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      Inside Ademola Lookman’s stunning journey from League One breakthrough to Champions League ‘phenomenon’

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN’S twinkle toes are gracing the game’s biggest stages after a career-defining whirlwind of 12 months.The Wandsworth-born winger, 26, single-handedly won Atalanta a first trophy in 61 years with a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final in Dublin back in May.Ademola Lookman won Atalanta a first trophy in 61 years with a hat-trick in the Europa League finalThe Wandsworth-born winger began his career at Charlton and will now play in the Champions LeagueEarlier this year, he helped Nigeria – the birthplace of his parents – reach the African Cup of Nations final, becoming the first Atalanta player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.And having only just returned to the Italian side’s starting XI this term following summer links to Paris Saint-Germain, Lookman appears ready to rip up the continent once more in tonight’s Champions League opener against Arsenal.Lookman has truly transformed himself from a bog-standard English football talent flirting with mediocrity into a global superstar – one that cost Atalanta just £12.6m.After a stunning goal and assist to beat Fiorentina 3-2 last weekend and get his Serie A campaign up and running, the Italian media drooled over the Super Eagles talisman.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGazzetta dello Sport wrote: “The magician is back to being a phenomenon,” and Sky Sport Italia gushed: “His season has resumed the way the last one finished: as the best player on the pitch.”That victory took place in Atalanta’s newly-refurbished Gewiss Stadium – one that took nearly 2000 days and almost £100m to complete – and Il Giornale wrote: “Lookman… turned on the lights in the new house.”This adulation is what makes Lookman’s origin story even more special – owing much of his development to rainy nights at The Valley in south east London during his formative years at Charlton Athletic.Signing from Sunday league club Waterloo in 2014 as a 17-year-old hot-shot, smashing numerous goal scoring records in the academy, Lookman made his first team debut 12 months later.Most read in FootballBy the 2016/17 campaign, he was making waves in League One alongside pal Ezri Konsa – now starring for Aston Villa at Europe’s elite table and England.But it was always Lookman that stood out, despite his 5 foot 8 stature that had some of his teammates suggesting he looked like a school boy compared to his man-sized opponents.PREM RULE CHANGESYet former Charlton defender Adam Chicksen argues: “He played to his strengths and would look to make an impact in everything he did. He wasn’t afraid to take the ball.“He had freakish ability with both feet, the way he would go past players either way.“As a result, teams had to double up on him as their game plan even back then. They were more worried about his attributes than how they would bully him physically.“Ademola thrived on that. He was able to take the pressure on and be the one to open up the game when it mattered. He won games for us.”Defender Chicksen – now 32 with League Two outfit Notts County – did not have long to admire Lookman, who made an £11m switch to Premier League Everton in January 2017.His two-and-a-half years on Merseyside proved to be a career-staller, forcing Lookman to look abroad – first with Red Bull Leipzig in July 2019 and then Atalanta in August 2022 after brief and uninspiring loan spells at Fulham and Leicester.With PSG attempting to lure him to the French capital during this summer’s transfer window, Lookman reportedly asked NOT to play for Atalanta, wanting to train alone in fear of picking up an untimely injury.But Chicksen recalls that Lookman should not be thought of in that light, given the professionalism he showed when the Toffees came knocking on Charlton’s door.Chicksen explained: “It’s a rare thing being able to continue with your progress when you do make the leap to the first team and not allow egos to come into it, and you saw that with him.“He was willing to learn and get better and just stay grounded. He wasn’t just saying: ‘I’m already gone’ and downing tools.“It is that sort of attitude that has seen him develop the way he has and keep his performance levels high through all sorts of adversity.“When I used to have some chats to him, I know he put in the work and he remained patient and focused.“He was a quiet guy. He didn’t need to shout though, because of the impact he could have on the pitch. He knew what he was, and that comes with confidence.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He knew what he was capable of even at that young age. Playing alongside it allows you to see the brilliance of someone, that potential starting to unfold.“He never passed on responsibility and that’s the sign of a great player.” More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 5: Time for gaffers to bet against Erling Haaland

