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    Real Madrid line up ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Italian set for shock new job

    REAL MADRID are lining up Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as boss, according to reports.The Italian’s future in the Spanish capital has come under the microscope since his side’s Champions League exit earlier this week.Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future has come under the spotlightCredit: EPAXabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti in MadridCredit: ReutersSpeaking ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti refused to confirm that he will remain in charge of Los Blancos for the Club World Cup this summer.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs have already “sounded out” Alonso over replacing Ancelotti.The Bayer Leverkusen boss, 43, played under Ancelotti with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Last season, the ex-Liverpool star guided Leverkusen to Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal successes, while also reaching the Europa League final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, should the 65-year-old leave the Bernabeu as expected.Ancelotti could go on to manage Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.The experienced boss has long been linked with the Selecao.It’s claimed that a representative of Brazil’s football federation was in attendance at Real Madrid’s clash with Arsenal this week ahead of meetings with Ancelotti.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Selecao are currently without a manager following Dorival Junior’s sacking last month.Real Madrid, meanwhile, could cut the gap to Barcelona at the top of LaLiga to four points with a win over Athletic Bilbao.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal They will also face Barca in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, after which Ancelotti’s future is set to further come under the microscope.Speaking earlier today, the under-pressure boss said: “We’re still competing for trophies. We have one [the Copa del Rey final] in a week, and we have the first ever Club World Cup at the end of the season, it wouldn’t be right to do it now.”All I can do is thank these players, I’ve enjoyed this and I want to keep doing so. We’re still united, we have a great relationship.”Ancelotti then went on to add: “At the end of the season, I’ll talk about that with the club.”I don’t want to talk about my future today. It’s an obvious question, but I don’t want to talk about it.”So all I say is we’ll talk about it with the club at the end of the season.”Read More on The SunAncelotti won LaLiga and the Champions League last season.But a trophyless campaign this time around could spell the end of his second spell in Madrid.Ancelotti, 65, saw his side dumped out of the Champions League this weekCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd to go all out for Crystal Palace’s £50m-rated ace Eberechi Eze but face Premier League competition for star

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim wants Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace as a key summer signing — and is hopeful of winning the race.But the Red Devils will not have it all their own way with Aston Villa potential rivals if they cannot land United loanee Marcus Rashford.Manchester United want to sign Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersRuben Amorin is keen to add more players to fit his styleCredit: AlamyUnited believe England international Eze would bring the class they lack and will go all out for him this summer.Midfielder Eze, 26, still has two years left on his deal, with the final 12 months an option the Eagles are sure to take up.But even so, time is running out and he is bound to have widespread interest in his signature with Palace braced for offers in the £50million range.The Selhurst Park favourite could fit into Amorim’s system in the front three, where his ability to make and take goals would be a huge upgrade.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is not a clear run for Amorim as Villa are also considering Eze — and the Villans will turn to him if they fail to keep Rashford, 27.Palace know Eze’s price will drop after the summer window.It could be a tricky few months for the FA Cup semi-finalists.Eze is 27 in June and hitting his peak years, so he knows this transfer window is the time for his main career move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne way to deal with Aston Villa’s interest in Eze could involve Rashford.Reports have claimed that the Red Devils could offer the out-of-favour forward in a swap deal for striker Ollie Watkins.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd The report suggests that the club could offer Rashford as well as cash in order to land the England striker.Should this deal go through, then it could clear the way for Man United to sign Eze.Meanwhile, Eze did have a moment of misfortune in the week as he fluffed a penalty, Palace’s 5-0 hammering by Newcastle.The tame effort was well-saved by goalkeeper Nick Pope, which was labelled as one of the “worst” ever.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Liverpool still want to sign Brentford’s £50m-rated Bryan Mbeumo despite Mo Salah agreeing new contract

