Hardcore Lazio supporters attacked fans of Real Sociedad on Wednesday night in Rome ahead of thei...

Hardcore Lazio supporters attacked fans of Real Sociedad on Wednesday night in Rome ahead of their Europa League match, leaving nine Spanish people injured, one seriously, Italian media reports said.Around 80 Lazio "ultras" attacked around 70 supporters of the Spanish club who were visiting the Italian capital for Thursday's match at the Olympic Stadium, the AGI news agency said.Dressed in black with their faces covered, and wielding firecrackers and smoke bombs, the attackers beat up and stabbed the Spanish fans gathered in the Monti district, in the heart of Rome's historic centre.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chairs and tables were also thrown at the Spanish fans, according to the newspaper Il Corriere della Sera.Police have seized a small arsenal of weapons, including knives and hammers, from the Lazio ultras, and made several arrests, the reports said.

ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 10: A detailed view of the corner flag inside the stadium seen prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Como at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy.

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Report: 9 hurt after Lazio fans attack Real Sociedad rivals

Rafael Leao boosted AC Milan's chances of direct qualification to the last 16 of the Champions Le...

Rafael Leao boosted AC Milan's chances of direct qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League with a brilliant goal in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Girona.Portugal winger Leao lashed in his eighth goal of the season after some dazzling dribbling in the 37th minute at the San Siro to give Milan their fifth straight win in the competition.Sergio Conceicao's team are sixth on 15 points after seven matches and are guaranteed at least a spot in the play-offs, as well as having a great chance of a top-eight finish with their final league phase fixture at Dinamo Zagreb.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a big match for us in terms of getting through... that's our objective, to go through to the next round (directly)," said Leao to Prime Video."We're starting to understand what the coach wants from us... He's trying to help me as a man and as a player and I'm trying to get to grips with what he wants from me."Girona's maiden Champions League campaign will go no further than the visit of Arsenal next week as Michel's team are seven points from the play-offs and as a result eliminated.La Liga outfit Girona would have come away from northern Italy with more had it not been for Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who pulled off three superb saves late in the first half to keep the hosts ahead.Conceicao demanded more hunger from his players after Milan slumped to defeat at rivals Juventus at the weekend, and the Serie A team dominated the early stages even as frustrated fans again chanted for American owners RedBird to sell the club.The hosts should have already been ahead before the 24th minute, when Theo Hernandez somehow didn't score after being laid on for a sitter by Leao.<h3>Maignan to rescue</h3>Leao was sent surging behind the Girona defence by a brilliant Tijjani Reijnders pass and rolled across a perfect low ball to Hernandez, who scuffed his finish onto the bar.Yunus Musah, who should have scored an early chance, then crashed a low shot off the upright five minutes later as Milan pressed for an opener.Maignan had to be at his best to stop Girona taking a shock lead twice in a few minutes, the France goalkeeper sticking out a leg to stop Donny van de Beek after the Dutch midfielder and keeping out Viktor Tsygankov's snapshot.The grumbles beginning to be heard around the San Siro soon turned into cheers after a moment of magic from Leao, who collected Ismael Bennacer's pass, cut onto his right before quickly switching back to his trusty left foot which he then used to roof a perfect finish.But Milan only led at the break thanks to Maignan, who again saved his disjointed defence deep in stoppage time by getting his studs to Yangel Herrera's close-range strike.The second was much lower key, with Bryan Gil's fizzing strike for Girona ruled out for a razor-thin offside being the only real incident of a match which ended with Conceicao's first Champions League win as Milan coach.

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 22: Rafael Leão of AC Milan celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between AC Milan and Girona FC at Stadio San Siro on January 22, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Leao sinks Girona to push Milan into Champions League top 8

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stunning second-half comeback as they recovered from two goals dow...

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stunning second-half comeback as they recovered from two goals down to beat Manchester City 4-2 in a Champions League thriller on Wednesday, a result which leaves Pep Guardiola's side still at risk of an early exit.All the goals came in the second half on a wet night at the Parc des Princes, with Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scoring to put City firmly in control.However, Ousmane Dembele pulled one back and Bradley Barcola brought PSG level by the hour mark, before Joao Neves headed the French champions in front and Goncalo Ramos wrapped up the win at the death after a long VAR check.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The key goal for me was the first one, because it opened up another scenario. From that moment on we were far superior," said PSG coach Luis Enrique."My team always keeps faith and never gives up."Both of these powerful clubs came into their penultimate game in the league phase in Paris in trouble, with 24th-placed City occupying the last qualifying spot in the 36-team standings on eight points, and PSG one point behind them in 26th.City knew a win here would probably guarantee them a spot in next month's play-offs while landing a damaging blow to PSG, semi-finalists last season.Instead it is PSG who move to 10 points, a tally which may now be enough to progress, while Guardiola's team drops out of the qualifying spots with just one game to come.However, a win at home to Club Brugge next Wednesday should suffice as it would take them above the Belgian side in the standings.This match saw City coach Guardiola, who led his side to Champions League glory in 2023, pit his wits against PSG's Luis Enrique, his close friend and former team-mate at Barcelona.The Premier League champions were seeking to continue a recent revival which had seen them win four and draw one of their last five matches after a run of one victory in 13 at the end of 2024.City played with Matheus Nunes at right-back up against Bradley Barcola, the PSG left-winger who has found form again at the right time following the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli to threaten his position in the team.Ineligible for this game, the Georgian winger was in the stands along with City's injured Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, as well as the likes of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and French NBA star Victor Wembanyama.<h3>Six-goal second half</h3>They saw PSG, sporting a brand new fourth kit, enjoy most of the possession and chances in the first half without being able to capitalise.That has been a familiar failing for them in this season's Champions League, in which they had already lost to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.However, they were especially unlucky to see an Achraf Hakimi goal disallowed on the stroke of half-time for a tight offside decision against Nuno Mendes in the build-up.Everything changed after the restart, though, as PSG sent on Dembele, and City made a double substitution including the introduction of Grealish for Savinho on the left wing.Within five minutes Grealish had scored, lashing in after a Bernardo Silva shot had been parried by Gianluigi Donnarumma.And the stadium was silenced as the visitors -- who had won four of their last five meetings with PSG -- scored again.Nunes drove forward and found Grealish, whose cutback was diverted by the hapless Neves into the path of Haaland, leaving the Norwegian with a tap-in for his 23rd goal this season.PSG were stunned, but their response was stunning, especially for a team that has struggled so badly to score goals in the competition this season.They got one back on 56 minutes, Barcola powering forward and setting up Dembele to sweep a shot past Ederson.The equaliser arrived shortly after and this time Barcola was the scorer, turning in the rebound after Desire Doue's shot hit the bar.All the momentum was with the home side, and Dembele struck the bar before they went ahead on 78 minutes, the diminutive Neves finding himself completely free of any defender to head in Vitinha's free-kick at the back post.The scoring was wrapped up in injury time when substitute Ramos netted with the last kick of the game, the celebrations being put on hold until a lengthy VAR check was completed.

