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      Watch heartwarming moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mum screams with excitement as son makes Arsenal Champions League debut

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’S mum leapt up with joy as her son made his Champions League debut for Arsenal.Mikel Arteta’s men comfortably beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in their opening home European tie of the season on Tuesday night.Myles Lewis-Skelly made his Champions League debut against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s mum was in shock after realising her son was coming onCredit: X/ footballontntShe could not believe he was about to make his Champions League debutCredit: X/ footballontntShe applauded wildly as Lewis-Skelly made his way onto the pitchCredit: X/ footballontntEnglish midfielder and left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, made his first Gunners appearance off the bench at the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester City last month.Three days later he started in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup.But it was not until Tuesday evening when he got a taste of Champions League football at the Emirates.Lewis-Skelly replaced Bukayo Saka in stoppage time and had 60 seconds to soak in the atmosphere before the whistle was blown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it was a special moment for the Arsenal youngster’s mum as TNT Sports shared a heart-warming clip of her reaction to him coming on.She inhaled deeply in shock after spotting he was coming on via the big screen in the stadium.Her eyes widened as the realisation dawned on her, before she jumped out of her seat and gave the 18-year-old an excitable round of applause.Reacting to the loving moment, one social media user said: “Proud moments like this remind us why we love the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Such a proud moment for her! Congrats to Myles on his Champions League debut!”A third replied: “There’s nothing like a proud mum moment! Myles’ journey is just getting started, and what a debut to kick it off!”Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG While a fourth responded: ” What a proud moment for her! Debuting in the Champions League is a huge achievement!”Lewis-Skelly has made 27 appearances for Arsenal’s U21s and also represented England’s U18s four times. More

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      Play Score Predictor ahead of Matchweek 7 – read our top tips and compete for £250 prize!

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      STILL not played Score Predictor with Dream Team?What are you waiting for?!It’s free to play and we’re offering up a £250 prize ahead of this weekend’s action.Simply submit predictions for five selected Premier League games and earn points for accuracy – most points banks the cash.Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: Dream TeamRemember, you don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – that’s very rare – you just have to outperform everyone else.Check out our predictions below for Matchweek 7…ARSENAL v SOUTHAMPTONIt’s hard to envisage anything other than one-way traffic at the Emirates on Saturday, especially after the Gunners’ professional victory over PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Mikel Arteta has some injury concerns to contend with but Saints’ dismal showing against Bournemouth on Monday night suggests this will be a mismatch.Arsenal kept the French giants at bay but have conceded in each of their last three domestic games and so their disciplined defence is due a clean sheet.Most read in FootballSouthampton have mustered just one point since promotion – things could get messy for them in North London.Our Prediction: 4-0 to ArsenalHavertz has scored five goals already this seasonCredit: GettyEVERTON v NEWCASTLEThe Toffees won this match-up 3-0 back in December and snatched a point at St James’ Park even more recently but Sean Dyche’s side are still trying to undo the damage suffered during the first few weeks of the campaign.A 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last time out certainly improved morale at Goodison Park and Dwight McNeil has to be considered one of the Premier League’s most in-form players right now.And home advantage should be an advantage too as the Magpies have struggled on the road under Eddie Howe, relative to their impressive home record.Still it feels like a stretch to predict an Everton win given they’re currently nine places below Newcastle in the table.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawMcNeil is in excellent formCredit: ReutersASTON VILLA v MANCHESTER UNITEDBoth these sides will have to gee themselves up after midweek European commitments and the hosts will have an extra day to prepare.Perhaps surprisingly, the Red Devils have come out on top in each of the last four meetings between these two sides – Erik ten Hag’s side famously came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on Boxing Day thanks to an Alejandro Garnacho brace.That being said, Man United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend was a bitter pill swallow with many pundits claiming the first-half performance was among the worst of the post-Fergie era.Unai Emery’s troops suffered a reality check of their own in their last league outing when Ipswich earned a deserved point for a 2-2 draw.Villa’s defence hasn’t looked all that assured – they’ve conceded more goals than any other top-half side this season – but the broader picture is that only Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have more points to their name.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Aston VillaGarnacho tormented Villa last seasonCredit: GettyScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWCHELSEA v NOTTINGHAM FORESTNuno Espirito Santo’s side enjoyed a fine start to the campaign that included a historic win over Liverpool at Anfield but their unbeaten run was ended by Fulham last weekend.Not that Forest’s fans care too much given the results have been largely positive but they haven’t seen too many goals of late.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest but only Man United, Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer.In contrast, the Blues are the top flight’s top scorers since Cole Palmer added four to the tally in one blistering half against Brighton.That emphatic performance propelled Chelsea up to fourth in the table.Enzo Maresca’s men have actually fared better on the road with three wins from three but the win over the Seagulls came at Stamford Bridge and we’re backing Palmer to strut his stuff again on Sunday.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaPalmer has been one of Europe’s best players this calendar yearCredit: AlamyBRIGHTON v TOTTENHAMWithout wanting to jinx it, this match-up could result in one of the most entertaining contests of the season.Both teams tend to play with high defensive lines and Ange Postecoglou hasn’t shied away from stacking his starting line-ups with attacking talent.Spurs have won five of the last seven meetings with the Seagulls and it was Brennan Johnson who secured three points back in February with a 96th-minute winner.And it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Wales international emerged as the hero again given he’s scored in four consecutive games.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 3-2 to SpursEnter your predictions for Matchweek 7 before Saturday’s 3pm deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich, Liverpool host Bologna, Bellingham in action – updates

