More stories

  • in

    Barcelona 1-4 PSG LIVE RESULT: Mbappe’s HAT-TRICK leaves Messi & co needing another incredible Champions League comeback

    BARCELONA will require a comeback almost as impressive as their 6-1 win in 2017 after a hammering by PSG at the Nou Camp.
    At the stadium where Lionel Messi has swept all before him for almost two decades, the night was all about Kylian Mbappe as the World Cup winner netted a stunning hat-trick.

    MAKING HIS MARC
    On a night where Kylian Mbappe made the world sit up and take note, he received praise from one of the Premier League’s best.
    Marcus Rashford took to Twitter to laud the PSG forward following his hat-trick.

    In his first game at Camp Nou, and his first time facing Barcelona…Kylian Mbappe completes a wonderful hat-trick with a SUBLIME finish 🤩We are witnessing greatness! pic.twitter.com/7uc84LQ2nE
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

    DOUBLE OR QUITS
    Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he told Kylian Mbappe he has won just once at Barcelona before, with Espanyol.
    In his press conference, he said: “Yesterday, at training, he asked me how many times I had won at the Camp Nou. Once, I told him.
    “He replied to me: ‘Tomorrow, we are going to win a second time’. He is a top player.”

    SIX OF THE WORST
    Barcelona may draw some inspiration from their famous 6-1 win over PSG in 2017, in which they overturned a four-goal deficit.
    However, Ronald Koeman has warned Barca fans not to expect the same this time around.
    He said: “You always have to play another game but 1-4 is very difficult because, and I could lie, but losing 4-1 at home, there’s hardly any chance of getting through.”

    COMPARING KYLIAN
    All the talk this evening has been about Kylian Mbappe and where he ranks among the best players in the world – especially when the careers of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are drawing to a close.
    And when it comes to scoring hat-tricks in the Champions League knockout stage, the young Frenchman has a head start on those two legends of the game.

    Age when scoring their first #UCL knockout hat-trick:✰ Kylian Mbappe: 22 years, 1 months, 27 days (vs. Barcelona)✰ Lionel Messi: 22 years, 9 months, 14 days (vs. Arsenal)✰ Cristiano Ronaldo: 31 years, 2 months, 7 days (vs. Wolfsburg) pic.twitter.com/fUgBM68rk8
    — Jahin (@jahin14) February 16, 2021

    BEST IN THE WORLD?
    In the BT Sport studio, Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Peter Crouch have been heaping more praise on PSG’s young hot-shot.

    “Mbappe is on his own.” 📈”People forget he’s 22 years old!” 🤯”He’s the guy who’s going to take the throne.” 🤴”He’s in with a good shout for the Ballon d’Or this year.” 🥇Praise of the highest order for Mbappe! pic.twitter.com/vv1gIrxUf1
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

    MBAPPE SHINING BRIGHTEST
    Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has also praised Kylian Mbappe for his individual brilliance this evening. Speaking to RMC Sport, the Brazilian singled out the hat-trick scorer as being the one capable of winning the big games.

    He shone and everyone is happy with his performance. When Kylian shines in the big matches, he makes the difference. He brought us this victory. As we often say, football is a team sport, but when the team is strong, it is the individuals that shine.
    MarquinhosRMC

    THE KOEM-BACK ISN’T ON
    Ronald Koeman poured cold water on Barcelona’s chances of achieving a 2017-style comeback against PSG.
    He said: “In the second half they were better and they were very effective.
    “In the first half it was a more even game.
    “There are very few chances to come back.”

    KYLIAN’S FANTASTIC FORTY
    With his hat-trick this evening, Kylian Mbappe took his Champions League goal involvements to an astonishing 40.
    In just 41 games for Monaco and PSG, the 22-year-old has now scored 24 and provided 16 assists.