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 22: Joao Neves of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City at Parc des Princes on January 22, 2025 in Paris, France.

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Man City on brink of shocking UCL exit after capitulation vs. PSG

A double from Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez and a valiant defensive effort handed Dutch side Fe...

A double from Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez and a valiant defensive effort handed Dutch side Feyenoord a shock 3-0 Champions League win over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday.The surprise defeat means that Bayern, six times champions of Europe, will more than likely face a play-off match to advance into the last-16 of the new-look Champions League."We are not afraid of the Champions League playoffs. If we have to go in there, then we have to go in," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"You have to earn the top eight. And the format was designed precisely to create tension. But like I said: you have to earn it."On a rain-swept night in Rotterdam, Feyenoord belied their poor recent domestic form, holding firm at the back and hitting their illustrious opponents with rapid counter-attacks.Bayern dominated possession in a cagey opening quarter as both sides struggled with driving rain and a slippery surface.Feyenoord had made no secret of their strategy to hit Bayern on the break and it was a pinpoint long ball by left-back Gijs Smal that broke the deadlock after 21 minutes.Smal's pass perfectly bisected the Bayern defence and was brilliantly collected by Gimenez, who curled the ball past the veteran Manuel Neuer.Falling behind seemed to galvanise the visitors, who nearly equalised when French winger Kingsley Coman fizzed the ball across the goal but there was no one to tap in.England's Harry Kane had a gilt-edged change to open Bayern's account deep into the first half but could only fire his shot into Feyenoord's defence from close range.Bayern pressed hard but Feyenoord defended stoutly and again hit the Germans on the break in the ninth minute of added time at the end of the first period.Raphael Guerreiro was adjudged to have fouled Calvin Stengs in the box, Gimenez making no mistake from the spot, sending the ever-boisterous fans in De Kuip into raptures and Feyenoord into a 2-0 half-time lead.The second half saw wave after wave of German attacks but they could not find a way to unlock the well-organised Feyenoord defence and beat the excellent Justin Bijlow in goal.Playmaker Jamal Musiala forced a sharp save from point-blank range on 60 minutes as Feyenoord sat ever deeper, every tackle cheered as if the game were won.Bijlow tipped over a powerful Musiala header and the home fans breathed a sigh of relief when the post kept out an effort from substitute Leroy Sane.With seven minutes to play, Vincent Kompany brought on Germany legend Thomas Muller and he made an immediate impact, sliding through a pass that nearly played in Sane.But even Muller could not break down the wall and substitute Ayase Ueda put the icing on the cake with a third on 89 minutes to seal a famous night for the Feyenoord faithful.Bayern next face winless Slovan Bratislava at home, while Feyenoord wrap up their Champions League campaign away at Lille.

Rotterdam, Netherlands - January 22: Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord Rotterdam converts the penalty to make it 2:0 during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Feyenoord and FC Bayern München at Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) on January 22, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Gimenez leads Feyenoord to shock win over toothless Bayern

Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Champions League last 16 after Declan Rice's goal i...

Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Champions League last 16 after Declan Rice's goal in just 106 seconds inspired their 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta's side raced into the lead in their penultimate league phase fixture thanks to Rice's clinical finish.Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard netted in the second half at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal climbed to third place in the standings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arsenal have won five of their seven league phase matches, losing just once, and are almost certain to finish in the top eight, which secures automatic qualification for the last 16.The north Londoners, who have never won the Champions League, travel to Girona for their last match in the league phase next week knowing a point will guarantee a top-eight berth.With Arsenal holding a three-point lead over a group of teams below eighth place, even a defeat could still send them through given their superior goal difference.This was a much-needed victory for Arsenal after last weekend's disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, in which the Gunners blew a two-goal lead to dent their Premier League title hopes.Arsenal have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and moving to the brink of the Champions League last 16 is a welcome boost following their FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Newcastle.Arteta had urged his players to take advantage of their "strong position" in the league phase by winning on home turf against a Dinamo team fighting to secure a place in the knockout stage play-offs.They rose to the challenge as Arteta's decision to play Jakub Kiwior in central defence in the absence of the injured William Saliba was rewarded.<h3>Havertz strikes</h3>Jurrien Timber had struggled in the heart of Arteta's defence in the Villa game, but Kiwior was more comfortable alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.Arsenal made a flying start in the second minute as Gabriel Martinelli surged down the left flank and crossed towards Havertz, whose cushioned pass was lashed home by Rice from 10 yards.The Gunners' quickest Champions League goal since 2014 provoked an angry response from Dinamo fans, with Rice pelted with plastic cups when he took a corner moments after his opener.Rice was unfazed and his goal-bound drive was blocked by Dinamo captain Arijan Ademi before Gabriel headed just wide from Odegaard's corner.Gabriel screamed in frustration after that miss and Arteta looked equally vexed when Havertz headed woefully wide from another good opportunity.Croatian champions Dinamo, managed by former Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, barely got out of their own half for long periods.Odegaard and Raheem Sterling combined to set up Martinelli but the Brazilian's 20-yard drive was too close to Dinamo keeper Ivan Nevistic.With Arsenal struggling to deliver the knockout blow, Ethan Nwaneri replaced Sterling as the teenage forward returned from a four-game injury absence.Havertz finally put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute, rising to meet Martinelli's pin-point cross with a glancing header from 12 yards.After Havertz's wife was sent death threats following his penalty shoot-out miss against Manchester United, the striker is beginning to work his way back into favour among Arsenal fans.The much-maligned German's second goal in his last two games took him to 14 in all competitions this season.Odegaard wrapped up the comfortable victory in stoppage-time with a cool finish from Leandro Trossard's cross.

Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium in north London on January 22, 2025.

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Arsenal on course for last 16 after beating Dinamo Zagreb

Champions League holders Real Madrid got back on track in Europe with a 5-1 victory over RB Salzb...

Champions League holders Real Madrid got back on track in Europe with a 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg on Wednesday to ensure they will not be eliminated at the first hurdle.Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes struck twice each with French superstar Kylian Mbappe also on target in a ruthless display at the Santiago Bernabeu.Carlo Ancelotti's side lost three of their first six games in a worrying start to the competition and will likely have to compete in the extra play-off round in February which is part of the competition's new format, unless they can scrape a top-eight spot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Victory left Los Blancos 16th, a point behind Bayer Leverkusen in eighth, which is the final spot for direct qualification to the last 16.Brazilian winger Rodrygo struck twice in the first half to help Madrid take control, with Mbappe netting soon after the break and Vinicius grabbing a brace of his own to bring up a century of goals for the club."I'm very happy after reaching 100 goals with this shirt," Vinicius told Movistar, noting he was close to Brazilian compatriot Ronaldo Nazario's tally of 104."I hope to be able to continue like this and score a lot of goals, and mark an era in this team -- that's my dream."Defeats by Liverpool, AC Milan and Lille put Madrid under pressure ahead of their final two group matches and their Austrian visitors started with vim, pinning back Los Blancos.Madrid created little of note until Rodrygo's opener after 23 minutes changed the dynamic of the game.The winger, in sensational form in recent weeks with eight goals in his last nine games across all competitions, finished neatly after Jude Bellingham nudged a cross into his path at the back post.His second goal was even better, set up by Bellingham with a brilliant backheel, which Rodrygo finished first time with a crisp curling strike."It's so easy to play with Jude, he makes everything easy, the movements he makes, his second assist was very nice and I love playing with him," said Rodrygo.<h3>Win to give 'confidence'</h3>Mbappe notched the third early in the second half, pinching the ball from Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich and tapping home to continue his own recent run of fine form after a shaky start to life at Madrid.Veteran midfielder Luka Modric sent Vinicius down the left with a fine pass for Madrid's fourth, and the Brazilian finished with a powerful drive across Blaswich.Vinicius netted again after Fede Valverde burst down the middle and put him through after a slick team move, with the forward stroking home with ease after losing his marker.Mads Bidstrup slapped home a volley late on to offer Salzburg scant consolation, as well as carrying on Madrid's unenviable run of conceding in each of their Champions League outings this season.Despite the late set-back, Madrid's demolition job was just what they needed to settle nerves after their poor start."We've been through difficult moments we didn't want to," admitted Rodrygo."But this victory in the Champions League, that we needed, will give us a lot of confidence to keep going now with the big challenges ahead of us."

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: Rodrygo Goes (R) of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 7th week match between Real Madrid and FC Red Bull Salzburg at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on January 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Vinicius reaches 100 goals for Real Madrid in lopsided win over Salzburg

Shakhtar Donetsk eased to a 2-0 win against Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, denting t...

Shakhtar Donetsk eased to a 2-0 win against Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, denting the high-flying French side's hopes of earning an automatic spot in the last-16.First-half goals from Brazilian forward Kevin and Georgiy Sudakov proved the difference as the Ukrainian side won at their adopted home ground in Germany to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knock-outs.Brest were already assured of a place in at least the play-off round for the last-16 stage before kick-off thanks to their tally of 13 points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, just their second defeat in seven outings in Europe this term left them in 11th place. Brest can still ensure direct qualification to the round of 16 with a top-eight finish, but will have to beat reigning champions Real Madrid at home next week to do so.For Shakhtar, the victory moved them provisionally to within one point of a knock-out play-off spot.The first big chance of the encounter fell to the Ukrainians as Marlon burst onto a cut-back but saw his attempted backheel flash narrowly wide.Brest have been one of the revelations of the tournament in their debut season in the Champions League.Going into the penultimate round of games, Eric Roy's side sat above powerhouses such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City and compatriots Paris Saint-Germain, but it was their unfancied opponents who took the lead.Brest centre-half Brendan Chardonnet took a heavy touch from an agricultural clearance, which allowed Kevin to steal the ball before racing through and finishing one-on-one with 18 minutes gone.Another long ball from deep presented Shakhtar with a golden chance to double their lead on the half-hour, Eguinaldo's effort beating Marco Bizot but trickling the wrong side of the far post.Sudakov did then get a deserved second for Shakhtar seven minutes later with a Panenka penalty, won after Bizot took out Irakli Azarov as he ran onto the Ukrainian playmaker's inch-perfect through ball.Brest searched for a way back into the match in the second period but struggled to break down Shakhtar's rearguard, with goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk swift off his line to deal with any balls into the box.Coach Roy made a triple change on the hour, including sending on the club's topscorer this season Abdallah Sima.However, Shakhtar held firm and Oleksandr Zubkov then looked to have added a third deep in injury time, but the goal was disallowed for a foul earlier in the build-up.The Ukrainian champions' second win of the campaign moved them up to 27th place in the standings on seven points.

