Two sublime strikes from Joao Pedro fired Chelsea into the Champions League round of 16 as they finished sixth in the league phase table after a 3-2 win at Napoli. The Blues found themselves behind in Italy but responded well in the second half to dump Napoli out of the competition while avoiding two additional games in the knockout play-offs.
Read more
Liverpool coasted past Marseille and put themselves in a strong position to finish in the Champions League top eight on a night where Mohamed Salah returned to the starting XI for Arne Slot’s side. A moment of genius from Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead in the first half, an own goal from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli doubled their advantage and Cody Gakpo added a third in the 92nd minute.
Read more
Norwegian debutants Bodo/Glimt claimed one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history by stunning Premier League Manchester City 3-1 in the cold of the Arctic Circle. Played on an artificial surface, Pep Guardiola’s youngsters froze in the -9C temperatures as City suffered another embarrassing loss following Saturday’s derby defeat by Manchester United. Glimt thoroughly deserved their victory, having taken a shock lead in the 22nd minute as Ole Didrik Blomberg’s looping cross to the back post was headed in by Kasper Hogh.
Read more
Arne Slot claimed he had no outstanding issues with Mohamed Salah and would see the Egypt international after the Africa Cup of Nations following the forward’s positive return for Liverpool against Brighton. Salah was reintroduced to the Liverpool side as a 26th-minute substitute having been omitted from the Champions League win at Inter over the incendiary interview he gave at Elland Road last Saturday. Slot said as far as he was concerned the matter was resolved.
Read more
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is in the squad for Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton after positive talks with head coach Arne Slot on Friday. It is understood the decision was made with Slot wanting to act in the best interests of the club, particularly with a number of players out through injury. Issues still remain unresolved and those will continue to be tackled by Liverpool and Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, while the player is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Read more