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      Coutinho could KO parent-club Barcelona for Bayern Munich in Champions League as Uefa WILL allow him to play

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO could knock parent club Barcelona out the Champions League with Bayern Munich.
      The Brazilian playmaker has been on loan with the Bundesliga champions this season and Uefa rules do not allow clauses preventing loanees from playing against the team who owns them.

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      Philippe Coutinho could knock parent club Barcelona out the Champions League
      After both teams came through their last-16 ties at the weekend, Barca face Bayern in Lisbon on Friday night for a place in the semi-final.
      And after a disappointing campaign in Germany, the 28-year-old could still come back to bite the Catalan giants.
      Despite coming on as a second-half substitute during Bayern’s last-16 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, Coutinho is unlikely to start.

      He has made just 23 appearances in the Bundesliga this season and whatever happens on Friday, he will have to return to Barca in the summer.

      But the former Liverpool midfielder is not expected to hang around for long.
      Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Brazilian – with reports emerging at the weekend suggesting they have agreed personal terms on a season-long loan.
      He is also said to have visited Arsenal’s London Colney training ground.
      Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian has strong links with the Gunners and has been heavily involved in bringing another of his client’s Willian to the Emirates.

      The ex-Chelsea winger is said to have agreed a £100k-a-week three-year deal.

      Coutinho was linked with Chelsea and is not wanted at Barca, who tried to offload him to Bayern on a permanent deal.
      However, the Bundesliga side were not willing to pay the transfer fee.
      The winners of Friday’s semi will face the victors of Manchester City vs Juventus.

      Watch as Lionel Messi tells Barcelona team-mates not to be ‘a**holes’ in X-rated half-time team-talk against Napoli More

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      Sergio Aguero has not travelled with Man City for Lyon clash and could miss ALL of Champions League campaign

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      SERGIO AGUERO fears he is losing his race to be fit for Manchester City’s tilt at the Champions League.
      Pep Guardiola’s squad jetted to Lisbon yesterday without their 254-goal record scorer, who remains in Barcelona.

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      Man City record-scorer Sergio Aguero faces Euro agony, having already been out for seven weeks following a knee opCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Bernardo Silva and his Man City team-mates are preparing to take on Juventus’ conquerors Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      John Stones and Co arrive in Lisbon, but the ex-England defender is battling to save his Man City careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Aguero, 32, has not played for seven weeks after having knee surgery towards the end of June.
      The striker told friends his chances of featuring at the European mini-tournament in Portugal are ‘very small’.
      City face Lyon in a one-off quarter-final on  Saturday and Guardiola wants to give him every chance and he will be allowed into the club’s bio-secure ‘bubble’ in their Lisbon hotel later this week.

      What a 4 years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields. I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.
      John Stones on Instagram

      Guardiola has told Aguero he would like him to be at the Jose Alvalade Stadium for their clash against Lyon.

      But Aguero has ruled himself out of playing in that game and with the final just eight days later — should City get there — even that looks to be a long shot.
      The Argentine striker hobbled out of City’s 5-0 win over Burnley back on June 22.
      He has been doing his rehab in Spain after the operation was carried out by Guardiola’s preferred surgeon, Dr Ramon Cugat.

      Etihad sources said there are no definitive plans yet for when Aguero will join them in Lisbon.

      Out-of-favour defender John Stones has said he aims to stay at City and fight for his future.
      The England man was expected to be shown the door with Nathan Ake arriving and another centre-back on Guardiola’s shopping list.
      But Eric Garcia’s refusal to sign a new deal has given Stones renewed hope that he could be given a reprieve.

      He marked his fourth anniversary as a City player at the weekend and  posted on Instagram: “Four years ago I signed for this amazing club!
      “What a 4 years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields. I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.”
      Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea are among a host of clubs to be linked with 26-year-old Stones.

      Lionel Messi tells Sergio Aguero off live on Twitch as he tells Man City star to ‘stop messing around and go see physio’ More

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      Europa League away goal rules: Are away goals used and when is extra time and penalties?

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      THE Europa League knockout stages are in full flow as we discover the teams that will make it to the semi-finals
      But how do away goals work in the competition?

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man Utd take on Copenhagen in the quarter-final of the Europa League
      Do away goals count in extra time of Champions League and Europa League matches?
      AS ever, away goals count if the game finishes a draw on aggregate after 90 minutes.
      Uefa were considering changing the rule but for now it will remain the same.
      So extra time can only happen if the same reverse scoreline appears in both games and the two teams have the same amount of away goals.
      Here’s the Uefa guidelines on what happens next: “For matches played under the knockout system, if the two teams involved in a tie score the same number of goals over the two legs, the team which scores more away goals qualifies for the next stage.

      “If this procedure does not produce a result, i.e. if both teams score the same number of goals at home and away, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played at the end of the second leg.
      “If both teams score the same number of goals during extra time, away goals count double (i.e. the visiting team qualifies).
      “If no goals are scored during extra time, kicks from the penalty mark determine which team qualifies for the next stage.”
      So if we reach extra time and EITHER team scores within the added 30 minutes, there is NO chance of the game going to penalties.

