Pressure mounts on Carrick as Como thrash United

Manchester United suffered one of the worst European nights in their history against Como to pile the pressure on beleaguered boss Michael Carrick. Eight days after conceding in the first minute to Atletico Madrid, United’s defences were breached after 118 seconds as brilliant Argentina playmaker Nico Paz scored the first of his double. It meant United became the first English team in history to concede in the first two minutes of consecutive major European matches, something no-one at Old Trafford wants to be associated with.

Read more

PSG outgun Barcelona in pulsating clash

Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz struck late goals to help Paris St Germain punish Barcelona’s frailty in defence in a 4-2 Champions League victory at Parc des Princes. Vitinha produced a brilliant finish from just outside the area in the 81st minute, moments after Lamine Yamal’s equaliser, before Ruiz made sure of the result shortly before the final whistle to keep PSG at the top of the league phase on goal difference.

Read more

Mac Allister grabs winner as Liverpool fightback to beat Atletico Madrid

Alexis Mac Allister’s superb strike saw Liverpool come from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield as Bradley Barcola went off with “cramp” on an eventful home debut. Barcola was making his first start for Liverpool but felt his calf in the second half and the £123m signing was substituted having missed three good chances to mark the occasion with a goal. It did not impact the result thanks to Mac Allister’s rocket.

Read more

Pedro brace sees Chelsea dump Napoli out of Champions League

Two sublime strikes from Joao Pedro fired Chelsea into the Champions League round of 16 as they finished sixth in the league phase table after a 3-2 win at Napoli. The Blues found themselves behind in Italy but responded well in the second half to dump Napoli out of the competition while avoiding two additional games in the knockout play-offs.

Read more

Salah returns as Liverpool ease to victory over Marseille

Liverpool coasted past Marseille and put themselves in a strong position to finish in the Champions League top eight on a night where Mohamed Salah returned to the starting XI for Arne Slot’s side. A moment of genius from Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead in the first half, an own goal from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli doubled their advantage and Cody Gakpo added a third in the 92nd minute.

Read more