    LIVERPOOL are lining up a move for Brentford hitman Bryan Mbeumo — despite Mo Salah signing a new deal.The pace and power of the Cameroon forward has really caught the eye of Kop scouts, who have been at a string of Bees games.Liverpool are lining up a move for Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the seasonMo Salah has signed a new contract to stay at LiverpoolCredit: AFPMbeumo looked a ready-made replacement for Salah but the checks have continued after the Egyptian superstar signed on for two more years.Brentford would want around £50million for Mbeumo, who has one year plus an option of a further season with them.The Reds want to freshen up their forward line and Mbeumo has all the qualities they like.The 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMbeumo, who will be even more popular at Anfield if Darwin Nunez leaves this summer, can play wide right as well as through the middle.Insiders reckon Liverpool may even splash out as much as £200m in the summer on new faces — despite their imminent title success.Mbeumo, signed by Brentford in 2019 from Troyes for £5.8million, has been likened to Salah in terms of his style and impact.The duo play in similar positions and incredible data shows the pair even score from similar places.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat Mbeumo is out of contract in the summer of 2026 is likely to force Brentford to make a decision on whether to sell for big money this summer.SunSport understands Arsenal and Newcastle are also keen on the French-born forward.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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    Man Utd boss Amorim decides replacing blunder-keeper Onana is NOT priority as team-mates get set for the axe

    BLUNDER keeper Andre Onana is likely to get an Old Trafford lifeline — by default.Ruben Amorim had told his recruitment staff he was keen on a new No 1 this summer after a string of high-profile clangers by Onana.Andre Onana has been under a glaring spotlight following errorsCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is more focused on improving other areas of the teamCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund has struggled while Joshua Zirkzee is now injuredCredit: GettyYet the Manchester United head coach’s transfer kitty will be determined by departures . . . and without mass exits, Amorim has bigger  priorities in other positions.Heading the list is a top-level  striker but he has also targeted a central defender, left-back and at least one more midfielder ahead  of replacing 29-year-old Onana.He had shown interest in Porto keeper Diogo Costa, 25, but could not  afford the £63million release clause —  leaving the way clear for neighbours City.Pep Guardiola is very keen, with doubts over Ederson and back-up Stefan Ortega staying at the Etihad beyond this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnana  had previously been on the radar of the Saudi Pro League and sources say United would do business at little more than £20m — yet that  interest seems to have cooled.The Cameroon keeper was axed for last Sunday’s trip to Newcastle after two more errors at Lyon in the 2-2 Europa League draw.But he was back for Thursday night’s quarter-final second leg and,  despite conceding four goals, also made a host of impressive stops in United’s crazy 5-4 win.Onana has let in 99 goals in just 69 Prem games since  signing from Inter Milan for an initial £43.8m in July 2023 but wants to prove he is up to the job.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnless there are a pile of exits, he is set to get his wish, with Amorim keen to sort other problem areas first . . . starting in attack.Rasmus Hojlund has been a flop, scoring  ONE United goal since December. And although partner Joshua Zirkzee showed flashes, they have been too rare and he is now crocked.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early Portuguese gaffer Amorim also feels he is light in midfield and wants to strengthen at the heart of his defence.And despite Luke Shaw’s return easing worries at left-back, the 29-year-old’s catalogue of injuries in recent seasons means Amorim wants another first-team-ready arrival.Onana celebrated Man Utd’s sensational comeback win over LyonCredit: Rex More

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    Ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet beat me up & made me film sick sex acts, ex lover tells cops as ace faces police probe

    FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet has been accused of “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” during a seven-month affair.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari reported the married midfielder to police last month over claims he forced her to film degrading videos and assaulted her during a ­campaign of abuse.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer alleged that former French international Payet, 38, even made her take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to “prove her love”.Last night police in Rio de Janeiro — where Payet now plays — confirmed they have opened an investigation into him.Speaking in Rio, mum-of-two Larissa told The Sun on Sunday: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.“I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Read more on Dimitri PayetPayet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet, who has four children with wife Ludivine in France, used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.Asked for ‘weird things’She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”Most read in FootballAs the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said: “I opened up to him. I told him I had just come out of a relationship and that I was mentally fragile and he was very supportive. It felt like he was my shelter.”However Larissa said that in October he started to ask for “weird things” and told her to dress up as a bride.She said: “We had a fake wedding. He said it was an official moment of us entering into a real relationship.“He never mentioned his wife and I didn’t like to ask him about her. He asked me to buy a wedding ring to wear and told me that he would never leave me.”Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.“He said he was the only person I could trust. He then told me he was going to punish me and would go to France for 30 days back to his family. He told me that when he came back I would be sexually punished as well.”Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’When Payet returned to Rio in January, Larissa went to see him.She alleged he kicked her and beat her up and then had violent sex with her.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises. She also handed them to police.She recalled: “Within seconds of me arriving at his house he said, ‘Now your punishment starts’.“I felt like I deserved it though, as he had manipulated me into believing that I needed to be punished for our relationship to continue. I was vulnerable and I didn’t want him to leave me.“I knew I was being hurt but I couldn’t stop it as it felt like a condition for us to stay together.”The next day Larissa said Payet “rewarded” her and sent a driver to take her to watch him play from a VIP box.He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.Larissa FerrariOn January 22 another footballer reached out to her on Instagram and they started messaging but Larissa insisted it was friendly and that she told Payet.Wiping tears from her eyes, Larissa went on: “He got really mad and started calling me a ‘bitch’. He said that I was cheating on him.“He told me that I had seven days to prove that I really loved him. I didn’t know what to do to prove to him. I said I would get a tattoo of his name but he said that wasn’t enough.“He said he wasn’t with me as he was in Rio and I was home so I needed to punish myself as he wasn’t here to do it.“He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.”In text messages seen by The Sun on Sunday, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ringLarissa said that she sent shocking videos to Payet of her deg­rading herself as she was desperate for his approval and “really loved him”.She added: “They were really horrible things like putting my head in the toilet. He seemed happy at first that I had sent the videos he wanted, but then he kept asking for more.”Larissa said she rented an apartment in Rio in February to be close to him, only for him to leave her bruised once more.She said: “He said I was a ‘slag’ because I’m a Brazilian woman. What scared me was that I started to believe that I deserved it all.“None of my family or friends knew what was happening.”Pictures seen by The Sun on Sunday and police show bruises on Larissa’s buttocks, legs and arms.She finally gained the courage to end the relationship last month after attending therapy following a panic attack.Larissa said: “I was emotionally fragile and he knew that, which was how he was able to manipulate me so that he could do whatever he wanted with me.“I paid for every plane ticket and every stay to go and see him.“One week I had to take a bus instead of a plane and, as I was longer than he wanted me to be, he started abusing me on the phone.When I stepped off the bus in Rio I just collapsed and had a panic attack.Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.Larissa Ferrari“I got on the first plane back to my home city without seeing him.“Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.”Larissa said Payet’s behaviour changed and that he became “very sweet” and even asked her to live with him.She added: “I felt I had to try to protect myself. I went to a newspaper in Brazil to tell them about us — but at this point I didn’t mention the abuse as I wanted to go to the police first.”News broke of their alleged affair on March 22 and one week later Larissa contacted the police.Documents seen by The Sun on Sunday show she made an online report claiming she suffered “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence”.According to the official report, Larissa’s lawyer said she was “assaulted by Dimitri Payet, which left marks on her body”.On March 30, Larissa filed an additional police report in Parana at a station specialising in assisting women requesting “emergency protective measures” against Payet.A forensic and psychological examination was carried out and police opened an investigation into her claims on March 30.Read More on The SunDefiant Larissa said: “I want to teach women the signals that sometimes we don’t see — especially if you’re a young girl falling for a powerful rich man.” Payet was approached for comment.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. 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    Virgil van Dijk’s image rights company banks eye-watering sum from sponsorship deals as he agrees £400k-a-week contract