    Kylian Mbappé has now been directly involved in 40 Champions League goals since making his debut in 2016-17:✰ 41 games✰ 24 goals✰ 16 assistsAn absolutely bonkers record. #UCL pic.twitter.com/Y1NQTiDZGy
    — Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 16, 2021

    VER-Y GOOD
    One PSG star who will have enjoyed today as much as anyone is Marco Verratti.
    The Italian was one of the standout poor performers during the 6-1 game four years ago, and gave away the winning free kick by needlessly fouling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
    But today he was singled out for special praise by boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    Poch said: “He is a player with a very good ability to read the game.
    “He allows for us each time to have attacking possession and to bring the ball out into good situations, to better start off attacks.
    “In attacking phases, he can double his efforts and provoke situations going forward. For me, he is a truly great player.”

    LIGHTYEARS AWAY
    Arsene Wenger claims Barcelona will take three or four years to get back to a level where they can compete for the Champions League.
    He commented: “They are 1.1bn (euros) down.
    “So they have two handicaps. They need to rebuild the squad and they have no money.
    “To me it looks this is a job of three or four years for Barcelona to come back.
    “And they also have a choice to make. Do they extend Messi or not?
    “Because if they extend Messi they have no money at all for anybody else.”

    LEO BOWS OUT?
    Despite the evening starting so well with a converted penalty, Lionel Messi trudged off at the final whistle with his head bowed.
    Out of contract in the summer and with his future clouded in uncertainty, has the Barcelona captain played his last Champions League game for the Catalans at the Camp Nou?

    NO MESS-ING
    Arsene Wenger has had his say on a potential PSG move for Lionel Messi.
    And his view is very clear – when you have Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, what more do you need?

    BARC AND BITE
    Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-1 win at the Nou Camp will be particularly sweet for boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    The Argentine – a legend at Barcelona’s city rivals Espanyol – once said he’d rather work on a farm than ever manage Barca.
    In a 2018 interview, Poch commented: “I am never going to be manager of Barcelona or Arsenal because I am so identified with Tottenham and Espanyol.
    “I grew up in Newell’s Old Boys and will never manage Rosario Central.
    “That is my decision because I prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than in some places.”

    NEYMAR DELIGHT
    Injured for this evening’s encounter, Neymar has taken to Twitter to express his joy and appreciation at the exploits of his PSG teammate.

    Mbappe JOGANDO MUITO….. HAT-TRICK do meu menino 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
    — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) February 16, 2021

    KOEM OVER?
    An 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich did for Quique Setien in last year’s Champions League.
    And although this result wasn’t as humiliating, serious questions will be asked of Ronald Koeman.
    Critics of the Dutchman are already out in force after he was seen smiling at the final whistle of the 4-1 defeat to PSG.

    ANTOINE IN AWE
    Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann was clearly disappointed at the final whistle but still found the energy and humility to praise international teammate, Kylian Mbappe. Speaking to French network RMC, the forward said his compatriot has the ability to match the very best the game has seen.

    We all need to enjoy Kylian [Mbappe], because PSG have a player who will be of the class of Leo [Messi] & Cristiano [Ronaldo]
    Antoine GriezmannRMC

    BROKEN BARCA
    It’s been another embarrassing night for Barcelona on the European stage.
    Throw in the 8-2 thumping to Bayern Munich last season, and the 3-0 defeat to Juventus earlier in this campaign, it’s clear changes are required at the Camp Nou.

    Barcelona’s 4-1 defeat to PSG was their second home defeat by three or more goals this season (also 0-3 vs Juventus).It’s as many as they suffered in their previous 20 seasons combined in all competitions. Yes, really. pic.twitter.com/PjahMiwDk0
    — The Blizzard (@blzzrd) February 16, 2021

    PAINTING A THOUSAND WORDS
    If ever a single image accurately summed up a match, and the rise of a superstar against Barcelona’s old guard, it’s this one.

    PRIDE OF PARIS
    What a night it’s been for Kylian Mbappe.
    The 22-year-old is only the third player to score a Champions League hat-trick against Barcelona following in the footsteps of Faustino Asprilla for Newcastle and Andriy Shevchenko for Dynamo Kyiv, both back in 1997.

