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      Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0: Rice, Havertz and Odegaard net to put Mikel Arteta’s side all but through to last 16

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S wannabe Samba boys have all but guaranteed themselves a Champions League knock-out spot – and maybe some winter sunshine next month.Arsenal boss Arteta had his squad train with Brazilian music blaring through speakers on the side of their London Colney training pitches on Tuesday afternoon as a source of inspiration.Arsenal welcomed Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates for their penultimate Champions League group stage matchCredit: PADeclan Rice broke the deadlock in only the second minute of the matchCredit: EPAKai Havertz made sure of the victory with a 66th minute headerCredit: ReutersYet this was not a night for thrills and spills – Declan Rice’s second-minute strike and Kai Havertz’s second half header lighting up a tame Emirates showcase against Fabio Cannavaro’s quality-lacking Dinamo Zagreb.It was not pretty, but the Gunners are sitting that way with one game left in this new league phase, up into third on 16 points and with goal difference that makes a top eight finish very nearly a cert.Next week’s trip to Girona provides little jeopardy, so Arsenal can plan for the last 16 in March.By avoiding the February play-offs – on top of not being involved in the FA Cup fourth round that month too – Arteta is considering using the free days for a warm-weather winter break.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd from the looks of it, this Arsenal bunch are in dire need of recharging some batteries if they are to challenge for trophies domestically and in Europe.With William Saliba’s hamstring troubles and defensive duo Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly missing training in the build-up, Arteta opted for four changes from the disappointing 2-2 draw with Aston Villa here last weekend.Pole Jakub Kiwior filled in at centre back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko filled in at left-back – a bold choice considering he is linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund this month.Regardless, this was a mighty test for new Zagreb boss Cannavaro – his first match in charge of the Croats after being appointed on December 29, with only a few friendlies under his belt.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA small section of the travelling Zagreb fans twice targeted Declan Rice bottles and cups as he took cornerCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYMartin Odegaard bagged a much-needed goal in stoppage time to make it 3-0Credit: GETTYThe 2006 World Cup-winning Italian defender – nine years older than Arteta at 51 – is known for his safety-first, handbrake-firmly-on approach in management.Those plans were blown out of the water inside the first two minutes as Gabriel Martinelli drove and crossed from out wide for Havertz and the German teed up Rice to volley in with anger.Arsenal fan seen defacing Josh Kroenke mural after being left fed up with Arteta’s transfer strugglesFlashbacks of that club-record 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in their league phase opener in Munich back in September must have been an unwanted replay in the minds of the Zagreb players.Rice continued to be in the thick of things.The rowdy travelling fans had come up with a novel way of disrupting Arsenal’s corner routines – pelting the England midfielder with plastic cups before he could take one.The visitors needed all the dirty tricks they could get, given their competition-high tally of seven goals conceded from set-pieces and up against one of the continent’s very best dead-ball specialists.Zagreb unsurprisingly were struggling to get a sniff against a side yet to concede from open play in this Champions League campaign.Arsenal were also comfortable with ball at feet, albeit wasteful.While January transfer target Benjamin Sesko had netted earlier in the day for Red Bull Leipzig, Arteta’s current No.9 Havertz passed up several chances to shoot inside the box.His defenders were making the Spanish coach wince too as Kiwior and Jurrien Timber took it in turns to fumble on the ball inside their own half.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club.Having blown a 2-0 lead against Villa, Arteta would not let lightning strike twice. After Timber and Raheem Sterling were booked within six minutes of the second half, they were both subbed off.Zagreb were still hanging on, and then they were not. Havertz rose highest to nod in Martinelli’s inviting 66th minute cross – Arsenal’s 500th goal under Arteta.Goal number 501 came in stoppage time courtesy of tap-in from skipper Martin Odegaard.Who needs a striker? Well, Arsenal do – desperately.READ MORE SUN STORIESCrocked pair Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus must have watched this one wondering how many goals they could have gobbled up.For now, with an eighth Champions League home clean sheet since the start of last season, Arteta’s defence are dragging them forward. More

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      Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb LIVE RESULT: Gunners all but secure Champions League last 16 spot with routine win

