CHELSEA will be playing in the last 16 of the sparks Champions League, but the final match in their group came at a cost.
The Blues were already through top of the group going into the last game of the season but Graham Potter opted for a strong starting XI.
This included goal scorers Raheem Sterling and Denis Zakaria, who was handed his debut.
Ben Chilwell also featured but was taken off late on with a hamstring issue, throwing his World Cup into doubt just weeks ahead of the tournament.
Liverpool signed off from their Champions League group stage campaign with a home win over table toppers Napoli, but were unable to usurp the Serie A outfit from the summit.
As a result, the Reds qualify for the the knockout section as the second-placed team in Group A.
With Jurgen Klopp’s team unable to face another English side in the Round of 16 – nor Napoli – there are only four possible options for the Anfield club.
They include Portuguese sparks pair Porto and Benfica, reigning holders Real Madrid – who beat Liverpool in last year’s final – and Sadio Mane’s Bayern Munich.
- Porto
- Benfica
- Real Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- David de Gea is not interested in talking to other clubs as he waits for a new contract to be tabled by Manchester United.
- The Spanish goalkeeper’s current deal comes to an end in the summer, but the club do hold the option of triggering a 12-month extension.
- There are concerns within Old Trafford that De Gea’s reported £375,000-per-week wages are taking up too much of the club’s budget.
- However, De Gea is desperate to stay with the Red Devils even if it means taking a pay cut.
Pep Guardiola paid tribute to teenage sensation Rico Lewis after the full-back set a new Champions League record.
At 17 years, 346 days, the Manchester City youngster became the youngest player to score on his Champions League debut as his side came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1.
Rico’s goal beat the previous record by six days, set 17 years ago by a fresh-faced Karim Benzema.
Afterwards, Guardiola revealed that Lewis had earned his opportunity.
“We don’t give presents here, you have to earn it. We have seen him since day one in pre-season and I said ‘this guy has something special’.
“He’s so clever, so intelligent. If you say something, he understands everything. I’m so happy.”
To read daily news, click here.
