Matchday LIVE: Chelsea take down Spurs as Liverpool, Barca and PSG all win

Well, what a day of football we've had to see out the weekend!

We've got our first AFCON quarter-final locked in between Burkina Faso and Tunisia, with Nigeria on the plane home. We've got another Chelsea victory over Tottenham, and large routine wins for Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, among others.

Now, many clubs prepare to take a breather - but with more action from Africa to come, you're not going to be short of great games. Until then, thank you - and have a great week!

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FT: Alaves 0-1 Barca

2 - Two out of the four games with the most passes for @FCBarcelona in @LaLigaEN this season have been against #Alavés: 811 in October and 693 today (728 vs Atlético de Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano and 713 vs Elche at Camp Nou). Measure.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 23, 2022

FT: PSG 4-0 Reims

PSG's special kits to celebrate Chinese New Year 🇨🇳🥰 pic.twitter.com/jBTlRJKoK0

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

That's the final whistle - and Barcelona have snagged a huge three points late in the day!

Frenkie de Jong's finish hoists them into the top six and clear of seventh-place Villarreal by three points - with the Yellow Submarine having played one more game to boot too.

In the course of their season, that is a key result for the Blaugrana, after struggling to seal a breakthrough for so long. Alaves will be bitterly frustrated, but it is the visitors who head home smiling.

FT: Milan 0-0 Juventus

AC Milan 0-0 Juventus

Not everyone can get into the Serie A title race ❌ pic.twitter.com/WjNYC2G9aq

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

(Frenkie de Jong)

Frenkie de Jong might have just nabbed three crucial points for Barcelona!

Alaves are not happy about this one after Ferran Torres appears to be offside in the build-up to his assist, but the goal stands after his square pass is deemed to be from a legal position.

A huge rescue package in the Blaugrana's season.

There goes the final whistle in Ligue 1 - and Paris Saint-Germain have made it easy pickings against Reims to build their lead at the top of the table again.

A first goal in club colours for Sergio Ramos, a return to action for Lionel Messi - it has pretty much gone off without a hitch for the hosts.

There will be some warm feelings around Parc des Princes on this cold winter night in the capital.

It's all over in Serie A - and the spoils are shared as Milan and Juventus play out a goalless game at San Siro.

There are arguably no big winners here with that result - but perhaps some minor losers, with Milan shorn of a key player in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus unable to build back towards the thick of the European races.

Regardless. A point gained is more than a point lost. They'll take that result and move on.

PSG 4-0 Reims

Sergio Ramos scores his first goal for PSG! 👑 pic.twitter.com/ft1HG0aNqk

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

(Danilo Pereira)

If it wasn't game, set and match before, it certainly is now!

Danilo Pereira gets in on the action to add a fourth for Paris Saint-Germain, to wrap up the three points for good in this clash.

Reims have their heads hung low. They'll hope to avoid a fifth concession before the night is out.

FT: Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia

5/6 - Tunisia have qualified for Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals for the fifth time in their last six participations, only failing in 2013. Surprise. pic.twitter.com/o3ThEOtCdf

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 23, 2022

(Wout Faes OG)

That will surely be that for Paris Saint-Germain!

Marco Veratti looks like he's got a second, but it goes down as an own goal for a helpful deflection off Wout Faes, to send the ball the other way past goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

Lionel Messi got in on the act too, setting up the ultimate non-assist for Veratti's effort.

(Segio Ramos)

PSG double their lead - and it is a first goal in Ligue 1 for one of their biggest names!

Sergio Ramos has not enjoyed the smoothest start to life at Parc des Princes, but he seizes this chance now, bundling home a close-range finish after two initial deflections from a corner spill it to him at the far post.

He gets a warm round of applause from the crowd as his team-mates mob him. It seems to be a popular finish - and given his legendary standing, no wonder.

It is the prelude for another key event too - Lionel Messi joins his team-mates as they return to their half, on for Angel Di Maria.

FT: Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia

Tunisia knock Nigeria out of #Afcon2021 to qualify for the quarter-finals 🇹🇳 pic.twitter.com/I81r7zin70

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

Super Eagles out of AFCON 2021

Nigeria are heading home from AFCON 2021! They fall to Tunisia in the last-16!

It is a humbling end to their stay in Cameroon, as the Super Eagles - reduced to ten men as they chased the fame following Alex Iwobi's red card - splutter to a standstill after sweeping the group stages.

It is absolute delight for the Eagles of Carthage though, who upset the form book to nab a quarter-final clash with Burkina Faso.

There goes the whistle for the break in La Liga - and Xavi will wonder just how Barcelona have not found an opener yet.

They've only managed to muster half-a-dozen shots so far, despite having almost four-fifths of possession overall. That is a mad stat - and speaks to how hardscrabble Alaves are playing around the back.

