The only thing to be sure about with the Champions League, is that nothing's for sure.

That is at least what Liverpool fans will be telling themselves as Jurgen Klopp's men prepare to try to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti continued his habit of terrorising Liverpool as his team staged a comeback of their own, recovering from 2-0 down at Anfield to run out 5-2 winners.

The LaLiga giants also defeated the Reds in last season's Champions League final, and so the hunger for revenge should be strong, but to come back against a team as strong as Madrid seems fanciful... or so it would seem.

Perhaps the most famous comeback in the competition's history is Liverpool breaking Ancelotti's heart in the final in Istanbul in 2005 as they turned around a three-goal margin in six second-half minutes before beating Milan on penalties, and Stats Perform has taken a look at some of the most notable second-leg Champions League comebacks of all-time to see if there is any cause for optimism for Klopp's team.

Deportivo La Coruna v Milan – Quarter-finals, 2003-04

Speaking of Ancelotti's Milan, they had a strange relationship with the Champions League over a three-year period between the 2002-03 season and that famous night in Istanbul 18 years ago.

The Rossoneri won the 2003 final against Juventus on penalties after an astonishingly dull 120 minutes at Old Trafford, before their agonising defeat to Liverpool at the same stage two years later.

What happened in between might have been the most bizarre of the lot, though.

In the last eight of the 2003-04 season, Milan eased to a 4-1 win against Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna in the first leg at San Siro.

It would turn out to be a strange season for the competition overall, with upsets all over the place, but none as remarkable as Deportivo's turnaround in the second leg at the Riazor Stadium.

Three goals in the first half from Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valeron and Albert Luque put them ahead on away goals, before substitute Gonzalo Fran sealed a sensational 4-0 win in the second half to take the tie 5-4 on aggregate.

Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain – Last 16, 2016-17

The biggest and arguably most famous comeback in Champions League history, Barcelona looked dead and buried after a 4-0 trouncing at the hands of PSG at the Parc des Princes in the first leg.

Goals from Angel Di Maria (two), Julian Draxler and Edinson Cavani looked to have put the tie to bed before the second leg at Camp Nou had even begun.

Luis Suarez scored just three minutes in to provide hope, while a Layvin Kurzawa own goal just before half-time was followed by a penalty from Lionel Messi just after as the impossible suddenly looked possible.

Cavani scored what seemed to be a crucial away goal for PSG just after the hour though as hopes began to fade for the Catalans.

In the closing stages, head coach Luis Enrique raised eyebrows when he turned to Sergi Roberto from the bench, hardly known for his goalscoring exploits at a time when they needed three in a short period.

Neymar made it 4-1 on the night in the 88th minute with what most assumed was just a consolation, before Barca were given a penalty soon after, which the Brazilian also dispatched.

With seconds remaining deep into stoppage time, Neymar lofted a ball into the box to find Sergi Roberto, who applied the finish and sealed an unbelievable 6-5 aggregate win.

Roma v Barcelona – Quarter-final, 2017-18

Of course, what goes around, comes around and Barca were on the wrong end of a dramatic turnaround just a year later.

Their 4-1 home win in the first leg had them full of confidence heading to the Italian capital for the second.

As with Barca's comeback against PSG, the return encounter started with an early goal, with Edin Dzeko finding the net just six minutes in at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Blaugrana held out until half-time without further damage, but Daniele De Rossi scored a penalty to bring Roma to within one goal of going through on away goals.

With eight minutes remaining, Kostas Manolas headed in a corner at the near post to send the home fans into absolute delirium and improbably take the Serie A side through.

It was a chastening experience for Barca, but surely it was just a one-off...

Liverpool v Barcelona – Semi-final, 2018-19

After a 3-0 win against the Premier League challengers at home, Barca had put themselves in a strong position again, but this time with the caution that was necessary after their humbling by Roma.

Yet again, an early goal gave hope to the optimists as Divock Origi bundled in the opener for Liverpool in the seventh minute, but yet again, Barca held out until the break, knowing Liverpool still needed two just to take it to extra-time.

Those two arrived in very quick succession as half-time substitute Giorginio Wijnaldum made it 2-0 in the 54th minute with a sweeping finish before heading in a third less than two minutes later.

