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      Arsenal FAVOURITES to beat Real Madrid according to Champions League supercomputer.. but can they go all the way?

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      ARSENAL have the edge over Real Madrid in their blockbuster Champions League quarter-final tussle… according to Opta’s supercomputer.The Gunners host Carlo Ancelotti’s Spanish giants at the Emirates for the first leg of their last eight tie on Tuesday night.Mikel Arteta’s side have a mammoth task ahead of themCredit: GettyJude Bellingham and Co will be in North London on Tuesday nightCredit: RexReal Madrid have won two of the last three editions of the Champions League and six of the last 11.Ancelotti’s men overcame Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in last year’s final.Despite the weight of history being on Real Madrid’s side, Opta’s supercomputer reckons that Arsenal have the narrow edge in their tie.The Gunners, who have never won the European Cup in their history, are given a 50.2 per cent chance of reaching the semi-finals, with Real Madrid on 49.8 per cent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal defeated PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate in the last round, while Real Madrid beat rivals Atletico on penalties after drawing 1-1 across two legs.Both sides sit second in their respective domestic leagues – Arsenal 11 points behind Liverpool and Real four off Barcelona.The Gunners will have to do without key defender Gabriel following his season-ending hamstring injury last week – while Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori all remain out.Real Madrid, meanwhile, may be without both Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin – with 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez potentially having to deputise in goal. Dani Carvajal, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy and former Gunner Dani Ceballos are all likely to miss out.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe winner of Arsenal and Real Madrid will take on Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals.French champions PSG are overwhelming favourites to go through against Unai Emery’s team, having knocked out Liverpool in the last round.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Luis Enrique’s side are given a 71.3 per cent probability of beating Villa and 36.2 per cent shot of also then beating Real Madrid or Arsenal to reach the final.The Gunners are said to have a 29.5 per cent chance of making it to the Munich final, with Real Madrid narrowly behind on 25.2 per cent and Villa all the way back on 9.1 per cent.Mikel Arteta’s men are third-favourites to win the competition, given a 15.6 per cent likelihood of doing so.Barcelona are seen as most likely on 23.1 per cent, with PSG second on 19.3 per cent.Real Madrid are viewed as fifth-favourites on 12.2 per cent, behind Inter Milan in fourth spot on 13.8 per cent.Barca face Borussia Dortmund in what has been seen as the weaker side of the draw.Hansi Flick’s side are overwhelming favourites to go through on 78.2 per cent, compared to Dortmund’s 21.8 per cent.In fact, Dortmund are seen as the least likely remaining team to win the competition, given just a 1.5 per cent shot of doing so.Read More on The SunVilla are second-to-last on 3.7 per cent, while interestingly Bayern Munich, the potential hosts, are sixth on just 10.8 per cent.Harry Kane and Co will take on Inter in the quarters, with the 2023 finalists just favoured in the tie at 51.5 per cent compared to Bayern’s 48.5 per cent – with the winner to take on Barcelona or Dortmund in the semis. More

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      Man Utd star brutally compared to ‘BABY ELEPHANT’ on MOTD after woeful Manchester derby

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      PATRICK DORGU was singled out for having the first touch of a “baby elephant” during the Manchester derby.Man United and Man City shared a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.Patrick Dorgu was singled out for having the first touch of a ‘baby elephant’ during the Manchester derbyCredit: RexSunSport columnist Troy Deeney gave his take on Match of the Day 2United – who sit 13th in the Prem – had the better chances to secure the victory but their bluntness in front of goal let them down again.And former Premier League striker and SunSport columnist Troy Deeney gave his take on Match of the Day 2.Deeney joked about “scratching” around for positives for the highlights show, before praising United’s improved build up play.The ex-Watford talisman admired Alejandro Garnacho’s hard work and runs in behind as one of two No 10s in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAfter swapping over to the right flank towards the end of the first half, Garnacho brilliantly cut an inviting ball into the penalty spot area, with Dorgu bursting into the box.But the January signing’s awful first touch made it look like he had builder’s boots on and ensured it was another chance passed up.Deeney continued: “Garnacho’s willingness to run in behind is what United need going forward and this is what Amorim is talking about.”This touch from Dorgu is the touch of a baby elephant. It is so terrible. If you want to score goals you need to do better.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordDeeney later noticed the “nice connection” down the left between Garnacho and Dorgu.Pep Guardiola’s side also lacked intensity and desire and could now drop behind in the race for Champions League football.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantMOTD host Mark Chapman and Shay Given backed up Bruno Fernandes’ post-match comments about VAR leaving players concerned about putting a foot wrong.Deeney said: “The Premier League and English football used to be about big tackles and huge physicality.”VAR is killing the game and it’s becoming more like flag football. We’re losing our derbies.”Because nobody enjoyed watching that and it took us four and a half hours just to get a two minute clip. That’s how bad it was.”It comes days after Martin O’Neill slammed Dorgu for his poor performance in United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last Tuesday. Working as a pundit for TNT Sports, the 73-year-old said: “They had Dorgu playing tonight. I could have done what he did!Read More on The Sun”He’s wide left-hand side, he’s got the ball and you’re saying: ‘Come on! Your job is to take players on. Get at them!'”Maybe it’s no confidence, I don’t know what it is. But these type of things are all over the field for Manchester United.” More