You can feel the frustration seeping out of the Blaugrana - but keep this up and they'll break the dam.

HT: PSG 1-0 Reims

There's just the one goal between two first halves across Europe - and it is Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1 leaders, who have it to their name.

The hosts have finally managed to break down a stubborn Reims defence on the stroke of half-time, delivering a finish that will surely get Lionel Messi itching to join them on the pitch.

But with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's removal for an apparent ankle knock, there is nothing that can split Milan and Juventus so far in Serie A. There's plenty yet to come though!

(Marco Veratti)

Paris Saint-Germain hit paydirt on the stroke of half-time!

The hosts have had almost twice as many shots and just under twice as much ball in this opening half, but they have struggled to break through Reims at the back - until now.

Marco Veratti pounces upon an original shot from Mauro Icardi that is blocked, bundling it home to open the scoring at Parc des Princes.

Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia

Absolute disaster for Nigeria - they're down to ten men!

Alex Iwobi has been dismissed, with the Everton winger shown a red card mere minutes after coming off the bench.

The Super Eagles' path to the quarter-finals just got a whole lot more mission impossible.

Milan 0-0 Juventus

There are no goals to report so far at San Siro - but there is a blow for the hosts and their hopes of maintaining some sturdy Serie A pressure.

Milan have been forced to remove the evergreen Zlatan Ibrohimovic, with the Sweden veteran apparently nursing an ankle knock.

He's replaced by Olivier Giroud, who as substitute options go, is among the best you could probably ask for. Still, it is a cruel blow for both player and club on this big occasion tonight, particularly if it turns out to be worse than feared.

(Youssef Msakni)

Advantage to the Eagles of Carthage - and we could have something of an upset on our hands at AFCON 2021!

Tunisia - who scraped their way through to the last-16 from third-place in Group F with three points - have seized the lead against Nigeria, who cruised through the first part of this tournament with three wins from three!

The former, of course, were the higher-ranked nation heading into the tournament, but even so. It is Youssef Msakni who has provided the finish to lift them ahead in this contest, mere minutes after the restart.

We've reached our final kick-off of the day - and it could be one with huge ramifications for one of Europe's fast-falling giants.

There's no more Champions League football this term for Barcelona, and if Napoli turn up the heat, they could be out of Europe too next year. Their place at the continental table next term is far from a done deal.

They need points and they need them fast - and Alaves are the next obstacle in their way that they have to overcome.

KO: PSG v Reims

We're almost at the end of today's festival of football - but Europe might have saved some of the best club games for last.

In Italy and France, we're just getting underway at San Siro and Parc des Princes, as Milan host Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain welcome Reims.

The Rossoneri could really do with a routine win to keep the pressure up on Inter in Serie A. PSG meanwhile will want a victory to further bolster their race to bring the Ligue 1 title back home.

FT: Empoli 2-4 Roma

We're minutes away from Serie A's headline clash - but can anyone match the former of Tammy Abraham and his record-setting antics at Roma?

Surely, form like this will see him head to the Qatar 2022 World Cup with England at the end of the year. Patrick Bamford's prolonged run of injuries, alas, means there may well be a spot up for grabs.

9 - Tammy Abraham has now scored nine goals for AS Roma in Serie A this season; the most by an English player in a single season in the competition in the three points per win era. Lion.#SerieA #EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/rAZpFnTaZw

— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) January 23, 2022

"This is not the right moment to speak, the club know very well what I think," he told Sky Sports. "There is not one transfer market to close the gap. The last few years this gap became very big and now it is not simple to find a solution in a short time.

"I am only focused to work until the end, we have four months to try and give everything, but if we think we solve with the transfer market the situation, it is not the reality. You need many years, but for sure we have to start.

"You have to sell or loan players and it is difficult and then you have to find the right players for you. You can only start this process but you need many years. It won't be easy, I spoke with the club and am totally in this position of the club to work and improve the situation on the pitch.

"I am enjoying my time in Tottenham, we have four months to work and get the best possible result. I am proud of the effort. Sometimes you can push 100% but it is not enough."

FT: Chelsea 2-0 Spurs

501 - Chelsea have earned 501 points from their 272 London derby matches in the Premier League, making them the first side to reach 500 points in such fixtures in the history of the competition. Capital. pic.twitter.com/BGrs2ChQKU

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

FT: Burkina Faso 1 (7)-(6) 1 Gabon

Burkina Faso are into the quarter-final after a DRAMATIC penalty shootout victory over Gabon! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/racxHTZeVb

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 23, 2022

It's still weird, even after half a season, not seeing Lionel Messi's name square and centre on a Barcelona teamsheet.

Regardless, the lineups are in for the Blaugrana's trip to Alaves.

