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    How to watch Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen for FREE and why is the Champions League clash not on TNT Sports?

    LIVERPOOL face German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a huge Champions League clash TONIGHT.The Reds are looking to secure a fourth straight win in the competition following wins over AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig.Liverpool are in fine form of lateCredit: GettyLiverpool go into tonight’s European match top of the Premier League table after Saturday’s stunning comeback win over Brighton.Elsewhere, Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Stuttgart last time out and sit fourth in the Bundesliga.Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield at the helm of the German Champions for one of the standout matches in the Champions League this week – and you can catch all the action for FREE!How to watch Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League for FREEThis season’s Champions League sees a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmazon Prime Video will be showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Why is Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen not on TNT Sports?TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – have held the rights to air European football in the UK since 2015.This year, the broadcasting giants will still show 184 of the 204 matches live, but both Amazon Prime Video and the BBC now have coverage rights until 2027.Most read in Champions LeagueBBC’s coverage is restricted to highlights, but Amazon Prime Video will be exclusively showing the top Tuesday match for the next three seasons, including Liverpool’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen this evening.Who is on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage?Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage will see Gabby Logan as the streaming giant’s lead presenter.Punditary will come from the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Josie Henning, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy and Laura Georges.Jon Champion and Alan Shearer will provide live commentary of every top Tuesday Champions League fixture, with Gabriel Clarke and Alex Aljoe reporting from inside the stadium More

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    Goalkeeper ‘blames’ Harry Kane for leaving him bloodied with studs to the face during Bayern Munich clash

    MAINZ goalkeeper Robin Zentner has called out Harry Kane after a sickening on-field collision. The 30-year-old needed treatment on the field after a challenge from the England striker on Wednesday night. Harry Kane has been called out for leaving his boot in on Mainz goalkeeper Robin ZentnerCredit: GettyThe 30-year-old required lengthy treatment during Mainz’s 4-0 loss to Bayern on WednesdayCredit: GettyZentner was able to continue following the collisionCredit: ReutersKane drew a rare blank as Bayern Munich romped to a 4-0 DFB-Pokal win at the MEWA Arena. The former Tottenham forward came close on several occasions, twice turning provider for Jamal Musiala as the youngster struck a brilliant hat-trick. But it was an incident in the 15th minute that had Mainz fans – and Zentner – incensed. Kane burst into the box with one of his trademark late runs, looking to find the opening goal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe slid in to try and beat Zentner to the loose ball, with the goal gaping.But the goalkeeper got there first, resulting in Kane’s studs raking down the side of Zentner’s face.The game was halted for several minutes while the former Kiel keeper was attended by medical staff.He was eventually given the green light to continue with a bandage above his right eye.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the loss, Zentner hit out at Kane and accused the England star of going for a ball he was never likely to make.He told Bild: “I think you can blame him. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”He sees relatively early on that he can’t get to the ball. “He might as well just stay away.’ Kane joined Munich in the summer of 2023 for a deal worth £104million. The veteran keeper saw out the game with a mark above his right eyeCredit: GettyHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”He has since scored a remarkable 45 goals in 40 games across all competitions. So far this season, the former Spurs star has bagged nine goals in eight, as well as five assists. Bayern are setting the early pace in the Bundesliga, top of the table with 20 points from 6 games. More

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    Bayern Munich and former £49.5m Premier League star’s younger brother impresses for Chelsea kids in EFL Trophy