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE returns for another thrilling night of action after Tuesday’s goal-fest.Aston Villa face a mammoth encounter against German giants Bayern Munich while Liverpool host Italian outfit Bologna.Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid are also in action tonight as the Champions League kings face Lille.Both English sides will be determined to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal, who cruised to a 2-0 win against French champions PSG, and Manchester City, who thrashed Slovakian kings Slovan Bratislava 4-0.Kick-off times: 5.45pm/8pm BSTTV channel: TNT SportsLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Champions League with our live blog below…Villa vs Bayern team newsWe’re not able to give you the lineups for tonight’s headline clash just yet but here’s a peek at some of the early news.Aston Villa will be without John McGinn after he picked up a hamstring injury over a week ago.Matty Cash has suffered a similar fate and will miss tonight’s game at Villa Park, while Tyson Mings and Boubacar Kamara are both expected to miss the match despite returning to training after long-term injuries. For Bayern Munich it’ll be all eyes on Harry Kane.The prolific bagsman has been expected to take part, but there had been much concern after he hobbled off with injury during Bayen’s 1-1 draw with Leverkusen at the weekend.Sacha Boey, Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic are all confirmed as out.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedOne hour warningWe’re now just an hour away from the two early kick off’s of today’s Champions League fixtures.Clashes between Girona and Feyenoord and Shakhtar Donestsk and Atalanta are due to kick off at 5:45pm.Seven other games will follow at 8pm – including English sides Aston Villa and Liverpool in action.Copy linkCopiedSlot back inArne Slot has called for his Liverpool side to prove they belong back in the Champions League after missing out on qualification for the competition last season.The Reds boss is hoping their absence last year will light a fire under his players’ bellies as they take on Bologna at Anfield tonight.The [players] have missed out on the Champions League for a year so when they step out on the pitch tomorrow I want to see this, I want to feel like they feel ‘Ah, we missed it for a season’.A club of this standard has to be ready and I’m hoping and expecting the same from our fans.Arne SlotCopy linkCopiedKane be tamedAston Villa will have to do all they can to try and stop Harry Kane at Villa Park this evening.Villa boss Unai Emery has called on his team to be “alert and focused” to try and prevent Kane from hurting his side.Here’s a look at the numbers that the England captain put up in last season’s Champions League campaign…Copy linkCopiedAston-born Brummie Ozzy Osbourne tweets to show support for VillaVilla host European giants Bayern Munich in the West Midlands tonight.Boss Vincent Kompany has remained tight-lipped on whether Harry Kane will feature, after the striker came off injured on the weekend.But Kane has travelled to Villa Park and trained with the team yesterday.Copy linkCopiedVilla’s Ollie Watkins on Champions League nights Copy linkCopiedWins tonight will take Villa & Liverpool joint-topIf Aston Villa pull off a historic victory over Bayern Munich later, Unai Emery’s side will jump into joint-top of the table.Likewise, a routine win for Liverpool will see them up into the top eight as well with six from six points.The exact positioning will obviously depend on goals scored, with Dortmund leading the way with a plus 10 goal difference.It means both Villa and Liverpool will overtake Arsenal and City – albeit there’s a long way to go.Remember 16 points should be enough to secure automatic qualification.Credit: TNT – Not full tableCopy linkCopiedHas Jude Bellingham lost his goalscoring touch?The Real Madrid star is now the left-sided No8 and the goals have begun to dry up. But he remains effective as an all-around, all-action, box-to-box player with versatility.Bellingham is yet to score in this campaign, but only returned from injury to start Madrid’s 3-1 European win over VfB Stuttgart.The former Dortmund captain has started every Los Blancos game since – including the feisty Madrid derby on the weekend.Madrid, the 15-time champs, travel to France to face Lille tonight.Copy linkCopiedJames McAtee scored his first goal for Man City last night Copy linkCopiedChampions League ref suspended after threats to killA Champions League referee has been suspended from officiating after allegedly threatening to kill a player during a game.Italian referee Fabio Maresca has been removed from ref duties for a month, according to Corriere della Sera.Maresca was also taken out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between PSV and Sporting CP.The alleged incident occurred during a brief conversation in English between Maresca and Al-Arabi star Khald Al Mershed on Friday.Read more about the shocking incident here.Copy linkCopiedGravenberch becoming increasingly important for LiverpoolRyan Gravenberch was named Player-of-the-Match during Liverpool’s 3-1 opening win over AC Milan last month.The former Bayern man followed that up with another great display in the 2-1 victory over Wolves on Saturday.Gabby Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: “He didn’t get much game time under Jurgen Klopp.”But this season under Arne Slot he has had more opportunities.”He’s got strength, he’s got aggression, he’s got pace, he’s got skill, he can run with the ball and he’s a unit.”Gravenberch was also the driving force in midfield in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford last month.He is set to start against Bologna