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      Phil Foden posts three-word message after Man Utd fans’ sick taunts about his mum in Manchester derby

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      PHIL FODEN has issued a three-word response after Manchester United fans sang sick chants about his mum.The 24-year-old was subjected to vile chants about his mum during Manchester City’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.Phil Foden has issued a response following Man City’s draw with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe City star was subjected to vile chants about his mumCredit: GettyMan City boss Pep Guardiola berated those involved for the “shameful” language at full-time, saying: “Lack of class. But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?”We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially.”Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.”It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, Foden has issued his own response on Instagram.”We keep going,” the Man City star wrote alongside five photos of himself from the match.Fans flocked to the comments to offer the midfielder some support, with one person writing: “Don’t mind the haters Phil every great person has haters we keep going.”While another said: “We are with you.”Most read in FootballAfter the derby, Guardiola admitted he has been stunned by Man City’s decline this season.The Spaniard said: “This season we dropped incredibly. Not just Phil Foden but all of them.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chant”Last season, his impact was incredible. With him and chances it’s normally bang, bang. Just not at the moment.”But the team is not playing at the level we had. And we were not at our level in this game.”After Sunday’s match, footage of the moment Foden was targeted by United supporters emerged on social media.In the clip, filmed from the stands, the midfielder can be seen sarcastically clapping and giving a thumbs up to the home supporters. More

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      Inside Rasmus Hojlund’s disasterclass against Man City as Man Utd ace fails to manage a single touch in penalty area

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      RASMUS HOJLUND’s performance in the boring Manchester derby showed why Ruben Amorim is going after a new striker in the summer.The Dane struggled to lead the line against Pep Guardiola’s side, whose own lack of intent in the 0-0 draw could be punished in the race for a Champions League place.Rasmus Hojlund had just 15 touches of the ball in 71 minutesCredit: EPAHojlund endured a difficult derbyCredit: ReutersBut Hojlund struggled to impact the game and barely had any involvement throughout the 71 minutes he was on the pitch.Indeed, the stats reflect just how tough he found it at a sunny Old Trafford.The 22-year-old had just 15 touches and completed only seven of his nine attempted passes – a 78 per cent accuracy.The down-trodden striker also failed to register a single touch in City’s box.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHojlund also had ZERO shots at Ederson’s goal.He lost the ball four times before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee with 19 minutes left of normal time.Zirkzee – who had 11 touches in the final embers – was more of a handful for the City back line and went close to an elusive opener when he tested Ederson from Patrick Dorgu’s cross.But Hojlund perhaps showed why he has to be replaced up front in the summer.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunday’s draw came days after centre-back Harry Maguire was launched up front to find a winner against Nottingham Forest.And although Maguire couldn’t find a leveller, he accumulated more xG in added time than Hojlund had in his last 15 appearances prior.Man Utd star brutally compared to ‘BABY ELEPHANT’ on live TVThe former Atalanta man, signed for £72MILLION in 2023, has just eight goals this term – with only three in the Premier League.The Red Devils are set to battle Arsenal for Amorim’s former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.United and City have been below their usual standards this season and the goalless draw at Old Trafford displayed that.Amorim fielded seven defensive players and relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes for the occasional promising pass.The Portuguese manager said: “Both teams aren’t fighting for the title – that changed the game. “You can make a funny game but that feeling of not losing a point and winning every game at home is not here.”But Gary Neville slammed that sentiment and said the derby was a bad advert for the Prem.Neville said: “The best City and Man United teams would be very disappointed with the way they’ve approached the end of that game.”It looks like it’s Sunday afternoon and they’re going to go for a roast dinner together now. “They’re micromanaged to an inch of their lives, so robotic and it’s symptomatic of a lot of games that we’re watching nowadays.”Gary Neville slammed Man Utd’s dull 0-0 draw with Man CityRoy Keane also ripped into all the hugging and chatting at full-time.Amorim has since responded: “I understand that Gary is critical about everything so I understand that part.”Then I understand that we are in the moment that we are doing the worst season in history.”So we are not in the best moments to give the best spectacle to every fan.”But the fans were up for it, with many chanting in reference to the 130 charges City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.And Guardiola condemned the home fans for sick chants about Phil Foden’s mum.The Red Devils face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the first leg in France coming up on Thursday.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, City sit fifth, still a point behind Chelsea after the Blues played out a 0-0 draw of their own against Brentford. Newcastle can still overtake them if they beat struggling Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night. More

