Tag Archives: Manchester City

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Chelsea rue missed chances as Manchester City progress to FA Cup final

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Bernardo Silva scored a late goal to send Manchester City into the FA Cup final as Chelsea exited the competition.

City were coming off the back of a bitter Uefa Champions League last eight loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola‘s men needed an instant response and it was pure delightfulness for the Manchester club at the final whistle.

Bernardo Silva scored the winner as Manchester City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. (Image: ESPN Africa)

Silva, who lost his spot-kick in the shootout loss to Madrid, redeemed himself with the important goal at Wembley.

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With six minutes to go, the diminutive midfielder struck a deflected left-footed shot into the net from Kevin de Bruyne’s cross.

Meanwhile, Chelsea were made to pay for their missed chances during the game. Most of the notable opportunities the Blues had were regrettably missed by Nicolas Jackson.

Nicolas Jackson missed multiple chances to give Chelsea the lead versus Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. (Image: We Ain’t Got No History)

Chelsea’s Wembley nightmare

Chelsea had lost at the Wembley earlier this season as it was another heartbreak for the club on Saturday. Mauricio Pochettino’s team suffered defeat against Liverpool in February’s Carabao Cup final at the venue.

Two years ago, Chelsea lost both the Carabao and FA Cup finals to Liverpool with the Wembley hosting both matches.

There was a moment of controversy when Chelsea felt they were robbed of a supposed penalty in the second half. Cole Palmer’s free-kick had hit the hand of fellow Englishman Jack Grealish. However, the video assistant referee ruled there was no case of a handball.

Can Manchester City win the Premier League and FA Cup double?

City are still in the running for a Premier League and FA Cup double. They now face either Championship side Coventry City or Manchester United in the final.

Manchester City players celebrate Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea (Image: A News)

With victory against Chelsea, Manchester City remain unbeaten in their last 29 matches in all competitions. It is the longest ever such run in the club’s history (W23 D6).

On Saturday, City looked a really tired side and it told from how they approached the game with their passes, crosses, shots and ball movement, especially in the first half where they could not even muster a shot on target.

City are the current holders and have won many trophies in the years under Guardiola’s leadership. Their never-say-die attitude associated with champions paid off at the end.

The other FA Cup semi-final clash between Coventry City and Manchester United on Sunday will kick-off at 3:30pm WAT/GMT+1.

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FA Cup replays to be abolished from first round and beyond in 2024-25

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

FA Cup replays will be erased from the first round onwards in the 2024-25 competition, NRTC can confirm.

Additionally, all rounds of the FA Cup will be played on weekends. This includes the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.

The Football Association (FA) and Premier League say the changes will “strengthen” the FA Cup format. One of the changes is the abolishment of FA Cup replays. (Image: Evening Standard)

These changes take effect as part of a new six-year agreement between the Premier League and the Football Association (FA).

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FA Cup replays and other changes

Currently, the FA Cup has no replays from the fifth round onwards. However, the FA says there was a proposal to scrap them from an earlier stage.

Manchester City are the holders of the English FA Cup. They beat Manchester United 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup final (Image: Sky News)

It says a decision has now been reached concerning that “in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions”.

Meanwhile, the Premier League has also removed its mid-season break from the calendar.

Games will commence in mid-August following a successive three-week summer break. This is in place of a shorter spell of rest in the winter, with the conclusion coming reached via “expert advice from medical and technical departments”.

Leicester beat Chelsea 2-1 in the 2020/21 FA Cup final (Image: France 24)

In its current format, the FA Cup has no replays from the fifth round onwards, but the FA says the move to eliminate them from an earlier stage has been made “in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded Uefa competitions”.

Qualifying rounds to have replays, as usual

Also, the qualifying rounds – where teams from the fifth to the 10th tiers of English football compete for 32 spots in the first round – will still have replays.

The FA Cup first round, which is now without replays, sees professional teams from League One and League Two enter. Championship and Premier League clubs join the competition from the third round.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrate with the FA Cup title (Sky Sports)

For the first time, the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals will be played without clashing with any Premier League fixtures.

