante’s performance was hailed by former Blues midfielder Joe Cole.
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      Broke up play constantly ✅🔝 N’Golo Kanté takes the prize after a sensational display in the middle for Chelsea🥇👉 @nglkante will be one of four candidates you can vote for to win the Player of the Week crown 🔜 #UCLPOTM | #UCL pic.twitter.com/JT76TCvIMm— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 17, 2021

      Maybe N’Golo Kanté doesn’t speak much because he just saves up ultimate oxygen so he can just run around for 90 minutes at full tilt— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) March 17, 2021

      N’Golo Kante with as close to a 10/10 CL game you’ll ever see from a midfielder.It’ll be forgotten because he didn’t get a goal or an assist but that was a football heritage performance. pic.twitter.com/f6mh2R30CZ— Ayden (@AydenMalek) March 17, 2021

      Cole told BT Sport: “Kante looks about five years younger again.
      “He has missed a lot of football, but he has had a good run at it now and he has built his fitness and match stamina up that you need.
      “He just looks so comfortable. I think he likes having Kovacic in there as well, because I think it takes the burden off him, and they both get about the pitch.
      “He was sensational. Not only does he have the physical capabilities, but he has got that canny ability to be in right place at right time and players don’t get round him.
      “He’s like having two men in there in one. He decides when he takes it, he blocks lines and then still has the energy to keep starting attacks and break forward in the 90th minute as well, he was fantastic and he’s back to his best.
      “He is underestimated for his technical ability, he dribbles and he can pass, he is fantastic.”
      Kante hit the ground running at Chelsea after joining from Leicester in 2016 before a torrid run of injuries over the last few years.
      BT pundit Rio Ferdinand added: “He is like a magnet to the ball.
      “He looks like the Kante who played for Leicester in the year they won the league again in the last few weeks.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      “What I like about him is that he is doing both sides of the game now, he is winning the ball. Like I said, he is a magnet to the ball in defensive situations.
      “But when there’s a turnover and a transition, and that last goal sums it up perfectly, he can get up and beyond things.
      “He has got the capabilities to turn defence into attack. He was a joy to watch today on both sides of the game.”

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win More

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      Champions League quarter-final draw simulated with Chelsea given nightmare PSG tie and Liverpool vs Man City

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      THOMAS TUCHEL was handed a Champions League quarter-final date with his former club PSG by our simulations.And Liverpool were drawn against Manchester City in an all-English last-eight showdown.

      SunSport ran a simulator on the Champions League draw this morning after all eight quarter-finalists were confirmed.
      And the results provided by randomresult.com threw up some tasty last-eight ties.
      The best of all saw Chelsea land a date with Kylian Mbappe and Co.
      Last season’s beaten finalists PSG were also managed by Tuchel before he was sacked last December.
      The other big tie for British clubs saw Liverpool paired with Manchester City.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side took on Pep Guardiola’s men in the quarter-finals three years ago.
      The Reds came out on top after a 3-0 victory in the first leg at Anfield and a 2-1 win at the Etihad.

      Our simulated draw also saw reigning Champions League winners Bayern Munich handed a clash with Real Madrid.
      And the other last-eight tie was Porto against Borussia Dortmund.
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      Chelsea cruised past Atletico Madrid to seal their quarter-final spotCredit: Getty
      Liverpool beat Man City in the quarter-finals when they met in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draws will take place on Friday morning in Switzerland.
      Quarter-final ties are scheduled to take place on April 6/7 and April 13/14 with the semis on April 27/28 and May 4/5.
      This year’s final is due to be played in Istanbul on Saturday 29 May.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win More

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      Watch Micah Richards mock Jamie Carragher as ex-Man City star wears Prem winners’ medal for Chelsea’s win over Atletico

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was left speechless as Micah Richards dangled his Premier League winners’ medal in front of him on Wednesday night.The duo were part of CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League wins for Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
      Micah Richards brought out his Premier League medal to tease Jamie Carragher
      At one point, fellow pundit Peter Schmeichel had donned a crown and told the team, including Alex Scott, to bring out their medals.
      Having previously been mocked for never winning the Champions League, ex-Manchester City star Richards got his own back on Carragher.
      The retired 32-year-old sneakily laid his 2011-12 Prem winners’ medal on the table in front of the Liverpool legend.
      Breaking into hysterics, he proclaimed: “Jamie! Don’t touch it mate!
      “You mentioned Champions League and all that nonsense… That’s the closest you’ll ever get!”
      Carragher couldn’t help but chuckle as Richards proudly donned the medal around his neck.
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      Richards helped deliver the Premier League title to Manchester City in 2012Credit: PA:Empics
      Carragher had previously taunted the ex-defender having won the 2005 Champions LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      The former England defender played 29 times en route to City’s first-ever Prem crown, their first league title for 44 years at the time.
      The moment was a clear rebuttal to Carragher’s teasing a week earlier over Richards never winning the Champions League.
      When the pair were discussing Liverpool’s hopes of winning this year’s European crown last week, the 43-year-old gave his reason for optimism.
      With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both out of the quarter-finals for the first time since 2005, when the Reds won the trophy, he talked of a ‘feeling’ that something similar may happen.
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      Richards chimed in and asked: “Feel what?! What can you feel?”
      Carragher replied: “It’s just something in your bones – you wouldn’t know, you’ve never won the Champions League!”
      However, both were left behind on Wednesday when it came to honours, as ex-Arsenal defender Scott whipped out the ‘top trump’ – her MBE award from the Queen.
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      Bayern Munich 2 Lazio 1 (6-2): Smooth sailing for defending champions as Robert Lewandowski scores yet AGAIN