𝐗𝐈 #AlavésBarça

👥 These are the eleven men chosen by Mendilibar 👇#GoazenGlorioso 🦊 pic.twitter.com/O34OJsCU64

— Deportivo Alavés 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@alaveseng) January 23, 2022

𝘽𝘼𝙍𝘾̧𝘼 𝙓𝙄#AlavésBarça
💪🟦🟥 pic.twitter.com/CO6nn1SgfE

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2022

FT: Burkina Faso 1 (7)-(6) 1 Gabon

Just look at the delight for the 2013 runner-up nation at their victory.

They'll await the winner of our next tie tonight - Nigeria or Tunisia - in the quarter-finals.

Burkina Faso are the first team to qualify for the #Afcon quarter-finals! 🇧🇫 pic.twitter.com/ukSl1s8kCh

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

It's all over - Burkina Faso have edged Gabon in a penalty shootout thriller!

It finishes seven spot-kicks to six and the Stallions are the first side into the quarter-finals at AFCON 2021!

"I was right behind! I had the feeling it was a bit too high but it dropped at the right second," he told Sky Sports. "It was a brilliant goal. His technique was brilliant."

There's no shortage of headline names for both the hosts and the visitors at San Siro today - and it promises to be an absolute Serie A blockbuster.

The line-up to face the Bianconeri 👊#MilanJuve #SempreMilan@EASPORTSFIFA pic.twitter.com/DWZ9dSanbh

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 23, 2022

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 ⚪⚫ 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐈 👇#MilanJuve #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/2lGUmQfG3K

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) January 23, 2022

Messi on bench for hosts

The line-ups are in for Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 bout with Reims - and it is a return to the matchday squad for Lionel Messi.

The Argentine makes the bench and will hope to get some much-needed minutes back under his belt if possible later on.

Here is the Parisian XI to face Reims! 👊

#PSGSDR pic.twitter.com/LBNmLajvby

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 23, 2022

👀 Le 11 de départ rémois pour ce @PSG_inside 🆚 SDR ⤵️#PSGSDR #GoSDR pic.twitter.com/t4HpzWFLJb

— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) January 23, 2022

AFCON last-16 tie heads to penalties

...we're going to spot-kicks in our first knockout tie of AFCON 2021!

There's nothing to split Burkina Faso and Gabon after 120 minutes of action, and the two teams will now play out a penalty shootout to decide who gets that first quarter-final berth.

The time to write a spot of history looms for both nations and their players.

The squads are in for the second AFCON last-16 tie of the day - and if it has been anything like its predecessor, it's going to be a corker.

Speaking of that other tie...

𝐗𝐈 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝!

#TeamNigeria & #TeamTunisia's starting 1️⃣1️⃣s are in. 👇#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #NGATUN pic.twitter.com/LOfpwmiuu1

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2022

There goes the final whistle in the Bundesliga - and Bayern Munich have made comfortable work of Hertha Berlin to further build their grip at the summit.

At this rate, they will probably be champions by Easter. It's looking all too easy for the Bavarian giants once again going forward.

Blues cruise to comfortable derby win

London is the colour blue - again!

Three meetings in 2022, but the song remains the same - Chelsea are the kings of the capital as they dispatch Tottenham once again, this time in the Premier League after two Carabao Cup victories.

Thomas Tuchel's side pour pain onto former boss Antonio Conte, to end his unbeaten league start to life with Spurs, thanks to goals from Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva - the former of which was the stuff of absolute dreams.

They head into the winter breather ten points off Manchester City - albeit, with one more game played. Still, the taste of success is sweet for them.

Spurs fans are throwing items at both Rudiger and Azpilicueta.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

(Jurgen Ekkelenkamp)

An immediate response - but surely a consolation - for Hertha Berlin against the champions!

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp nets a goal for the hosts to ensure they don't end up with a big fat zero against their name for today's game.

Bayern Munich will be less than pleased with that late concession.

Serge cooks up another one 😋

🔴⚪ #BSCFCB 0-4 (79') pic.twitter.com/SUzOLIvW8S

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

LEROY MAKES IT THREE! 🔥🔥

🔴⚪ #BSCFCB 0-3 (69') pic.twitter.com/qEWqTWSaDH

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

THE ABSOLUTE SCENES 🔥#TeamGabon score a much needed equalizer in stoppage time to keep their hopes alive 🐆 ⚡️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAGAB pic.twitter.com/aP79njHXzG

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2022

37y 123d - Thiago Silva (37y 123d) is the oldest player to score in the Premier League since February 2013, when 39-year-old Ryan Giggs netted against Queens Park Rangers for Manchester United. Golden.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

Here is how 10-man Gabon levelled against Burkina Faso and forced extra-time...