All the momentum was with Liverpool, and with an almost inevitable amount of farce, a quickly-taken corner by Trent Alexander-Arnold caught the visitors napping as Origi slammed in a fourth.

Two seasons in a row, Barca had thrown away three-goal leads from the first leg, amounting for half of the four occasions it has happened in the competition's history.

Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain – Last 16, 2018-19

While this was not a comeback from a three-goal deficit, it is the only example of a tie in which the team that has played the second leg away from home has won despite losing the first leg by more than one goal.

PSG outclassed United at Old Trafford, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe, while Paul Pogba was sent off late on for the hosts.

The dominant nature of the win more than anything else is why few gave United a hope of turning things around in Paris, but once more, an early goal changed the mood as Romelu Lukaku scored in the Parc des Princes with less than two minutes played.

Juan Bernat equalised soon after, but Lukaku restored United's lead on the half-hour mark.

PSG tried to put their English opponents away but in stoppage time, conceded a penalty for handball against Kimpembe, allowing Marcus Rashford to fire home to give the Red Devils a place in the history books.

So where does this leave Liverpool's chances of overcoming a three-goal deficit in Madrid?

Well, Los Blancos have only lost at home by a three-goal margin twice in the Champions League, both in the 2018-19 campaign, going down 3-0 to CSKA Moscow in the group stage and 4-1 against Ajax in the last-16 second leg.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have won an away game in the Champions League by three or more goals on 10 occasions, eight of which have come under Klopp, while they only very recently beat Manchester United 7-0 in the Premier League, albeit that was at Anfield and was swiftly followed by a limp 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday.

You could argue that if it were any other team than Madrid, who seem to have a spell over the famous tournament, you would give Liverpool a chance of doing it such is their own record of dramatic appearances in the Champions League.

It seems like an impossible task, but you could also argue that if ever there were an opponent who could do such a thing to Madrid, it may be the Reds, especially given their past with Ancelotti.

It would certainly raise an eyebrow.

The Champions League knockout stages are renowned for delivering high drama, and that will be required if Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt are to progress to the last eight.

Both Liverpool and Eintracht face uphill battles to reach the quarter-finals having been comfortably beaten at home in the first legs of their respective last-16 ties.

Eintracht lost 2-0 to Napoli, while Liverpool have the task of overturning a 5-2 first-leg deficit against Real Madrid, the team who beat them in last year's final.

Although you can never count Liverpool out of any tie, the omens are squarely against either trailing side completing a comeback on Wednesday.

Here, Stats Perform previews the final two matches of the last 16 with the help of Opta numbers.

Napoli v Eintracht Frankfurt

Dominant in Serie A, Luciano Spalletti's Napoli already appear destined to claim their first Scudetto since 1990.

Should they finish the job at home in the second leg after victory in Frankfurt, they will make another piece of history.

Indeed, if they do progress, Napoli will reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time.

Hope for Eintracht comes from the 2011-12 season, the last time Napoli won a Champions League knockout match (3-1 v Chelsea). That was followed by a 4-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge and elimination from the competition.

But Napoli are unbeaten in their last 11 Champions League home games (W8 D3), and the odds of Eintracht stopping the hosts scoring appear slim. 

Napoli have scored 22 goals in the Champions League this season – the last time an Italian side netted more in a single campaign (excluding goals in awarded victories, such as Milan in 2004-05) was in 2002-03, with Juventus scoring 30 and Inter netting 26. The form book favours Napoli turning Eintracht's already tough task into an impossible one.

Real Madrid v Liverpool

This will be Madrid's 300th match in the Champions League, at least 20 more than any other side since the 1992 rebrand, and Liverpool have a mountain to climb if they are to ruin the occasion.

Liverpool, of course, do have history of remarkable turnarounds in this competition. The Reds are one of just four sides to have progressed from a Champions League tie having lost the first leg by three or more goals, doing so against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semi-final (0-3 away, 4-0 home).

But Madrid are used to getting the job done at the Santiago Bernabeu. They have progressed from 26 of their previous 27 European Cup or Champions League knockout ties when winning the first leg away from home, with the exception being defeat to Ajax at this stage in 2018-19 (2-1 away, 1-4 at home).