    CHELSEA fans are hopeful Richard Olise can emulate his older brother and become a Prem star. The 20-year-old caught the eye in a 3-0 defeat to Charlton in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday. Chelsea youngster Richard Olise has caught the eye this seasonCredit: GettyThe 20-year-old featured during the under-21s defeat at Charlton on WednesdayCredit: RexHe is the younger brother of Bayern Munich star Michael OliseCredit: EPARichard is the younger brother of former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.Michael, 22, joined Bayern Munich for £49.5million in the summer and has already netted five goals in eight games. And the future looks bright for his sibling, a right-sided defender in the mould of Reese James.Olise joined the Chelsea youth setup at the age of just 8.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has progressed through the academy and has been involved in England’s Under-18s.Olise picked up a valuable 90 minutes against the Addicks, almost setting up Jimmy-Jay Morgan with some neat interplay down the wing. It could be a pivotal year for the fullback, who signed a one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge this summer. He is contracted with the Blues until next May, with the club having an option for a further year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlues fans are desperate for the 20-year-old to kick on this season in the Premier League 2.He has made four appearances so far this term, scoring against Fulham earlier this month. Chelsea vs Newcastle: Player RatingsOne fan wrote on X after Wednesday’s game: “Another Olise…Hope he will become as good as Michael.”Another said: “Richard Olise [is] having a great start to the season in a system that functions in a similar way to the first teams.”While a third commented: “Wasn’t sure Olise was gonna make the step up but this year, he’s been immense.”Richard hopes to emulate his brother’s remarkable rise from the EFL to the Champions League. Chelsea ratings vs NewcastleCHELSEA were dumped out the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.The 2-0 loss came after the Blues made 11 changes to their starting line-up.SunSport’s Craig Mahood reveals which players might have done enough to keep their place next time.Filip Jorgensen – 6Nervy start when flapping at an early cross and a couple of wayward kicks going out.Struggled in parts with the ball at his feet including a pass straight to Tonali in the first half. Not much to do in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Looked uncomfortable for large spells at right-back in duels with Joelinton in the first half and couldn’t sort his feet out when scoring an own goal.Didn’t have much defending to do after the break but offered little in attack.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Best of the back line but not a difficult task. Looks like a player is there if he can get more minutes as marshalled Isak well for much of the contest.Benoit Badiashile – 5Shocker of a pass to Veiga for Newcastle’s opener before being booked for a foul on Krafth.Terrible touch right on half time let Gordon clear and fortunate Willock missed from close range.Marc Cucurella – 6Huffed and puffed down the left-hand side and defended reasonably well against Gordon for most of the night.Tried to link with Mudryk but a frustrating night meant he didn’t get as involved.Enzo Fernandez – 6Chelsea skipper saw plenty of the ball but didn’t create much of note on it.Looked to be missing the creative spark that would normally play alongside him in there.Renato Veiga – 6Largely anonymous in the middle as kept possession moving but was caught on it for the opening Newcastle goal, though not really his fault.Stung the palms of Pope late on but didn’t create much in that position.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Should’ve scored in opening 90 seconds with glorious chance.On the fringes of the game throughout and struggled to get involved. Hooked before the hour.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Quiet first half hour before bursting clear of Krafth later in half. Appeared to gainconfidence in the second half and was a threat when he did get the ball on the left.His final ball missing a few times but would’ve had an assist or two on another evening. Chelsea will be hoping this isn’t a flash in the pan.Joao Felix – 5Another one that showed very, very brief flashes. Should’ve scored when clean through with 15 minutes to go which might’ve changed the game.Frustrations of a difficult night shown when booked for dissent in closing stages.SubsNoni Madueke – 6Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.Michael spent three years at Selhurst Park after signing from League One side Reading in 2021.During that time, the winger scored 16 goals and provided 25 assists in 90 appearances.In a club statement following his big-money move to Germany, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “We are hugely proud of what Michael has achieved at Crystal Palace, a club where he has developed greatly as a player.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We respect his desire to further test himself at the highest level of world football.”I would like to personally wish him the very best for his next adventure with Bayern Munich in Germany which I’m sure we will all follow closely.” More

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    Man Utd transfer target Alphonso Davies, valued at £42m, speaks out on becoming free agent this summer

    ALPHONSO DAVIES has broken his silence over a transfer to Manchester United.The Bayern Munich star, 23, has been widely reported to be considering his future in Germany.Alphonso Davies has broken his silence over a possible transfer away from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe Canada international’s contract expires next summer, and after joining the Bavarians in January 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps it seems he may want to pursue a new challenge.Reports suggest that Man Utd transfer chiefs have started gathering information on Davies ahead of a potential offer.However, Real Madrid are known to be long-term admirers and are one of the main teams to be linked with his signature.Despite this, he has continued to play regularly under Vincent Kompany this season with six Bundesliga appearances under his belt ahead of the club’s trip to VfL Bochum on Sunday afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, in early October Davies made his feelings clear about his future.He told ESPN: “As of now, my full focus is to stay healthy and to play the game with the club I’m with right now.”I’m not focused on what’s going on in the future.”I’m just focusing on staying healthy and helping my team win. My team make me feel valued. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The whole Bayern community make me feel valued. I see that each and every day.”Davies has an estimated transfer value of £42million ($50m) as per Transfermarkt, but will able to speak to clubs from January over a FREE transfer due to his contract expiring in the summer. Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdDavies is seen as one of the world’s best left-backs.It is a position Man Utd has struggled with over the last two seasons with the long-term injury of Tyrell Malacia and the ongoing fitness troubles of Luke Shaw.Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Toby Collyer have all lined up there at various points this season.Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was sold to West Ham in the summer, lined up there at times last season.Davies was also one name on a three-star transfer list of players from Bayern Munich, including Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sane.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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    Terrifying moment football thugs launch firecrackers and stones at train filled with rival supporters