GABON HAVE SNATCHED A GOAL IN STOPPAGE TIME! 😮

The ball catches Guira and flies past the Burkina Faso keeper ⚽

Extra time it is! 👀 pic.twitter.com/Luw7vICp2I

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 23, 2022

¡GOL DE GABÓN! 🔥

En el último suspiro Bruno Ecuele Manga empata el partido 👀💥

📺 Sigue el #TeamBurkinaFaso vs. #TeamGabon en vivo por beIN SPORTS XTRA Ñ.

🔗: https://t.co/fJV1gI8QT9#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAGAB pic.twitter.com/gRrkOxIpN7

— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 23, 2022

20 - Mason Mount has registered his 20th assist for Chelsea since the start of the 2019-20 campaign, the most of any player at the club in this period across all competitions. Quality. pic.twitter.com/RuAfc33jHW

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

Here is how Silva helped Chelsea to take full control of their derby date with Spurs...

Chelsea double their lead! 😮

It's a dangerous delivery from the free-kick and Thiago Silva gets his head on it! He will certainly be claiming it, but there might have been a final touch off a Tottenham player! pic.twitter.com/cTSeWtGjnS

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

Thiago Silva doubles Chelsea's lead over Tottenham! #MyPLMorning #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/L5HgTEUHik

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 23, 2022

Gabon are down to 10 men, but are level in the closing stages and heading towards extra-time.

G⚽AL! #TeamBurkinaFaso 1-1 #TeamGabon

An own goal equalizes the result for The Panthers in the dying minutes! 🤝 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAGAB pic.twitter.com/SsKRbxZukA

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2022

Thiago Silva glances home a Mount free-kick to double the Blues' lead. Spurs not happy with the award of the initial free-kick, but the home side are two goals to the good.

FROM THE BACKKKK! 😍

💙 2-0 ⚪️ [55’] #CheTot pic.twitter.com/98HBmLaGqO

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2022

Here is how Ziyech curled Chelsea in front against Spurs...

Hakim Ziyech, take a bow! 🔥

The Chelsea man cuts in on his left foot and guides his shot past a rooted Hugo Lloris to give the hosts the lead! pic.twitter.com/uxyMWXzZpJ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

FOUR!!!!!

Wave after wave of attacks ... this time Zaniolo is there to lash home Micki's cutback!#ASRoma #EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/wk9zmlXRi4

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 23, 2022

The Blues require less than two minutes after the restart to get their noses in front. Great run from Hudson-Odoi, who tees up Ziyech 20 yards out. With his wand of a left foot, he curls into the top corner.

MY WORDDD!!!

💙 1-0 ⚪️ [48’] #CheTot pic.twitter.com/PzE0rczW6Q

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2022

Here is the record-setting goal from Roma striker Abraham...

Tammy Abraham gets on the scoresheet for Roma! 🙌

Brilliant reactions to stop the ball and finish on the turn 👌

9️⃣ Serie A goals and counting... pic.twitter.com/IN6DqdRNSU

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 23, 2022

Tammy Abraham scores Roma's opener! 🐺 pic.twitter.com/ceesBrLtH5

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 23, 2022

Restart delayed for a broken net at Stamford Bridge.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

2-0!

Tammy's initial effort may have crossed the line - if it didn't then Gianluca Mancini certainly made sure!#ASRoma #EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/yGhiUERJtO

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 23, 2022

9 - Tammy Abraham has now scored nine goals for AS Roma in Serie A this season; the most by an English player in a single season in the competition in the three points per win era. Lion.#SerieA #EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/rAZpFnTaZw

— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) January 23, 2022

-2 - @realmadriden have drawn their first game after comeback (two goals down) since March 2017 vs Las Palmas (1-3, 3-3). Just Las Palmas (GP34 D5 L29) & Elche (GP23 D4 L19) are the teams to have appeared at Real Madrid most often without win.Scenic#RealMadridElche #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/Wxc26eqNvu

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 23, 2022

TAMMYYYYYYY!!!!!! 🎯
@tammyabraham controls Sergio Oliveira's ball, spins and fires home on his right foot!
#ASRoma #EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/n9nHSq7UH3

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 23, 2022

Looking good so far 👌

🔴⚪ #BSCFCB 0-2 pic.twitter.com/UWRJP30VRA

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

IT'S MÜLLER TIME 🚨

🔴⚪ #BSCFCB 0-2 (45') pic.twitter.com/qVLTf90xYe

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

In level. 👊#CheTot pic.twitter.com/WBIM9BaQw8

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2022

Here is the strike that Kane saw chalked off. Did he do much wrong?

NO GOAL ❌

Tottenham have the ball in the back of the net, but it's been disallowed for a push by Harry Kane in the build-up! pic.twitter.com/m1PxdnIl54

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

Harry Kane scores but the goal is called off due to Kane fouling Thiago Silva. #MyPLMorning #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/od7x5vMJj5

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 23, 2022

Here is how Militao completed Real Madrid's comeback against Elche and earned them a point in a 2-2 draw....