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      ARSENAL have all but secured their spot in the last-16 of the Champions League after a comfortable 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb.Declan Rice fired the North Londoners ahead with a thunderous volley in the second minute.On 66 minutes, Kai Havertz headed in to double Arsenal’s advantage following great work from Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up.Martin Odegaard put a gloss on the result just before the full-time whistle after he tapped in from close range to secure a 3-0 win for the Gunners.Match result: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Sterling, Martinelli, HavertzDinamo Zagreb team: Nevistic, Ristovski, Torrente, Mmaee, Bernauer, Pierre-Gabriel, Ademi, Stojkovic, Rog, Baturina, KulenovicCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Raheem just not delivering the goodsTo anyone bar Arsenal fans and staff, the loan signing of Raheem Sterling seemed a strange one for The Gunners.A player seemingly past his prime, who does not seem capable of producing what he once did on the football pitch.Arteta no doubt saw it as a no brainer to bolster his attack but from what we have seen so far from him, it begs the question whether he is adding anything at all.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe curious case of Kai HavertzWith Arsenal not having a recognised striker, most of the attention falls on their German attacker.Havertz grabbed a goal tonight and will feel his performance was enough to keep the haters off his back.Despite scoring, Havertz missed a number of good chances.This is simply someone who does not have the mindset of goalscoring striker, nothing will change that.It will be an interesting transfer window and if Arteta does not strengthen in this area, he will have some awkward questions to answer.Copy linkCopiedBrazilian puts in shift for teamWhen he is on his game, Gabriel Martinelli can be a thorn in the side of most teams.The issue is, this only happens infrequently.However, this evening he showed his potential and was a key part to two of The Gunners’ three goals.Arteta will need to see this more regularly if they can achieve their goals for the season.Copy linkCopiedBig couple of weeks aheadMikel Arteta’s side have some crucial matches coming up.These will decide how they progress in the Champions League and whether they can still book a place at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final.Add to that a little matter of the Spaniard going up against his mentor in a match they cannot afford to drop points in if they have any hope of keeping the pressure on leaders Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedZagreb pay price for Odegaard approachMartin Odegaard is so vital to Arsenal’s attacking play, if you give him time and space on the ball, he is guaranteed to hurt you.Teams who have had success against The Gunners this season have tasked a player with tracking and closing him down all game.Zagreb didn’t seem to have anyone capable of that and as a result he was able to pull the strings for Arteta’s side this evening.Copy linkCopiedSkipper has his say on victoryMartin Odegaard joined the TNT Sports pundits to discuss the game and their aims for the season:Yeh we needed that, we have put ourselves in a really good situation now. Results always influence the mood but I think it is good. We come in the next day are even more hungry. To be honest, with injuries we have been a little short, if we can keep everyone fit that is the main thing. Everyone is different, different way to lead. For me I try to lead by example and to get the best out of everyone.Martin OdegaardArsenalCopy linkCopiedEx-Arsenal defender waxing lyricalMartin Keown could find a positive for his former club in any given situation or disaster.Speaking after the game, he pointed towards their early exit from the FA Cup being a good thing so they can focus on the Champions League.No doubt, when they exit the competition, Keown will point towards how being out of Europe is good for their carbon footprint and they are single-handedly saving the planet.Copy linkCopiedSpaniard happy with team displaySpeaking with TNT Sports after the game, The Gunners’ manager gave his view on tonight’s performance:We are happy to win a game at home and keep a clean sheet. It is massive step and we are very close now. I thought we generated quite a lot and missed a few big chances. You could see the way Martinelli celebrated how important that goal was to him. It is a crucial month, we have nine games in this period. We are in good spirits and we go again.Mikel ArtetaArsenalCopy linkCopiedTake back the empties DeclanDuring the first-half, whenever Declan Rice was taking corners for his team, he was pelted with missiles from the Zagreb end.His biggest test was moving all the pint glasses away from the corner so he could take the set-piece.Some grounds offer money-back for taking empties back to them.That could have worked out to be a real money-spinner for the Arsenal midfielder this evening.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArteta’s side with point to proveThe task for The Gunners is simple now, get at least a point away to Girona next week to secure their progress to the last 16.Avoiding a two-legged play-off was the aim for all the English teams as soon as the new format was announced.With the demands of the Premier League, the last thing any of these teams needed was an extra two matches.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebThere is no doubting that The Gunners will face much tougher challenges in the Champions League this season.Zagreb’s tactic of getting eleven men behind the ball didn’t seem to make a difference when trying to keep the hosts at bay.Rice’s early goal made a big difference to this game, the longer it had stayed goalless you could see the visitors growing in confidence.From that point, their focus was on defence rather than attack.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebIt was plain sailing for The Gunners in the capital.Scoring early on in the game, it seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors.From that moment, they were more interested in protecting their own goal than putting Arsenal’s under any pressure.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo ZagrebThe referee brings the game to a close.Arsenal are comfortable winners at The Emirates.A deserved victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb90+2. Trossard puts a teasing ball into the box.Nobody has tracked the run of Odegaard and he has a simple tap in.Icing on the cake for Arsenal and their fans in North London.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb90. Zagreb force a corner late on in the game.Arsenal will be keen to defend their clean sheet here.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb88. Rice comes over to take The Gunners’ tenth corner of the match.Still they search for one of theiir trademark goals.You can not have it all, they have scored two goals in open play tonight.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb86. Some interesting scores elsewhere in the Champions League tonight.Currently, Man City are trailing to PSG in Paris.That leaves them 25th in the table and in danger of going out of Europe.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb84. The Gunners’ fans are singing ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ now.Obviously they have had to change the lyriics to make sure there is no mention of dominating Europe.It is a reworded version referencing past Premier League glories, the trophy they have not won for 21 years now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb82. The game seems to be going through the motions now.Arsenal are trying to manage the game and keep possession.The last thing The Gunners want is to concede against the run of play and make for a nervy end to this match.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb80. Martinelli comes forward again. He lifts a cross into the back post but it is headed wide for a corner.Their set-piece coach stays in his seat this time, maybe he realises his five minutes of fame is over.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb78. It crazy to think that, if results go their way elsewhere, Zagreb could still make the play-off places in the league.They do not deserve to be in the latter stages of this competition.Zagreb have offered so little in an attacking sense, you start to feel empathy for the fans who made the long trip to London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb76. Arsenal seem to have more of a spring in their step now.Nwaneri cuts inside from the right wing and swings in a left-footed cross right onto the head of Rice.Somehow, the former West Ham man heads well wide of the goal.Great clearance.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb74. Some more changes from Mikel Arteta.Zinchenko and Havertz are the players to make way.They are replaced by Trossard and Tierney.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb72. This will be seen as a comfortable victory for The Gunners.In some respects that is not a good thing as you wonder if Arteta will even focus on some things that need to improve.Arsenal have had 13 shots in the game so far but only 3 of them have been on target.If they want to compete for major honours this season, that has to change.Credit: PACopy linkCopied More