Brest's French defender #44 Soumaila Coulibaly (C-R) reacts after a (later unvalidated) goal by the opponent team during the UEFA Champions League football match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany on January 22, 2025.

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Shakhtar deal blow to Brest's UCL last-16 ambitions

Julian Alvarez scored a second-half brace as a 10-man Atletico Madrid came from a goal down to be...

Julian Alvarez scored a second-half brace as a 10-man Atletico Madrid came from a goal down to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at home on Tuesday, taking a major step towards a top-eight finish. Barrios was sent off for a nasty, studs-up challenge after 23 minutes and Leverkusen took advantage as Piero Hincapie put the visitors ahead in first-half stoppage time. Buoyed on by a fiery 70,000-strong home crowd, Atletico lifted in the second, Julian Alvarez finishing off a length-of-the-field counter to equalise after 52 minutes. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Goalscorer Hincapie picked up a second yellow with 14 minutes remaining and Atletico smelt blood, Alvarez taking advantage of some sloppy Leverkusen defending to score in the 90th minute. The last-gasp victory sends Atletico, who travel to Red Bull Salzburg in their final match, third in the Champions League table, with the top eight sides all avoiding an extra knockout round. German champions Leverkusen, who host lowly Sparta Prague next week, finish the night in sixth."It's no coincidence that what happened in the second half happened. We played intelligently, we didn't let the game get away us," Atletico boss Diego Simeone said.The coach saved special praise for Alvarez, who arrived from Manchester City in the summer."When we first thought about bringing Julian in, we were excited. He has an impressive record. Over the years he will have a special place in the club."Both sides came into the match in red-hot form. Leverkusen had chalked up 12 straight victories in all competitions while Atletico had 15 wins in a row before Saturday's surprise La Liga loss at lowly Leganes. Pre-match, both coaches lavished praise on each other. Atletico's Simeone, who coached his side against Alonso when the Leverkusen boss was playing at Real and Bayern, lauded his opposite number for turning side into an "extraordinary team."Alonso, who missed Real's 2014 Champions League final win over Atletico with suspension, praised Simeone's "intense and perfect relationship" with his club. On the pitch however there was no love lost, with the referee handing out four yellow cards and a red in the first half. Leverkusen were in control before referee Davide Massa changed Barrios' yellow to red after a VAR intervention with 23 minutes gone. The man advantage supercharged the Germans, who pinned Atletico inside their own area Leverkusen broke through in first-half stoppage time, Nordi Mukiele lofting a cross for Hincapie to head past Atletico goalie Jan Oblak.In the second-half, the early control evaporated as both sides played end-to-end, with Atletico using the chaos to equalise. With Leverkusen on the attack, Antoine Griezmann punted a long pass goalwards, Alvarez forced Jonathan Tah into a poor clearance, before regathering and guiding a shot into the bottom right.Leverkusen lost goalscorer Hincapie to a second yellow in the final 15 minutes, prompting Atletico to push higher. With the visitors failing to deal with a bouncing cross, Alvarez collected the ball and rounded the keeper before converting from a tight angle to snatch a famous comeback victory for the undermanned hosts.

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 21: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Atletico de Madrid and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Alvarez sends Atletico past Leverkusen as both sides see red

Liverpool maintained their perfect Champions League record to guarantee a top-two finish in the l...

Liverpool maintained their perfect Champions League record to guarantee a top-two finish in the league phase and automatic last-16 qualification with a 2-1 win over Lille at Anfield on Tuesday.Harvey Elliott's deflected strike secured a seventh consecutive Champions League victory for Arne Slot's men after Jonathan David cancelled out Mohamed Salah's opener.Liverpool remain three points clear of Barcelona, who came from 4-2 down to beat Benfica 5-4.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lille's first defeat in 22 games in all competitions leaves the French side 11th.Liverpool will welcome direct progress to the last 16, without the need for a play-off round, with the Premier League leaders still involved in four competitions. They're guaranteed to finish in the top two, with Barcelona the only side that could pip them to first place.That means the Premier League leaders will face a side that finishes between 15th and 18th in the last 16.However, Slot does not believe the table tells a true story given that each club faces a different draw of eight opponents in the league phase."We're happy that we are top eight. That's the only thing that tells me something, because this league table doesn't tell you anything," said the Dutchman."So normally in tennis, if you're number 1, you know if you play against the number 24, he's probably not as good as the number 16."But here, because we play different teams, maybe the number 24 is better than the number 16, but the number 16 had an easier draw. "We also want to be on top of the league, but I'm not so sure. We have to wait and see if it's an advantage, let's put it that way."Slot took the chance to rotate with the Reds already all but assured of progress to the next round going into Tuesday's match.Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez, fresh from his match-winning contribution, came in from the side that beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday to open up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Lille arrived on Merseyside full of confidence with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid among the notable wins on their long unbeaten run.The visitors were far from overawed early on as they started impressively without ever seriously threatening Alisson Becker's goal. Liverpool had struggled to get going until one defence-splitting pass from Jones freed Salah to gallop clear and coolly slot in his 50th European goal for the club on 34 minutes.Jones had to be replaced at half-time in an injury concern for Slot, who also took the chance to rest Ryan Gravenberch for the second 45 minutes as Elliot and Alexis Mac Allister were introduced.Lille's task looked to be an impossible one when Aissa Mandi was sent off for a second bookable offence for chopping down Luis Diaz.Yet, within three minutes, Liverpool's club-record European run without conceding was brought to an end.David swept home the rebound after Hakon Arnar Haraldsson's effort had been blocked by Kostas Tsimikas.Liverpool had not conceded for one minute shy of 10 hours since Christian Pulisic struck for AC Milan inside the first three minutes of their opening Champions League game of the season.Yet, not for the first time this season, Liverpool's strength in depth made the difference with another winner from a substitute.There was an element of fortune about this one as Elliott's strike from the edge of the area took a huge deflection off Ngal'ayel Mukau to wrongfoot Lucas Chevalier.The Lille 'keeper denied Federico Chiesa a third in stoppage time, before Nunez was flagged offside as he swept in the rebound.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Liverpool FC and LOSC Lille at Anfield on January 21, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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Liverpool beat Lille to stay perfect in Champions League