If Liverpool are to deliver another second-leg performance for the ages, they will likely need to slow Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius has scored Champions League braces for Real Madrid against Liverpool at both Anfield and the Alfredo Di Stefano, Madrid's home while the Bernabeu was being renovated.

With this game taking place at the Bernabeu, he could become just the second player to score two or more goals against the same opponents in Champions League games at three different venues – after Cristiano Ronaldo against Juventus (Allianz Stadium, Bernabeu and Principality Stadium).

Having lost six of their last seven Champions League games against Madrid, Liverpool also have the issue of stopping Karim Benzema, who has scored 19 goals in his last 19 appearances in the knockout stages, while he is also the top scorer against Liverpool in European Cup and Champions League history (six).

Jurgen Klopp is under no illusion as to the scale of the task facing his Liverpool side as they look to overturn a 5-2 deficit in their Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

After going 2-0 up in the first leg at Anfield, the Reds were put to the sword by Madrid as Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema each scored twice and Eder Militao also found the net.

It leaves Liverpool needing to pull off another Champions League miracle to reach the quarter-finals of the competition and keep their hopes of winning a trophy this season alive.

Liverpool have relatively recent history of overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit. They are one of just four teams to have progressed from a Champions League tie having lost the first leg by three or more goals, doing so in 2019 when they beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield in the semi-finals after losing 3-0 at Camp Nou.

Repeating the feat against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu is an even taller order.

Madrid have progressed from 26 of their previous 27 European Cup or Champions League knockout ties when winning the first leg away from home, with the exception being a defeat to Ajax at this stage in 2018-19 (2-1 away, 1-4 at home).

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp was keen not to raise hopes of Liverpool, who will be without Jordan Henderson due to illness, doing the seemingly impossible 

"If there is only one per cent chance I would like to give it a try, we are here to play an extremely strong opponent and try to win the game," said Klopp. 

"As difficult as it is, that's probably possible. Not likely but possible. We respect the competition too much, we respect the opposition too much to not look forward to this game."

Liverpool have endured an erratic season, losing eight games in the Premier League, six more defeats than they suffered in the entirety of last season.

In addition to shipping five goals to Madrid, Liverpool were also beaten 4-1 by Napoli in the group stage.

But, with Liverpool having also hammered Manchester United 7-0 nine days ago, it was put to Klopp that this strange season could be the perfect one in which to pull off such a turnaround against Madrid.

"If we can surprise ourselves in a negative way, we should be able to surprise ourselves in a positive way too," he responded. 

"We are not here and telling Madrid 'be careful we are coming'. We're here to try to win the game. We have to play extremely good. If we play a normal game or a good game, it won’t be enough.

"I think in this room, 100 per cent of the people in this room think we have no chance. We are the complete outsiders. It's the situation, it's football and we try to give it a go."

Karim Benzema has recovered from injury ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday, with Carlo Ancelotti warning Los Blancos to forget last month's win at Anfield.

Benzema joined Vinicius Junior in scoring twice as Madrid thrashed Jurgen Klopp's men 5-2 in February's last-16 first leg, but the striker has seen his form dip since that rout.

The Madrid skipper has failed to find the net in three consecutive games across all competitions, while injuries have limited him to just 15 appearances in LaLiga this campaign.

Benzema sat out Saturday's 3-1 win over Espanyol with an ankle problem, but Ancelotti says he is fit and raring to go ahead of Liverpool's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Benzema is 100 per cent recovered. He has done good work in training sessions since Sunday," Ancelotti said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.  

"He has great enthusiasm for this game. For me, for the players, for the club and for Karim, this is a massive competition."

Asked about Benzema's lack of form in recent weeks, Ancelotti said: "We're not talking about criticism. We're talking about his condition, how he's doing... I see him looking good, motivated and excited for tomorrow's game."

Madrid became the first visiting team to score five goals in a European fixture at Anfield last month, and they have progressed from 26 of their 27 European Cup/Champions League ties when winning on the road in the first leg.

However, with Liverpool one of just four sides to have overturned a first-leg deficit of three goals or more to win a Champions League tie, Ancelotti remains wary of their threat.

"We have to work on our defence and what we do in the final third. We're not focused on that first leg," he said.