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      Champions League winner, 41, who scored for Barcelona in El Clasico now working on shop floor at sports chain

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      A FORMER Barcelona star is now living a completely different life – working in a sports shop.The 41-year-old hung up his boots in 2020 following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon.A former Barcelona star is now working in a sports shopJeremy Mathieu spent three years at Barcelona and won the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsThe centre-back scored against Real Madrid in El Clasico in 2015Credit: Getty Images – GettySince then, he has swapped the fast-paced life of the beautiful game for a new job – in retail.The player in question is ex-France defender Jeremy Mathieu.Mathieu has been spotted working at Intersport in Cabries, a French sportswear shop.A photo of him alongside two fans in the shop went viral on social media last week.Read More in FootballIn the picture, Mathieu could be seen wearing an Intersport vest with his name on.It is understood he is a manager at the shop and leads a department as well as some different teams.While working at Intersport, located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, he is also looking to obtain his coaching badges.Mathieu kicked off his playing career with French outfit Sochaux in 2002 following a stint in the club’s youth setup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then joined Toulouse, where he spent four years before moving to Spain.Having spent five seasons with Valencia, the Frenchman was then signed by La Liga giants Barcelona in 2014.Real Madrid star Vinicius clashes with Atletico crowd after winning Champions League game on penalties He made 94 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.During that time he also won two LaLiga titles, the Uefa Supercup, the Club World Cup and the Champions League.He even scored for Barcelona in a 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid in 2015.Mathieu retired following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon in 2020 after suffering a knee injury in training. More

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      ‘Most entertaining part of the game’ – Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chant

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola waved to United fans as he received pelters from the Stretford End.The City manager, 54, had just watched his side labour to a 0-0 bore draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford.Pep Guardiola waved at the Stretford EndThroughout the match, United fans chanted in reference to the 130 charges City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.As Guardiola made his way to the tunnel following the conclusion of the match, fans booed and sang: “Cheating b*******, you know what you are.”Not being able to help himself, the Spaniard stopped before reaching the tunnel.Guardiola turned towards the Stretford End, waving in their direction with both hands.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe three-time Champions League-winning manager’s response was met by sarcastic cheers from the United faithful.Standing just in front of Guardiola, City star Bernardo Silva couldn’t help but smirk, while a fan on social media admitted: “That was the most entertaining part of the game!”The 0-0 draw saw City miss the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League.United, meanwhile, clambered back above Tottenham into 13th, after the North Londoners had beaten Southampton 3-1 earlier in the day.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGuardiola, 54, couldn’t help but react to United fans’ chantsCredit: AlamyAfter yesterday’s match, Guardiola slammed United fans for chants about Phil Foden’s mum.Sections of Old Trafford sang: “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g.”‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumGuardiola said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”It is understood that senior figures within City were “shocked and disgusted” by the chants.Guardiola added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.’ASHAMED’“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden, 24, has this season been unable to replicate the form that saw him earn the PFA Player of the Year award last term.On the England star’s struggles, Guardiola said: “This season we dropped incredibly. Not just Phil Foden but all of them.“Last season, his impact was incredible.Read More on The Sun”With him and chances it’s normally bang, bang. Just not at the moment.”But the team is not playing at the level we had. And we were not at our level in this game.”Guardiola defended struggling star Phil FodenCredit: AP More

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      DAZN hosts Diletta Leotta and Eleonora Incardona stun in bold outfits as footie fans say ‘I don’t care about the game’

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      DILETTA LEOTTA and Eleonora Incardona were both on hosting duties as Roma hosted Juventus last night.Both popular presenters cover Serie A for DAZN.Diletta Leotta was on hosting duties for DAZN last nightCredit: RexThe popular presenter wore a white shirt with smart black trousersCredit: RexEleonora Incardona was also working on last night’s gameCredit: RexIncardona has built a huge Instagram followingCredit: RexLeotta and Incardona have each gathered huge followings on social media.The former, 33, has 9.2 million Instagram followers.While Incardona, 34, has reached 1.2 million followers on the platform.For last night’s match, Leotta wore a smart white shirt with black trousers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncardona, meanwhile, went for a leather burgundy trousers and coat combo – along with a black top.Fans were thrilled with the pair both working at the match, with one cheekily writing on social media: “I don’t care about the game.”A second commented: “Wonderful as always.”And another added: “Fantastic Eleonora.”Most read in FootballLeotta posed in her smart outfit before heading to the matchIncardona has become a fans’ favourite in recent weeksCredit: RexIncardona is dating Torino and Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci.While Leotta is married to former Liverpool star Loris Karius.Eleonora Incardona at the San Siro stadiumThe happy couple welcomed their first child together in 2023.Roma and Juventus drew 1-1 last night.Manuel Locatelli’s brilliant effort saw Juve take the lead on 40 minutes.But shortly after half-time, Eldor Shomurodov levelled for the hosts.Leotta has become a huge star by working on Italian footballCredit: RexIncardona can regularly be seen at various grounds in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardona More

