Sep 25: Goncalo Ramos scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain destroyed Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday. The defending champions won 4-0, although Kylian Mbappe left the game with an injury in the first half.
Mbappe appeared to hurt his ankle in winning the free-kick which saw Achraf
Sep 20: Kylian Mbappe provided the breakthrough for Paris St-Germain as they opened their Champions League campaign with victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Mbappe scored from the penalty spot on 49 minutes after his shot was handled by Nicklas Sule.
PARIS, May 1: Paris Saint-Germain's lead in the French Ligue 1 was reduced to five points on Sunday after a humiliating 3-1 home defeat to Lorient, while second-placed Marseille rallied to beat Auxerre 2-1 in a later match.
The French defending champions had to play with one
DOHA, Dec. 7: Morocco and Portugal will meet in the World Cup quarterfinals after winning their respective round of 16 matches against Spain and Switzerland on Tuesday.
Morocco made it to the last eight for the first time by knocking the former champions out on penalties at the Education City Stadium in Doha.
After a goalless draw in the regular and extra times, Spain substitute Pablo Sarabia stood up for the first penalty kick but his attempt hit the right post.
Goalkeeper Bono then saved Spain's second and third spot kicks from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets to allow Achraf Hakimi to put Morocco through by chipping his penalty down the middle.
Morocco had defended bravely against Spain who had over 75 percent of the ball but failed to have a shot on target in open play, proving that although potency without control is nothing, control without potency also has its limits.
"The players were tremendous, with their energy and determination, They were very determined to defend against one of the best teams in the world in keeping the ball," Morocco coach Walid Regragui said.
"We wanted to win in normal time, but we knew we had one of the best keepers in the world (Bono) and we were confident.
"We are a family and a team and we had great support," said the coach, who highlighted the depth of his dugout.
Spain controlled over 75 percent of the ball in the game, but failed to get a shot on target from open play in 120 minutes, with their only efforts on target coming from set pieces.
"I am very happy with the players I have, I will stand with them to the death. I selected them and I congratulate them for the way they have behaved and for their World Cup," said Enrique.
In Lusail, Goncalo Ramos scored the first hat-trick of the tournament as Portugal progressed with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Switzerland.
Making his first international start, the 21-year-old Ramos opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Pepe doubled the lead with a thumping header. Ramos struck again just after halftime and Raphael Guerreiro made it 4-0 by finishing off a brilliantly worked team goal.
Switzerland pulled a goal back in the 58th minute through a Manuel Akanji strike but the respite was short-lived. Not satisfied with his brace, Ramos dinked home Portugal's fifth goal before substitute Rafael Leao completed the rout in stoppage time.
"We played well and it gives a lot of confidence," Portugal boss Fernando Santos said. "But I told the players not to be too excited and euphoric. We have to be careful not to have too much fun because you can make things more complicated. I don't think that happened tonight and I don't want it to."
Teams drew group fixture at Russia 2018
DEC 6: Morocco had one of the best group stage campaigns at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, starting with a 0-0 draw against Russia 2018 runners-up Croatia before an excellent 2-0 win over Belgium. A 2-1 success against Canada secured the African team's spot at the Group F summit.
Coach Walid Regragui's team struck an effective balance between attack and defence, with key men Sofyan Amrabat, Youssef En-Nesyri, Nayef Aguerd, and Achraf Hakimi in outstanding form.
Spain opened their campaign with a 7-0 hammering of Costa Rica and that goalfest would prove unexpectedly crucial to Round-of-16 qualification. Luis Enrique's team were pegged back to draw 1-1 with Germany, before Japan overcame a one-goal deficit to shock the European side. Spain ultimately progressed as runners-up behind tournament-surprise-package Japan.
The 2010 World Cup winners were exceptional against Costa Rica and controlled large parts of the meeting with Germany. Indeed, Spain were unquestionably in charge during the opening half against Japan before a salutary reminder over the perils of switching off, even for 45 minutes. Pedri and Gavi, the young midfielder pair from Barcelona, were among the standout Spanish group-stage performers, while forward Dani Olmo was in similarly good touch. Alvaro Morata scored three goals in three games and entered the second phase leading the Golden Boot race.
Date and time
Tuesday 6 December, 18:00 local time
Venue
Education City Stadium
Team news
Morocco’s medical team are working overtime to prepare Achraf Hakimi for the knockout clash after the classy Paris Saint-Germain right-back played through injury against Canada. Selim Amallah is reportedly fit to feature after the midfielder was limited to 25 minutes off the bench in that meeting with the Canadians on Thursday.
Luis Enrique will recall a host of key figures rested for the Japan clash. There are doubts over defender Cesar Azpilicueta’s fitness, with Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid poised for a second start in Qatar.