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      Declan Rice pelted with bottles by Dinamo Zagreb fans in shameful scenes during Arsenal Champions League clash

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      DECLAN RICE received a shower of beer bottles and cups during Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.The England international lit the blue touch paper two minutes into the Croatian giants’ visit to the Emirates on Wednesday night.Declan Rice broke the deadlock in Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Dinamo ZagrebCredit: EPAA minority of Zagreb fans targeted the Gunners midfielder with bottles and cupsCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYGunner skipper Martin Odegaard was also in the the firing lineCredit: GettyAnd sections of the travelling supporters took their anger out on the midfielder by twice pelting him with missiles.The first incident occurred in the tenth minute when Rice looked to take a corner, with bottles, cups and what appeared to be a lighter being thrown.Yobs in the Zagreb end targeted Rice again in the 27th minute with even more missiles, one of which hit the midfielder.Footie fans watching the match took to social media to blast the louts, with one writing on X: “These Zagreb fans are actually crazy.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother sarcastically said: “Classy from Zagreb fans.”And another said: “Absolutely nasty from Zagreb fans throwing stuff at Declan.”One remarked: “What is the point of stewards?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”They’re literally just stood watching Rice get peppered by the Zagreb fans when he goes over to take a corner.”Most read in FootballAnother chimed in: “Well I must say, that’s definitely a new and interesting tactic for stopping Arsenal corners.Mikel Arteta admits that he uses music to inspire his Arsenal players “Kudos to the Zagreb fans for their creativity and stupidity.”The actions of a minority of Zagreb’s fans will likely land the Croatian champions in hot water with Uefa.European football’s governing body could now throw the book at Zagreb, who will likely have to pay a penalty fine.The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners and all-but sealed automatic qualification for the last-16 thanks to second half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. 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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did it

