Liverpool and Anfield mustered another famous European night as Jurgen Klopp's team beat Napoli 1-0 to progress to the last-16 of the Champions League. After three away defeats only a 1-0 win or victory by two goals would secure Liverpool's progression, and Mo Salah's first half goal proved enough although the Premier League leaders should've been a lot more comfortable winners. In the end they were nearly punished for their wastefulness, with Alisson having to pull off a point blank save in injury time. Tottenham made it four English clubs into the last-16 after Lucas Moura's 75th minute strike gave them a 1-1 draw with a second string Barcelona team. All Spurs had to do was match Inter's result against PSV on the night, and the Italians only drew 1-1 in Milan. Tonight, José Mourinho's already qualified Manchester United travel to Valencia. The United boss bristled when asked in Tuesday's pre-match press conference why he has not been able to get the best out of Paul Pogba, who is expected to be recalled to the team tonight.
In his column this morning (subscriber only), Gordon D'Arcy explains how rugby careers are not shortening, but just starting earlier: "It's true there won't be as many 17 season careers – like I had alongside a good few team-mates – but that doesn't mean the current crop of players won't live the professional life for 17, 18 years." World Player of the Year, Johnny Sexton signed up for another two years with Leinster and Ireland yesterday, and in doing so he has likely committed himself to seeing out his career with his native province.
New Dublin hurling manager Mattie Kenny began his reign with a 2-21 to 1-16 win over Carlow in the Walsh Cup last night at Cullen Park. The heavy rain which fell before the game and until late in the second half made it a battle of wills, albeit an exciting encounter.
Meanwhile, for the first time ever in 24 seasons in the Champions Cup, Munster and Leinster will kick off simultaneously this weekend. Gerry Thornley explains why: "Once BT and both beIN Sports and France TV had divvied up the round four matches to suit their needs, the two Irish teams were destined to clash . . . "
