Carlo Ancelotti joked of reaching 200 Champions League victories with Real Madrid after he matched Alex Ferguson's record following Wednesday's win over Celtic.

First-half penalties from Luka Modric and Rodrygo, followed by second-half strikes from Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, and Federico Valverde saw Madrid ease to a 5-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The win was Ancelotti's 102nd in the Champions League, drawing him level with Manchester United great Ferguson for the most victories by a coach in the competition.

When asked about matching the record, Ancelotti quipped: "Let's go for the 200. Happy to do it here at Madrid!

"It's been a lot of games on the bench. I think I've done pretty well."

The result also secured top spot in Group F for the Champions League holders, who won their pool for a third successive season.

Madrid had to come through matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City before beating Liverpool in the final.

On who Madrid might end up facing in the next round, Ancelotti was typically laid back. 

"After last year, it's better not to look at it. Going there [to play the away fixture] first gives you a small advantage, but not too much," he said.

"The return home last year helped us a lot. The second game at the Bernabeu helps us."

Jota grabbed a late consolation for Celtic, who saw a first-half penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois. Asked by BT Sport how important the Belgium goalkeeper is for Madrid, Ancelotti said: "A good team is a good goalkeeper, good defenders, good midfielders, and a good striker – and also a good coach!"

"This is the most important thing," he added with a smirk.

Celtic had their chances aside from the penalty, though found themselves in the unprecedented position of being 2-0 down to two spot-kicks inside the first 21 minutes.

Both penalties were awarded for handball, and the decisions seemed harsh, in particular the second, with Matt O'Riley unable to move away from a shot hit straight at him.

A perplexed Joe Hart told BT Sport: "I don't think either of them intentionally used their hand, I think that goes without saying. 

"I spoke to Matt and he said his hands were inside him, and it hit him – what do they want him to do? Chop his arms off?" 

Teenager Rico Lewis kick-started a Manchester City comeback as Pep Guardiola's side beat Sevilla 3-1 to cap a successful Champions League Group G campaign.

City were without Erling Haaland through injury and rested other key players for Wednesday's meeting at the Etihad Stadium, which was stunned into silence when Rafa Mir put the visitors ahead.

However, City deservedly levelled through 17-year-old right-back Lewis when he fired home in the 52nd minute of his full debut, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to score on his first start in the competition, breaking the record set by Karim Benzema in 2005.

Having teed up Lewis' equaliser, Julian Avarez scored with 17 minutes remaining before playing in Riyad Mahrez to round off the victory late on.

City went close within two minutes when Cole Palmer fired over following a sloppy pass from Yassine Bounou, before Stefan Ortega pushed Mir's low strike away at the other end.

Mir sent a header narrowly wide, but City didn't heed those warnings, and it was third time lucky for the Sevilla striker when he nodded Isco's right-wing delivery into the top-right corner after 31 minutes.

City piled on the pressure, which finally told when Lewis latched onto Alvarez's pass to hammer a shot into the roof of the net.

Guardiola sent on Kevin De Bruyne in a bid to complete the turnaround, and the playmaker had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he released Alvarez, who rounded Bounou before converting.

Alvarez was not done there, however, joining a high press before finding Mahrez, who fired home left-footed to complete the scoring.

Super-sub Nuno Mendes scored the winner for Paris Saint-Germain in a 2-1 victory against Juventus, though it was not enough to clinch top spot in Group H.

Kylian Mbappe fired home to open the scoring but his goal was cancelled out by Leonardo Bonucci's equaliser before the break in a tight encounter in Turin on Wednesday.

PSG looked to have secured progress to the last 16 as group winners, though, when Mendes changed the picture midway through the second half.

However, a remarkable result for Benfica against Maccabi Haifa saw the Portuguese side score the six goals they required to pull level on goal difference with PSG and snatch top spot courtesy of away goals scored.

PSG's quality showed after 20 minutes when Mbappe latched onto Lionel Messi's pass, nutmegged Frederico Gatti and drilled in off the right-hand post for his seventh Champions League goal of the season.

Yet PSG were pegged back five minutes before the break – Bonucci sliding in to meet Juan Cuadrado's diving header and convert from close range.

Chances continued to be hard to come by for both teams after the restart until the 69th minute, when Mbappe fed through substitute Mendes, who finished crisply across Wojciech Szczesny.

Manuel Locatelli saw a goal correctly disallowed for offside and Federico Chiesa – making his long-awaited return from injury as a substitute – had a penalty appeal waved away as Juve's comeback attempts proved fruitless.

Juve were at least saved the embarrassment of an exit from European football entirely thanks to Benfica's win in Israel, and the Bianconeri will fight for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League in the new year.

Olivier Giroud scored twice and assisted two others as Milan sealed their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Salzburg at San Siro on Wednesday.