tonight from 8pm.Copy linkCopiedReminder of tonight’s Champions League scheduleHere’s all the Champions League action scheduled for Wednesday.5:45pmGirona vs FeyenoordShakhtar Donetsk vs Atalanta8pm:Aston Villa vs Bayern MunichBenfica vs Atletico MadridDinamo Zagreb vs MonacoLille vs Real MadridLiverpool vs BolognaRB Leipzig vs JuventusSturm Graz vs Club BruggeCopy linkCopiedHow many points do teams need to qualify for the knockout rounds?A new ‘Swiss-style’ 36-league format has been introduced this season.The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the last 16.While the teams finishing in ninth to 24th place will compete in a two-legged play-off against each other to join the top eight teams.The Opta supercomputer believes 16 points from a possible 24 – so five wins and a draw from eight matches would be automatically qualify.The bottom 12 teams – from 25th to 36th – will be eliminated with no access to the Europa League.Copy linkCopiedMost Champions League goal involvements since September 2023Harry Kane – 16Vinicius Junior – 10Phil Foden – 10 Bukayo Saka – 9Kylian Mbappe – 9Antoine Griezmann – 9Jude Bellingham – 9Copy linkCopiedErling Haaland’s greatness continues as he overtakes legendsHaaland scored his 42nd Champions League goal against Slovan Bratislava last night – and did it in 41 games.The 24-year-old has now jumped to 18th on the all-time list for goals scored in the Champions League.He has bagged more times than Ferenc Puskas, Edinson Cavani, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Gerd Muller and Luis Suarez.If the Man City star records 99 more…. he’ll surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa fans have “goosebumps” after watching club Champions League videoVilla’s European Cup winning captain Dennis Mortimer stars in the touching clip.Copy linkCopiedCurrent Champions League table after Game 1 of Week 2Credit: TNTCopy linkCopiedLiverpool team news v BolognaNew signing Federico Chiesa not “expected to be in the team” after undergoing a scan on a foot issue this week.Harvey Elliott is also unavailable through injury.Diogo Jota is expected to be fit despite the fact he also missed training in front of cameras on Tuesday, so it’s likely he won’t start.Darwin Nunez looks set to return to the squad after missing Wolves win through illness.Andy Robertson is set to be available in some capacity after suffering a late knock at the Molineux.Copy linkCopiedMore from Bayern Munich boss Kompany on Kane’s fitness Will Harry Kane be available to start against Aston Villa?Kompany said: “I think you have seen Harry was training yesterday, that went well.”But we will still have to wait and see how the situation is and then we will make the correct decision. “He trained with us and hopefully everything will work out fine.”Copy linkCopiedWatkins: These are the nights we all dreamt ofWatkins is ready to fulfil his childhood dream by scoring on Wednesday in a repeat of the 1982 European Cup final.The Torquay-born striker, who was playing at Exeter seven years ago, is loving his meteoritic rise and is determined to enjoy the moment.It’s really exciting for me, for my journey and the club.It’s a long time since there were Champions League nights at Villa Park.These are the nights we all dreamt of especially since I came here. Playing Champions League football for Villa is the best it can get really.I think we’ve all got to go out there and enjoy it.Not make the most of it, because that sounds like we’re underestimating ourselves, but just enjoy it because it’s so long since the club has been involved in a competition like this.I haven’t experienced Champions League football before so I want to enjoy it because this is what I dreamt of as a kid.Ollie WatkinsCopy linkCopiedWhat channels are Aston Villa and Liverpool on tonight?Villa’s mouthwatering showdown with Bayern Munich is on TNT Sport 1 at 8pm.Bologna face their biggest match in 60 years when they take on six-time champs Liverpool at Anfield.The Reds are on TNT Sport 2 from 8pm.Copy linkCopiedSaka walked out with team-mate’s son against PSGArsenal star Bukayo Saka walked out with Raheem Sterling’s son last night.Thiago Sterling was all smiles as he travelled onto the pitch before kick-off.Though, Sterling didn’t manage to get off the bench.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa early team news for debut Champions League home matchUnai Emery gave an injury update ahead of Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.Captain John McGinn has been ruled out with the injury he picked up against Wolves.Matty Cash remains unavailable to face the Bundesliga side with a hamstring issue, but has returned to training.Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are nearing returns. Villa put in a strong performance to beat BSC Young Boys 3-0 on the club’s Champions League debut.Copy linkCopiedHarry Kane faces late fitness test ahead of Villa clashKane will be assessed on Wednesday morning to see whether he can feature for Bayern Munich tonight.The England captain hobbled out of Bayern’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday after suffering an ankle injury.He trained on Tuesday morning and travelled with the squad to Birmingham, but a final decision has not be made on his fitness.Kane has already scored 10 goals and added five assists in seven games this season.Including FOUR in Bayern’s 9-2 dismantling of Dinamo Zagreb a fortnight ago.Copy linkCopiedSaka first since Henry to score direct free-kick in Champions League for ArsenalBukayo Saka’s curling and bouncing free kick against PSG was Arsenal’s first from a direct free-kick in 144 Champions League games.The last free-kick was Thierry Henry’s hit against Roma in 2002, Arsenal won 3-1 on the night.Copy linkCopied More