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      THE weekly captaincy debate has been a short one for most Dream Team managers this season.Erling Haaland (£9.1m) has exploded out the blocks with nine goals in his first four outings for a humongous return of 77 points.Opting to double his points with the captain’s armband has been a no-brainer… until now.Haaland has been unstoppable but Arsenal’s defence is tough to breachCredit: GettyGameweek 5 has a dramatically different outlook as Manchester City are due to face Arsenal on Sunday before hosting Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.The Norwegian striker is close to fixture-proof but the Gunners’ immense defensive record in recent times has to be respected.Mikel Arteta’s side kept clean sheets against Man City both home and away last season and have conceded the joint-fewest league goals so far in 2024/25.If any team can subdue a rampant Haaland, it’s Arsenal.The prolific poacher would probably tear the Hornets apart given the chance but it seems unlikely he’ll play in the cup barely two days after a top-of-the-table clash, especially with extra European games to negotiate this season.Many gaffers will captain Haaland regardless and in current form perhaps he will get the better of William Saliba (£5.4m) and Gabriel (£5.3m); but it’s seemingly the right time to bet against the game’s top scorer.Let’s evaluate the leading alternatives.Most read in FootballSpurs will start their Europa League campaign next weekCredit: Dream TeamSon Heung-min (£5.2m)Tottenham have struggled to convert their possession and chances into goals across the first four Gameweeks but their skipper remains a strong option for the time being.Ange Postecoglou’s side have the luxury of two home fixtures in Gameweek 5: Brentford and Qarabag.The Bees are actually above Spurs in the table as it stands but the underlying numbers suggest attacking players should enjoy themselves when up against Thomas Frank’s mob.Only West Ham have faced more shots than Brentford in the top flight this term.This match-up coupled with a game against Azerbaijani opposition in the Europa League is a double header ripe with potential and Son is seemingly best placed to take advantage.Pedro Porro (£4.4m), James Maddison (£4.3m) and Dominic Solanke (£4m) could also feast.Of course, all this assumes Spurs will be motivated to up their game after defeat in the North London derby.Man United fans thoroughly enjoyed Gameweek 4Credit: APBruno Fernandes (£5.7m)Manchester United are the only other team with midweek European commitments in Gameweek 5, giving them a juicy double header.The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park at the weekend before welcoming FC Twente to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.Many Dream Team bosses remain unconvinced by Erik ten Hag’s side but TEN unanswered goals in Gameweek 4 (against Southampton and Barnsley) has boosted the viability of their assets considerably.Fernandes is the tried-and-tested selection with a long history of plentiful Dream Team points.The Portugal international started the campaign slowly but a 16-point haul via three assists in Gameweek 4 has reversed some of the damage.Bold gaffers might want to consider either Marcus Rashford (£3.8m) or Alejandro Garnacho (£3.6m) for the armband – both banked 32 points in Gameweek 4!Although be warned, the Argentine winger averages just 35 minutes of playing time per league fixture in 2024/25.A familiar favouriteCredit: RexMohamed Salah (£7.6m)Liverpool have the benefit of two home games in Gameweek 5 but the second of those is a Carabao Cup meeting with West Ham.It remains to be seen how Arne Slot views the match-up with the Hammers but if he’s going to rest his 32-year-old Egyptian superstar in any competition it’ll surely be the secondary domestic cup.Even so, Salah is a captaincy candidate as the Reds will be heavy favourites at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.The Cherries are no mugs but they’ll be up against it at Anfield and the hosts’ No11 is usually the man who cashes in.Salah has six goal involvements to his name already this season and, at the time of writing, only Haaland has registered more shots on target while only surprise package Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) has created more big chances.Score 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 NOWElsewhere, there’s certainly a tempting captain lurking in Chelsea’s squad in Gameweek 5 but it’s difficult to pick him out.The Blues face West Ham at the weekend before an immensely favourable Carabao Cup match-up against League Two’s Barrow.If Cole Palmer (£6.3m) was guaranteed to start in midweek he would be a fantastic skipper for Dream Team bosses but Chelsea have already taken measures to manage the England international’s workload by leaving him out the club’s Conference League squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf a European competition is deemed too low of a priority to risk Palmer then what are the chances of him getting significant minutes against Barrow at Stamford Bridge on a Tuesday night?Remember to confirm your captain (and vice-captain) for Gameweek 5 before Saturday’s 11am 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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      Why are Arsenal playing in the Champions League on a Thursday?