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      How Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid career began with Cristiano Ronaldo ‘PR exercise’ under unenthusiastic Carlo Ancelotti

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      IT remains one of the most iconic substitutions in Real Madrid’s long and illustrious history.With 58 minutes on the clock on the final day of the 2014-15 LaLiga season and with Real leading Getafe 5-3 at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo’s No 7 lit up the fourth official’s board.Cristiano Ronaldo gave way for Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid debutCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti’s former assistant Paul Clement spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: GettyReplacing the Portuguese legend, who had scored a first-half hat-trick, was No 41 Martin Odegaard, the youngest Los Blancos player to make a competitive appearance at 16 years and 157 days.It is a record that still stands a decade later.With manager Carlo Ancelotti serving a suspension up in the stands, it was trusted assistant Paul Clement who orchestrated the substitution from the dugout.English coach Clement, 53, told SunSport: “I’ve got a really nice picture at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’m in the background but you can see Cristiano welcoming Martin on to the pitch and he gets a good welcome from the crowd.“Carlo didn’t come down to the dressing room at half-time. We spoke on the phone. “He said, ‘Let’s do the substitution’. I didn’t tell Martin but I did tell Cristiano.“Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Play simple. The last thing he needed was to be bombarded with information. What a moment for a young man to make his debut.“The youngest player in the history of the club, at the Bernabeu, 80,000 fans, coming on for arguably one of the greatest players ever. A special debut, for sure.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Nearly a decade on and Odegaard, now 26, is preparing to lead Arsenal out in a Champions League quarter-final against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid tomorrow.Memories will come flooding back. The Norwegian has said his headline-making £3.5million switch from Stromsgodset to Madrid in 2015 was the making of him — turning down the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool in the process.But he is the first to admit he struggled and there were those who believed it would break him.In his 2016 autobiography Quiet Leadership, Ancelotti described the move as a “PR exercise”.He wrote: “[Odegaard] could go on to be the best player in the world after I’m gone, but I’m not interested in the signing. He is being recruited for the future, for other managers after my time.”On top of that, Odegaard — who already had three senior caps for Norway — was walking into one of the most intimidating dressing rooms in world football with Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.Clement remembers the media frenzy that followed.Paul Clement with Carlo Ancelotti in 2014Credit: GettyHe explained: “Madrid is not an easy club to say ‘no’ to. You’re never sure when it’s going to come around again.“There are many players a lot of people will not even remember or know the names of because Madrid was too big for them and they didn’t make the grade. But Martin dealt with it very well.“I’m sure it was quite daunting. You never know what’s going on internally with somebody. He was quiet, humble but good to coach.“In training, he could hold his own with his technical quality. He was a sensation, wasn’t he? He had the dedication, too.“I would work alongside him. He was constantly practising his weaker foot, passing over different ranges, finishing . . .”Odegaard’s arrival not only ruffled Ancelotti’s feathers but also those of Zinedine Zidane, who was coaching Madrid’s Castilla reserve team and was forced to pick the young rookie despite him spending most of the week training with the first team. Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Paul ClementClement, who left Madrid in May 2015 following Ancelotti’s sacking, said: “We tried to find a balance but it was not an ideal situation. It was probably a bit weird for Martin.”By December 2020, Odegaard was 22 and had played just 489 minutes for Madrid in almost six years, having been on loan at Dutch sides Heerenveen and Vitesse, plus LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad, before a six-month stint at Arsenal from January 2021 that led to a permanent £30m switch that summer — two months after Ancelotti’s Madrid return.So, the question remains: was joining Madrid so young the right decision?Clement said: “I’d be interested to speak to him now, as a grown man, about how he was feeling inside. “I don’t think there was any doubt about the talent. It was just his physical maturity, understanding of the game.“When I look back, the best move for him would have been at a club like Ajax. He would have played regularly, really developed.“But the loan moves he took at that time in his career, he needed. He had to take a couple of steps back to go forward. He’s shown great resilience in doing that.Read More on The Sun“You look at what he is now — he’s an elite player at a great club. It worked out well for him.“I was thinking the other day whether Martin could play in Real Madrid’s current team? Yeah, for sure.”Martin Odegaard is now the Arsenal captainCredit: GettyAncelotti is now in his second spell in charge of Real MadridCredit: Getty More