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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! 

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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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      Crazy moment referee blows for half-time EARLY with Atalanta star Muriel through on goal against Real Madrid

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      ATALANTA’S players were left fuming on Tuesday night after the ref blew for half-time EARLY as their striker Luis Muriel was through on goal against Real Madrid.The Serie A side were 1-0 down on the night and trailing 2-0 on aggregate when they thought they had the chance to pull a vital away goal back.
      Atalanta’s players were furious when the ref blew for half-time with their striker Luis Muriel through on goal
      There was only 44:59 on the clock when Muriel was about to shootCredit: Reuters
      With 44 minutes and 59 seconds on the clock, a perfectly weighted through-ball found Muriel beyond the Real defence with just Thibaut Coutois to beat.
      But to their dismay, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie decided to blow his whistle and call time on the half before 45 full minutes had been played.
      Virtually every member of staff on Atalanta’s bench was up on their feet berating the referee for his scandalous decision.
      And fans on Twitter were equally flabbergasted.
      One posted: “UEFA’s fraudulence is happening right in front of our eyes. Atalanta had a free shot at goal and the referee blows for half-time.”
      Another added: “The referee has completely mugged off Atalanta there.
      “How can a ref see a 2 v 1 goal scoring opportunity that’s 25 yards from goal and blow for half-time?!?!”
      A fan of Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona added: “VARdrid back at it.”
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      UEFA’s fraudulence is happening right in front of our eyesAtalanta had a free shot at goal and the referee blows for halftime— sharp (@TheSharpPicks) March 16, 2021

      The referee has completely mugged off Atalanta there. How can a ref see a 2 v 1 goal scoring opportunity thats 25 yards from goal and blow for halftime?!?!#RMAATA— Tom O’Donoghue (@TNODonoghue) March 16, 2021

      Karim Benzema had already put Real one up after 34 minutes.
      Sergio Ramos virtually wrapped up the tie to make it 3-0 on aggregate with a penalty on the hour mark.
      Muriel did manage to pull one back with seven minutes of normal time to go.
      But it was too little too late and Marco Asensio’s goal just a minute later was the final nail in the coffin to send Real through to the quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate.
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      Chelsea star Rudiger calls Suarez ‘pain in the a***’ but says it’s a ‘joy’ to face Atletico ace despite his dirty tricks

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has branded Luis Suarez a ‘pain in the a***’.But the Chelsea star admits it will be a ‘joy’ to face the Atletico Madrid ace again in tonight’s Champions League clash.
      Antonio Rudiger admits Luis Suarez is a ‘pain in the a***’ to play againstCredit: AP
      The Blues won the first leg of the last-16 tie 1-0 thanks to a brilliant bicycle kick from Olivier Giroud.
      The crucial away goal has put Thomas Tuchel’s men in the driving seat to reach the quarters.
      But Atletico aren’t top of LaLiga for no reason.
      Diego Simeone’s men remain one of the best sides in the competition.
      And spearheading their charge towards silverware is former Liverpool ace Suarez.
      The striker, 34, has netted 18 goals in all competitions this term.
      And Chelsea defender Rudiger will need to be at his best to contain Suarez once again when they collide at Stamford Bridge.
      Rudiger won the battle in the first leg as Suarez failed to find a way past Chelsea’s back line.
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      However, he did manage to get under Rudiger’s skin after PINCHING the German’s thigh following a scuffle for the ball.
      Rudiger was enraged at the time as match officials missed the incident.
      And the ex-Roma man has now described Suarez as a ‘pain in the a***’ to defend against.
      However, Rudiger concedes the hitman is still one of the best in the business, and it will be a ‘joy’ to go up against him yet again.
      Rudiger told BT Sport: “He’s a tough player to come up against but personally I like these types of challenges because this guy is a pain in the a*** – excuse my words.
      “But he’s a world class player and to battle against a man like him is a joy, it’s why I play football.
      “What happens on the football pitch happens and it was not crazy like people try to make out.
      “But at the end of the day he has emotions and so do I, he’s eager to go and me too, so you can fight for 90 minutes but when the game is finished you shake hands.
      “You don’t need to like each other but you give each other respect and that’s it.”
      BT Sport is the only place to watch every UEFA Champions League match exclusively live, including Chelsea v Atletico Madrid live on BT Sport 2 from 7pm tonight. For more info go to bt.com/sport
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      Sergio Aguero ‘overheard moaning about Man City team-mates not passing him ball’ after win over Monchengladbach