    FT: BARCELONA 1-4 PSG
    A sensational scoreline at the Camp Nou! Kylian Mbappe and his PSG side have torn Barcelona apart to register a 4-1 first leg lead ahead of the return at Parc des Princes next month. Mbappe was the star of the show with a hat-trick while Moise Kean bagged the other, and all after Lionel Messi had fired the Catalans ahead from the penalty spot.

    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER AT THE CAMP NOU!WHAT A NIGHT FOR PSG!WHAT A NIGHT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE!

    BARCELONA 1-4 PSG
    90+4. A slight sight of goal for Martin Braithwaite, but the PSG defence and goalkeeper combine to deny the forward. It’s enough to make you wish you were back in Middlesbrough.

    BARCELONA 1-4 PSG
    90. Five minutes of stoppage time are signalled.
    Then it will be time for PSG to celebrate, and for the Barcelona inquest to begin.

    BARCELONA 1-4 PSG
    86. Wonderful from Kylian Mbappe! Wonderful from Paris Saint-Germain!
    With Barcelona throwing men forward in the hope of salvaging the tie, the visitors have picked them off in style.
    Substitute Julian Draxler does brilliantly to lead the charge, drawing the remaining defenders, and then slipping a well-weighted pass left to Mbappe.
    There’s still much for Mbappe to do, but he does it incredibly well, planting a first-time curling shot beyond Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and into the top corner. Sensational!
    It’s the first hat-trick scored by a visiting player in the Champions League since Andriy Shevchenko for Dynamo Kyiv in 1997.

    GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!KYLIAN MBAPPE HAS A HAT-TRICK!!

    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Porto vs Juventus FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Champions League match

    JUVENTUS travel to Porto for the first leg of their Last 16 Champions League clash.
    Europe’s elite club competition is back with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to his homeland for the knockout stage.

    Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal
    When is Porto vs Juventus?
    Porto vs Juventus takes place on Wednesday, February 17.
    It will kick off at 8pm GMT.
    Porto’s Estadio do Dragao – with no fans in attendance – plays host.
    What live stream and TV channel is Porto vs Juventus on?

    Porto vs Juventus will be shown live on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
    BT Sport get their coverage underway from 7.15pm.
    How can I watch Porto vs Juventus 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 £5 per month BT Sport Large Screen subscription unless cancelled.

    What is the team news?
    Juan Cuadrado is expected to miss out for Juventus after picking up a muscle injury during the weekend’s defeat by Napoli.
    Though defender Leonardo Bonucci could return to the Juve starting line up after missing the last two matches after also having a muscle injury.

    And Paulo Dybala and Aaron Ramsey could feature in Portugal.
    A Juventus statement on the injuries read: “This morning, the team focused on tactical drills and possession. Juan Cuadrado underwent tests this morning at J|Medical revealed a low-grade lesion of the hamstring of the right thigh. In 10 days, he will be re-evaluated again.
    “Dybala and Ramsey trained partially with the group.” More

  • in

    Sevilla vs Dortmund FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Champions League

    SEVILLA host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Last 16 first leg.
    Dortmund have struggled in the Bundesliga this season, and are currently sitting in sixth place – 16 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Sevilla lay fourth in La Liga.

    Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland’s Dortmund face Sevilla
    When is Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund?
    Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund takes place on Wednesday, February 17.
    The match will kick off at 8pm GMT.
    The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium – with no fans in attendance – plays host.
    The second leg in Germany takes place on Tuesday, March 9.
    What live stream and TV channel is Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund on?

    Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund will be shown live on BT Sport 3 in the UK.
    BT Sport 3 begin their coverage at 7.45pm.
    How can I watch Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund 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 £5 per month BT Sport Large Screen subscription unless cancelled.
    What is the team news?
    Borussia Dortmund head into the match with injury problems mounting.
    Thorgan Hazard, Axel Witsel, Marcel Schmelzer and Thomas Meunier all miss out for the Bundesliga side.

    While ex-Man City winger Jesus Navas is sidelined for Sevilla. More

  • in

    Neymar slams ‘joke’ penalty awarded to former club Barcelona before incredible PSG comeback

    NEYMAR slammed the ‘joke’ penalty given to former side Barcelona in their 4-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
    The Brazilian missed the thrilling Champions League last 16 first-leg tie through injury.

