NOT THROUGH YET

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has denied suggestions that Paris St Germain have qualified for the quarter-finals after completing a 4-0 rout of German club Bayern Leverkusen in the first leg of the last 16 round. Ibrahimovic was on target twice in the match, with the Swede scoring yet another sensational goal with his second effort. The first was a penalty. The second leg will take place in the second week of March and it has already been spoken of as a formality, but Ibrahimovic failed to accept such comments saying that PSG will remain professional despite this massive advantage.

After spending lots of money in the last few transfer windows, doing well in the Champions league will be the ultimate motive for PSG. Ibrahimovic, who will not be seen at the World Cup 2014 after his Sweden team failed to qualify, has been one of the best strikers in Europe this campaign. He has scored more than 30 goals in all competitions. January signing Yohan Cabaye scored the fourth goal of the match, while Blaise Matuidi, whose future at the club continues to remain uncertain, opened the scoring.

Ibrahimovic was at the centre of everything good done by PSG. After the match, manager Laurent Blanc praised the centre forward.

“I think we had a good start. After three minutes, we scored a goal, then we played our game, created chances and scored a second and a third, so there were a lot of spaces to play and we did good, very good. We have to play the second leg like we did today. We have a big advantage absolutely, but still we have to be focused and play our game and let’s see what happens in the second game,” said Ibrahimovic.

The 32-year-old is expected to head the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony next season.