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI sent Bayern Munich into the Champions League quarter-finals.The Polish goal machine took his season’s tally to 39 with the opener past Lazio on Wednesday night.
      Robert Lewandowski helped Bayern Munich seal a comfortable win over LazioCredit: AP
      And Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was also on target as the Germans kept their title defence on course.
      Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi hauled Leon Goretzka to the ground right in front of Romanian ref Istvan Kovacs to give Lewandowski the chance from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute.
      And the hitman obliged by sending ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa keeper Pepe Reina the wrong way, firing into the bottom left corner for his 73rd Champions League goal.
      It was the 33-year-old’s fifth goal in six European games this season — and helped German giants Bayern ease into the last-eight for the ninth time in ten seasons.
      Lazio’s exit means there will be no Italian side in the quarter-finals for the first time in five years.
      The Rome club needed to overhaul a 4-1 first-leg deficit but never looked like pulling it off at the Allianz Arena.
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      Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting sealed the hefty 6-2 aggregate winCredit: AP
      Marco Parolo hit a consolation for Lazio, the last Italian side left in the competitionCredit: AFP

      Former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane curled an early Bayern effort just past the post before Muriqi’s mindless manhandling gifted them the lead.
      Lewandowski smashed a 20-yard effort against the post after the break.
      But Bayern grabbed their second on 73 minutes when David Alaba found Choupo-Moting and the former Stoke forward deftly converted.
      Marco Parolo nodded in an 82nd-minute consolation to keep up Lazio’s record of scoring and conceding in all eight of their Champions League games this season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting wraps it up for Bayern with a delicate finish! ⚽Hansi Flick’s side cut Lazio apart with two passes 😳 pic.twitter.com/ugLuk2JH1g— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

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      Chelsea verdict: Tuchel’s underdogs find bark and bite to send Atletico Madrid packing with tails between legs

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      CHELSEA saw off Atletico Madrid in the Champions League to reach the quarter finals for the first time since 2014. Looking at the fixture, Chelsea were clearly the underdogs. When they had the draw they were placed mid-table in the Premier League and struggling to climb it under Frank Lampard.
      Chelsea’s underdogs showed they had plenty of bite against Atletico MadridCredit: AFP
      Chelsea beat Atleti 3-0 on aggregate to reach the Champions League quartersCredit: Reuters
      Since Thomas Tuchel arrived at the club things have improved and the Blues sit in fourth place in the Premier League.
      Yet still, they were still unfancied in this fixture coming up against a team who currently sit top of LaLiga. 
      But Tuchel’s side did not concede a goal during the two legs and won 3-0 on aggregate.
      Both games were easy for them, and it didn’t look like they were up against a team currently having a better season than the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. 
      Chelsea proved tonight that the Premier League is right up there as one of the toughest leagues in the world.
      This was a great endorsement for English football, as the Blues simply pushed aside a team sitting top of La Liga. 
      Atletico have only lost two matches in the league all season, and Chelsea have beaten them twice in their last two meetings, simply incredible. 
      Tuchel now goes 13 games unbeaten, collecting 11 clean sheets along the way.
      But they made it look like they were knocking Accrington Stanley out of the Champions League tonight, not Atletico Madrid.  
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      No team will want to face the Blues in the next roundCredit: Reuters

      This is not saying that Atletico were even that bad, this is simply saying just how colossal Chelsea were over the two legs and really announced themselves as contenders for the trophy. 
      Not only have they built a solid foundation in terms of a defensive unit, as the games go on their attackers are starting to look more and more convincing and full of confidence. 
      Hakim Ziyech turned up tonight, and Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are getting better by the day. 
      Antonio Rudiger was a different kind of beast tonight, and N’Golo Kante was purely world class. 
      It was one of those nights where you found it impossible to choose a man of match, because every player was absolutely class. 
      No team will want to face Chelsea in the next round, and that says it all! 