The fourth round of the FA Cup will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday.

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Kevin De Bruyne hits century of goals for Manchester City

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Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has now hit a century of goals for Manchester City FC. Fancied by many as the usual creator-in-chief, De Bruyne has also found a number of important goals to himself over the years for both Belgium and City. 

The Belgian midfielder found a brace against mid-table Crystal Palace unleashing a thunderbolt with either foot across the game to set him on course.

Manchester City’s midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne (Photo Manchester City)

De Bruyne who hit a century of premier league assists just under a year ago (8th April, 2023) has added another milestone to his laurels since joining City.

ALSO READ: Search for Klopp’s successor: Amorim or De Zerbi to bring the magic to Liverpool?

The Belgian made the switch to Manchester from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015 having just been named the Bundesliga player of the year.

His eight and a half-seasons has followed 15 trophies inclusive of the Premier League, UEFA champions league, FA cup, Carabao Cup, Club world cup as well as the UEFA super cup.

Kevin De Bruyne celebrating his well taken goal against Crystal Palace (Photo Manchester City)

In terms of individual awards, he’s one the premier league player of the season on multiple occasions and has also made the premier league team of the year in similar fashion.

He made his club debut on the 12th of September, 2015 against Crystal Palace and found his first club goal just 7 days later in a 2-1 loss to West Ham United.

In terms of prolificacy, 2020/2021 was his best season in terms of goal scoring when he racked up a total of 19 goals across all competitions with 15 of them coming in the premier league.

While De Bruyne’s time in England has been hampered by injuries here and there, it’s no doubt he’s already been established as a Manchester City legend and even more one for the premier league at large.

Kevin De Bruyne currently sits third for the all time premier league assists with (108) only behind Cesc Fabregas (111) and evergreen Welsh legend Ryan Giggs with 162. 

Over the years, a common feature of premier league title races has been Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury coinciding with Manchester City’s up turn in form. 

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The stage is set for the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals

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The 2023/2024 champions league has entered its next knockout phase with eight teams fighting it out for a place in the final. This stage will feature a double-legged tie after which the four qualifying teams progress to the semi-finals.

(Photo Champions League)

The draws held on Friday afternoon already sees interesting matchups and here’s a rundown of the ensuing fixtures.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continue their fine campaign with a showing in the tournament’s last eight. The Bavarians, having a quite shaky season, needed a return leg comeback against SS Lazio to progress to this stage having lost the initial encounter 1-0.

Photo Champions League

Arsenal also needed a Leandro Trossard goal to cancel out Galeno’s astonishing strike in the first leg. After 120 minutes of football, David Raya proved hero in the shootout, palming two penalties to earn the club a quarter-final berth.

Thomas Tuchel will expectedly depart the club side this summer following their abysmal campaign. Currently the club trail Xabi Alonso’s in-form Bayer 04 Leverkusen by 10 points in domestic inclinations having also crashed out of the DFB Pokal.

Arsenal on the other hand are still engrossed in a title race with Manchester City and Liverpool in the English league.

The last knockout meeting between these sides ended in a 10-2 aggregate victory for Bayern Munich. Should Mikel Arteta’s side find a way past them in this round, it will be their first semi-final appearance in the competition since 2006 under Arsene Wenger.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez is another manager expected to complete his tenure come the end of the incumbent season.

Barcelona’s fall from grace in the competition gradually came to light in the season’s following the illustrious 6-1 comeback against the Paris based outfit.

Since then much has transpired between both clubs with the likes of Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele featuring for the sides.

Paris Saint-Germain come into this tie under the tutelage of former Barcelona manager and 2015 tournament winner Luis Enrique who’s much keen on delivering the club its first UCL trophy.

Kylian Mbappè has announced he’ll not be renewing his contract at the club side, with his pending departure, the fairytale end to his time in Paris would be an accompanying European trophy.