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      ARSENAL have picked up from where they left off last season after making a superb start to the new campaign.The Gunners will be hoping they can take their recent good form in the Premier League into Europe this week.Arsenal beat North London rivals Tottenham last time outCredit: GettyArsenal bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage last season after losing to German giants Bayern Munich over two-legs.This term, Mikel Arteta will be hoping he can be the man to guide the Gunners to the club’s first-ever European Cup.And Arsenal get their Champions League campaign underway against Atalanta on Thursday – but what’s the reason behind the unusual date for the fixture?Why are Arsenal playing in the Champions League on a Thursday?Arsenal’s Champions League opener away at Atalanta this week is one of six fixtures not taking place on the traditional Tuesday or Wednesday – the two days that the competition usually takes place.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes as part of a Uefa revamp, which has seen the regular 32-team group stage transformed into a 36-side league phase in the Champions League this season.Both the Europa League and the Conference League will also follow the new format.To avoid a heavily congested European calendar, Uefa has revealed that each of their three competitions will have a single exclusive matchweek during which fixtures from the other two tournaments will not be played.This will allow more matches to be highlighted and fans to tune in to competitions they may not have previously watched.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Champions League’s exclusive matchweek is matchweek one, meaning the 18 fixtures will be spread evenly across three nights from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19.And Arsenal’s away trip to Europa League champions Atalanta has been selected for the Thursday night, just three days before the Gunners’ heavyweight clash against Manchester City in the Premier League.Aside from matchweek one, the only other Champions League matchweek that differs from the traditional Tuesday-Wednesday format is the final one, where all 18 matches will kick off simultaneously at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.What are Arsenal’s Champions League fixtures?Here are all of Arsenal’s eight fixtures for the brand-new league phase:Thursday, September 19Atalanta vs ArsenalGewiss StadiumKick-off: 8pmTuesday, October 1Arsenal vs Paris Saint-GermainEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmTuesday, October 22Arsenal vs Shakhtar DonetskEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmWednesday, November 6Inter Milan vs ArsenalSan SiroKick-off: 8pmTuesday, November 26Sporting Lisbon vs ArsenalJose Alvalade StadiumKick-off: 8pmWednesday, December 11Arsenal vs MonacoEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESWednesday, January 22Arsenal vs Dinamo ZagrebEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmWednesday, January 29Girona vs ArsenalEstadi MontiliviKick-off: 8pm More

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      Kyle Walker shows true colours by playing against non-league minnows after Lee Carsley snubbed him from England squad

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      KYLE WALKER showed his professionalism by playing alongside Man City’s reserve team during the international break.Walker, 34, was snubbed from Lee Carsley’s first England squad, leaving him as one of just a few City players staying in Manchester during the break.Kyle Walker used the international break to show his leadership to Man City’s reservesCredit: AlamyThe experienced full-back hadn’t been left out of an England squad, barring injury, since 2022 before Carsley’s appointment.But the 90-time England international wasn’t going to sit and sulk at Man City’s training ground.Instead Walker decided to set an example for the young players at the Manchester club, playing with City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) in a friendly against non-league club Buxton.Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Walker said: “When you’re not selected it’s train hard and get on with it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s important. I’m the captain of the team. If the captain goes to play with, as I know it, the reserves then everyone can do it.”If you need the minutes in the legs, and can pass on your experience to the youth, then why not? Hopefully they benefited from me playing 45 minutes against Buxton.”No-one is bigger than a game. A game of football is putting minutes in your legs, getting your rhythm. “If the club captain can do it then hopefully some of the lads in the first-team squad go and ask and can play as well.