Champions League: Man Utd defeated by PSG, Roma beat Porto

World
Europe

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United had been handed a reality check after Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a 2-0 win in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

Solskjaer was beaten for the first time in 12 matches as United's interim manager as second-half goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe rocked Old Trafford.

United also had France star Paul Pogba sent off in the final moments, ruling him out of the second leg in Paris next month.

It was a dispiriting evening for Solskjaer, who had sparked such enthusiasm among United's players and fans since replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho in December.

Solskjaer conceded United, who managed only one shot on target in a tame display, had fallen short of the quality required against top sides like the French champions.

"Today is a reality check for us on the level of top teams. They had the momentum after the first goal and controlled the game," Solskjaer said.

"You could see that we hadn't played at this level for a while and we will have to learn.

Pogba's dismissal was the culmination of a surprisingly subdued performance from the man who had been so influential in United's revival under Solskjaer.

But Solskjaer claimed Pogba did not deserve to get a second booking for his challenge on Dani Alves.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered the first defeat in 12 matches as United's interim manager against Paris Saint-Germain on February 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

"Paul is trying to get his body across and Dani Alves is clever enough to put his foot in there. Paul wants to shield the ball, he's unlucky," he said.

The World Cup-winning forward scored PSG's second goal on the hour at Old Trafford after Presnell Kimpembe's 53rd-minute opener as Thomas Tuchel's team took firm control of the tie before the second leg next month.

It was an outstanding performance from PSG in the absence of the injured Neymar and Cavani – the world's most expensive player for one, as well as the French champions' all-time top scorer.

"We are happy, but it's only half-time in the tie and we need to continue preparing well because I think in the last 20 minutes we dropped off a bit physically."

"We have three weeks now to make sure we are ready for the return and ensure we qualify."

Coach Tuchel said his team improved as the game went on, while the hosts suffered after seeing both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial go off injured.

"We lost too many easy balls in the first half but the second half was really excellent," Tuchel said.

"We deserved to win, and to do so here at Old Trafford just now, I congratulate my team - but it's only half-time and we still have to play at the Parc des Princes."

Zaniolo bags brace as Roma beat Porto

Teenage sensation Nicolo Zaniolo bagged a brace as Roma beat Porto 2-1 in their Champions League last 16, first-leg clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old got his first Champions League goal in the 70th minute in Rome, adding a second six minutes later to inflict a first defeat on Porto in this year's top-tier European competition.

But Adrian Lopez pulled a vital goal back for the Portuguese club after 79 minutes to ensure they remain in the hunt going into their home leg on May 6.

Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo scored his first Champions League goal during the match between Roma and Porto on February 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

"It's an incredible night, I'm speechless and never would have expected such a thing," Zaniolo told Sky Sport Italia.

"But we've got the second leg coming up, we shouldn't have conceded the goal."

The night belonged to the youngster from Tuscany who has become a fan favorite since arriving from Inter Milan, where he never played a top-flight game, in exchange for Radja Nainggolan last summer.

The match sparked into life midway through the second half as Zaniolo netted with a precise finish after Edin Dzeko's lay-off.

He soon had his second when Dzeko went on the counter-attack, his shot bouncing off the post with Zaniolo on hand to tap in the rebound.

"Zaniolo is not a surprise any more," said Roma captain Daniele De Rossi.

"His physical strength is incredible for a guy of his age and he combines it with great technique. He is already a great player, but he will become a great champion."

Source(s): AFP