Barcelona’s return leg victory saw the club progress at the expense of Francesco Calzona’s new look side while Paris Saint-Germain sent another Spanish side packing in Real Sociedad S.A.D in the earlier stage.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

The most decorated team in the tourney’s history — Real Madrid FC will take on defending champions Manchester City in the competition’s next phase.

(Photo Champions League)

Rodri’s second half goal was more than enough to pip Simeon Inzaghi’s Inter Milan to the trophy in 2022/2023. Whilst City look to defend their title, this tough draw duly quels the theory— the club only phases lesser opposition in the tournament. It doesn’t come harder than the Los Blancos in the UEFA champions league.

Real Madrid bolstered by the arrival of golden boy Jude Bellingham over the summer have all the necessary sauce and experience needed to take on this stage.

The Spanish outfit required Andriy Lunin’s inspiring performances over both legs to thwart RB Leipzig and reach this stage. The tactical battle between Josep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti will expectedly take center stage at this stage.

Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

For sure, the underdogs match up has the third Spanish team in this round take on Borussia Dortmund.

Photo Champions League

BVB just acquired the services of Jadon Sancho on loan in the winter market and it’s his return leg goal against PSV Eindhoven which set them up for qualification.

Atletico Madrid’s Memphis Depay converted a late strike in addition to Antoine Griezmann’s earlier strike to get them on to a 2-2 aggregate score.

Jan Oblak complimented with a shootout masterclass to leave Diego Simeone in a teary post-match mood having initially lost the first leg to Inzaghi’s Inter Milan.

Atletico Madrid will aim to go for glory as their renowned nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo will not be a part of this edition most definitely.

Borussia Dortmund on the other hand will be looking to see how far they can ride their luck this time out.

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Uefa Champions League: Arsenal reaches last eight for the first time in 14 yrs, defending champions Man City, Bayern in the quarter-finals

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Arsenal on Tuesday, March 12 qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2023/24 Uefa Champions League tournament after defeating Portuguese team, FC Porto 4-2 on penalties.

Arsenal’s presence in the final eight of the tournament is coming for the first time since 2010.

Five times champions league winners, FC Barcelona defeated Italian side, Napoli 3-1 at the Camp Nou to amass a 4-2 aggregate score to progress to the next phase of the competition.

The final Eight Teams (Photo Credit: NRTC Library)

On Wednesday night, Jan Oblak was the hero for 2014 and 2016 finalist, Spanish side, Atletico Madrid as they defeated 2022/23 finalist, Inter Milan 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate score.

Jan Oblak was the hero for Atletico Madrid against Inter Milan (photo Credit: Liverscore.com)

Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus’ goals were enough to help Dortmund outclass PSV Eindhoven 2-0, recording a 3-1 aggregate win.

Jadon Sancho scored the opening goal for Dortmund (Photo Credit: Liverscore.com)

A week earlier, defending champions, Manchester City defeated Coppenhagen 6-2 on aggregate after claiming a 3-1 win via both legs.

Title record holders, Real Madrid defeated German’s RB Leipzig 2-1 on aggregate over two-legs.

Bayern Munich meanwhile defeated Italian side, Lazio 3-0 at the home after losing 1-0 in the first leg. They progressed after a 3-1 aggregate score.

Kylian Mbappe was the hero for French outfit, Paris St. German as they defeated Spanish club, Real Sociedad 2-1 to garner a 4-1 aggregate win.

The teams in the quarter final would know their opponents in a couple of days.

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The three horse race: Who will win the English Premier League title?

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

A lone point is all that separates the top three of the English premier league as it stands. The 2023/2024 season is currently going through one of the most remarkable title races in the competition’s history.

An Arsenal side yet to gaze this trophy since the invincibles campaign, the Merseyside reds seeking to give a befitting farewell gift to gaffer Jurgen Klopp and of course defending champions Manchester City.

Sunday evening’s draw between Liverpool and Manchester City was all Mikel Arteta’s side required to return to the league’s foremost spot.

