The Champions League has finally returned and now it’s time for the Round of 16. Our first two games of the round saw Manchester United host Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford and FC Porto visit Roma.
Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain
0-2
After a strong start Manchester United fell apart. They must mount a miraculous recovery effort in Paris to keep their Champions League hopes alive after they were overpowered by PSG, handing interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær his first defeat.
Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe scored in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory for the French Champions.
United’s hopes were hampered early on with first-half injuries to Jesse Lingard (their best player in the opening period) and Anthony Martial.
Former Red Devil Angel Di Maria was their tormentor, the boos from the home fans only spurred him on more. His 53rd minute corner allowed Kimpembe, who was arguably fortunate to still be on the pitch, to escape Nemanja Matic‘s attention and side foot David De Gea. He also assisted Mbappe‘s goal.
If the evening wasn’t already bad enough for the hosts, it was made worse when Paul Pogba was sent off for a harsh second yellow in the final minute of regulation, he will miss the second leg in Paris on March. 6.
Up Next:
FA Cup
Chelsea v Man United – Monday, February 18th (2:30pm)
Premier League
Man United v Liverpool – Sunday, February 24th (9:05am)
Ligue 1
Saint-Etienne v PSG – Sunday, February 17th (3pm)
Champions League
PSG v Man United – Wednesday, March 6th (3pm)
AS Roma v FC Porto
2-1
Nicolo Zaniolo‘s two goals gave Roma the edge over Porto.
The teenager, one of Roma’s bright sparks in an otherwise dull season, controlled Edin Dzeko‘s pass before drilling a low effort past Iker Casillas. His second coming on the rebound from six yards out after Dzeko‘s shot hit the post
Porto got the all important away goal when Adrian Lopez scored after Tiquinho Soares‘s mis-hit landed in his path.
The hosts, who are sixth in Serie A, had the better opportunities, with Dzeko seeing his shot tipped onto the post by Casillas.
It was Porto’s first defeat (excluding penalty shootouts) in 27 games. They’ve won their last five Champions League games, coming through the group stages unbeaten.
The two will meet again in Portugal on Wednesday, March 6th for the second leg.
Up Next:
Serie A
Roma v Bologna – Monday, February 18th (2:30pm)
Primeira Liga
FC Porto v Vitória Setúbal – Saturday, February 16th (3:30pm)
Champions League
FC Porto v Roma – Wednesday, March 6th (3pm)
ALL TIMES U.S. EASTERN
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