Borussia Dortmund's woes continued on Tuesday after the troubled Bundesliga outfit fell to a 2-1 ...

Borussia Dortmund's woes continued on Tuesday after the troubled Bundesliga outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat at Bologna which dented their hopes of direct qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.Goals in a matter of seconds in the second half from substitutes Thijs Dallinga and Samuel Iling-Junior gave Bologna their first ever win in the modern version of Europe's elite club competition and handed Dortmund their fourth straight defeat in all competitions.Last season's finalists Dortmund, who opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Serhou Guirassy's classy chipped penalty, are 13th on 12 points, one point from the top eight with other teams set to complete the penultimate round of league phase matches on Wednesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tuesday's defeat piled more pressure on under-fire coach Nuri Sahin even though his players showed their support by joining him in a group hug after Guirassy netted his seventh goal in as many Champions league matches this season."I think we will sit down together tonight or tomorrow in Dortmund. Right now the game is too fresh," said Sahin.Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken refused to guarantee the coach's job after the game, telling Amazon Prime: "You will not get an off-the-cuff decision from me in Italy based on emotion.""We all want the best for Borussia Dortmund, we will discuss what is best for the club and what the solutions are so that we can get back on the road to success," Ricken added.Bologna are 27th on only five points but it would have been difficult to tell judging by the celebrations of the players, coach Vincenzo Italiano and 30,000 fans at a jumping Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.<h3>Bologna 'dream' realized</h3>The seven-time Italian champions won a preliminary round match against Anderlecht in the old European Cup in 1964, but were eliminated by the Belgians and didn't return to the top level of continental competition until this season."We're going out but for me today it's as if we'd won a quarter-final or semi-final, I'm just so pleased," said Italiano to Sky."There's so much joy for our first win in the Champions League, it's a dream come true for me."Bologna were furious with the spot-kick, for a soft foul on Waldemar Anton, with which Guirassy gave Dortmund the lead. The hosts were even angrier when referee Serdar Gozubuyuk refused to give them a penalty of their own for a similar shirt tug on Dan Ndoye just as the Swiss looked set to score from a Riccardo Orsolini cross.That incident, in the 19th minute, seemed to wake up a previously timid Bologna who then dominated, with Orsolini, twice, and Santiago Castro going close to netting their first Champions League goals.But Italy international Orsolini, who has scored eight times this season, left the field with his head in his shirt 10 minutes before the break after being forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury and replaced by Iling-Junior.Orsolini's departure didn't deflate Bologna however, with the Italians continuing to push for an equaliser which game in the 71st minute when, after being brilliantly sent through by Charalampos Lykogiannis, Jens Odgaard provided a perfect low cross for Dallinga to tap home.And seconds later Bologna were ahead through Iling-Junior, who pounced on the rebound after Dallinga was denied a second by Gregor Kobel and gave his team a historic win.

Dortmund's German defender #04 Nico Schlotterbeck (L) and Dortmund's German midfielder #23 Emre Can look dejected after being defeated in the UEFA Champions League football match between Bologna and Borussia Dortmund at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna on January 21, 2025.

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Troubled Dortmund's slump continues as Bologna rally for UCL win

Monaco ground out a 1-0 home win against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, denying ...

Monaco ground out a 1-0 home win against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, denying the Premier League side the chance to all but book their spot in the round of 16.Wilfried Singo's early header was the difference between the teams as Villa tasted defeat for the first time in six outings in all competitions.Monaco had only won two of their last 11 matches, including back-to-back defeats in the Champions League, but now have their eyes on securing progress to the knock-outs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The defeat dropped Villa from fifth to seventh provisionally. They can qualify automatically for the last-16 with a top-eight finish."We started the Champions League not being favourites to finish in the top eight, and we still aren't. Tonight we are disappointed," said Villa manager Unai Emery.Emery's side host 21st-placed Celtic in their final league phase match next week.Villa and Monaco are among nine teams on 13 points, ahead of the rest of this week's matches, a pack headed by Arsenal in fourth place in the table with Monaco in ninth Monaco conclude their league phase campaign with a visit to Italian champions Inter Milan -- also on 13 points ahead of a visit to Prague on Wednesday -- knowing nothing but a win will do to avoid a play-off spot."We have one match remaining which will be very difficult. We are going to go to Milan next week with a lot of ambition and to win," said Singo.Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's every touch was booed by the home support in the early stages -- the crowd had not forgotten his role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup final victory over France.To the delight of their fans, Monaco's opener came after the Argentinian parried Thilo Kehrer's header from a corner up into the air. Singo pounced to nod home from close range on eight minutes.Martinez showed his class with a sprawling dive to claw away Maghnes Akliouche's whipped effort shortly afterwards.<h3>'Important win'</h3>Villa came within inches of levelling in first-half added time following excellent build-up play by Emiliano Buendia, but Radoslaw Majecki got down quickly to deny Ollie Watkins.At the start of the second period, Morgan Rogers flashed a strike narrowly wide, before Akliouche had a strike disallowed for offside.Emery turned to Jhon Duran from the bench to give his side a spark, sending on the Colombian 11 minutes after the interval in place of winger Bailey.With Watkins and Duran on the pitch together, Villa boasted a striking duo with 22 goals between in all competitions this term.Rogers and Matty Cash combined to create Villa's next chance, the right-back dragging his effort across goal and wide on 69 minutes.Monaco looked the more likely to score in the final 20 minutes.Aleksandr Golovin rippled the side netting from a tight angle in the 88th minute.Duran then attempted a bicycle-kick in the crowded box in the 92nd minute, but his ambitious effort flew well over the bar as Monaco held firm."It was an important win," said Monaco coach Adi Hutter. "I give compliments and praise to my team for how they fought."

