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    England’s newest star Angel Gomes brought crashing back to Earth as he is SENT OFF in of Champions League defeat

    ENGLAND star Angel Gomes went from hero to zero as he was sent off in the Champions League.The 24-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the win over Ireland and then put in a man of the match performance against Finland last week. Angel Gomes was sent off in Lille’s defeat to SportingCredit: APHe was given a second yellow just seconds after conceding the opening goalCredit: EPANow back with his club Lille, Gomes played in their Champions League opener away at Sporting Lisbon yesterday.But the midfielder was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences.He picked up his first yellow card just 21 minutes after kick-off for stopping a counter-attack by chopping down ex-Wolves winger Trincao.And then with 40 minutes on the clock, Gomes caught the back of Viktor Gyokeres’ leg after he cleverly spun away from him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLithuanian referee Donastas Rumsas decided it was worthy of another booking and sent the former Manchester United wonderkid for an early bath.The second booking came a matter of seconds after Gyokeres had opened the scoring for Sporting.And with Lille down to ten-men, they were unable to overturn the deficit and lost 2-0.Zeno Debast scored the other in what was a goal of the season contender.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time with England, Gomes’ composure on the ball and hard work out of possession saw him earn praise from manager Lee Carsley.Carsely said: “He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”But since returning to the French club, it has all being going wrong for him as he was an unused sub as Lille lost to newly-promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 last weekend. More

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    Manuel Neuer injures himself ‘going full Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ in Champions League clash before sub’s nightmare

    MANUEL NEUER was forced off with an injury after a failed attempt to clear the ball during Bayern Munich’s win over Dinamo Zagreb last night.The Champions League clash saw Bayern batter their Croatian opponents 9-2.Manuel Neuer looked as though he had tried a spectacular bicycle kick during Bayern Munich’s 9-2 victory over Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyNeuer came up for a sweeper keeper style headed clearance during the first halfCredit: GettyHe was knocked off balance while in the airCredit: GettyThe German took a nasty fall to the ground as a resultCredit: GettyNeuer spent the second half on the bench after his heavy fallCredit: RexNeuer, who is known for his sweeper keeper tendencies, was keen to make his presence felt in a game that he was likely to have very little influence on.And the German shot-stopper did so by coming up for a header during the first half to prevent Zagreb from starting a counter attack against his side.However, the 38-year-old collided with Zagreb forward Bruno Petkovic and took a nasty fall to the ground.An incredible still from the game showed the moment that Neuer lost his bearings in the air and had his feet way above his head as he plummeted to the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans couldn’t help but tease the 124-time German international with the image looking like he was attempting some kind of half-way line bicycle kick.One wrote: “Neuer really tried to replicate [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s bicycle kick against Zagreb.”While another added: “Goalkeeper doing Bicycle kicks midgame. This guy is not human.”A third joked: “Who’s that striker? Is that Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], trying out the spectacular? Nope! It’s Neuer perfecting a bicycle kick from the centre of the pitch! It’s normal!”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a fourth posted: “Gonna tell my kids he scored a Puskas worthy bicycle kick from the half-way line”.As much as fans managed to get a kick out of the moment, Neuer’s fall was actually quite serious – so much so that he was substituted at half-time with an injury.David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s returnThe veteran keeper was replaced by Sven Ulreich at the break with manager Vincent Kompany not wanting to take any risks.And things took a turn when Ulreich came on the pitch.Bayern had been leading 3-0 at half-time with the Bavarians looking comfortable at home.But less than five minutes into the second half and Ulreich had unbelievably conceded TWICE and let Zagreb back into the game.Embarrassingly the second goal, scored by Takuya Ogiwara, had gone in thanks to a nutmeg by the Japanese left-back on Ulreich.Thankfully for the substitute keeper, Bayern didn’t lose complete control of the game and went on to bang in SIX second half goals and won the game 9-2.Former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise netted twice on his Champions League debut.While Harry Kane scored FOUR goals – including a hattrick of penalties.Kane’s quartet means he is now the highest scoring Englishman in the history of the Champions League, overtaking Wayne Rooney’s record of 30 goals in the competition.The England captain has now netted 33 times in Europe’s elite tournament and has done so in 40 less games than Rooney managed his 30 goals. Bayern are now top of the Champions League league phase table thanks to their monster +7 goal difference.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in other positive news, boss Kompany revealed that Neuer’s injury is not serious, explaining that he took the Bayern captain off as a precaution.He said: “He is fit. We just knew straight away that we didn’t want to take any risks and we have a good replacement in Sven Ulreich.”Substitute Sven Ulreich had a nightmare start in the second half, conceding twice in the opening five minutesCredit: RexUlreich was nutmegged for Dinamo Zagreb’s second goalCredit: X @footballonTNTMichael Olise bagged a brace as Bayern went on to win 9-2Credit: GettyHarry Kane netted four times to become England’s highest scoring Champions League starCredit: AP More

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    Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on CBS Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe

    FOOTBALL fans were thrilled to see Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards back on screen for coverage of the Champions League on Tuesday.The quartet did not shy away from poking fun at each other in between discussing the evening’s fixtures.Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards were back on screen for the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoCarragher was quick to poke fun at RichardsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoAnd one moment in particular left fans in stitches.Abdo joked that she was being forced to discuss Liverpool’s famous 2005 Champions League win in Istanbul before turning to Carragher to get his point of view.The ex-defender responded: “You know what, thanks to that game, that’s why I’ve signed another three-year contract.”It keeps me in employment!”Read More in FootballRichards then said: “I didn’t have to win a Champions League to sign a contract.”But Carragher was quick to joke: “You didn’t even play a game!”They both burst into laughter before Abdo quickly continued the conversation.Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “I have missed them immensely!”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother joked: “Let the cooking begin!”While a third said: “Just cook each other like that 😂.”David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s returnDavid Beckham gatecrashed the live programme to reveal that he was starting his own show on the channel.The England legend said he will be hosting a new watch party-style show with A-listers called ‘Beckham and Friends’.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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    Fans say ‘what a blast from Debast’ as Sporting star scores Puskas Award contender with 30-yard rocket

    FANS were left gushing over a wonder-strike from Sporting Lisbon star Zeno Debast that’s already a contender for the Puskas Award.The incredible moment occurred in the 65th minute of last night’s Champions League clash against French giants Lille.Zeno Debast scored a wonder-goal for Sporting Lisbon against LilleThe strike is sure to be a Puskas contender – scroll down to see the full videoHosts Sporting were already 1-0 through Viktor Gyokeres, while Lille were a man down after having new England star Angel Gomes sent off.The Portuguese champions piled on the pressure and were looking to make their advantage count when Debast struck.The Belgian centre-back, 20, only joined Sporting this summer from Anderlecht for £18million.And his defensive displays had already won plenty of admirers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut nobody was expecting him to pull the trigger on an outrageous 30-yard rocket that sped through the air and cut across the box into the roof of the net.Sporting fans let out an incredible roar as they watched in amazement.And as the ball crashed into Lille’s goal, Debast turned around before sprinting off to celebrate his first goal for the club.It ended up being the final goal of the game, sealing a 2-0 victory for Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd viewers at home were left stunned by Debast’s exquisite technique.One said: “What a blast from Debast.”Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibeAnother declared: “OMG top thunder strike.”One noted: “Sweetest goal you’re going to see for a long time.”Another added: “What a strike son.”Debast’s goal was the icing on the cake as Sporting bagged their first three points of the campaign.They already lead the Portuguese Primeira Liga table with five wins from five.Star striker Viktor Gyokeres has an incredible nine goals in all competitions so far.And if Debast can continue to hit the occasional stunner from deep, it could be hard to look past Sporting retaining their title under Ruben Amorim.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More

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    David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s return

    DAVID BECKHAM has lifted the lid on a new shock career change after entering the world of TV for the return of the Champions League.Beckham stole the show as he gatecrashed CBS Sports’ live coverage of last night’s European action.David Beckham has revealed his shock new career changeThe legend gatecrashed CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage last nightBeckham joined Kate Abdo, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry for some laugh-out-loud moments in the CBS studio.But the Manchester United and England icon also revealed he was starting his own show on the channel soon.Beckham revealed he will be hosting a new watch party-style show with A-listers called ‘Beckham and Friends’.Golden Balls will be joined for various matches by one or some of his superstar celebrity friends.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome will be from the world of football and sport, while others will have a completely different background.And Beckham hopes the show will prove to be entertaining while allowing him to reveal his insights into the beautiful game.Beckham said: “Each time will be a different person, a personality, and a friend of mine.“I love watching the game and in a certain way. It’s either with my kids or with friends.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s going to be that thing where I’m watching, commenting on the game with friends, and not sometimes talking about the game.“No [they don’t have to know football]. The bar’s quite high [to be on]. No [Gary Neville won’t appear!].Kate Abdo makes HUGE announcement live on CBS Sports for Champions League return as Carragher makes ANOTHER awkward jokeBeckham’s CBS Sports appearance came days after he said his final goodbye to Sven-Goran Eriksson at the Swede’s funeral.Friends and family paid tribute to the former England manager at a touching ceremony in his home town of Torsby, Sweden.And Beckham, who captained Eriksson’s side during his time in charge between 2001 and 2006, appeared emotional before sharing embraces with his former boss’ loved ones. More