"We've got our game plan, which we're going to stick to. We'll try to start off strongly, play with plenty of tempo and look to win the match.

"We're going to approach this match like its just 90 minutes, we're not going to get the calculator out and work out how many goals we need. We can't focus purely on defending."

Madrid were involved in several dramatic Champions League ties last term, including when they squandered a 3-1 first-leg lead over Chelsea before sealing a 5-4 aggregate win in the last eight in extra time in the home leg.

Ancelotti is determined to enjoy a smoother passage to the next stage on Wednesday, saying: "Maybe people don't see me that stressed, but of course I suffer a lot and against Chelsea, I did! 

"Everyone played their part on that day and it was a remarkable victory. We've got to make sure it's a very different game this time.

"That's why I said we're not going to get our calculator out. We're going to make sure we book our place in the next round."

England's top clubs are reportedly investigating what it would take to pry Joao Palhinha away from Fulham at the end of the season.

Palhinha, 27, is in his first Premier League campaign after arriving in a £17million move from Sporting CP in July, and he immediately forced his way into Marco Silva's first team.

All 24 of his league appearances this season have come as a starter, and his three goals for the surprisingly competent Cottagers match his best return for a league season.

But the area he shines is on the defensive side, tallying the most tackles of any midfielder in Europe's big five leagues this season, and he has been a driving force behind his side's rise from Championship winners to a top-half Premier League outfit.

TOP STORY – LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER UNITED AND ARSENAL CIRCLE PALHINHA

According to The Sun, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham are all showing interest in Portugal international Joao Palhinha.

The report states that it is believed Palhinha's terrific debut season in England – as well as the four years remaining on his contract – has more than doubled his transfer value to over £40m.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail adds that Liverpool are considered "the most serious suitor", and estimates that his value could reach £60m.

ROUND-UP

– The Athletic is reporting Manchester City will be at the front of the queue to sign 26-year-old left-back Ben Chilwell if he is part of an expected mass exodus from Chelsea at the end of the season.

– According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Paris Saint-Germain have joined Chelsea and Manchester United as clubs keen on breakout 24-year-old striker Victor Osimhen at Napoli.

– Inter are considered the favourites to land Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram when he leaves the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, per Calciomercato.

– Sport is reporting in-demand 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque would favour a move to Barcelona after rejecting an approach from Arsenal.

– According to Marca, Real Madrid are stepping back from their long-term pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Trent Alexander-Arnold says Liverpool must give their all against Real Madrid after showing an "unacceptable" lack of fight in their Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.

Liverpool were unable to build on their famous 7-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, as Phillip Billing's first-half strike earned Bournemouth a 1-0 home win on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah missed a penalty for the Reds, who managed just one shot on target in the second half as they chased a goal at Vitality Stadium.

It is the first time since the 2010-11 season Liverpool have lost consecutive league games against sides bottom of the table, having also lost to Nottingham Forest in October.

Alexander-Arnold, who was replaced with 25 minutes to play, accepts his side's performance on England's south coast was simply not good enough.

"This is the time of the season when everyone knows what they are fighting for and obviously Bournemouth are in a relegation battle, so they are fighting for survival," he said. 

"But every team in the league is fighting for something, so it means a lot to get the three points and I think looking back on it now, they probably wanted it more than us.

"That is something that is unacceptable and we need to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again."

Liverpool have failed to win an away game against all three promoted clubs in a single Premier League campaign for only the third time, also doing so in 2010-11 and 2003-04.

Jurgen Klopp's side are six points adrift of fourth-place Tottenham with a game in hand, with their next league game – away at Manchester City – not until April 1.

The Reds travel to Real Madrid on Wednesday in their final game before the international break, aiming to overturn a 5-2 deficit in their Champions League last-16 second leg.

"It's a huge one for us," Alexander-Arnold said of that showdown with the reigning Spanish and European champions. "It's one that we need to go and do something special.

"All our focus is solely on that Real Madrid game now and it means that we can put everything into that game knowing that we've got days afterwards to recover. 

"It's about throwing the kitchen sink at it and going all out and I think that's what we're going to do – it's important to do that. Then we'll get ready for an important run-in."

Liverpool have lost six of their past seven Champions League game against Madrid, having won their first three meetings with Los Blancos in the European Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League last-16 exit has prompted speculation about a squad overhaul.

