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    England ace Jude Bellingham pictured for first time with stunning model girlfriend…and she’s already met his parents

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    ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham is seen for the first time with his new Instagram model girlfriend.The Real Madrid star, 21, has been on a string of dates with American Ashlyn Castro, 27 — who met his parents this week in the Spanish capital.Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham 21, has been on a string of dates with American Ashlyn Castro, 27Credit: InstagramEngland ace Jude seen for the first time with his new Instagram model girlfriend AshlynCredit: BackGridAshlyn is from Los Angeles where Jude and best mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in JulyCredit: InstagramInstagram model Ashlyn Castro chatted to Jude’s mum Denise, left, and dad Mark, second from left, in Real Madrid’s WAGS and family boxCredit: BackGridInstagram model Ashlyn chatted to his mum Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48, in Real Madrid’s Wags and family box on Wednesday.The American even hugged Denise as Jude’s team ran out 5-1 winners against Salzburg in the Champions League.England superstar Jude and Ashlyn then went for lunch together the next day.Pals say they have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media posts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWSJude was said to have been particularly drawn to one in November featuring pictures of Ashlyn in a low-cut dress laying on a bed.She is from Los Angeles where Jude and Three Lions team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in July.Ashlyn, who has 140,000 Instagram followers, was rumoured to have previously dated Creed actor Michael B Jordan and was linked with basketball player LaMelo Ball, 23.Ashyn sips a drink in the executive box with the star’s parentsCredit: BackGridThe American even hugged Jude’s mum Denise after the final whistleCredit: BackGridDespite the 5-1 drumming, Ashlyn did not appear to be overawed by the occasion as she watched from the executive box in the stands with Jude’s parentsCredit: BackGridShe suffered heartbreak in July 2021 when her dad died from Covid, aged 59. In a touching ­tribute, she described him as “superman to me”.Most read in FootballJude was crowned Britain’s most eligible bachelor by posh gossip magazine Tatler in October.It said: “For this midfielder, it’s all about the right or left swipe — and we aren’t talking about footwork. Rumours are swirling that he’s on celeb dating app Raya.”Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtIn April there was speculation that Jude had been dating model Laura Celia Valk, 26, who was said to be “completely smitten”. Last month she said she was single.In 2023 he was reportedly dating Ghanaian model Asantewa Chitty. He is also said to have dated US TikTok star Azra Mian. In 2023 The Sun revealed he had been ­messaging R&B singer Rmarni. Last night Jude’s agent and Real Madrid were approached for comment. The Sun also sought comment from Ashlyn.Jude and Ashlyn went for lunch in Madrid the day after the match, which Real won 5-1Credit: BackGridPals say Jude and Ashlyn have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media postsCredit: BackGridAshlyn and Jude seemed happy to wander the busy streets of Madrid as they enjoyed their public lunch dateCredit: BackGridThe lunchtime outing was the first time the pair have been seen in publicCredit: BackGridJude ended up on the winningCredit: GettyAshlyn’s photos have earned her 140,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe has also been previously linked with American basketball player LaMelo BallCredit: instagramA series of stunning pictures on Instagram are said to have grabbed Judes’s attention, according to palsCredit: InstagramJude’s heart seems to have been captured by Ashlyn’s stunning styleCredit: InstagramIn 2023 The Sun revealed he had been ­messaging R&B singer Rmarni, but it seems he now only has eyes for AshlynCredit: InstagramBefore meeting Ashlyn, rumours suggested the ace was on celebrity dating app Raya.Credit: InstagramAshlyn suffered heartbreak in July 2021 when her dad died aged 59 just 14 days after catching coronavirus, but it looks like Jude is helping her enjoy life againCredit: Instagram More

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      Eric Cantona kung-fu kick was crazy… but Premier League stars are now sterile, boring robot clones – let them be human

