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      Man City break Man Utd’s impressive Champions League record due to Uefa loophole as fans left fuming

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      MANCHESTER CITY have set a new record for the longest Champions League unbeaten streak… despite going out of the competition to Real Madrid last season.Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the impressive feat by trouncing Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad last night.Man City trounced Sparta Prague at the EtihadCredit: RexThe win made it 26 “unbeaten” in the Champions League for City.They won the competition in the 2023-24 season to achieve a remarkable Treble.City’s Champions League defence came to an end in the quarter-finals last term, when they were knocked out by Real Madrid.The first leg in Madrid finished 3-3, before the Spanish giants triumphed on penalties in Manchester following a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs both games finished level within regulation time, Uefa view them as draws – despite City losing the tie.This means that in Uefa’s eyes, Guardiola’s men have broken the record of 25 Champions League games unbeaten previously set by Manchester United.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side achieved the feat between 2007 and 2009, winning the 2007-08 competition in Moscow before finally losing to Barcelona in the following year’s Rome final.City’s win last night also saw them claim the unbeaten run record across all Uefa tournaments, taking into account their Super Cup win in 2023.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUefa’s report read: “With tonight’s victory, Manchester City have set a new Uefa competition matches record of 27 games unbeaten.”This passes Espanyol’s previous mark of 26, achieved between 2006 and 2019, with City having last been beaten in a Uefa fixture by Real Madrid in May 2022.”Pep Guardiola says part of him will leave Man City when Txiki Begiristain goes Man Utd fans on social media were left unhappy with Uefa’s verdict.One wrote on X: “Wrong !!!! They lost to real madrid in the champions league last season hahaha community note incoming.”While a posted: “Can’t accept stats like this when they didn’t win the competition last season. They lost in a penalty shootout. Yes, technically not a match lost but they went out. Knock out football has to have a winner and a loser. That’s the game.”A third blasted it as “a nonsense stat”.And another added: “They haven’t. Stop this rubbish. They lost in the UCL semi final last season.”City’s last recognised defeat in Uefa competitions came in their dramatic 2021-22 semi-final against Real Madrid.Riyad Mahrez’s goal had given them a 5-3 lead on aggregate, before Rodrygo’s double in the 90th and 91st minutes stunned City and took the tie to extra time.Karim Benzema then scored a penalty five minutes into extra time to consign City to a 6-5 aggregate defeat.City have so far gathered seven points from nine available during this year’s revamped League Phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey drew 0-0 with Inter Milan at home on matchday one, in a repeat of the 2023 final.Goals by Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and James McAtee saw them trounce Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday two, prior to last night’s 5-0 thumping of Sparta Prague.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. 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      Jack Grealish beams as he and Sasha Attwood are seen out for the first time with baby Mila and dog Skye

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      PROUD dad Jack Grealish beamed as he and Sasha Attwood enjoyed a family day out with their new baby girl and pet pooch.Sasha and Jack welcomed little Mila in September and took to Instagram earlier this month to announce their happy news.Jack beams as he visits a farm shop with his growing familySasha glowed as she dressed comfortably for the outingThe footie ace laughs as he scoops up their pet poochNew mum Sasha looked over the moon during their family day outAnd they were seen looking over the moon as they visited a local farm shop this week.New mum Sasha glowed as she dressed comfortably in a black tracksuit. She pushed her baby daughter in a grey and black pram. Meanwhile Manchester City midfielder Jack was equally casual in a puffer jacket, joggers and designer trainers.More on Jack GrealishThe couple – who have been together for 10 years – welcomed Mila just hours before Jack lined up for Manchester City to play Newcastle on September 27.Describing his hectic 24 hours days later, the England favourite told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Obviously had a little girl last Friday. It was the best moment of my life, as you can imagine.”I don’t really know how to explain it. You feel so many good moments in your life, but that just tops everything.”It was an unbelievable day, because actually Sasha had a scan on the Friday morning and then she realised she was going to come a few weeks early, so I had to leave training on the Friday.Most read in Football”I got the train up to London and then it happened on the Friday afternoon. I stayed there obviously for two or three hours, and then I had to get a plane all the way to Newcastle.”I arrived at probably gone midnight at the hotel and, yeah, I was playing the next morning at 12:30 at Newcastle away. It was an unbelievable 24 hours.”Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashJack and Sasha announced Mila’s arrival with a black and white photo of the tot gripping a finger with the words “Mila Rose Grealish 27/09/24.”The couple only revealed they were expecting in July, with a snap of Jack cradling Sasha’s blossoming bump.Jack has since opened up on the hectic 24 hours that saw him become a dad for the first timeJack and Sasha have been together for 10 yearsCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘This guy isn’t real,’ say Chelsea fans as new signing breaks Neymar’s record in Brazil