    Neymar slammed Barcelona’s penalty in their 4-1 defeat to PSG

    Messi converted after Frenkie de Jong controversially won the spot-kickCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

    But Neymar quickly took to Twitter after Frenkie de Jong controversially won a penalty for Barcelona in the 27th minute.
    It appeared the Dutchman may have just tripped over his own legs, but that didn’t stop the ref from awarding a penalty.
    Neymar tweeted: “Joke that penalty,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
    And former Nou Camp pal Lionel Messi stepped up to calmly put Barca 1-0 up.

    The tweet was quickly spotted by fans, who shared it on social media.
    But it wasn’t live for long, with Neymar eventually deleting it.
    However, it was PSG who had the last laugh in Catalonia.
    Kylian Mbappe equalised just five minutes after Messi’s penalty.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    PSG had the last laugh as Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sealed a brilliant comeback winCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

    The World Cup winner then put PSG ahead in the 65th minute before Moise Kean made it 3-1 moments later.
    And Mbappe sealed a magnificent hat-trick with an 85th minute strike for a brilliant 4-1 win away from home.
    Mbappe become the first visiting player in 24 years to score a European hat-trick at the Nou Camp – the last being Andriy Shevchenko for Dynamo Kiev in 1997.
    Crocked Neymar will now be looking to recover for the second leg at the Parc des Princes.
    But with PSG seemingly in total control, he may not even be needed by new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

    Barcelona fans vent their fury on PSG chief Al Khelaifi over Messi chase More

  • in

    Watch Kylian Mbappe score stunning hat-trick as PSG dominate Barcelona in brilliant 4-1 Nou Camp win

    KYLIAN MBAPPE showed his class with a stunning hat-trick against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
    In Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Spain for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, the onus was on the young striker.

    LOOK at that ball over the top from Leandro Paredes 😍Kylian Mbappe’s second of the night caught Barcelona cold!PSG have scored three at Camp Nou without Di Maria and Neymar… pic.twitter.com/CnhMQGrtDg
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

    In his first game at Camp Nou, and his first time facing Barcelona…Kylian Mbappe completes a wonderful hat-trick with a SUBLIME finish 🤩We are witnessing greatness! pic.twitter.com/7uc84LQ2nE
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

    Without the injured Neymar, Les Parisiens were up against it against Ronald Koeman’s side.
    Mbappe more than delivered with three classy goals that saw him become the first visiting player to score a hat-trick at the Nou Camp in 24 years.
    The last man to do it was Andriy Shevchenko for Dynamo Kiev in 1997.
    PSG were trailing after a contentious penalty scored by Lionel Messi put Barcelona one up after 27 minutes.

    But PSG fought back with Mbappe notching a crucial away goal within five minutes.
    A lofted ball to the left flank found Layvin Kurzawa, who had given away the spot-kick for tangling with Frenkie de Jong.
    The Frenchman cut his cross towards Marco Verratti and a cute flick by the midfielder reached Mbappe.
    Taking the ball with his face to goal, he controlled it around Clement Lenglet and fired home his effort at Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s near-post.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as PSG dominated BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Frenchman showed his class in the absence of NeymarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Mbappe then put PSG ahead after 65 minutes, sweeping home past diving defenders after an Alessandro Florenzi cross had deflected into his path.
    Following a Moise Kean header, it was 4-1 when the former Monaco youngster finished off a suckerpunch counter-attack.
    Ander Herrera rolled in Mbappe as he raced down the left, and he opened his body up to strike first-time and hit the top corner.
    Manchester United star Marcus Rashford showed his appreciation for the hat-trick, and tweeted: “What a performance Kylian Mbappe.”