    FOOTBALL thugs launched firecrackers and stones at a train filled with rival supporters in terrifying scenes.Video footage showed windows of the carriages smashed and explosions going off beside the tracks.Football thugs launched rocks at a train carrying rival fansCredit: X formerly TwitterWindows of the carriage were cracked in terrifying scenesCredit: X formerly TwitterAccording to Waz in Germany, approximately 700 Rot-Weiss Essen fans were making the long train journey for their side’s third-tier league clash away at Hansa Rostock on a special train service across the country. But the early train – which apparently set off at 2.30am on Saturday morning – was stopped around 9.45am due to thick fog.It is understood the emergency brake had been deployed.But while stationary, the train was attacked by yobs.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn estimated 200 assailants launched various missiles towards the carriage including rocks which cracked the windows. The football criminals were decked out in masks to cover their identity.But it is reported they are likely to be Hansa Rostock fans. Around 150 Essen supporters allegedly got off the train and clashed with the rivals outside the carriages. Most read in FootballDue to the nature of the unexpected stoppage of the train, it is understood the clash between the rivals was not a pre-arranged meeting for the dust-ups.Police confirmed the incident to local media and that investigations are ongoing.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)However, there is yet to be any news regarding injuries. The Waz report added that kick-off in the first league meeting between the two teams since 2007 was delayed by 30 minutes. But although a replacement train was arranged, it was unclear whether the 700 travelling supporters would make it Rostock for the start of the match. In total, 2,000 Essen fans were heading to northern Germany to watch their team in 3 Liga action – with ex-Arsenal youngster Thomas Eisfeld on the bench.The yobs wore masks to cover their identityCredit: X formerly TwitterThe 700 Essen fans tried to take cover on the stranded trainCredit: X formerly TwitterWho are these famous footballers? More

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    You’ve been saying AZ Alkmaar all wrong and 12 other teams too… here’s why

    WE ALL think we know our football.But do we know it quite as well as we think? Really?AZ Alkmaar and Athletic Bilbao are both incorrect namesCredit: GettyBecause there are a whole load of teams whose names we’ve been saying wrong for ages – many of us without even realising. A large part of that is down to geography.Of the 92 clubs in English professional football, all but two have the name of their city, town, borough or region in their title.The exceptions are Port Vale and Arsenal – although the Gunners were originally called Woolwich Arsenal when they played in South London. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, we often tend to add the place names for some clubs that go by a single name to help us clarify which team we are referring to – more on that later.For other examples, it is a case of mistranslation – or, more specifically, partial translation. Finally, it could simply be a bit of laziness or ignorance.Anyway, with that all said, who are some of the regular football clubs we mispronounce or simply get wrong?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAZ Alkmaar is a common mistake.The Dutch side are actually called Alkmaar Zaanstreek.Football stars’ weird phobiasThis often gets nicknamed to AZ Alkmaar – but the A in AZ stands for Alkmaar.So AZ Alkmaar would mean Alkmaar Zaanstreek Alkmaar.To make things even more confusing, Alkmaar is the city the club is based in while Zaanstreek refers to the Zaan district in North-West Netherlands. Got it?Sticking in the Eredeivisie, there are regularly mentions of PSV Eindhoven when in actual fact the club’s full name is Philips Sport Vereniging, or PSV for short.There is no mention of Eindhoven, the city where they are based. The same rule applies to various other teams – where the city has been added for overseas fans to grasp exactly where they play.See Zenit Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow in Russia – officially Zenit and CSKA – AEK Athens.The Greek outfit are formally Athlitiki Enosis Konstantinoupoleos – with no mention of the capital city name – while AEK is pronounced as one word rather than A-E-K. TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)We don’t do the same to PSG Paris, Juventus Turin, Schalke Gelsenkirchen or Real Betis Seville. In Spain, it is Atletico de Madrid, not Atletico Madrid or worse still Athletico Madrid.Athletic should be used for the team in Bilbao. But they are Athletic Club or simply Athletic – and definitely not Athletic Bilbao. In Spain, there is just one major club it could refer to whereas in England we have Charlton and Wigan, for example. Across the border in Portugal, it is a similar mistake with Sporting Lisbon. They are actually Sporting Clube de Portugal, Sporting CP or Sporting – but not Sporting Lisbon. It is such a touchy subject that a #NotSportingLisbon campaign was launched to raise awareness for the error. The 2010 Champions League final was contested between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.However, Inter Milan should be referred to as Internazionale or Inter – although the official name is Football Club Internazionale Milano.As for the German giants, Bayern Munich sees half of the name translated into English – Munchen to Munich – but Bayern left in German. So it should either be Bayern Munchen – the official name – or Bavaria Munich. One of the other big teams in Germany also needs flagging.RB Leipzig are part of the Red Bull group along with Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.But the RB in RB Leipzig’s name does not stand for Red Bull – well, not technically.It is no coincidence that the letters are RB – to make people think of Red Bull – alongside the red bulls on their logo.However, the German FA ban corporate company brands in club names.So they found a workaround and called the club RasenBallsport Leipzig instead – RasenBallsport translates as Lawn Ball Sports. Many refer to the Serbian team as Red Star Belgrade when “red star” is simply a literal English translation of their official name, Crvena Zvezda. And finally, the 1985-86 European Cup was won by Steaua Bucuresti, not Steaua Bucharest.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough they now have a new name, formally switching to FCSB in 2017 as a shortened version of FC Steaua Bucuresti.But the team is categorically not called Steaua Bucharest – which would be like the half-translation of Bayern Munich – because “steaua” is “star” in Romanian. Atletico de Madrid is the official name of the Spanish giantsCredit: GettyThe 2010 Champions League final was Bayern Munchen vs InternazionaleCredit: AP:Associated PressSporting fans get very frustrated with the incorrect use of Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe RB is RB Leipzig stands for RasenBallsport – not Red BullCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I cannot believe it, I don’t know how VAR said no’, says stunned Ferdinand after Liverpool denied stonewall penalty

