Second half blitz sees Barcelona rout Newcastle

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski each scored twice as a rampant Barcelona dumped Newcastle United out of the Champions League. The visitors showed immense spirit to twice equalise through the rapid Anthony Elanga in a competitive first half and cancel out goals from Raphinha and Marc Bernal. But the Magpies fell apart after the restart and goals from Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and a double from Lewandowski ended their European adventure in sobering fashion.

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Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni handed provisional one-match ban

Gianluca Prestianni will not be available for Benfica’s Champions League playoff at Real Madrid on Wednesday night after Uefa suspended him following allegations that he racially abused Vinícius Júnior during the first leg. The one‑game ban is a provisional mea­sure as an investigation continues. Benfica have said they will appeal and regret being “deprived” of the winger, but the club admitted they did not expect to be able to prevent the 20-year-old Argentinian from missing the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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Saka and Martinelli fire Arsenal past Real Madrid into final four

Bukayo Saka scored a goal and missed a penalty as Arsenal held off Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals in an incident-packed match at the Bernabeu. Saka stepped up but his weak, dinked effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois. However he made amends when he effectively killed off the tie with a fantastic chipped second-half finish. Real hit back through Vinicius Junior but a late winner from Gabriel Martinelli capped off a glorious night for the Gunners.

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Raphinha bags brace as Barca breeze past Benfica

Raphinha scored twice and Lamine Yamal netted a stunning strike as a superb Barcelona dismantled Benfica 3-1 in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory. It was an inspired evening for teenager Yamal who was virtually unplayable running up and down the right channel, creating most of Barca’s scoring chances.

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Liverpool overpower Real Madrid in Champions League thriller

Liverpool finally ended their Real Madrid curse as they maintained their flawless Champions League record with a fully deserved victory in a thrilling encounter at Anfield. They had failed to beat the holders in eight previous meetings in the tournament – including two Champions League finals – but there was no denying Liverpool as head coach Arne Slot’s remarkable start in succession to Jurgen Klopp continues.

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