Alexis Mac Allister grabbing the game equalizer against Manchester City at Anfield (Photo: Liverpool FC)

While Jurgen Klopp and Josep Guardiola have been engulfed in title races for the better part of half of the last decade, the onset of Arteta’s rejuvenated Arsenal adds extra spice on this occasion.

Last season, the North-London side’s ask for a league trophy despite a surreal campaign was cut short by the Cityzens.

Despite spending 248 days at the top of the Premier League table in the 2022/23 season – remarkably going clear by eight points as at late January, the club somehow lost the title before the season’s final matchday.

Klopp is not left hanging by the Spanish gaffer’s battle axe missing out on the much coveted prize via a single point on multi occasions in 2018/2019 as well as 2021/2022 as the club raged on to attain an impossible quadruple.

The inexperienced one

Arsenal’s fall from grace last summer looked more an issue of seeming inexperience rather than quality or cohesion.

The club totally went off-track with William Saliba’s injury in the title run-in. Dropping important points both on the road and at the Emirates to their own detriment.

Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Gabriel Malghalaes in Arsenal training (Photo: Arsenal)

The manager who has taken the trophy as a member of the backroom staff since his time at City brought in familiar faces Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to help transcend a first one in full managerial honours in the summer of 2022.

ALSO READ: Ranking Manchester United’s summer transfer signings

Over the last, squad leader Granit Xhaka ‘s departure coincided with the arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya properly bolstering the squad.

The onset of some tricky teams come the club’s last 10 fixtures will set another antic as to whether Mikel Arteta’s CV can stand the test of time.

The motivated one

Liverpool FC arguably have the most to play for amongst all three teams. The longest serving PL manager and club gaffer Jurgen Klopp has announced he’ll finally make his exit from the club this summer.

Having already secured the carabao title against Chelsea in February and still actively enroute in the FA cup and UEFA Europa league, the reds are more than inspired to send the manager off on a flying start.

Liverpool head coach, Jurgen Klopp (Photo: Liverpool FC)

The recent tie to Manchester City paints a picture as to why the German is much revered — Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah who were plying their trade in the third level of English football just last season were trusted with starts in an all important title deciding game against the Cityzens.

Even without seven first team players, Liverpool handed Manchester City the performance of their life. For spells, they looked to have them by the scruff of the neck and bar some wasteful finishing, the club might have taken all three points.

That’s why to many, it’s the personality of the manager and the trust he instills in his players that’s had the biggest effect on his gameplay ahead of tactics.

All the more reason these players will look to give the perfect departing gift to Jurgen and Urla Klopp.

The serial title winner

If not famous for anything else hypothetically speaking, you definitely cannot brush off the Manchester City upsurge after the winter window.

Manchester City gaffer, Pep Guardiola and star forward Erling Haaland (Photo: Manchester City)

Particularly when Kevin de Bruyne returns from injury in a title run-in, City leave nothing in their wake as they go all out. The most experienced and of course victorious of the three sides in the title race will look to pull yet another one out of the playbook.

Howbeit, seeming a little bit difficult from the usual — two teams are sandwiched in this quest with Arteta’s team full on form since the turn of the year and Klopp’s outfit properly motivated despite their injury crisis.

With all three teams having interesting fixtures in their final contingent, Guardiola would miss the services of sweeper goalkeeper Ederson Moraes who went off injured against Liverpool.

Ortega Moreno might not be able to provide width as an extra centerback like his colleague, but definitely can come up with the really important saves to keep them in the title challenge.

All to play for the three teams and it’s left to see which can show enough substance to run out champions come the season’s conclusion.

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FA Cup: Haaland hits five, De Bruyne with four assists in Manchester City’s drubbing of Luton

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Erling Haaland was at his scintillating best as he scored five times while Kevin De Bruyne assisted four in Manchester City’s 6-2 mauling of Luton Town.

Haaland has now notched 27 goals in 29 matches across all competitions this season. And just when City are chasing another Treble, De Bruyne returns to fitness at just the right time. Interestingly, the Belgian has recorded 11 assists in the 12 games he has played this campaign.

Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland displayed superlative performances in Manchester City’s 6-2 thrashing of Luton Town in the FA Cup (Image: @ManCity on X)

De Bruyne assisted Haaland four times, showcasing their telepathic understanding, a connection that eventually whitewashed Luton.

ALSO READ: The best goalkeepers in modern African football

Bernardo Silva supplied the other assist for the Norwegian before Mateo Kovacic scored a 25-yard screamer to complete the victory.

Luton tried to make a comeback, scoring twice after being doen 3-0. Jordan Clark scored the two goals from a couple of brilliant assists by Ross Barkley.

Sadly, Jack Grealish has returned to the treatment table after he limped off just 39 minutes into the game.

ALSO READ: Prolific Lautaro Martinez scores 100th and 101st league goals, eyes Serie A record

City are now into the FA Cup sixth round, have one leg in the Champions League quarter finals and are among the favourites to win the Premier League this term.

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Champions League draw: Arsenal, Manchester City, PSG, Real Madrid to find out who they will face in the round of 16

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Follow live coverage of today’s Champions League round of 16 draw as we discover which teams will face each other in the round of 16 on Monday, December 18 at 12pm Nigerian time when the draw takes place in Nyon, Switzerland.

NRTC Sports highlights below each team’s possible opponents bearing in mind that teams cannot be drawn against clubs from their same group or from the same national association.

Group Winners and Who They Can Play

Arsenal (ENG)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Inter (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Leipzig (GER), Napoli (ITA), Paris (FRA), Porto (POR)

Atlético de Madrid (ESP)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Inter (ITA), Leipzig (GER), Napoli (ITA), Paris (FRA), Porto (POR), PSV (NED)

Barcelona (ESP)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Inter (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Leipzig (GER), Napoli (ITA), Paris (FRA), PSV (NED)

Bayern (GER)

Can play: Inter (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Napoli (ITA), Paris (FRA), Porto (POR), PSV (NED)

Dortmund (GER)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Inter (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Napoli (ITA), Porto (POR), PSV (NED)

Manchester City (ENG)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Inter (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Napoli (ITA), Paris (FRA), Porto (POR), PSV (NED)

Real Madrid (ESP)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Inter (ITA), Lazio (ITA), Leipzig (GER), Paris (FRA), Porto (POR), PSV (NED)

Real Sociedad (ESP)

Can play: Copenhagen (DEN), Lazio (ITA), Leipzig (GER), Napoli (ITA), Paris (FRA), Porto (POR), PSV (NED)

Related Stories

Group Runners Up and Who They Can Play

Copenhagen (DEN)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Dortmund (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Real Sociedad (ESP)

Inter (ITA)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Bayern (GER), Dortmund (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP)

Lazio (ITA)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Barcelona (ESP), Bayern (GER), Dortmund (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Real Sociedad (ESP)

Leipzig (GER)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Real Madrid (ESP), Real Sociedad (ESP)

Napoli (ITA)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Bayern (GER), Dortmund (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Sociedad (ESP)

PSG (FRA)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Bayern (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Real Sociedad (ESP)

Porto (POR)

Can play: Arsenal (ENG), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Bayern (GER), Dortmund (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Real Sociedad (ESP)

PSV (NED)

Can play: Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Bayern (GER), Dortmund (GER), Man City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Real Sociedad (ESP)

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Manchester City secure maximum points as Newcastle crash out of UEFA Champions League

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Premier League champions, Manchester City defeated Red Star Belgrade 3-2 to secure maximum points as they progress from the group stages of the ongoing 2023/24 UEFA Champions League competition.

The reigning UEFA champions league leaders will be looking to win the competition for the second time following their impressive run in the group stages.

Manchester City came into the final group game against Serbian side, Red Star Belgrade as the winners of Group G despite having a game to spare. Pep Guardiola, the coach of the English Premier League outfit came into the game with a new look squad that had nine changes from their previous class against Young Boys.

