Bellingham strikes late as City hand advantage to Real

Manchester City are fighting for Champions League survival and a place in the last 16 after Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner settled a tense play-off first leg in Real Madrid’s favour. Pep Guardiola’s side rediscovered more of their true form early on at Etihad Stadium as Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol combined to set up Erling Haaland for a confident finish after 19 minutes. An action packed second half saw the game ebb and flow with Bellingham popping up to secure a winner for Los Blancos.

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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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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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Raphinha hat-trick inspires Barcelona to demolition of Bayern Munich

FC Barcelona captain Raphinha scored a hat-trick to lead them to a commanding 4-1 home victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, ending a near decade-long winless run against the German powerhouses. The Brazilian winger gave Barca the lead inside the opening minute but the Catalans were pegged back by Harry Kane. A goal from Robert Lewandowski restored the home side’s lead before Raphinha completed his hat-trick.

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Andrés Iniesta announces retirement from football

Spain World Cup winner and FC Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40. Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, thanks in part to the midfield partnerships he formed with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets for Spain and Barcelona. He earned 131 caps for his country, scoring the winning goal in the 2010 Fifa World Cup final and winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.

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