Monaco's players celebrate after winning the UEFA Champions League football match between AS Monaco and Aston Villa at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on January 21, 2025.

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Monaco down Aston Villa to boost hopes of UCL progression

England captain Jos Buttler said Tuesday he wants to build an "alliance" with new white-ball coac...

England captain Jos Buttler said Tuesday he wants to build an "alliance" with new white-ball coach Brendon McCullum, as they named their side for the first of five T20s in India.Ben Duckett will open alongside Phil Salt, who will also keep wicket for the match at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Wednesday. Harry Brook was named Buttler's deputy.England's first white-ball assignment under McCullum, who was previously in charge only of England's Test side, also includes three ODI matches.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The series will be followed by the eight-team ODI Champions Trophy starting February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.Buttler said he is looking "to build that coach-captain alliance" after McCullum forged a successful partnership with Test skipper Ben Stokes."It's not a new set-up as Baz (McCullum) has been around for a while," Buttler told reporters on the eve of the T20 opener."There's a lot of players in this squad that have been with him in the Test set-up for a number of years already," he added. "I'm just looking forward to building that relationship in the white-ball set-up."India captain Suryakumar Yadav said he already shares good chemistry with coach Gautam Gambhir, having played under the former batsman in the Indian Premier League."I know how he works -- without talking he can read your mind," said Yadav, who played at IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders with Gambhir as captain."The way his coaching style is, we are moving in the right direction."He said Gambhir "keeps it simple" and gives the players "freedom" to express themselves.England continued with Buttler as white-ball captain despite a disappointing ODI World Cup in India in 2023 when the defending champions won only three of their nine matches. Last year the 34-year-old Buttler struggled with a calf injury. He will be playing in India as a batsman only with Salt taking over the gloves starting with the T20s.Jofra Archer leads a pace-bowling unit that includes Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson.Buttler spoke up for players having their families with them on tours, after the family time of Indian players was restricted following their recent 3-1 Test defeat in Australia."I think it's great to be able to have families on the tour with you, to live that life out with your family as well," he said."I don't think it affects the cricket too much, I think it's something that is very manageable."England XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (capt), Harry Brook (vice-capt), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

England's captain Jos Buttler attends a practice session ahead of their first Twenty20 international cricket match against India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on January 21, 2025.

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Villarreal thumped Mallorca 4-0 on Monday to keep the pressure on the top four in La Liga.  Marce...

Villarreal thumped Mallorca 4-0 on Monday to keep the pressure on the top four in La Liga.Marcelino Garcia Toral's side, fifth, cut the gap on Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, third and fourth respectively, down to six points.The Yellow Submarine hit four goals in an extraordinary eight-minute spell in the first half to claim victory over the team one place beneath them.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Logan Costa opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a header from a corner, with Alex Baena netting the second four minutes later after a rapid counter-attack.Dani Parejo struck the third after 26 minutes and Yeremy Pino completed the scoring in the 28th minute with a volley.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - JANUARY 20: Daniel Parejo of Villarreal CF (centre) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the LaLiga match between Villarreal CF and RCD Mallorca at Estadio de la Ceramica on January 20, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain.

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Villarreal rout Mallorca to close in on La Liga top 4

Chelsea shrugged off a howler from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to beat relegation-threatened Wolves...