Possible starting XIs
Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal.
Spain: Unai Simon, Jordi Alba, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, Cesar Azpilicueta or Dani Carvajal, Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio, Dani Olmo.
Head-to-head
The sides have played each other on three occasions, including once at a World Cup
They first met in qualification for the 1962 World Cup, when Spain won a first-leg tie 1-0 in Morocco and edged the return 3-2 to reach the tournament in Chile.
Their most recent meeting was drawn 2-2 in the group stage of Russia 2018.
Key match stats
-The last time Spain progressed beyond the Round of 16 was at South Africa 2010 when they went on to win the tournament
-This is Morocco’s second time in the Round of 16, their first coming in 1986 when they lost to eventual finalists West Germany 1-0
-This will be Spain’s first match against African opposition in the knockout stages of a World Cup
-Spain have played five matches against African sides at World Cups, winning three and drawing one. Current coach Luis Enrique was in the starting XI when they lost 3-2 against Nigeria at France 1998.
-Morocco are undefeated in their past four World Cup matches (W2 D2)
-Cameroon are the only African side to have recorded a five-match unbeaten World Cup run, a feat they achieved between 1982 and 1990
Quotes
Coach Luis Enrique, whose Spain team relinquished a one-goal lead to lose their final group game. against Japan: "If against Morocco we have the fortune to go in front, Morocco, will risk it all at full pelt again. We have to show more strength in the moments when the opposition is pressing us."
Morocco forward Zakaria Aboukhlal, who scored off the bench to seal a memorable group victory over Belgium: “I am very happy to have reached the last 16. We do not want to stop here. We want to go further and, God willing, we will keep going. We are very happy for Moroccan fans. We see many people who came here from Morocco. I would like to thank them.
'I am very happy with the way Arabs here are helping one another. We were happy when Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina. We also felt when we defeated Belgium and Canada that other Arab countries were happy for us.”
Second-half goals from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus fired City to a deserved Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain and sealed our ticket into the last 16.
In what was a pulsating Etihad encounter, Kylian Mbappe had fired the visitors into a 49th minute lead against the run of play.
But roared on by a passionate crowd, Sterling struck to level matters on 63 minutes before substitute Jesus rounded off a memorable night by converting from close range 14 minutes from time to seal the deal.
WHAT HAPPENED
It was an eagerly anticipated match-up between two of Europe’s most gifted and exciting sides – and the action didn’t disappoint.
The game began at a breakneck speed with Oleks Zinchenko deployed in midfield for Pep Guardiola’s side and it was City who almost made the early breakthrough.
A towering sixth-minute Riyad Mahrez free-kick found Rodrigo leaping tallest at the back post and the Spaniard’s angled header was goalbound only for PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe to head off the line.
Even then the danger wasn’t averted and Mahrez’s powerful follow-up shot rifled into the side netting.
Not surprisingly at the other end, the French side’s superstar attacking trident of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi sought to probe and harry the hosts at every opportunity but it was City on the front foot.
Mahrez was a key attacking outlet down the right channel and a quite brilliant, sweeping City move on 18 minutes instigated by the Algerian almost broke the deadlock.
Gathering the ball from Bernardo Silva, Mahrez then slalomed in from the left edge of the box before dispatching a goalbound shot which was headed over by Achraf Hakimi.
A low 27th-minute effort from Nuno Mendes forced Ederson into his first meaningful save and was a reminder of the threat posed by Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
But City carved open another excellent opportunity almost immediately, Marquinhos’ lunge blocking a close-range Zinchenko shot after fine work by Sterling down the left flank.
City were knocking on the Paris door with almost relentless pressure and we came the closest yet to a deserved breakthrough on 33 minutes as skipper Ilkay Gundogan smacked the outside of the post after Mendes had diverted Cancelo’s cross invitingly into the German’s path 10 yards out.
PSG keeper Keylor Navas then earned his stripes by diving low to tip away danger man Mahrez’s low skidding effort as Guardiola’s men kept our iron grip on proceedings.
However, just before the break, there was a huge let-off for City.
After Neymar had wrestled possession midway in our half, the Brazilian’s slide rule pass put Mbappe clear in space behind Kyle Walker on the left edge of the City box but, fortunately, the striker’s curling effort was high and wide, to the Etihad’s collective relief.
There was a nagging fear however that City could regret not converting that pressure – and four minutes after the restart PSG clicked into gear with a devastating smash and grab raid.
A breakneck attack featuring Neymar, Messi, Mendes and Herrera culminated with a low Messi deflected drive that found Mbappe unmarked at the far post.
This time he made no mistake, cutting inside before firing beyond Ederson to put the visitors ahead.