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      THIRTY years on from Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick and I can remember it like it was yesterday.I was allowed to watch the highlights the following morning as a six-year-old.Eric Cantona was given his marching orders at Crystal Palace 30 years agoCredit: PAThe Frenchman was goaded by a fan and sensationally karate kicked himCredit: REXThe outrageous incident is still one of the craziest in Premier League historyCredit: AFPIt was just crazy, wasn’t it?After being red-carded at Crystal Palace, the Manchester United maverick copped abuse from home fans as he walked off.His response? He launched himself at one of his tormentors.If anything, Cantona became an even bigger superstar because of it, single-handedly taking the recently formed Premier League to another level in terms of the drama and theatre of it all.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt’s infamous. Do you know how angry you’ve got to be to do that?I’m an angry person and during my career I thought about smacking an abusive fan in the stands but never had the guts to do it.And yet here was Cantona – one of the best we have ever seen in the Premier League era, in English football – and he just snapped.I can safely say we will never see anything like that in football again.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEric Canto’s infamous karate kick was indefensibleCredit: PAIn principle, that is a good thing.You can’t behave like that on a football pitch, no matter how much abuse you’re receiving from supporters – whether racial, homophobic or just downright horrible.Ruben Amorim celebrates Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Rangers We don’t want to see people being assaulted, just like we didn’t want to see Paolo Di Canio at Sheffield Wednesday shove referee Paul Alcock to the ground, in 1998.But there is a part of me that thinks we have gone too far the other way.The players in the Prem now are almost like robots.Why shouldn’t they be able to react like a human, within reason?Instead, they come across as incredibly restrained, watered down, so much so that the game can be a bit sterile.It’s all about preserving the ­business side of things as opposed to entertainment and shock and awe.I used to love watching ‘Premier League Years’, a programme on Sky looking back at old seasons.Paolo Di Canio was banned for shoving a refereeCredit: Sky SportsYou see some of the more recent ones now and even the celebrations are boring.We haven’t got personalities any more … a Cantona, a Di Canio, a Paul Gascoigne.That maverick, rough-around-the-edges type who can make a mistake but we don’t kill them for it.Cantona was rightly criticised and punished for his actions, serving a nine-month ban, but it was also right for him to be welcomed back once he had done his time.Can you imagine if a Prem player did a ­similar thing now?Their career would be over, discarded for good, sponsorship deals ripped up, left in the gutter, labelled a criminal, an animal.In the modern game, there has to be a balance, to encourage individuality without crossing a line.Otherwise, we will just be watching 11 clones against another 11 clones every season.We seem to put massive pressure on players to be perfect in everything they do but no one is perfect.We see so many examples even today of fans going out of their way to discriminate against and antagonise players.This week alone, a teenager has been banned for three years for making racist gestures at a Peterborough match last year.And another has been arrested and released on bail after the wife of Arsenal star Kai Havertz received horrific messages on Instagram.Declan Rice was pelted with plastic cups and other missiles during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb in midweek.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd yet it is footballers who are constantly being told NOT to react.That is not what made the Premier League the best in the world, on and off the pitch.Players are in danger of becoming robots, Troy Deeney believesCredit: REX More

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      Fans fear Champions League ‘fix’ as two sides can play out bore draw and guarantee qualification in final match

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      EYES will be on one game in particular as the Champions League group stage comes to an epic conclusion next week.The revamped tournament sees a mammoth 18 matches take place on a single night.Stuttgart are in with a chance of reaching the Champions League playoffsCredit: AFPThe Germans host PSG in their final group-stage match – and a draw sends both throughCredit: Rex24 teams will make it through to the knockout stages following the bumper evening of action. And, so far, only Liverpool and Barcelona have definitely secured their spot in the round of 16.A host of clubs – including Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and holders Real Madrid – are guaranteed a place in the playoffs.But some fans are fearing two sides could come to agreement that will see them BOTH go through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain face each other next week at the MHPArena in Germany. The Bundesliga side beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 last week and currently sit 24th in the standings, the final qualifying spot.They are level on points with the Ligue 1 champions, who have a slightly superior goal difference. And all that means a draw will guarantee both teams make it through to the playoffs – barring a miraculous goal swing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDinamo Zagreb would require an epic seven-goal victory against AC Milan to leapfrog either Stuttgart or PSG, should they draw their game.Fans were quick to notice the anomaly and have speculated the two teams will “fix” a draw, similar to claims made ahead of Romania and Slovakia’s 1-1 stalemate at Euro 2024.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresOne fan wrote on X: “Wait till Stuttgart and PSG fix their game and play a draw.”Another joked: “Can’t believe you’re just writing off Zagreb winning 11-0.”One team in real danger of crashing out are Manchester City.Pep Guardiola’s men need to beat Club Brugge at home to make sure of a place in the playoffs.Should City beat Brugge and Stuttgart draw with PSG, all three would head through to the knockout stages at the expense of the Belgian side.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.Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has rubbished claims his side will settle for a point and has instead indicated they will be aiming for all three on Wednesday. He said: “So far, we have always done quite well by sticking to ourselves and focusing on our tasks. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And this time, too, we will try to implement our game and our strategy. Of course, we know the possibilities.”For both teams, including Paris, it’s about progressing. And that’s exactly how we’re approaching the game.” More