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      CHELSEA fans have been left gushing over new signing Estevao Willian after he broke a record held by Neymar.The teen sensation has earned the nickname “Messinho”, and it appears to be with good reason.Estevao Willian has left fans stunned ahead of his transfer to ChelseaCredit: GettyHe has broken a record held by NeymarCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger has been in impressive form for Palmeiras, with 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions.But a goal and assist in his most recent Brazilian Série A game against Juventude has seen him eclipse Neymar’s record for most goal contributions in the competition for an under-17.He now has a total of 18, made up of ten goals and eight assists.Neymar’s record was set back in 2009, and saw him contribute a total of 16 goals and assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer, worth up to £53million, fans have been left stunned by his talent, and a clip showing he maybe won’t stay down as often as Neymar either.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This Estevao guy isn’t real.”Being able to be that good on the ball and make the right decisions almost every time, having the burst to go past players on the wing and having the awareness to do it centrally and make runs in behind and finish too.”A second said: “Estêvão Willian is a warrior.”Most read in FootballNeymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellA third said: “The talent of this guy is crazy.”Another said: “Defenders will suffer next season.”Neymar has also heaped praise on the prodigy, saying: “Congratulations Estêvão Willian for breaking the record!” He continued: “I hope you continue shining & enchanting people with your football.”Neymar, 32, achieved his record with Santos before joining Barcelona in 2013. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had an underwhelming spell, before joining Al Hilal where he has struggled with injury. More

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      Football fans admit soaking themselves in beer and smashing phones… take the test to find out if you’re a diehard

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      FOOTIE fans have admitted to soaking themselves in alcohol and smashing up their devices during games – but what type of supporter are you?From how many matches you watch – live or on the TV – to how often you take part in fantasy football leagues, discover which category you fall into in this quiz.Take the test to see what type of footie fan you areReal Madrid fans create a wall of white shirts and flagsAnswer these questions and discover if you really are a diehard fan, or merely a spectator.It comes as research found a third of football fans are so passionate about the sport they have soaked themselves in beer, ripped clothing – and even smashed their phones.Some 36 per cent admit they have encountered a football fail when celebrating a goal being scored.The study was commissioned by tech brand, HONOR, which wrapped an entire bar in the centre of Barcelona in bubble wrap for fans watching Barca take on Bayern Munich – to ensure no mishaps happen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA spokesperson for the brand said: “Football fans are arguably the heart and soul of the game.”Their passion, dedication and unwavering support can create an atmosphere unlike any other, both in the stadium and beyond.“Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, fans fuel the excitement, making every match a spectacle of unity, pride and love for the sport.“However, our research shows that this passion can sometimes lead to all sorts of funny mishaps – often involving personal belongings.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe poll of more than 1,000 supporters of the beautiful game also found pouring an entire drink over themselves (12 per cent), ripping a favourite item of clothing (eight per cent), and smashing their phone screen (seven per cent) were among the top mishaps.More than four in 10 (41 per cent) admit to often getting carried away with the excitement during a football match.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’But 64 per cent say these fails were totally worth it, just to see a goal being scored.The study also found 14 per cent of fans are less concerned about their belongings when celebrating during a match.Although 12 per cent say they are more susceptible to damaging their personal things when watching their football team.Items which have been victims of these celebrations include drinks (19 per cent), food (13 per cent), and keys (10 per cent).Flares are often lit at Borussia Dortmund and St. Pauli matches in the BundesligaAnd one in ten have thrown their phone in the air, according to the OnePoll.com data.The spokesperson for Honor added: “Despite these football fails, it seems fans think it’s all worth it in the end to see their favourite team score a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Nothing can beat the roar of the crowd and the thrill of seeing the ball hit the back of the net.“It’s a surge of adrenaline and pride that stays with you long after the match ends and is what makes football the beautiful game that it is.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’