Neymar's future in the French capital is in doubt, while pressure has ramped up on head coach Christophe Galtier.

PSG will be an interesting watch during the next transfer window as they show their hand on their future direction.

TOP STORY – PSG PLOT MOVES FOR SILVA AND DEMBELE

Paris Saint-Germain are plotting off-season moves to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele , according to Diario Sport.

The Parisiens are monitoring Dembele's status at the Blaugrana with only one year left on his contract, with a €50million release clause.

Barcelona have been linked with Silva but may struggle to facilitate that deal given €65m asking price, with PSG better placed to table that figure.

The report claims PSG's move for Dembele hinges on Neymar and whether he stays in Paris.

  
ROUND-UP

– AS reports Real Madrid are still angling to sign PSG's Kylian Mbappe after a long courtship. The report claims Los Blancos want to sign him as a free agent when his contract expires in 2024 and have prioritised him over Man City's Erling Haaland .

– Tottenham are ready to launch a move to sign Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on a cut-price deal, according to The Sun. The report claims Pickford has a clause in his new Everton deal, signed last month, if they are relegated although the Toffees are understood to want around £35m.

– PSG are planning a bid for Villarreal defender Pau Torres in the next transfer window, reports The Mirror. Manchester United opted against signing him last year.

– Barcelona 's top priority in the off-season is to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez , according to Sport.

– Calciomercato claims Milan have cooled their interest in Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita as his wage demands are beyond what they can offer.

– Bayern Munich continue to monitor the status of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic , reports Calciomercato.

A week certainly is a long time in football.

Just six days ago, jaws were on the floor as Liverpool handed in-form Manchester United their heaviest defeat in over 90 years, thumping their old rivals 7-0 at Anfield.

On Saturday, Jurgen Klopp's men went down 1-0 to previously bottom-of-the-table Bournemouth, who bounced back from their agonising last-minute defeat at Arsenal last time out.

Manchester City also had a tough away game at Crystal Palace but came out on the right side of a one-goal outcome to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea continued their rise in form with a third win in a week, while Antonio Conte's mood presumably improved as his Tottenham side beat Nottingham Forest.

Stats Perform has taken a look into some Opta data from the pick of the day's action.

Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool: Reds bubble popped by Cherries

Last week at Anfield, it felt like Liverpool would score every time they surged forward. On Saturday at the Vitality Stadium, they looked like they would struggle to find the net even if Bournemouth had left the field for a few minutes.

This was just Bournemouth's second ever competitive win against Liverpool, and their first since their famous 4-3 victory in December 2016. It was also just their second clean sheet against the Reds and their first since January 1968 (0-0).

Philip Billing's first-half strike was his sixth goal in the league this season, twice as many as he had managed in his previous three campaigns in England's top-flight combined (three in 77 games).

Mohamed Salah was electric against United, but his only moment of note this week saw the Egyptian smash a second-half penalty wide, the first time he had missed the target from the spot in the Premier League (18 scored, two saved prior to Saturday).

The Reds lost consecutive Premier League matches against opponents starting the day bottom of the table for the first time since December 2010-February 2011 (vs Wolves and West Ham respectively), and have failed to win away against all three promoted clubs (D1 L2) in a single Premier League campaign for only the third time, also doing so in 2010-11 (L3) and 2003-04 (D2 L1).

Leicester City 1-3 Chelsea: Potter weaves his magic to get Blues firing again

Before last week, Graham Potter's Chelsea were a mess, having won only two of their previous 15 games.

Seven days later and they are on a run of three wins, completing the league double over Leicester for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.

It also meant an end to a run of eight Premier League away games without a victory for the Blues (D4 L4), with this their first win on the road since a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in October.

This was Leicester's 16th Premier League defeat of the season, with no team having suffered more (Southampton also 16), and they conceded first for the ninth consecutive league game, doing so 14 times in total this season, only Southampton (18) and West Ham (17) have shipped the opening goal of the game more often in 2022-23.

Chelsea's goals came through Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, with Havertz scoring his first Premier League away goal since October (v Brighton).

Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers has suffered as many as 16 defeats in a single league season for the first time in his career, which was not an ideal way to celebrate his 150th Premier League game as Leicester manager (W64 D29 L57). Only Martin O'Neill has managed more games in the competition for the club (152), while only Claudio Ranieri (44 per cent) has a better win percentage than Rodgers (43 per cent).

Tottenham 3-1 Nottingham Forest: Kane able to reignite Spurs' season

Taking advantage of Liverpool's slip in the race for the top four, Tottenham recovered from their Champions League exit to Milan by easing past Forest thanks to goals from Harry Kane (two) and Son Heung-min.

Despite the 0-0 against Milan at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, none of Spurs' last 24 home league games have been drawn (W17 L7), while today was the first time they have had a two-goal lead at half-time in a Premier League home game since beating Arsenal last May.

Steve Cooper's Forest have lost all four of their league games in London this season by an aggregate score of 14-1. It is the first time they have lost four consecutive league games in the capital since February 1999 (a run of five).

Kane has now scored eight headed goals in the Premier League this season – only former Everton and Newcastle United striker Duncan Ferguson has ever netted more in a single campaign (nine in 1997-98).

The England captain has also scored 20 goals in a Premier League season for the sixth time, with only Alan Shearer (seven) doing so in more different campaigns than the Tottenham striker.

Fraser Forster's late penalty save from Andre Ayew was the fourth of his last eight penalties faced in the Premier League that he has kept out.

Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City: Haaland steps up again as Palace fire blanks once more

It was far from a typical dominant Man City display, but Erling Haaland's late penalty earned them three points at Selhurst Park.

Despite their uncharacteristic wobbles this season, City have won five of their last six Premier League games (D1), and are on the longest current unbeaten run in the competition (six games).

Palace defended well in the main, but also became the first team on record (since 2003-04) to fail to have a single shot on target in three consecutive Premier League matches.

The Eagles remain winless in their 10 league games in 2023 (D5 L5), while no side has failed to score in more different Premier League games this season (12).

Haaland scored his 10th away goal of the season in the league – with 18 also scored at home, he is just the second City player to reach double figures both home and away in a single Premier League campaign, after Sergio Aguero in 2014-15 (13 home, 13 away).

No player has scored more penalties in England's top-flight this season than Haaland (five, level with Brentford's Ivan Toney). Only Yaya Toure has scored more from the spot in a single campaign for the Citizens (six in 2013-14).

Wout Weghorst is still revelling in the "special" feeling of scoring his first Manchester United goal at Old Trafford, having waited "too long" to break his duck at the Theatre of Dreams.

At the ninth attempt since his loan move from Burnley, the Netherlands international finally netted his first home goal in the commanding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Europa League.

That marked Weghorst's second strike in 15 appearances, though the 30-year-old's work rate has been widely praised despite his modest goal return.

Reacting quickly in the box to turn home after Scott McTominay's shot had been saved by Claudio Bravo, Weghorst's sheer relief was evident.

"Yes, I think you could [see] it," he told United's official website. "[It was a] great feeling and, of course, I had to wait a long time for it – too long.

"[I'm] really happy. I got my goal, so that was a great feeling with the stadium, in front of the Stretford End. It was special."

United's performance against Betis on Thursday provided a timely response to their humbling 7-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield four days earlier.

Weghorst found himself at the centre of controversy after that loss, with footage emerging of him touching the 'This Is Anfield' sign in the tunnel ahead of kick-off, a gesture usually associated with Liverpool players rather than their opponents.

He claimed he was simply trying to wind up compatriot Virgil van Dijk as he attempted to prevent the defender from touching the sign.

But he got himself back in United fans' good books on Thursday, and he was thrilled to have played a part in helping the Red Devils bounce back.

"That was what we wanted, to give a reaction after the defeat that was, of course, not acceptable. It [was] not our level, not our standards and definitely something we should avoid, and have to avoid for the future.

"We were really [happy] to get a reaction and to show us, and I think that's what we did [against Betis]."

Erik ten Hag's side will look to continue that momentum against Southampton – the Premier League's bottom team – to tighten their grip on third place.

Jurgen Klopp believes there was "no reason" for the BBC to tell Gary Lineker to step aside from hosting Match of the Day after the presenter became involved in a political row on social media.