      If the away team manages to score in extra time, away goals kick in and the home side must net twice to progress.
      However, this year away goals will only count up to the round of 16, as the quarter-finals to finals will be played over a single leg due to the coronavirus pandemic. More

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      Lionel Messi a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Bayern after sitting out training with foot injury

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      LIONEL MESSI is a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich because of a foot injury.
      The Argentinian star, 33, picked up the knock during the 3-1 win over Napoli last week, according to Spanish outlet Cope.

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      Lionel Messi missed Barcelona training on Sunday and could miss the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on FridayCredit: Reuters

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      Messi scored an extraordinary goal as he inspired Barcelona to a 3-1 win over NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Messi was caught by Kalidou Koulibaly during the game, which resulted in a penalty.
      Luis Suarez stepped up to score with Messi receiving treatment on the sidelines.
      The injury forced the superstar winger to sit out Barcelona training on Sunday.
      Messi could now miss Friday night’s quarter-final clash against the Bundesliga champions, who beat Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in their last-16 tie.

      However, the report states Messi’s absence at training was a mere precaution.
      READY FOR BAYERN?
      He may yet miss another session or two, but is expected to be ready for Friday’s clash of the titans.
      The Barcelona ace was instrumental in his side’s last-16 win over Napoli last week.
      Messi scored a stunning goal while lying on the floor after being forced to the ground after a typically scintillating solo run.

      But as well as his on-pitch antics, Messi rallied his troops at half-time, urging them to not be “a***holes”.
      The veteran played as his side were humiliated by Liverpool, throwing away a 3-0 first-leg lead, last season in the Champions League.

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      Messi scored one and won a penalty for another in the Napoli winCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And he was desperate to avoid another slip-up, heard shouting in the Nou Camp tunnel: “We are going to come out strong.
      “We have a two-goal lead, let’s not be a***holes.
      “Now we have to be calmer than ever.”

      Watch as Lionel Messi tells Barcelona team-mates not to be ‘a**holes’ in X-rated half-time team-talk against Napoli More

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      Watch as Lionel Messi tells Barcelona team-mates not to be ‘assholes’ in X-rated half-time team-talk against Napoli

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      LIONEL MESSI has proven that he won’t just leave it to his football to do the talking during Barcelona’s Champions League bid.
      Fascinating footage has emerged of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner issuing his teammates an X-rated half-time team-talk in the 3-1 win over Napoli.

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      Lionel Messi delivered an inspiring half-time team-talk during the Champions League win over Napoli

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      The Argentine ace put in a man of the match performance against the Italian side
      The Argentine superstar inspired Barcelona to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after scoring a stunning individual goal on Saturday.
      Messi also won the penalty from which Luis Suarez duly converted during a stunning first-half blitz against Napoli.
      But Lorenzo Insigne bagged his own spot-kick late in stoppage time to give the away side faint hope of a comeback.
      And in a video circulating on social media, Messi was seemingly desperate to avoid a meltdown akin to Barcelona’s defeats to Roma and Liverpool.

      The 33-year-old could be heard shouting in the Nou Camp tunnel: “We are going to come out strong, we have a two-goal lead, let’s not be assholes.
      “Now we have to be calmer than ever.”
      Barcelona seemingly heeded their captain’s warning as an assured second-half display saw them see out a 4-2 aggregate win over the Serie A outfit.
      Messi and Co will now take on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who thrashed Chelsea 7-1 over two legs, in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

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      Lionel Messi celebrates his wonder goal against NapoliCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Lionel Messi outjumps Napoli defender Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Reuters

      And Barca boss manager Quique Setien insisted there “won’t be a problem” with Messi starting that game despite missing training with a foot injury.
      He told Spanish radio station Cope: ”Messi? He had some pain, but there shouldn’t be a problem.
      “He was fine. We will analyse it, but there won’t be a problem.”

      Furious Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to fist-bump referee after controversial VAR calls in Barcelona win vs Napoli More

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      Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong shows off horror swollen hand after being stung by bee and wearing bandage vs Napoli

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      FRENKIE DE JONG showed off his horror swollen hand in Barcelona training after getting stung by a bee.
      The Barcelona midfielder, 23, was zapped by the insect last week and his left hand flared up massively.

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      Frenkie de Jong’s swollen hand was out for all to see during Barcelona’s recovery session on Sunday
      And the damage was so bad he was forced to wear a bandage for the win over Napoli on Saturday night.
      But pictured in training on Sunday during a recovery session – which Lionel Messi missed due to a swollen ankle – the consequences of the sting were still clear to see with his hand puffed up.
      Watching De Jong’s performance at the Nou Camp, though, the freak injury clearly didn’t stop him bossing the game.
      The Netherlands international dictated throughout, racking up 62 passes at a success rate of 92 per cent.