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      AN incredible video has shown how the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy is beautifully handcrafted.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Fans were in awe after spotting how the Ballon d’Or trophy is madeTwo brass plates are soldered together by a distinguished French jewellerThe ball is then immersed in gold and engravedThe Ballon d’Or trophy – which, as its French name suggests, takes the form of a golden ball – is worth somewhere in the region of £2,400.It is made with two brass plates which are soldered together to create the shape of a football, before lined markings are drawn on the outside.Afterwards it’s dipped in gold and engraved with the “Ballon d’Or” logo.The final touch is a layer of pyrite crystals – which gives the trophy a stunning rock like appearance.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncluding its pyrite base, the award measures 31 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter and weighs just over 7 kg. The coveted prize, awarded to the world’s best footballer, is handmade by a team at French Jewellery House Mellerio dits Meller.It is a meticulous process that takes more than 100 hours to complete – which amounts to about four days.And fans were blown away by it’s simple, yet careful, design.Most read in FootballIt takes more than 100 hours to finishThe final touch is a layer of crystals on a pyrite baseFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne social media user wrote: “Why does it feel so weird? It’s something so prestigious, and it’s made just like that.”While another said: “Wow amazing!”Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career changeA third added: “This is crazy seeing how it’s actually made.”One more replied: “I never realised it’s hollow inside, but it makes perfect sense.”What is the Ballon d’Or?The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956.This prestigious trophy is awarded to the world’s best footballer of the year and is a true work of art – just like the players who earn it.This year, Uefa — European football’s governing body — will help organise the award for the first time.Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or trophies won – eightWho are the favourites?Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City’s Rodri are favourites to lift this year’s prize on Monday. Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have also been nominated.Lionel Messi leads the way with eight Ballon d’Or wins between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has five. The pair have dominated the men’s award in recent history but, for the first time in 21 years, neither has been nominated.Who decides the Ballon d’Or winners?The Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award). Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.READ MORE SUN STORIESFirst: 15 pointsSecond: 12 pointsThird: 10 pointsFourth: Eight pointsFifth: Seven pointsSixth: Five pointsSeventh: Four pointsEighth: Three pointsNinth: Two pointsTenth: One pointEarning the most points wins you the Ballon d’Or. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner would be decided by first-place votes. More

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      Man City ‘identify Erling Haaland replacement that would be a bitter blow to Arsenal transfer plans’

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      MANCHESTER CITY have lined up a potential replacement for Erling Haaland, according to reports.Haaland, 24, has once again shown his lethal edge this season with 13 goals in 12 games in all competitions.Man City transfer chiefs have lined up their Erling Haaland replacementCredit: GettyHe netted an acrobatic stunner against Sparta PragueCredit: RexViktor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s most lethal strikers of the past two seasonsCredit: ReutersHe added two more goals to his collection – the first being an acrobatic stunner – on Wednesday night as City won 5-0 against Sparta Prague.However, Haaland is rumoured to be mulling over his future for 2026, with a possible move to Spain on the cards thanks to a £125million release clause in his contract.With that in mind, City transfer chiefs have wasted no time in drawing up plans to replace the clinical Norwegian.And they have landed on one of Europe’s most prolific attackers of the past two seasons, Viktor Gyokeres.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 26-year-old who has previously linked to Arsenal, is remarkably keeping pace with Haaland this season with 13 goals and four assists in 13 games for Sporting Lisbon.He joined the Portuguese outfit in the summer of 2023 after a stellar campaign with Coventry that saw him score 22 goals and add 12 assists in 50 games.The Swede’s debut season in Portugal marked his card as a top forward, scoring 43 goals and adding 15 assists in 50 games – more than Haaland’s 38 goals and five assists in 45 games.According to Sky Sports, the reigning Premier League champions have already contacted the representatives of Gyokeres about coming to the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA significant boost to a possible deal is incoming director of football Hugo Viana, who will arrive from Sporting at the end of the season to replace Txiki Begiristain after 12 years in the job.This has led to speculation about Sporting manager Ruben Amorim also swapping Lisbon for Manchester, with Pep Guardiola openly saying he is unsure whether he will quit City when his contract expires.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)City host Southampton in the league on Saturday before a trip to Tottenham in the League Cup. More