It was a cruel body blow but with the Etiahd roaring them on, City kept searching for that elusive goal and only a fine 62nd minute Navas block prevented Mahrez claiming the goal his display merited.
Finally, however City were rewarded in 63 minutes through Raheem Sterling.
Kyle Walker was the architect, the right back latching onto Rodrigo’s superb chip and dragging the ball back into the centre of the box.
Substitute Gabriel Jesus claimed the faintest of touches and Sterling stretched to force the ball home in off the post.
With our tails up, we poured forward in search of a second and Navas was at full stretch to tip away a 70th minute Jesus snapshot.
However, there was another big let off at the other end when Neymar skipped through the City backline after a neat one-two but then dragged his shot wide.
And we made the PSG pay for that error on 77 miniutes as we took a merited lead.
The brilliant Mahrez clipped a ball to the far post for Bernardo who showed poise and vision to play a first time pass back for Jesus to smash home from six-yards.
PSG sought to summon up a response but City held firm to seal what was a thoroughly deserved victory and a night to remember!
WHAT IT MEANS
City can look forward to next month’s group finale away to RB Leipzig safe in the knowledge our ticket to the last 16 and top spot is already secure.
With a punishing December schedule, it means the pressure and intensity will be somewhat relaxed for our trip to Germany.
The perfect scenario for Guardiola and his squad.
PEP’S VERDICT
"Of course, PSG, what a team, what players, what could I say. Performance is quite similar to Paris a month ago. Today we created more chances in the first half.
"We played really well and always we had the sense that they could run, wow. They have a lot of quality, we tried to defend away from our goal because they can do anything.
"Except for the five minutes after our goal when they counter attacked but could not finish because Ruben defended really well… Congrats to everyone in the club.
"We are into the last 16 and will try our best in February to go to quarters."
WHAT’S NEXT
City are back in Premier League action on Sunday when we play host to West Ham United.
Kick-off at the Etihad is slated for 2 pm and, as usual, we will have comprehensive coverage on mancity.com and our official app.
Man City
PARIS, Aug. 14: Lionel Messi was introduced to some 49,000 fans in a full Parc des Princess stadium before watching his teammates beat Strasbourg 4-2 on Saturday's Ligue 1 action.
The former Barcelona ace was presented with PSG's other four summer signings Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Achraf Hakimi in a welcome ceremony at the center of the pitch just one hour before the kick-off.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner then joined Neymar and his fellow Argentine Angel di Maria to watch from the stands as Mauricio Pochettino's side escaped a fightback from the visitors in the second half to pocket their second win in as many games in the new season.
Mauro Icardi opened the scoring for PSG only two minutes into the game and Kylian Mbappe made it 2-0 in the 25th minute before the French forward set up another for Julian Draxler only two minutes later.
Strasbourg created more chances in the second half and clawed back to 3-2 thanks to two headers from Kevin Gameiro and Ludovic Ajorque. But they suffered a blow in the closing period when Alexander Djiku fouled on Icardi to receive his second yellow card and make his team being reduced to 10 men.
Pablo Sarabia tapped in PSG's fourth from Mbappe's cross in the 86th minute to make the score out of Strasbourg's reach.
Mbappe, whose contract with PSG is to expire next year, has been linked with Real Madrid recently as home fans whistled at the 22-year-old amid transfer speculation.
"I did not hear the whistles," Pochettino insisted. "I am happy with him. He's focused on what he needs to do and had a really good game. He must continue on this path."
PSG's president Nasser al-Khelaifi has said on Wednesday, at the unveiling ceremony of Messi, that Mbappe "has no reason to leave" since PSG now is the right place for him to seek for the trophies.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Lille were hammered 4-0 at home by Nice, whose coach Christophe Galtier had led Lille to the title last season and arrived in the southern French team this summer.
Denmark striker Kasper Dolberg hit a brace for Nice with Hicham Boudaoui and Amine Gouiri were also on target.
July 8: Sergio Ramos, a former defender of Real Madrid, on Thursday signed a two-year deal with Paris St-Germain.
Ramos, 35, left Madrid after 16 years when his contract expired at the end of June.
Spain's most-capped player won five La Liga titles and four Champions League medals with Real.
"I am very happy to join Paris St-Germain," Ramos said. "This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it's a day I will never forget."
"The best place to keep dreaming, the best club to keep winning. We will fight with everything and everything."
Ramos is PSG's third signing of the summer, after the arrival of Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan and Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder also joined on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool.
Mauricio Pochettino's side, who missed out on last season's Ligue 1 title to Lille, have also been linked with a move for Italy international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is a free agent after leaving AC Milan.
Ramos, who was left out of Spain's Euro 2020 squad, will link up with former Madrid team-mates Angel di Maria and Keylor Navas.
(BBC Sports)