    He had waited until the final matchday of the group stage to open his Champions League account for the season.
    But the 22-year-old now has 21 goals to his name in all competitions, and five in his last four.
    Indeed, the goals were just the latest world-class finishes from the attacker following the immense pace he showed to score past Marseille earlier this month.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Barcelona vs PSG – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

  • in

    RB Leipzig 0-2 Liverpool LIVE RESULT: Salah and Mane put Reds in command in Champions League

    LIVERPOOL have one foot in the Champions League quarter-final after a convincing win over RB Leipzig in Budapest.
    Mo Salah and Sadio Mane both netted to give the Reds a two-goal lead to take back to Anfield.

    THANKS FOR JOINING US
    That’s all from us tonight as Liverpool put one step into the Champions League quarter finals with 2-0 ‘away’ win against RB Leipzig.
    The game may have been played in Budapest but away goals still count for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the second leg to be played in three weeks time.
    Mo Salah opened the scoring for the Reds after capitalising on a Marcel Sabitzer error, before Sadio Mane was gifted Liverpool’s second after an equally as embarrassing mistake by Nordi Mukiele.
    Attention for the Reds now turns to Saturday’s mouthwatering Merseyside Derby clash with Everton.
    RB Leipzig meanwhile are next in action on Sunday as they travel to Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga.
    That’s all for now though.
    Thanks for joining us, it’s been a pleasure.

    JURGEN SPEAKS
    These are the full time thoughts of Jurgen Klopp:
    “It was the game we wanted [and] it was the game we needed tonight.
    “Leipzig can be a real monster, when they play in the Bundesliga they overrun teams, they are really physical, pretty much good in everything and tonight we controlled them in an exceptional way.
    “They had their moments of course with the quality they had but we played a really good game and so got the result we deserved.”

    MATCH STATS
    Here’s a look at the full time stats from Budapest.
    Liverpool had just three shots on target in the ninety minutes, but scored with two of them.
    It was a clinical performance from the Reds.

    HENDO’S ANALYSIS
    Jordan Henderson has this to say on Liverpool’s tricky period:
    “We just wanted to keep going [and] keep fighting every time we play.
    “[There’s been] a lot of difficult situations throughout the season but I think we’ve just got to keep going every single [and] take one step at a time and tonight was a good step in the right direction for us.
    “We need to continue with that performance level and if we continue that we’ll get some good results along the way.”

    FULL TIME SCENES
    A near perfect night for Liverpool in Budapest, but it’s only half time in the tie.
    The Reds host RB Leipzig at Anfield in three weeks time.

    Credit: Reuters

    HENDO’S ANALYSIS
    This is what Jordan Henderson has to say on the importance of the result:
    “Yeah it was an important game for us.
    “[A] tough game but really happy with the performance overall.
    “Obviously to score the goals as well and keep the clean sheet was important for us so overall [it was] a good night and a good performance.”

    FULL TIME
    Liverpool bounce back from just three wins in their last twelve with a well deserved victory tonight.

    A much-needed win for Jürgen Klopp and his Liverpool side 👏A 2-0 victory away from home against Leipzig puts them in a great position ahead of the return leg at Anfield! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/EppZQqVolA
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

    WHAT A CHANCE
    Hwang Hee-Chan had a golden chance to pull a goal back for Leipzig with the last goal of the game, but could only blaze wide when one-on-one with Alisson.

    Credit: AFP or licensors

    FT: RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    A great win for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who take two away goals and a clean sheet back to Anfield.
    The tie is by no means over, but that couldn’t have gone much better for the Reds.

    PEEEEEEEP!
    THAT’S FULL TIME!
    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL!

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    93. WHAT A CHANCE!
    They nearly were famous last words!
    Hwang Hee-Chan gets in behind Henderson after a neat ball around the corner and he’s through on goal.
    He should put it in the back of the net but can only fire wide!
    That will probably be that.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    92. Nothing to report as of yet in added time.
    This one looks like it’s going to fizzle out as a 2-0 win for the Reds.
    There is still one minute left though, could those be famous last words?

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    90. Three minutes of added time are signalled by the fourth official.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    90. Liverpool substitution.
    It’s Mo Salah who’s coming off for Neco Williams as the clock ticks past ninety minutes.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    89. Neco Williams is readying himself to come on for the last couple of minutes.
    Liverpool aren’t far away from a precious clean sheet.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    87. Liverpool are seeing the game out professionally now.
    The Reds are keeping the ball well and ticking seconds off the clock.