Just like Sevilla did on Saturday, Real Madrid salvage a point! 🔥

A great cross from Vini Jr is headed in by Éder Militão for a stoppage time equaliser ⚪ pic.twitter.com/0eBB28Gn3b

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) January 23, 2022

¡LO EMPATÓ EL MADRID!
Militao marca el empate. 🔥💪 pic.twitter.com/3KCbnPscQ9

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) January 23, 2022

🏁 FP: @realmadrid 2-2 @elchecf
⚽ @lukamodric10 82' (p), @edermilitao 90'+2'; Lucas Boyé 42', Pere Milla 76'#RealMadridElche | #Emirates pic.twitter.com/kWJPNFDYdX

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 23, 2022

Kane has the ball in the net for Spurs, but it won't count. He is pulled up for a supposed shove on Thiago Silva which left him in space to fire home. There didn't appear to be much contact, but the effort is chalked off as VAR won't overturn the original decision.

Getty

The visitors can't hold on and, in stoppage-time, Eder Militao hauls the Blancos level.

⚽️ 90'+2' | 2-2 | GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAL by @edermilitao!!!#FIFA22 | #RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/eKlLsyspzR

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 23, 2022

Airshot from Lukaku from Mount's cross after an amazing pass out of defence by Rudiger. Hudson-Odoi had a follow up opportunity but the chance fizzles out. #CFC #CHETOT

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

Madrid may have one back, but here is how Milla put Elche two goals to the good and on course for a shock win...

Another twist at the top of the LaLiga table! 😱

Pere Milla doubles Elche's lead against Real Madrid 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lNhxjntF7G

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) January 23, 2022

¡SORPRESA EN EL BERNABEU!🤯
El Elche está ganando 2-0. 😱

( 📍 @Verizon ) pic.twitter.com/v8dY3E8jcS

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) January 23, 2022

The Blancos have one back, with Modric coverting from the penalty spot.

⚽️ 82' | 1-2 | GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAL by @lukamodric10 !!! (p)#FIFA22 | #RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/Ia3jiCd94e

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 23, 2022

The Bundesliga leaders have been knocking door, and Tolisso has now forced it open.

COCOOOO!! This one counts 💥

🔴⚪ #BSCFCB 0-1 (26') pic.twitter.com/ysGijK5Pfw

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

Gearing up for the action! 🏃
#ASRoma #EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/cQY4dGRqZU

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) January 23, 2022

The Blancos now trail by two with less than 14 minutes left on the block. Shock on the cards?

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥

⚽️ 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐄𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐄𝐄𝐄 ⚽️

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XZYtvYKL6u

— Elche Club de Fútbol 🌴🥇 (@elchecf) January 23, 2022

Doherty avoided a red card after catching Sarr with a late challenge. Mount has now shoved Tanganga into the advertising hoardings after chasing a ball off the pitch. The Spurs man stays down and it's all getting a bit tetchy at Stamford Bridge.

VAR checking a challenge by Doherty on Malang Sarr. Possible red card. #CFC #CHETOT

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

HALF-TIME! ⏰ #TeamBurkinaFaso 1️⃣-0️⃣ #TeamGabon

A composed finish from Bertrand Traore puts the Stallions ahead at the interval! 👊#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAGAB pic.twitter.com/PadNZtzgqx

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2022

26 - Hwang Ui-jo 🇰🇷 scored his 25th and 26th goals in Ligue 1, becoming the top goal scorer among Asian players in the competition's history. Continental. #FCGBRCSA pic.twitter.com/eMXr7AzXqQ

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 23, 2022

100 - @RBLeipzig_EN have gained the 100. win in their 190. Bundesliga match - only FC Bayern have needed fewer games in BL history to reach this mark (185 games). Quick. #RBLWOB pic.twitter.com/5zlE9CeAdJ

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) January 23, 2022

Mount and Ziyech are linking up very well in this early part of the match. They're swapping positions to good effect and it is very fluid. #CFC #CHETOT

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

🔄 58' | 0-1 | Substitution:

Jović ↔️ @Benzema#HankookTire | #RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/gp4XQ0wlR0

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 23, 2022

Liverpool won 3-1 at Crystal Palace to keep themselves in the Premier League title hunt, but Jurgen Klopp can’t see them catching Manchester City.

He has told BBC Sport when asked if the Reds are in that fight: "No. The distance is too far to talk about it but we don't have to. We just need to win football matches. Each Premier League game is difficult like we saw today. We made it more exciting than necessary! We will see what happens in the final few months."

Getty

Coco has the ball in the back of the net early on, but it's ruled out for offside 👎

🔴⚪ #BSCFCB 0-0 (2')

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

Bertrand Traore missed from the penalty spot for Burkina Faso earlier in the game, but here is how he put them in front against Gabon...

