(CNN)Last year's Champions League finalists replicated the kind of form that stood them well last season as Liverpool recorded an assured 4-0 win over Serbian strugglers Red Star Belgrade Wednesday night. The EPL club sparkled from the outset, and with its lauded front three all on the scoresheet, the victory for Merseyside against Red Star, rooted to the bottom of Group C, was never realistically in doubt. The Reds' Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a deflected goal before Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah scored just before the half-time whistle, repeating his scoring touch with a penalty after the restart to take his total Liverpool tally to 50 goals. Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino celebrates with teammate Xherdan Shaqiri after scoring his side's opening goal. Liverpool manager Klopp praised his star striker's eye for goals but emphasized the team spirit he's built. "It would be very difficult (for Salah) to score … [Read more...] about Liverpool top group C; Di Maria rescues PSG
Di maria to barcelona
Barcelona triumph without Messi as Dortmund pummel Atletico
Barcelona overcame the absence of an injured Lionel Messi to defeat Inter Milan 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Borussia Dortmund signalled their intent with a 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid. Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool strolled past Red Star Belgrade, but Paris Saint-Germain needed a superb stoppage-time equaliser from Angel Di Maria to rescue a point at home to Napoli. Barca collected a third win from three Group B outings as Rafinha, filling in for Messi after the Argentine star fractured his arm at the weekend, volleyed in the opener on 32 minutes at Camp Nou. Philippe Coutinho rattled the crossbar in the second half before Jordi Alba sealed the points seven minutes from time to leave Barca on the brink of a spot in the last 16. Bundesliga leaders Dortmund, who were missing in-form striker Paco Alcacer, delivered the performance of the evening as they handed last season's Europa League winners Atletico their heaviest defeat under Diego Simeone. Axel … [Read more...] about Barcelona triumph without Messi as Dortmund pummel Atletico
Angel Di Maria set for Premier League return
Angel Di Maria could be on his way back to the Premier League. Argentina winger Di Maria is understood to be ready to quit Paris Saint Germain next summer with his contract running down. And despite an unhappy spell at Manchester United, the 30-year-old is open to coming back to England. Di Maria wants a deal worth £200,000-a-week and that limits his options and the Premier League looks to be the most likely destination. Read More Mirror Football's Top Stories Juventus were interested last summer, Di Maria claimed earlier in the year that Barcelona were keen and his advisers are believed to be sounding out English clubs. Di Maria quit Old Trafford in 2015 - signing a four year contract at PSG - after a disastrous year following a £59.7m move to United. Di Maria was deemed a disaster in England but his agents are convinced he could get a move back to the Premier League. … [Read more...] about Angel Di Maria set for Premier League return
Abidal still believes in a potential Rabiot move to Barcelona
Sergi Samper will stay at Barcelona Betis move closer to Rafinha deal Although Paris Saint-Germain remain opposed to an Adrien Rabiot move to Barcelona, the Catalans' sporting director, Eric Abidal, is confident that he can clinch a deal with the French club. With his contract ending at the end of the season, the player has rejected every renewal offer made by the club. As the transfer deadline approaches everything is still open and the Blaugrana are willing to spend 50 million euros on the transfer. The total amount might sound like a bargain for a player with just several months of his contract left, but Barcelona can also move in the winter transfer market for his acquisition, making him cheaper still. PSG are reluctant to offload members of theirs squad to rivals, but in case the Spanish club pursue his transfer in January, Rabiot will be able to play in the Champions League knock out stage due to the rule alteration. In the past Barcelona have unsuccessfully tried to lure … [Read more...] about Abidal still believes in a potential Rabiot move to Barcelona
Lionel Messi: Paul Pogba pays classy tribute to Barcelona star after France beat Argentina
PAUL POGBA displayed pure class after paying tribute to Lionel Messi after France knocked Argentina out of the World Cup. By Callum Vurley / Published 3rd July 2018 GETTY Paul Pogba hugged Lionel Messi after the match The French come back from 3-2 to Jorge Sampaoli's side and send them packing in one of the most epic clashes in the World Cup.In what will surely go down as a sheer classic, Kylian Mbappe stole the show after scoring a brace and winning his team a penalty.Messi was shackled by the brilliant work of N'Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi and his hopes of ever winning the competition have dwindled.But Pogba, who was also exceptional on the night, has taken time out of the celebrations to console the Barcelona star.Immediately after the match the Manchester United man walked over to the 31-year-old and hugged him. Argentina Player Ratings: How did Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and co get on in epic loss? ARGENTINA PLAYER RATINGS: Argentina lost 4-3 to France this … [Read more...] about Lionel Messi: Paul Pogba pays classy tribute to Barcelona star after France beat Argentina