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      Arsenal face nightmare Champions League last 16 draw as supercomputer projects four most likely Gunners opponents

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      ARSENAL could face a nightmare draw in the next round of the Champions League despite being on track to finish in the top four of the new-look league phase.The Gunners have looked strong in the Champions League this season and all-but guaranteed their spot in the top eight with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side could be handed a nightmare draw in the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersArsenal all-but secured a top eight finish with a 3-0 win over Dynamo Zagreb on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe new league phase means that the teams that finish in the top eight avoid playing in a play-off game to reach the Last-16 that teams placed between ninth and 24th must compete in.Arsenal should finish in the top eight barring a disaster, and are projected to finish either third of fourth by beating Spanish outfit Girona in their final game of the league phase next week.However, they may not be rewarded as much as they’d like for their efforts.A supercomputer has predicted where every team will finish in the league phase and it makes grim reading for the Gunners’ when it comes to their seeded opponent in the next round.READ MORE ON ARSENALDespite being on course for a nice break from European football by avoiding the play-offs, Arsenal are in line to take on one of four European giants in the last 16 proper.A third or fourth placed finish would see them face one of the teams that finishes 13th, 14th, 19th or 20th in the league phase when they play their last 16 clash.According to the Football Rankings’ supercomputer, those four teams are most likely to be Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.Two of the four European heavyweights will have to do battle themselves in a play-off to book their spot against the Gunners.Most read in FootballArsenal could face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyThe Gunners could take on Juventus tooCredit: SplashCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut should the league phase end as predicted then it would leave Arsenal with a really tricky tie.Each of Sporting and PSG would face one of Real Madrid and Juventus in the play-off round, according to the projection.Mikel Arteta admits that he uses music to inspire his Arsenal players Afterwards, each winner would face one of Arsenal or Inter Milan in the last 16 phase, under the complicated new system.That said, Arsenal will take confidence from the fact that they have already got the better of both PSG (2-0) and Sporting (5-1) in the league phase this season.Juventus and Real Madrid would be a different story for Mikel Arteta’s side with the Gunners’ not facing either club since their 2006 Champions League campaign.Of course, it’s all hypothetical and depends on what results actually come to fruition when all 36 Champions League teams face off at the same time next Wednesday.But Arteta will be confident that his team are in a good position to give any opposition a game, having won five of their seven games in the Champions League this term and not conceded a single goal from open play in the competition.Arsenal have already got the better of PSG this seasonCredit: GettyThey beat Sporting Lisbon 5-1 tooCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. 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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 21: Cody Gakpo among tempting options ahead of European double headers