The BBC announced on Friday that Lineker would not be involved in this week's edition of the hugely popular British football show after the former striker criticised the UK government's new asylum policy on Twitter.

Lineker compared the language being used by current politicians to that expressed in Germany in the 1930s.

In the aftermath of the BBC's announcement, several big-name pundits including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer said they would not appear on the show out of solidarity with Lineker, forcing the BBC to air Saturday's episode without a studio team.

Asked about the row after Liverpool's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, Klopp outlined his view that Lineker's message was an acceptable one. 

"How I understand it, I am not a native... but I cannot see any reason why you would ask someone to step back for saying that. I can't," Klopp said.

"I'm not sure if it's a language issue or not, but I can't find it. But that's the world we are living in. Everybody is so concerned about doing things in the right manner, saying the right stuff to everybody.

"If you don't do that, you create a s***storm, which we didn't have when we were young. It's a really difficult world to live in.

"If I understand it right, then this is a message or opinion about human rights, and that should be possible to say. 

"I don't understand the social media part of it, but I'm probably too old for that. But apart from that, no. If I got it right, there's no reason, for me." 

In response to the government's asylum policy, Lineker had posted: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?"

Carlo Ancelotti credited Real Madrid's powers of recovery after Saturday's 3-1 win over Espanyol, as Los Blancos prepare to enter a decisive week with a spring in their step.

Madrid appeared in danger of losing more ground on LaLiga leaders Barcelona when Joselu put Espanyol ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the champions responded well to cut the gap to six points.

Vinicius Junior arced a fine strike into the bottom-right corner to level, before Eder Militao's header put Madrid on top and Marco Asensio made the points safe at the death.

Madrid have now claimed 10 points from losing positions in LaLiga this campaign – a tally only bettered by Girona (12).

With the second leg of their Champions League tie against Liverpool and a huge meeting with Clasico rivals Barcelona to come in the next eight days, Ancelotti knows Madrid had no margin for error.

"The matches are all difficult, whoever the rival is," he told Movistar. "We needed the three points, a very important week begins now with the Champions League and the Clasico. 

"The beginning was not very spectacular, then we came back, we controlled it well, it was a good game. We needed to win, we won, and now we go for the next one.

"We arrive in a good mood, hopefully we can prepare well for Wednesday's game [against Liverpool], which has many traps, and they must be avoided."

Madrid hold a handsome 5-2 advantage over Liverpool at the halfway point of their last-16 tie, having become the first visiting team to score five goals in a European game at Anfield last month.

While the European champions are heavy favourites to reach the last eight, Ancelotti says last year's quarter-final tie against Chelsea – in which Madrid squandered a 3-1 first-leg lead before triumphing 5-4 on aggregate – should serve as a warning.

"I think we had an experience last year with Chelsea where it was very difficult for us to get through despite the advantage," he said at his post-match press conference.

"The fact is that we have an advantage, we are favourites, but we have to play 90 minutes with the same attitude as the first leg and with our best performance. 

"We cannot hide the advantage, hopefully we will take advantage of it with a match at the top level. We can't think about managing the result, the minutes... You have be at your best, like at Anfield."

The build-up to Saturday's game was overshadowed by the revelation that Madrid's board would discuss "suspicions of corruption" regarding Barcelona at an urgent meeting on Sunday.

Spanish prosecutors have filed a complaint against Barcelona over alleged historic payments to former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, but Ancelotti would not be drawn on the controversy.  

"Tomorrow I know there is a board meeting. I refer to the club on this issue," Ancelotti said. "It's important, but I prefer to focus on the next game."

Jurgen Klopp conceded Bournemouth deserved their 1-0 win against Liverpool after the Reds missed the chance to move into the Premier League's top four.

Philip Billing's first-half effort was enough to down the Merseyside outfit at the Vitality Stadium, with three points taking the Cherries out of the relegation zone.

Mohamed Salah, fresh from a brace in last Sunday's 7-0 hammering of Manchester United that saw the Egypt international become Liverpool's all-time top scorer in the Premier League, missed a second-half penalty to leave the visitors licking their wounds.

Klopp believes that could have been the turning point in the game, though he felt Bournemouth, who gave leaders Arsenal a scare last time out, were long overdue a victory.

