Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz scored a second-half winner as the hosts edged out neighbours Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a scrappy first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday after Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener. It was a stuttering capital derby between bitter rivals who at times looked to be playing within themselves, seemingly conserving some energy for what is likely to be a compelling return leg.
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Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been appointed as Feyenoord’s new head coach. The 41-year-old, who retired from playing in 2019, has left fellow Dutch side Heerenveen to take charge of the club he had two spells at as a player, making 122 appearances for them and scoring 46 goals. Feyenoord dismissed Brian Priske earlier this month after a run of one win in six league outings.
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Premier League leaders Liverpool will face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last 16, while Arsenal take on PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa face Club Brugge. Holders Real Madrid – who knocked out Manchester City in the knockout phase play-offs – face local rivals Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich play Bayer Leverkusen in an all-Germany affair.
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Manchester City’s Champions League campaign came to a tame conclusion at the Bernabeu as Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant hat-trick inspired holders Real Madrid to a comfortable victory and place in the last 16. Pep Guardiola’s side were attempting to reverse a 3-2 deficit from the play-off first leg but this contest was effectively over after four minutes when Mbappe opened the scoring. Nico Gonzalez would score a consolation goal for the visitors but it was too little too late.
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Daizen Maeda’s deft header kept Celtic’s hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16 alive, despite the Scottish Premiership side falling to defeat against Bayern Munich in Glasgow. Michael Olise’s outrageous strike on the stroke of half-time set Vincent Kompany’s side on their way to a much-deserved win with Harry Kane adding another in the second half.
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