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      THE same six clubs that fulfilled two fixtures in Gameweek 20 are set to pull double duty again in Gameweek 21.As a result, you may already be well prepared but allow us to propose some transfer recommendations as usual.There’s probably no need to suggest obvious names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.8m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.3m) and Phil Foden (£6.4m) but that’s them mentioned anyway, just in case you have been unable to see the wood for the trees lately.Cody Gakpo (£4.8m)Gakpo averages six points-per-game this seasonCredit: Dream TeamGenerally speaking, when Dream Team bosses have opted for another Liverpool attacker to accompany Mohamed Salah (£8m) they have selected Luis Diaz (£3.7m).The Colombian winger remains a perfectly viable option but it’s worth noting that Gakpo is nine points ahead in the overall rankings.Both players have scored 12 goals and provided four assists but the Dutchman has enjoyed more success of late.Having been rested against Lille, Gakpo is virtually guaranteed to start at home to Ipswich on Saturday – the Tractor Boys lost 6-0 to Manchester City last time out.And surely the 25-year-old will get some minutes against former club PSV in midweek?Ollie Watkins (£5.2m)Watkins scored against Arsenal last weekendCredit: ReutersAston Villa have the luxury of two home fixtures in Gameweek 21, against West Ham and Celtic.The Hammers have lost four of their last five games, conceding 15 goals in that time.Most read in FootballWatkins will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a team in disarray having banked 49 points across the last four Gameweeks.Unai Emery revealed that Morgan Rogers (£3.7m) was “a little bit sick” after the Villains’ defeat to Monaco in the Champions League, perhaps a reason why the affordable midfielder mustered just three points this Gameweek.However, the 22-year-old remains a good option under the assumption his illness doesn’t worsen.Leandro Trossard (£3.6m)An alternative optionCredit: EPAA genuine differential here as the Belgium international currently features in just 3.2% of teams.No Arsenal player has taken more points from the last three games than Trossard, who has registered a goal and three assists in his last 183 minutes.The Gunners travel to 17th-placed Wolves at the weekend before a trip to Girona in midweek – the La Liga outfit have lost six of their seven Champions League games this season.All things considered, it’s a favourable double header for Mikel Arteta’s troops.If Trossard doesn’t float your boat, you may prefer Gabriel Martinelli (£4m), Martin Odegaard (£4.9m) or Kai Havertz (£4.5m).Or if you think it’s wiser to target clean sheets, Gabriel (£5m) is your man – he doubles up as a potent threat at set-pieces.Newcastle FavouritesSouthampton’s defence will do well to resist this double actCredit: ReutersAway from the European double headers, Eddie Howe’s side are next in line to face relegation-bound Southampton.This match-up was more appealing before the Magpies lost 4-1 to Bournemouth but Alexander Isak (£6.3m), Anthony Gordon (£5.4m), Lewis Hall (£4.4m) and Bruno Guimaraes (£4.7m) could easily cash in on the south coast.READ MORE SUN STORIESLooking further ahead, Newcastle are one of only four teams with two fixtures in the diary for Gameweek 22 so this strategy is not just a one-week punt.Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 21 before Saturday’s 1:30pm deadline.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 NOW More

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      Awkward moment flustered Musiala fails to name single Feyenoord player as Bayern Munich star’s interview ages very badly

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      JAMAL MUSIALA has been left red-faced by his interview before Bayern Munich’s clash with Feyenoord.Dutch giants Feyenoord pulled off one of the shock results of the penultimate round of Champions League group matches by romping to a win over the Germans.Bayern Munich were left redfaced by Feyenoord in their Champions League clashCredit: GETTYJamal Musiala insisted his Bayern team-mates wouldn’t underestimate the Dutch clubCredit: AFPThe German has been left red-faced by his pre-match commentsCredit: YouTubeBrian Priske’s side – who are unknowns in comparison to the star-studded Germans – ran out 3-0 winners to keep their hopes of a top-eight finish alive.The comprehensive defeat was embarrassing for Vincent Kompany’s side.But not as much as Musiala’s failure to name a single opposition player before the match.When pressed on the Rotterdam club’s star men, the midfielder said on Tuesday night: “I’m bad with names. Can you tell me a name.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We already had a meeting. I’m not good with names too much.”We’ve known that they’re really good at their counterattacks and have a lot of quality.”They have a young 19-year-old in midfield as well and they have a lot of quality.”We’re not gonna underestimate them tomorrow.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNew 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.Feynoord’s stunning win surprised many, but not Bayern boss Kompany.He said: “We weren’t surprised. We are used to playing against this type of team.Michael Olise looks incredibly awkward as Bayern Munich stars get into Christmas mood by singing Jingle Bells “We often find a solution, find good moments. That didn’t work out today.”We did run, we fought and gave it our all to have a good game, but the performance wasn’t good enough. “Feyenoord used their moments, we also had our moments but didn’t use them.”The former Manchester City skipper continued: “I have to be honest, Feyenoord deserved their win.Vincent Kompany was quick to praise Feyenoord for their stunning victoryCredit: EPA“They fought hard and ran. We had many chances, I felt we could’ve scored one, two, or even more goals.”Feyenoord used their moments well. Individually and collectively it wasn’t enough from our side today.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The best thing is that there’s another game in a couple of days and we can show a reaction.”Bayern – who are 15th in the 36-team table – will welcome Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava to the Allianz Arena in their final group match next Wednesday. More