Chelsea shrugged off a howler from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to beat relegation-threatened Wolves 3-1 on Monday, ending a five-game winless run to climb back into the Premier League's top four.Enzo Maresca's team were just two points behind leaders Liverpool in mid-December, raising hopes of an unlikely title challenge before losing their way.Now they are back on track to qualify for next season's Champions League after second-half goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke spared the blushes of Sanchez.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The goalkeeper had dropped the ball moments before half-time, allowing Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adarabioyo's opener.Chelsea's top-scorer Cole Palmer, a doubt before the game, was fit to start as Maresca made five changes from last week's draw against Bournemouth including bringing in centre-back Trevoh Chalobah, recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.The home side dominated possession in the early stages and Palmer had a couple of early efforts, curling one wide and forcing Jose Sa into a diving save.The home side were rewarded for their dominance midway through the first half when Adarabioyo fired home for his first Premier League goal for the club.The defender controlled the ball well after it was deflected into his path following Reece James's shot from the edge of the box.A number of Chelsea players were in offside positions in a crowded penalty area and the flag was raised but the on-field decision was overturned after a VAR check.<h3>Sanchez blunder</h3>Wolves, anaemic in attack for most of the first half, came back into the game as half-time approached, scoring with their first shot on target thanks to Sanchez's error.The visitors won a corner and the goalkeeper inexplicably dropped the inswinging delivery from Matheus Cunha under intense pressure, with Doherty smashing home from close range.The home side started the second half brightly and were back in front on the hour mark when Cucurella finished in style, having played a part in launching the move.The ball reached Madueke in space on the right and he sent in a cross that was flicked on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Cucurella controlled on his chest and hooked home on the stretch.Five minutes later Chelsea had a two-goal cushion when Madueke scored his fourth goal of the season against Wolves, heading home Chalobah's goal-bound effort.Sanchez palmed a Cunha shot behind with 10 minutes to go but Chelsea were largely comfortable despite the occasional minor scare.Former Leicester boss Maresca, in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, stubbornly insisted his team were not in the title race even when they were flying high after five straight wins from late November.He was proved right when their momentum stalled starting with a 0-0 draw at Everton just before Christmas, at the start of a lean spell in which they took just three points from five games.Monday's defeat in London leaves Wolves in deep trouble, outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone.The Midlands club brought in Vitor Pereira to replace Gary O'Neil last month and the Portuguese took seven points from his first three matches.But they have now sunk to a third straight defeat.Wolves have easily outscored the teams around them at the bottom of the table but they have conceded 51 goals -- more than any other team in the Premier League.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Marc Cucurella of Chelsea celebrates scoring the second goal with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Stamford Bridge on January 20, 2025 in London, England.

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Manchester City on Monday announced the signing of Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from...

Manchester City on Monday announced the signing of Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from French club Lens for a reported fee of 40 million euros ($42 million) plus add-ons.Khusanov, the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad."This squad is full of the best players in the world and I can't wait to meet them and play alongside them," said the 20-year-old, who has 18 international caps.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more."City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick."Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving."Khusanov's deal keeps him at the Etihad until the end of the 2028-29 season.Premier League champions City are fourth in the table after a 6-0 win at Ipswich on Sunday.The signing gives Guardiola's team much-needed defensive reinforcement after an injury-hit season.

LENS, FRANCE - AUGUST 22: Abdukodir Khusanov of Lens looks on prior to the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying round match between Lens and Panathinaikos at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on August 22, 2024 in Lens, France.

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Man City sign Uzbekistan defender Khusanov from Lens for reported €40M

Inter Milan kept in touch with Napoli after seeing off struggling Empoli 3-1 on Sunday and going ...

Inter Milan kept in touch with Napoli after seeing off struggling Empoli 3-1 on Sunday and going three points behind the Serie A leaders.Goals in the second half from Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram ensured a hard-fought win for champions Inter at the San Siro.Napoli have become the team to beat thanks to their thrilling 3-2 win at Atalanta, who are seven points off the pace in third, on Saturday but Inter also have a game in hand.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However Inter have a packed schedule due to their Champions League commitments while Napoli have no European football after their disastrous title defence last season.As well as their final two league phase fixtures in the Champions League -- against Sparta Prague and Monaco in consecutive weeks -- Simone Inzaghi's team have the Milan derby and trips to Juventus, Napoli and Atalanta between now and mid-March.Captain Martinez's distance effort in the 55th minute took his league total to eight goals from 18 appearances, some way off the 24 he racked up on the way to guiding Inter to their 20th league title last term.The Argentina striker hadn't scored at home since early November before Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Bologna but his goal against Empoli was his second in as many matches at the San Siro.Dumfries' thumping header, from Kristjan Asllani's 79th-minute corner, was key as Inter were far from their best and once Inter loanee Sebastiano Esposito halved the deficit for 14th-placed Empoli in the 79th minute a wave of worry swept the stadium.Fans breathed a collective sign of relief 10 minutes later when Thuram swept in his 13th league goal of the campaign to seal the points and keep Inter's title defence rolling on.

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 19: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Empoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Inter beat Empoli to keep pressure on Serie A leaders Napoli

Lazio stayed in Serie A's Champions League places after thumping struggling Verona 3-0 on Sunday,...

Lazio stayed in Serie A's Champions League places after thumping struggling Verona 3-0 on Sunday, as Inter Milan host Empoli trying to stay in touch with league leaders Napoli.Marco Baroni's Lazio went ahead with just a minute on the clock through Samuel Gigot in Verona, and further strikes from Boulaye Dia and captain Mattia Zaccagni put them fourth, two points above Juventus who beat AC Milan on Saturday.Sunday's success ended a three-match winless streak for Lazio, which included derby defeat to rivals Roma, and left Verona in the relegation zone.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Verona slumped to their 14th defeat in 21 league fixtures in front of new chairman Italo Zanzi following the club's acquisition by American private equity firm Presidio Investors on Wednesday.The new owners have a job on their hands at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi as Verona are deep in the fight against the drop, sitting in 18th place and separated by goal difference from Como who are just outside the bottom three and host Udinese on Monday.Verona are in the drop zone due to Cagliari's 4-1 thumping of fellow strugglers Lecce which moved the Sardinian outfit up to 13th.Just two points separate Cagliari and Verona, with Lecce, Parma -- who drew 1-1 with second-from-bottom Venezia -- and Empoli all on 20 points.Verona, who finished the match with 10 men following Ondrej Duda's late sending off, make the short trip to regional rivals Venezia next week.Empoli are expected to get nothing from Sunday's late fixture at the San Siro where second-placed Inter hope to halve the six-point gap between the champions and Napoli.Antonio Conte's Napoli have become the team to beat thanks to Saturday's thrilling 3-2 win at Atalanta but Inter also have a game in hand.However Inter have a packed schedule due to their Champions League commitments while Napoli have no European football after their disastrous title defence last season.

