Champions League

GIANLUIGI BUFFON admits he is still haunted by Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League exit to Manchester United in 2019.
The veteran goalkeeper, 42, spent one season with the French giants after 17 years at Juventus.

Gianluigi Buffon still thinks about PSG’s Champions League exit to Man Utd in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor

Buffon joined in the hope of finally adding a Champions League title to his collection of trophies.
And things were looking great when PSG beat United 2-0 at Old Trafford in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
However, two goals from Romelu Lukaku and a 94th minute penalty by Marcus Rashford saw the Red Devils win 3-1 in Paris.
The result put United through 3-3 on aggregate with the away goals rule.

And after making an error in the game, Buffon admits he still thinks about it ‘three or four times a week’.
The shot-stopper, now in his second season back at Juventus, told L’Equipe: “It’s a game I think about at least three or four times a week.
“It brings up a lot of regrets. I was sure we would reach the final that season.
“In Manchester, we won a big game with a great show of force, and unfortunately I blame myself for an incredible mistake.

“A mistake that, with the experience I have, I should not have made. I thought it was a formality and I got carried away.
“It was as if the match was of little value because we had already won 2-0 in the first leg and they, the poor guys, had two players available and nine youngsters.”
PSG did eventually reach the Champions League final this year, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
And Buffon feels the French side are close to ending their European hoodoo, adding: “PSG lack nothing.
“They are great team that can win against anyone. They are one of the few teams that can beat all their opponents.
“If there was a weakness, it was taking some things for granted. But with the arrival of Leonardo [as sporting director], who has an Italian culture, this type of risk has disappeared.”
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Man Utd vs Leeds live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Premier League match More

DIEGO COSTA should be available for Atletico Madrid’s Champions League tie against Chelsea, after recovering from deep vein thrombosis.
The Spanish international was diagnosed with the nasty condition three weeks ago.

Diego Costa has recovered from deep vein thrombosisCredit: AFP – Getty

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that involves a blood clot forming in a deep vein in the body.
It is most usually suffered in the leg or pelvis.
Costa, 32, had only just returned from a muscle injury, when his latest ailment struck.
And the luckless former Blue also suffered from Covid-19 during the summer, which is thought to have possibly affected his latest medical condition.

Costa is yet to feature in the Champions League this season, and has appeared just five times in LaLiga.
He picked up a muscle injury, having appeared in the first four matches of the season for Diego Simeone’s men.
After missing three games, he returned to make a 17 minute cameo against Barcelona on November 21, before his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis.
Costa has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid, having struggled for form and fitness since leaving Stamford Bridge.

Costa has only played 17 minutes since mid-OctoberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He is likely to remain at Wanda Metropolitano until his contract expires at the end of the season, however.
Costa scored 58 goals in 120 games during a glittering three-year spell in West London, during which he won two Premier League titles.
And he’ll hope to feature against his former side, when they face off in the Spanish capital on February 23, with the return leg in London set for March 17.

The Spaniard bagged 58 goals and won two titles in his time at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

Diego Costa awkwardly diverts a Lionel Messi corner into his own net More

DEMBA BA has accused Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel of ‘blaming’ Istanbul Basaksehir stars after both sides walked off during their Champions League clash last week.
Play was halted in the 14th minute, as fourth official Sebastian Coltescu sought to bring Pierre Webo, 38, to the referee’s attention.

Play was halted after alleged racism from Sebastian ColtescuCredit: AFP or licensors

Thomas Tuchel has been accused of ‘blaming’ Istanbul Basaksehir starsCredit: AFP or licensors

Ba has spoken further on the incident in an interview with TRT World

In doing so, he used the Romanian word ‘negru’, meaning black – with the nearby Ba taking issue with the official’s choice of words.
After lengthy discussions, PSG players united with their Turkish counterparts to take a stand against the alleged racism, by walking off together.
But according to Ba, 35, the French champions’ manager wasn’t so supportive.
The former Chelsea star told TRT World: “Hats off to Basaksehir players because they felt something had to be done.

“Hats off to the players of PSG because they could have stayed on the pitch and said ‘we are here to play and they’re not’ but they decided to stop.
“One element of Paris that I wish was in front of the camera and explained is how he (Tuchel) treated us because I don’t accept this.
“I will never accept this and the next time I see him he will hear about it.”
Quizzed further on what he meant by these comments, Ba clarified: “Their manager. I’m not going to go into it but he probably will.

“He had one or two discussions with players of our team and was basically blaming us for what happened. That’s his problem, not mine.”

The match was resumed the next dayCredit: Reuters

The match was continued to completion the next day, with PSG running out 5-1 winners to progress to the round of 16.
Coltescu, 43, had appeared set for a ten-game ban from Uefa.
But the Romanian, who has denied being a racist, appears likely to dodge the punishment – by retiring from officiating.

Istanbul Basaksehir’s Pierre Webo given a special jersey by PSG’s president More

CHELSEA drew Atletico Madrid in a horror last 16 Champions League tie as Liverpool face a tricky test against Manchester United’s conquerors RB Leipzig. Frank Lampard’s men know they will be in for a huge test of mind and muscle when they face off against Diego Simeone’s rugged veterans and are set for a reunion […] More