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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Zirkzee scores as United held by Real Sociedad

Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal in Europe for Manchester United but the Red Devils were held to a draw by Real Sociedad to leave their Europa League last-16 tie in the balance. Dutch forward Zirkzee deservedly put the visitors ahead but Real Sociedad equalised through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty after Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have handled the ball following a VAR review.

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Ancelotti doesn’t rule out January signings as Madrid chase Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled out adding reinforcements to his squad in January as the club handles a injury crisis in defence. The Italian tactician refused to be drawn when asked if the club are looking to add Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold this month or wait to acquire his services as a free agent in the summer window.

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Atletico Madrid strike at the death to stun Barcelona

Alexander Sørloth struck deep in stoppage time to hand Atletico Madrid a 2-1 comeback win at Barcelona on Saturday that moved them top of LaLiga with their 12th consecutive victory across all competitions. Pedri had given the host a first half lead before Rodrigo De Paul drew Atleti level early in the second half teeing up an exciting finale that was decided by Sørloth.

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Salah sinks Girona as Liverpool make it six wins from six

Liverpool are all but through to the Champions League last 16 after Mohamed Salah’s penalty clinched victory at Girona. Arne Slot’s side were gifted a second-half spot-kick when Donny van de Beek caught Luis Diaz’s heel in the penalty area. Salah dispatched his penalty with ease, sending Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga the wrong way to net his 46th Champions League goal.

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