Cool as you like from Traoré 👏

The Aston Villa forward makes amends from his early penalty miss by burying Burkina Faso's first goal of the afternoon 🇧🇫 pic.twitter.com/3nVwCwejTk

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 23, 2022

¡GOL DE BURKINA FASO! 💥

Bertrand Traoré abrió el marcador con esta gran definición 🔥

📺 Sigue el #TeamBurkinaFaso vs. #TeamGabon en vivo por beIN SPORTS XTRA Ñ.

🔗: https://t.co/fJV1gI8QT9#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAGAB pic.twitter.com/Qswk4PQlfx

— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) January 23, 2022

Mount creates a good chance for Lukaku through a bit of wing play but he hits it over on his weaker right foot. #CFC #CHETOT

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

Ziyech creates a chance for Hudson-Odoi with a trademark cross but he heads it wide. Good start from Chelsea. #CFC #CHETOT

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

Big game in the race for the top four. pic.twitter.com/sFBbZttsVV

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 23, 2022

G⚽AL! #TeamBurkinaFaso 1-0 #TeamGabon

The Stallions break the deadlock through Bertrand Traoré! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAGAB pic.twitter.com/bRs0HUUAtC

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2022

1 - Tottenham have won just one of their last 31 away league games against Chelsea (D10 L20), winning 3-1 in April 2018 with current boss Antonio Conte in charge of the Blues that day. Reversal. pic.twitter.com/k5Sm4TDdlU

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

Arsenal drew another blank in their 0-0 stalemate with Burnley and Mikel Arteta admits that his side need to improve across the board.

He has told BBC Sport: "We started slow, we looked leggy and didn't have enough rhythm or intention to attack the way we wanted. We started to play better, more rhythm and threat and came out in the second half completely different.

"We tried in every different way but lacked the quality in the final third. At the end, when we have a really low block, you need spark and creativity to win football matches and today we didn't do that.

"It is what they do, they want to play a slow game, it takes long, it is their game and you have to respect that.

"We need to start scoring goals and get back the players, the last four weeks it has been extremely difficult to put training sessions and squads together because of the amount of Covid and injuries."

Getty

Here is how Benzema fluffed his lines from the spot for Real Madrid in their meeting with Elche...

An awful penalty miss from Karim Benzema as he blazes it high over the bar! 😮

That's a very rare sight from one of the world's very best 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ak06R2v75c

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) January 23, 2022

¡BENZEMAAaaa 😳
La que se acaba de perder el francés.
Se salva el Elche pic.twitter.com/XtqArdloZ5

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) January 23, 2022

4 - Arsenal have failed to score in four consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since December 2005. Uninspired. pic.twitter.com/RrZo7P8NBP

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

Worth every penny 🧤 pic.twitter.com/glM1e5kLKq

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

🔢 Our side to take on @FCBayernEN this evening 👇

A first appearance in the squad for our new number 3️⃣ 🇳🇴#BSCFCB #GemeinsamHertha #HaHoHe pic.twitter.com/1ras3TPGuO

— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) January 23, 2022

Our boys in Berlin 📋#BSCFCB #packmas pic.twitter.com/cMRAdFDcPc

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 23, 2022

⏸ HT: @realmadriden 0-1 @Elchecf_en
⚽ Lucas Boyé 42'#RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/EQ7FMqBxzo

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 23, 2022

1-Karim #Benzema 🇫🇷 has failed his first penalty shot for Real Madrid in #LaLiga

⚽vs Alavés
⚽at Las Palmas
⚽at Girona
⚽at Levante
⚽at Valladolid
⚽vs Leganés
⚽at Eibar
⚽at Real Betis
⚽vs Alavés
⚽vs Villarreal
⚽at Cádiz
⚽vs Celta
⚽vs Valencia
❌vs Elche

New pic.twitter.com/0yLsbZIqjt

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 23, 2022

𝐓𝐡𝐞 place! 🏟#CheTot pic.twitter.com/gx3VVgUR0R

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2022

10 - Liverpool have won each of their last 10 Premier League games against Crystal Palace, a run which started in August 2017. It equals their longest ever winning run against a specific side in the competition - 10 vs Bolton (2007-2011) and Wolves (2011 - present). One-way.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

The Palace fans make their feelings clear towards the match officials#LFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/JsileljliW

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 23, 2022

F/T: 0-0

And there ends a horrible month for Arsenal. Five games, no wins, out of two cup competitions and now behind in the hunt for the top four.

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 23, 2022

115 - Lorenzo Insigne has equalled Diego Armando Maradona (115 goals) as the 3rd player with the most goals scored in the history of Napoli in all competitions. Podium.#SerieA #NapoliSalernitana pic.twitter.com/XFceGoNpCF

— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) January 23, 2022

With half-time fast approaching, the leaders in La Liga find themselves behind.