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWalker wasn’t the only one who joined in either with Ilkay Gundogan, who just retired from international football with Germany, also joining him against the National League North side.Walker hasn’t just found himself out of the England setup but the Man City side too. Kyle Walker reveals former England star ‘couldn’t stop crying’ after manager sacking with whole dressing room in tearsThe former Spurs and Sheffield United defender has started just one Premier League game so far this season, seemingly falling behind Rico Lewis in the pecking order.It’s Lewis who seems to have snatched his spot in the England set-up too with the 19-year-old earning his second cap for the Three Lions in England’s 2-0 win over Finland under Carsley. More

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      ‘I didn’t know what to do’ says emotional John Stones as Man City star admits he considered quitting Prem champions

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      JOHN STONES has opened up about the challenging times he has faced at Manchester City.The defender revealed he even considered to quit playing for the reigning Premier League champions.John Stones has opened up about facing challenging times at Manchester CityAn emotional interview with BBC saw England icon Stones speak up on the dark times he has experienced during his senior career at City.In 2020, Stones faced several challenges that limited his playing time at the club. As he struggled with multiple injuries his form and confidence took a hit leading to a drop in the pecking order under Pep Guardiola as City signed new defenders, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.He said: “Maybe over a year period I wasn’t playing here [Man City]. Wasn’t playing for England.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A really low time. And I didn’t know what to do at the start. I was obviously struggling with not playing. Mentally tough – you start doubting yourself massively.”Stones managed only 16 starts in all competitions during the 2019-2020 season.He continued: “I thought you know I’ve got two roads to go down: accept that and move on or stay and fight.”You know I wanted to prove to myself that I was good enough and deserved to be here.Most read in Football”Went back to the drawing board really and worked harder. I looked at every aspect in my life, down to my food, down to my gym, sleep.”You know I looked at everything I could to become a better player and a better version of myself. Fortunately it worked out.”And the 30-year-old was not wrong – it did work out. Since 2020 Stones has won four Premier Leagues, the Champions League and the FA Cup.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true’He was also a part of Pep Guardiola’s historic treble-winning squad in the 2022-23 season.And this summer Stones was a key man in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team who fell short of victory to Spain in the final.After he arrived in Manchester from Everton in 2016 the Englishman has made over 259 appearances for City and is one of Guardiola’s star players. More

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      Who is Ederson’s wife Lais Moraes? Meet the City goalkeeper’s spouse

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      AFTER falling in love over a decade ago, Ederson and his wife Lais remain one of football’s golden couples.Their love story started when they were in their early twenties, and now sees them share three children.Ederson and his wife Lais have been together over a decadeCredit: GettyLais has an army of followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramAs Man City’s goalkeeper Ederson’s life has soared on the football pitch, he’s had his devoted wife right by his side.Stunning brunette Lais has been a firm fixture at the stadium, watching the keeper become one of the best in the Premier League.Born on December 1, 1994, the Portuguese beauty has amassed her own loyal fans over the years.Lais has a huge following on her Instagram handle, where she keeps her fans up-to-date with her glamourous life with her footballer husband, Ederson.Read more on EdersonWho is Ederson’s wife Lais Moraes? Meet the City goalkeeper’s spouseThe couple met in her native Portugal in 2013 and, following a whirlwind romance, they wed a year later. Brazilian Ederson was playing for Rio Ave at the time the couple met.They were both young when they got married, he was 21 and she was 20.The couple later moved to Lisbon after Ederson returned to Benfica.Most read in FootballThey then relocated to Manchester following his £35million move to Manchester City.Man City star Ederson furiously boots drinks box after being substitutedFollowing their nuptials, the couple shared their cheesy wedding video.In the clip, the pair can be seen kissing and smiling at each other as acoustic music plays in the background.It also included several slow-motion shots as they stared into each other’s eyes.But despite their long relationship, Lais previously revealed that she didn’t fall for goal keeper straight away.She wrote: “It was not love at first sight, I never imagined that it would be you… who would have the keys of my heart.”That would become so important to me, that I would live with so many beautiful things by my side and would be part of the my story.”Do they have any children?The couple live in a huge mansion in Manchester with their three children.