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has made a flying start to life in Turkey.The former Manchester United manager led Besiktas to a thumping 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kickstarted his Besiktas reign with an impressive winCredit: GettyHis side beat Atletic Bilbao 3-0 in the Europa LeagueCredit: APSolskjaer has been out of work since leaving Old Trafford in 2021 but has returned to management on an 18-month, £3million deal.Former Norwich City man Milot Rashica scored twice while Rafa Silva and ex-West Ham man Joao Mario also scored.Solskjaer said: “This is a very good start for the team and a great result.”But most of all, it’s great to see how my players fought for each other and how connected my players were with the fans, against a great football team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Since we started working with the players, we’ve worked on confidence.”Football is about feeling good. We got everything we wanted tonight.”We worked together as a team. It’s easier to win when you work hard and work smart.”Fans were quick to work out why Solskjaer’s side had such joy in his first match, pointing to Atletic Bilbao’s high line.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne reacted saying: “Athletic Bilbao playing a high line against Solskjaer? They really aren’t familiar.”Another added: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroying a top of the table team playing a high line.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer holds his first training day as manager of Besiktas And a third wrote: “They played a high line against an Ole side. Were they not informed?”Besiktas are sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and face Antalyaspor on Sunday in Solskjaer’s first domestic game. More

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      Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flares

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE clash was suspended after just 72 seconds due to fans’ flares.Feyenoord hosted Bayern Munich on matchday seven at De Kuip.Feyenoord fans set off flares in the early stages of their match with Bayern MunichCredit: XThe flares began as the players got ready for kick-offCredit: RexPlay had to be suspended due to the thick smokeCredit: GettyBut with just over a minute on the clock in the 8pm kick-off, the referee had to halt proceedings. That is because the Feyenoord fans set off a ton of flares inside the stadium in scenes more akin to November 5 than a football match.The fireworks and smoke bombs started as the players made their final preparations on the pitch for kick-off.But once the fires of pyrotecnics died down, they were replaced with a huge cloud of smoke.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it became so bad that visibility was reduced for the players and officials on the pitch that the referee temporarily paused the Champions League match.Play was stopped for more than five minutes as everyone waited for the smoke to dissipate. And once the referee was happy, he allowed the game to continue.But on 21 minutes, the stadium exploded into life once again.Most read in Champions LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThat is because Santiago Gimenez gave the Dutch side the lead.Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae failed to deal with a ball over the top.Man United players don’t trust Amorim’s tactics or each other – the utter humiliation by Brighton proved itThat allowed Gimenez to run in behind.And the Mexican took his strike early, sweeping a fine left-footed finish past Manuel Neuer. Seven minutes of injury time were added on at the end of the first half to make up for the early delay. Right at the end of the seven minutes, Feyenoord launched a blistering counter attack.The danger appeared to be cleared but then Raphael Guerreiro – who had only just come on for Alphonso Davies – stuck his leg into a needless challenge.The ref had no choice but to point to the spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Gimenez stepped up to blast home the penalty in the ninth added minute.Ayase Ueda then rounded off the 3-0 win in the 89th minute – with Feyenoord’s third shot on target while Bayern had 30 attempts. The fireworks made for an impressive display and a crackling atmosphereCredit: APFeyenoord fans were desperate to give their side any advantage possibleCredit: RexPlay was simply not possible with the reduced visibilityCredit: RexSantiago Gimenez scored twice in the first half once the smoke clearedCredit: Getty More

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      PSG vs Man City LIVE SCORE: Latest Champions League updates as Guardiola’s side face crunch tie in Paris

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      MANCHESTER CITY travel to PSG for a crunch Champions League clash TONIGHT.Both teams find themselves well adrift of the top eight with just two league phase matches remaining.Defeat for either side would end their chances of automatically progressing to the last-16 of the Champions League – meaning they would be forced to scrap in the knockout play-offs or be eliminated from the competition completely.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+PSG team: Donnarumma, Mendes, Pacho, Marquinhos, Hakimi, Ruiz, Neves, Vitinha, Barcola, Doue; Lee Kang-InMan City team: Ederson, Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Savinho, Foden, HaalandCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      When is the Champions League knockout stage draw and when are the play-offs?