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥

⚽️ 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐘𝐄́ ⚽️

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥

🔥 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sXCPYqP1FY

— Elche Club de Fútbol 🌴🥇 (@elchecf) January 23, 2022

FULL TIME

PALACE 1-3 LIVERPOOL

The Reds close the gap on City at the top of the table, but boy they had to fight for that. Credit Palace. Battered for half an hour but had a right good go after that.#LFC pic.twitter.com/Ot8o5OBNqU

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 23, 2022

It finishes level at King Power Stadium.#LeiBha pic.twitter.com/ZZAV2jdXxc

— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 23, 2022

The points are shared at Emirates Stadium

🔴 0-0 ⚫️ (FT)#ARSBUR pic.twitter.com/PWbot1DktS

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2022

⏱ 90 | Full time! 💪#NapoliSalernitana 4-1

💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/N9jR6I934j

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) January 23, 2022

After a lengthy VAR check the referee awarded Liverpool a penalty after Diogo Jota was deemed to have been fouled. In the absence of Mohamed Salah, Fabinho assumed the responsibility for the spot-kick and made it 3-1 to the Reds.

A controversial one...

Cool penalty from Fabinho. Controversial award, to say the least. 'Shit referee,' sing the Palace fans. Liverpool should be home and dry now though. Milner on for Firmino.

3-1#LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 23, 2022

CHELSEA XI:

Let’s get to it! 👊@ParimatchGlobal | #CheTot pic.twitter.com/66nQt6UgDz

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2022

TOTTENHAM XI:

Your starting XI to face Chelsea! 💪 pic.twitter.com/zx8110oC3h

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 23, 2022

Danny Welbeck has hauled the Seagulls level against Leicester. It's 1-1!

4 - There have been four instances of two French players combining for a goal in the Premier League this season, with all four being by Crystal Palace:

Olise > Édouard vs Arsenal
Édouard > Mateta vs Norwich
Olise > Édouard vs West Ham
Mateta > Édouard vs Liverpool

Connection. pic.twitter.com/hVS6Enaq5d

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

Brilliant from Smith Rowe, sets up Lacazette with a golden chance, but he pokes it wide.

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 23, 2022

Napoli now lead 4-1 against Salernitana after two goals in quick succession from Rrahmani and Insigne.

Odsonne Edouard scores to make it 2-1, bringing Crystal Palace back into the game against Liverpool.

Liverpool opened up once too often. Mateta breaks the offside trap, draws Alisson and Edouard scores.

Game on

2-1

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 23, 2022

🎙️ "MATETA...EDOUARDDD!!!!!

Crystal Palace pull one back!!

GAME ON 👀🦅 pic.twitter.com/lu1LqIrnSX

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

GAME ON!

Burkina Faso XI: Koffi, Yago, Tapsoba, Dayo, Kabore, Toure, Guira, Dango Outtara, Sangare, Traore, Bande.

Gabon XI: Amonome, Obissa, Ecuele Manga, Palun, Obiang, Biyogo Poko, Moucketou-Moussounda, Oyono, Kanga, Boupendza, Allevinah.

It's 1-0 to Brendan Rodgers' side against Brighton straight after the restart.

SECONDS AFTER THE RESTART... DAKAAAA!!! 💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/DKmvvTFf5X

— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 23, 2022

⏱ 45+3 | GOOOOAAALLLLL 👅 ☕️
Dries makes no mistake from the penalty spot! @dries_mertens14 💪#NapoliSalernitana 2-1

💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/Q2WeeZrEwx

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) January 23, 2022

HT SCORES:

Crystal Palace 0-2 Liverpool

Arsenal 0-0 Burnley

Leicester 0-0 Brighton

Napoli 1-1 Salernitana

Comoros will field an outfield player in goal for their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 tie versus Cameroon after seeing their conventional shot-stopping options wiped out amid a Covid-19 and injury crisis.

Read the story in full!

🏟👍 The team's arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu!#RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/LKQAGgUd32

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 23, 2022

⏱ 33 | Bonazzoli scores for Salernitana#NapoliSalernitana 1-1

💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) January 23, 2022

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put the finishing touch on a wonderful Liverpool move to double his side's lead at Selhurst Park.

Brilliant, brilliant goal. Kept the ball on the right in tight spaces, switched it quickly through Jota. Robertson finds Oxlade-Chamberlain, who controls and finished clinically.

2-0 LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 23, 2022

Watch the goal below!

OX!! 👊

Liverpool dominating at Selhurst Park as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubles the lead! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/XMvxWA29Ps

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

...but Arsenal are knocking on the door for an opener.

Close! Odegaard has a shot saved, then Lacazette's shot is blocked by a defender.