      He completed one key pass and also thought he had an assist when Lionel Messi tucked home from his pass.
      But after a lengthy review, VAR ruled the goal out because the ball appeared to brush off Messi’s arm.
      De Jong and his Barca team-mates have a rest day today as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in a crunch Champions League quarter-final on Friday.

      This is the 13th season in a row the Nou Camp club have qualified for the last eight in the competition.

      But with rivals and serial-winners Real Madrid already out, they will be determined to take advantage and go all the way for the first time since 2015.
      However, standing in their way are some of the best sides left in the competition with Bayern – led by free-scoring Robert Lewandowski – and then Manchester City or Lyon if they progress to the semis.

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      His girlfriend took to Instagram to show the extent of the damage done to his left handCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney

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      The Dutch midfielder played with a bandage on against Napoli… but still bossed the gameCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Furious Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to fist-bump referee after controversial VAR calls in Barcelona win vs Napoli More

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      Atletico Madrid confirm Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for coronavirus and will not play vs RB Leipzig

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      ATLETICO MADRID have named Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus.
      And the pair will miss the LaLiga side’s Champions League quarter-final with RB Leipzig on Thursday as a result.

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      Atletico have confirmed Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus
      Diego Simeone’s side are set to take on the Germans in Lisbon as they look to reach the semi-finals.
      But their preparations have been thrown into disarray as Croatian Vrsaljko, 28, and Argentine Correa, 25, tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
      An Atletico statement read: “The first team and members of the coaching staff underwent new tests yesterday.
      “The result of which has been negative in all of them, after the appearance of two positive cases in the tests carried out on Saturday.

      “Following the health protocol, tests were also performed on relatives living with the two positive cases, all of which were also negative.
      “The club’s medical services have received authorisation in both cases to reveal their identity and end the speculation.
      “The first team will return to training this afternoon with the absence of Ángel Correa, who remains isolated at his home without presenting symptoms.
      “And Sime Vrsaljko, who was recovering from an injury outside the group, is also asymptomatic and will remain at home.

      “However, his case is considered as resolved by the health authorities as he has generated antibodies several months ago.”

      The Spanish side have been cleared to fly to Portugal tomorrow having had to delay their original flight which was scheduled for tonight.
      Their planned training session this morning was postponed as they awaited the results.
      But after Simeone and the rest of his squad were given the green light, they were able to train this afternoon and will jet off tomorrow morning.
      The news was a huge relief for Uefa who faced the embarrassing prospect of potentially awarding the tie to the German side if Atletico were unable to fulfil the fixture. 
      Uefa announced that President Aleksander Ceferin and his general secretary Theodore Theodoridis will take regular Covid-19 tests to ensure they can hand over the Europa League, Champions League and Women’s Champions League trophies and medals.
      Atletico’s last Champions League game was the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield on March 11.
      That fixture came just 12 days before lockdown was introduced in the UK.
      One scientist said that fixture – along with Cheltenham Festival – led to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK.

      Professor Tim Spector, from King’s College London, said the two events held in March had “caused increased suffering and death that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred”.
      Some 52,000 people crammed into Anfield that night, including 3,000 Atleti fans who had travelled from Madrid.
      By that time in Spain, attendances at sporting events had already been suspended.

      Gareth Bale will STAY at Real Madrid in £60m stand-off because he has not forgiven club for stopping his move to China More

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      Messi misses Barcelona training with foot injury just days before Bayern clash and has been limping since Koulibaly kick

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      LIONEL MESSI missed training just days before Barcelona face Bayern Munich as he recovers from a foot injury.
      The Argentine suffered a swollen ankle after Kalidou Koulibaly conceded a penalty during Barca’s Champions League second leg victory.

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      Lionel Messi missed Barcelona training just days before they face Bayern Munich as he recovers from a foot injury
      Messi was unable to take the penalty as he received treatment, allowing Luis Suarez to convert.
      Spanish radio station Cope reported the 33-year-old was then forced to miss training on Sunday and could even sit out today’s session as he continues to limp.
      Despite fears over the forward’s fitness, manager Quique Setien insisted there “won’t be a problem” with Messi starting against Bayern in Friday’s quarter-final.
      Setien said: ”Messi? He had some pain, but there shouldn’t be a problem.

      “He was fine. We will analyse it, but there won’t be a problem.”
      Bayern thrashed Chelsea 7-1 over two ties while Barca saw off Napoli 4-2 on aggregate.
      Setien added: “The game against Bayern will be complicated, but we are also a great team.
      “The team has been good and we deserved the victory.

      “We have overcome the opening minutes and in the second half Napoli didn’t create much danger.
      “The truth is that Napoli are one of the best Italian teams. We knew how to react to their start and then we had a good first half.
      “They have had more prominence during the second half.”

      Furious Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to fist-bump referee after controversial VAR calls in Barcelona win vs Napoli More