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      Karim Adeyemi lined up for shock £42m Premier League transfer to replace club icon after hat-trick against Celtic

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      DORTMUND star Karim Adeyemi has been linked with a shock move to the Premier League. The 22-year-old winger is reportedly a surprise transfer target for Liverpool. Karim Adeyemi struck a hattrick against Celtic in the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: RexReports suggest Liverpool are plotting a move for the 22-year-oldCredit: PAAdeyemi hit a brilliant hat trick during Dortmund’s crushing 7-1 win over Celtic on Tuesday. The German found the net three times before the break as the Scottish champions wilted in front of the Yellow Wall. According to BILD, Liverpool have already had scouts watching Adeyemi in the Bundesliga this season.The outlet claims he could be the successor to Mo Salah, whose contract expires on Merseyside next summer. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool would have to stump up around £42.6million to land the whizkid, per the report. But Adeyemi has indicated he is enjoying his football at Dortmund, where is contracted until 2027. The youngster was on the books at Bayern Munich as a boy, before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in Switzerland. Dortmund snapped up the exciting winger for a reported fee of £24million in 2022. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing Tuesday’s heroics, Adeyemi told BILD: “I feel great here in Dortmund. “I was already a big fan as a little boy.”Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers meets the media after the 7-1 Champions League rout to Borussia DortmundAsked about his hat-trick performance, he added: “I had a good start. “I set myself to get at least one goal. Today, every shot went in.”Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could only watch on helpless as Celtic crumbled. Rodgers admitted: “It was a tough watch.”Nights like that are tough but they can happen at this level. You have to learn from it and move on. “We came in high on confidence but we needed to start the game much better than we did.”Liverpool welcome Bologna tonight as they look to make it two wins from two in his year’s Champions League. Arne Slot’s side had too much for AC Milan last time out, recording a 3-1 win at the San Siro. Last month, Salah dropped his biggest hint yet that the 2024-25 season would be his last in Liverpool red.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told Sky Sports: “I had a good summer, I had a long time to stay with myself and try and think positive because as you know it’s my last year in the club.”I just want to enjoy it and I don’t want to think about it. I feel I am free to play football and we will see what happens next year.”Mo Salah could leave Anfield next summer when he contract expiresCredit: Reuters More