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      Man Utd owners the Glazers and Chelsea director in race to buy another team in £650million league

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      MANCHESTER UNITED owners the Glazer family and Chelsea chief Jonathan Goldstein are in the race to buy one of The Hundred cricket teams.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are looking for investors in the league.Bids of over £100m have gone in for London SpiritCredit: GettyThe Glazers are thought to be keen on one of the clubsCredit: GettyJonathan Goldstein, left, appears keen ahead of the second round of biddingCredit: GettyThe Hundred, which is a short-form 100-ball event that started in 2021, has eight clubs that are valued at a combined £650million.With the opening round of bidding slamming shut this week, The Telegraph claim the ECB are “delighted” with the amount of interest.Over 100 offers have supposedly been placed for the eight teams.Capital-based sides London Spirit and Oval Invincibles have attracted proposals worth between £120m and £140m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeloitte and The Raine Group are in charge of the bidding war.The latter played a key role in the sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly in 2022 and in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man Utd this year.And with the investment bank involved, chiefs from both clubs have come forward for cricket.Goldstein, who is Boehly’s business partner, has reportedly asked for further information on the second round of bidding. Most read in CricketFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the Glazers, excluding Joel, have also come to the crease in recent weeks.It is not clear which one of the eight teams the family, who are still hated among Man Utd fans for using massive loans to purchase the club for £790m in 2005, want to buy.Awkward moment BBC legend leaves co-star ‘blushing’ after cheeky ill-timed comment live on air in England cricket clash But they could be competing against India’s richest family, the Ambanis, who have an eye on London Spirit.The valuations from the first round of bidding are for 100 per cent of the teams.ECB chiefs will sell their 49 per cent stake in each, with the cash raised set to be pumped back into the cricket.The other 51 per cent will be given to the host counties.They will then have the choice of what to do with their share.Surrey reportedly wantto keep their 51 per cent stake of the Oval Invincibles.But other counties could be open to selling their entire share.The Hundred teamsBirmingham PheonixLondon SpiritManchester Originals Northern Superchargers Oval InvinciblesSouthern BraveTrent RocketsWelsh Fire More

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      Steven Gerrard admits scheduling Al-Ettifaq training around watching Liverpool – even if it means late night sessions

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      STEVEN GERRARD has revealed he schedules Al-Ettifaq training around watching Liverpool games.The Reds legend, 44, has been in charge of the Saudi Arabian club since July 2023.Steven Gerrard has been scheduling Al-Ettifaq training around Liverpool gamesCredit: GettyThe Reds icon still has a keen interest in his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Press AssociationThey sit ninth in the league with three wins from their opening seven matches.And Gerrard has admitted he has aggravated his own players by pushing training back until late in the evening so he can watch Liverpool.Speaking to The Redmen TV, he said: “John [Achterberg, goalkeeping coach] and I have got more than one eye on it. We put all our schedule around the Liverpool games.”The players are onto me now; we’ve been training at 9 or 10 at night.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLocal Saudi time is two hours ahead of Britain’s GMT time zone.For example, this means 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League finish around 7pm in Saudi.Arne Slot’s Liverpool have made a sensational start to life after Jurgen Klopp.They have won 11 of their 12 games in all competitions and sit top of the Premier League table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey also sit second in the Champions League league phase having won all three matches against AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig.But their biggest test of the season so far comes on Sunday when they travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviourThree points would see Slot’s men open up a seven-point lead over the Gunners after just nine matches.Who are these famous footballers? More