Wednesday Morning: Chelsea Beat Lille 2-0 In First Leg Of Champions League Last 16

United in action tonight

SOCCER

Holders Chelsea will take a 2-0 lead to French side Lille in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic were on target at Stamford Bridge last night, where record signing Romelu Lukaku was dropped to the bench.

Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech are both doubts for Chelsea's League Cup final against Liverpool this weekend, leaving the pitch with injuries in the second-half.

Manager Thomas Tuchel explained why he left Lukaku out of the team:



Last night's other game finished 1-1 between Villarreal and Juventus in Spain.


Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has warned his players to expect a hostile atmosphere when they play Atletico Madrid tonight.

United are in Madrid to take on the reigning Spanish champions in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

A groin injury has ruled out United’s veteran striker Edinson Cavani.

Matchday -1 ✔

All eyes on Wednesday's #UCL showdown in Spain! 💪🇪🇸#MUFC pic.twitter.com/8IkzHzW0NF

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 22, 2022

Tonight's other last-16 first leg sees Benfica host fellow former winners Ajax.

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Liverpool have the chance to cut the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to just three points this evening.

Jurgen Klopp's side have won their last eight games in all competitions ahead of welcoming Leeds to Anfield for a 7.45pm kick-off.

All the latest team news ahead of #LIVLEE ⬇️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 22, 2022

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says Harry Kane is fit to start against Burnley tonight.

While third from bottom side Watford play host to Crystal Palace.

GOLF

Six time major winner Phil Mickelson has apologised for remarks he made about the breakaway Saudi Super League, branding them "reckless".

The American says he will be taking time away from the game.

A Statement from Phil Mickelson pic.twitter.com/2saaXIxhpu

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) February 22, 2022

GAELIC GAMES

In Camogie's Senior Div 2 League, Kildare play Derry on Saturday 26th February, with time and venue to be confirmed.

Kildare's Minor League game away to Carlow will throw-in at 2.30pm on Sunday, in Fenagh.

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Kildare play Dublin on Saturday, in the U20 John Kerins Cup Round 2 fixture. 

Thrown-in at Parnell Park, is at 2pm.

RUGBY

Cian Healy has confirmed he will stay at Leinster.

The veteran loosehead prop signed a contract extension with the province yesterday, until at least the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

RACING

Today's race meeting at Punchestown goes ahead after the track passed a morning inspection.

The first of 8 races on heavy ground goes to post at 1pm.