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 23, 2022

⏱ 18 | GOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLL 😍
Juan nil to Napoli! 😂😍
We take the lead through Juan Jesus💪#NapoliSalernitana 1-0

💙 #ForzaNapoliSemprepic.twitter.com/lJekfC3QLO

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) January 23, 2022

42 - Since the start of the 2017-18 season, Andy Robertson's 42 assists in the Premier League are only surpassed by two players in the competition (Kevin De Bruyne, 52 and Trent Alexander-Arnold, 43), while he is now level with Mohamed Salah. Options. pic.twitter.com/yqqTuu9GX8

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2022

📋✅ Our starting XI 🆚 @Elchecf_en!#RealMadridElche pic.twitter.com/qYIYiGYPpt

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 23, 2022

Virgil van Dijk fires Liverpool in front after 10 minutes at Selhurst Park with a trademark header.

It's Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool.

"AS EASY AS THAT!!"

Virgil Van Dijk with a bullet header to put Liverpool in front! 💥 pic.twitter.com/ssIWP0r0g7

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

Powerful header by Van Dijk to give Liverpool an early 1-0 lead.

💻: @peacockTV #MyPLMorning #CRYLIV pic.twitter.com/7F6gw3DoGW

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 23, 2022

Jamie Redknapp is feeling brave in the studio today as he winds up Roy Keane!

Jamie Redknapp's already teasing Roy Keane on Super Sunday this afternoon 😂👇

That impression 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ObloBYrbfu

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 23, 2022

Arsenal vs Burnley

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

Leicester vs Brighton

Napoli vs Salernitana

GAME ON! 🤘

Time to get your snacks and drinks ready!

Arsenal's matchday programme highlights the Gunners' 'No More Red' campaign.

🎨 Today's matchday programme cover

🤍 Created by Verona, a member of our No More Red collective

Find out more here 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2022

The campaign, which saw Mikel Arteta's side wear an all-white kit against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, seeks to raise awareness about knife crime in London and across England.

You do the hard work of qualifying for the last 16 of the Afcon and then you lose 10 players.

Tunisia have their work cut out for them later today against Nigeria having seen their coach Mondher Kebaier and 10 players return positive Covid-19 tests.

That game is due to kick off at 7pm GMT.

Read the story in full.

In one of the season's more bizarre football-related delays, yesterday's game between Brentford and Wolves was disrupted for 20 minutes due to the presence of a drone in the stadium. Hopefully other fans won't get getting any ideas...

Read the full story!

Well that’s a first for me

Drone stopped play 🥴#wwfc pic.twitter.com/dIp0uKr2gs

— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) January 22, 2022

NAPOLI XI vs Salernitana

📃 Starting XI: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Mario Rui, Lobotka, Fabian, Elmas, Zielinski, Lozano, Mertens#NapoliSalernitana

💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/4k7NYnRkm6

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) January 23, 2022

LEICESTER XI:

The Foxes have named their XI for #LeiBha 📝 pic.twitter.com/zA8fc6fZEt

— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 23, 2022

BRIGHTON XI:

Your Albion XI! 💪 Here's how we line up against Leicester City this afternoon. 📝

📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv ✘ #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nfVR27V9k4

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 23, 2022

ARSENAL XI:

🚨 TEAM NEWS

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Holding starts in defence
🇳🇴 Odegaard in midfield
🇧🇷 Martinelli in attack

COME ON ARSENAL 🙌#ARSBUR pic.twitter.com/5QAdaB8Imb

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2022

BURNLEY XI:

📋 Here's your Clarets team for this afternoon #ARSBUR | #UTC pic.twitter.com/zxHnUBFm7I

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 23, 2022

CRYSTAL PALACE XI:

COME ON YOU PALACE#CPFC | #CRYLIV

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 23, 2022

LIVERPOOL XI:

⭐ #CRYLIV 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 ⭐

Here’s how we line up for today’s meeting with @CPFC!

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 23, 2022

Here's the running order of the main action we'll be covering:

All times UK

2pm - Arsenal vs Burnley

2pm - Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

2pm - Leicester City vs Brighton

2pm- Napoli vs Salernitana

3:15pm - Real Madrid vs Elche

4pm - Burkina Faso vs Gabon

4:30pm - Chelsea vs Tottenham

4:30pm - Hertha Berlin vs Bayern Munich

7pm - Nigeria vs Tunisia

7:45pm - AC Milan vs Juventus

7:45pm - PSG vs Reims

8pm - Alaves vs Barcelona

Greetings, salutations and welcome to GOAL's matchday live blog for Sunday January 23.

We will have all the latest news and updates from across today's action, which includes crunch Premier League clashes, games in La Liga, Serie A, Afcon and more.

Stay tuned for goals ⚽️, incidents 💥 and colour 🎨 galore!

Team news coming up! ⏳