    CLOSING STAGES
    We’re into the final five minutes in Budapest with Liverpool still leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.

    Credit: PA:Press Association

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    84. The Reds work the corner short initially.
    The ball is eventually played into the box but Hwang Hee-Chan heads the ball away.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    83. Liverpool corner.
    Upamecano is across to block an Alexander-Arnold cross behind for a Liverpool corner.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    82. The ball bounces around in the Liverpool box after a cross by Angelino before it finally drops for Klostermann on the edge.
    He takes a wild swipe at it and slices his effort high and wide of the bar.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    81. Liverpool yellow card.
    Jordan Henderson is in the book now for tugging back Hwang Hee-Cha as he looks to get in behind.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    79. CHANCE!
    Liverpool give the ball away cheaply and Leipzig work the ball to Angelino on the left hand side of the box.
    He tries to cut across the ball and go for goal, but scuffs his effort completely.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    78. Sabitzer tries his luck from range but that’s never troubling Alisson.
    It flies three or four yards wide of the post.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    76. Leipzig yellow card.
    Dani Olmo drags Sadio Mane from behind to stop him going forward, and earns his name in the referees book.

    RB LEIPZIG 0-2 LIVERPOOL
    75. Into the final fifteen minutes in Leipzig.
    It’s nearly job done for Jurgen Klopp’s side, they’ll just be desperate to keep a clean sheet to take into the second leg.

    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Barcelona 1 PSG 4: Mbappe outshines Messi with stunning hat-trick in Champions League thrashing

    THIS felt like a changing of the guard.
    Lionel Messi, for so long the planet’s greatest player not only of his day but of all time, was completely upstaged by Kylian Mbappe.

    Kylian Mbappe put in a world-class performance on Tuesday night, becoming the first player to score a European Nou Camp hat-trick since 1997Credit: AP:Associated Press

    Lionel Messi was left in the Frenchman’s shadow at the Camp NouCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The electric Frenchman produced a complete performance marked by a breathtaking hat-trick.
    And he now looks ready to claim Messi’s crown as the king of world football. 
    It certainly seemed like a changing of the guard at the top of world football.
    Mbappe’s French compatriot and Barca star Antoine Griezmann said: “Kylian Mbappe had a great night.

    “PSG has a great star for the future, who will be at the level of Leo Messi or Cristian Ronaldo.”
    Mbappe became the first player to score a Champions League hat-trick at the Nou Camp since Andriy Shevchenko did it for Dynamo Kiev in 1997.
    His first was a close-range blast after dancing round Clement Lenglet, his second a shot on the rebound and his third a sublime curling effort.
    But his all-round display was Messi-esque in the way he tormented Barca – with pundit Owen Hargreaves likening the World Cup winner to the Brazilian Ronaldo.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    In his first game at Camp Nou, and his first time facing Barcelona…Kylian Mbappe completes a wonderful hat-trick with a SUBLIME finish 🤩We are witnessing greatness! pic.twitter.com/7uc84LQ2nE
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

    Mbappe hailed Mauricio Pochettino for his influence since taking the reins at Paris Saint-Germain, who look a good bet to win the competition after finishing runners-up under Thomas Tuchel last term.
    The superstar, 22, said: “The coach has done a great job since he joined. But he’s continued the work of Tuchel who started an extraordinary job, with the final. 
    “We’re starting to get better and better physically. We’re not yet in peak form, even if tonight was very good.
    “We wanted to come here and win. We did that in style. Tonight was magnificent, but we haven’t won anything yet.”
    Everton loanee Moise Kean also got in on the act in a display to send shockwaves around Europe.
    It was the perfect pitch from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their summer bid to lure Messi, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
    The Argentine genius did score himself with an early penalty – but it will have been scant consolation as his side were hammered.
    It left Barca’s hopes of a 14th consecutive year progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals looking all but over.

