Pep eyes UEFA semis success

PEP GUARDIOLA came out on top in his duel with Zinedine Zidane on Friday and then reminded his Manchester City players that their 2-1 win over Real Madrid that took them into the Champions League quarter-finals was just “one step” in their quest for European success.

City capitalised on two shocking mistakes by Raphael Varane to get their goals, with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus scoring either side of a Karim Benzema strike for the visitors in this last 16 second leg, played at an empty Etihad Stadium.

After winning by the same scoreline in Madrid back in February, before the coronavirus forced the competition into hibernation, Guardiola’s team advance 4-2 on aggregate to the final tournament in Lisbon.

They will now play Lyon in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Juventus have sensationally axed boss Maurizio Sarri after just one season in charge following the club’s Champions League elimination.

Despite leading the Turin giants to a ninth straight Serie A title, supporters and the club’s hierarchy have been left unimpressed by the veteran 61-year-old.

His fate was sealed the day after the early European exit at the hands of Lyon.

The official announcement was released yesterday following a crisis meeting held between members of the club’s hierarchy with Andrea Pirlo being appointed as Sarri’s replacement.

It’s a massive gamble from the club management who only just appointed Pirlo as Under 23 coach, only to promote him to the senior squad immediately. —