Mendes strikes late as PSG leave Villa with a mountain to climb

Nuno Mendes struck deep into stoppage time to give Paris St-Germain a significant advantage against Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes. The visitors had stunned the newly crowned French champions when Morgan Rogers arrived at the far post to turn in Youri Tielemans’ cross from the left after 35 minutes. However a strong second half saw the tie turn on its head to give PSG a commanding lead.

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Liverpool pay penalty as PSG progress via shootout

Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions were ended after they lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris Saint Germain side after a night of drama at Anfield. PSG, needing to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home, demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique as they knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal provided the platform for the turnaround with the Parisians holding their nerve from 12 yards.

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France flourish to leave Ireland’s Grand Slam dream in tatters

Rampant France took control of the Six Nations title race as they scored 34 unanswered points to thrash Ireland in Dublin and end the home side’s Grand Slam hopes. Despite losing captain Antoine Dupont to a suspected “serious” knee injury after 30 minutes, France scored three second-half tries to move two points clear of Ireland at the top and avenge last year’s defeat in Marseille.

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Elliott stuns PSG as Liverpool snatch victory in Paris

Liverpool completed one of the biggest smash and grabs in Champions League history to come away from their last-16 first leg against Paris St-Germain with a win. PSG completely dominated the game, with 27 shots, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had to make nine saves. But the hosts could not find an opener – and the Reds scored with their second shot of the night in the 87th minute.

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Merciless France hit Italy for eleven tries in Rome

France scored 11 tries to thrash Italy in a high-scoring contest to set up a potential Six Nations decider with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland. The game, with 14 tries, broke the previous championship record of 12 tries in a match, and it was also France’s highest score in the Six Nations. In a thrilling 52-point first half, Italy opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello, but France scored three answered tries to regain control.

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