    Messi had fired Barcelona into the lead in the last-16 first legCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Mbappe struck back with an amazing hat-trickCredit: Reuters
    While Mauricio Pochettino’s Ligue 1 giants look a good bet to repeat last season’s journey to the final – and perhaps go one better.
    This titanic battle saw Pochettino come up against a fellow former Southampton boss in Ronald Koeman, who succeeded the Argentine at St Mary’s in 2014.
    Messi was quiet in the first-half yet still produced a stunning pass that led to the penalty he converted.
    The 33-year-old lofted a beautiful ball over the top to Frenkie de Jong, who WAS clipped by Layvin Kurzawa even if at first the Dutchman looked to have tripped himself.
    Messi venomously dispatched the spot-kick for his 20th of the season and 10th goal in his last ten matches.
    But Pochettino’s side responded superbly and, after Ousmane Dembele had failed to finish Messi’s neat pass seconds after the opener, they hit back through Mbappe.
    The leveller was a thing of beauty.

    Former Arsenal target Kurzawa cut back a diagonal pass first time to Marco Verratti, who instantly lifted the ball through to Mbappe.
    The most exciting player in European football showed some nifty footwork to waltz round boyhood PSG fan Clement Lenglet before blasting into the roof of the net.
    Paris were unlucky not to go to the break ahead as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen saved brilliantly to deny efforts by Kurzawa and Kean, before Icardi headed Mbappe’s corner just wide.
    Some players are made for the big stage.
    Messi is the ultimate example of that but Mbappe appears to be cut from the same cloth.
    The French star was relishing the contest, dancing round challenges and brushing opponents off at will.
    He went close with a strike seconds into the second period with a curling 20-yard effort.
    And just after the hour he netted his and PSG’s second, turning home after Alessandro Florenzi’s cut-back had deflected off Gerard Pique.
    It was 3-1 shortly afterwards as Kean continued his amazing turnaround with Paris by heading home Leandro Paredes’ free-kick.

    Messi may be staring at his final Champions League game with Barcelona in next month’s second legCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Ronald Koeman may have to hope for a fresh ‘remontada’ to save his jobCredit: Reuters

    Kean’s strike was his 13th of the season for his loan club – compared to a paltry two in 33 appearances for the Toffees.
    Mbappe settled things once and for all with five minutes to go, ending a swift counter with a sublime finish into the top corner.
    It was his 40th goal involvement in 41 Champions League games as he well and truly picked up the baton from Messi.
    The master has been eclipsed by the apprentice.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Kylian Mbappe shows off his moves in training More

  • in

    RB Leipzig 0 Liverpool 2: Mo Salah and Sadio Mane hand Reds advantage in Champions League last-16 tie

    THEY have won the Champions League in Istanbul with a weaker team than this patched-up side.
    And while Liverpool may not yet be dreaming of a return to the Ataturk Stadium – the venue for this year’s final, as well as their miraculous 2005 comeback – this was quite some tonic for Jurgen Klopp.

    Mo Salah led the way as Liverpool beat RB Leipzig 2-0Credit: Reuters

    Sadio Mane also netted as Liverpool drew first blood in the Champions League last-16 tieCredit: AFP or licensors

    It helped that the fallen Premier League champions came across a defence even more chaotic than their own.
    Having frequently gifted goals to their opponents during a run of five defeats in seven games, the Reds were the beneficiaries of some train-wreck defending from what is, statistically speaking, the best rearguard in the Bundesliga.
    Mo Salah, with his 24th goal of the season, and Sadio Mane, with his 11th, pounced on two clangers to leave Liverpool as clear favourites to reach the quarter-finals, before a return leg scheduled for Anfield on March 10.
    This competition is Liverpool’s only chance of silverware this season and they certainly look up for it.