Samuel Gigot of S.S. Lazio celebrates after scoring the goal to make it 0-1 during the 21st day of the Serie A Championship between S.S. Lazio and Hellas Verona F.C. at the Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona, Italy, on January 19, 2025.

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Lazio retain top-4 spot with win over Verona

Nottingham Forest maintained an unlikely title challenge with Sunday's 3-2 victory over Southampt...

Nottingham Forest maintained an unlikely title challenge with Sunday's 3-2 victory over Southampton to take Nuno Espirito Santo's men level with second-placed Arsenal and within six points of Liverpool.Forest were rampant in the first 45 minutes to consolidate their lead in the race for a place in the Champions League next season.Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood netted before the break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Southampton salvaged some pride in the second period through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu but they remain on course for an immediate return to the Championship, 10 points adrift of safety.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood (left) celebrates scoring his side's third goal with team mate Jota Silva during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Southampton FC at City Ground on January 19, 2025 in Nottingham, England.

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Forest maintain EPL title dream after rampant 1st half vs. Southampton

Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City are back to their best after Phil Foden starred in a 6-0 ro...

Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City are back to their best after Phil Foden starred in a 6-0 rout of struggling Ipswich on Sunday.Foden netted either side of Mateo Kovacic's eye-catching goal as City blew Ipswich away with three first-half goals at Portman Road.Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee scored after the interval to give fourth-placed City their biggest league win this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guardiola's side have won three of their last four league games as they begin the long climb back to respectability after a dismal start to the season."We are really pleased, we are back in many things that have defined this team in the last decade, the last years," Guardiola said."Really pleased for the players, they deserved it a lot. We recovered some identities that we lost in this path."Really pleased for the three points and to climb a little bit because qualification for the Champions League next season will be really tough."Sterner tests lie in wait for City, including a vital Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and looming Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Arsenal.But this was the kind of confident display City used to make look routine during their march to four successive English titles.Winning is almost certain to prove beyond them as they trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points.Guardiola will settle for restoring City's pride this term as he rebuilds a team that suddenly grew old and inconsistent before his eyes."The most important thing is that the players, they saw themselves recognise what we are, so that is the best thing I can say," he said.Haaland, who has scored 112 goals in just 127 appearances for City, this week committed himself to the club until 2034 when he signed a new nine-and-a-half year deal.But Kyle Walker was again absent from the City side amid reports that AC Milan are ready to bid for the unsettled England right-back.In City's first visit to Portman Road for 23 years, the champions emphasised how powerful they can still be at peak form.<h3>Ruthless City</h3>Haaland scored a hat-trick when City beat Ipswich 4-1 in August and he threatened to net in the opening moments in Suffolk.Kovacic's pass split the Ipswich defence and sent Haaland clean through on goal, but the Norway striker's shot was pushed away by Christian Walton.Omari Hutchinson almost put Ipswich ahead against the run of play with a stinging strike from just inside the area that hit Haaland and flashed just over.But City's pressure was rewarded in the 27th minute when Doku and Kevin De Bruyne combined to set up Foden for a clinical close-range finish.Foden turned provider as ruthless City doubled their lead three minutes later.Kovacic strode onto Foden's pass on the edge of the area and smashed a superb low strike past the flat-footed Walton for his first goal since October.Guardiola's men were rampant and they struck again three minutes before half-time.Set free by Doku, De Bruyne raced into the area and cut the ball back for Foden, whose shot from five yards evaded Walton's weak attempted save.The England forward's fifth goal in his last four games maintained his recent improvement.City have scored 25 first-half goals in 22 games, more than any other team in the Premier League this season.Ipswich were powerless to stem the tide. Doku danced through their defence to score City's fourth with a low shot that hit Dara O'Shea on its way past Walton in the 49th minute.City showed no mercy and Haaland joined the party in the 57th minute.Jack Clarke conceded possession and Doku teed up Haaland to drill past Walton for his 22nd goal in all competitions this season.McAtee came off the bench to bag City's sixth in the 69th minute, the 22-year-old looping a header over Walton from Kovacic's cross.

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Phil Foden of Manchester City scores his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Manchester City FC at Portman Road on January 19, 2025 in Ipswich, England.

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Foden stars as Man City thump Ipswich 6-0

Ruben Amorim made the astonishing admission that his Manchester United flops are the worst team i...

Ruben Amorim made the astonishing admission that his Manchester United flops are the worst team in the club's history after Sunday's dismal 3-1 defeat against Brighton.United crumbled to a sixth loss in 11 Premier League games since Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag."We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United," Amorim said after his side's wretched display at Old Trafford.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines."Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me. We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that," he added.Amorim's side are languishing in 13th place and although they are 10 points above the relegation zone, they are far from certain to avoid being dragged into the survival struggle on the evidence of Sunday's display.Yankuba Minteh set the tone for United's moribund performance with an early opener for Brighton.Bruno Fernandes equalised with a penalty before half-time, but second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter left United in turmoil.United have suffered six home league defeats this season, their most from their opening 12 matches of a season since 1893-94.They have also lost 10 of their 22 league games this season, the earliest into a top-flight campaign that they have hit double figures for defeats since 1989-90.While United have not been dragged completely into the fight for survival just yet, Amorim must find a way to get results to avoid the pressure on him becoming intolerable.The 39-year-old arrived at United in November, hailed as one of Europe's brightest young coaches.But his preferred 3-4-3 formation is not suited to the players in United's squad.Yet, while he admitted he is only thinking of avoiding relegation now, the Portuguese coach refuses to change his philosophy."I am not going to change, no matter what. I know we can succeed but we need to survive this moment. I am not naive. We need to survive now," Amorim said.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Manchester United's Manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Old Trafford on January 19, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Amorim: 'We are the worst team' in history of Man United

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