Erling Halaand of Manchester City (Photo Credit: X)

ALSO READ: Richarlison bags double for Tottenham as they defeat Newcastle 4-1; Man City return to winning ways as Chelsea suffer another defeat against Everton

Notable stars such as Erling Halaand and Rodri were both missing from the Manchester City line-up.

Micah Hamilton, a 20-year-old City midfielder scored the opening goal in the 19th minute; City’s second goal emerged from another debutant, Oscar Bobb in the second half.

Kalvin Philips of Manchester City (Photo Credit: X)

ALSO READ: Euro 2024 draw: Defending champions, Italy to face Spain, Croatia as host, Germany duel Scotland in opening match

In-beom Hwang got one goal back for Red Star Belgrade before English midfielder, Kalvin Philip restored City’s two-lead from the penalty spot.

In the concluding minutes of the game, Red Star’s substitute, Aleksandar Katai a consolation goal.

Manchester City qualified from the group with 18 points, while Red Star Belgrade finished at the bottom of the group. In another Group G match, German side, RB Leipzig progressed after defeating Young Boys 2-1 to solidify their runner’s up position.

Elsewhere, English Premier League outfit, Newcastle United were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing 2-1 at home to seven times winners, AC Milan.

Karim Adeyemi celebrates as Dortmund emerge Group F winners

Borussia Dortmund and 2020 UEFA Champions League finalist, Paris St. Germain progressed from Group F as Newcastle and AC Milan crash out.

In Group E, Spanish outfit, Atletico Madrid finished as the winners as Italian club, Lazio finished in second place.

As for five times winners of the competition, FC Barcelona, they finished as the winners of Group H despite losing their match against Belgian side, Royal Antwerp.

At 40 years and 290 days old, Pepe is the oldest player to score in the Champions League.

FC Barcelona finished on 12 points with the resilient Portuguese side, FC Porto who emerged victorious in a must-win contest against Ukrainian side, Shakhtar Donetsk which ended 5-3.

See how the Group stages rounded up:

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Champions League: Manchester City display superb comeback to beat RB Leipzig

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Defending champions Manchester City came from two goals down to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 and seal top spot in Champions League Group G.

The result on Tuesday means Pep Guardiola’s side maintain their One hundred per cent record in the tournament this season.

Manchester City produced a scintillating second-half performance to claim maximum points against Leipzig despite trailing by two goals at halftime. (Image: #10ve on Twitter)

City were shocked when, at halftime, they were trailing by two goals but came back with a spirited performance to overturn the deficit and eventually claim victory.

ALSO READ: Garnacho scores stunning goal as Manchester United outclass Everton (Photo/VIDEO)

Phil Foden, who scored a goal and assisted twice, confessed it was the worst first-half City performance he had seen.

Lois Openda drew the first blood in the 13th minute of the encounter. The Belgian striker pounced on a defensive ‘disaster-class’ to open scoring.

Erling Haaland scored first for City against RB Leipzig – his 40th Champions League goal (Image: @ihkwallpapers)

The 23-year-old once again capitalised on a defensive blunder to double the away side’s advantage in the 33rd minute.

City with a majestic second half display

Erling Haaland finally pulled one back for City in the 54th minute when he latched onto a pass from Foden. The Norwegian then struck struck a low left-foot shot into the back of the net.

With the goal, Haaland becomes the fastest player to reach 40 Champions League goals. Earlier on Saturday, the 23-year-old became the quickest to score 50 Premier League goals.

Phil Foden contributed directly to all three goals Manchester City scored against RB Leipzig in the Champions League. (Image: @ihkwallpapers)

City then equalised when Foden scored a goal of his own in the 70th minute. Substitute Julian Alvarez then grabbed the match winner with a close-range strike.

ALSO READ: Harry Kane expresses admiration for singer Burna Boy’s music

Guardiola would be happy his team avoided a loss at home. The last time City lost a UCL game at the Etihad was in 2018 – a group stage loss to Lyon.