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    Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has achieved the near impossible – by voicing as much outrageous swagger off the field as he showed on it!Amazon Prime viewers labelled the strike legend a “genius” with his cheeky description of his new role at AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic entertained Gabby Logan, Frank Lampard, Daniel Sturridge and Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime as AC Milan hosted LiverpoolCredit: GettyIbrahimovic warmly greeted his former Milan team-mate SeedorfCredit: GettyIbrahimovic was at the San Siro to see Liverpool pull off a 3-1 Champions League comeback win.But he took centre stage – in more ways than one – when chatting to Amazon’s sporting crew on the famous pitch.Presenter Gabby Logan and Chelsea all-time great Frank Lampard were on the left of the 122-cap Swede.Daniel Sturridge and Dutch icon Clarence Seedorf were on the right – but with all four looking up to the 6ft 5ins star in the middle.READ MORE TOP STORIESLogan then asked Ibrahimovic for his “official title” at Milan.And although he’s commonly known as a “senior advisor” the ex-Manchester United, Juventus, Inter and PSG frontman delivered a much grander assessment.Ibra responded: “I’m the boss and the rest work for me. This is how it works.”Given his famous self-belief, some might think the 42-year-old’s next comment even hinted at him having super-powers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “I’m invisible. I’m visible, so I’m all over the place.”That prompted Amazon Prime to post a clip of the exchange, along with the jokey claim: “Just Zlatan being Zlatan.”Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsIbrahimovic has indeed stamped his mark on Milan after returning in December last year to an off-field position at a club he twice played for. Ex-Liverpool forward Divock Origi and French left-back Fode Ballo-Toure were banished from the first-team set-up over the summer.Ibra said at the time the duo were “not part of our plans”.He added starkly: “They will be part of the youth team as they’re not included in our project.”With such straight-talking, no wonder Ibra reckons he’s in charge.And many fans appeared to love his smiling confidence on Amazon Prime.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Big Ibra is a genius,” claimed one.And there’s at least one middle-aged marvel from Malmo who will not be disagreeing with that verdict…! More

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    Fans slam TNT Sports for ‘absolutely butchering’ Champions League coverage with viewers left ‘devastated’ at huge change

    FOOTBALL fans slammed TNT Sports for “absolutely butchering” a popular Champions League show.The beloved Goals Show has been repackaged to suit the new format of the three European club competitions.Champions League fans slammed TNT Sports for repackaging the beloved Goals ShowThat means fans won’t get to watch analysis from presenter James Richardson as well as journalists James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and Raphael Honigstein.TNT Sports replaced the popular show with Goals Show Xtra, which is presented by Matt Smith from a brand new studio called The Curve.Smith is joined by Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves for matchday one of the Champions League.But that didn’t go down well with fans as they stormed social media to air their grievances.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “TNT had the best football programme with the Champions League Goals Show. “They’ve absolutely butchered it. A real shame.”Another commented: “This new format is terrible.”A third wrote: “TNT sports had the best football show in the business with the Champions League Goals Show and they had to go and f*****g ruin it.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis one said: “Look like TNT have f****d the Champions League Goal Show.”And that one stated: “Tremendous job from TNT ruining the Champions League Goals Show. It used to be must-watch television.”Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Laurens, Horncastle, and Honigstein will offer additional commentary and analysis throughout the season.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More

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    Inside Harry Kane’s incredible night as England star breaks THREE records in Bayern’s 9-2 Champions League battering

    HARRY KANE shattered THREE Champions League records in one evening as Bayern Munich thrashed Dinamo Zagreb 9-2.Kane took his tally to 33 in the competition and stole another record from Wayne Rooney.Harry Kane smashed THREE records in the Champions League on Tuesday nightHe scored FOUR goals against the Croatian sideThree of Kane’s goals came from the penalty spotKane became the highest-scoring English player in Champions League history after his four goals at the Allianz Arena.The England captain has overtaken Rooney’s tally of 30 goals in 85 games in the competition, all of which were scored for Manchester United.And Kane did it in 40 games less.It was Rooney’s goalscoring record that Kane had surpassed for the Three Lions in March 2023 – he now has 68 national team goals to Rooney’s 53.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd the record breaking didn’t stop there on Tuesday night.The former Spurs striker also became the first Englishman to score four goals in a single Champions League game.And the first player of any nationality to net three from the spot in the same match.Kane’s latest efforts move him into joint 25th – level with Fernando Morientes – going past Rooney, Kaka, Samuel Eto’o, Franciso Gento and Bayern great Arjen Robben all in one night. Most read in Champions LeagueKane broke Rooney’s England scoring record last yearCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGoals from Raphael Guerreiro and Michael Olise gave Vincent Kompany’s men a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.The visitors threatened to complete an unlikely comeback with two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half.’Are you seriously talking about that?’ – Jack Grealish told off by England interviewer after being asked about KaneBut Kane restored the cushion for Bayern in the 57th minute, before Olise bagged his second of the evening to put the home side 5-2 up and Kane scored two more alongside Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka.Bayern are also the first team to score nine goals in a Champions League game, with the aggregate total of 11 goals only surpassed by Borussia Dortmund’s 8-4 win over Legia Warsaw in 2016.Kane managed eight goals in his first 21 Champions League games for Bayern, having found the net 21 times during his time with Spurs.He will be hoping to rocket up the list this season, with Bayern eyeing a deep run in the new-look competition.The new format will already include more games than ever before as 36 teams play eight games in a league-style tournament.Bayern reached the semi-finals last term, dumping out Arsenal along the way, before losing out to eventual champs Real Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes three days after Kane smashed Erling Haaland record for the quickest time to reach 50 goal involvements in the Bundesliga.The 31-year-old reached 50 goal contributions in just 35 games, to Haaland’s 43.Harry 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.” More