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Man City, Lyon advance in Champions League

Manchester City have earned a deserved 2-1 win over Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, triumphing 4-2 on aggregate as the competition resumed.

Pep Guardiola’s side eliminated the record 13-time European champions thanks to a pair of Raphael Varane mistakes which led to goals for Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.

Olympique Lyon also progressed despite a 2-1 defeat by Juventus, going through on away goals with the aggregate score tied at 2-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for the Italians but Memphis Depay’s penalty ensured Lyon would reach the last eight in Portugal.

Phil Foden was handed a surprise start in Manchester City’s attack in place of Riyad Mahrez as the Champions League resumed behind closed doors following a four-month suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid looked disorientated from the start of the last 16-second leg clash, taking risks at the back and unable to find the form they showed domestically as they won 10 matches in a row to lift La Liga.

City were on top and took the lead in the ninth minute after a huge error by Raphael Varane, who was caught in possession by Gabriel Jesus, who squared for Raheem Sterling to finish from close range.

The English winger came close again with another strike shortly afterwards, while Ederson denied Karim Benzema and then Eden Hazard.

However the Brazilian goalkeeper could not stop Benzema after 28 minutes when the forward continued his splendid season by heading home Rodrygo Goes’ cross.

Thibaut Courtois made a fine save to deny Jesus in the 65th minute as the hosts continued to create more openings and the Brazilian struck after another glaring mistake by Varane.

Real Madrid needed two goals but none were forthcoming as the 13-time record champions exited the competition in the last-16 for the second year running.


There was an upset in Turin too, as Depay broke the deadlock for Lyon with a Panenka penalty after Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur tangled with Houssem Aouar.

Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the spot for Juventus after Depay was adjudged to have handled Miralem Pjanic’s free kick, with both decisions controversial.

The Champions League all-time top scorer then put Juve ahead on the night on the hour mark, emphatically smashing home past Anthony Lopes at the near post from range.

Ronaldo could not go on to complete his hat-trick and Lyon progressed despite the defeat, in what was only their second competitive match in five months.

Barcelona host Napoli and Bayern Munich welcome Chelsea in the final last 16 second legs on Sunday (AEST).

-agencies

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