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe couple share three children togetherCredit: InstagramThey have son called Henrique and two daughters called Yazmin and Laura.If that was’t enough the happy family have four adorable dogs. More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Latest updates as Man City take on Inter Milan and Celtic host Slovan Bratislava

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      THE Champions League is on again tonight with some thrilling action to kick off the brand new league phase.Man City vs Inter Milan is the pick of the games, while Celtic, PSG and last season’s finalists Borussia Dortmund are also in action.Liverpool got the better of European rivals AC Milan as they ran out 3-1 winners at the San Siro on the first night. Meanwhile, Harry Kane netted FOUR in Bayern Munich’s 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb and Aston Villa ended their 41-year wait for elite European football with a 3-0 win at Young Boys.Kick off times: 5.45pm/8pm BSTTV channels: TNT Sports/Amazon Prime VideoLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…’Pep reinvented my brain’John Stones reckons he went from knowledgeable to know-nothing… thanks to Pep Guardiola!Manchester City’s England defender was shocked by the Spaniard’s incredible insights.The Prem champs hosts Inter Milan in the Champions League at 8pm tonight.And Stones said: “I thought I knew football to a decent degree and understood the game.”Pep made me feel like I knew nothing; he’s opened my eyes to so much.”He’s kind of reinvented my brain towards football and what football is.”Credit: News Group Nrewspapers LtdCopy linkCopiedTonight’s Champions League actionBologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk – 5.45pmSparta Prague vs Red Bull Salzburg – 5.45pmCeltic vs Slovan Bratislava – 8pmClub Brugge vs Borussia Dortmund – 8pmManchester City vs Inter Milan – 8pmPSG vs Girona – 8pmCopy linkCopiedKane proud of achievementHarry Kane has admitted his pride at surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record thirty goals in the Champions League,He told Amazon Prime: “Whenever you’re in a conversation with Wayne Rooney it means you’re doing something well.”He’s one of the greatest English players and one of the best players there was in the game.”It’s a nice achievement.”Credit: Instagram @harrykaneCopy linkCopiedRecord breaker KaneHarry Kane became the top English goalscorer in the Champions League.His four goals against Dinamo Zagreb saw him reach 33 goals in the tournament, three more than Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 30.Kane’s outing also saw him net his 50th, 51st, 52nd and 53rd goals for Bayern Munich in just his 50th game for the club.It was also the first time a team has managed nine goals in a single Champions League game,Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLast night’s round-upIt was a great night for the English sides as Liverpool and Aston Villa both got off to a winning start.The standout result is Bayern Munich’s hammering of Dinamo Zagreb as they scored NINE, including four from Harry Kane.Juventus 3-1 PSVYoung Boys 0-3 Aston VillaAC Milan 1-3 LiverpoolReal Madrid 3-1 StuttgartBayern Munich 9-2 Dinamo ZagrebSporting Lisbon 2-0 LilleCopy linkCopiedTonight’s fixturesHere is a look at tonight’s Champions League fixtures.The two early kick-offs see Bologna take on Shakhtar Donetsk and Sparta Prague face Red Bull Salzburg.Manchester City face Inter Milan at 8pm while Celtic start their campaign against Slovan Bratislava.Bologna v Shakhtar Donetsk (17:45)Sparta Prague v Red Bull Salzburg (17:45)Celtic v Slovan Bratislava (20:00)Club Brugge v Borussia Dortmund (20:00)Man City v Inter Milan (20:00)PSG v Girona (20:00)Copy linkCopiedMore from InzaghiThe Italian coach has insisted he is not out for revenge against Manchester City after the Champions League final defeat to the club in 2023.He said: “I watched it the following week and then last month during the pre-season.”I don’t think it’s revenge because tomorrow is a league-phase game.”I have no regrets because my team gave their all in Istanbul.”It’s a new competition, we have to prepare for eight different games.”It will be more demanding, but it’s a format that will surely work well. We want to have a great journey.”Copy linkCopied’Know what to do’, InzaghiInter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has claimed that his players know what they have to do in order to get a result against Manchester City.He said: “We face a highly organised team.”They haven’t lost at home for years. We know what we have to do.”We have prepared for the game in one day, but we know what we have to do.”We know we’ll need an enormous performance. The lads are aware of it.