Liverpool manager Arne Slot has backed Mohamed Salah to rediscover his scoring touch after the Egyptian forward went nine Premier League matches without a goal — his worst drought in the top flight. Slot attributed the dry spell to Salah`s own exceptionally high standards while noting that Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike have also struggled for goals

Real Madrid and Manchester City have been drawn against each other in the UEFA Champions League last 16 for the fifth consecutive season, with the Spanish giants hosting the first leg. City manager Pep Guardiola welcomed the draw, saying playing the best teams helps the club learn and improve. City had beaten Madrid 2-1 in the league phase earlier