Champions, Real Madrid put their domestic struggles behind them to record a morale boosting 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at the Bernabeu.
Real’s win came after two late goals from Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo, who initially cancelled out Adrien Rabiot’s opener for PSG.
Ronaldo made more CL history, scoring a brace as Los Blancos left it late to overcome their visitors from France.
The 33-year-old became the first player to score 100goals for a club in CL history, after scoring his 100th and 101st goals for Real in the competition.
PSG started the brightest and deservedly took the lead via Rabiot, before Ronaldo equalised from the spot for Real, after Toni Kroos was fouled in the box by youngster, Giovani Lo Celso.
After the break, PSG continued to be the better side, but Real showed why they are back-to-back winners when they scored two goals with seven minutes left to play to head into the second leg in Paris with a commanding lead.
Sadio Mane’s hattrick sees five-star Reds ease past Porto
English representatives at this year’s competition continue to impress after five-time winners, Liverpool went, saw and conquered Portuguese champions, Porto, 5-0 at the Estádio do Dragão.
Senegal international, Sadio Mane scored his first hattrick as Liverpool enjoyed complete dominance in a very one-sided affair that all but confirms a place in the quarterfinals for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Top scorer, Mohamed Salah and Brazilian forward, Roberto Firmino were the other scorers for Liverpool, who are now the competition’s top scoring side this season with 28goals.
Liverpool were brilliant on the counter, industrious, and above all, very clinical and deservedly return to England certain they have secured ticket to the next round.
Full Results
Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Porto 0-5 Liverpool