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep compares Inter to BrentfordPep Guardiola has compared Inter Milan to Brentford ahead of their Champions League clash tonight.He said: “Historical team and incredible mentality. They are built to win every single game and to win every competition. “Last year they won a lot and that means in the mindset of the players they can do it, which is similar to us. “They have good high pressing and go man to man so they are similar to Brentford [in that regard] and after they defend with typical Italian mentality that they have to suffer. They are also strong in set pieces. Incredible qualities. “Good guys from second line, especially [Nicolo] Barella. I don’t know if he will be fit tomorrow but every time from [Federico] Dimarco crosses arrive with four or five players in the box. “You cannot reach the Champions League final and win Serie A with 90 per cent of the same players if you don’t have something special.”Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedTielemans hit out at formatAston Villa ace Youri Tielemans has criticised the new Champions League format.Despite his excitement to play in Europe’s premier competition, he is aware that the increased games will make it “tougher”.He said: “I’m very excited. Every game’s going to be really tough. This new format makes it even tougher.”It’s going to come down to the details in the end, after the eight games. it’s going to be tough.”Copy linkCopiedGakpo happy with showingCody Gakpo admitted that he was thrilled with his performance in Liverpool’s win over AC Milan.He told Amazon Prime: “I think we had more chances but they were dangerous in moments as well. We controlled the game pretty good and it’s a fair result for us.”We stayed calm and stayed focus. We have to thank our centre-backs for two great headers. After that moment we controlled the game better.”We work on set-pieces before every game and we’re very happy it worked out today.”Every player wants to play and I got my moment. I really wanted to show myself and I am very happy with an assist but also especially with the win.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEmery dedicates win to ShawUnai Emery dedicated Aston Villa’s Champions League win to club legend Gary Shaw, who passed away earlier in the week.He said: “First of all, this victory is for Gary Shaw.“We can follow in the Champions League, winning like they [1982 team] finished and we want to celebrate this victory and dedicate it to Gary Shaw and the Aston Villa family.“It’s always difficult away and our experiences last year show it. We played focussing very well in 90 minutes and being consistent, respecting them.“They started pushing in the first 15 minutes. We defended well and were progressively adapting to the pitch.“We imposed our capacity to beat them, always respecting them.”Copy linkCopiedTop scorersKane’s four goals have seen him open up a decent lead as the top scorer in the Champions League.Copy linkCopiedRecord breaker KaneHarry Kane became the top English goalscorer in the Champions League.His four goals against Dinamo Zagreb saw him reach 33 goals in the tournament, three more than Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 30.Kane’s outing also saw him net his 50th, 51st, 52nd and 53rd goals for Bayern Munich in just his 50th game for the club.It was also the first time a team has managed nine goals in a single Champions League game,Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTonight’s fixturesHere is a look at the next round of Champions League fixtures.Bologna vs Shakhtar DonetskSparta Praha vs RB SalzburgParis Saint-Germain vs GironaClub Brugge vs Borussia DortmundCeltic vs Slovan BratislavaManchester City vs Inter MilanCopy linkCopiedScores round-upIt was a perfect night for the English sides as Liverpool and Aston Villa both got off to a winning start last night.The standout result is Bayern Munich’s hammering of Dinamo Zagreb as they scored NINE, including four from Harry Kane.Juventus 3-1 PSVYoung Boys 0-3 Aston VillaAC Milan 1-3 LiverpoolReal Madrid 3-1 StuttgartBayern Munich 9-2 Dinamo ZagrebSporting Lisbon 2-0 LilleCopy linkCopiedSlot’s happy birthdayArne Slot with thrilled with Liverpool’s win over AC Milan to give himself a happy birthday.He told Amazon Prime: “A great way to spend my birthday. We have more than 11 players and the ones that came in did well. You wouldn’t have said this after five minutes, but after we did well.”Losing Saturday was a blow and to be 1-0 down early tonight, you are wondering how we react.”But if you can play so good it is – I won’t say a disgrace – unbelievable you lose to Forest at home if you can play like this today.”I would have played Cody Gakpo on Saturday but he played two games for the national side. Today was more a team display than an individual display.