    They attacked with verve and conviction, belying their shoddy recent domestic form.
    And even with four central defenders on the injury list, this is still a stronger Liverpool side than that which famously defeated AC Milan in Istanbul 16 years ago.
    But what help they received from RB Leipzig, whose boss Julian Nagelsmann is the most sought-after young coach in Europe – despite him seemingly having sent out his defenders wearing clown shoes in Budapest last night.
    This last-16 first-leg tie had been switched from Germany to Hungary for Covid reasons – not that there is any true home advantage in pandemic-era football anyway.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Salah hit the target in the 53rd minute in BudapestCredit: AFP or licensors

    Mane doubled Liverpool’s lead just five minutes laterCredit: AFP or licensors

    Wherever the return match is played – and the German government do not want it to be in Britain – you cannot see Klopp’s men coming a cropper.
    It was at this stage of last year’s Champions League when Liverpool’s air of invincibility began to slip, as they lost their European crown with defeat by Atletico Madrid.
    Germany’s disco-juice crew had knocked out Tottenham last year and Manchester United in this season’s group stages, so English opposition should have offered no fears.
    And within five minutes, they were filleting Liverpool’s backline.
    Angelino, the former Manchester City wing-back who played a major part in dismantling United in December, sent over a cross and Dani Olmo’s diving header crashed against the post.

    Alisson kept a clean sheet to boost his confidenceCredit: Reuters

    RB Leipzig goalie Peter Gulacsi got caught in his net in dramatic scenesCredit: AFP or licensors
    But Klopp’s men were soon playing some red-blooded, high-tempo retro Liverpool stuff.
    When Trent Alexander-Arnold slipped in Salah, Leipzig’s former Liverpool keeper Peter Gulacsi raced out  to charge down his attempted lob.
    Alisson, an embarrassment in recent defeats by Leicester and Manchester City, was still looking dodgy with his feet, picking out Leipzig players and inviting pressure.
    Yet Liverpool were pressing high, snapping into tackles, passing and moving at speed, just like the old days – Roberto Firmino centring and Mane heading narrowly over.
    On a rapid Liverpool counter, Gulacsi had to race out of his area to halt a Mane run, then almost found himself lobbed by Andy Robertson.

    Thiago went flying under a heavy challenge during an energetic matchCredit: EPA

    It was Liverpool who edged closer to a quarter final spotCredit: AFP or licensors
    The Scot’s effort found the roof of the net and the Hungarian keeper raced back to end up caught in the back of it.
    It was proper toe-to-toe football, the lack of home advantage extinguishing all thoughts of caginess – not that there has been much defensive-minded football in the Champions League knock-out stages during the past few seasons.
    Both defences were sloppy in their attempts to play out from the back, and both attacks seized on errors with toothy high-pressing games.
    Liverpool had the ball in the net on 36 minutes after Dayot Upamecano surrendered possession and Mane ended up cutting back for Firmino to beat Gulacsi with a stooping header.
    Yet the linesman judged the ball had just gone out of play before the Senegalese had played the final pass – VAR did not intervene and replays were inconclusive.
    Straight after the break, Olmo released Christopher Nkunku, who was thwarted by Allison, darting off his line to block.
    It always seemed as the breakthrough would come from a loose defensive pass and so it proved, on 53 minutes, when Marcel Sabitzer attempted to play it back to Lukas Klostermann but misjudged it and allowed Salah a free sight at goal.

    Liverpool will have been pleased to banish their Premier League woesCredit: PA:Press Association

    Jurgen Klopp will be aiming to build on this dominant winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Egyptian controlled it and slotted past Gulacsi – Sabitzer running back with his hands on his head, Klopp celebrating aggressively.
    Four minutes later, it was two – and this time Leipzig’s defending was even worse.
    Curtis Jones lofted a ball over the top and Nordi Mukiele took a horrible lunge at it, missing the ball and allowing Mane to nod down, advance and slip it home.
    Leipzig remained threatening in attack – Angelino and Almo both went close before Angelino skewed their best chance horribly wide.
    But skipper Jordan Henderson and new boy Ozan Kabak were much-improved in a supposedly dodgy central defence.
    Who knows? They may even go all the way in the Turkish capital, like Djimi Traore, John Arne Riise and Milan Baros did all those years ago.

    Klopp concedes Liverpool’s title defence is over after Leicester loss More