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      THE expanded Champions League has delighted and confused fans in equal abundance this season.More teams and more matches – plus a league table to contend with – have left many fans wondering what exactly is going on.Liverpool are already into the hat for the Champions League Round of 16 draw – but have will have to wait to find out who their opponents areCredit: APThere is just one round of matches to play after Wednesday’s fixtures, with all remaining games set to take place on January 29.But then what?There will be a draw next week – but with some teams already into the knockout phase, it’s not how it was before.Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League knockout draw and stages.When is the Champions League knockout stage draw?The main draw for the knockout phase takes place on Friday, February 21.However, there is ALSO a draw taking place for the knockout phase play-offs.Under the new league table format, which has 36 teams, the top eight teams in the table are automatically put into the Round of 16 and are seeded.The bottom eight teams are eliminated from European competition, with no move into the Europa League like in previous years.Most read in Champions LeagueThe next 16 teams – those that finished between 9th and 24th – then head into the knockout phase play-offs.The teams that finished 9th to 16th will be seeded and drawn against teams that finished 17th to 24th (unseeded).The draw for that round of games take place on Friday, January 31.While Liverpool have already guaranteed qualification, fellow English sides Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man City still have it all to play for.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.When does the Champions League knockout phase play-offs take place and when is the Round of 16?Teams that finished in the top eight and automatically reached the Round of 16 have a little bit of a wait on their hands.After the final league phase game on January 29, the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona will not play their Champions League last 16 games until March.Those fixtures are scheduled to take place on March 4-5 and 11-12.For the knockout phase play-offs, there is a slightly shorter wait – those two-legged games take on February 11-12 and 18-19. More

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      ‘Screams heard in tunnel’ after Benfica vs Barcelona clash with police forced to intervene in scuffle involving Raphinha

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      POLICE were forced to intervene after a mass brawl reportedly erupted between Barcelona and Benfica players.The Catalan giants staged an incredible comeback from 4-2 down to win 5-4 in the Champions League last night.Raphinha was involved in an altercation with Benfica players and the police supposedly intervenedCredit: RexBarcelona won the match with a controversial 96th minute winnerCredit: GettyBarca’s win was not without huge controversy as Benfica were adamant they should have had a penalty in 96th minute.But the referee did not give it and Raphinha immediately went up the other end to score a last-gasp winner.After a lengthy VAR stoppage, which would in effect decide the match in either way, the hosts’ spot-kick claims were denied and Barca’s goal stood.Emotions ran high at full-time and tempers supposedly boiled over in the tunnel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was reportedly a brawl between Barcelona and Benfica players and “screams” were heard.Police allegedly had to intervene, escorting Raphinha away and guarding the doors to both teams’ dressing rooms.Asked about the incident by Movistar, the ex-Leeds star said: “I’m a person who respects everyone, but when I was leaving the pitch there were people who insulted me. “I returned the insults. I know I shouldn’t do it, but I returned the insults. In the end we all got heated. Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”They could have understood the situation, but they preferred to insult me. “I’m a person who doesn’t take anything home, what they say to me, they’re going to hear it too. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game “It was something that happened, we were all heated, but it’s normal in football after the end of a match like this.”In the crazy game, three penalties were given, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny wiped out his own team-mate as Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis netted a hat-trick and Barca star Ronald Araujo scored an own goal.Before his winner, Raphinha made it 4-2 with an effort called “the weirdest goal ever” by fans.Benfica stopper Anatoliy Trubin booted the ball up the pitch but it hit the Brazilian winger’s head from 25 yards out and flew into the open net.At full-time, the Portuguese club’s manager Bruno Lage delivered a passionate team talk on the pitch.Wojciech Szczesny charged out of his goal and wiped out his team-mate to leave Benfica with an open goalCredit: TNT SportsRaphinha scored a header from outside the box after re-directing the keeper’s clearanceCredit: TNT Sports More