Allegations of racism again marred the weekend’s football schedule, with Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger the victim during his side’s win at Tottenham.

Atletico Madrid substitute Hector Herrera grabbed a late equaliser as his side came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in Champions League Group D at the Wanda Metropolitano.

They include a few overhead kicks to match even Ronaldo's superhuman effort.

Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey gave Arsenal the upper hand in their Europa League last-16 tie with AC Milan as the Gunners won 2-0 at San Siro.

Daniel Storey reviews the football year.

Manchester United are keen on USA winger Christian Pulisic

Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been named on a 30-man shortlist to win the 2017 Ballon d'Or.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Las Palmas 3-0 in a game played behind closed doors after the Spanish league refused Barca’s plea to postpone the game on the day of the highly-charged Catalonia referendum.

Isco scored twice as Spain beat Italy 3-0 at the Bernabeu to move clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group G.

Ireland No. 1 Darren Randolph’s future at West Ham looks uncertain with Joe Hart’s loan deal to the Hammers expected to be confirmed today.

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has denied being involved in a half-time bust-up with teammates during the Champions League final defeat against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid will have a really difficult job trying to break Juve down, writes Liam Brady.

Both come from old port cities beside the Mediterranean, but the two men arrived at the top of their profession by completely different routes, writes David Shonfield.

Once again, Juventus are out to prove themselves on the European stage, says Daniella Matar.

No knee slides, no leaping and punching the air, no elaborately choreographed hand-shake routines. Just a little fist bump here, a fleeting palm slap there or maybe a passing pat on the back. 

Video replays took centre stage as Spain beat France 2-0 in a friendly at the Stade de France.

The Premier League’s top six take stock this week ahead of the hectic festive football programme. How many of the clubs genuinely retain hopes of being top of the tree next May? The answer may dictate how busy they are in the January window.

Germany 1 Italy 1 (AET, Germany won 6-5 on penalties): Some stereotypes simply refuse to go away.

How much will Ireland’s historic victory affect the way Italy approach their showdown with Spain on Monday?

So the Italians will rest their star performers on Wednesday to afford Ireland an easy ride to joining them in the knockout stages of Euro 2016? Well, think again.

Gareth Bale spared Wales blushes when his stunning free-kick late helped his side overcame tiny Andorra in their Euro 2016 Group B qualification opener.

Norway 0 Italy 2

Italy 0 Uruguay 1

Italy 0 Uruguay 1

Republic of Ireland 0 Italy 0

Bayern Munich 2 Juventus 0

THE CREAM OF THE CROP

Celtic manager Neil Lennon savoured the prospect of another two classic encounters against Juventus after being paired with the Italian champions and Serie A leaders in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Juventus 3 Chelsea 0

Juventus 3 Chelsea 0

Barcelona kept their perfect start to the season going with a 2-0 win at Benfica thanks to goals either side of half-time by Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas.

Chelsea expect Oscar to be fit for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game against Stoke but Daniel Sturridge once again misses out.

John Obi Mikel apologised for the mistake that cost Chelsea the chance to open their Champions League defence with a win after their 2-2 draw with Juventus.

Chelsea 2 Juventus 2

Chelsea 2 Juventus 2

Italy defender Ignazio Abate is wary of England’s wide boys ahead of Sunday’s European Championship quarter-final.

Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci was coy last night about being nominated as a mentor to Mario Balotelli in the build-up to Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final against England.

Defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss Italy’s European Championship quarter-final against England on Sunday, their team doctor has confirmed.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli plans to ask Mario Balotelli if his angry outburst after scoring yesterday was directed at him.

Buoyed by a strong showing against the world champions there’s a new mood of optimism in the Italian camp, boosted by the post-match words of their president Giorgio Napolitano who compared the spirit of the nation to the spirit of the team.

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi revealed he will play in defence against Spain in tomorrow’s Group C opener.

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has revealed he will play in defence against Spain in Sunday's Euro 2012 Group C opener.