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSlot full of Gakpo praiseArne Slot insisted that Cody Gakpo followed in the footsteps of some other Dutch players with his Man Of The Match performance against AC Milan.He said: “He took to the occasion of playing at a stadium that’s had some unbelievable Dutch midfielders.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEndrick opens Champions League accountEndrick netted his first Champions League goal as Real Madrid started their title defence with a 3-1 win over Stuttgart.The Brazilian fired home from 25 yards to score his side’s third of the match.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedTomorrow’s fixturesHere is a look at the next round of Champions League fixtures…Bologna vs Shakhtar DonetskSparta Praha vs RB SalzburgParis Saint-Germain vs GironaClub Brugge vs Borussia DortmundCeltic vs Slovan BratislavaManchester City vs Inter MilanCopy linkCopiedKane celebrates his four goalsHarry Kane smashed four goals against Dinamo Zagreb, with three coming from the spot.Credit: EPACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSlot hailedFormer Liverpool star Stephen Warnock has praised Arne Slot for his management during the win over AC Milan.He told the BBC: “Liverpool got a foothold in the game and Arne Slot changed things.”The possession Liverpool had was dominant – it created so many opportunities.”Liverpool got complete control going 3-1 ahead and it never looked in doubt from there.”Copy linkCopiedMatch reportCheck out our full match report of Liverpool’s win over AC Milan.Copy linkCopiedScores round-upIt was a perfect night for the English sides as Liverpool and Aston Villa both got off to a winning start.The standout result is Bayern Munich’s hammering of Dinamo Zagreb as they scored NINE, including four from Harry Kane.Juventus 3-1 PSVYoung Boys 0-3 Aston VillaAC Milan 1-3 LiverpoolReal Madrid 3-1 StuttgartBayern Munich 9-2 Dinamo ZagrebSporting Lisbon 2-0 LilleCopy linkCopiedFull-time statsHere is a look at the match stats from all the late kick-offs.Copy linkCopied More

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      Tragedy as footballer Jack Badger, 24, dies with Oxford United leading heartbreaking tributes

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      NON-LEAGUE footballer Jack Badger has tragically passed away aged just 24.A statement from his club, Abingdon United, read: “Abingdon United are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of our first team Player and dear friend Jack Badger.Footballer Jack Badger has tragically diedCredit: X @Abutdfc”Our thoughts at this hardest of times are with all of Jack’s loved ones, his family, his friends & his team mates.””A character on and off the pitch, Jack will be missed by all of us at Abingdon United.”You are so loved Jack, Rest In Peace Our Badge.”Badger’s former club, Wantage Town, also released a statement on social media.Read More in FootballIt read: “Everyone at Wantage Town is devastated to learn of the passing of former player, Jack Badger.”On the pitch he wore his heart on his sleeve and off of it never had anything but a cheeky smile on his face.”Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest easy Badge.”A spokesperson from Shrivenham FC said: “With the heartbreaking news of an ex Shrivenham player has sadly passed away. Jack Badger, played with Shrivenham FC in 21-22 season and played 15 games.Most read in Football”We send our condolences to his loved ones and all those that were luckily enough to know him.”The Hellenic League also released a statement which read: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Jack Badger (2000-2024), a talented footballer and cherished member of Abingdon United.”His passion, dedication, and kindness will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates. Rest in peace Jack.”And Championship side Oxford United shared condolences with a heartfelt tribute.A social media post from the U’s read: “Everyone at Oxford United is devastated to learn of the passing of U’s fan Jack Badger.”We send our sincere condolences to Jack’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More