The Sport Matrix: Thursday 3 April 2014

Chelsea suffer nightmare in Paris

Paris Saint-Germain stunned Chelsea by beating Jose Mourinho’s side 3-1 in their quarter-final first-leg in Paris. Ezequiel Lavezzi put PSG ahead before Chelsea responded with Eden Hazard’s penalty. But David Luiz scored an own goal and Javier Pastore hit PSG’s third. MORE

Bale helps Real beat Dortmund

Real Madrid earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu. Gareth Bale struck early on before Isco scored with a low drive and Cristiano Ronaldo also slotted in for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. MORE

Barcelona’s plans hit by transfer ban

Barcelona’s team-rebuilding plans are under threat after Fifa handed the Spanish club a two-window transfer ban yesterday. Barça, who will appeal, were found guilty of not fully complying with rules over the signing of at least five of their most promising young recruits. MORE

Rooney targets Bayern weakness

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United can take advantage of a Bayern Munich weakness in next week’s Champions League quarter-final second leg. “They play a high line and with a little more composure we can exploit that,” he said after Tuesday’s 1-1 first leg. MORE

Ecclestone set to add new US team

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that a new team run by the American businessman Gene Haas is on track to join Formula One next year. It is set to become the sport’s 12th team and the first from America since the 1980s. MORE

Kuchar downplays Woods’ absence

Matt Kuchar believes the Masters will not suffer from the absence of the injured world No 1 Tiger Woods next week. “It’s the Masters,” said Kuchar, the world No 11. “It’s still the greatest golf tournament and there are still a lot of other great players.”

Aussie-born player tipped for England

Highly rated Middlesex opener Sam Robson is being tipped for an England Test call-up this summer, despite being born in Australia. Robson, whose batting style is likened to that of Michael Atherton, said: “My commitment is to English cricket.” MORE

Edwards cautious about semi-final

England women’s captain Charlotte Edwards is taking nothing for granted ahead of tomorrow’s T20 semi-final with South Africa. “We are favourites but we won’t underestimate them,” she said. “Winning this World Cup means everything.”

The New One seeks Aintree success

The New One seeks a Grade One victory in the Aintree Hurdle today. The horse could have won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month but was stopped in his tracks by a faller and finished third. MORE

Bunce on boxing

It is make-or-break time for Belfast boxer Carl Frampton. A shot at the world title awaits if can beat Mexico’s former world champion Hugo Fidel Cazares tomorrow, as Steve Bunce explains. MORE