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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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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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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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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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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