Milan knew a point would be enough to secure their progression and Giroud's early headed finish set them on their way.

Giroud's brilliant assist allowed Rade Krunic to get on the scoresheet shortly after half-time before the former Chelsea striker fired home a loose ball in the box.

Junior Messias added further gloss late on as Milan registered consecutive Champions League wins for the first time since 2011 and eased into the knockout stages at Salzburg's expense.

Theo Hernandez almost put Milan in front inside three minutes but his low effort across goal hit the post and deflected wide.

The hosts took the lead after 14 minutes, Giroud powerfully nodding Sandro Tonali's corner into the back of the net with the help of sloppy Salzburg marking.

Giroud thought he had his second when he tapped home after Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Kohn fumbled Hernandez's shot into his path, only for the offside flag to curtail his celebrations.

Krunic made it 2-0 just after half-time with an excellent header after Giroud deftly nodded Ante Rebic's delivery back across goal to set him up.

Giroud added another in the 57th minute, smashing home after the ball rebounded kindly to him in the box.

Rafael Leao should have scored a fourth for Milan when he was picked out with a superb Hernandez cross, but his first-time effort came back off the crossbar.

Substitute Messias' curled finish in injury-time was the final dagger to Salzburg's Champions League campaign, though, as Milan cruised through.

Denis Zakaria scored the winner on his Chelsea debut as the Blues recorded a fourth straight Champions League win with a 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge.

Zakaria has struggled to break into the first team since joining on loan from Juventus in the last transfer window but his 30th-minute strike proved decisive after Raheem Sterling had cancelled out Bruno Petkovic's opener.

The Blues had already secured progression to the knockout stages as Group E winners prior to Wednesday's clash, where goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic impressed to keep Dinamo in the game in the second half.

Dinamo could not muster a comeback, though, and were eliminated from Europe after finishing bottom, while Chelsea responded in encouraging fashion after a 4-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Petkovic headed Dinamo into a seventh-minute lead after Chelsea failed to deal with Sadegh Moharrami's right-wing cross but the Blues soon levelled.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang flicked for Sterling to dance onto his left foot and coolly find the bottom-left corner.

Sterling missed a great chance when he powered Kai Havertz's centre over from close range, but Zakaria fired into the bottom-left corner from a similar distance after another cutback pass from the German to put Chelsea ahead.

Edouard Mendy pushed away Josip Sutalo's header after the interval, while Livakovic parried over an Aubameyang curler before Ben Chilwell blasted just off target from a tight angle.

Mason Mount's whipped free-kick was denied by another fine Livakovic stop in the closing stages as Chelsea eased to victory.

What does it mean? Good omens for Potter in Champions League

Potter has taken well to life in European football and became the first Chelsea manager to go unbeaten in his first five Champions League games since Roberto Di Matteo in the 2011-12 season.

Di Matteo guided the Blues to European glory that campaign and Potter will be hoping to replicate the feat after Chelsea extended to 11 home games unbeaten in the competition's group stage, last losing to Valencia in September 2019.

While Chelsea have made an underwhelming start in the Premier League, where they sit sixth, they will at least have some confidence in Europe ahead of Monday's last-16 draw.

Super Sterling

Sterling has faced scrutiny for a diminishing role in the Chelsea side in recent weeks, with some questioning whether the forward should be in England's starting line-up at the World Cup.

Yet, while the 27-year-old missed a gilt-edged first-half chance, only Wayne Rooney (30) has more Champions League goals among English players than Sterling (20) after his equaliser.

Away day misery for Dinamo

While Dinamo may not have expected to become just the second side – after Basel in the 2013-14 season – to beat Chelsea home and away in the Champions League group stage, their performance left much to be desired.

Despite Petkovic's opener, Ante Cacic's visitors offered little to trouble Mendy as Dinamo made it 21 away games in the competition without victory (L18 D3), dating back to a 1-0 win over Ajax in November 1998.

What's next?

Chelsea host Arsenal in the Premier League in Sunday's crunch London derby, while Dinamo are at home to Sibenik on the same day.

Son Heung-min's chances of playing at the upcoming World Cup are in doubt after Tottenham revealed he suffered a fracture around his eye in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Marseille.

The forward went down injured after a 23rd-minute aerial collision with Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba, leading to a lengthy break in play.

In visible pain and struggling to walk, Son was helped off the field by Spurs' medical staff as his side went on to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages with goals from Clement Lenglet and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Spurs announced on Wednesday that Son had sustained an injury to his left eye and would require surgery.

In a statement on the club's official website, Spurs said: "We can confirm that Son Heung-min will undergo surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye.

"Following surgery, Son will commence rehabilitation with our medical staff and we shall update supporters further in due course."