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      Six amazing knockout matches new Champions League format could serve up including Liverpool nightmare and El Clasico

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      THE exciting new Champions League format has the potential to serve up some cracking last-16 and play-off ties.It is all to play for heading into the final matchday next Wednesday when there will be 18 MATCHES on at the same time.Man City could be drawn against Real Madrid or Aston Villa in the play-offs should they make it throughCredit: GettyEl Clasico is a possibility in the last-16 if Real Madrid do not finish in the top eightCredit: GettyThe Champions League tournament treeManchester City are in danger of crashing out and need to beat Club Brugge and hope other results go in their favour.Aston Villa will aim to see off Celtic and land a spot in the all-important top eight of the table.European giants like PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus all have their positions hanging in the balance.Meanwhile, Liverpool are guaranteed to swerve the play-offs and go into the last-16 as a seed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it would take several surprise results to see Arsenal not in the top eight.Once the league phase comes to an end next Wednesday, the bottom 12 teams are eliminated from the competition and there is no dropping down to the Europa League.The top eight sides go straight into the last-16 as the seeded teams in a tennis-style draw that maps the path to the final.Sides that finish from 9th to 24th go into a play-off round to join them, with the top eight of this middle section seeded.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey are then put in pairs, for example, 9th and 10th together, 11th and 12th together, and so on.The duos are then put into fours based on their league finishes and there is then a draw to decide the match-ups from the quartets.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresFor example, 9th and 10th will play worst qualifiers either 23rd or 24th; 11th or 12th will be drawn against either 21st or 22nd, and so on.If you have managed to wrap your head around that – here are some eye-catching ties that could come our way in the play-off and last-16 rounds.Barcelona vs Real Madrid – last-16There are no rules preventing teams from the same nation going head-to-had after the league phase.And there is a real chance El Clasico could be a thrilling last-16 contest.Barcelona have cruised through the first phase of the tournament, including an incredible 5-4 comeback win over Benfica.As for Real Madrid, they suffered defeat to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool and they are in danger of not finishing in the top eight.As things currently stand, Los Blancos are 16th and Barca are 2nd, meaning a last-16 clash is possible.Liverpool vs Celtic – last 16A battle of Britain could await Liverpool after their bye from the play-off round.Celtic currently find themselves 18th and would therefore be in a quartet set to play either Barca or Liverpool should they come through the play-off round.Liverpool vs Bayern Munich – last 16If the table after seven games was final, we would have a 25 per cent chance of seeing Liverpool vs Bayern.But for Harry Kane to get his comeback to England, the German giants may have to come through a play-off clash.Bayern will be fancying their chances of coming in the top eight as they have Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday and the Slovaks are second-bottom without a point to their name.But defeats earlier in the campaign to Feyenoord, Barca and Villa means it is out of their hands.Bayern have a chance of facing Liverpool if the current table was finalCredit: RexMan City vs Aston Villa – play-off roundCity are on the brink of elimination after throwing away their two-goal lead to PSG last night.Pep Guardiola’s side need to beat Club Brugge next Wednesday to sneak into the top 24.Three points will only take them to the bottom end of the qualifying teams, meaning they will face one of the unlucky clubs narrowly missing out on the bye.Villa could easily be one of them as they are currently out the top eight on goal difference.A draw against Celtic could see them be in opposing pairs for the play-offs.Man City/Aston Villa vs Arsenal – last 16City and Villa may not be needing their passports for some time.They could get paired together and then face Arsenal, who look extremely likely to be a seed in the last-16 draw.The Gunners are currently third in the standings and if results fell a certain way, including a City win and a Villa draw, there is a real chance of an all-Premier League battle to the quarter-final.Man City vs Real Madrid – play-offReal Madrid and City have faced each other in the last three seasons in the knockout stages of the Champions League.And whoever has won the tie has gone on to lift the trophy.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe current holders are currently a point off the magic eight – but there is seven teams between them and the last remaining spot.A blockbuster play-off clash is a possibility. Man City and Real Madrid could face each other in the play-off roundCredit: Rex More