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Sergio Aguero was reportedly heard moaning ‘they never pass me the ball’ after his side’s win over Borussia Monchengladbach.The Argentine played the last 15 minutes of the 2-0 Champions Legaue last-16 second-leg win in Hungary but was allegedly unhappy with his team-mates after the victory.
      Sergio Aguero was said to be unhappy with his Man City team-mates after their win against Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: Getty
      The Argentine was reportedly heard moaning ‘they never pass the ball to me’Credit: Reuters
      Aguero replaced Bernardo Silva on 75 minutes with City leading 4-0 on aggregate and the tie already won.
      But the 32-year-old failed to register a shot on target until the full-time whistle and was heard grumbling to a coach after the game, according to ESPN.
      Aguero is understood to have said in Spanish: “No me pasan la pelota.”
      Which translates to: ‘They don’t pass me the ball.”
      It is suggested Riyad Mahrez was particularly prone to shooting rather than laying it on for the City legend in the closing stages.
      In January SunSport exclusively revealed Barcelona were considering a free-transfer swoop for Aguero whose contract expires in the summer.
      And having scored just three times in 14 appearances since the start of the season after spending much of the campaign injured, this could be Aguero’s last at the Etihad.
      Latest reports suggest Barca are ‘very close’ to having an agreement in place to sign the Argentina international on a free at the end of the season,
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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

      Despite continued speculation, Aguero suggested he may still stay at Etihad where he has cemented his place as one of the club’s and the Premier League’s all-time greatest players.
      Speaking on Twitch, Aguero said: “They are all writing Barca, Barca, Barca.
      “Let’s hold on a little, have a look. Stop. We are still with City.”
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      Watch Luis Muriel score stunning free-kick after Atalanta team-mates built a ‘moving wall’ against Real Madrid

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      ATALANTA pulled off an outrageous ‘moving wall’ free-kick routine in their loss to Real Madrid last night.Luis Muriel buried his strike from 25 yards past Thibaut Courtois in the Champions League last 16 tie.
      Atalanta’s brilliant free-kick routine caught Real Madrid by surpriseCredit: BT Sport
      Atalanta tried out something different for their free-kick routine vs. Real Madrid.They built their own moving wall, too! 😂It worked, as Luis Muriel found the back of the net with a dipping effort 💥 pic.twitter.com/VJQXkyXJfJ— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 16, 2021

      And he was helped by his team-mates’ brilliant plan to distract the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
      Muriel, 29, lined up to take the free-kick seven minutes before the end in the Spanish capital.
      Courtois built a four-man wall and had another Real team-mate lay on the floor to prevent Muriel from going low.
      But the Serie A side had their own clever ideas too.
      Three of Muriel’s team-mates lined up halfway between the free-kick taker and the Real Madrid wall.
      And when the referee blew his whistle for the kick to be taken, they ran off in different directions.
      Muriel’s strike went up and over the wall before beating a despairing Courtois, who couldn’t prevent it from finding the top corner.
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      One of the best free kicks ive seen, well played by atalanta #RMAATA— FC Forever (@fcforever1177) March 16, 2021

      Luis Muriel found the top corner with his free-kickCredit: Getty
      One social media user said: “Great free kick for Atalanta but also one of the strangest pre free kick routines I’ve ever seen.”
      Another tweeted: “One of the best free kicks I’ve seen, well played by Atalanta.”

      Sadly for Atalanta it didn’t matter as they lost 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
      Karim Benzema opened the scoring last night before Sergio Ramos tucked home the second from the penalty spot.
      Marco Asensio rounded off the victory five minutes from time to seal a spot in Friday’s quarter-final draw.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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