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      Party-loving Royston Drenthe was WARNED OFF joining Everton by Holland pal thanks to Liverpool’s ‘temptations’

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      PARTY-LOVING Royston Drenthe was reportedly warned off joining Everton due to the “temptations” on Merseyside.Drenthe, 37, was once one of world football’s top youngsters after impressing at Feyenoord.Royston Drenthe was warned off a move to Everton by a Dutch palCredit: Getty Images – GettyDrenthe had gained a party boy reputation by that stage of his careerIt earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2007, who at that time boasted a squad featuring Galacticos including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Raul.But after winning LaLiga in his first season, Drenthe struggled with injuries and inconsistent form.After three years he was shipped out to Hercules on loan.And in 2011 Drenthe, who had gained a reputation as a party boy at Real, then completed a short-term move to Everton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to score four goals in 27 games for the Toffees before joining Russian side Alania on a permanent deal.But ahead of his Goodison Park move, Drenthe was told to reject Everton’s advances by a Dutch pal who also played for the Merseyside club.Andy van der Meyde, 45, was at Everton for four season between 2005 and 2009.He only ended up making 24 appearances in total due to injuries and off-field issues.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after hearing Drenthe was on the verge of following in his footsteps, Van der Meyde rang his friend before delivering a passionate voicemail message urging him to snub the switch.Dutch outlet HP De Tijd claims Van der Meyde said: “Royston, I hear that you are on your way to Everton.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAndy van der Meyde was eager for Drenthe to snub a Merseyside moveCredit: GettyDrenthe never rediscovered the form that earned him a switch to Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor“Don’t do it, boy, I beg you, don’t do it.“Liverpool has too many temptations for guys like us. Before you know it you will dragged into the nightclubs.“There Bacardi flows and you can ski on cocaine; and the women, Royston. Oh man, oh man, oh man.“Those British women with their short skirts…”Drenthe clearly ignored his mate’s warning but Everton were not keen on making his loan permanent.After a short spell in Russia, Drenthe returned to English football with Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later had spells in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.And Drenthe retired in 2022 after playing for Real Murcia. More

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      Peter Schmeichel in awkward live interview on CBS as he tells star ‘I’ll never forgive you for what you did to my son’

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND winger Karim Adeyemi got an earful from legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel after scoring a hat-trick against his son.The 22-year-old netted three goals in 31 minutes to help fire Dortmund to a huge 7-1 win over Celtic at Signal Iduna Park.Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi scored a hat-trick against CelticCredit: AFPCeltic keeper Kasper Schmeichel conceded seven goalsCredit: GettyPeter Schmeichel joked ‘I’ll never forgive you’ while speaking to Adeyemi at full-timeCredit: Youtube / cbssportsgolazoBhoys goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was left furious as a result, prompting his dad, Peter, to make a cheeky comment while covering the match.After joining Adeyemi for his CBS Sports interview with Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, Schmeichel Snr joked: “I’ll never forgive you for what you did to my boy today!”He then went on to praise the winger for his impressive performance.Schmeichel urged Celtic to move on as quickly as possible following the dismal defeat and opened up about the heartfelt advice he gave his son at full-time.Read More in FootballThe ex-goalkeeper said: “It really is difficult. You always want the best for your children, no matter what circumstance they find themselves in.”It was just one of those days that you can never, ever, explain. There was so many shots and so many of them went in – there could have been a little bit more.”As Callum McGregor said to me earlier, it was just one of those days where you couldn’t get close enough to it.”He continued: “I spoke to Kasper after the game. I said ‘this was a bad day and the office and nothing more.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You concede seven goals. I did this once in my life and you can come away from the game thinking you probably couldn’t have done much about all seven, but I still conceded seven and my job is to stop the goals. Of course, you’re going to look at it.”Take it and move on, be one of the leaders in the dressing room and help everyone else learn from this.’Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers meets the media after the 7-1 Champions League rout to Borussia Dortmund”Because up until this point, let’s not forget, Celtic have played really, really good football, and there is so much optimism at the club. You need to go through what happened, but it was just a bad day at the office.”Celtic next face Atalanta in the Champions League later this month.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      ‘Albanian Laura Woods’ Eva Murati stuns fans in revealing dress as they say ‘Champions League is beautiful with you’