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ex-Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri lining up Napoli return and Jorginho could join him More

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      Chelsea ratings: Kante covers every blade of grass and Havertz continues surge of form as Blues win again

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      CHELSEA qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid.Hakim Ziyech buried the first goal of the last-16 second leg before Emerson Palmieri sealed the tie in the dying moments.
      N’Golo Kante was on top form for Chelsea against Atletico MadridCredit: AP
      Kai Havertz had a hand in the opener to continue a very promising spell in the side while N’Golo Kante starred at the heart of the midfield.
      Here, SunSport’s Simon Phillips gives his individual verdicts on the night’s work.
      Edouard Mendy – 8
      He made some decent and important saves at crucial times and his distribution was decent again.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
      Positioning in that right-centre-back role is very good and he always makes use of being the extra wide man in attack.
      He was very lucky to not have given away a penalty, and maybe even be sent off, in the first-half at 0-0.
      “Azpilicueta has pulled him, what’s the ref going to do here!?”Have Chelsea got away with one here? 🤔Atletico Madrid could have had a first-half penalty at Stamford Bridge… pic.twitter.com/xGIkHC6SCk— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

      Kurt Zouma – 7
      Didn’t do a lot wrong on the ball and defended well when called upon. A very solid overall game.
      Antonio Rudiger – 9
      Rudiger was well up for this match, his intensity and determination was excellent and he was everywhere on the pitch, keeping Luis Suarez quiet once again.
      Reece James – 8
      Chelsea’s big attacking threat down the right side and everything was going through him.
      James delivered some very dangerous crosses and did his job at the back as well.
      Reece James put in a very nice performance down the right flankCredit: AFP
      Mateo Kovacic – 8
      Calm on the ball as always and was a great outlet for Chelsea when they needed to hold the ball and keep possession.
      N’Golo Kante – 10
      Another outstanding performance from him both offensively and defensively.
      He was great taking the ball and dribbling under pressure, and he made some vital interceptions at the back.
      Marcos Alonso – 7
      Contributed to the play well and he was always an outlet out wide.
      Didn’t have a lot to do at the back, but he made up that extra man in attack well.
      Marcos Alonso has revived his Chelsea career under Thomas TuchelCredit: AFP
      Hakim Ziyech – 8
      Took his goal well, which was much needed for his confidence.
      Overall, he contributed much more and was involved in most things Chelsea did good.
      Timo Werner – 8
      His pace on the counter was a massive weapon for Chelsea and that’s how they got their goal in the first-half.
      Werner on the break at speed, and then played the perfect ball into Ziyech to finish.
      Kai Havertz – 8
      Quality on the ball, and showed great vision once again.
      He did well to set Werner off for the first-half goal, and his link up play dropping in to ensure Chelsea kept possession was excellent.
      Havertz ➡️ Werner ➡️ Ziyech! ⚽️A swift Chelsea attack! 💨💨All three summer signings combine and it’s a dream goal for any Blues fan 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HFGN4jgBpo— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

      Substitutes
      Christian Pulisic (for Ziyech, 76 mins) – 7
      Nicely teed up Emerson for his late goal.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi (for Werner, 82 mins) – N/A
      Late fresh legs.
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      Emerson Palmieri (for Havertz, 90+3 mins) – N/A
      Scored with his first touch to seal the win.
      Ben Chilwell (for Marcos Alonso, 90+4 mins) – N/A
      Took up a few seconds during stoppage time.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win More

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      Watch Chelsea summer transfers Ziyech, Havertz and Werner combine for slick 11-SECOND counter-attack goal vs Atletico

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      CHELSEA finally reaped the rewards of signing Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech with a stunning goal against Atletico Madrid.In Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge, the Blues took a useful two-goal aggregate lead thanks to the strike.
      Hakim Ziyech slotted Chelsea in front on Wednesday nightCredit: AP
      Havertz ➡️ Werner ➡️ Ziyech! ⚽️A swift Chelsea attack! 💨💨All three summer signings combine and it’s a dream goal for any Blues fan 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HFGN4jgBpo— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

      An Atletico ball into the box was cleared by N’Golo Kante and Havertz was the first to react.
      The German, who showed glimpses of his class in the recent win over Everton, strode clear and played in Werner.
      Although goals have been in short supply for the striker, his creativity has been a big asset as he showed once again here.
      Werner slotted a neat pass across the box after controlling the ball.
      And there was Ziyech, arriving on time to deliver a sweet finish past Jan Oblak.
      In total, just ELEVEN seconds passed from when Chelsea won the ball to sticking it in the back of the net.
      It was £33million man Ziyech’s third goal for the club but his first since October.
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      The goal was a slick move conducted by the club’s summer buysCredit: Reuters
      Thomas Tuchel’s side were defending a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and were arguably fortunate to grab the opening goal.
      That is because Atleti were denied a penalty for a Cesar Azpilicueta push on Yannick Carrasco earlier on.
      BT Sport pundits Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand were left flabbergasted by referee Daniele Orsato not pointing to the spot.
      Former Chelsea star Cole stated: “Cesar knows he’s undercooked the backpass, he knows he’s in trouble and it the arm across him.
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      “In this day and age, I don’t know why it hasn’t gone to VAR to have a look at it.”
      Ferdinand added: “This is why VAR has become such a farce. Because it gives situations like that where you think ‘oh my god, how has that not been looked at?’.
      “Once the referee sees that, he 100 per cent gives a penalty.”
      Stefan Savic was sent off after the break for an elbow aimed at Antonio Rudiger, before substitute Emerson Palmieri wrapped it up in stoppage time as Chelsea coasted into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 aggregate win.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      “Azpilicueta has pulled him, what’s the ref going to do here!?”Have Chelsea got away with one here? 🤔Atletico Madrid could have had a first-half penalty at Stamford Bridge… pic.twitter.com/xGIkHC6SCk— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

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