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK earned £3million in image rights and sponsorship deals last season.And the Dutchman has amassed nearly £12m in the company he set up to handle his off-pitch earnings.Virgil van Dijk recently extended his Anfield stayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s captain raked in the equivalent of £60,000 a week ON TOP of his mega Anfield pay.His earnings are set to increase with his new two-year Reds deal  reportedly worth £400,000 a week — including bumper image rights payments.Latest paperwork for VVD Promotions Limited shows the 33-year-old’s company has assets of £11,689,424.Van Dijk launched his image rights firm in May 2017, several months before he joined the Anfield giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender also has a property firm, set up in 2023, with assets worth £5,685,584.Upon penning his new deal, Van Dijk revealed his delight at staying at Anfield.He said: “I’m very happy, very proud.”There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible.”The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.” Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup finalHe went on to add: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case.”It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool.”Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”Van Dijk, 33, is set to stick around at AnfieldCredit: Reuters More

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    ‘Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’

    NICLAS FULLKRUG launched a blistering attack on his West Ham team-mates.The Hammers handed rock-bottom Southampton the point which brought them level with Derby’s all-time low record of 11, before Fullkrug let rip in an X-rated rant.Niclas Fullkrug launched a furious rant against his own team-matesWest Ham’s German striker apologised for being “s***” and accused his team-mates of lacking motivation and ability in a scathing assessment.Graham Potter’s men took the lead early in the second half through Jarrod Bowen before sitting back and finally conceding to Lesley Ugochukwu in the 93rd minute.Fullkrug, who set up Bowen’s goal, fumed: “It is a mindset problem. Very angry today.”Not disappointed, just angry with what we did after the goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was difficult to bring the boys back to push up, we didn’t push up anymore.”We tried, but we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again. I am very, very angry that we played like this.”We had some minutes where we showed what we can do against an opponent like that at home.”We showed the possession we can have, that we can go in behind and have the chances to score again.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFullkrug was in action for the HammersCredit: Getty”But the motivation, sorry we were s*** and I’m very angry.”It is not the first time where we score a goal and then the next goal kick we just shoot the ball long.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”We don’t try to play football anymore.”We don’t push up anymore, we just sink and that’s not the way we want to play.”Why we play 65 minutes before with possession, even if it’s not perfect.”We try to play with possession, try to create chances, we try to score and then we score and after that half of the team try to score again and the other half just try to defend very deep.”That is not the way it works.”We have to find a way to have togetherness, to have the idea, where we want to go and what we want to do.”The coach was very clear with what he wants, we have to do it all and everyone has to do it.”‘NEVER HEARD TRUER WORDS’Potter, who has just three wins as West Ham boss, had also criticised his team for their inability to control games and dominate at home.Several West Ham fans loved Fullkrug’s rant.One wrote on X: “Give Fullkrug the managers job, never heard truer words.”Read More on The SunWhile a second commented: “Some players need to look at this and be more like it, as fullkrug has said nothing but the truth!”And another added: “That Fullkrug interview is spot on.”West Ham threw their lead away against the SaintsCredit: Reuters More

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    Aston Villa 4 Newcastle 1: Unai Emery’s genius subs down Toon and throw Champions League race wide open

