Phil Foden steals limelight from Erling Haaland in Champions League tie

News and reactions from the world of sport, including a ‘major overhaul’ for golf’s world ranking system

Erling Haaland speaks with Phil Foden after the Champions League clash at the Etihad
Erling Haaland speaks with Phil Foden after the Champions League clash
(Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

1. City edge Dortmund thanks to Foden’s late winner

Football

All eyes were on Borussia Dortmund striker Erland Haaland in Tuesday night’s Uefa Champions League clash against Manchester City. The Norwegian, who has been linked with a big-money summer move to the Etihad Stadium, impressed with his power but it was another 20-year-old superstar who stole the limelight.

In a “fascinating” quarter-final first leg, Phil Foden “had the final word” by scoring an 89th-minute winner in Man City’s 2-1 victory, says the BBC’s Phil McNulty.

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While Foden’s late strike means he overshadowed Haaland on the night, Dortmund’s golden boy “hinted at his menace throughout”. With just one goal separating the sides ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg, Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola needs no warning about Haaland’s “level of threat and the danger he poses to City’s long-held Champions League aspirations”.

2. Liverpool boss Klopp: we got what we deserved

Football

While Man City were enjoying a 2-1 victory in their quarter-final first leg, Premier League rivals Liverpool were left to reflect on a 3-1 defeat in Spain against Real Madrid.

Mohamed Salah’s 26th strike in 44 Champions League matches gave Liverpool a vital away goal, but boss Jurgen Klopp admits that his team got what they deserved. “We didn’t play good enough and that is my first concern,” Klopp said after the match.

Wednesday night’s quarter-final first leg fixtures see Chelsea travel to Porto and holders Bayern Munich host Paris Saint-Germain.

3. Men’s world rankings to get significant overhaul

Golf

The world ranking system for men’s golf, which was first introduced in 1986, is on the verge of a “major overhaul”.

In an exclusive, The Guardian’s Ewan Murray reports that the outdated system is “no longer compatible with expanded levels of the professional game” and changes will reflect a greater number of players with rankings.

The seven-person rankings board meets this month and will “seek to confirm changes that will be implemented this year”.

4. World Championship final to have capacity crowd

Snooker

The final of snooker’s 2021 World Championship on 2-3 May is set to be played in front of a capacity crowd at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Part of the government’s pilot scheme, the tournament’s crowd numbers will be “staggered throughout”, with the venue starting at 33% capacity, the BBC reports.

World Snooker said in a statement that the Crucible will “operate without any capacity restriction” for the final and “social distancing will not be expected”. However, face coverings will be required.

5. Tuilagi’s Lions hopes boosted

Rugby union

Sale and England star Manu Tuilagi is expected to return from injury next month - and could force his way into contention for a place on the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa this summer.

Tuilagi has been out of action since September with an achilles injury, but Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson delivered the “brilliant” news of the 29-year-old’s return. Lions head coach Warren Gatland will confirm his 36-man squad on 6 May.

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.