The announcement throws serious doubt on Son's availability for the World Cup, with South Korea set to kick off their tournament against Uruguay in just 22 days.

Son's injury is also a big blow to Spurs, with fellow forwards Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison still sidelined as they prepare to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp was awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool on Wednesday in acknowledgment of his success at Anfield since his appointment as manager in 2015.

Liverpool have won seven trophies under his stewardship, including the Champions League in 2019 and their Premier League title.

Klopp received the city's highest civic honour at a ceremony at the Town Hall after being nominated in July.

In attendance were members of Klopp's coaching staff, as well as Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish and the city's mayor.

Klopp's side have endured a below-par start to this campaign and are already 15 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, though they have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Reds will play three more times before the World Cup, with Premier League fixtures against Tottenham and Southampton either side of a third-round EFL Cup tie with Derby County.

Tennis great Billie Jean King believes it is "important" for people to go to the World Cup in Qatar and "be an influencer" amid ongoing concerns over the country's human rights record.   FIFA's decision to allow Qatar to host the World Cup has faced persistent criticism, with concerns cited over the human rights standards in a country where same-sex relationships are prohibited.   England captain Harry Kane will be among eight skippers to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband at the tournament, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination   King has been a regular promoter of equality, helping to secure equal prize money at tennis' four majors, and outlined her support for Qatar, where she would not be against hosting the WTA's Billie Jean Cup.   "I probably would be because, first of all, the WTA went there years ago," the 78-year-old responded when asked if she would allow her tournament's finals to be held by the World Cup hosts.   "I get a lot of different people coming to me saying 'why would you play there the way they treat women?' But personally, I think it's important to show up and be an influencer.   "I think it's delicate, no question. But I think it's important to go if you get the opportunity and everything else fits too, not just go there for money or whatever."

Qatar faced more scrutiny after an Amnesty International report in 2021 alleged thousands of migrant workers were exploited, with the country's government denying those claims but acknowledging problems.

King is no stranger to the Middle East either, having supported the WTA Finals being played in Doha, where she said the tournament created opportunities for female tennis players.

"We were there four or five years and I think it helped," the American added. "When I went there I did a clinic for the kids but only for the girls.

"Somebody was left-handed, which is sinister to them, and this mother was saying she hoped her left-handed daughter could one day become a champion and get rid of that stigma.

"These are the kind of discussions you can have when you're physically there. So I'm big on going actually, even if I know it's a fine line of how you do it."

The World Cup starts in 18 days when Qatar face Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer revealed he has previously been treated for skin cancer and underwent three operations on his face.

Neuer has joined forces with three-time tennis grand slam champion Angelique Kerber to release a skincare range called 'Newkee' and revealed the personal reasons for his involvement.

The 36-year-old had not previously disclosed the medical information, with the timeframe remaining unclear on the operation, though he was pictured last year playing with bandaging over his face.

"We both have a very personal history of skin diseases. In Angelique's case it's sun-related hyperpigmentation," the Germany veteran said in a press release launching the skincare range.

"In my case it's skin cancer on my face, which I've already had to have operated on three times."

Neuer has not featured for Bayern since October 8 due to a shoulder injury, but could be fit for the Bundesliga trip to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

His return would prove a welcome boost for Germany, whose World Cup campaign starts against Japan in 21 days, as Hansi Flick's side aim for global glory in Qatar.

Bayern trail unlikely leaders Union Berlin by a point at the Bundesliga summit, with three games left to play before the break for the World Cup.

Erik ten Hag's obsession with success has both surprised and impressed Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

The Brazil international moved to United from Real Madrid as part of Ten Hag's spending spree heading into his first season Old Trafford, joining compatriot Antony in making the move to England.

Casemiro has made an impression at United already, and the same is the case for the 30-year-old when it comes to the former Ajax coach.

A mainstay of Madrid's midfield for much of the last decade, Casemiro has won the Champions League five times and LaLiga on three occasions, but acknowledged he has been taken aback by Ten Hag's will to win.

"After being in football for quite a while even though I'm only 30, his obsession for winning is what surprised me the most," he said in a press conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash against Real Sociedad.

"I think he's got many strengths, we all know it's a process and we're growing together. We want to win and he is obsessed with teaching us and making us better to the millimetre.

"That obsession with winning is something I've only seen with very few managers."

Ten Hag was equally positive about Casemiro's growing impact at United.

"He told me he needs a new challenge because at Real Madrid he won everything," he said.

"He was a big part at Real Madrid and they didn't want him to go but he had the feeling 'I have to go to another club, another league to prove myself and that shows his hunger. I really like that.

"From the first day he has come with that attitude in every training, every match and I really like it. He will be more and more important to our team."