    MAAT’S the way to do it.When you have been on the wrong end of Champions League heartbreak, this is how to bounce back and boost your chances of having another go next year.Aston Villa stunned Newcastle with a 4-1 victoryCredit: PAIan Maatsen netted his first goal for the clubCredit: ReutersAmadou Onana scored a fantastic goal to wrap up the matchCredit: GettyAnd to dent the challenge of one of your top-five rivals into the bargain.Just when Newcastle were threatening to frustrate Unai Emery’s vibrant team, Ian Maatsen had his own moment of redemption. The Dutchman had been at fault when Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ first-minute opener, but just past the hour he finished off a brilliant move that typified the hosts.Villa had fallen agonisingly short of forcing Paris Saint-Germain to extra time in their quarter-final, despite having plenty of chances.READ MJORE ON FOOTBALLBut less than four days later, in front of a rapturous home crowd, they capitalised on their dominance and put Newcastle to the sword.Substitutes Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana made sure the scoreline reflected Villa’s superiority.Ramsey’s first major contribution was to force Dan Burn to put the ball in his own net and then Onana smashed home a wonderful fourth.It was a classic one-two combination to settle a brilliant and sometimes bruising brawl between two sides who are now Premier League heavyweights.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey had gone toe-to-toe in an end-to-end first half.But Villa, who also hit the woodwork three times, were always the ones doing the most damage.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksIt was a day when something had to give, with Villa on a four-game winning streak in the league, one behind Newcastle’s five.There was also an element of needle.The teams had threatened to take Boxing Day literally when they met at St James Park in DecemberWind-up merchant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and sparked a 10-man festive fracas that ended with both being sent off.Villa noted in their report on the game that Tindall later reappeared to celebrate Newcastle’s 3-0 victory while wearing a Wham! Last Christmas hoodie.With that context, it was never going to be a case of wake me up before you go-go for the return at Villa Park.Although some of the Newcastle team did seem to be asleep when Watkins scored after only 33 seconds.Ollie Watkins netted the opener via a deflectionCredit: GettyFabian Schar headed Newcastle back level in the first halfCredit: RexThe England star had initially chased down Sandro Tonali, whose clearance was weak and the ball broke to Youri Tielemans.As the Belgian passed, Tonali was playing Watkins onside. The striker cut inside and his shot took a heavy deflection off Fabian Schar that left Nick Pope with no chance.The Newcastle goalkeeper was equally helpless minutes later when Watkins strode through the away defence and smacked a shot off the crossbar.There were already some tasty tackles flying in, and Villa fans will feel Schar should not have been on the pitch to equalise.Was the Swiss defender’s cynical foul on Watkins a denial of a goalscoring opportunity? Referee Jarred Gillett clearly thought the Villa man would not have reached the ball and showed Schar a yellow card, with VAR Michael Salisbury seeing no reason to intervene.Everyone of a claret and blue persuasion was soon even more annoyed by Gillett.The Australian decided Boubacar Kamara’s challenge on Tino Livramento was worthy of a free kick.It wasn’t, but the home side should have defended it better. Instead, they only half-cleared it and when Harvey Barnes swung in a deep cross, Ian Maatsen allowed Schar to steal in and head the ball through Emi Martinez.Maatsen almost enjoyed immediate redemption but from his fine cross, Marco Asensio mistimed his finish horribly.In a parallel universe, Watkins soon completed his “hat-trick”. But in this world, he hit the woodwork again, this time with a header from an Asensio free kick.Unai Emery’s side have blown the race for Champions League football wide openCredit: GettyJason Tindell was on touchline duty as Eddie Howe continues to be absentCredit: PAAt the other end, Martinez scrambled away a long-range effort by Tonali before Pope kept out a Morgan Rogers effort and Tielemans’ goalbound corner.Watkins dragged a shot wide, then claimed a penalty in vain after going down under a challenge from – guess who? – Schar.It was entertaining, compelling stuff, and so it continued.The excellent Morgan Rogers played in John McGinn and Pope had to intervene. After Tonali cleared a Tielemans header that was probably going wide, Rogers found space only for Schar to block his shot.Bruno Guimaraes somehow escaped a yellow card for a late, spiteful foul on McGinnThe Villa captain almost had revenge, but his shot from Kamara’s through ball was straight at Pope.Alexander Isak was having a very quiet game by his very high standards, which reflected his team’s limited ambition. His first proper effort on goal, after more than half an hour, was comfortably held by Martinez.And then came the move of the match and one of the most important goals of Villa’s season.The ball moved swiftly from Martinez to Rogers to Asensio to Watkins, who rolled it into Maatsen’s path.The Dutchman did not break stride before lashing the ball past Pope.Maatsen had never scored in the Premier League before and he will do well to notch a better one.Tindall made changes, but it was Emery’s that decided the match.After another fine move, Ramsey reached the byline and Burn could only divert the ball into the net as he tried to deny Tielemans.Read More on The SunVilla smelled blood, and when Rogers laid the ball back to Onana on the edge of the area, there was only one place it was going.On this form, Villa will be back in the Champions League before they know it. More