"The last penalty we got in the league was long ago and it's completely hypothetical but if we score there, the game could turn," he told BT Sport.

"It doesn't make the performance better but could change the result at least. He scores goals, he scores a lot of goals, but he missed the penalty, that's life.

"It was clear from the first second that we come here, Bournemouth are fighting to stay in the league, wonderful club, wonderful city, they want to stay in and they do really well.

"Results were not going in the right direction in the last few months, but the performances look different, and so they deserve the three points today, that's it."

Bournemouth's Adam Smith, who saw the penalty decision go against him for handball, felt justice was served from Salah's miss and revealed even some of the Liverpool players were confused by the penalty.

"Even some of the Liverpool lads said it was a bit harsh," he said.

"I was jumping, I couldn't see the ball, I don't know how I meant to stop that. I jump with my hands, I think my arms were down, so maybe it was a little bit of justice that they missed it."

Bournemouth were able to get the job done this time as they held on for a crucial 1-0 win over Liverpool at Vitality Stadium.

A week after Bournemouth had thrown away a two-goal lead at Arsenal, Philip Billing's first-half strike secured an advantage they protected admirably on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah missed a penalty for Jurgen Klopp's men in the second half as a team who put seven past Manchester United only six days prior failed to break down their lowly hosts.

Defeat is a blow to Liverpool's top-four hopes, but the win sees Gary O'Neil's side climb out of the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Liverpool went close to taking the lead in the sixth minute when Virgil van Dijk headed a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner goalwards, only for Jefferson Lerma to clear off the line.

Soon after it was Dango Ouattara who had a glorious opportunity at the other end when he was sent through on goal, but the Burkina Faso international could only find the side-netting after rounding Alisson.

Cody Gakpo had a goal ruled out for offside, yet it was the Cherries who took the lead in the 28th minute when Ouattara latched onto a long ball and cut a cross back to Billing to finish.

Klopp brought Diogo Jota on for Harvey Elliott at half-time, and the Portuguese forward forced a fine save from Neto to his left within four minutes of the restart.

Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute when Adam Smith's outstretched arm blocked a Jota header, but Salah fired wide, and Bournemouth this time saw out the late pressure to seal the win.

David Brooks was named on the bench for Bournemouth for their Premier League clash against Liverpool on Saturday, the first time he has been in a matchday squad since recovering from cancer treatment.

The Wales international has not featured since being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin's lymphoma in October 2021.

Brooks was given the all-clear in May and returned to a modified training programme, before signing a new deal with Bournemouth until 2026.

Cherries head coach Gary O'Neil named the 25-year-old among his substitutes for the game against Liverpool at Vitality Stadium, also making three changes to the team that started the agonising last-minute 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.

Lloyd Kelly, Jefferson Lerma and Jaidon Anthony came in for Chris Mepham, Jordan Zemura and Antoine Semenyo.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made just one change to the team that thrashed Manchester United 7-0 last time out, with Stefan Bajcetic coming in for Jordan Henderson.

Bournemouth were looking to avenge the 9-0 defeat they suffered at Anfield in August.

Graham Potter acknowledges any new Chelsea contract for Mason Mount must be right for the player, who has been linked with a move away after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge. 

Mount's current Blues deal expires at the end of next season and, with fresh terms yet to be agreed, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in the midfielder.

The 24-year-old has missed Chelsea's last two games – wins over Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund – through injury, though he started just one of their previous four matches across all competitions.

Potter outlined his desire for a swift resolution to Mount's talks with the club last month, but with no visible progress being made, he accepts the England international may need to take his time.

"Ultimately it is between the club and Mason," Potter said on Friday. "I have spoken to him numerous times about his situation, football and life generally. 

"My feelings for Mason are clear. He is a fantastic person firstly, but sometimes these things happen. 

"They are just complicated and it is best that I speak little about it, let them get on with it in deciding what is right for both parties. 

"I am not naive. I know it is an important time for him and an important contract. These things have to be right for him and his family. It's important he makes a decision on that basis."

Mount has made 32 appearances for Chelsea this season, 26 of them starts, with his tally of six goal contributions only bettered by Raheem Sterling (10) and Kai Havertz (eight) in an underwhelming campaign for the Blues.