Casemiro is set to be a key figure for Brazil at the upcoming World Cup, though he is putting any thought of the tournament to one side for now.

"This game is too important to start thinking about the World Cup," Casemiro said when asked if he was concerned about sustaining an injury prior to travelling to Qatar with his national team.

"I think any player who thinks like that will pick up an injury at the end. I'm focussing on the game."

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group F with an easy 5-1 win over Celtic. 

Madrid held a one-point lead over RB Leipzig heading into the final round of fixtures and just needed to match the Bundesliga side's result against Shakhtar Donetsk to be sure of winning the group.

Leipzig were 4-0 winners against Shakhtar, but Celtic never looked likely to do the German team a favour, conceding two penalties inside 21 minutes as Luka Modric and Rodrygo converted from 12 yards.

Josip Juranovic missed a first-half spot-kick at the other end before Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde gave the scoreline a deservedly emphatic appearance for Carlo Ancelotti's men, though Jota had the final say with a fine free-kick for the visitors.

Modric's cool penalty put Madrid ahead in the sixth minute after Moritz Jenz' handball and, having seen Vinicius Junior denied by a fine save by Joe Hart, the hosts doubled their lead with a second spot-kick, Rodrygo this time converting with Matt O'Riley adjudged to have handled following a VAR review.

Celtic posed a threat of their own and were given a chance to halve the deficit when Ferland Mendy brought down Liel Abada, though Thibaut Courtois denied Juranovic, as he did Lionel Messi when he last faced a Champions League penalty back in February.

Any faint hope of a Celtic fightback was put to bed six minutes into the second half when Asensio fired into the bottom-left corner.

Vinicius heaped more misery on Celtic after being teed up by Valverde, who then swept home a stylish fifth from the edge of the box.

Jota's consolation was equally pleasing on the eye as he bent an effort beyond Courtois and into the top-left corner.

The Buffalo Bills would be "crazy" to rule out a move for free agent Odell Beckham Jr., says general manager Brandon Beane.

Beckham Jr.'s future has been the subject of speculation, with the wide receiver still without a franchise after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Los Angeles Rams' victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

The 29-year-old looks unlikely to sign for the Rams after he hit out at the franchise for offering him the "lowest of low" contracts last month, and Buffalo has been touted as an alternative destination.

Beane believes the opportunity to sign the three-time Pro Bowler upon his return to fitness would certainly be worthy of closer examination.

"OBJ's a heck of a talent," Beane told reporters on Wednesday. "You know where he was drafted, obviously he had the great catch and he might have been the MVP of that Super Bowl, does he not tear the ACL. 

"He's a heck of a player, everyone in this room knows who OBJ is. You know me, if we think he can help this team, we'd be crazy not to at least look into it."

The Bills moved to 6-1 for the season with an impressive 27-17 win against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Beckham Jr. was clearly impressed by Buffalo's performance in that game, tweeting "damn Buffalo" alongside a saluting emoji after they raced to a 24-7 half-time advantage, adding further fuel to speculation he could join the AFC East leaders.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says his side "have a plan" to secure the margin of victory they need against Real Sociedad to top their Europa League group.

While a spot in the knockout stages of the competition has already been secured, United need to win by a two-goal margin to finish as Group E winners – which comes with the added benefit of avoiding a two-legged play-off against one of the eight teams to drop out of the Champions League.

Instead, group winners will resume their involvement in the Europa League from the round of 16, which would prove a valuable boost not only due to ensuring United would be a step closer to the final, but also in light of the hectic fixture schedule caused by the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Securing such a win is the clear target for Ten Hag and his side, who lost the reverse fixture in the opening match of the group stage.

"Obviously, it's important. We can win tomorrow night. We know what we have to do - win by a two-goal margin," he said in Wednesday's press conference.

"But if you want to win the trophy you have to win all the games, so we have to win every one.

"It's six weeks ago or so and it's a different team, not all the players then are fit. We're growing, developing, making good progress.

"We know it's difficult to win games here but we like the challenge. We know we have to win by two goals, we have a plan for that and we will do everything to get it done.

"I don't think you speak about how far you come. You can't win anything at this moment, it's game by game and we have to win every game."

While United have lost their last two matches against Spanish opponents, against Atletico Madrid in last season's Champions League and La Real earlier this campaign, they have won six of their last seven away games in the Europa League, scoring 19 goals at an average of 2.7 per game.

La Real, on the other hand, have won their last two Europa League home matches, as many wins as in their previous 10 such games in the competition (D4 L4). They last won three consecutive home fixtures in a single season in major European competitions in the 1998-99 UEFA Cup.

United will be depleted for Thursday's game, with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial all unavailable, though the trio could well be back soon.

"Jadon was ill, Martial is still in rehab. He did train this morning so we're going in the right direction," Ten Hag added.