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      ALBANIAN presenter Eva Murati stunned in a revealing grey dress as she presented Champions League coverage on Tuesday night.Eva, 29, presents for Albanian channel Tring TV and is making a name for herself as a broadcaster.Eva Murati presents Albania’s Champions League coverageCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe fronted Tring TV’s broadcast on TuesdayCredit: Instagram / evamuratiEva stunned in a figure-hugging grey dressCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe says she was battling illness during the coverageCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe has been the face of the Champions League show since 2017, while some UK football fans have dubbed her the “Albanian Laura Woods”.And she already has a healthy amount of experience as she has been presenting since the age of 18.On Instagram, she is fast-approaching one million followers as her fanbase on social media continues to grow.And on Tuesday, for blockbuster games such as Arsenal’s win over Paris Saint-Germain, Eva fronted Tring TV’s coverage in a grey dress which showed off her stunning physique.READ MORE ON EVA MURATIHowever, it appears she was battling illness throughout the broadcast.Alongside several snaps, Eva, who is also a lingerie model, added the caption: “Champions-ing super sick 🤒 🤧”.But fans would never have known as her breathtaking appearance left many in awe.One said: “You are looking absolutely stunning 😍❤️🔥”.Most read in FootballEva has built up a substantial following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe has nearly reached one million fans on InstagramCredit: Instagram / evamuratiEva attended Albania’s game against Italy at the Euros this summerCredit: Instagram / evamuratiAnother added: “Queen is back. 👸🏻”A third replied: “The real beauty of Champions League 😍❤️”.’Albanian Laura Woods’ Eva Murati goes wild in stands after fastest goal in Euros historyWhile a fourth responded: “Champions League is beautiful with you”.She often stuns in various eye-catching outfitsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enShe has been dubbed the ‘Albanian Laura Woods’Credit: Instagram @tring_albania More

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      Jude Bellingham’s stunned reaction after brother Jobe scores Sunderland screamer as fans say ‘what are these genetics’

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was stunned by his brother’s wondergoal for Sunderland.And fans asked “what are these genetics” as the siblings’ success continues to soar.Jobe Bellingham scored a belter for Sunderland against DerbyCredit: GettyThe strike got the seal of approval from brother JudeCredit: RexJobe Bellingham, 19, scored a screamer to break the deadlock in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Derby on Tuesday night. He let fly and rifled into the top corner from 25 yards out five minutes before the break.Wilson Isidor got the second on 55 minutes and the win sent the Black Cats to the top of the Championship table.But it was the younger Bellingham brother’s first goal of the season that grabbed the attention – including from his Real Madrid sibling.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJude retweeted a video of the goal and captioned it with three emojis blowing a puff of air – showing his approval.He then followed that up by sharing a picture of his brother celebrating the goal and adding: “Boy is different,” followed by a rocket emoji.Fans also took to social media to heap praise on the Sunderland star’s heroics.One said: “Jobe Bellingham with an absolute SCREAMER. What are these genetics?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother wrote: “Like his big bro, that.”A third added: “He’s going to be better than his brother.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchAnd a final user replied: “@England Might as well put him in the side now lads because he’s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”Jobe, who joined Sunderland from Birmingham in 2023, is an England Under-20 international.Bellingham said: “I’ve got to be a bit more mature and disciplined and I had to slot in as a No6 against Portsmouth. That was a good lesson for me and I really enjoyed it.“I enjoy getting up and down the pitch, which I’ve still got the licence to do, but off the ball I can make tackles but I’ve got to be a bit more deep, which I don’t mind. I’m really enjoying it.”He continued: “My all-round game has definitely improved from last year and the one part that was missing, which was one of my best parts from last year, was arriving in the box.“That’s something that I want to keep doing, I don’t want that to leave my game because that’s how you impact the outcome of the game and you help your team.“So, I wanna keep on scoring goals but it’s not the be all and end all as long as we are winning games but I’m really glad that I can help the team in other departments.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJude will be hoping to replicate his brother’s antics when holders Real Madrid take on Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The £115million man is yet to find the net in his six appearances so far this term. Brother Jude shared the goal on social mediaCredit: XHe was full of praise for his younger brotherCredit: InstagramThe Sunderland teenager’s shot flew into the top cornerCredit: Sky SportsHe opened his account for the seasonCredit: Getty More