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      Borussia Dortmund ‘priced out of Marcus Rashford move’ with only one option left as star looks set for Man Utd stay

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      BORUSSIA Dortmund have been priced out of buying Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, according to reports.It means Rashford has just one option left if he is to walk away from Old Trafford this January.Dortmund have been priced out of buying Marcus RashfordDortmund were one of the European clubs in for RashfordDortmund were one of the clubs in talks with Rashford’s team, after losing Donyell Malen to Aston Villa.But his £325,000-per-week wages have all but ruled the German side out of the running for his signature, according to The Mail.The deal could still be revisited at the end of window if the cost comes down, but Rashford looks set to stay at his boyhood club for now.Dortmund’s sacking of manager Nuri Sahin has complicated the situation this week.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday night was the final straw- their fourth loss in a row.They sit 12th in the Uefa league standings, but are still set to qualify for a European play off place.Dortmund’s decision leaves Rashford with only one landing spot before the window shuts on February 3.AC Milan are no longer an option after the Serie A side completed a loan move for Manchester City captain Kyle Walker on Thursday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis means Barcelona is Rashford’s last hope if he wants out.The 27-year-old’s representatives spoke to Barca’s sporting director Deco on Tuesday.Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit The Spanish giants are understood to have always been Rashford’s preference.But SunSport exclusively reported that the England international was keen on fighting for his place at United – a month after his bombshell revelation that he’s “ready for a new challenge”.The winger was pictured training with Ruben Amorim’s squad on Wednesday, ahead of United’s Europa League clash with Rangers.And Barca are in their own conundrum. The Catalans don’t have the salary space required to register Rashford should they be able to strike a deal with the Red Devils.Barca have struggled to register Euro 2024 Spain winner Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, who both joined last summer.LaLiga rejected the club’s request to register both forwards in December, before the Spanish national sports council granted provisional permission in January. More

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      Man City flops given brutal L’Equipe ratings after dismal collapse at PSG… with Kevin De Bruyne slammed hardest

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      MANCHESTER CITY stars were given some devastating player ratings after their shocking collapse against Paris Saint-Germain.City surrendered a two-goal lead and lost 4-2 to PSG in the Champions League at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.Manchester City star Erling Haaland was eviscerated in L’Equipe’s player ratingsCredit: GettyMan City captain Kevin De Bruyne was among the lowest gradedCredit: RexMan City surrendered a two-goal lead against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyJack Grealish opened the scoring for the reigning Premier League champions just five minutes into the second half.Erling Haaland doubled the Citizens’ lead three minutes later to break the home crowd’s hearts.However, Luis Enrique’s men hit back just three minutes later through Ousmane Dembele and levelled things up thanks to Bradley Barcola, who had set up the ex-Barcelona star earlier, on the hour mark.PSG turned the game on its head on 78 minutes with a header by Joao Neves, who picked up a stunning free-kick from Vitinha.Read More on FootballAnd Goncalo Ramos put the icing on the cake in the third minute of stoppage time.It was another horrific display from City amid an extremely turbulent campaign.And L’Equipe didn’t hold back as they eviscerated Pep Guardiola’s flops in their player ratings.Man City captain Kevin de Bruyne was among the worst as he was given a grade of 4.Most read in FootballThe same went for Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic.Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden, Savinho and Haaland all received a grade of 5.Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s recen struggles could be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart  Cristina SerraBernardo Silva was the best of the worst as he left Paris with a grade of 6 in the French publication’s notoriously harsh ratings. The result leaves City outside the play-off places in 25th place in the Champions League table.They need a victory against Club Brugge in their final game next week to keep any hopes of progress in Europe alive. More