    RIO FERDINAND was left stunned after Liverpool were robbed of a clear penalty against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.The Reds were taking on the German outfit in the League Phase of the tournament at the Red Bull Arena.Liverpool were denied a penalty against RB LeipzigCredit: TNT SPORTSDarwin Nunez was tripped by defender Willi OrbanCredit: GettyRio Ferdinand was convinced it should have been a penalty to LiverpoolCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez fired the travelling side into the lead in the 27th minute as he tapped home from close range.The striker was then in the thick of it again in the 38th minute after he went down in the box.The Uruguayan was running to the ball and was tripped by defender Willi Orban in the box.Replays showed that Nunez got to the ball first and was brought down by the Hungarian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt halftime, Rio Ferdinand was stunned that VAR turned down the decision to give a penalty.Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: “I do not know how VAR have looked at this and said no.”VAR would have seen that angle and said no, I cannot believe it.”Co-pundit Steve McManaman agreed as he argued that there should have been a spot-kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe added: “Of course it is a penalty.”There’s the contact, Nunez works hard, and made it himself, for what should have been a penalty.”Curtis Jones gives heartwarming interview about becoming new dad after stealing show for Liverpool vs ChelseaNunez had scored the opener in the Champions League clashCredit: PAThe decision was checked by VAR, but despite a second look, Nunez’s claim was turned down.Fans were left fuming on social media that the referee had not pointed to the spot.One posted: “How is that not a penalty?”A second wrote: “People who say no need a new pair of glasses.”A third commented: “Stone waller.”A fourth said: “So refs and VAR are incompetent all across Europe huh?”Another added: “How this isn’t a pen is beyond me.”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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    Arsenal ‘battling Chelsea and Barcelona for shock Jhon Duran transfer’ with ’40 clubs’ chasing £75million striker

    ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far at Villa Park.Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in Jhon DuranCredit: GettyAston Villa want £75m for the strikerCredit: GettyIn 11 appearances so far this season, Duran has scored six goals – one of which fired Villa to a huge Champions League win over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.He is now one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.According to AS Colombia, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea are among FORTY clubs interested in signing the forward.But he will not be allowed to leave Aston Villa for anything less than £75million.Read More in FootballDuran, who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in January 2023, is under contract at Villa Park until June 2030 having penned a new deal earlier this month.Villa striker Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past.The Gunners are understood to be in the market for a new striker amid doubts surrounding the future of Gabriel Jesus.They held a strong interest in RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko in the early stages of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, he instead signed a contract extension with the German side.Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres have also been linked.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card? More